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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Discipleship Is Transforming!

July 26, 2025 | S25 E356 | 29:0

Robert Jeffress - Discipleship Is Transforming!
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#inActive #Discipleship #Transformation #Faith #Pastors #Victory #WalkwithGod #TrustGod

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Discipleship Is Transforming! | July 26, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [announcer] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
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  • Of dallas, texas, this is pathway to victory,
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  • -with dr. robert jeffress. -(upbeat music)
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  • Hi, i am robert jeffress.
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  • Welcome again to pathway to victory.
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  • None of this is perfect.
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  • Perhaps there's a nagging flaw in your life
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  • That you wish you could change.
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  • Maybe you'd like to be less anxious or maybe more peaceful,
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  • Or maybe you wish you could learn
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  • To be more content with your circumstances.
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  • What's the secret to making these dramatic
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  • Changes in our lives?
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  • The answer is found in this one word, discipleship.
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  • My message is titled, discipleship is transforming.
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  • On today's edition of pathway to victory.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ when peace like a river, attendeth my way ♪
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  • ♪ when sorrows like sea billows roll ♪
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  • ♪ whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say ♪
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  • ♪ it is well, it is well, with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ it is well ♪
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  • ♪ with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ it is well, it is well with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ though satan should buffet, though trials should come ♪
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  • ♪ let this blest assurance control ♪
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  • ♪ that christ has regarded my helpless estate ♪
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  • ♪ and hath shed his own blood for my soul ♪
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  • ♪ it is well it is well ♪
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  • ♪ with my soul with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ it is well, it is well with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ it is well ♪
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  • ♪ it is well with my soul ♪
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • (audience applauding)
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  • [announcer] give your heart the encouragement it needs,
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  • Start and end each day meditating on god's word
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  • With "encouragement for the heart of a disciple."
  • 00:04:01.197 --> 00:04:04.000
  • This brand new, beautiful,
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  • Full color padded hardcover book by dr. robert jeffress
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  • Features 80 breathtaking images
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  • Of creation paired with scripture,
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  • Prayers and insights you can read in under two minutes,
  • 00:04:12.909 --> 00:04:16.012
  • Perfect for your coffee table
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  • Or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one,
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  • Request "encouragement for the heart of a disciple"
  • 00:04:19.682 --> 00:04:22.385
  • When you give a generous gift to pathway to victory.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • Today, my sermon is about spiritual transformation.
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  • Try to contain your excitement. would you?
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  • (audience laughing)
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  • I can already see from up here
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  • Some of your eyes are starting to glaze over.
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  • One guy out there just punches wife wake me
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  • When it's over, gertrude, let me know when it's over.
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  • (audience laughing)
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  • Have you ever noticed why phrases
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  • Like spiritual transformation conform to the image of christ
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  • Becoming a disciple, a follower of christ.
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  • Why have those phrases become so boring to us?
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  • I think part of the reason is we use them so often
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  • Without ever considering what they mean to us.
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  • You know the idea of transformation apart from the bible,
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  • The idea of transformation is very, very exciting,
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  • Especially in other contexts.
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  • I remember when i was four years old,
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  • Every afternoon i would dress up in my blue tights.
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  • I would put on my red cape.
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  • I would sit in front of our black and white television set
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  • And watch the "adventures of superman."
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  • Remember superman, mild manner,
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  • Reporter clark kent would go into a telephone booth
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  • And he would transform into that man of steel
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  • Who was faster than a speeding bullet,
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  • More powerful than a locomotive,
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  • Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
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  • ♪ look in the sky ♪
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  • ♪ it's a bird, it's a plane ♪
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  • ♪ it's superman ♪
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  • (audience laughing)
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  • Man, i get goosebumps just thinking about it.
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  • (audience applauding)
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  • -didn't you love superman? -(audience applauding)
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  • Now, 50 years later, the special effects are a lot better.
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  • (audience laughing)
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  • But the plot line still fascinates us.
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  • The idea of an ordinary person
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  • Transforming into a supernatural person.
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  • Well, it's the plot line of our favorite movies
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  • And our favorite television shows.
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  • I mean, let's face it.
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  • There is something about reaching down inside of ourselves
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  • And accessing a supernatural power
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  • That lifts us above our humdrum everyday existence.
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  • There's something about that that is intriguing,
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  • But the good news i have for you today is,
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  • That idea is not only intriguing, it's possible,
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  • And it's what god has planned for you.
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  • Now, does that sound a little more exciting?
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  • That's what we're going to talk about,
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  • Spiritual transformation.
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  • If you have your bibles,
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  • I want you to turn to galatians chapter four.
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  • Galatians chapter four.
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  • Paul referred to the christians at galatia this way.
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  • "he said, my children with whom i am again in labor."
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  • Underline that word labor.
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  • "until christ is formed." underline that word.
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  • "in you."
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  • Now, this verse is pregnant with meaning. pardon the pun.
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  • (audience laughing)
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  • Every woman here knows what labor is all about, don't you?
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  • If you're a mother, labor is what precedes
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  • Giving birth to new life.
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  • That word formed is the word morpho in greek.
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  • Paul said, i am laboring.
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  • I am struggling until christ is completely formed in you,
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  • Until you morph, if you will, and into jesus christ.
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  • Peter described it this way in one peter 1:23.
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  • He said, "for you have been born again not of seed,
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  • Which is perishable but imperishable.
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  • That is through the living and abiding word of god."
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  • If you are a christian, that egg,
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  • That potential is within you right now,
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  • The imperishable seed.
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  • The idea that god wants you to live a transformed life
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  • Is all throughout the scripture.
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  • For example, romans eight, verse 29, paul writes,
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  • "for whom god, for knew he also predestined to be conformed
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  • To the image of his son that jesus might be the first born
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  • Among many brethren."
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  • Or second corinthians 3:18, paul said,
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  • "but we all with unveiled face,
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  • Beholding is in a mirror the glory of the lord.
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  • We are being what transformed into the same image
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  • From glory to glory."
  • 00:09:14.710 --> 00:09:17.613
  • Now again, maybe this idea of spiritual transformation
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  • Hasn't yet captured your imagination.
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  • You're not excited about it,
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  • And i think the reason is you really haven't considered
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  • What such a transformation could mean for your life.
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  • What if you could go through your life
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  • With the absolute assurance that god was pleased with you?
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  • Doesn't that sound pretty appealing?
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  • That's exactly the kind of life that jesus
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  • Has called us to experience.
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  • That's what spiritual transformation is about.
  • 00:09:51.113 --> 00:09:54.016
  • Now, i think we need to be very clear in identifying
  • 00:09:54.016 --> 00:09:59.355
  • What spiritual transformation is not.
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  • John ortberg notes.
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  • There are a lot of cheap substitutes out there,
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  • For spiritual transformation,
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  • Especially in the christian world.
  • 00:10:09.331 --> 00:10:11.634
  • What are those substitutes?
  • 00:10:11.634 --> 00:10:13.035
  • Well, one is theological information.
  • 00:10:13.035 --> 00:10:16.706
  • A lot of people substitute theological information
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  • For true transformation.
  • 00:10:20.843 --> 00:10:22.478
  • They think, well, if i can just learn enough facts
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  • About the bible, if i can study theology enough,
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  • Somehow that will make me like jesus christ.
  • 00:10:28.050 --> 00:10:31.353
  • Look, if cramming your head full of theology and bible facts
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  • Makes you like jesus, why is it that some of the people
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  • Who know most about the bible or some of the meanest people
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  • On god's green earth, have you ever wondered that?
  • 00:10:42.331 --> 00:10:45.401
  • Why is it some people who are such great teachers
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  • Of the word of god fall into addictions
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  • And sexual immorality?
  • 00:10:51.040 --> 00:10:52.975
  • Now, i'm not belittling the important of knowing the bible.
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  • We've got to know god's word and hide it in our heart.
  • 00:10:55.878 --> 00:10:59.415
  • You can never apply more of the scripture
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  • Than you know of the scripture,
  • 00:11:02.518 --> 00:11:04.520
  • But unfortunately you can know more about the bible
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  • Than you apply from the bible,
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  • And so don't ever confuse spiritual transformation
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  • With theological information.
  • 00:11:13.062 --> 00:11:14.730
  • A second substitute is what i call religious confirmation.
  • 00:11:14.730 --> 00:11:19.702
  • John ortberg, again, notes that many religious groups
  • 00:11:19.702 --> 00:11:25.040
  • Identify, they make up their own boundary markers
  • 00:11:26.041 --> 00:11:29.044
  • That distinguish them from other groups
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  • Or other denominations, and a lot of people confuse
  • 00:11:31.413 --> 00:11:35.851
  • Spiritual transformation with the confirmation
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  • To some manmade system of beliefs and behavior.
  • 00:11:39.588 --> 00:11:43.359
  • Now, i'm not talking about biblical
  • 00:11:43.359 --> 00:11:45.828
  • Standards of beliefs and behavior,
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  • But i'm talking about manmade denominations feel like,
  • 00:11:47.830 --> 00:11:51.233
  • Well, we've got to do something to be unique,
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  • So we'll establish this list of things
  • 00:11:53.135 --> 00:11:55.671
  • You have to conform to to be a part of our club.
  • 00:11:55.671 --> 00:11:58.941
  • Pastor, if we've already received the imperishable seed,
  • 00:11:58.941 --> 00:12:02.711
  • If we have all of the potential to morph
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  • Into the person of jesus christ,
  • 00:12:05.114 --> 00:12:06.916
  • What keeps us from doing so.
  • 00:12:06.916 --> 00:12:09.819
  • Well, there are four barriers i've identified
  • 00:12:09.819 --> 00:12:12.521
  • That i want us to talk about in these final minutes.
  • 00:12:12.521 --> 00:12:15.090
  • Four barriers to experiencing the spiritual transformation
  • 00:12:15.090 --> 00:12:19.295
  • God wants you to experience.
  • 00:12:19.295 --> 00:12:21.730
  • First of all, the belief that spiritual transformation
  • 00:12:21.730 --> 00:12:24.867
  • Is not necessary.
  • 00:12:24.867 --> 00:12:27.536
  • Perhaps that's the most pervasive reason.
  • 00:12:28.404 --> 00:12:30.206
  • We don't morph into the person that god wants us to be.
  • 00:12:30.206 --> 00:12:33.542
  • We don't think it's really necessary
  • 00:12:33.542 --> 00:12:35.978
  • As long as we have our ticket to heaven.
  • 00:12:35.978 --> 00:12:38.080
  • That's all that matters, right?
  • 00:12:38.080 --> 00:12:39.982
  • We think of this transformation
  • 00:12:39.982 --> 00:12:42.785
  • As kind of like a spiritual upgrade
  • 00:12:42.785 --> 00:12:46.622
  • From economy to first class.
  • 00:12:46.622 --> 00:12:49.291
  • For those who want to pay the extra price
  • 00:12:49.291 --> 00:12:52.027
  • Of living that kind of christian life,
  • 00:12:52.027 --> 00:12:54.430
  • Does it really matter?
  • 00:12:54.430 --> 00:12:55.764
  • We're all going to the same place, heaven,
  • 00:12:55.764 --> 00:12:57.733
  • We're all in the same plane.
  • 00:12:57.733 --> 00:12:58.968
  • Does it really matter where you sit
  • 00:12:58.968 --> 00:13:00.703
  • In economy or first class?
  • 00:13:00.703 --> 00:13:02.838
  • That's what people think about this idea
  • 00:13:02.838 --> 00:13:04.807
  • Of spiritual transformation.
  • 00:13:04.807 --> 00:13:06.075
  • Oh, that's too hard. that's too complicated.
  • 00:13:06.075 --> 00:13:08.077
  • I'll meet you in heaven.
  • 00:13:08.077 --> 00:13:10.079
  • But as you read the bible,
  • 00:13:10.079 --> 00:13:11.881
  • Does god really give us an option on this?
  • 00:13:11.881 --> 00:13:14.650
  • Does he tell us it's possible to be forgiven by christ
  • 00:13:14.650 --> 00:13:17.686
  • Without ever following christ?
  • 00:13:17.686 --> 00:13:20.689
  • Listen to what jesus said himself.
  • 00:13:20.689 --> 00:13:22.291
  • John 3:36, "he who believes in the son has eternal life,
  • 00:13:22.291 --> 00:13:27.563
  • But he who does not obey the son shall not see life,
  • 00:13:28.631 --> 00:13:33.769
  • But the wrath of god abides on him."
  • 00:13:34.570 --> 00:13:38.340
  • I want you to notice something
  • 00:13:38.974 --> 00:13:40.009
  • Very interesting in this verse.
  • 00:13:40.009 --> 00:13:42.278
  • How do you have eternal life by believing in the son?
  • 00:13:42.278 --> 00:13:47.616
  • That means more than just saying yes to a bunch
  • 00:13:48.617 --> 00:13:50.452
  • Of intellectual facts about the son of god.
  • 00:13:50.452 --> 00:13:53.055
  • How do i know that? because notice the next phrase.
  • 00:13:53.055 --> 00:13:56.625
  • He who does not obey it doesn't say,
  • 00:13:56.625 --> 00:13:59.361
  • He who does not believe, it says,
  • 00:13:59.361 --> 00:14:01.497
  • "he who does not obey shall not see life."
  • 00:14:01.497 --> 00:14:06.235
  • In other words, jesus uses the word believe
  • 00:14:06.235 --> 00:14:10.406
  • And obey as synonymous terms.
  • 00:14:10.406 --> 00:14:14.710
  • If you really believe you're going to obey,
  • 00:14:14.710 --> 00:14:18.247
  • If you are not obeying jesus,
  • 00:14:18.247 --> 00:14:20.816
  • It's because you really don't believe jesus.
  • 00:14:20.816 --> 00:14:25.220
  • That's an astounding word that we all need to take to heart.
  • 00:14:25.220 --> 00:14:28.123
  • John 12, verse 26, "if anyone serves me, let him follow me."
  • 00:14:28.123 --> 00:14:33.329
  • Or skip down to john 14:24.
  • 00:14:33.929 --> 00:14:35.664
  • "he who does not love me does not keep my words."
  • 00:14:35.664 --> 00:14:40.436
  • Now, listen to this. if you don't hear another word,
  • 00:14:40.436 --> 00:14:43.272
  • Isn't it illogical to think,
  • 00:14:43.872 --> 00:14:46.442
  • That we would spend all eternity
  • 00:14:47.076 --> 00:14:50.312
  • Bowing down and worshiping god,
  • 00:14:50.312 --> 00:14:53.682
  • But right here in these few years we have on earth
  • 00:14:53.682 --> 00:14:56.885
  • We would never want to submit to god or put another way.
  • 00:14:56.885 --> 00:15:00.990
  • Why is it we think that if we are day in and day out
  • 00:15:00.990 --> 00:15:04.193
  • Resisting god's commands in our lives
  • 00:15:04.193 --> 00:15:06.895
  • Refusing to submit to god's will,
  • 00:15:06.895 --> 00:15:09.365
  • That somehow we're going to in heaven automatically
  • 00:15:09.365 --> 00:15:12.534
  • Start submitting to god and be happy there?
  • 00:15:12.534 --> 00:15:15.404
  • If we're not happy here doing that,
  • 00:15:15.404 --> 00:15:17.406
  • Why would we be happy up there doing that?
  • 00:15:17.406 --> 00:15:21.210
  • Listen to the words of dallas willard.
  • 00:15:22.044 --> 00:15:24.279
  • He says, "one should seriously inquire
  • 00:15:25.114 --> 00:15:27.483
  • If to live in a world permeated with god and the knowledge
  • 00:15:27.483 --> 00:15:31.353
  • Of god is something they themselves really desire.
  • 00:15:31.353 --> 00:15:36.625
  • If not, they can be assured
  • 00:15:37.226 --> 00:15:38.494
  • That god will excuse them from his presence.
  • 00:15:38.494 --> 00:15:42.097
  • They will find their place
  • 00:15:42.097 --> 00:15:43.665
  • In the outer darkness of which jesus spoke,
  • 00:15:43.665 --> 00:15:47.703
  • But the fundamental fact about them
  • 00:15:47.703 --> 00:15:49.705
  • Will not be that they are there,
  • 00:15:49.705 --> 00:15:52.041
  • But that they have become people so locked
  • 00:15:52.041 --> 00:15:54.843
  • Into their own self worship and denial of god
  • 00:15:54.843 --> 00:15:58.547
  • That they cannot want god."
  • 00:15:58.547 --> 00:16:01.750
  • That's why people end up in hell.
  • 00:16:02.484 --> 00:16:04.586
  • They don't want to submit to god here.
  • 00:16:05.421 --> 00:16:07.856
  • Why would they want to submit to god up there?
  • 00:16:07.856 --> 00:16:11.160
  • What i'm saying to you is this idea
  • 00:16:11.894 --> 00:16:13.562
  • Of spiritual transformation not being necessary
  • 00:16:13.562 --> 00:16:16.565
  • Is not found anywhere in scripture.
  • 00:16:16.565 --> 00:16:19.334
  • A second barrier to spiritual transformation
  • 00:16:20.235 --> 00:16:22.771
  • Is a belief that spiritual transformation is not desirable.
  • 00:16:22.771 --> 00:16:27.776
  • Have you ever found that it's the unpleasant things in life
  • 00:16:28.977 --> 00:16:31.580
  • That we determine are optional on our calendar
  • 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:34.983
  • Or in our lifestyle, dieting, exercise,
  • 00:16:34.983 --> 00:16:39.621
  • Controlling our spending.
  • 00:16:39.621 --> 00:16:41.323
  • These are not practiced behaviors
  • 00:16:41.323 --> 00:16:43.759
  • Because they're not desired behaviors.
  • 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:46.395
  • The things that are important to us,
  • 00:16:46.395 --> 00:16:48.197
  • We usually find a way to do those things.
  • 00:16:48.197 --> 00:16:51.266
  • The most important thing we can do
  • 00:16:51.266 --> 00:16:53.569
  • Is to be like jesus and it's a good thing.
  • 00:16:53.569 --> 00:16:57.339
  • It's not a bad thing for us to do.
  • 00:16:57.339 --> 00:17:00.642
  • You know what becoming like jesus is?
  • 00:17:00.642 --> 00:17:03.078
  • It means to live within the kingdom of god.
  • 00:17:03.078 --> 00:17:07.349
  • The kingdom of god is talked about throughout
  • 00:17:07.349 --> 00:17:10.219
  • The entire bible.
  • 00:17:10.219 --> 00:17:11.854
  • For example, in matthew chapter four, verse 23, jesus said,
  • 00:17:11.854 --> 00:17:16.425
  • "and jesus was going about in all of galilee,
  • 00:17:16.425 --> 00:17:19.728
  • Teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming
  • 00:17:19.728 --> 00:17:22.064
  • The gospel of the kingdom."
  • 00:17:22.064 --> 00:17:23.966
  • Matthew 10, verse seven, "as you go preach,
  • 00:17:23.966 --> 00:17:26.568
  • Saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
  • 00:17:26.568 --> 00:17:28.937
  • Luke 4:43, "he said to them,
  • 00:17:28.937 --> 00:17:31.406
  • I must preach the kingdom of god to other cities also,
  • 00:17:31.406 --> 00:17:35.010
  • For i was sent for this purpose."
  • 00:17:35.010 --> 00:17:37.746
  • All throughout the bible,
  • 00:17:37.746 --> 00:17:39.148
  • You read jesus talking about the kingdom of god.
  • 00:17:39.148 --> 00:17:42.017
  • Again, we've used that pray so often
  • 00:17:42.017 --> 00:17:43.919
  • We don't even know what it means.
  • 00:17:43.919 --> 00:17:45.587
  • You see, the kingdom of god
  • 00:17:45.587 --> 00:17:46.855
  • Doesn't have to be just relegated to the future.
  • 00:17:46.855 --> 00:17:49.625
  • It can be experienced right now.
  • 00:17:49.625 --> 00:17:51.827
  • In fact, in matthew 13, verse 44, jesus said,
  • 00:17:51.827 --> 00:17:55.264
  • "the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure
  • 00:17:55.264 --> 00:17:57.799
  • Hidden in the field,
  • 00:17:57.799 --> 00:17:59.201
  • Which a man found and hid and from joy over it.
  • 00:17:59.201 --> 00:18:02.571
  • He goes, and he sells all that he has,
  • 00:18:02.571 --> 00:18:04.973
  • And he buys that field."
  • 00:18:04.973 --> 00:18:06.942
  • You know what he's saying?
  • 00:18:06.942 --> 00:18:08.710
  • He's saying, to submit to god's rule
  • 00:18:08.710 --> 00:18:10.212
  • In your life right now is priceless.
  • 00:18:10.212 --> 00:18:12.814
  • It has dividends you can't even begin to imagine,
  • 00:18:12.814 --> 00:18:17.753
  • The value of living in the kingdom of god.
  • 00:18:17.753 --> 00:18:21.023
  • Again, we've diluted ourselves into thinking,
  • 00:18:21.023 --> 00:18:23.725
  • That living under god's rule in our life is miserable.
  • 00:18:23.725 --> 00:18:27.129
  • No, it's the only key to real satisfaction.
  • 00:18:27.129 --> 00:18:31.366
  • I just jotted down some of the benefits
  • 00:18:31.366 --> 00:18:34.770
  • Of living under the rule of god in your life right now.
  • 00:18:34.770 --> 00:18:38.040
  • You may want to jot these down.
  • 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:39.608
  • Think about it, freedom from worry,
  • 00:18:39.608 --> 00:18:42.077
  • Contentment with your finances,
  • 00:18:42.711 --> 00:18:45.347
  • Harmony in your relationships,
  • 00:18:45.981 --> 00:18:48.650
  • Power over destructive addictions,
  • 00:18:48.650 --> 00:18:51.653
  • Inward peace in spite of outward circumstances
  • 00:18:51.653 --> 00:18:55.224
  • And the assurance about god's approval for your life.
  • 00:18:55.224 --> 00:19:00.095
  • A lot of people believe spiritual transformation
  • 00:19:01.029 --> 00:19:03.131
  • Is not necessary or desirable.
  • 00:19:03.131 --> 00:19:05.701
  • A third barrier to spiritual transformation,
  • 00:19:05.701 --> 00:19:08.737
  • Believing that spiritual transformation is not possible.
  • 00:19:09.838 --> 00:19:13.809
  • Maybe these last few minutes, as i've been describing,
  • 00:19:13.809 --> 00:19:16.511
  • The kind of life you could be experiencing,
  • 00:19:16.511 --> 00:19:19.348
  • Your spirits have started to soar just a little bit
  • 00:19:19.348 --> 00:19:21.917
  • And thinking about what that kind of life would be,
  • 00:19:21.917 --> 00:19:25.120
  • But you've fallen back to earth again
  • 00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:26.788
  • As you remember the person you are right now.
  • 00:19:26.788 --> 00:19:29.591
  • Maybe you're the kind of person who breaks
  • 00:19:29.591 --> 00:19:31.493
  • Every new year's resolve by january the 5th,
  • 00:19:31.493 --> 00:19:35.163
  • Or maybe you think about diets
  • 00:19:35.797 --> 00:19:37.399
  • You've been on that have never worked before,
  • 00:19:37.399 --> 00:19:40.202
  • Or attempts you've made to control
  • 00:19:40.202 --> 00:19:41.870
  • Your anger that never work.
  • 00:19:41.870 --> 00:19:44.339
  • God says, we don't have to live a natural life.
  • 00:19:44.339 --> 00:19:46.475
  • We can live a super supernatural life.
  • 00:19:46.475 --> 00:19:50.012
  • That's what that prefix super, super means,
  • 00:19:50.012 --> 00:19:52.214
  • It means above that which is natural,
  • 00:19:52.214 --> 00:19:56.118
  • And you know why you can live that kind of life,
  • 00:19:56.118 --> 00:19:58.387
  • Why it's possible?
  • 00:19:58.387 --> 00:19:59.921
  • It's because of that power god has placed in you.
  • 00:19:59.921 --> 00:20:02.691
  • It's found in romans eight, verses two and four.
  • 00:20:02.691 --> 00:20:04.826
  • I love the way the living bible says it,
  • 00:20:04.826 --> 00:20:06.428
  • "for the power of the life-giving spirit."
  • 00:20:06.428 --> 00:20:09.431
  • That's the holy spirit,
  • 00:20:09.431 --> 00:20:10.899
  • "and this power is mined through christ jesus
  • 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:13.602
  • Has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death,
  • 00:20:13.602 --> 00:20:17.272
  • So now we can obey god's laws
  • 00:20:17.272 --> 00:20:19.608
  • If we follow after the holy spirit
  • 00:20:19.608 --> 00:20:21.777
  • And no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
  • 00:20:21.777 --> 00:20:25.781
  • Do you realize the moment you become a christian
  • 00:20:25.781 --> 00:20:28.016
  • And in just a moment,
  • 00:20:28.016 --> 00:20:29.384
  • Some of you're going to have a chance to do that?
  • 00:20:29.384 --> 00:20:31.053
  • The moment you become a christian,
  • 00:20:31.053 --> 00:20:32.654
  • God not only gives you the forgiveness of your sins,
  • 00:20:32.654 --> 00:20:35.857
  • But he infuses you with the holy spirit of god
  • 00:20:35.857 --> 00:20:39.027
  • Who empowers you to live exactly the same kind of life,
  • 00:20:39.027 --> 00:20:42.597
  • The supernatural life that jesus lived.
  • 00:20:42.597 --> 00:20:46.868
  • Spiritual transformation is possible.
  • 00:20:46.868 --> 00:20:50.539
  • Finally, the barrier to experiencing this kind of a life
  • 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:54.576
  • Is because spiritual transformation is not planned for,
  • 00:20:54.576 --> 00:20:59.147
  • It's not planned.
  • 00:20:59.147 --> 00:21:00.615
  • For spiritual transformations,
  • 00:21:00.615 --> 00:21:02.384
  • The renovation of our lives don't happen automatically.
  • 00:21:02.384 --> 00:21:07.723
  • They require a plan. think about it for a moment.
  • 00:21:08.724 --> 00:21:12.661
  • What plan do you have right now to keep yourself free
  • 00:21:13.762 --> 00:21:18.834
  • From concerns about money?
  • 00:21:19.401 --> 00:21:21.069
  • What plan do you have to conquer the addictions
  • 00:21:22.003 --> 00:21:25.774
  • That may be destroying your life?
  • 00:21:25.774 --> 00:21:28.009
  • What plan do you have for refusing to allow resentment
  • 00:21:29.111 --> 00:21:32.781
  • To be your response to offenses?
  • 00:21:32.781 --> 00:21:35.884
  • What plan do you have for making obedience
  • 00:21:36.785 --> 00:21:39.321
  • To god's commands your normal response?
  • 00:21:39.321 --> 00:21:43.892
  • Listen, you can believe that the transformation
  • 00:21:43.892 --> 00:21:46.194
  • Of your life is essential,
  • 00:21:46.194 --> 00:21:49.831
  • That it's necessary, that it's desirable,
  • 00:21:50.699 --> 00:21:53.535
  • That it's possible,
  • 00:21:53.535 --> 00:21:55.036
  • But it won't happen until you execute a plan.
  • 00:21:55.036 --> 00:21:58.874
  • Is renovation, whether it's of your house or your life.
  • 00:22:00.008 --> 00:22:03.979
  • Is it costly? you bet.
  • 00:22:03.979 --> 00:22:06.515
  • Is it difficult? no doubt about it.
  • 00:22:07.249 --> 00:22:10.318
  • But in the end, it's always worth the effort.
  • 00:22:10.318 --> 00:22:14.689
  • And in the weeks ahead, we're going to discover
  • 00:22:14.689 --> 00:22:16.792
  • What developing a plan for your spiritual transformation
  • 00:22:16.792 --> 00:22:21.596
  • Actually looks like.
  • 00:22:21.596 --> 00:22:23.231
  • As we continue this series, seven marks of a disciple.
  • 00:22:23.231 --> 00:22:27.636
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:22:27.636 --> 00:22:31.640
  • I know that i'm speaking to somebody right now
  • 00:22:32.574 --> 00:22:35.177
  • Who's sensing a nudge from god.
  • 00:22:35.177 --> 00:22:37.879
  • Please say yes to god's call and allow the transformation
  • 00:22:37.879 --> 00:22:41.516
  • Of your heart to begin today.
  • 00:22:41.516 --> 00:22:44.052
  • In closing, i want to share a note
  • 00:22:44.052 --> 00:22:46.188
  • I received from greg in nevada.
  • 00:22:46.188 --> 00:22:48.790
  • He wrote, "i'm truly going through a difficult time.
  • 00:22:48.790 --> 00:22:52.027
  • I've lost my job and my benefits,
  • 00:22:52.027 --> 00:22:54.563
  • And i've been overwhelmed by depression and anxiety.
  • 00:22:54.563 --> 00:22:58.166
  • Your pastor's pen message,
  • 00:22:58.166 --> 00:22:59.935
  • "god, see your struggles and he cares,"
  • 00:22:59.935 --> 00:23:02.804
  • Felt like it was sent from god directly to me.
  • 00:23:02.804 --> 00:23:06.341
  • Thank you for caring. please pray for me.
  • 00:23:06.341 --> 00:23:09.110
  • The bible says, when two or more pray together,
  • 00:23:09.110 --> 00:23:11.713
  • Miracles can happen."
  • 00:23:11.713 --> 00:23:13.582
  • Friends, greg's story is just a glimpse of what god
  • 00:23:13.582 --> 00:23:16.718
  • Is doing through pathway to victory.
  • 00:23:16.718 --> 00:23:19.020
  • Lives are being touched and transformed every single day,
  • 00:23:19.020 --> 00:23:23.258
  • And it's all made possible
  • 00:23:23.258 --> 00:23:24.626
  • Because of your prayers and support.
  • 00:23:24.626 --> 00:23:27.329
  • Thank you so much for your partnership
  • 00:23:27.329 --> 00:23:29.464
  • With pathway to victory.
  • 00:23:29.464 --> 00:23:31.266
  • Now stay right there.
  • 00:23:31.266 --> 00:23:32.234
  • I'll be back in just a moment.
  • 00:23:32.234 --> 00:23:34.569
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:23:34.569 --> 00:23:36.605
  • [announcer] we all need god's strength
  • 00:23:36.605 --> 00:23:38.907
  • To make it through the day.
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  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple"
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  • By dr. robert jeffress provides
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  • The spiritual refreshment you need.
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  • I know how challenging it can be to stay connected
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  • With god in our busy lives.
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  • In my new devotional, i provide personal reflections
  • 00:23:58.593 --> 00:24:01.963
  • And practical insights that will help you experience
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  • God's presence and encouragement throughout your day.
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  • [announcer] filled with stunning images of creation,
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  • Scripture verses and prayers
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  • 00:25:01.356 --> 00:25:04.926
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:25:04.926 --> 00:25:06.328
  • If you're a christian, you have everything you need
  • 00:25:06.328 --> 00:25:09.164
  • To experience spiritual transformation right now,
  • 00:25:09.164 --> 00:25:13.234
  • And while there are certainly many barriers
  • 00:25:13.234 --> 00:25:15.437
  • That stand in our way, none of them is too big to overcome.
  • 00:25:15.437 --> 00:25:20.175
  • Well, i'm inviting you to join me again next time
  • 00:25:20.175 --> 00:25:22.644
  • Because we're going to examine
  • 00:25:22.644 --> 00:25:23.979
  • A key mark of a disciple, an obedient heart.
  • 00:25:23.979 --> 00:25:28.049
  • As a christian, obedience is not optional,
  • 00:25:28.049 --> 00:25:31.620
  • So how do we move past the barriers
  • 00:25:31.620 --> 00:25:34.022
  • That hold us back from fully following god?
  • 00:25:34.022 --> 00:25:37.325
  • Stay tuned for a preview
  • 00:25:37.325 --> 00:25:38.593
  • Of what's coming up next in our series.
  • 00:25:38.593 --> 00:25:40.895
  • -"seven marks of a disciple." -(upbeat music)
  • 00:25:40.895 --> 00:25:44.466
  • Somehow belief in jesus is essential for salvation,
  • 00:25:44.466 --> 00:25:49.771
  • But obedience to jesus is optional.
  • 00:25:50.505 --> 00:25:54.409
  • We give people the idea that you can trust in god
  • 00:25:54.409 --> 00:25:58.513
  • To take care of you in the next life
  • 00:25:58.513 --> 00:26:01.316
  • Without trusting him enough to obey him in this life,
  • 00:26:01.316 --> 00:26:06.054
  • But jesus never gives us that option.
  • 00:26:06.855 --> 00:26:10.225
  • [announcer ] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:26:10.225 --> 00:26:12.460
  • For the message, developing an obedient heart
  • 00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:15.630
  • -here on pathway to victory.
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  • [announcer ] step away from your daily routine
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  • 00:26:44.092 --> 00:26:45.460
  • [announcer ] experience five star dining,
  • 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:47.362
  • Luxurious state rooms, and exceptional service
  • 00:26:47.362 --> 00:26:50.065
  • While visiting iconic ports like,
  • 00:26:50.065 --> 00:26:51.900
  • Juneau, ketchikan, and skagway.
  • 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:54.402
  • We'll explore god's word together
  • 00:26:54.402 --> 00:26:56.237
  • Against the backdrop of his most impressive handiwork.
  • 00:26:56.237 --> 00:27:00.175
  • I promise you'll return home with memories
  • 00:27:00.175 --> 00:27:02.744
  • That will last a lifetime
  • 00:27:02.744 --> 00:27:04.546
  • And a heart renewed by god's presence.
  • 00:27:04.546 --> 00:27:07.382
  • [announcer ] to book your spot on the 2026,
  • 00:27:07.382 --> 00:27:09.751
  • Pathway to victory cruise to alaska.
  • 00:27:09.751 --> 00:27:12.020
  • Call 888-280-6747
  • 00:27:12.020 --> 00:27:15.590
  • -or go to ptv.org.
  • 00:27:15.590 --> 00:27:15.590