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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Discipleship Is Transforming

July 8, 2025 | S25 E324 | 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 #Disciples #Spirit #SpiritualGrowth #Change #WalkwithGod #Jesus #RelationshipwithGod #Submission #Surrender #Obedience

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Discipleship Is Transforming | July 8, 2025
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
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  • Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
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  • With dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
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  • Again to "pathway to victory."
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  • None of us is perfect.
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  • Perhaps there's a nagging flaw in your life that you wish you
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  • 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 to be more content with
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  • Your circumstances.
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  • What's the secret to making these dramatic changes in
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  • 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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  • ♪♪♪
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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 with
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  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple."
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  • This brand new, beautiful, full color, padded hardcover book by
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  • Dr. robert jeffress features 80 breathtaking images of creation
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  • Paired with scripture, prayers, and insights you can read in
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  • Under two minutes.
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  • Perfect for your coffee table or as a thoughtful gift for a
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  • 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: today my sermon is about spiritual transformation.
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  • Try to contain your excitement, would you?
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  • I can already see from up here some of your eyes are starting
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  • To glaze over.
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  • One guy out there just punched his wife.
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  • "wake me when it's over, gertrude.
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  • Let me know when it's over."
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  • Have you ever noticed why phrases like spiritual
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  • Transformation, conform to the image of christ, becoming a
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  • Disciple, a follower of christ--why have those phrases
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  • Become so boring to us?
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  • I think part of the reason is we use them so often without ever
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  • Considering what they mean to us.
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  • You know, the idea of transformation--apart from the
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  • Bible, the idea of transformation is very, very
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  • Exciting, especially in other contexts.
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  • I remember when i was four years old, every afternoon i would
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  • Dress up in my blue tights, 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?
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  • Mild-mannered reporter, clark kent would go into a telephone
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  • Booth and he would transform into that man of steel who was
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  • Faster than a speeding bullet, 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, it's a bird, it's a plane, it's superman da
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  • Da da da da.
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  • Man, i get goosebumps just thinking about it.
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  • Didn't you love superman?
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  • Now, 50 years later, the special effects were a lot better.
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  • But the plot line still fascinates us.
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  • The idea of an ordinary person transforming into a
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  • Supernatural person.
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  • Well, it's the plot line of our favorite movies and our favorite
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  • Television shows.
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  • I mean, let's face it, there is something about reaching down
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  • Inside of ourselves 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 that idea is not only
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  • Intriguing, it's possible, and it's what god has planned
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  • For you.
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  • Now, does that sound a little more exciting?
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  • That's what we're gonna talk about, spiritual transformation.
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  • If you have your bibles, i want you to turn to galatians chapter
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  • 4, galatians chapter 4.
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  • Do you know that if you're a christian today, there lies
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  • Within you the potential to live exactly like jesus lived.
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  • That means to think the thoughts that jesus thought, to possess
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  • The inner peace that jesus possessed, to enjoy the freedom
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  • From material concerns that jesus experienced, to have that
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  • Connection to god's power that jesus had, to respond to
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  • Mistreatment in your life exactly like jesus responded,
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  • And to receive the praise from god that jesus received.
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  • That's what we're talking about.
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  • And that's why we say the essence of discipleship is
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  • Transformation, a changed life that comes from a
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  • Transformed heart.
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  • Now, because of that, throughout this series, i'm gonna use the
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  • Words discipleship and spiritual transformation interchangeably
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  • Because that's what discipleship is.
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  • It is about a spiritual transformation.
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  • And the bible says you have everything you need right now if
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  • You're a christian, to experience that transformation.
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  • Look at galatians 4, verse 19.
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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," underline
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  • That word labor.
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  • "until christ is formed," underlying that word, "in you."
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  • Now, this verse is pregnant with meaning, pardon the pun.
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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.
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  • Labor is what precedes 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, i am struggling until christ is
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  • Completely formed in you," until you "morph," if you will, into
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  • Jesus christ.
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  • That word formed, morphed is a word that literally is a
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  • Biology term.
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  • It refers to that embryo, that fertilized egg inside of
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  • A mother.
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  • Think about it.
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  • That tiny, minuscule egg has the ability to transform, to morph
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  • Into a being that is millions of times the size of that tiny
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  • Microscopic egg, and yet that little fertilized egg has all of
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  • The energy necessary to morph into something much greater.
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  • It morphs into a human being.
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  • It forms a brain that has the capability of developing a
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  • Nuclear weapon that destroys the entire world.
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  • All of that lies within that potential in that tiny embryo.
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  • Well, in the same way, the bible says, "when you become a
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  • Christian, you don't only receive the forgiveness of your
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  • Sins, but the moment you trust in christ, there is planted in
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  • You that fertilized spiritual egg that allows you to grow and
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  • Change into the image of christ."
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  • Peter described it this way in 1 peter 1:23.
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  • He said, "for you have been born again not of seed, which is
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  • Perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and
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  • Abiding word of god."
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  • If you are a christian, that egg, that potential is within
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  • You right now, the imperishable seed.
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  • The idea that god wants you to live a transformed life is all
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  • Throughout the scripture.
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  • For example, romans 8, verse 29, paul writes, "for whom god
  • 00:08:06.631 --> 00:08:11.002
  • Foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his
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  • Son, that jesus might be the first-born among many brethren."
  • 00:08:15.874 --> 00:08:21.346
  • Romans 12:2, "don't be conformed to this world, but be," what?
  • 00:08:21.346 --> 00:08:27.652
  • "transformed by the renewing of your mind."
  • 00:08:27.652 --> 00:08:31.323
  • Or 2 corinthians 3:18, paul said, "but we all, with unveiled
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  • Face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the lord, we are
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  • Being," what?
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  • "transformed into the same image from glory to glory."
  • 00:08:41.833 --> 00:08:47.472
  • Now, again, maybe this idea of spiritual transformation hasn't
  • 00:08:47.472 --> 00:08:52.277
  • 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 what
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  • Such a transformation could mean for your life.
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  • What if you could go through your life with the absolute
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  • 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 has called us
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  • To experience.
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  • That's what spiritual transformation is about.
  • 00:09:21.373 --> 00:09:24.109
  • Now, i think we need to be very clear in identifying what
  • 00:09:24.109 --> 00:09:29.414
  • Spiritual transformation is not.
  • 00:09:29.414 --> 00:09:32.617
  • John ortberg notes there are a lot of cheap substitutes out
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  • There for spiritual transformation, especially in
  • 00:09:37.255 --> 00:09:40.158
  • The christian world.
  • 00:09:40.158 --> 00:09:41.826
  • What are those substitutes?
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  • Well, one is theological information.
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  • A lot of people substitute theological information for
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  • True transformation.
  • 00:09:51.269 --> 00:09:52.637
  • They think, "well, if i can just learn enough facts about the
  • 00:09:52.637 --> 00:09:55.373
  • Bible, if i can study theology enough, somehow that will make
  • 00:09:55.373 --> 00:09:59.444
  • Me like jesus christ."
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  • Look, if cramming your head filled with--full of theology
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  • And bible facts makes you like jesus, why is it that some of
  • 00:10:05.183 --> 00:10:09.454
  • The people who know most about the bible are some of the
  • 00:10:09.454 --> 00:10:12.724
  • Meanest people on god's green earth?
  • 00:10:12.724 --> 00:10:14.726
  • Have you ever wondered that?
  • 00:10:14.726 --> 00:10:16.761
  • Why is it some people who are such great teachers of the word
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  • Of god fall into addictions and sexual immorality?
  • 00:10:19.931 --> 00:10:24.335
  • Now, i'm not belittling the importance of knowing the bible,
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  • We've got to know god's word and hide it in our heart.
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  • You can never apply more of the scripture than you know of
  • 00:10:30.842 --> 00:10:34.612
  • The scripture.
  • 00:10:34.612 --> 00:10:35.980
  • But unfortunately, you can know more about the bible than you
  • 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:39.050
  • Apply from the bible.
  • 00:10:39.050 --> 00:10:40.952
  • And so, don't ever confuse spiritual transformation with
  • 00:10:40.952 --> 00:10:44.522
  • Theological information.
  • 00:10:44.522 --> 00:10:45.957
  • A second substitute is what i call religious confirmation.
  • 00:10:45.957 --> 00:10:50.995
  • John ortberg again notes that many religious groups
  • 00:10:50.995 --> 00:10:56.334
  • Identify--they make up their own boundary markers that
  • 00:10:56.334 --> 00:11:00.605
  • Distinguish them from other groups or other denominations.
  • 00:11:00.605 --> 00:11:05.009
  • And a lot of people confuse spiritual transformation with
  • 00:11:05.009 --> 00:11:09.948
  • The confirmation to some man-made system of beliefs
  • 00:11:09.948 --> 00:11:13.752
  • And behavior.
  • 00:11:13.752 --> 00:11:15.120
  • And i'm not talking about biblical standards of beliefs
  • 00:11:15.120 --> 00:11:18.556
  • And behavior, but i'm talking about man-made.
  • 00:11:18.556 --> 00:11:21.192
  • Denominations feel like, "well, we've got to do something to
  • 00:11:21.192 --> 00:11:24.129
  • Be unique.
  • 00:11:24.129 --> 00:11:25.463
  • So, we'll establish this list of things you have to conform to to
  • 00:11:25.463 --> 00:11:28.666
  • Be a part of our club."
  • 00:11:28.666 --> 00:11:30.735
  • "pastor, if we've already received the imperishable seed,
  • 00:11:30.735 --> 00:11:34.439
  • If we have all of the potential to morph into the person of
  • 00:11:34.439 --> 00:11:37.642
  • Jesus christ, what keeps us from doing so?"
  • 00:11:37.642 --> 00:11:41.579
  • Well, there are four barriers i've identified that i want us
  • 00:11:41.579 --> 00:11:45.016
  • To talk about in these final minutes.
  • 00:11:45.016 --> 00:11:46.818
  • Four barriers to experiencing the spiritual transformation god
  • 00:11:46.818 --> 00:11:51.422
  • Wants you to experience.
  • 00:11:51.422 --> 00:11:53.491
  • First of all, the belief that spiritual transformation is
  • 00:11:53.491 --> 00:11:56.961
  • Not necessary.
  • 00:11:56.961 --> 00:11:59.664
  • Perhaps that's the most pervasive reason we don't morph
  • 00:11:59.664 --> 00:12:02.901
  • Into the person that god wants us to be.
  • 00:12:02.901 --> 00:12:05.336
  • We don't think it's really necessary.
  • 00:12:05.336 --> 00:12:07.806
  • As long as we have our ticket to heaven, that's all that
  • 00:12:07.806 --> 00:12:10.408
  • Matters, right?
  • 00:12:10.408 --> 00:12:12.210
  • We think of this transformation is kind of like a spiritual
  • 00:12:12.210 --> 00:12:17.649
  • Upgrade from economy to first class.
  • 00:12:17.649 --> 00:12:21.085
  • For those who want to pay the extra price of living that kind
  • 00:12:21.085 --> 00:12:24.622
  • Of christian life.
  • 00:12:24.622 --> 00:12:26.224
  • Does it really matter?
  • 00:12:26.224 --> 00:12:27.559
  • We're all going to the same place, heaven, we're all in the
  • 00:12:27.559 --> 00:12:30.094
  • Same plane.
  • 00:12:30.094 --> 00:12:31.429
  • Does it really matter where you sit?
  • 00:12:31.429 --> 00:12:32.797
  • In economy or first class?
  • 00:12:32.797 --> 00:12:34.566
  • That's what people think about this idea of
  • 00:12:34.566 --> 00:12:36.701
  • Spiritual transformation.
  • 00:12:36.701 --> 00:12:38.036
  • "oh, that's too hard, that's too complicated.
  • 00:12:38.036 --> 00:12:39.871
  • I'll meet you in heaven."
  • 00:12:39.871 --> 00:12:41.806
  • But as you read the bible, does god really give us an option
  • 00:12:41.806 --> 00:12:45.410
  • On this?
  • 00:12:45.410 --> 00:12:46.744
  • Does he tell us it's possible to be forgiven by christ without
  • 00:12:46.744 --> 00:12:49.814
  • Ever following christ?
  • 00:12:49.814 --> 00:12:52.417
  • Listen to what jesus said himself, john 3:36, "he who
  • 00:12:52.417 --> 00:12:56.321
  • Believes in the son has eternal life; but he who does not obey
  • 00:12:56.321 --> 00:13:03.127
  • The son shall not see life, but the wrath of god abides on him."
  • 00:13:03.127 --> 00:13:10.602
  • I want you to notice something very interesting in this verse.
  • 00:13:10.602 --> 00:13:14.072
  • How do you have eternal life?
  • 00:13:14.072 --> 00:13:15.874
  • By believing in the son.
  • 00:13:15.874 --> 00:13:19.510
  • That means more than just saying yes to a bunch of intellectual
  • 00:13:19.510 --> 00:13:23.081
  • Facts about the son of god.
  • 00:13:23.081 --> 00:13:24.849
  • How do i know that?
  • 00:13:24.849 --> 00:13:26.184
  • Because notice the next phrase, "he who does not obey."
  • 00:13:26.184 --> 00:13:30.455
  • It doesn't say, "he who does not believe," it says, "he who does
  • 00:13:30.455 --> 00:13:33.992
  • Not obey shall not see life."
  • 00:13:33.992 --> 00:13:38.029
  • In other words, jesus uses the word, believe and obey as
  • 00:13:38.029 --> 00:13:44.002
  • Synonymous terms.
  • 00:13:44.002 --> 00:13:46.471
  • If you really believe you're going to obey.
  • 00:13:46.471 --> 00:13:50.041
  • If you are not obeying jesus, it's because you really don't
  • 00:13:50.041 --> 00:13:54.445
  • Believe jesus.
  • 00:13:54.445 --> 00:13:56.881
  • That's an astounding word that we all need to take to heart.
  • 00:13:56.881 --> 00:13:59.884
  • John 12, verse 26, "if anyone serves me, let him follow me."
  • 00:13:59.884 --> 00:14:05.323
  • Or skip down to john 14:24, "he who does not love me does not
  • 00:14:05.323 --> 00:14:11.029
  • Keep my words."
  • 00:14:11.029 --> 00:14:12.397
  • Now, listen to this, if you don't hear another word.
  • 00:14:12.397 --> 00:14:15.566
  • Isn't it illogical to think that we would spend all eternity
  • 00:14:15.566 --> 00:14:22.140
  • Bowing down and worshiping god, but right here in these few
  • 00:14:22.140 --> 00:14:27.078
  • Years we have on earth, we would never want to submit to god?
  • 00:14:27.078 --> 00:14:31.115
  • Or put another way, why is it we think that if we are day in and
  • 00:14:31.115 --> 00:14:35.420
  • Day out resisting god's commands in our lives, refusing to submit
  • 00:14:35.420 --> 00:14:39.924
  • To god's will, that somehow we're gonna in heaven
  • 00:14:39.924 --> 00:14:43.361
  • Automatically start submitting to god and be happy there?
  • 00:14:43.361 --> 00:14:47.165
  • If we're not happy here doing that, why would we be happy up
  • 00:14:47.165 --> 00:14:50.501
  • There doing that?
  • 00:14:50.501 --> 00:14:53.771
  • Listen to the words of dallas willard.
  • 00:14:53.771 --> 00:14:57.241
  • He says, "one should seriously inquire if to live in a world
  • 00:14:57.241 --> 00:15:01.312
  • Permeated with god and the knowledge of god is something
  • 00:15:01.312 --> 00:15:05.450
  • They themselves really desire.
  • 00:15:05.450 --> 00:15:08.853
  • If not, they can be assured that god will excuse them from
  • 00:15:08.853 --> 00:15:12.991
  • His presence.
  • 00:15:12.991 --> 00:15:14.492
  • They will find their place in the outer darkness of which
  • 00:15:14.492 --> 00:15:18.496
  • Jesus spoke.
  • 00:15:18.496 --> 00:15:20.098
  • But the fundamental fact about them will not be that they are
  • 00:15:20.098 --> 00:15:23.468
  • There, but that they have become people so locked into their own
  • 00:15:23.468 --> 00:15:28.172
  • Self-worship and denial of god that they cannot want god."
  • 00:15:28.172 --> 00:15:34.579
  • That's why people end up in hell.
  • 00:15:34.579 --> 00:15:37.682
  • They don't want to submit to god here, why would they want to
  • 00:15:37.682 --> 00:15:41.019
  • Submit to god up there?
  • 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:44.088
  • What i'm saying to you is this idea of spiritual transformation
  • 00:15:44.088 --> 00:15:47.725
  • Not being necessary is not found anywhere in scripture.
  • 00:15:47.725 --> 00:15:52.397
  • A second barrier to spiritual transformation is the belief
  • 00:15:52.397 --> 00:15:55.666
  • That spiritual transformation is not desirable.
  • 00:15:55.666 --> 00:16:00.872
  • Have you ever found that it's the unpleasant things in life
  • 00:16:00.872 --> 00:16:03.941
  • That we determine are optional on our calendar or in
  • 00:16:03.941 --> 00:16:08.012
  • Our lifestyle?
  • 00:16:08.012 --> 00:16:09.981
  • Dieting, exercise, controlling our spending, these are not
  • 00:16:09.981 --> 00:16:14.685
  • Practiced behaviors because they're not desired behaviors.
  • 00:16:14.685 --> 00:16:19.190
  • We end up, ultimately, doing what we want to do.
  • 00:16:19.190 --> 00:16:23.027
  • We--the things that are important to us, we usually find
  • 00:16:23.027 --> 00:16:26.397
  • A way to do those things.
  • 00:16:26.397 --> 00:16:28.566
  • We've allowed satan to deceive us into thinking spiritual
  • 00:16:28.566 --> 00:16:33.638
  • Transformation is undesirable.
  • 00:16:33.638 --> 00:16:35.907
  • Following jesus is undesirable.
  • 00:16:35.907 --> 00:16:38.109
  • Let's face it, many of us deep down have that feeling that,
  • 00:16:38.109 --> 00:16:41.879
  • "well, if i obey god in my life, if i follow god in my life, if i
  • 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:48.352
  • Submit to his rule over my sexual desires, well, i'll end
  • 00:16:48.352 --> 00:16:51.622
  • Up being frustrated the rest of my life."
  • 00:16:51.622 --> 00:16:54.592
  • Or "if i end up surrendering my vocation, my vocational dreams
  • 00:16:54.592 --> 00:16:59.030
  • To god, i'll end up in a hut as a missionary in some third
  • 00:16:59.030 --> 00:17:03.000
  • World country.
  • 00:17:03.000 --> 00:17:05.169
  • If i turn my money over to the lord and allow him to have the
  • 00:17:05.169 --> 00:17:09.407
  • Final say in how i spend it, oh, i'm gonna end up a pauper.
  • 00:17:09.407 --> 00:17:13.811
  • If i have a desire to be a really significant person in
  • 00:17:13.811 --> 00:17:16.714
  • This world and i turn that desire over to god, i'll end up
  • 00:17:16.714 --> 00:17:19.917
  • In obscurity."
  • 00:17:19.917 --> 00:17:21.819
  • We have that deep down feeling that following god is gonna
  • 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:26.190
  • Cause us to have a miserable existence.
  • 00:17:26.190 --> 00:17:29.460
  • But no, the bible says, the most important thing we can do is to
  • 00:17:29.460 --> 00:17:34.065
  • Be like jesus and it's a good thing, it's not a bad thing for
  • 00:17:34.065 --> 00:17:39.303
  • Us to do.
  • 00:17:39.303 --> 00:17:40.671
  • You know what becoming like jesus is?
  • 00:17:40.671 --> 00:17:43.174
  • It means to live within the kingdom of god.
  • 00:17:43.174 --> 00:17:48.012
  • The kingdom of god is talked about throughout the
  • 00:17:48.012 --> 00:17:51.249
  • Entire bible.
  • 00:17:51.249 --> 00:17:52.617
  • For example, in matthew chapter 4, verse 23, jesus said, "and
  • 00:17:52.617 --> 00:17:57.455
  • Jesus was going about in all of galilee, teaching in their
  • 00:17:57.455 --> 00:18:01.092
  • Synagogue, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom."
  • 00:18:01.092 --> 00:18:04.629
  • Matthew 10, verse 7, "as you go, preach, saying, 'the kingdom of
  • 00:18:04.629 --> 00:18:08.266
  • Heaven is at hand.'"
  • 00:18:08.266 --> 00:18:09.634
  • And luke 4:43, he said to them, "i must preach the kingdom of
  • 00:18:09.634 --> 00:18:14.172
  • God to other cities also, for i was sent for this purpose."
  • 00:18:14.172 --> 00:18:18.910
  • All throughout the bible, you read jesus talking about the
  • 00:18:18.910 --> 00:18:21.479
  • Kingdom of god.
  • 00:18:21.479 --> 00:18:23.047
  • You see, the kingdom of god doesn't have to be just
  • 00:18:23.047 --> 00:18:25.449
  • Relegated to the future, it can be experienced right now.
  • 00:18:25.449 --> 00:18:29.387
  • In fact, in matthew 13, verse 44, jesus said, "the kingdom of
  • 00:18:29.387 --> 00:18:33.558
  • Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field which a man found
  • 00:18:33.558 --> 00:18:37.628
  • And hid.
  • 00:18:37.628 --> 00:18:38.963
  • And from joy over it, he goes and he sells all that he has and
  • 00:18:38.963 --> 00:18:42.466
  • He buys that field."
  • 00:18:42.466 --> 00:18:44.302
  • You know what he's saying?
  • 00:18:44.302 --> 00:18:45.670
  • He's saying, to submit to god's rule in your life right now
  • 00:18:45.670 --> 00:18:48.873
  • Is priceless.
  • 00:18:48.873 --> 00:18:50.208
  • It has dividends you can't even begin to imagine.
  • 00:18:50.208 --> 00:18:55.112
  • The value of living in the kingdom of god.
  • 00:18:55.112 --> 00:18:58.382
  • Again, we've deluded ourselves into thinking that living under
  • 00:18:58.382 --> 00:19:02.220
  • God's rule in our life is miserable.
  • 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:04.555
  • No, it's the only key to real satisfaction.
  • 00:19:04.555 --> 00:19:08.893
  • I just jotted down some of the benefits of living under the
  • 00:19:08.893 --> 00:19:13.764
  • Rule of god in your life right now.
  • 00:19:13.764 --> 00:19:15.533
  • You may want to jot these down.
  • 00:19:15.533 --> 00:19:17.068
  • Think about it, freedom from worry, contentment with your
  • 00:19:17.068 --> 00:19:21.172
  • Finances, harmony in your relationships, power over
  • 00:19:21.172 --> 00:19:26.911
  • Destructive addictions, inward peace in spite of outward
  • 00:19:26.911 --> 00:19:30.948
  • Circumstances, and the assurance about god's approval for
  • 00:19:30.948 --> 00:19:35.519
  • Your life.
  • 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:38.389
  • A lot of people believe spiritual transformation is not
  • 00:19:38.389 --> 00:19:41.392
  • Necessary or desirable.
  • 00:19:41.392 --> 00:19:43.094
  • A third barrier to spiritual transformation, believing that
  • 00:19:43.094 --> 00:19:47.632
  • Spiritual transformation is not possible.
  • 00:19:47.632 --> 00:19:51.202
  • Maybe these last few minutes as i've been describing the kind of
  • 00:19:51.202 --> 00:19:54.438
  • Life you could be experiencing, your spirits have started to
  • 00:19:54.438 --> 00:19:58.075
  • Soar just a little bit and thinking about what that kind of
  • 00:19:58.075 --> 00:20:00.511
  • Life would be.
  • 00:20:00.511 --> 00:20:02.380
  • But you've fallen back to earth again as you remember the person
  • 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:05.449
  • You are right now.
  • 00:20:05.449 --> 00:20:07.118
  • No, it's not natural, but god says, "we don't have to live a
  • 00:20:07.118 --> 00:20:10.688
  • Natural life, we can live a supernatural life."
  • 00:20:10.688 --> 00:20:15.059
  • That's what that prefix super super means, it means above that
  • 00:20:15.059 --> 00:20:19.930
  • Which is natural.
  • 00:20:19.930 --> 00:20:21.265
  • And you know why you can live that kind of life, why
  • 00:20:21.265 --> 00:20:23.467
  • It's possible?
  • 00:20:23.467 --> 00:20:24.835
  • It's because of that power god has placed in you.
  • 00:20:24.835 --> 00:20:27.705
  • It's found in romans 8, verse 2 and 4.
  • 00:20:27.705 --> 00:20:29.907
  • I love the way the living bible says it,
  • 00:20:29.907 --> 00:20:31.575
  • "for the power of the life-giving spirit," that's
  • 00:20:31.575 --> 00:20:34.612
  • The holy spirit, "and this power is mine through christ jesus—has
  • 00:20:34.612 --> 00:20:39.050
  • Freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death.
  • 00:20:39.050 --> 00:20:42.320
  • So now we can obey god's laws if we follow after the holy spirit
  • 00:20:42.320 --> 00:20:46.691
  • And no longer obey the old evil nature within us."
  • 00:20:46.691 --> 00:20:50.695
  • Do you realize the moment you become a christian--and in just
  • 00:20:50.695 --> 00:20:53.464
  • A moment, some of you are gonna have a chance to do that.
  • 00:20:53.464 --> 00:20:56.100
  • The moment you become a christian, god not only gives
  • 00:20:56.100 --> 00:20:58.869
  • You the forgiveness of your sins, but he infuses you with
  • 00:20:58.869 --> 00:21:02.340
  • The holy spirit of god who empowers you to live exactly the
  • 00:21:02.340 --> 00:21:06.410
  • Same kind of life, the supernatural life that
  • 00:21:06.410 --> 00:21:10.014
  • Jesus lived.
  • 00:21:10.014 --> 00:21:11.949
  • Spiritual transformation is possible.
  • 00:21:11.949 --> 00:21:15.586
  • Finally, the barrier to experiencing this kind of a life
  • 00:21:15.586 --> 00:21:19.557
  • Is because spiritual transformation is not
  • 00:21:19.557 --> 00:21:22.993
  • Planned for.
  • 00:21:22.993 --> 00:21:24.362
  • It's not planned for.
  • 00:21:24.362 --> 00:21:26.130
  • Spiritual transformations, the renovation of our lives don't
  • 00:21:26.130 --> 00:21:30.267
  • Happen automatically, they require a plan.
  • 00:21:30.267 --> 00:21:36.140
  • Think about it for a moment.
  • 00:21:36.140 --> 00:21:38.576
  • What plan do you have right now to keep yourself free from
  • 00:21:38.576 --> 00:21:44.315
  • Concerns about money?
  • 00:21:44.315 --> 00:21:46.984
  • What plan do you have to conquer the addictions that may be
  • 00:21:46.984 --> 00:21:51.155
  • Destroying your life?
  • 00:21:51.155 --> 00:21:54.091
  • What plan do you have for refusing to allow resentment to
  • 00:21:54.091 --> 00:21:57.995
  • Be your response to offenses?
  • 00:21:57.995 --> 00:22:01.599
  • What plan do you have for making obedience to god's commands your
  • 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:06.303
  • Normal response?
  • 00:22:06.303 --> 00:22:08.939
  • Listen, you can believe that the transformation of your life is
  • 00:22:08.939 --> 00:22:13.344
  • Essential, that it's necessary, that it's desirable, that it's
  • 00:22:13.344 --> 00:22:18.983
  • Possible, but it won't happen until you execute a plan.
  • 00:22:18.983 --> 00:22:24.822
  • Is renovation--whether it's of your house or your life, is
  • 00:22:24.822 --> 00:22:29.126
  • It costly?
  • 00:22:29.126 --> 00:22:30.461
  • You bet, is it difficult?
  • 00:22:30.461 --> 00:22:33.664
  • No doubt about it.
  • 00:22:33.664 --> 00:22:35.366
  • But in the end, it's always worth the effort.
  • 00:22:35.366 --> 00:22:39.637
  • And in the weeks ahead, we're going to discover what
  • 00:22:39.637 --> 00:22:42.339
  • Developing a plan for your spiritual transformation
  • 00:22:42.339 --> 00:22:46.677
  • Actually looks like.
  • 00:22:46.677 --> 00:22:48.279
  • As we continue this series, "7 marks of a disciple."
  • 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:53.317
  • Jeffress: i know that i'm speaking to someone right now
  • 00:22:57.488 --> 00:23:00.658
  • Who's sensing a nudge from god.
  • 00:23:00.658 --> 00:23:03.461
  • Please say yes to god's call and allow the transformation of your
  • 00:23:03.461 --> 00:23:07.731
  • Heart to begin today.
  • 00:23:07.731 --> 00:23:10.234
  • Now, in closing, i wanna share a note i received from greg
  • 00:23:10.234 --> 00:23:13.137
  • In nevada.
  • 00:23:13.137 --> 00:23:14.505
  • He wrote, "i'm truly going through a difficult time.
  • 00:23:14.505 --> 00:23:17.842
  • I've lost my job and my benefits, and i've been
  • 00:23:17.842 --> 00:23:20.544
  • Overwhelmed by depression and anxiety.
  • 00:23:20.544 --> 00:23:23.714
  • Your pastor's pen message, god sees your struggles—and
  • 00:23:23.714 --> 00:23:27.918
  • He cares, felt like it was sent from god directly to me.
  • 00:23:27.918 --> 00:23:32.389
  • Thank you for caring.
  • 00:23:32.389 --> 00:23:33.891
  • Please pray for me.
  • 00:23:33.891 --> 00:23:35.359
  • The bible says when two or more pray together, miracles
  • 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:39.129
  • Can happen."
  • 00:23:39.129 --> 00:23:40.698
  • Well, friends, greg's story is just a glimpse of what god is
  • 00:23:40.698 --> 00:23:43.968
  • Doing through "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:43.968 --> 00:23:46.136
  • Lives are being touched and transformed every single day.
  • 00:23:46.136 --> 00:23:50.374
  • And it's all made possible because of your prayers and
  • 00:23:50.374 --> 00:23:53.911
  • Faithful support.
  • 00:23:53.911 --> 00:23:55.613
  • Thank you so much for partnering with "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:55.613 --> 00:23:59.016
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:23:59.016 --> 00:24:02.152
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:02.152 --> 00:24:06.390
  • Announcer: we all need god's strength to make it through
  • 00:24:06.390 --> 00:24:08.692
  • The day.
  • 00:24:08.692 --> 00:24:10.060
  • "encouragement for the heart of a disciple" by dr. robert
  • 00:24:10.060 --> 00:24:12.596
  • Jeffress provides the spiritual refreshment you need.
  • 00:24:12.596 --> 00:24:15.766
  • In a large print format, every page bursts with breathtaking
  • 00:24:15.766 --> 00:24:19.770
  • Imagery that draws you toward the beauty of god's creation.
  • 00:24:19.770 --> 00:24:23.507
  • Jeffress: i know how challenging it can be to stay connected with
  • 00:24:23.574 --> 00:24:26.677
  • God in our busy lives.
  • 00:24:26.677 --> 00:24:28.512
  • In my new devotional, i provide personal reflections and
  • 00:24:28.512 --> 00:24:32.016
  • Practical insights that will help you experience god's
  • 00:24:32.016 --> 00:24:35.419
  • Presence and encouragement throughout your day.
  • 00:24:35.419 --> 00:24:38.689
  • Announcer: filled with stunning images of creation, scripture
  • 00:24:38.689 --> 00:24:41.425
  • Verses, and prayers you can read in under two minutes, this
  • 00:24:41.425 --> 00:24:44.795
  • Padded hardcover book is the perfect daily companion to help
  • 00:24:44.795 --> 00:24:48.265
  • Refresh your spirit morning and night.
  • 00:24:48.265 --> 00:24:51.035
  • It also makes a thoughtful gift to encourage a friend or
  • 00:24:51.035 --> 00:24:53.871
  • Loved one.
  • 00:24:53.871 --> 00:24:55.239
  • Request your copy of "encouragement for the heart of
  • 00:24:55.239 --> 00:24:57.508
  • 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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  • With your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll send you the
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  • Encouragement resource set containing the new devotional,
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  • Six clutter-free prayer cards, the clutter-free christianity
  • 00:25:12.122 --> 00:25:15.726
  • Book, and life application guide, and the "7 marks of a
  • 00:25:15.726 --> 00:25:19.163
  • Disciple" message series on both cd and dvd.
  • 00:25:19.163 --> 00:25:22.800
  • Thank you for supporting "pathway to victory."
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  • Your generous partnership helps us impact you and your family
  • 00:25:25.336 --> 00:25:28.839
  • And a nation in deep spiritual need with the transforming truth
  • 00:25:28.839 --> 00:25:32.910
  • Of god's word.
  • 00:25:32.910 --> 00:25:34.278
  • Jeffress: if you're a christian, you have everything you need to
  • 00:25:36.280 --> 00:25:39.850
  • Experience spiritual transformation right now.
  • 00:25:39.850 --> 00:25:43.520
  • And while there's certainly many barriers that stand in our way,
  • 00:25:43.520 --> 00:25:47.191
  • None of them is too big to overcome.
  • 00:25:47.191 --> 00:25:50.861
  • Well, so far we've learned that the essence of discipleship is a
  • 00:25:50.861 --> 00:25:54.565
  • Changed life that comes from a transformed heart.
  • 00:25:54.565 --> 00:25:58.235
  • But why is the transformation of our heart necessary and who's
  • 00:25:58.235 --> 00:26:02.373
  • Responsible for that transformation?
  • 00:26:02.373 --> 00:26:05.009
  • And what does that transformation process really
  • 00:26:05.009 --> 00:26:07.978
  • Look like?
  • 00:26:07.978 --> 00:26:09.313
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:26:09.313 --> 00:26:11.649
  • Series, "7 marks of a disciple."
  • 00:26:11.649 --> 00:26:14.652
  • Jeffress: when you submit, respect, revere the will of god
  • 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:19.757
  • In your life right now, there are some immediate benefits.
  • 00:26:19.757 --> 00:26:23.794
  • What are those benefits?
  • 00:26:23.794 --> 00:26:25.329
  • Think about freedom from worry.
  • 00:26:25.329 --> 00:26:27.631
  • Peace no matter what is happening around you.
  • 00:26:27.631 --> 00:26:30.901
  • Contentment with your financial situation.
  • 00:26:30.901 --> 00:26:33.871
  • Harmony in all of your relationships.
  • 00:26:33.871 --> 00:26:36.306
  • A freedom from bitterness for those who wronged you.
  • 00:26:36.306 --> 00:26:39.076
  • You don't have to wait until you die to experience that.
  • 00:26:39.076 --> 00:26:41.979
  • Right now, those kingdom benefits belong to you.
  • 00:26:41.979 --> 00:26:46.583
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
  • 00:26:46.650 --> 00:26:49.653
  • "heart surgery 101" here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:49.653 --> 00:26:55.059
  • Announcer: witness god's glory on display in america's
  • 00:26:59.196 --> 00:27:02.032
  • Last frontier.
  • 00:27:02.032 --> 00:27:03.400
  • Jeffress: alaska's majestic wilderness showcases our
  • 00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:06.437
  • Creator's handiwork like nowhere else on earth, and you're
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  • Invited to experience it firsthand on the 2026 "pathway
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  • To victory" cruise to alaska.
  • 00:27:14.878 --> 00:27:16.980
  • Announcer: experience the unforgettable adventure
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  • June 13 through 20, 2026.
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  • To book your cabin, call...or go to ptv.org.
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