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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Crux of Christianity (Part 2) | July 30, 2025
- ♪♪♪
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- Male announcer: from the pulpit
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- Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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- This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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- Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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- And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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- Life can be overwhelming, can't it?
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- Whether you're dealing with a financial problem
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- Or a health crisis or a relationship that's gone south,
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- Troubles can weigh us down and rob us of hope.
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- Well, in his sermon on the mount,
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- Jesus offered an unconventional perspective
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- On life's difficulties, and while his words won't erase
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- Our day-to-day problems, they can revolutionize
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- Our perspective about them.
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- My message is titled, "the crux of christianity,"
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- On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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- ♪ i saw the lord seated high and lifted up. ♪
- 00:00:53.443 --> 00:01:01.017
- ♪ projecting his splendour. ♪
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- ♪ i saw the lord seated high and lifted up. ♪
- 00:01:04.387 --> 00:01:12.162
- ♪ filling the temple. ♪
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- ♪ his glory declaring the words of his praise. ♪
- 00:01:14.731 --> 00:01:20.203
- ♪ his mercies surrounding the depth of his praise. ♪
- 00:01:20.203 --> 00:01:25.775
- ♪ holy, holy is the lord. ♪
- 00:01:25.775 --> 00:01:34.117
- ♪ worthy, worthy is the lamb. ♪
- 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:46.930
- ♪ he was and is and evermore shall reign. ♪
- 00:01:46.996 --> 00:01:56.272
- ♪ we sing glory, glory to his name. ♪
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- ♪ we sing glory, glory to his name. ♪
- 00:02:08.218 --> 00:02:18.261
- ♪ my eyes have seen the king. ♪
- 00:02:20.863 --> 00:02:26.336
- ♪ the lord of hosts is with us. ♪
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- ♪ and by majesty ♪
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- ♪ this land redeemed in jesus ♪
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- ♪ holy, holy is the lord. ♪
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- ♪ worthy, worthy is the lamb ♪
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- ♪♪♪
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- ♪ we sing glory, ♪
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- ♪ glory to his name. ♪
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- ♪ to his name. ♪♪
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- [congregation applauding]
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- Male announcer: give your heart the encouragement it needs.
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- Start and end each day meditating on god's word with
- 00:03:51.988 --> 00:03:55.224
- "encouragement for the heart of a disciple."
- 00:03:55.224 --> 00:03:57.660
- This brand-new, beautiful, full-color, padded hardcover
- 00:03:57.660 --> 00:04:00.363
- Book by dr. robert jeffress features 80 breathtaking images
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- Of creation paired with scripture, prayers, and insights
- 00:04:04.167 --> 00:04:07.437
- You can read in under two minutes,
- 00:04:07.437 --> 00:04:09.772
- Perfect for your coffee table or as a thoughtful
- 00:04:09.772 --> 00:04:11.874
- Gift for a loved one.
- 00:04:11.874 --> 00:04:13.209
- Request "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" when you
- 00:04:13.209 --> 00:04:16.346
- Give a generous gift to pathway to victory.
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- ♪♪♪
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- Jeffress: do you ever feel like in your business you've been
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- Passed over for a promotion because you won't bend
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- Your christian principles?
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- Do you ever feel like there's a division in your family
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- Between you and your mate or you and your children
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- Or you and your parents because of your christian faith?
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- That's all part of the price for living for christ.
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- But he goes on to say: "great, one day,
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- Will be your reward in heaven."
- 00:04:51.314 --> 00:04:53.516
- Let me illustrate that truth this way.
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- Let's say like many people, many families,
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- You're just keeping your head above water financially,
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- You're trying to meet monthly expenses,
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- Think about your kids' education,
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- Think about your retirement.
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- And every month you're hoping, you know,
- 00:05:09.365 --> 00:05:11.401
- You run out of month before you run out of money.
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- You're having a struggle.
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- It's tight.
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- That's the bad news.
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- The good news is you have an uncle who has left
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- An irrevocable trust for you of $10 million
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- That will be yours when he dies.
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- And the even better news is he's 99 years old.
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- Now, what does that knowledge do for you?
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- Does the fact that that trust has been set up,
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- Does it alleviate your day-to-day problems?
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- No, it doesn't eradicate your problems.
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- But it gives you a different perspective about your problems,
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- Doesn't it?
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- You know your problems are temporary.
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- There's a great reward coming.
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- And that's what jesus is saying here.
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- Yes, your difficult circumstances are real and
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- They're painful but remember, when you know what jesus knows
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- About the future, you can be generous in your attitude
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- Toward those difficult circumstances.
- 00:06:05.988 --> 00:06:08.758
- You can also be generous in your attitude
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- Toward difficult people.
- 00:06:10.726 --> 00:06:12.528
- Look at verse 27 through 30: "but i say to you who hear,
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- Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
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- Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
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- Now, don't read into this what jesus isn't saying
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- About your enemies.
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- He's not saying you have to hand around your enemies.
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- He doesn't mean you have to have them as your best friends.
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- He says: "love them, pray for them, do good to them."
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- You know the best way to pray for your enemies is to pray
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- God's best in their life.
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- If they're your enemies and they're not christians,
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- Pray for god's best that they would be saved.
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- If they're your enemies and they're christians who are
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- Acting unjustly, pray that they would come back to god.
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- That's what it means.
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- To love your enemies means to wish and pray
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- For god's best in their lives.
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- He goes on in verse 29 and says: "whoever hits you on the cheek,
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- Offer him the other also."
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- Again, people misinterpret this.
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- When he talks about people hitting you on the cheek,
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- He's not talking about somebody threatening your life.
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- In jesus's day, part of the middle eastern culture was if
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- You wanted to insult somebody, you would slap them on the face.
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- It was a way of insulting somebody.
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- And jesus said: "when somebody insults you,
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- Don't feel like you have to respond," you know,
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- With a don rickles insult, you know,
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- To come back at 'em.
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- The best line you can come up with.
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- Don't do that.
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- Don't return insult for insult.
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- This is not a prohibition against self-defense.
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- Remember, we believe in the sanctity of life as christians,
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- And the sanctity of life not only refers to life inside
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- A mother's womb, it also refers to life outside the womb.
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- Human life is valuable, it's created by god and we're to try
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- To do anything we can to prevent destruction of human life,
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- Including our own life.
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- There's nothing wrong with having a weapon,
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- There's nothing wrong in defending yourself
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- Or defending your family.
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- That's a godly principle.
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- He's talking about returning insult for insult.
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- He says: "whoever takes your coat,
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- Do not withhold your shirt from him either.
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- Give to everyone who ask of you, and whoever takes away
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- What is yours, don't demand it back."
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- Now, again, let's not go to extremes
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- Of what jesus is saying or not saying here.
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- If somebody cheats you out of money,
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- Is it ever wrong to try to get that back
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- And go to court to try to settle the issue?
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- No.
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- In luke 18, jesus told a story about a woman who was being
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- Mistreated, a widow, and she went to a judge to seek relief
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- For the mistreatment, the financial mistreatment,
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- She was experiencing.
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- Jesus didn't condemn her for going to the judge.
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- He commended her for going to the judge.
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- Here's what i think jesus is saying is,
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- He's saying when somebody wrongs you,
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- Don't let it be the consuming passion of your life to get back
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- What was taken from you.
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- I can tell you from personal experience,
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- A number of times somebody has cheated me out of money,
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- And i've allowed that to consume me for a period of days, weeks,
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- And months, trying to get that money back,
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- Trying to right the wrong.
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- And it became an all-consuming possession and feeling in me.
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- And in none of those cases did i ever get back
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- What was taken from me.
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- What jesus is saying is, you know,
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- Sometimes you just have to take the loss and move on
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- With your life.
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- Don't demand everything that is yours
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- When it's been taken from you.
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- Let god settle the score.
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- That's what he's saying here.
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- By the way, let me also remind you that these commands
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- In verses 27 to 30, they are given to individuals,
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- Not to nations.
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- Nowhere in the bible is any nation told to turn
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- The other cheek when faced with mistreatment.
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- Can you imagine after this tragedy in nice,
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- Thursday night, that terrible what appears to be terrorist
- 00:10:13.102 --> 00:10:15.938
- Attack, can you imagine the french leader standing up
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- And saying, "well, we need to invoke what jesus said
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- And we just need to forgive and turn the other cheek."
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- No, he would be run out of office for saying such a thing.
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- That is not god's plan for nations to forgive,
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- To turn the other cheek.
- 00:10:34.123 --> 00:10:36.025
- I was on npr, radio, a couple of weeks ago doing a debate,
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- And the guy i was debating with was a christian
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- Evangelical professor of a well-known university.
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- And this professor said to me, "pastor jeffress,
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- Don't you want a leader for this nation
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- Who will govern this nation according to jesus's words
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- In the sermon on the mount?"
- 00:10:58.714 --> 00:11:00.816
- I said, "heck no, i don't want that kind of leader."
- 00:11:00.816 --> 00:11:03.919
- In fact, any leader who says, "i'm gonna rule this nation
- 00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:07.022
- According to the sermon on the mount," i'm gonna run
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- As far and as fast from that candidate as possible
- 00:11:09.058 --> 00:11:11.260
- Because that is a perversion of the sermon on the mount.
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- God never gave the sermon on the mount as a constitution
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- For how a nation is to order itself.
- 00:11:18.768 --> 00:11:22.104
- You know in romans 12, god says, "do not repay evil for evil.
- 00:11:22.104 --> 00:11:26.742
- Leave room for the wrath of god.
- 00:11:26.742 --> 00:11:28.644
- 'for vengeance is mine, i will repay,' saith the lord."
- 00:11:28.644 --> 00:11:32.615
- He's talking about how we deal individually with injustice.
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- Leave room for the vengeance of god.
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- Let god take care of it.
- 00:11:37.920 --> 00:11:39.288
- Then in the very next chapter, romans 13, he says,
- 00:11:39.288 --> 00:11:42.725
- "for government is an instrument of god,
- 00:11:42.725 --> 00:11:46.028
- Designed by god to seek vengeance on evildoers."
- 00:11:46.028 --> 00:11:50.232
- God's gonna take care of evildoers;
- 00:11:50.232 --> 00:11:53.068
- The instrument he does it through, many times,
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- Is government.
- 00:11:55.671 --> 00:11:57.006
- Don't confuse individual responsibility
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- With governmental responsibility.
- 00:11:59.542 --> 00:12:01.844
- This is for individuals.
- 00:12:01.844 --> 00:12:04.980
- You know, jesus not only gave us an exhortation of how
- 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:08.217
- To treat evildoers, he gave us a great example in his own life.
- 00:12:08.217 --> 00:12:12.321
- Remember as he hung on the cross?
- 00:12:12.321 --> 00:12:15.191
- 1 peter 2:23 says: "while being reviled,
- 00:12:15.191 --> 00:12:18.093
- He did not revile in return.
- 00:12:18.093 --> 00:12:20.729
- While suffering, he uttered no threats,
- 00:12:20.729 --> 00:12:23.299
- But he kept entrusting himself
- 00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:25.034
- To the one who judges righteously."
- 00:12:25.034 --> 00:12:29.471
- Jesus could have called 12 legions of angels,
- 00:12:29.471 --> 00:12:32.241
- 36,000 angels, as he wanted to to get those guys
- 00:12:32.241 --> 00:12:35.644
- Who were doing him such evil.
- 00:12:35.644 --> 00:12:37.713
- But instead he said, "father," what?
- 00:12:37.713 --> 00:12:41.016
- "forgive them, for they know not what they do."
- 00:12:41.016 --> 00:12:46.655
- He could have added, "but you know
- 00:12:46.655 --> 00:12:48.858
- What you're doing through them."
- 00:12:48.858 --> 00:12:51.660
- You see that's how jesus was able to forgive.
- 00:12:51.660 --> 00:12:54.363
- First of all, he knew one day god would settle the score,
- 00:12:54.363 --> 00:12:56.966
- He would judge righteously those who had done evil to him.
- 00:12:56.966 --> 00:13:02.304
- But he also knew that god was working out his perfect plan
- 00:13:02.304 --> 00:13:07.176
- In jesus's life and using evildoers to do that.
- 00:13:07.176 --> 00:13:11.313
- You know, there's some of you right now who are just eaten up
- 00:13:11.313 --> 00:13:16.151
- With bitterness over what somebody has done to you.
- 00:13:16.151 --> 00:13:20.990
- You know the greatest key to forgiveness, i believe,
- 00:13:20.990 --> 00:13:24.526
- It's realizing that nothing ever happens to a child of god
- 00:13:24.526 --> 00:13:29.231
- That has not, first of all,
- 00:13:29.231 --> 00:13:31.100
- Passed through the perfect, loving will of god.
- 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:35.571
- Nobody is free to do to you whatever they want to do.
- 00:13:35.571 --> 00:13:40.175
- God is sovereign.
- 00:13:40.175 --> 00:13:41.744
- He's in control even of that person who has hurt you
- 00:13:41.744 --> 00:13:44.613
- And wronged you so deeply.
- 00:13:44.613 --> 00:13:46.382
- And he is able to take what was absolute evil that's been done
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- To you and use it for your good and for his glory.
- 00:13:49.885 --> 00:13:53.923
- That's why jesus was able to say,
- 00:13:54.657 --> 00:13:56.325
- "father, forgive them.
- 00:13:56.325 --> 00:13:57.660
- They know not what they are doing,
- 00:13:57.660 --> 00:13:59.361
- But you know what you're doing.
- 00:13:59.361 --> 00:14:00.930
- You're working out your plan for the redemption of the world."
- 00:14:00.930 --> 00:14:05.034
- When you know what jesus knows, you can afford to be generous
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- In your attitude toward difficult circumstances
- 00:14:08.370 --> 00:14:11.407
- And difficult people.
- 00:14:11.407 --> 00:14:13.509
- Now, jesus closes with three, quick parables about
- 00:14:13.509 --> 00:14:17.780
- The importance of listening and acting upon his words
- 00:14:17.780 --> 00:14:22.718
- In this message.
- 00:14:22.718 --> 00:14:24.153
- First of all, a parable about sight.
- 00:14:24.153 --> 00:14:26.889
- It's so easy to hear a message like this today and say,
- 00:14:26.889 --> 00:14:29.525
- "i know somebody who needs to hear this message.
- 00:14:29.525 --> 00:14:33.062
- I'm gonna buy a cd for them.
- 00:14:33.062 --> 00:14:34.797
- I'm gonna give 'em out 'cause i know people who--"
- 00:14:34.797 --> 00:14:36.432
- No, this is a message for us, first of all.
- 00:14:36.432 --> 00:14:39.935
- And that's what jesus says in verse 41:
- 00:14:39.935 --> 00:14:41.770
- "why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye,
- 00:14:41.770 --> 00:14:44.807
- But do you not notice the log that is in your own eye?
- 00:14:44.807 --> 00:14:48.410
- Or how can you say to your brother,
- 00:14:48.410 --> 00:14:50.412
- 'brother, let me take the speck out that is in your eye,'
- 00:14:50.412 --> 00:14:53.082
- When you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?
- 00:14:53.082 --> 00:14:56.218
- You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye,
- 00:14:56.218 --> 00:15:00.622
- And then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is
- 00:15:00.622 --> 00:15:04.059
- In your brother's eye."
- 00:15:04.059 --> 00:15:05.728
- Now, again, don't misinterpret this verse
- 00:15:05.728 --> 00:15:08.163
- Like so many people do.
- 00:15:08.163 --> 00:15:09.798
- They say, "oh, well, jesus says we should never try
- 00:15:09.798 --> 00:15:12.034
- To correct anybody involved in sin.
- 00:15:12.034 --> 00:15:14.236
- That's judging, and we're not supposed to judge."
- 00:15:14.236 --> 00:15:16.572
- How many of you have ever had something in your eye,
- 00:15:16.572 --> 00:15:18.841
- Very uncomfortable?
- 00:15:18.841 --> 00:15:20.175
- You know that feeling?
- 00:15:20.175 --> 00:15:21.510
- A speck, a little grain of sand.
- 00:15:21.510 --> 00:15:22.845
- It's terribly uncomfortable.
- 00:15:22.845 --> 00:15:24.980
- The most loving thing somebody could do would be to help you
- 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:27.649
- Get that out of your eye.
- 00:15:27.649 --> 00:15:30.219
- They would have to perform a judgment, first of all,
- 00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:32.755
- To say what's in your eye is bad and it shouldn't be there.
- 00:15:32.755 --> 00:15:36.358
- There's nothing wrong with that.
- 00:15:36.358 --> 00:15:39.762
- Galatians 6:1 says if you see somebody who has been overtaken
- 00:15:39.762 --> 00:15:44.166
- By sin, let those of you "who are spiritual,
- 00:15:44.166 --> 00:15:47.336
- Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness."
- 00:15:47.336 --> 00:15:50.873
- The most loving thing you can do for somebody who's caught up
- 00:15:50.873 --> 00:15:54.143
- In sin is to help them rid themselves of that sin
- 00:15:54.143 --> 00:15:57.346
- And restore them to a right relationship with god.
- 00:15:57.346 --> 00:16:00.616
- Just imagine, you've got this speck in your eye.
- 00:16:00.616 --> 00:16:03.519
- You go to the ophthalmologist, "doc, can you help me?
- 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:06.321
- I've got something in my eye and it's just killing me."
- 00:16:06.321 --> 00:16:08.891
- And the doctor says, "i'm sorry, i don't do that.
- 00:16:08.891 --> 00:16:10.259
- I don't do that.
- 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:12.294
- I don't remove specks from people's eyes
- 00:16:12.294 --> 00:16:14.530
- Because that would require me to make a judgment,
- 00:16:14.530 --> 00:16:16.532
- And i don't judge anybody or anything."
- 00:16:16.532 --> 00:16:19.334
- What kind of doctor would that be?
- 00:16:19.334 --> 00:16:21.170
- I mean that's why he exists, to help people like you.
- 00:16:21.170 --> 00:16:24.206
- But imagine you're sitting there and you're waiting
- 00:16:24.206 --> 00:16:25.941
- For the ophthalmologist to come in and he walks in
- 00:16:25.941 --> 00:16:28.510
- And he's got a two by four coming out of his eye.
- 00:16:28.510 --> 00:16:32.414
- He says, "well, let me see if i can help ya get this thing
- 00:16:32.414 --> 00:16:34.450
- Here," and you're ducking, trying to miss the two by four.
- 00:16:34.450 --> 00:16:38.087
- You'd want that doctor to take the plank out of his own eye
- 00:16:38.087 --> 00:16:41.223
- First before he tried to perform a delicate operation on you.
- 00:16:41.223 --> 00:16:45.627
- And that's what jesus is saying.
- 00:16:45.627 --> 00:16:47.663
- If you see somebody overtaken in sin,
- 00:16:47.663 --> 00:16:49.531
- You need to help them.
- 00:16:49.531 --> 00:16:51.333
- But before you can see clearly to help them,
- 00:16:51.333 --> 00:16:54.236
- Make sure you've dealt with unconfessed sin in your life,
- 00:16:54.236 --> 00:16:57.706
- As well.
- 00:16:57.706 --> 00:16:59.241
- Second parable is one about fruit.
- 00:16:59.241 --> 00:17:01.076
- Verses 43 to 45: "for there is no good tree which produces
- 00:17:01.076 --> 00:17:04.446
- Bad fruit, nor, on the other hand,
- 00:17:04.446 --> 00:17:07.082
- A bad tree which produces good fruit.
- 00:17:07.082 --> 00:17:10.385
- For each tree is known by its own fruit."
- 00:17:10.385 --> 00:17:16.725
- Imagine you have an apple tree in your backyard
- 00:17:16.725 --> 00:17:21.396
- And it's producing delicious, red apples.
- 00:17:21.396 --> 00:17:24.800
- What do you know about that apple tree?
- 00:17:24.800 --> 00:17:27.669
- You know it's alive because it's producing fruit.
- 00:17:27.669 --> 00:17:31.206
- However, if you go out during fruit-bearing season and
- 00:17:31.206 --> 00:17:35.144
- There's no fruit and just dried up, withered limbs on that tree,
- 00:17:35.144 --> 00:17:40.149
- What do you know about the tree?
- 00:17:40.149 --> 00:17:42.351
- The tree's dead.
- 00:17:42.351 --> 00:17:44.553
- Where there is no fruit, there's no life.
- 00:17:44.553 --> 00:17:50.125
- Now all of these things jesus has said about loving
- 00:17:50.125 --> 00:17:52.794
- Your enemies, praying for those who do wrong,
- 00:17:52.794 --> 00:17:54.897
- Standing firm in times of trial.
- 00:17:54.897 --> 00:17:57.966
- These are not the means by which we become a christian doing
- 00:17:57.966 --> 00:18:01.370
- These things, but they are the proof that we are a christian.
- 00:18:01.370 --> 00:18:06.842
- If we are truly saved and born again,
- 00:18:06.842 --> 00:18:09.244
- Our life will be producing the fruit that jesus describes
- 00:18:09.244 --> 00:18:13.549
- In luke chapter 6.
- 00:18:13.549 --> 00:18:16.451
- If there is no fruit in our life,
- 00:18:16.451 --> 00:18:19.621
- It means there is no faith.
- 00:18:19.621 --> 00:18:22.057
- That's why james said, "faith without works is a dead,
- 00:18:22.057 --> 00:18:26.962
- Non-existent faith."
- 00:18:26.962 --> 00:18:30.966
- The third parable is a parable about construction.
- 00:18:30.966 --> 00:18:34.336
- Verse 46, luke 6: "and why do you call me,
- 00:18:34.336 --> 00:18:37.339
- 'lord, lord,' and do not do what i say?"
- 00:18:37.339 --> 00:18:40.842
- Jesus is not just interested in professions of faith,
- 00:18:40.842 --> 00:18:44.813
- He's interested in the practice of faith.
- 00:18:44.813 --> 00:18:47.516
- That's the thing you see over and over again.
- 00:18:47.516 --> 00:18:49.551
- And to illustrate that he gives this parable.
- 00:18:49.551 --> 00:18:51.620
- Look at verse 47: "everyone who comes to me and hears my words
- 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:56.358
- And acts upon them, i will show you whom he is like.
- 00:18:56.358 --> 00:18:59.828
- He is like a man building a house,
- 00:18:59.828 --> 00:19:02.197
- Who dug deep and laid a foundation upon a rock:
- 00:19:02.197 --> 00:19:05.000
- And when the flood rose, the torrent burst against that
- 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:08.103
- House and he could not shake it, because it had been well built.
- 00:19:08.103 --> 00:19:12.174
- But the one who has heard my words and not acted accordingly,
- 00:19:12.174 --> 00:19:17.412
- He is like a man who built a house upon the ground without
- 00:19:17.412 --> 00:19:20.849
- Any foundation: and the torrent burst against it and immediately
- 00:19:20.849 --> 00:19:25.520
- It collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great."
- 00:19:25.520 --> 00:19:29.558
- Two men, both building a house, both experiencing storms,
- 00:19:30.926 --> 00:19:37.633
- That's what they had in common.
- 00:19:37.633 --> 00:19:39.601
- But one house stood, the other house fell.
- 00:19:39.601 --> 00:19:44.740
- What was the difference?
- 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:46.708
- It all had to do with the foundation.
- 00:19:46.708 --> 00:19:50.012
- Jesus said, "the one who listens to my words and builds upon it
- 00:19:50.012 --> 00:19:56.084
- Is like the man who built his house upon the rock."
- 00:19:56.084 --> 00:20:00.322
- Every one of us here today is building some kind of life.
- 00:20:00.322 --> 00:20:04.393
- We have a limited amount of time, energy, resources.
- 00:20:04.393 --> 00:20:09.131
- You can build a life built around pleasure, recognition,
- 00:20:09.131 --> 00:20:14.670
- Material accumulation.
- 00:20:14.670 --> 00:20:17.606
- That's a life built upon the sand and when the storm
- 00:20:17.606 --> 00:20:21.410
- Comes into your life, especially the storm of death
- 00:20:21.410 --> 00:20:25.747
- That we're all going to face, nothing will remain.
- 00:20:25.747 --> 00:20:30.152
- Or you can build your life around not just hearing,
- 00:20:30.152 --> 00:20:34.323
- But applying jesus's words.
- 00:20:34.323 --> 00:20:38.627
- You know, i heard an illustration
- 00:20:38.627 --> 00:20:41.163
- From chuck swindoll,
- 00:20:41.163 --> 00:20:43.065
- And then i later read it in a book by john ortberg,
- 00:20:43.065 --> 00:20:47.336
- And i can't tell who stole from whom.
- 00:20:47.336 --> 00:20:50.939
- I spent all week trying to tell who stole this from whom.
- 00:20:51.006 --> 00:20:54.609
- I couldn't figure it out so i just decided
- 00:20:54.609 --> 00:20:56.611
- To steal it from both of them.
- 00:20:56.611 --> 00:20:58.480
- How many of you have ever played monopoly before?
- 00:21:00.782 --> 00:21:04.019
- It was my favorite game as a child, monopoly.
- 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:07.556
- I used to play it with julia and dorothy too.
- 00:21:07.556 --> 00:21:09.591
- You know monopoly, you get the board out.
- 00:21:09.591 --> 00:21:12.594
- You have the little pieces you move around the board.
- 00:21:12.594 --> 00:21:15.030
- You have all of this pretend money,
- 00:21:15.030 --> 00:21:16.765
- The idea is to gain as much property as you can,
- 00:21:16.765 --> 00:21:19.301
- Build as many houses and hotels as you can,
- 00:21:19.301 --> 00:21:22.537
- And extract as much money from your children as possible,
- 00:21:22.537 --> 00:21:26.007
- You know, in the game and leave them frustrated.
- 00:21:26.007 --> 00:21:28.677
- It's a lot of fun and at the end,
- 00:21:28.677 --> 00:21:30.412
- Whoever ends up with the most money wins.
- 00:21:30.412 --> 00:21:34.516
- The problem is, it's all a fantasy.
- 00:21:34.516 --> 00:21:37.452
- None of it's real and eventually,
- 00:21:37.452 --> 00:21:40.055
- Everything has to be folded up and put back in the box.
- 00:21:40.055 --> 00:21:45.894
- You know, life is like that.
- 00:21:45.894 --> 00:21:47.996
- We spend our time trying to accumulate recognition,
- 00:21:47.996 --> 00:21:51.566
- Pleasure, material assets.
- 00:21:51.566 --> 00:21:53.468
- It's all a fantasy, folks.
- 00:21:53.468 --> 00:21:55.837
- It's all a fantasy.
- 00:21:55.837 --> 00:21:57.672
- Everything you've experienced, achieved,
- 00:21:57.672 --> 00:21:59.708
- Or accumulated is either gonna be burned up one day or left
- 00:21:59.708 --> 00:22:04.045
- Behind and you are going in the box and the only thing
- 00:22:04.045 --> 00:22:10.786
- That remains is your relationship with god.
- 00:22:10.786 --> 00:22:16.258
- Isn't that what the bible says?
- 00:22:16.258 --> 00:22:17.592
- "it's appointed unto every one of us,
- 00:22:17.592 --> 00:22:20.228
- Once to die and then the judgment."
- 00:22:20.228 --> 00:22:23.265
- The wise person is the one who understands that,
- 00:22:23.265 --> 00:22:28.537
- Hears jesus's words, and builds his life upon it.
- 00:22:28.537 --> 00:22:33.708
- ♪♪♪
- 00:22:33.708 --> 00:22:39.381
- Jeffress: life is like a fictional game of monopoly.
- 00:22:39.381 --> 00:22:42.083
- When our time comes, fame and fortune will evaporate
- 00:22:42.083 --> 00:22:45.954
- And only our relationship with god will stand.
- 00:22:45.954 --> 00:22:49.424
- This is the crux of christianity.
- 00:22:49.424 --> 00:22:52.494
- And it's the very reason "pathway to victory" exists.
- 00:22:52.494 --> 00:22:56.031
- Now, let me take this occasion to reinforce how thankful
- 00:22:56.031 --> 00:22:59.468
- We are for our relationship with you.
- 00:22:59.468 --> 00:23:02.437
- You see, "pathway to victory" has no purpose, no impact
- 00:23:02.437 --> 00:23:05.774
- Without people like you who want to learn more about god's word
- 00:23:05.774 --> 00:23:10.212
- And to discover how to follow jesus christ.
- 00:23:10.212 --> 00:23:13.415
- This program is prepared with you in mind, and we're delighted
- 00:23:13.415 --> 00:23:17.552
- To have you along.
- 00:23:17.552 --> 00:23:19.020
- And let me add a word of thanks to those of you who support
- 00:23:19.020 --> 00:23:21.623
- This ministry, especially our pathway partners.
- 00:23:21.623 --> 00:23:25.327
- We're humbled that god has chosen to reach so many people
- 00:23:25.327 --> 00:23:29.264
- Through this television program, and we're deeply appreciative
- 00:23:29.264 --> 00:23:32.901
- Of your commitment to the mission of "pathway to victory,"
- 00:23:32.901 --> 00:23:36.838
- To pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
- 00:23:36.838 --> 00:23:40.609
- Now, stay right there, i'll be back with more in just a moment.
- 00:23:40.609 --> 00:23:44.045
- Male announcer: we all need god's strength to make it
- 00:23:46.681 --> 00:23:48.850
- Through the day.
- 00:23:48.850 --> 00:23:50.185
- "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" by dr. robert
- 00:23:50.185 --> 00:23:52.888
- Jeffress provides the spiritual refreshment you need.
- 00:23:52.888 --> 00:23:56.057
- In a large-print format, every page bursts with breathtaking
- 00:23:56.057 --> 00:24:00.061
- Imagery that draws you toward the beauty of god's creation.
- 00:24:00.061 --> 00:24:03.865
- Jeffress: i know how challenging it can be to stay connected with
- 00:24:03.865 --> 00:24:06.968
- God in our busy lives.
- 00:24:06.968 --> 00:24:08.803
- In my new devotional, i provide personal reflections and
- 00:24:08.803 --> 00:24:12.307
- Practical insights that will help you experience god's
- 00:24:12.307 --> 00:24:15.710
- Presence and encouragement throughout your day.
- 00:24:15.710 --> 00:24:18.980
- Announcer: filled with stunning images of creation,
- 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:21.316
- Scripture verses, and prayers you can read in under two
- 00:24:21.316 --> 00:24:24.152
- Minutes, this padded hardcover book is the perfect daily
- 00:24:24.152 --> 00:24:27.656
- Companion to help refresh your spirit, morning and night.
- 00:24:27.656 --> 00:24:31.326
- It also makes a thoughtful gift to encourage
- 00:24:31.326 --> 00:24:33.495
- A friend or loved one.
- 00:24:33.495 --> 00:24:34.829
- Request your copy of "encouragement for the heart of
- 00:24:34.829 --> 00:24:37.799
- A disciple" when you give a generous gift to support the
- 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:40.669
- Ministry of pathway to victory, or when you become a
- 00:24:40.669 --> 00:24:43.805
- Pathway partner.
- 00:24:43.805 --> 00:24:45.173
- With your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll send you the
- 00:24:45.173 --> 00:24:49.077
- Encouragement resource set, containing the new devotional,
- 00:24:49.077 --> 00:24:52.414
- Six clutter-free prayer cards, the clutter-free christianity
- 00:24:52.414 --> 00:24:56.017
- Book and life application guide, and the "7 marks of a disciple"
- 00:24:56.017 --> 00:25:00.055
- Message series on both cd and dvd.
- 00:25:00.055 --> 00:25:03.091
- Thank you for supporting pathway to victory.
- 00:25:03.091 --> 00:25:05.594
- Your generous partnership helps us impact you and your family
- 00:25:05.594 --> 00:25:09.197
- And a nation in deep spiritual need with the transforming truth
- 00:25:09.197 --> 00:25:13.201
- Of god's word.
- 00:25:13.201 --> 00:25:15.236
- Jeffress: every one of us is building some kind of life.
- 00:25:16.404 --> 00:25:19.708
- Is your life built around hearing the words of jesus
- 00:25:19.708 --> 00:25:23.111
- Or applying them?
- 00:25:23.111 --> 00:25:24.946
- Those who hear but don't apply are building their life on sand.
- 00:25:24.946 --> 00:25:29.985
- But those who hear and apply are building their life
- 00:25:29.985 --> 00:25:34.322
- On the rock of jesus christ.
- 00:25:34.322 --> 00:25:36.825
- Well, as god's children, we call on our heavenly father to bless
- 00:25:36.825 --> 00:25:40.495
- Us and watch over us, but does god ever extend
- 00:25:40.495 --> 00:25:44.165
- Favor to those without faith?
- 00:25:44.165 --> 00:25:47.002
- The answer might surprise you.
- 00:25:47.002 --> 00:25:49.070
- Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
- 00:25:49.070 --> 00:25:51.806
- On "pathway to victory"
- 00:25:51.806 --> 00:25:54.876
- Jeffress: today we're going to look at two very different
- 00:25:54.943 --> 00:25:57.545
- People who desperately needed jesus.
- 00:25:57.545 --> 00:26:01.449
- One exercised great faith and was blessed for it.
- 00:26:01.449 --> 00:26:04.419
- One exercised no faith, and god blessed her anyway.
- 00:26:04.419 --> 00:26:09.090
- Yes, god helps those who exercise faith, but as we're
- 00:26:09.090 --> 00:26:13.528
- Going to discover today, god also helps those
- 00:26:13.528 --> 00:26:17.766
- Who can't help themselves.
- 00:26:17.766 --> 00:26:20.101
- Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time
- 00:26:20.101 --> 00:26:22.337
- For the message, "god helps those... who can't help
- 00:26:22.337 --> 00:26:25.540
- Themselves," here on "pathway to victory."
- 00:26:25.540 --> 00:26:28.610
- Announcer: step away from your daily routine and immerse
- 00:26:31.079 --> 00:26:33.682
- Yourself in god's masterpiece on the "pathway to victory" cruise
- 00:26:33.682 --> 00:26:37.152
- To alaska, june 13 through 20, 2026.
- 00:26:37.152 --> 00:26:41.056
- Jeffress: imagine starting each day immersed in god's word, then
- 00:26:41.056 --> 00:26:44.459
- Stepping out to witness god's grandeur, from the majestic
- 00:26:44.459 --> 00:26:47.929
- Glaciers to soaring eagles.
- 00:26:47.929 --> 00:26:50.665
- These moments in god's creation will deepen your faith in
- 00:26:50.665 --> 00:26:54.035
- Powerful ways.
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- Announcer: experience 5-star dining, luxurious state rooms,
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- And exceptional service while visiting iconic ports like
- 00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:01.509
- Juneau, ketchikan, and skagway.
- 00:27:01.509 --> 00:27:04.079
- Jeffress: we'll explore god's word together against the
- 00:27:04.079 --> 00:27:06.514
- Backdrop of his most impressive handiwork.
- 00:27:06.514 --> 00:27:09.851
- I promise, you'll return home with memories that will last a
- 00:27:09.851 --> 00:27:13.221
- Lifetime and a heart renewed by god's presence.
- 00:27:13.221 --> 00:27:17.559
- Announcer: to book your spot on the 2026 "pathway to victory"
- 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:20.361
- Cruise to alaska, call... or go to ptv.org.
- 00:27:20.361 --> 00:27:20.361