Robert Jeffress - The Crux of Christianity (Part 2)

July 30, 2025 | S25 E362 | 29:0

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

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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. ♪
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  • ♪ projecting his splendour. ♪
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  • ♪ i saw the lord seated high and lifted up. ♪
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  • ♪ filling the temple. ♪
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  • ♪ his glory declaring the words of his praise. ♪
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  • ♪ his mercies surrounding the depth of his praise. ♪
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  • ♪ holy, holy is the lord. ♪
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  • ♪ worthy, worthy is the lamb. ♪
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  • ♪ he was and is and evermore shall reign. ♪
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  • ♪ we sing glory, glory to his name. ♪
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  • ♪ we sing glory, glory to his name. ♪
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  • ♪ my eyes have seen the king. ♪
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  • ♪ 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
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  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple."
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  • This brand-new, beautiful, full-color, padded hardcover
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  • Book by dr. robert jeffress features 80 breathtaking images
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  • Of creation paired with scripture, prayers, and insights
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  • You can read in under two minutes,
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  • Perfect for your coffee table or as a thoughtful
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  • Gift for a loved one.
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  • Request "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" when you
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  • 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."
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  • 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,
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  • 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.
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  • You can also be generous in your attitude
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  • Toward difficult people.
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  • 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.
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  • 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?"
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  • I said, "heck no, i don't want that kind of leader."
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  • In fact, any leader who says, "i'm gonna rule this nation
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  • 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
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • '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,
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  • Designed by god to seek vengeance on evildoers."
  • 00:11:46.028 --> 00:11:50.232
  • God's gonna take care of evildoers;
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  • The instrument he does it through, many times,
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  • Is government.
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  • Don't confuse individual responsibility
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  • With governmental responsibility.
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  • This is for individuals.
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  • 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?
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  • 1 peter 2:23 says: "while being reviled,
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  • 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.
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • And wronged you so deeply.
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  • And he is able to take what was absolute evil that's been done
  • 00:13:46.382 --> 00:13:49.885
  • 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
  • 00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:08.370
  • 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
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  • Jeffress provides the spiritual refreshment you need.
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  • In a large-print format, every page bursts with breathtaking
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  • 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,
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  • Scripture verses, and prayers you can read in under two
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  • Minutes, this padded hardcover book is the perfect daily
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  • Companion to help refresh your spirit, morning and night.
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  • It also makes a thoughtful gift to encourage
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  • A friend or loved one.
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  • Request your copy of "encouragement for the heart of
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  • A disciple" when you give a generous gift to support the
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  • Ministry of pathway to victory, or when you become a
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  • Pathway partner.
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  • Encouragement resource set, containing the new devotional,
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  • Book and life application guide, and the "7 marks of a disciple"
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  • And a nation in deep spiritual need with the transforming truth
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  • 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."
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  • Announcer: step away from your daily routine and immerse
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  • Yourself in god's masterpiece on the "pathway to victory" cruise
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  • 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.
  • 00:26:54.035 --> 00:26:55.437
  • 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
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  • 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"
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  • Cruise to alaska, call... or go to ptv.org.
  • 00:27:20.361 --> 00:27:20.361