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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Do People In Heaven Know What Is Happening on Earth?

February 19, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - Do People In Heaven Know What Is Happening on Earth?
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#Victory #Heaven #Earth #TrustGod #Eternity #EternalLife #Faith #RobertJeffress

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Do People In Heaven Know What Is Happening on Earth? | February 19, 2026
  • ...
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  • Male announcer: experience a journey that will refresh your
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  • Through british columbia's beautiful inside passage.
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  • From the pristine waters of glacier bay to the charming
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  • Frontier towns of juneau, ketchikan, and skagway, you'll
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  • Witness god's handiwork on full display.
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  • Announcer: imagine standing on deck surrounded by towering
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  • Glaciers and snowcapped mountains while enjoying
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  • Powerful bible teaching from dr. jeffress.
  • 00:00:33.423 --> 00:00:36.259
  • Then enjoy spirit-lifting worship led by michael o'brien
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  • And share plenty of laughter with dennis swanberg, america's
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  • Minister of encouragement.
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  • Jeffress: this is more than just a vacation.
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  • It's a sacred pause to reconnect with the lord.
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  • Announcer: to reserve your cabin on the 2026 pathway to victory
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  • Cruise to alaska, call ... or visit ptv.org.
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  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:01.251 --> 00:01:03.386
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist
  • 00:01:07.490 --> 00:01:09.125
  • Church of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
  • 00:01:09.125 --> 00:01:12.629
  • With dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:01:12.629 --> 00:01:15.365
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
  • 00:01:15.431 --> 00:01:17.066
  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:01:17.066 --> 00:01:19.335
  • The bible describes heaven as a wonderful place
  • 00:01:19.335 --> 00:01:21.804
  • Where there's no more death, no more pain,
  • 00:01:21.804 --> 00:01:24.908
  • And no more tears.
  • 00:01:24.908 --> 00:01:26.543
  • But how can we be truly happy in heaven when there's still so
  • 00:01:26.543 --> 00:01:30.346
  • Much suffering here on earth?
  • 00:01:30.346 --> 00:01:32.315
  • Won't we feel sadness over the friends and family members whose
  • 00:01:32.315 --> 00:01:36.052
  • Rebellion condemned them to an eternity in hell?
  • 00:01:36.052 --> 00:01:39.389
  • Those are two of the most common questions
  • 00:01:39.389 --> 00:01:41.624
  • That people are asking.
  • 00:01:41.624 --> 00:01:43.326
  • And today, on "pathway to victory," we're going to look at
  • 00:01:43.326 --> 00:01:46.663
  • The bible's very clear answer to the question,
  • 00:01:46.663 --> 00:01:49.999
  • "do people in heaven know what is happening on earth?"
  • 00:01:49.999 --> 00:01:53.536
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:53.536 --> 00:01:58.942
  • Announcer: when loss leaves you searching for hope, turn your
  • 00:01:58.942 --> 00:02:01.411
  • Eyes toward heaven.
  • 00:02:01.411 --> 00:02:02.979
  • In "encouragement from a place called heaven," dr. robert
  • 00:02:02.979 --> 00:02:05.848
  • Jeffress offers comfort drawn from god's promises about
  • 00:02:05.848 --> 00:02:09.085
  • Eternity, not the myths and misconceptions tv and movies
  • 00:02:09.085 --> 00:02:12.488
  • Tell us, but what scripture truly reveals.
  • 00:02:12.488 --> 00:02:14.991
  • Whether you're grieving a loved one, facing illness, or walking
  • 00:02:14.991 --> 00:02:17.894
  • Alongside someone in pain, this beautiful hardcover book
  • 00:02:17.894 --> 00:02:21.231
  • Provides the encouragement you need.
  • 00:02:21.231 --> 00:02:23.166
  • Request "encouragement from a place called heaven" when you
  • 00:02:23.166 --> 00:02:26.169
  • Give a generous gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:02:26.169 --> 00:02:29.205
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:02:29.205 --> 00:02:36.079
  • Jeffress: imagine for a moment that you're dead.
  • 00:02:36.079 --> 00:02:40.950
  • It's kind of a sobering thought, isn't it?
  • 00:02:40.950 --> 00:02:43.620
  • You're dead, you've died in a tragic car accident but, to your
  • 00:02:43.620 --> 00:02:47.390
  • Relief, you awaken in front of the pearly gates.
  • 00:02:47.390 --> 00:02:52.462
  • St. peter is there to greet you.
  • 00:02:52.462 --> 00:02:54.664
  • He has a clipboard.
  • 00:02:54.664 --> 00:02:56.332
  • He looks over the list and, gratefully, your name is on it.
  • 00:02:56.332 --> 00:03:00.970
  • He then hands you a key to your room, he hands you
  • 00:03:00.970 --> 00:03:05.041
  • A white robe, a golden crown, and a ticket.
  • 00:03:05.041 --> 00:03:09.512
  • Now, you understand the white robe and the golden crown,
  • 00:03:09.512 --> 00:03:12.048
  • But you asked peter, "what's this ticket for?"
  • 00:03:12.048 --> 00:03:14.317
  • And he said, "oh, it's for the movie tonight,
  • 00:03:14.317 --> 00:03:17.287
  • You're not gonna wanna miss it.
  • 00:03:17.287 --> 00:03:19.155
  • In fact, it is a double feature.
  • 00:03:19.155 --> 00:03:22.325
  • The first movie is a tragedy.
  • 00:03:22.325 --> 00:03:25.161
  • It stars your friend who was in the car with you who didn't make
  • 00:03:25.161 --> 00:03:29.565
  • It here and is now in hell.
  • 00:03:29.565 --> 00:03:31.768
  • In fact, it's a true horror story, but
  • 00:03:31.768 --> 00:03:35.305
  • The other film is about you.
  • 00:03:35.305 --> 00:03:38.274
  • It co-stars your mate and your children,
  • 00:03:38.274 --> 00:03:40.777
  • Your family members and friends, and the climactic
  • 00:03:40.777 --> 00:03:43.346
  • Scene is your funeral.
  • 00:03:43.346 --> 00:03:45.682
  • I think you're really going to like it,
  • 00:03:45.682 --> 00:03:48.284
  • But you better get here early, it's a sold out crowd,
  • 00:03:48.284 --> 00:03:51.154
  • All of heaven is going to be here to see the film."
  • 00:03:51.154 --> 00:03:54.991
  • Now, i'm pretty sure in heaven there won't be
  • 00:03:54.991 --> 00:03:56.859
  • Any movie theaters or feature length presentations about our
  • 00:03:56.859 --> 00:04:00.963
  • Life, but the question is, can people in heaven really know
  • 00:04:00.963 --> 00:04:06.436
  • What is happening on earth or even in hell itself?
  • 00:04:06.436 --> 00:04:11.541
  • A lot of people wonder about that question, and today we're
  • 00:04:11.541 --> 00:04:15.311
  • Going to answer that question as we continue our series,
  • 00:04:15.311 --> 00:04:19.148
  • "a place called heaven."
  • 00:04:19.148 --> 00:04:20.650
  • Today we're gonna answer the question:
  • 00:04:20.650 --> 00:04:22.618
  • Do people in heaven know what is happening on earth?
  • 00:04:22.618 --> 00:04:26.889
  • And today, i wanna begin by actually answering that question
  • 00:04:26.889 --> 00:04:31.094
  • First and then looking at the scripture.
  • 00:04:31.094 --> 00:04:33.763
  • The answer is absolutely people in heaven do know what is
  • 00:04:33.763 --> 00:04:38.835
  • Happening on earth and underneath the earth.
  • 00:04:38.835 --> 00:04:42.739
  • We can look at four key scripture passages that give us
  • 00:04:42.739 --> 00:04:47.076
  • Some insight on that subject.
  • 00:04:47.076 --> 00:04:49.712
  • First of all, consider hebrews 12, verse 1.
  • 00:04:49.712 --> 00:04:53.516
  • This is a passage that is often used to say people in heaven are
  • 00:04:53.516 --> 00:04:57.387
  • Aware of what's happening on earth.
  • 00:04:57.387 --> 00:04:59.288
  • The writer says, "therefore, since we have so great a cloud
  • 00:04:59.288 --> 00:05:02.525
  • Of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every
  • 00:05:02.525 --> 00:05:06.662
  • Encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us,
  • 00:05:06.662 --> 00:05:10.500
  • And let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
  • 00:05:10.500 --> 00:05:14.537
  • Who are these cloud of witnesses surrounding us?
  • 00:05:14.537 --> 00:05:17.640
  • Remember, there are no chapter divisions in the original text.
  • 00:05:17.640 --> 00:05:20.943
  • This refers back to chapter 11, abraham,
  • 00:05:20.943 --> 00:05:24.347
  • Isaac, jacob, noah, rahab, all of the men and women of faith
  • 00:05:24.347 --> 00:05:30.052
  • Are those cloud of witnesses.
  • 00:05:30.052 --> 00:05:32.422
  • And right now the bible says they are in heaven,
  • 00:05:32.422 --> 00:05:35.658
  • They are surrounding us.
  • 00:05:35.658 --> 00:05:37.260
  • What the writer is simply saying is,
  • 00:05:37.260 --> 00:05:39.195
  • Considering these great men and women and the way they lived
  • 00:05:39.195 --> 00:05:42.131
  • Their lives, we ought to demonstrate the same kind of
  • 00:05:42.131 --> 00:05:45.935
  • Faith in following their example.
  • 00:05:45.935 --> 00:05:49.372
  • However, there are three other passages at least in the bible
  • 00:05:49.372 --> 00:05:52.842
  • That indicate clearly people in heaven do know
  • 00:05:52.842 --> 00:05:56.045
  • What is happening on earth.
  • 00:05:56.045 --> 00:05:58.448
  • For example, consider the story of abraham and the rich man that
  • 00:05:58.448 --> 00:06:02.051
  • Jesus told in luke chapter 16.
  • 00:06:02.051 --> 00:06:04.754
  • We looked at that story a few weeks ago.
  • 00:06:04.754 --> 00:06:07.290
  • Remember, there were two men who lived two very different lives
  • 00:06:07.290 --> 00:06:10.893
  • And they both died, a rich man and a poor man named lazarus.
  • 00:06:10.893 --> 00:06:16.732
  • And the bible says when they both died,
  • 00:06:16.732 --> 00:06:18.968
  • Immediately lazarus went to heaven, to abraham's bosom.
  • 00:06:18.968 --> 00:06:23.806
  • Not because he was poor, there's nothing righteous about being
  • 00:06:23.806 --> 00:06:26.742
  • Poor, but because he had placed his faith in god.
  • 00:06:26.742 --> 00:06:30.613
  • However, the rich man immediately ended up in hades.
  • 00:06:30.613 --> 00:06:35.785
  • And both the rich man and lazarus were conscious
  • 00:06:35.785 --> 00:06:39.522
  • Of what was happening.
  • 00:06:39.522 --> 00:06:40.923
  • This story dispels the belief of the seventh day adventist who
  • 00:06:40.923 --> 00:06:45.394
  • Say that a soul sleeps for a long period of time
  • 00:06:45.394 --> 00:06:48.965
  • When a person dies.
  • 00:06:48.965 --> 00:06:50.299
  • No, immediately the rich man knew he was in hades,
  • 00:06:50.299 --> 00:06:54.103
  • And lazarus knew he was being comforted by abraham.
  • 00:06:54.103 --> 00:06:58.941
  • But what is interesting in this story is that abraham knew of
  • 00:06:58.941 --> 00:07:04.146
  • The suffering of the rich man in hades, and the rich man in hades
  • 00:07:04.146 --> 00:07:09.318
  • Was aware of the comfort that lazarus was
  • 00:07:09.318 --> 00:07:12.321
  • Being offered in heaven.
  • 00:07:12.321 --> 00:07:14.724
  • Of course, even if people in heaven know what's happening in
  • 00:07:14.724 --> 00:07:18.127
  • Hell, does that mean they know what's happening
  • 00:07:18.127 --> 00:07:21.030
  • On the earth as well?
  • 00:07:21.030 --> 00:07:22.832
  • And the answer is yes.
  • 00:07:22.832 --> 00:07:24.333
  • Turn over to revelation chapter 6 and we see here the instance
  • 00:07:24.333 --> 00:07:28.804
  • Of the tribulation martyrs and the judgment on earth.
  • 00:07:28.804 --> 00:07:33.743
  • Now, remember at the rapture of the church, which is the next
  • 00:07:33.743 --> 00:07:37.480
  • Event on god's prophetic timetable.
  • 00:07:37.480 --> 00:07:40.216
  • At the rapture of the church, all christians on the earth will
  • 00:07:40.216 --> 00:07:43.486
  • Be immediately taken to be with the lord.
  • 00:07:43.486 --> 00:07:46.155
  • We will meet the lord in the air, and only unbelievers will
  • 00:07:46.155 --> 00:07:49.392
  • Be left on the earth for the final seven
  • 00:07:49.392 --> 00:07:51.928
  • Years of earth's history.
  • 00:07:51.928 --> 00:07:53.663
  • Yet during that seven year time, some people will be miraculously
  • 00:07:53.663 --> 00:07:58.768
  • Saved, but they will pay a steep price for their salvation.
  • 00:07:58.768 --> 00:08:04.006
  • They will have to give their lives as martyrs.
  • 00:08:04.006 --> 00:08:06.876
  • Right now in the middle east, we see people being slaughtered for
  • 00:08:06.876 --> 00:08:10.580
  • Their faith in christ.
  • 00:08:10.580 --> 00:08:12.081
  • That will be widespread in the world
  • 00:08:12.081 --> 00:08:14.016
  • During the great tribulation.
  • 00:08:14.016 --> 00:08:15.351
  • Now look at what john said he saw in heaven
  • 00:08:15.351 --> 00:08:17.887
  • During the tribulation.
  • 00:08:17.887 --> 00:08:19.221
  • Verse 9, "and when the lamb broke the fifth seal,
  • 00:08:19.221 --> 00:08:23.459
  • I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been
  • 00:08:23.459 --> 00:08:27.530
  • Slain because of the word of god, and because of
  • 00:08:27.530 --> 00:08:30.366
  • The testimony which they had maintained."
  • 00:08:30.366 --> 00:08:33.069
  • Who are these?
  • 00:08:33.069 --> 00:08:34.403
  • These are the people, christians who were slain during the
  • 00:08:34.403 --> 00:08:37.039
  • Tribulation time, john saw them in heaven.
  • 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:40.776
  • Verse 10, "and they cried out with a loud voice,
  • 00:08:40.776 --> 00:08:44.647
  • Saying, 'how long, o lord, holy and true,
  • 00:08:44.647 --> 00:08:48.017
  • Will you refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those
  • 00:08:48.017 --> 00:08:52.989
  • Who dwell on the earth?'"
  • 00:08:52.989 --> 00:08:54.757
  • That is, these tribulation saints could look down at heaven
  • 00:08:54.757 --> 00:08:58.561
  • And see those who had killed them were still running
  • 00:08:58.561 --> 00:09:02.465
  • Unchecked throughout the world.
  • 00:09:02.465 --> 00:09:04.867
  • And they were saying, "god, how long are you going
  • 00:09:04.867 --> 00:09:07.003
  • To allow this to continue?
  • 00:09:07.003 --> 00:09:08.638
  • When are you going to bring judgment against those
  • 00:09:08.638 --> 00:09:11.307
  • Who rebel against you?"
  • 00:09:11.307 --> 00:09:13.009
  • Now, they couldn't say that unless they were aware of what
  • 00:09:13.009 --> 00:09:15.945
  • Was happening on the earth.
  • 00:09:15.945 --> 00:09:17.913
  • You can turn over to revelation chapter 19.
  • 00:09:17.913 --> 00:09:20.483
  • Before the final judgment, god pours out on the earth.
  • 00:09:20.483 --> 00:09:23.786
  • Before the climactic battle of armageddon.
  • 00:09:23.786 --> 00:09:26.589
  • Again, look at what these saints in heaven say.
  • 00:09:26.589 --> 00:09:29.392
  • Verse 1 and 2, "hallelujah!
  • 00:09:29.392 --> 00:09:31.694
  • Salvation and glory and power belong to our god;
  • 00:09:31.694 --> 00:09:34.997
  • Because his judgments are true and righteous;
  • 00:09:34.997 --> 00:09:38.100
  • For he has judged the great harlot babylon,
  • 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:41.704
  • Who was corrupting the earth with her immorality,
  • 00:09:41.704 --> 00:09:44.674
  • And he has avenged the blood of his bond-servants on her."
  • 00:09:44.674 --> 00:09:48.344
  • The tribulation saints are able to see god pouring out his
  • 00:09:48.344 --> 00:09:51.981
  • Judgment on babylon, the world system opposed to god,
  • 00:09:51.981 --> 00:09:56.018
  • Because they were aware in heaven of what
  • 00:09:56.018 --> 00:09:58.254
  • Was happening on the earth.
  • 00:09:58.254 --> 00:10:00.589
  • Now one final example, heaven's saints and the
  • 00:10:00.589 --> 00:10:04.226
  • Salvation of the unsaved.
  • 00:10:04.226 --> 00:10:07.430
  • In luke chapter 15, jesus was talking to the pharisees.
  • 00:10:07.430 --> 00:10:12.368
  • He was saying, "you know, you pharisees,
  • 00:10:12.368 --> 00:10:13.803
  • You've got it all wrong, you hate sinners."
  • 00:10:13.803 --> 00:10:17.006
  • Of course to the pharisees, everybody was
  • 00:10:17.006 --> 00:10:18.741
  • A sinner except themselves.
  • 00:10:18.741 --> 00:10:20.843
  • The pharisees hated sinners.
  • 00:10:20.843 --> 00:10:23.579
  • They did everything they could to keep sinners out of heaven.
  • 00:10:23.579 --> 00:10:28.284
  • But jesus said, god is not like you all.
  • 00:10:28.284 --> 00:10:31.020
  • God doesn't hate sinners, he loves sinners.
  • 00:10:31.020 --> 00:10:33.622
  • In fact, this is what jesus said in luke 15,
  • 00:10:33.622 --> 00:10:35.825
  • Verse 7, "i tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one
  • 00:10:35.825 --> 00:10:40.296
  • Sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons
  • 00:10:40.296 --> 00:10:44.600
  • Who need no repentance."
  • 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:46.368
  • Verse 10, "and in the same way, i tell you,
  • 00:10:46.368 --> 00:10:49.038
  • There is joy in the presence of the angels of god over
  • 00:10:49.038 --> 00:10:53.008
  • One sinner who repents."
  • 00:10:53.008 --> 00:10:56.579
  • Now, i've read this a thousand times,
  • 00:10:56.579 --> 00:10:58.147
  • But i really didn't see it until this week.
  • 00:10:58.147 --> 00:11:00.349
  • Who rejoices in heaven when the unsaved are saved?
  • 00:11:00.349 --> 00:11:03.986
  • Well, we know god rejoices.
  • 00:11:03.986 --> 00:11:05.988
  • I've always heard that the angels rejoice,
  • 00:11:05.988 --> 00:11:08.891
  • But that's not what this verse says.
  • 00:11:08.891 --> 00:11:10.760
  • It doesn't say the angels rejoice.
  • 00:11:10.760 --> 00:11:12.128
  • Maybe they do, maybe they don't.
  • 00:11:12.128 --> 00:11:13.763
  • He says, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of god
  • 00:11:13.763 --> 00:11:18.768
  • When a sinner repents."
  • 00:11:18.768 --> 00:11:20.636
  • Who is it that is rejoicing in the presence of sinners?
  • 00:11:20.636 --> 00:11:23.405
  • It's you and i.
  • 00:11:23.405 --> 00:11:24.740
  • It's the residents of heaven, that is who rejoices when they
  • 00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:28.711
  • See a sinner on earth repent.
  • 00:11:28.711 --> 00:11:31.347
  • Yes, people in heaven are aware of what happens in the earth,
  • 00:11:31.347 --> 00:11:37.186
  • But what about what happens in hell?
  • 00:11:37.186 --> 00:11:41.056
  • Are citizens of heaven aware of the captives in hell?
  • 00:11:41.056 --> 00:11:46.362
  • I mean, if they rejoice in the salvation of the unsaved,
  • 00:11:46.362 --> 00:11:51.767
  • Do they lament over the horrific punishment
  • 00:11:51.767 --> 00:11:55.504
  • That awaits unbelievers?
  • 00:11:55.504 --> 00:11:57.740
  • Is it possible that people in heaven could see
  • 00:11:57.740 --> 00:12:00.609
  • The horrors of hell?
  • 00:12:00.609 --> 00:12:02.645
  • Well, to answer that question, let's first of all remind
  • 00:12:02.645 --> 00:12:05.815
  • Ourselves of why hell exists.
  • 00:12:05.815 --> 00:12:09.251
  • Hell was not a part of god's original creation.
  • 00:12:09.251 --> 00:12:12.755
  • Hell was necessitated by, first of all, the angels who rebelled
  • 00:12:12.755 --> 00:12:17.059
  • Against god and joined lucifer in his revolt, along with men
  • 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:21.197
  • And women who chose to rebel against god.
  • 00:12:21.197 --> 00:12:24.667
  • You know, satan's purpose for the world is both
  • 00:12:24.667 --> 00:12:27.002
  • Sinister and simple.
  • 00:12:27.002 --> 00:12:28.938
  • He's doing everything he can to rebel against
  • 00:12:28.938 --> 00:12:31.140
  • The program and plan of god.
  • 00:12:31.140 --> 00:12:33.509
  • And unfortunately, satan has many accomplices
  • 00:12:33.509 --> 00:12:36.011
  • To help him in that.
  • 00:12:36.011 --> 00:12:37.446
  • The angels originally who chose to follow him in his rebellion
  • 00:12:37.446 --> 00:12:40.616
  • Against god in heaven, but also men and women who choose to
  • 00:12:40.616 --> 00:12:44.620
  • Rebel against their creator.
  • 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:47.389
  • But one day that rebellion will come to an end.
  • 00:12:47.389 --> 00:12:50.259
  • One day god's going to create this world
  • 00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:52.928
  • In its original state.
  • 00:12:52.928 --> 00:12:54.930
  • Sin will no longer be present, the curse
  • 00:12:54.930 --> 00:12:57.366
  • Will be forever removed.
  • 00:12:57.366 --> 00:12:59.235
  • And yet, what does god do with those sinners
  • 00:12:59.235 --> 00:13:02.638
  • Who rebelled against him?
  • 00:13:02.638 --> 00:13:04.406
  • Obviously god has to quarantine those who chose to rebel against
  • 00:13:04.406 --> 00:13:09.311
  • Him from his perfect creation.
  • 00:13:09.311 --> 00:13:11.447
  • Otherwise, the rebellion once again infects his creation.
  • 00:13:11.447 --> 00:13:15.684
  • Hell exists as a place to quarantine those who've chosen
  • 00:13:15.684 --> 00:13:19.955
  • To separate themselves from god.
  • 00:13:19.955 --> 00:13:23.225
  • What is hell like?
  • 00:13:23.225 --> 00:13:25.094
  • One thing i want you to understand about hell is, just
  • 00:13:25.094 --> 00:13:28.130
  • Like heaven, hell is an actual physical location.
  • 00:13:28.130 --> 00:13:31.967
  • Remember we saw that word "topos."
  • 00:13:31.967 --> 00:13:34.336
  • Geographical location is used to describe heaven.
  • 00:13:34.336 --> 00:13:37.907
  • It's not a state of mind, it's an actual location.
  • 00:13:37.907 --> 00:13:41.143
  • The same is true about hell.
  • 00:13:41.143 --> 00:13:43.379
  • Hell has an address.
  • 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:45.814
  • In the story of the rich man and lazarus,
  • 00:13:45.814 --> 00:13:47.950
  • Hell is described as being quote "far away."
  • 00:13:47.950 --> 00:13:50.819
  • Luke 16:23, verse 24, "consisting of flames."
  • 00:13:50.819 --> 00:13:55.157
  • Verse 25, "separated from heaven by a great chasm."
  • 00:13:55.157 --> 00:14:00.229
  • Now let me just talk specifically about
  • 00:14:00.229 --> 00:14:03.032
  • Hell for a moment.
  • 00:14:03.032 --> 00:14:04.533
  • Three horrific descriptions of hell that we find in the bible.
  • 00:14:04.533 --> 00:14:10.072
  • First of all, hell is a place of eternal physical torment.
  • 00:14:10.072 --> 00:14:17.379
  • It is a place not just of spiritual suffering,
  • 00:14:17.379 --> 00:14:20.516
  • But of physical suffering.
  • 00:14:20.516 --> 00:14:22.084
  • Remember in luke 16:24, the rich man cries out,
  • 00:14:22.084 --> 00:14:25.988
  • "father abraham, have mercy on me,
  • 00:14:25.988 --> 00:14:28.924
  • For i am in agony in this flame."
  • 00:14:28.924 --> 00:14:34.163
  • Eventually after the great white throne judgment,
  • 00:14:34.163 --> 00:14:36.732
  • The judgment of the unsaved, all of the residents of hell will be
  • 00:14:36.732 --> 00:14:40.235
  • Cast into the lake of fire, "gehenna."
  • 00:14:40.235 --> 00:14:43.772
  • And it says, "they will be tormented day
  • 00:14:43.772 --> 00:14:47.343
  • And night forever and ever."
  • 00:14:47.343 --> 00:14:50.479
  • There's a word that is translated forever and ever in
  • 00:14:50.479 --> 00:14:53.248
  • Your greek new testament, it is the word,
  • 00:14:53.248 --> 00:14:55.250
  • "aionas" forever and ever.
  • 00:14:55.250 --> 00:14:58.988
  • And interestingly, that word "aionas," is also used to
  • 00:14:58.988 --> 00:15:03.325
  • Describe the eternality of heaven.
  • 00:15:03.325 --> 00:15:06.462
  • The same word that describes the eternality of heaven is used to
  • 00:15:06.462 --> 00:15:11.500
  • Describe the eternality of hell.
  • 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:15.004
  • My predecessor, dr. w.a. criswell,
  • 00:15:15.004 --> 00:15:17.706
  • Made a great point one time when he said
  • 00:15:17.706 --> 00:15:21.410
  • If you diminish by one minute the time unbelievers spend in
  • 00:15:21.410 --> 00:15:26.915
  • Hell, you have to diminish by that same amount the time that
  • 00:15:26.915 --> 00:15:31.387
  • Believers spend in heaven because the same
  • 00:15:31.387 --> 00:15:34.623
  • Word applies to both.
  • 00:15:34.623 --> 00:15:37.693
  • The fact is just as the pleasures of those who love the
  • 00:15:37.693 --> 00:15:43.165
  • Lord and know christ as savior, the pleasures of the saved will
  • 00:15:43.165 --> 00:15:47.903
  • Be unending in heaven, the horrors of hell for unbelievers
  • 00:15:47.903 --> 00:15:52.408
  • Will also be unending.
  • 00:15:52.408 --> 00:15:55.644
  • Secondly, the bible teaches hell as a place
  • 00:15:55.644 --> 00:15:58.647
  • Of indescribable loneliness.
  • 00:15:58.647 --> 00:16:02.684
  • It is a place of complete darkness.
  • 00:16:02.684 --> 00:16:05.921
  • You won't be able to see anything, all you'll be
  • 00:16:05.921 --> 00:16:08.824
  • Able to hear are the screams, the laments of those who are
  • 00:16:08.824 --> 00:16:14.430
  • Still confined to that place of eternal punishment.
  • 00:16:14.430 --> 00:16:18.634
  • It is a place of absolute and indescribable loneliness.
  • 00:16:18.634 --> 00:16:23.238
  • Thirdly, hell is a place of no return.
  • 00:16:23.238 --> 00:16:28.010
  • To me, that's perhaps the worst truth about hell.
  • 00:16:28.010 --> 00:16:32.081
  • No one escapes.
  • 00:16:32.081 --> 00:16:34.383
  • Again, abraham says that in luke 16, verse 26,
  • 00:16:34.383 --> 00:16:38.854
  • He says to the rich man, "those who wish to come from here,"
  • 00:16:38.854 --> 00:16:42.524
  • That is heaven, "to you are not able,
  • 00:16:42.524 --> 00:16:45.594
  • And none may crossover from where you are to us."
  • 00:16:45.594 --> 00:16:50.999
  • What about those who repent?
  • 00:16:50.999 --> 00:16:53.235
  • What about those who believe?
  • 00:16:53.235 --> 00:16:55.204
  • Remember, in hell everybody will become a believer, but it's too
  • 00:16:55.204 --> 00:17:00.943
  • Late, it's too late.
  • 00:17:00.943 --> 00:17:03.479
  • Hell is a place of no return.
  • 00:17:03.479 --> 00:17:07.182
  • Well, that leads to an interesting question.
  • 00:17:07.182 --> 00:17:11.186
  • If in fact we are aware of the suffering of the unsaved in
  • 00:17:11.186 --> 00:17:16.692
  • Hell, how could we ever enjoy heaven?
  • 00:17:16.692 --> 00:17:20.028
  • Have you ever wondered about that?
  • 00:17:20.028 --> 00:17:22.030
  • Or let's put a finer point on it.
  • 00:17:22.030 --> 00:17:24.967
  • How could you ever enjoy heaven if your mate
  • 00:17:24.967 --> 00:17:29.171
  • Or one of your children was in hell
  • 00:17:29.171 --> 00:17:32.908
  • And you knew it and you knew they were tormented and it would
  • 00:17:32.908 --> 00:17:35.878
  • Never, never, never end.
  • 00:17:35.878 --> 00:17:39.781
  • How could that be heaven for anyone?
  • 00:17:39.781 --> 00:17:43.118
  • It's a great question.
  • 00:17:43.118 --> 00:17:44.453
  • Some people have tried to answer that question by saying,
  • 00:17:44.453 --> 00:17:47.089
  • "well, god is going to purge our memories in heaven."
  • 00:17:47.089 --> 00:17:52.127
  • One writer says it this way, "god may erase memories for a
  • 00:17:52.127 --> 00:17:55.731
  • Wayward son from the mind of his mother
  • 00:17:55.731 --> 00:17:58.667
  • So that she might enjoy the full bliss of heaven,
  • 00:17:58.667 --> 00:18:01.770
  • Unaware that she even had the son who is now damned."
  • 00:18:01.770 --> 00:18:06.475
  • People who believe that actually point to a scripture passage,
  • 00:18:06.475 --> 00:18:09.478
  • Isaiah 65:17 that says, "for behold,
  • 00:18:09.478 --> 00:18:13.382
  • I create new heavens and a new earth;
  • 00:18:13.382 --> 00:18:15.951
  • And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind."
  • 00:18:15.951 --> 00:18:22.090
  • And yet when you look at the context of that passage,
  • 00:18:22.090 --> 00:18:24.793
  • When god says the former things will not come to mind,
  • 00:18:24.793 --> 00:18:28.096
  • He's talking about his mind, and the former things he's referring
  • 00:18:28.096 --> 00:18:33.035
  • To, according to this chapter, are the former sins of israel.
  • 00:18:33.035 --> 00:18:38.040
  • In other words, in the new heaven and new earth,
  • 00:18:38.040 --> 00:18:40.709
  • God is not going to remember any longer the sins of his people.
  • 00:18:40.709 --> 00:18:46.281
  • He doesn't hold us accountable for our sin.
  • 00:18:46.281 --> 00:18:48.650
  • Isn't that what we do when we forgive someone?
  • 00:18:48.650 --> 00:18:52.087
  • If you forgive somebody, it doesn't mean you
  • 00:18:52.087 --> 00:18:53.956
  • Forget what they've done.
  • 00:18:53.956 --> 00:18:55.290
  • Forgetting's impossible, that's a biological function.
  • 00:18:55.290 --> 00:18:58.527
  • When you forgive somebody, you make the conscious choice not to
  • 00:18:58.527 --> 00:19:03.098
  • Hold their sin against them any longer.
  • 00:19:03.098 --> 00:19:06.768
  • That's what god means when he says he will remember
  • 00:19:06.768 --> 00:19:09.605
  • The former things no more.
  • 00:19:09.605 --> 00:19:11.106
  • There is nothing in scripture that indicates when we get to
  • 00:19:11.106 --> 00:19:14.243
  • Heaven, god suddenly does a memory wipe.
  • 00:19:14.243 --> 00:19:18.280
  • In fact, everything argues to the contrary.
  • 00:19:18.280 --> 00:19:21.083
  • Our life is a continuum, we will remember the things on earth.
  • 00:19:21.083 --> 00:19:25.187
  • Our relationships will continue in heaven.
  • 00:19:25.187 --> 00:19:28.557
  • Some people have said, "well, the way we handled this problem
  • 00:19:28.557 --> 00:19:32.594
  • Of the suffering in hell is the fact that christians will be
  • 00:19:32.594 --> 00:19:36.298
  • Preoccupied with the joys of heaven.
  • 00:19:36.298 --> 00:19:38.700
  • We'll be so caught up with the joys in heaven that we won't be
  • 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:41.303
  • Aware of what is happening in hell."
  • 00:19:41.303 --> 00:19:45.140
  • Now, some people say, "well, wait a minute pastor,
  • 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:46.842
  • The only reason we're able to enjoy life, in spite of the
  • 00:19:46.842 --> 00:19:51.313
  • Suffering of others, is because we're not like jesus.
  • 00:19:51.313 --> 00:19:54.349
  • But surely when we become like jesus,
  • 00:19:54.349 --> 00:19:58.186
  • We'll weep over those in hell."
  • 00:19:58.186 --> 00:19:59.688
  • I mean, think about jesus.
  • 00:19:59.688 --> 00:20:01.023
  • I mean, he wept over the unsaved in jerusalem.
  • 00:20:01.023 --> 00:20:04.192
  • "jerusalem, jerusalem," he lamented.
  • 00:20:04.192 --> 00:20:06.795
  • That was when jesus was on earth, but all scripture
  • 00:20:06.795 --> 00:20:10.599
  • Indicates jesus is not weeping in heaven right now.
  • 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:14.369
  • He's not experiencing anything except unending joy in heaven.
  • 00:20:14.369 --> 00:20:18.974
  • And the same thing is true of us.
  • 00:20:18.974 --> 00:20:20.742
  • We read from psalm 16 just a few moments ago.
  • 00:20:20.742 --> 00:20:24.046
  • The psalmist talked about what it will be like when we will
  • 00:20:24.046 --> 00:20:26.615
  • Be in the presence of the lord.
  • 00:20:26.615 --> 00:20:27.949
  • Verse 11 says, "god, you will make known to me the path of
  • 00:20:27.949 --> 00:20:31.820
  • Life; in your presence is fullness of joy.
  • 00:20:31.820 --> 00:20:36.525
  • In your right hand, there are pleasures forever."
  • 00:20:36.525 --> 00:20:41.229
  • That's what it's going to be like in god's presence,
  • 00:20:41.229 --> 00:20:43.799
  • Unending pleasure and joy.
  • 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:47.669
  • Thirdly, some people have said, "well, in heaven we will
  • 00:20:47.669 --> 00:20:51.006
  • Understand the plan and the justice of god."
  • 00:20:51.006 --> 00:20:54.476
  • That's how we'll handle the suffering in hell.
  • 00:20:54.476 --> 00:20:57.012
  • For the first time ever, we will completely understand the plan
  • 00:20:57.012 --> 00:21:00.549
  • And the justice of god.
  • 00:21:00.549 --> 00:21:02.351
  • In thornton wilder's book "the eighth day,"
  • 00:21:02.351 --> 00:21:04.820
  • He compares our life to a beautiful tapestry.
  • 00:21:04.820 --> 00:21:09.391
  • You know, if you look on the wrong side of a tapestry,
  • 00:21:09.391 --> 00:21:12.861
  • All you see is a bunch of jumbled
  • 00:21:12.861 --> 00:21:15.697
  • Threads, mismatched colors.
  • 00:21:15.697 --> 00:21:19.334
  • Some are shorter than others, some are knotted together.
  • 00:21:19.334 --> 00:21:22.838
  • Nothing nice about looking at the tapestry on the wrong side,
  • 00:21:22.838 --> 00:21:27.476
  • But when you look on the other side of that tapestry,
  • 00:21:27.476 --> 00:21:30.145
  • It portrays a beautiful picture.
  • 00:21:30.145 --> 00:21:33.348
  • The same thing is true about our life.
  • 00:21:33.348 --> 00:21:34.983
  • Right now, as we look around at the details of our own life,
  • 00:21:34.983 --> 00:21:38.253
  • They seem jumbled, they seem disconnected,
  • 00:21:38.253 --> 00:21:40.689
  • We look at tragedies that seem to make no sense,
  • 00:21:40.689 --> 00:21:44.426
  • And yet one day on the right side of heaven,
  • 00:21:44.426 --> 00:21:47.529
  • When we see our life, we will understand how god caused all
  • 00:21:47.529 --> 00:21:51.566
  • Things to work together for good to those who love him.
  • 00:21:51.566 --> 00:21:55.771
  • And the same will be true when we see god's plan
  • 00:21:55.771 --> 00:21:58.440
  • For the unsaved as well.
  • 00:21:58.440 --> 00:22:00.575
  • We'll understand why those who are in hell deserve
  • 00:22:00.575 --> 00:22:03.812
  • To be in hell.
  • 00:22:03.812 --> 00:22:05.547
  • I came across an interesting scripture this week.
  • 00:22:05.547 --> 00:22:08.316
  • It's 2 thessalonians 1, verses 8 and 10.
  • 00:22:08.316 --> 00:22:12.454
  • Paul claims that "when we see jesus christ at the rapture
  • 00:22:12.454 --> 00:22:16.758
  • Dealing out retribution to those who do not know god,
  • 00:22:16.758 --> 00:22:21.229
  • And to those who do not obey the gospel of our lord jesus," we
  • 00:22:21.229 --> 00:22:26.868
  • Will curse him and say, "jesus, how could you be so unfair?"
  • 00:22:26.868 --> 00:22:31.373
  • That's not what it says.
  • 00:22:31.373 --> 00:22:33.041
  • It says, "when we see jesus dealing out retribution to those
  • 00:22:33.041 --> 00:22:37.546
  • Who've not accepted the gospel," quote, "christ, the judge
  • 00:22:37.546 --> 00:22:41.783
  • Will be marveled at among all who believed."
  • 00:22:41.783 --> 00:22:48.356
  • We won't be second guessing jesus when we see him.
  • 00:22:48.356 --> 00:22:51.993
  • When we see him in all of his glory,
  • 00:22:51.993 --> 00:22:54.396
  • We understand his holiness,
  • 00:22:54.396 --> 00:22:56.364
  • We will understand his retribution against those who
  • 00:22:56.364 --> 00:22:59.835
  • Refuse to accept the gospel.
  • 00:22:59.835 --> 00:23:02.938
  • As horrific as hell will be for unbelievers,
  • 00:23:02.938 --> 00:23:07.542
  • As j.i. packer says, "their hell will
  • 00:23:07.542 --> 00:23:11.746
  • Not veto our joy in heaven."
  • 00:23:11.746 --> 00:23:16.051
  • And let me add to that: nothing that happens on earth or in hell
  • 00:23:16.051 --> 00:23:21.556
  • Will diminish in the slightest degree the unending joy god has
  • 00:23:21.556 --> 00:23:27.162
  • Planned for us in that place called heaven.
  • 00:23:27.162 --> 00:23:32.467
  • Jeffress: my hope and prayer is that today's study in god's
  • 00:23:36.671 --> 00:23:39.174
  • Word has drawn back the curtain on heaven to give you a
  • 00:23:39.174 --> 00:23:42.878
  • Trustworthy glimpse of our eternal home.
  • 00:23:42.878 --> 00:23:45.947
  • God has prepared a place of unending joy for
  • 00:23:45.947 --> 00:23:49.384
  • Those who trust in christ.
  • 00:23:49.384 --> 00:23:51.720
  • Now, in closing, let me share a note i received
  • 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:54.289
  • From dale in tennessee.
  • 00:23:54.289 --> 00:23:56.324
  • Dale wrote, "pastor jeffress, even though i grew up in the
  • 00:23:56.324 --> 00:23:59.394
  • Church, from the time i was a baby all the way through my
  • 00:23:59.394 --> 00:24:02.397
  • Enrollment at a private christian school,
  • 00:24:02.397 --> 00:24:04.966
  • I never accepted jesus as my personal savior.
  • 00:24:04.966 --> 00:24:09.237
  • Well, i finally accepted the lord.
  • 00:24:09.237 --> 00:24:12.073
  • Thank you for all you do at 'pathway to victory,'
  • 00:24:12.073 --> 00:24:14.609
  • To reach people like me."
  • 00:24:14.609 --> 00:24:16.978
  • Dale, that's exactly why "pathway to victory" exists,
  • 00:24:16.978 --> 00:24:20.949
  • And to those of you who support this ministry,
  • 00:24:20.949 --> 00:24:23.618
  • Thank you for helping us reach people like dale who are craving
  • 00:24:23.618 --> 00:24:27.756
  • To hear the truth about jesus christ.
  • 00:24:27.756 --> 00:24:31.026
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:24:31.026 --> 00:24:33.728
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:33.728 --> 00:24:36.331
  • Announcer: whether you're mourning someone you love or
  • 00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:40.135
  • Facing your own difficult season, grief can feel
  • 00:24:40.135 --> 00:24:43.305
  • Overwhelming.
  • 00:24:43.305 --> 00:24:44.639
  • But the bible tells us not to be discouraged, because this life
  • 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:48.076
  • Is not the end.
  • 00:24:48.076 --> 00:24:49.411
  • Dr. robert jeffress wants to help lift your eyes from earth's
  • 00:24:49.411 --> 00:24:52.714
  • Sorrows to heaven's certainty with "encouragement from a place
  • 00:24:52.714 --> 00:24:56.351
  • Called heaven."
  • 00:24:56.351 --> 00:24:57.686
  • This beautifully-designed book combines inspiring scripture,
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  • Stunning photography, and powerful biblical truths you can
  • 00:25:00.755 --> 00:25:04.159
  • Keep close during difficult times.
  • 00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:06.795
  • Jeffress: the greatest hope we have is the promise of heaven.
  • 00:25:06.795 --> 00:25:10.332
  • In this book of encouragement, i wanna remind you what awaits us
  • 00:25:10.332 --> 00:25:13.535
  • After this life is over, not the myths and misconceptions tv and
  • 00:25:13.535 --> 00:25:18.239
  • Movies tell us about, but what god's word has promised.
  • 00:25:18.239 --> 00:25:22.477
  • Announcer: this padded hardcover book makes a thoughtful gift for
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  • Anyone navigating grief, chronic illness, or stressful
  • 00:25:25.013 --> 00:25:28.416
  • Circumstances.
  • 00:25:28.416 --> 00:25:29.985
  • Request your copy of "encouragement from a place
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  • Called heaven" when you give a generous gift to "pathway to
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  • Victory."
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  • And when your gift is $75 or more, we'll also send you dr.
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  • Jeffress's best-selling book "a place called heaven" along with
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  • The complete "a place called heaven" teaching series on both
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  • Jeffress: it's not gonna be very long till we go to that place
  • 00:25:48.470 --> 00:25:50.305
  • Called heaven.
  • 00:25:50.305 --> 00:25:51.640
  • But knowing that our future is secure ought to be a motivation
  • 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:55.877
  • For us to live the most effective lives for god that we
  • 00:25:55.877 --> 00:25:59.581
  • Can right now.
  • 00:25:59.581 --> 00:26:01.082
  • Announcer: your generosity empowers this ministry to pierce
  • 00:26:01.082 --> 00:26:03.918
  • The darkness with the light of god's word.
  • 00:26:03.918 --> 00:26:06.554
  • Jeffress: when you lose someone you love and you're
  • 00:26:09.724 --> 00:26:11.693
  • Certain they've passed on to their eternal home in heaven,
  • 00:26:11.693 --> 00:26:15.030
  • It's natural to be curious about their whereabouts and how
  • 00:26:15.030 --> 00:26:18.500
  • They're spending their time.
  • 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:20.335
  • In addition, most of us want to know whether or not our loved
  • 00:26:20.335 --> 00:26:23.371
  • Ones can watch what we're doing in their absence.
  • 00:26:23.371 --> 00:26:27.342
  • My hope and prayer is that today's study in god's word
  • 00:26:27.342 --> 00:26:30.612
  • Has drawn back the curtain on heaven to give you a trustworthy
  • 00:26:30.612 --> 00:26:34.315
  • Glimpse of your eternal home.
  • 00:26:34.315 --> 00:26:36.885
  • And let me urge you to join us again next time when we answer
  • 00:26:36.885 --> 00:26:40.255
  • This important question: will we know one another in heaven?
  • 00:26:40.255 --> 00:26:45.760
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:26:45.760 --> 00:26:48.329
  • Series, "a place called heaven."
  • 00:26:48.329 --> 00:26:52.100
  • Jeffress: have you ever had the experience of going to a
  • 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:54.869
  • High school or a college reunion?
  • 00:26:54.869 --> 00:26:57.772
  • You look at people, you don't recognize them.
  • 00:26:57.772 --> 00:26:59.774
  • If it wasn't for their name tag, you wouldn't know who they are.
  • 00:26:59.774 --> 00:27:02.644
  • Even worse, they don't recognize you.
  • 00:27:02.644 --> 00:27:05.980
  • And perhaps worse of all, have you ever stood in the mirror and
  • 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:09.284
  • Looked at yourself and wondered, "who is that person?"
  • 00:27:09.284 --> 00:27:12.987
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us
  • 00:27:12.987 --> 00:27:14.723
  • Next time for the message.
  • 00:27:14.723 --> 00:27:16.291
  • "will we know one another in heaven?"
  • 00:27:16.291 --> 00:27:19.194
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:19.194 --> 00:27:19.194