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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Finding Your "One Thing" in Life (Part 1)

January 1, 2025 | S25:E1

Robert Jeffress - Finding Your "One Thing" in Life (Part 1)
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#Faith #TrustGod #Purpose #WalkwithGod #God'sWill #Christianity #Religion #WordofGod #inActive #Dr.RobertJeffress #RobertJeffress #ChristianMusic #ContemporaryChristian #Orchestra #Ephesians4:14-16

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Finding Your "One Thing" in Life (Part 1) | January 1, 2025
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male 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."
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  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress, welcome again
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  • To "pathway to victory."
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  • Starting a new year means more than just a rolling back of the
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  • Calendar to january, it prompts us to take stock of our lives
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  • And to take a hard look at our future.
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  • Perhaps you're wondering whether you're really where god wants
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  • You to be and living out the plan he has for you.
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  • Well, today i'm going to show you how to determine the unique
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  • Role god has given you.
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  • My message is titled "finding your one thing in life," on
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  • Today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • ♪ ooh. ♪
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  • ♪ there is power in the name of jesus ♪
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  • ♪ there is power in the name of jesus ♪
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  • ♪ there is power in the name of jesus ♪
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  • ♪ to break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ there is power in the name of jesus ♪
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  • ♪ to break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ there's an army rising up ♪
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  • ♪ there's an army rising up ♪
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  • ♪ there's an army rising up ♪
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  • ♪ to break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ there's an army rising up ♪
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  • ♪ there's an army rising up ♪
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  • ♪ his name is jesus ♪
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  • ♪ there's an army rising up ♪
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  • ♪ to break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ break every chain break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ to break every chain ♪
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  • ♪ lord hallelujah ♪♪
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  • [congregation applauding]
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  • Announcer: it's okay to have questions about your faith,
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  • But you need answers you can trust.
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  • In his book "how can i know?"
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  • Dr. robert jeffress addresses seven of life's
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  • Most important questions.
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  • If you've ever wondered how you can know the bible is true or
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  • How you can know if you're going to heaven,
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  • This book makes a compelling case for answers you
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  • Can embrace with confidence.
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  • Request your copy of "how can i know?"
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  • When you give a generous gift to support the ministry
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  • Of pathway to victory.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Jeffress: whenever i hear the term "old movies," i think about
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  • Movies from the 1930's, the 1940's.
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  • When my two daughters think of old movies, they think of
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  • Anything before the year 2000.
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  • I can't tell you how many times they complain, "oh, dad, do we
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  • Have to watch one of those old movies?"
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  • You know, something from the 1990's.
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  • Well, the other night, amy and i were watching an old movie
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  • From 1991.
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  • It was the comedy "city slickers," do you all remember
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  • "city slickers" with billy crystal?
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  • If you're not familiar with it, it's the story of these three
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  • Guys from new york who are each going through a midlife crisis,
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  • And so they go to a cattle ranch in new mexico and they
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  • Participate in driving the herd from new mexico to colorado, and
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  • Along the way, they learned some important lessons about life.
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  • And perhaps the iconic scene of the movie is when billy crystal,
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  • One of the three men, is riding his horse next to that old
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  • Leathery cowboy played by jack palance.
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  • And remember the dialogue jack palance says?
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  • Well, actually he growls, he said, "you city folks are all
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  • The same.
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  • You come out here with the same problems at the same age, you
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  • Spend 50 weeks a year getting knots in your rope, and you
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  • Think that a couple of weeks out here will change all of that.
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  • You know what the real secret to life is?"
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  • Billy crystal says, "no, what is it?"
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  • Palance says, "this."
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  • "your index finger?"
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  • Billy crystal says.
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  • "no, one thing, stick to that one thing, and the rest of life
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  • Doesn't mean expletive."
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  • It's sunday morning, so i have to clean it up.
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  • It doesn't mean expletive.
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  • Then billy crystal asked a question, "well, what is that
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  • One thing?"
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  • Palance says, "oh, that's for you to find out."
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  • Kingman brewster was the president of yale university.
  • 00:06:26.375 --> 00:06:31.080
  • He said there is a tremendous satisfaction in losing your own
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  • Identity in something that is much more important than
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  • You are.
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  • Kingman brewster, jack palance were both talking about the same
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  • Thing, the one thing in life is your purpose, finding
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  • Your purpose.
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  • Whenever you find the special reason for which god created
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  • Your life, the rest of things in this world aren't worth whatever
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  • You wanna say there.
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  • The one thing in life.
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  • What do you mean, pastor, your purpose in life?
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  • Well, we know all christians were created by god and were
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  • Saved by god.
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  • God's purpose is that everybody come to know jesus christ as
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  • Savior and be conformed into the image of christ, romans 8:28-30,
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  • That's a general purpose for everyone.
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  • But god also has a specific purpose for your life.
  • 00:07:32.775 --> 00:07:36.712
  • Remember in our series on elijah, i said that god had a
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  • Story he's telling the universe of his love and redemption
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  • Through jesus christ?
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  • But god also has a story he's writing in your life, a specific
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  • Story to tell his story, and that's what i'm talking about
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  • When i talk about discovering your unique purpose in life.
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  • You know, finding that unique purpose is the key to your own
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  • Fulfillment in life, but it's also key to this church, first
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  • Baptist dallas, reaching its potential.
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  • You see, of all the images in the bible to describe the
  • 00:08:12.582 --> 00:08:16.986
  • Church, the most frequently used image is that of the human body.
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  • Christ is the head, we are the parts of the body.
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  • 1 corinthians 12:27 says, "for you are christ's body and
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  • Individually members of it."
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  • Turn over to ephesians 4 verses 14 to 16
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  • And let me show you something.
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  • Paul says, "for we are no longer to be children, tossed here and
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  • There by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine,
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  • By the trickery of men, by craftiness and deceitful
  • 00:08:45.047 --> 00:08:48.150
  • Scheming, but speaking the truth and love, we are to grow up in
  • 00:08:48.150 --> 00:08:53.289
  • All aspects into him who is the head."
  • 00:08:53.289 --> 00:08:56.359
  • There it is, "the head, even christ from whom the whole body,
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  • Being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies,
  • 00:09:01.197 --> 00:09:05.735
  • According to the proper working of each individual part, causes
  • 00:09:05.735 --> 00:09:11.273
  • The growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."
  • 00:09:11.273 --> 00:09:14.944
  • Do you see the image there?
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  • Christ is the head, but you and i are parts of the body
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  • Of christ.
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  • So, today i wanna share with you four important insights about
  • 00:09:21.017 --> 00:09:26.055
  • Discovering your unique purpose, a purpose that's key to your
  • 00:09:26.055 --> 00:09:30.693
  • Fulfillment, but also to the fulfillment of this
  • 00:09:30.693 --> 00:09:33.462
  • Church's purpose.
  • 00:09:33.462 --> 00:09:34.830
  • For some of you this is gonna be brand new material.
  • 00:09:34.830 --> 00:09:37.333
  • For others of you it's going to be a review, but i want us to
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  • All take these four points down and consider them seriously.
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  • Truth number one, god created you for a great purpose.
  • 00:09:45.107 --> 00:09:50.579
  • God created you for a great purpose.
  • 00:09:50.579 --> 00:09:52.615
  • Now, we say that all the time and we assume everybody
  • 00:09:52.615 --> 00:09:55.051
  • Believes that.
  • 00:09:55.051 --> 00:09:56.419
  • News alert, not everybody believes that.
  • 00:09:56.419 --> 00:09:59.588
  • Many non-christians don't believe they're here for any
  • 00:09:59.588 --> 00:10:02.224
  • Purpose specifically.
  • 00:10:02.224 --> 00:10:03.993
  • Many non-christians believe that their existence is due to a
  • 00:10:03.993 --> 00:10:07.096
  • Biological fluke that occurred.
  • 00:10:07.096 --> 00:10:09.965
  • In fact, the late paleontologist steven gould wrote about
  • 00:10:09.965 --> 00:10:13.636
  • Purpose this.
  • 00:10:13.636 --> 00:10:14.970
  • He said, "we exist because one odd group of fish had a peculiar
  • 00:10:14.970 --> 00:10:21.110
  • Fin anatomy that could transform into legs for
  • 00:10:21.110 --> 00:10:24.313
  • Terrestrial creatures.
  • 00:10:24.313 --> 00:10:26.148
  • We exist because the earth never froze entirely during an
  • 00:10:26.148 --> 00:10:30.019
  • Ice age.
  • 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.353
  • Because of a small tenuous species arising in africa a
  • 00:10:31.353 --> 00:10:35.357
  • Quarter of a million years ago has managed so far to survive by
  • 00:10:35.357 --> 00:10:39.729
  • Hook and by crook.
  • 00:10:39.729 --> 00:10:41.330
  • We may long for a higher purpose, but none exists."
  • 00:10:41.330 --> 00:10:48.137
  • There was a survey a few years ago of 8,000 college students in
  • 00:10:48.137 --> 00:10:51.774
  • 48 different colleges by john hopkins university.
  • 00:10:51.774 --> 00:10:55.678
  • And in the survey, they asked the question of what was most
  • 00:10:55.678 --> 00:10:59.348
  • Important to them in life.
  • 00:10:59.348 --> 00:11:01.417
  • Sixteen percent said making a lot of money.
  • 00:11:01.417 --> 00:11:05.788
  • Seventy-five percent said the most important thing in life was
  • 00:11:05.788 --> 00:11:09.992
  • Finding a purpose and meaning to my life.
  • 00:11:09.992 --> 00:11:13.763
  • We all long for that higher purpose, and there is a
  • 00:11:13.763 --> 00:11:16.899
  • Higher purpose.
  • 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:18.300
  • In jeremiah 1 verse 5 god said to the prophet, "before i formed
  • 00:11:18.300 --> 00:11:23.806
  • You in the womb, i knew you.
  • 00:11:23.806 --> 00:11:26.909
  • And before you were born, i consecrated you.
  • 00:11:26.909 --> 00:11:30.446
  • I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."
  • 00:11:30.446 --> 00:11:34.617
  • Notice several things, these words, "before i formed you in
  • 00:11:34.617 --> 00:11:37.887
  • The womb."
  • 00:11:37.887 --> 00:11:39.421
  • Life does not begin at birth, life begins at conception, and
  • 00:11:39.421 --> 00:11:44.326
  • That's when god starts weaving us together in our
  • 00:11:44.326 --> 00:11:47.530
  • Mother's womb.
  • 00:11:47.530 --> 00:11:48.931
  • That's what he says here, i formed you in the womb.
  • 00:11:48.931 --> 00:11:52.434
  • He said but even before then, i knew you.
  • 00:11:52.434 --> 00:11:56.772
  • That word "know," k-n-o-w in hebrew refers to that intimate
  • 00:11:56.772 --> 00:12:02.211
  • Relationship between a husband and a wife.
  • 00:12:02.211 --> 00:12:04.814
  • God said i had a relationship with you before i even began
  • 00:12:04.814 --> 00:12:08.751
  • Forming you, and not only have i formed you and known you, i have
  • 00:12:08.751 --> 00:12:13.622
  • Consecrated you.
  • 00:12:13.622 --> 00:12:14.957
  • That means i have set you apart for a great purpose.
  • 00:12:14.957 --> 00:12:19.395
  • What is true of jeremiah is true for every one of you here
  • 00:12:19.395 --> 00:12:22.298
  • This morning.
  • 00:12:22.298 --> 00:12:23.666
  • God has not only made you, he has set you apart for a great
  • 00:12:23.666 --> 00:12:28.003
  • Eternal purpose.
  • 00:12:28.003 --> 00:12:30.539
  • Now, the question is what is that purpose?
  • 00:12:30.539 --> 00:12:34.443
  • And that leads to truth number two, your purpose is connected
  • 00:12:34.443 --> 00:12:39.548
  • To god's purpose.
  • 00:12:39.548 --> 00:12:42.551
  • You know, so many times i see christians kind of wandering
  • 00:12:42.551 --> 00:12:45.454
  • Around in a fog.
  • 00:12:45.454 --> 00:12:46.789
  • "oh, what is my purpose in life?
  • 00:12:46.789 --> 00:12:49.124
  • Why am i here?
  • 00:12:49.124 --> 00:12:50.492
  • Why do i exist?"
  • 00:12:50.492 --> 00:12:53.329
  • You know, if you will grasp this one simple truth, it will help
  • 00:12:53.329 --> 00:12:57.433
  • Cut through the fog of a lot of perhaps your questions about
  • 00:12:57.433 --> 00:13:00.870
  • Your own life.
  • 00:13:00.870 --> 00:13:02.238
  • Here's the simple truth.
  • 00:13:02.238 --> 00:13:03.606
  • You were created by god, saved by god, selected by god, and
  • 00:13:03.606 --> 00:13:10.446
  • Gifted by god to fulfill his agenda and not yours.
  • 00:13:10.446 --> 00:13:17.920
  • Let me say it again.
  • 00:13:17.920 --> 00:13:19.288
  • You were created by god, saved by god, selected by god, gifted
  • 00:13:19.288 --> 00:13:24.793
  • By god to fulfill his agenda and not yours.
  • 00:13:24.793 --> 00:13:31.066
  • I came across a quote from writer erwin mcmanus that i've
  • 00:13:31.066 --> 00:13:34.670
  • Never forgotten, it says it all well.
  • 00:13:34.670 --> 00:13:37.339
  • He said, "the question is not, god, what is your will for
  • 00:13:37.339 --> 00:13:42.378
  • My life?"
  • 00:13:42.378 --> 00:13:44.680
  • No christian ought to ever asked that question, god, what is your
  • 00:13:44.680 --> 00:13:48.250
  • Will for my life?
  • 00:13:48.250 --> 00:13:49.585
  • Instead, the question should be, god, what is your will and how
  • 00:13:49.585 --> 00:13:54.790
  • Can i give my life to it?
  • 00:13:54.790 --> 00:13:57.593
  • See the difference?
  • 00:13:57.593 --> 00:13:59.361
  • God, what is your will and how can i give my life to it?
  • 00:13:59.361 --> 00:14:03.432
  • Well, how do you know what god's will is?
  • 00:14:03.432 --> 00:14:06.568
  • Well, let me give you some scriptural clues to discovering
  • 00:14:06.568 --> 00:14:09.338
  • What god's will is that we need to connect to.
  • 00:14:09.338 --> 00:14:11.740
  • First timothy 2 verses 3 to 4, "for this is good and acceptable
  • 00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:16.545
  • In the sight of god our savior, who desires for all men to be
  • 00:14:16.545 --> 00:14:21.083
  • Saved and come to a knowledge of the truth."
  • 00:14:21.083 --> 00:14:24.320
  • You know what god's will is?
  • 00:14:24.320 --> 00:14:25.654
  • It's for everyone to come to know jesus christ as savior.
  • 00:14:25.654 --> 00:14:29.525
  • Now, that doesn't mean everybody is going to be saved, but that
  • 00:14:29.525 --> 00:14:32.761
  • Is certainly god's will.
  • 00:14:32.761 --> 00:14:34.229
  • God is not trying to save a few of people as possible, he wants
  • 00:14:34.229 --> 00:14:39.468
  • To save as many people as possible.
  • 00:14:39.468 --> 00:14:42.404
  • You know, some sects need to remember that in christianity.
  • 00:14:42.404 --> 00:14:46.008
  • God is trying to save as many, not as few, as possible.
  • 00:14:46.008 --> 00:14:50.245
  • That is god's will.
  • 00:14:50.245 --> 00:14:51.880
  • In colossians 1 verses 13 to 14, god wants to deliver people out
  • 00:14:51.880 --> 00:14:56.785
  • Of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom, the presence, of
  • 00:14:56.785 --> 00:15:00.622
  • His son.
  • 00:15:00.622 --> 00:15:01.957
  • God is on a search and rescue mission, that is his purpose.
  • 00:15:01.957 --> 00:15:06.729
  • Paul david tripp has written, this is so good, he says, "your
  • 00:15:06.729 --> 00:15:11.133
  • Life is much bigger than a good job, an understanding spouse,
  • 00:15:11.133 --> 00:15:16.438
  • And non-delinquent kids.
  • 00:15:16.438 --> 00:15:18.741
  • It is bigger than beautiful gardens, nice vacations, and
  • 00:15:18.741 --> 00:15:22.644
  • Fashionable clothes.
  • 00:15:22.644 --> 00:15:24.480
  • In reality, you were born and will continue after you die.
  • 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:28.984
  • God is rescuing fallen humanity, transporting them into his
  • 00:15:28.984 --> 00:15:33.756
  • Kingdom, and progressively shaping them into his likeness,
  • 00:15:33.756 --> 00:15:38.494
  • And he wants you to be a part of it."
  • 00:15:38.494 --> 00:15:41.030
  • That's what god's doing.
  • 00:15:41.030 --> 00:15:42.431
  • He's on a rescue mission, rescuing as many people as
  • 00:15:42.431 --> 00:15:46.101
  • Possible from the kingdom of darkness to deliver them into
  • 00:15:46.101 --> 00:15:49.238
  • The presence of his son, and he's asked you and me to join
  • 00:15:49.238 --> 00:15:52.608
  • Him in that search and rescue ministry.
  • 00:15:52.608 --> 00:15:55.477
  • Does that mean god needs our assistance?
  • 00:15:55.477 --> 00:15:59.715
  • No, god doesn't need anything, he's self-sufficient, but in his
  • 00:15:59.715 --> 00:16:04.153
  • Sovereign plan, he has chosen to allow you and us to have the
  • 00:16:04.153 --> 00:16:08.223
  • Joy, the indescribable privilege, of partnering with
  • 00:16:08.223 --> 00:16:12.261
  • Him in his kingdom mission.
  • 00:16:12.261 --> 00:16:15.130
  • And by the way, it's always been that way.
  • 00:16:15.130 --> 00:16:17.366
  • God has always chosen mercifully to allow us to be partners with
  • 00:16:17.366 --> 00:16:22.237
  • Him in work.
  • 00:16:22.237 --> 00:16:24.606
  • Do you do those read through the bible programs?
  • 00:16:24.606 --> 00:16:26.942
  • I started mine again this week, and of course landed back in
  • 00:16:26.942 --> 00:16:29.912
  • Genesis just waiting to get to the begats.
  • 00:16:29.912 --> 00:16:33.348
  • But i was back in genesis.
  • 00:16:33.348 --> 00:16:34.683
  • I remember reading about creation.
  • 00:16:34.683 --> 00:16:37.886
  • Remember, god created the garden of eden absolutely perfect.
  • 00:16:37.886 --> 00:16:41.857
  • He needed no help from adam and eve to do that.
  • 00:16:41.857 --> 00:16:44.760
  • But after he created the perfect garden, remember what he said to
  • 00:16:44.760 --> 00:16:47.596
  • Adam and eve?
  • 00:16:47.596 --> 00:16:48.931
  • He said i've created it, but your job is to cultivate it and
  • 00:16:48.931 --> 00:16:52.668
  • To keep it.
  • 00:16:52.668 --> 00:16:54.036
  • I've done my part, here's your part.
  • 00:16:54.036 --> 00:16:56.305
  • Remember god said to noah, he said, noah, i'm gonna send a
  • 00:16:56.305 --> 00:16:58.974
  • Flood and destroy the world.
  • 00:16:58.974 --> 00:17:00.476
  • I'm gonna save you and a select few, that's what i'm gonna do,
  • 00:17:00.476 --> 00:17:03.712
  • But it's your responsibility to build the ark.
  • 00:17:03.712 --> 00:17:06.748
  • God said to nehemiah, nehemiah, i'm gonna miraculously change
  • 00:17:06.748 --> 00:17:10.819
  • The king's heart and allow your people to go back to israel.
  • 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:14.323
  • That's what i'm doing, but i want you to build a wall around
  • 00:17:14.323 --> 00:17:17.593
  • The city.
  • 00:17:17.593 --> 00:17:18.961
  • And god has said to you and to me, i have sent my son jesus
  • 00:17:18.961 --> 00:17:23.098
  • Christ to offer the greatest gift of all time, the gift
  • 00:17:23.098 --> 00:17:26.034
  • Of salvation.
  • 00:17:26.034 --> 00:17:27.369
  • That's what i'm doing, but i've commissioned you to go and share
  • 00:17:27.369 --> 00:17:30.405
  • That gospel with as many people as possible.
  • 00:17:30.405 --> 00:17:33.809
  • And in case anybody misses what that mission is that we need to
  • 00:17:33.809 --> 00:17:38.680
  • Connect to, listen to jesus's final words to his disciples
  • 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:42.384
  • Before he ascended into heaven.
  • 00:17:42.384 --> 00:17:43.986
  • Matthew 28:19-20, "go therefore and make disciples of all
  • 00:17:43.986 --> 00:17:50.125
  • Nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son, and
  • 00:17:50.125 --> 00:17:54.062
  • The holy spirit, teaching them to observe all that i
  • 00:17:54.062 --> 00:17:57.399
  • Commanded you.
  • 00:17:57.399 --> 00:17:58.767
  • And lo, i am with you always, even to the end of the age."
  • 00:17:58.767 --> 00:18:03.906
  • You know, you read through the new testament and you'll find
  • 00:18:03.906 --> 00:18:06.842
  • One of the metaphors used extensively throughout the new
  • 00:18:06.842 --> 00:18:11.747
  • Testament is that of christians being a soldier, being
  • 00:18:11.747 --> 00:18:16.618
  • A soldier.
  • 00:18:16.618 --> 00:18:17.986
  • For example, 2 timothy 2:4 says, "no soldier in active service
  • 00:18:17.986 --> 00:18:23.091
  • Entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may
  • 00:18:23.091 --> 00:18:27.229
  • Please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."
  • 00:18:27.229 --> 00:18:31.466
  • How many people in the military do you know who
  • 00:18:31.466 --> 00:18:33.902
  • Wake up in the morning and say, gee, i wonder what i ought to
  • 00:18:33.902 --> 00:18:36.705
  • Do today?
  • 00:18:36.705 --> 00:18:39.274
  • I wonder how i can fill my hours today.
  • 00:18:39.274 --> 00:18:42.611
  • I wonder what i would like to do.
  • 00:18:42.611 --> 00:18:45.180
  • Nobody's gonna survive in the military with that kind
  • 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:47.716
  • Of attitude.
  • 00:18:47.716 --> 00:18:49.051
  • The military, people in the military, have one job, and that
  • 00:18:49.051 --> 00:18:51.954
  • Is to obey their commanding officer.
  • 00:18:51.954 --> 00:18:54.556
  • To make his commanding officer's agenda his agenda, and it's the
  • 00:18:54.556 --> 00:18:59.194
  • Same way with us.
  • 00:18:59.194 --> 00:19:01.330
  • You know, in paul's day, a roman soldier had one goal, and that
  • 00:19:01.330 --> 00:19:05.601
  • Was to fulfill the emperor's command, and that is to go and
  • 00:19:05.601 --> 00:19:09.771
  • Expand the territory of the kingdom, to expand the
  • 00:19:09.771 --> 00:19:12.941
  • Roman empire.
  • 00:19:12.941 --> 00:19:14.309
  • And it's the same way with you and me.
  • 00:19:14.309 --> 00:19:15.777
  • We've been enlisted by god to expand the king's empire.
  • 00:19:15.777 --> 00:19:20.749
  • That is the job for which we have been called.
  • 00:19:20.749 --> 00:19:23.552
  • God didn't leave us here in this world to accumulate a lot
  • 00:19:23.552 --> 00:19:26.855
  • Of money.
  • 00:19:26.855 --> 00:19:28.223
  • He didn't leave us here to have a successful career.
  • 00:19:28.223 --> 00:19:30.559
  • He didn't even leave us here to have a happy family life.
  • 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:33.829
  • God left us here to expand the kingdom.
  • 00:19:33.829 --> 00:19:37.933
  • Now, what have we seen?
  • 00:19:37.933 --> 00:19:39.301
  • First of all, god has created you for a unique purpose.
  • 00:19:39.301 --> 00:19:42.404
  • Secondly, your purpose should be connected to god's kingdom
  • 00:19:42.404 --> 00:19:47.075
  • Purpose, and that leads to a third truth.
  • 00:19:47.075 --> 00:19:49.745
  • Now, hang on to your pews here because it's gonna get a little
  • 00:19:49.745 --> 00:19:53.282
  • Bumpy for a moment, but i want you to hear me out.
  • 00:19:53.282 --> 00:19:56.084
  • Your purpose is to be centered within the local church.
  • 00:19:56.084 --> 00:20:04.993
  • Now, that statement is made with two assumptions.
  • 00:20:01.023 --> 00:20:09.731
  • So, assumption number one, every christian is to be involved
  • 00:20:09.731 --> 00:20:15.137
  • In ministry.
  • 00:20:15.137 --> 00:20:16.471
  • Every christian is to be involved in ministry.
  • 00:20:16.471 --> 00:20:18.707
  • Do you know most christians don't understand that?
  • 00:20:18.707 --> 00:20:21.743
  • They think, well, my job is what i do 60 hours a week, but then i
  • 00:20:21.743 --> 00:20:26.715
  • Come to church to kind of relax and soak in some
  • 00:20:26.715 --> 00:20:29.851
  • Spiritual truth.
  • 00:20:29.851 --> 00:20:31.186
  • No, listen to ephesians 4:11-12, "and christ gave some to the
  • 00:20:31.186 --> 00:20:36.658
  • Church as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as
  • 00:20:36.658 --> 00:20:40.329
  • Evangelists, and some as pastor teachers for the equipping of
  • 00:20:40.329 --> 00:20:45.300
  • The saints, for the work of service, to the building up of
  • 00:20:45.300 --> 00:20:49.504
  • The body of christ."
  • 00:20:49.504 --> 00:20:51.173
  • You know what my job is as pastor teacher here?
  • 00:20:51.173 --> 00:20:54.943
  • It's not just to do the work of the ministry, it is to equip you
  • 00:20:54.943 --> 00:21:00.515
  • To do the work of ministry.
  • 00:21:00.515 --> 00:21:03.051
  • That's what that word "equip" means, "katartismon."
  • 00:21:03.051 --> 00:21:05.587
  • It literally refers to the loading up of a ship with
  • 00:21:05.587 --> 00:21:09.291
  • Supplies before it sets out on a long journey.
  • 00:21:09.291 --> 00:21:12.861
  • You know, a lot of people think, you know, the goal of our church
  • 00:21:12.861 --> 00:21:15.731
  • Service is to see how many people can be saved.
  • 00:21:15.731 --> 00:21:18.967
  • That's not the goal of the church service.
  • 00:21:18.967 --> 00:21:21.370
  • You know why i say that?
  • 00:21:21.370 --> 00:21:23.004
  • Lost people very rarely come to church to begin with.
  • 00:21:23.004 --> 00:21:26.508
  • You may have a few sprinkled out there, but lost people by
  • 00:21:26.508 --> 00:21:29.544
  • Definition don't come to church.
  • 00:21:29.544 --> 00:21:31.079
  • I always present the gospel in a service because i know there's
  • 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:34.349
  • Some unbelievers who stumble in for one reason or another, but
  • 00:21:34.349 --> 00:21:38.453
  • The purpose of this church service is to equip you, to give
  • 00:21:38.453 --> 00:21:42.958
  • You the tools that are needed to go out and reach the people at
  • 00:21:42.958 --> 00:21:47.496
  • Your work, the people in your community, with the gospel of
  • 00:21:47.496 --> 00:21:50.866
  • Jesus christ, equipping the saints for the work of service.
  • 00:21:50.866 --> 00:21:53.935
  • You see, god's plan was never for just a few paid
  • 00:21:53.935 --> 00:21:57.072
  • Professionals to do the work of ministry.
  • 00:21:57.072 --> 00:22:00.742
  • We're to be equipping you to do the work of ministry.
  • 00:22:00.742 --> 00:22:04.312
  • You know, i think about the late bud wilkinson, professional
  • 00:22:04.312 --> 00:22:10.218
  • Football player, who after he left the nfl became the chairman
  • 00:22:10.218 --> 00:22:14.623
  • Of the president's council on physical fitness under
  • 00:22:14.623 --> 00:22:18.193
  • Lyndon johnson.
  • 00:22:18.193 --> 00:22:19.661
  • And at a press conference one time, a reporter asked
  • 00:22:19.661 --> 00:22:22.464
  • Wilkinson, "mr. wilkinson,
  • 00:22:22.464 --> 00:22:24.399
  • What contribution has professional football made to
  • 00:22:24.399 --> 00:22:29.104
  • The health of the american people?"
  • 00:22:29.104 --> 00:22:31.940
  • Wilkinson said, "absolutely none."
  • 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:35.911
  • He said, "think about it.
  • 00:22:35.911 --> 00:22:37.279
  • In football, you have 22 men on the field desperately in need of
  • 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:42.384
  • Rest being cheered on by 80,000 spectators in the stands
  • 00:22:42.384 --> 00:22:47.189
  • Desperately in need for exercise."
  • 00:22:47.189 --> 00:22:51.493
  • And you know, that's a picture of the average church.
  • 00:22:51.493 --> 00:22:54.463
  • You've got a few people out there on the playing field, the
  • 00:22:54.463 --> 00:22:57.399
  • Pastor, the staff, a few deacons, but the members are in
  • 00:22:57.399 --> 00:23:02.003
  • The stands.
  • 00:23:02.003 --> 00:23:03.338
  • Now, if the church is doing well, they cheer them on.
  • 00:23:03.338 --> 00:23:06.842
  • Go, pastor, go, staff, go, deacons, but the church starts
  • 00:23:06.842 --> 00:23:13.048
  • To go south, no longer cheers but jeers, boos, hisses, call in
  • 00:23:13.048 --> 00:23:18.620
  • The second string.
  • 00:23:18.620 --> 00:23:20.222
  • Now, that may make for exciting football, but that is a lousy
  • 00:23:20.222 --> 00:23:25.327
  • Way to run a church.
  • 00:23:25.327 --> 00:23:27.963
  • Jeffress: i'm hoping and praying that today's message helps you
  • 00:23:32.167 --> 00:23:35.103
  • Identify god's unique purpose for your life.
  • 00:23:35.103 --> 00:23:38.507
  • He hasn't overlooked you.
  • 00:23:38.507 --> 00:23:40.375
  • In fact, he's preparing you to accomplish great things for him.
  • 00:23:40.375 --> 00:23:44.846
  • Well, lots of our friends have been asking about the outcome of
  • 00:23:44.846 --> 00:23:47.749
  • The light the darkness matching challenge.
  • 00:23:47.749 --> 00:23:50.352
  • Early indicators suggest a successful conclusion,
  • 00:23:50.352 --> 00:23:53.889
  • But our staff is still busy tallying the results,
  • 00:23:53.889 --> 00:23:57.492
  • All to say if you gave generously before the deadline
  • 00:23:57.492 --> 00:24:00.896
  • Yesterday, we are deeply grateful,
  • 00:24:00.896 --> 00:24:03.798
  • And you can expect to receive an email update with the final
  • 00:24:03.798 --> 00:24:07.135
  • Result very soon, but right now i want to draw your attention to
  • 00:24:07.135 --> 00:24:11.172
  • A special group of friends that you may not know
  • 00:24:11.172 --> 00:24:13.975
  • About: our pathway partners.
  • 00:24:13.975 --> 00:24:16.878
  • A pathway partner is someone who elects to give a generous gift
  • 00:24:16.878 --> 00:24:20.715
  • Every month, and this arrangement includes
  • 00:24:20.715 --> 00:24:23.351
  • Exclusive benefits as well.
  • 00:24:23.351 --> 00:24:26.087
  • January is the perfect month to begin this practice of
  • 00:24:26.087 --> 00:24:29.624
  • Generosity, so i hope you'll accept my invitation to join
  • 00:24:29.624 --> 00:24:33.728
  • This powerful and strategic circle of friends today.
  • 00:24:33.728 --> 00:24:38.533
  • Now stay right there, i'll be back with more "pathway to
  • 00:24:38.533 --> 00:24:41.202
  • Victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:41.202 --> 00:24:43.471
  • Announcer: if a friend or one of your children came up to you
  • 00:24:44.673 --> 00:24:47.142
  • And asked, "how do you know christianity
  • 00:24:47.142 --> 00:24:49.344
  • Is the right religion?"
  • 00:24:49.344 --> 00:24:50.912
  • Could you give a clear and credible answer?
  • 00:24:50.912 --> 00:24:53.682
  • We'd like to send you a book from dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:24:53.682 --> 00:24:56.484
  • Containing answers to life's seven most important questions.
  • 00:24:56.484 --> 00:25:00.322
  • It's titled "how can i know?"
  • 00:25:00.322 --> 00:25:02.524
  • Jeffress: if we're honest, every one of us has questions
  • 00:25:02.524 --> 00:25:05.160
  • About our faith, questions like:
  • 00:25:05.160 --> 00:25:07.062
  • How can i know the bible is true?
  • 00:25:07.062 --> 00:25:09.431
  • Or: how can i know god exists?
  • 00:25:09.431 --> 00:25:12.167
  • In my book "how can i know?"
  • 00:25:12.167 --> 00:25:14.069
  • I tackle seven important questions and provide
  • 00:25:14.069 --> 00:25:17.172
  • Biblically-based answers
  • 00:25:17.172 --> 00:25:19.174
  • You can embrace with confidence.
  • 00:25:19.174 --> 00:25:21.343
  • Announcer: seven straightforward answers
  • 00:25:21.343 --> 00:25:22.944
  • To seven pressing questions.
  • 00:25:22.944 --> 00:25:25.046
  • The book "how can i know?"
  • 00:25:25.046 --> 00:25:26.514
  • Is yours today when you give a generous gift to support the
  • 00:25:26.514 --> 00:25:29.784
  • Ministry of pathway to victory, or when you sign up to
  • 00:25:29.784 --> 00:25:33.121
  • Become a pathway partner.
  • 00:25:33.121 --> 00:25:35.290
  • And when your gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:25:35.290 --> 00:25:38.493
  • You'll also receive the complete series on dvd and audio disk
  • 00:25:38.493 --> 00:25:42.897
  • With newly updated content for 2025.
  • 00:25:42.897 --> 00:25:45.900
  • Jeffress: it's not a sin to have doubts.
  • 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:48.637
  • Sometimes doubt is a prerequisite to genuine faith.
  • 00:25:48.637 --> 00:25:53.541
  • Announcer: thank you for investing financially
  • 00:25:53.541 --> 00:25:55.677
  • In pathway to victory.
  • 00:25:55.677 --> 00:25:57.178
  • Your partnership will help our ministry broadcast god's truth
  • 00:25:57.178 --> 00:26:00.749
  • On television, on radio, and online,
  • 00:26:00.749 --> 00:26:03.718
  • Addressing doubts, clearly confusion,
  • 00:26:03.718 --> 00:26:06.287
  • And transforming lives through the bold,
  • 00:26:06.287 --> 00:26:08.790
  • Biblical teaching of god's word.
  • 00:26:08.790 --> 00:26:11.092
  • Jeffress: god longs to see everyone come to know jesus
  • 00:26:14.496 --> 00:26:17.766
  • Christ as savior and be conformed into the
  • 00:26:17.766 --> 00:26:21.002
  • Image of christ.
  • 00:26:21.002 --> 00:26:22.504
  • But while that describes god's general purpose for everyone, he
  • 00:26:22.504 --> 00:26:26.307
  • Also has a specific purpose for you, and that's what i
  • 00:26:26.307 --> 00:26:30.078
  • Want you to discover in this special new year's message.
  • 00:26:30.078 --> 00:26:34.215
  • Today, we began by looking at three truths for discovering
  • 00:26:34.215 --> 00:26:37.485
  • God's plan for your life, and next time i wanna show you why
  • 00:26:37.485 --> 00:26:41.589
  • Living your purpose is key to experiencing fulfillment
  • 00:26:41.589 --> 00:26:45.460
  • In life.
  • 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:46.795
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next on
  • 00:26:46.795 --> 00:26:49.698
  • "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:49.698 --> 00:26:52.500
  • Jeffress: what are you investing your life in, really?
  • 00:26:52.500 --> 00:26:58.273
  • What are you investing it in?
  • 00:26:58.273 --> 00:27:00.742
  • Where are you putting your money?
  • 00:27:00.742 --> 00:27:04.112
  • Where are you spending your time?
  • 00:27:04.112 --> 00:27:08.183
  • Where are you dreaming your dreams?
  • 00:27:08.183 --> 00:27:11.586
  • Are those things invested in that which is temporal, or that
  • 00:27:11.586 --> 00:27:16.624
  • Which is eternal?
  • 00:27:16.624 --> 00:27:18.493
  • Male announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for part two
  • 00:27:18.493 --> 00:27:21.429
  • Of the message, "finding your one thing in life,"
  • 00:27:21.429 --> 00:27:24.999
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:24.999 --> 00:27:24.999