Robert Jeffress - Finding Your "One Thing" In Life (Part 2)

June 30, 2025 | 29:0

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

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Finding Your "One Thing" In Life (Part 2) | June 30, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [narrator] 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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  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome again
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  • To "pathway to victory."
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  • Of all the images that the bible uses
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  • To describe the church,
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  • The most frequently used image is that of the human body.
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  • Christ is the head and we're the parts of his body.
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  • But very few christians truly understand
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  • Where they fit into this intricate system.
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  • Well today, i'm going to show you
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  • Why finding your unique purpose in life
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  • Is not only key to your own fulfillment,
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  • But it's also key to the local church
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  • Reaching its potential.
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  • My message is titled "finding your 'one thing' in life,"
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  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ there is a day coming ♪
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  • ♪ when the old will pass away ♪
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  • ♪ and every wrong will be made right ♪
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  • ♪ no darkness no night ♪
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  • ♪ the son will light the way ♪
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  • ♪ there is a king coming ♪
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  • ♪ the one who conquered death and grave ♪
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  • ♪ no more pain and no more sorrow ♪
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  • ♪ this hope for tomorrow is our hope for today ♪
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  • (people clapping)
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  • ♪ he who was, he who is ♪
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  • ♪ he who was, he who is ♪
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  • ♪ he who is to come ♪
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  • ♪ is christ the son of man ♪
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  • ♪ is riding on the clouds ♪
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  • ♪ with a crown upon his head ♪
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  • ♪ and every eye will see him ♪
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  • ♪ with the nail scars in his hand ♪
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  • ♪ will sing hallelujah ♪
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  • ♪ he who is to come ♪
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  • ♪ is christ the son of man ♪
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  • ♪ is riding on the clouds ♪
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  • ♪ with a crown upon his head ♪
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  • ♪ and every eye will see him ♪
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  • ♪ with the nail scars in his hand ♪
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  • ♪ sing hallelujah ♪
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  • ♪ just hallelujah ♪
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  • ♪ is coming back again ♪
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  • ♪ hallelujah ♪
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  • ♪ yeah hallelujah ♪
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  • (congregation applauding)
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  • -jesus declared,
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  • "you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world."
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  • -(dramatic music) -with so much darkness creeping
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  • Into our schools and communities,
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  • Now is the time to answer that calling.
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  • Become the salt and light the world desperately needs
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  • Through the "pathway to victory"
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  • Salt & light matching challenge.
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  • Your gift today, doubled in ministry impact,
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  • Will empower "pathway to victory" to proclaim the gospel
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  • And stand for biblical truth.
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  • Push back and hold strong against moral decline
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  • By joining the salt & light matching challenge.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • God has always chosen mercifully to allow us
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  • To be partners with him in work.
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  • Do you do those read through the bible programs?
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  • I started mine again this week, and of course,
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  • Landed back in genesis,
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  • Just waiting to get to the begats.
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  • But i was back in genesis.
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  • Remember reading about creation.
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  • Remember, god created the garden of eden absolutely perfect.
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  • He needed no help from adam and eve to do that.
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  • But after he created the perfect garden,
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  • Remember what he said to adam and eve?
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  • He said, "i've created it,
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  • But your job is to cultivate it and to keep it.
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  • I've done my part.
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  • Here's your part."
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  • Or remember god said to noah, he said,
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  • "noah, i'm going to send a flood and destroy the world.
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  • I'm going to save you and a select few.
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  • That's what i'm going to do,
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  • But it's your responsibility to build the ark."
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  • God said to nehemiah,
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  • "nehemiah, i'm going to miraculously change the king's heart
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  • And allow your people to go back to israel.
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  • That's what i'm doing, but i want you to build a wall
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  • Around the city."
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  • And god has said to you and to me,
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  • "i have sent my son, jesus christ,
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  • To offer the greatest gift of all-time,
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  • The gift of salvation.
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  • That's what i'm doing, but i've commissioned you
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  • To go and share that gospel
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  • With as many people as possible."
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  • And in case anybody misses what that mission is
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  • That we need to connect to,
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  • Listen to jesus' final words to his disciples
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  • Before he ascended into heaven.
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  • Matthew 28: 19 and 20,
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  • "go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
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  • Baptizing them in the name of the father, the son,
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  • And the holy spirit,
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  • Teaching them to observe all that i commanded you;
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  • And lo, i am with you always,
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  • Even to the end of the age."
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  • You know, you read through the new testament,
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  • And you'll find one of the metaphors used extensively
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  • Throughout the new testament
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  • Is that of christians being a soldier,
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  • Being a soldier.
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  • For example, 2 timothy 2:4 says,
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  • "no soldier in active service entangles himself
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  • In the affairs of everyday life,
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  • So that he may please the one who enlisted him
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  • As a soldier."
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  • How many people in the military,
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  • Since we're reaching a military audience now,
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  • How many people in the military do you know
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  • Who wake up in the morning and say,
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  • "gee, i wonder what i ought to do today?"
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  • (congregation laughing)
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  • "i wonder how i can fill my hours today.
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  • I wonder what i would like to do."
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  • Nobody's going to survive in the military
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  • With that kind of attitude.
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  • The military, people in the military have one job,
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  • And that is to obey their commanding officer,
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  • To make his commanding officer's agenda his agenda.
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  • And it's the same way with us.
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  • You know, in paul's day,
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  • A roman soldier had one goal, and that was
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  • To fulfill the emperor's command.
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  • And that is to go and expand the territory of the kingdom,
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  • To expand the roman empire.
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  • And it's the same way with you and me.
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  • We've been enlisted by god to expand the king's empire.
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  • That is the job for which we've been called.
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  • God didn't leave us here in this world
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  • To accumulate a lot of money.
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  • He didn't leave us here to have a successful career.
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  • He didn't even leave us here to have a happy family life.
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  • God left us here to expand the kingdom.
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  • Now, what have we seen?
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  • First of all, god has created you for a unique purpose.
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  • Secondly, your purpose should be connected
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  • To god's kingdom purpose.
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  • And that leads to a third truth.
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  • Now, hang onto your pews here,
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  • 'cause it's going to get a little bumpy for a moment,
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  • But i want you to hear me out.
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  • Your purpose is to be centered within the local church.
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  • Now, that statement is made with two assumptions.
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  • Assumption number one: every christian is
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  • To be involved in ministry.
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  • Every christian is to be involved in ministry.
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  • Do you know, most christians don't understand that?
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  • They think, "well, my job is what i do 60 hours a week,
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  • But then i come to church to kind of relax
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  • And soak in some spiritual truth."
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  • No.
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  • Listen to ephesians 4:11-12.
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  • "and christ gave some to the church as apostles,
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  • And some as prophets, and some as evangelists,
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  • And some as pastor teachers,
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  • For the equipping of the saints for the work of service,
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  • To the building up of the body of christ."
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  • You know what my job is as pastor teacher here?
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  • It's not just to do the work of the ministry.
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  • It is to equip you to do the work of ministry.
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  • That's what that word equip means.
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  • (speaking in a foreign language), it literally refers
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  • To the loading up of a ship with supplies
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  • Before it sets out on a long journey.
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  • Now, a lot of people think,
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  • You know, the goal of our church service
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  • Is to see how many people can be saved.
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  • That's not the goal of the church service.
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  • You know why i say that?
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  • Lost people very rarely come to church to begin with.
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  • -(congregation laughing) -you may have a few sprinkled
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  • Out there, but lost people, by definition,
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  • Don't come to church.
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  • I always present the gospel in a service,
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  • 'cause i know there's some unbelievers who stumble in
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  • For one reason or another.
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  • But the purpose of the church service is to equip you,
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  • To give you the tools that are needed to go out
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  • And reach the people at your work,
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  • The people in your community with the gospel
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  • Of jesus christ.
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  • "equipping the saints for the work of service."
  • 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:39.735
  • You see, god's plan was never
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  • For just a few paid professionals
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  • To do the work of ministry.
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  • We're to be equipping you to do the work of ministry.
  • 00:09:46.709 --> 00:09:50.212
  • You know, (laughing) i think about the late bud wilkinson,
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  • Professional football player who, after he left the nfl,
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  • Became the chairman of the president's council
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  • On physical fitness under lyndon johnson.
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  • And at a press conference one time,
  • 00:10:05.561 --> 00:10:07.229
  • A reporter asked wilkinson,
  • 00:10:07.229 --> 00:10:09.131
  • "mr. wilkinson, what contribution
  • 00:10:09.131 --> 00:10:12.601
  • Has professional football made to the health
  • 00:10:12.601 --> 00:10:15.571
  • Of the american people?"
  • 00:10:15.571 --> 00:10:17.473
  • (laughing) wilkinson said, "absolutely none."
  • 00:10:17.473 --> 00:10:21.977
  • He said, "think about it.
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  • In football, you have 22 men on the field
  • 00:10:23.312 --> 00:10:26.649
  • Desperately in need of rest
  • 00:10:26.649 --> 00:10:29.251
  • Being cheered on by 80,000 spectators in the stands
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  • Desperately in need for exercise."
  • 00:10:33.022 --> 00:10:36.092
  • (congregation laughing)
  • 00:10:36.092 --> 00:10:37.526
  • And you know that's the picture of the average church.
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  • You've got a few people out there on the playing field,
  • 00:10:40.296 --> 00:10:43.165
  • The pastor, the staff, a few deacons.
  • 00:10:43.165 --> 00:10:46.902
  • But the members are in the stands.
  • 00:10:46.902 --> 00:10:49.205
  • Now, if the church is doing well,
  • 00:10:49.205 --> 00:10:51.607
  • (laughing) they cheer them on, "go, pastor.
  • 00:10:51.607 --> 00:10:54.276
  • Go, staff.
  • 00:10:54.276 --> 00:10:55.611
  • Go, deacons."
  • 00:10:55.611 --> 00:10:58.013
  • But if the church starts to go south,
  • 00:10:58.013 --> 00:11:00.516
  • No longer cheers, but jeers, boos, hisses,
  • 00:11:00.516 --> 00:11:03.886
  • "call in the second string."
  • 00:11:03.886 --> 00:11:06.122
  • Now, that may make for exciting football,
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  • But that is a lousy way to run a church.
  • 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:12.995
  • God never meant for just a few people to be on the field
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  • Playing the game.
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  • God's purpose is to equip all of us, you, the saints,
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  • For the work of service to the building up
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  • Of the body of christ.
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  • That's why i say every christian is to be involved
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  • In ministry, and secondly,
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  • Our ministry is to be centered in the local church.
  • 00:11:30.713 --> 00:11:35.951
  • You know, people have a funny idea
  • 00:11:36.719 --> 00:11:37.820
  • About the local church today.
  • 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:39.488
  • They kind of think of it
  • 00:11:39.488 --> 00:11:40.723
  • As a second-class christian organization,
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  • A necessary evil.
  • 00:11:42.992 --> 00:11:44.393
  • "oh yeah, i guess we ought to support the church.
  • 00:11:44.393 --> 00:11:46.562
  • But there's this group over here
  • 00:11:46.562 --> 00:11:47.930
  • That's doing such an exciting work for god,
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  • And this group over here that's doing this great.
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  • This is where the action is, but you know,
  • 00:11:52.067 --> 00:11:53.869
  • I'll give a little pittance of my time and money
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  • To the church, but this is where the excitement is."
  • 00:11:55.905 --> 00:11:59.008
  • No.
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  • The bible says the church is the one organization
  • 00:12:00.476 --> 00:12:04.180
  • That god himself created
  • 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:06.982
  • To fulfill his great commission.
  • 00:12:06.982 --> 00:12:09.618
  • You know, there are many fine christian organizations
  • 00:12:09.618 --> 00:12:12.588
  • Outside of the church,
  • 00:12:12.588 --> 00:12:14.323
  • But they all have one thing in common.
  • 00:12:14.323 --> 00:12:16.625
  • They were all created by a man or woman,
  • 00:12:16.625 --> 00:12:19.562
  • And they all will end one day.
  • 00:12:19.562 --> 00:12:22.331
  • Only the church of jesus christ was actually created by god.
  • 00:12:22.331 --> 00:12:27.703
  • In fact, in ephesians 3:21,
  • 00:12:28.304 --> 00:12:30.439
  • Paul says, "to him, god, be the glory in the church
  • 00:12:30.439 --> 00:12:34.577
  • And in christ jesus to all generations forever and ever."
  • 00:12:34.577 --> 00:12:39.248
  • It was god who thought up the idea of the church.
  • 00:12:39.248 --> 00:12:41.784
  • It was god who thought up the idea of a pastor and deacons.
  • 00:12:41.784 --> 00:12:44.486
  • It was god that gave to the church the commission
  • 00:12:44.486 --> 00:12:47.323
  • To go into all the world and preach the gospel.
  • 00:12:47.323 --> 00:12:49.525
  • In fact, when you read the new testament,
  • 00:12:49.525 --> 00:12:51.460
  • You can't find one person in one ministry
  • 00:12:51.460 --> 00:12:54.129
  • Or one missionary who was not under the authority
  • 00:12:54.129 --> 00:12:57.399
  • Of a local church.
  • 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:59.368
  • God's plan to fulfill his mission
  • 00:12:59.368 --> 00:13:02.271
  • Is through the local church.
  • 00:13:02.271 --> 00:13:05.474
  • That's why our church ought to receive the bulk of our giving,
  • 00:13:05.474 --> 00:13:09.111
  • But it also ought to receive the bulk
  • 00:13:09.111 --> 00:13:11.680
  • Of our time in ministry.
  • 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:14.383
  • God's purpose is to be lived out in the local church.
  • 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:19.355
  • You say, "well, then, how do i find my ministry
  • 00:13:19.355 --> 00:13:21.590
  • In the local church?
  • 00:13:21.590 --> 00:13:22.892
  • How do i know what my ministry should be?"
  • 00:13:22.892 --> 00:13:25.327
  • Let me share with you this simple formula
  • 00:13:25.327 --> 00:13:27.529
  • That i think will help you find the unique place
  • 00:13:27.529 --> 00:13:30.466
  • Of ministry god has for you through his church.
  • 00:13:30.466 --> 00:13:34.670
  • Simple equation: my gifts plus my passion
  • 00:13:34.670 --> 00:13:39.375
  • Plus the church's need equals my ministry.
  • 00:13:39.375 --> 00:13:44.613
  • My gifts plus my passion
  • 00:13:45.114 --> 00:13:47.483
  • Plus the church's need equal my ministry.
  • 00:13:47.483 --> 00:13:51.086
  • Let's break that down.
  • 00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:51.987
  • First of all, your gifts.
  • 00:13:51.987 --> 00:13:54.256
  • What do i mean by your gifts?
  • 00:13:54.256 --> 00:13:57.459
  • You know, when you were saved,
  • 00:13:57.459 --> 00:13:59.795
  • You not only received the gift of forgiveness,
  • 00:13:59.795 --> 00:14:02.298
  • The bible says god gave you a unique spiritual gift,
  • 00:14:02.298 --> 00:14:07.636
  • A divine empowerment to be used to spread his message
  • 00:14:08.704 --> 00:14:12.074
  • To other people.
  • 00:14:12.074 --> 00:14:13.375
  • In fact, in romans 12, the bible lists
  • 00:14:13.375 --> 00:14:16.912
  • The seven gifts and says
  • 00:14:16.912 --> 00:14:18.781
  • That we have one of those motivational gifts
  • 00:14:18.781 --> 00:14:22.584
  • That is our basic motivation
  • 00:14:22.584 --> 00:14:24.286
  • To want to share christ's message with others.
  • 00:14:24.286 --> 00:14:27.389
  • In fact, look at romans 12:6-8.
  • 00:14:27.389 --> 00:14:29.725
  • "since we have gifts that differ according
  • 00:14:29.725 --> 00:14:32.161
  • To the grace given to us,
  • 00:14:32.161 --> 00:14:33.729
  • Let each exercise them accordingly."
  • 00:14:33.729 --> 00:14:36.231
  • If your gift is prophecy, that's the first one,
  • 00:14:36.231 --> 00:14:38.834
  • "according to the proportion of his faith;
  • 00:14:38.834 --> 00:14:41.036
  • If service," that's the second one,
  • 00:14:41.036 --> 00:14:43.072
  • "in his serving," if in teaching,
  • 00:14:43.072 --> 00:14:45.407
  • According to his teaching, that's number three,
  • 00:14:45.407 --> 00:14:47.910
  • "he who exhorts, in his exhortation," that's number four,
  • 00:14:47.910 --> 00:14:51.747
  • "he who gives, with liberality," that's number five,
  • 00:14:51.747 --> 00:14:55.017
  • "he who leads," leadership, that's number six,
  • 00:14:55.017 --> 00:14:58.187
  • "with diligence; and he who shows mercy,"
  • 00:14:58.187 --> 00:15:00.689
  • That's the final gift, "with cheerfulness."
  • 00:15:00.689 --> 00:15:03.559
  • In the past, i have preached a three-part series
  • 00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:06.295
  • On discovering your spiritual gift
  • 00:15:06.295 --> 00:15:08.564
  • Where i explain this in-depth.
  • 00:15:08.564 --> 00:15:09.999
  • So first of all, your place in ministry begins
  • 00:15:09.999 --> 00:15:12.701
  • With your gifts.
  • 00:15:12.701 --> 00:15:13.502
  • Secondly, your passion.
  • 00:15:13.502 --> 00:15:15.604
  • My gifts plus my passion.
  • 00:15:15.604 --> 00:15:19.375
  • You know, this is one of the greatest discoveries
  • 00:15:19.375 --> 00:15:21.343
  • I ever made about finding god's will.
  • 00:15:21.343 --> 00:15:23.946
  • One of the best ways to know what god wants you to do
  • 00:15:23.946 --> 00:15:27.249
  • Is ask yourself, "what do i want to do?"
  • 00:15:27.249 --> 00:15:30.452
  • The fact is, one of the ways god leads us
  • 00:15:31.353 --> 00:15:33.489
  • Is through the desires he places in our hearts.
  • 00:15:33.489 --> 00:15:37.593
  • And it's true in ministry as well.
  • 00:15:37.593 --> 00:15:40.262
  • You know, you may see that there's a need
  • 00:15:40.262 --> 00:15:42.064
  • For workers in the seventh grade,
  • 00:15:42.064 --> 00:15:44.967
  • And that may be a legitimate need.
  • 00:15:44.967 --> 00:15:47.469
  • And you may say to yourself,
  • 00:15:47.469 --> 00:15:48.871
  • "well, you know, i'd rather have my left arm cut off
  • 00:15:48.871 --> 00:15:51.206
  • Than go worth for seventh graders.
  • 00:15:51.206 --> 00:15:53.142
  • -(congregation laughing) -but if the church needs that,
  • 00:15:53.142 --> 00:15:54.643
  • I guess that's what i'll do."
  • 00:15:54.643 --> 00:15:57.112
  • (laughing) let me encourage you, you know,
  • 00:15:57.112 --> 00:16:01.450
  • (laughing) be kind to yourself.
  • 00:16:01.450 --> 00:16:03.986
  • Be kind to those seventh graders
  • 00:16:03.986 --> 00:16:05.621
  • And don't go teach there, please.
  • 00:16:05.621 --> 00:16:07.856
  • -(congregation laughing) -if you don't want to be there,
  • 00:16:07.856 --> 00:16:09.525
  • They'll be the first to know it.
  • 00:16:09.525 --> 00:16:10.993
  • And you'll be the first to know it.
  • 00:16:10.993 --> 00:16:12.294
  • No, if god is calling you to do something,
  • 00:16:12.294 --> 00:16:15.097
  • He's going to give you a passion for it.
  • 00:16:15.097 --> 00:16:17.299
  • You know why these wonderful men and women sing in the choir
  • 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:20.736
  • And play in our orchestra,
  • 00:16:20.736 --> 00:16:21.904
  • Devote countless hours to doing it?
  • 00:16:21.904 --> 00:16:24.473
  • It's not because they feel like martyrs
  • 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:26.642
  • And they have to do it.
  • 00:16:26.642 --> 00:16:27.876
  • They love doing it.
  • 00:16:27.876 --> 00:16:30.279
  • They get fulfilled by doing it.
  • 00:16:30.913 --> 00:16:33.382
  • (laughing) and that's the way it ought to be.
  • 00:16:33.382 --> 00:16:35.717
  • You know why missionaries leave here
  • 00:16:35.717 --> 00:16:38.220
  • And go serve in a third-world country?
  • 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:41.457
  • It's not because they're miserable doing it
  • 00:16:41.457 --> 00:16:43.792
  • Or they want to be martyrs.
  • 00:16:43.792 --> 00:16:45.327
  • It's because they love doing that.
  • 00:16:45.327 --> 00:16:48.497
  • They wouldn't be happy anywhere else
  • 00:16:48.497 --> 00:16:50.232
  • And doing anything else.
  • 00:16:50.232 --> 00:16:52.301
  • There's nothing wrong with that.
  • 00:16:52.301 --> 00:16:53.569
  • God leads us through the desires
  • 00:16:53.569 --> 00:16:55.637
  • That he places in our heart.
  • 00:16:55.637 --> 00:16:56.939
  • "pastor, where do you get that in the bible?"
  • 00:16:56.939 --> 00:16:58.640
  • Philippians 2:13, paul says,
  • 00:16:58.640 --> 00:17:00.976
  • "for it is god who is at work in you,
  • 00:17:00.976 --> 00:17:04.113
  • Both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
  • 00:17:04.113 --> 00:17:07.049
  • One paraphrase says, "for it is god who is working in you,
  • 00:17:07.049 --> 00:17:09.985
  • Giving you both the desire and the power to do his work."
  • 00:17:09.985 --> 00:17:15.257
  • Ask yourself the question,
  • 00:17:15.824 --> 00:17:17.359
  • "if i could do any one thing in the church,
  • 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:21.230
  • I would," and fill in the blank.
  • 00:17:21.230 --> 00:17:23.332
  • 'cause you look around here.
  • 00:17:23.332 --> 00:17:24.833
  • Just ask yourself, if you could do any one thing
  • 00:17:24.833 --> 00:17:27.102
  • In the church, what would you do?
  • 00:17:27.102 --> 00:17:29.705
  • Your gifts plus your passions,
  • 00:17:29.705 --> 00:17:32.107
  • Thirdly, plus the church's need.
  • 00:17:32.107 --> 00:17:34.643
  • Yes, you ought to look at where the needs are in the church
  • 00:17:34.643 --> 00:17:37.913
  • To see where your gifts and passion meet a need.
  • 00:17:37.913 --> 00:17:41.583
  • Now, we've seen that every christian has a purpose.
  • 00:17:41.583 --> 00:17:45.220
  • Our purpose is connected to god's purpose.
  • 00:17:45.220 --> 00:17:47.789
  • Our purpose is to be centered in the local church.
  • 00:17:47.789 --> 00:17:50.993
  • Finally, living your purpose is the key
  • 00:17:50.993 --> 00:17:55.063
  • To fulfillment in life.
  • 00:17:55.063 --> 00:17:57.432
  • Living your purpose is the key to fulfillment in life.
  • 00:17:57.432 --> 00:18:00.135
  • It's the key to present enjoyment in your life.
  • 00:18:00.135 --> 00:18:04.006
  • Psychologist carl jung,
  • 00:18:04.006 --> 00:18:05.841
  • In his book "modern man in search of a soul" wrote,
  • 00:18:05.841 --> 00:18:08.911
  • "about 1/3 of my cases are suffering
  • 00:18:08.911 --> 00:18:11.947
  • From no clinically definable neurosis,
  • 00:18:11.947 --> 00:18:15.517
  • But from the senselessness and emptiness of their lives.
  • 00:18:15.517 --> 00:18:20.022
  • This can be described as the general neurosis of our time."
  • 00:18:20.022 --> 00:18:25.460
  • Even though jung wrote those words more than 100 years ago,
  • 00:18:26.628 --> 00:18:30.299
  • They're just as true today as they were then,
  • 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:32.534
  • That sense of purposelessness and meaninglessness.
  • 00:18:32.534 --> 00:18:37.539
  • I mean, think about it.
  • 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.840
  • People are searching everywhere for meaning
  • 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:40.676
  • And purpose in life.
  • 00:18:40.676 --> 00:18:41.843
  • Some people try their jobs.
  • 00:18:41.843 --> 00:18:43.845
  • They spend 60% of their waking hours at their job,
  • 00:18:43.845 --> 00:18:47.182
  • And yet, they're not happy and fulfilled there.
  • 00:18:47.182 --> 00:18:50.586
  • If you don't believe that, listen to these statistics.
  • 00:18:50.586 --> 00:18:52.888
  • 1/3 of americans say, "i hate my job."
  • 00:18:52.888 --> 00:18:56.825
  • 2/3 of workers say that they have chosen the wrong career.
  • 00:18:56.825 --> 00:19:01.330
  • Most suicides occur on sunday nights.
  • 00:19:01.330 --> 00:19:05.167
  • Most heart attacks occur on monday mornings.
  • 00:19:05.167 --> 00:19:09.137
  • Not finding fulfillment in their work, people think,
  • 00:19:09.137 --> 00:19:11.106
  • "well, i'll try pleasure.
  • 00:19:11.106 --> 00:19:13.242
  • I'll try addictions.
  • 00:19:13.242 --> 00:19:15.177
  • Or maybe i'll try accumulating money
  • 00:19:15.177 --> 00:19:17.613
  • And having a luxurious life," but that's empty as well.
  • 00:19:17.613 --> 00:19:21.250
  • Solomon, the richest man who ever lived,
  • 00:19:21.250 --> 00:19:24.119
  • Tried every pleasure under the sun,
  • 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:26.521
  • And he came away saying in ecclesiastes 2:10 and 11,
  • 00:19:26.521 --> 00:19:29.658
  • "all was vanity and striving after wind
  • 00:19:29.658 --> 00:19:33.095
  • And there is no profit under the sun."
  • 00:19:33.095 --> 00:19:36.632
  • Why is that people keep searching for some new pleasure,
  • 00:19:37.699 --> 00:19:41.536
  • Some new achievement,
  • 00:19:41.536 --> 00:19:44.172
  • A new mate, but they never find that satisfaction?
  • 00:19:44.172 --> 00:19:49.444
  • Here's the simple reason.
  • 00:19:50.012 --> 00:19:52.080
  • Eternal beings can only be filled with the eternal.
  • 00:19:53.081 --> 00:19:59.054
  • Eternal beings can only be satisfied
  • 00:19:59.855 --> 00:20:02.557
  • By that which is eternal.
  • 00:20:02.557 --> 00:20:04.893
  • Think about it, you couldn't fill the pacific ocean
  • 00:20:04.893 --> 00:20:07.929
  • With a bucket of water, can you?
  • 00:20:07.929 --> 00:20:10.165
  • It takes more than that.
  • 00:20:10.165 --> 00:20:12.134
  • And it's the same with us.
  • 00:20:12.134 --> 00:20:14.636
  • Solomon said, "god has placed eternity in our hearts."
  • 00:20:14.636 --> 00:20:19.007
  • Whether you're a christian or non-christian,
  • 00:20:19.007 --> 00:20:20.842
  • You have a sense of eternal, the eternal.
  • 00:20:20.842 --> 00:20:23.945
  • And only that which is eternal can fill that eternal void.
  • 00:20:23.945 --> 00:20:29.284
  • That means we need an eternal companion,
  • 00:20:30.152 --> 00:20:32.254
  • One who transcends this life.
  • 00:20:32.254 --> 00:20:35.057
  • And secondly, we need an eternal purpose
  • 00:20:35.057 --> 00:20:37.993
  • To give our lives to.
  • 00:20:37.993 --> 00:20:40.195
  • Living out our purpose is the key to fulfillment
  • 00:20:41.163 --> 00:20:44.266
  • In this present life, but secondly,
  • 00:20:44.266 --> 00:20:46.668
  • It's also the key to future reward.
  • 00:20:46.668 --> 00:20:50.405
  • 2 corinthians 5:9-10, "therefore," paul said,
  • 00:20:50.405 --> 00:20:54.142
  • "we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent,
  • 00:20:54.142 --> 00:20:57.379
  • To be pleasing to god."
  • 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:58.814
  • Why?
  • 00:20:58.814 --> 00:21:00.382
  • "for we must all appear before the judgment seat of christ,
  • 00:21:00.382 --> 00:21:03.685
  • So that each one of us may be recompensed,"
  • 00:21:03.685 --> 00:21:06.154
  • Rewarded for what we've done in the body,
  • 00:21:06.154 --> 00:21:08.690
  • "according to what he has done,
  • 00:21:08.690 --> 00:21:12.828
  • Whether it is good or worthless."
  • 00:21:12.828 --> 00:21:16.898
  • We're all going to stand
  • 00:21:16.898 --> 00:21:18.133
  • Before that judgment seat of christ,
  • 00:21:18.133 --> 00:21:20.268
  • And we're going to be evaluated on whether we invested
  • 00:21:20.268 --> 00:21:23.071
  • Our life in fulfilling god's purpose or our own.
  • 00:21:23.071 --> 00:21:27.409
  • I love the way randy alcorn has put it.
  • 00:21:28.243 --> 00:21:31.079
  • He says, "because this life is so brief,
  • 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:34.583
  • We might easily conclude it's also inconsequential.
  • 00:21:34.583 --> 00:21:39.221
  • Our brief stay here may, indeed, seem unimportant,
  • 00:21:39.221 --> 00:21:43.592
  • But nothing could be further from the truth.
  • 00:21:43.592 --> 00:21:46.261
  • For the bible tells us that while men may not remember
  • 00:21:46.261 --> 00:21:49.598
  • Or care what our lives have been,
  • 00:21:49.598 --> 00:21:52.100
  • God remembers perfectly and cares very much,
  • 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:56.705
  • So much that the door of eternity swings
  • 00:21:56.705 --> 00:22:00.742
  • On the hinges of our present life on earth.
  • 00:22:00.742 --> 00:22:04.413
  • Eternity will hold for us
  • 00:22:04.413 --> 00:22:07.682
  • What this life has invested in it."
  • 00:22:07.682 --> 00:22:12.788
  • Let me ask you this morning,
  • 00:22:13.388 --> 00:22:15.323
  • What are you investing your life in?
  • 00:22:16.124 --> 00:22:19.728
  • Really, what are you investing it in?
  • 00:22:20.495 --> 00:22:23.665
  • Where are you putting your money?
  • 00:22:24.433 --> 00:22:27.102
  • Where are you spending your time?
  • 00:22:27.869 --> 00:22:30.972
  • Where are you dreaming your dreams?
  • 00:22:31.773 --> 00:22:34.109
  • Are those things invested in that which is temporal
  • 00:22:35.177 --> 00:22:39.714
  • Or that which is eternal?
  • 00:22:39.714 --> 00:22:41.483
  • Is your life about fulfilling your dreams or god's dreams?
  • 00:22:42.651 --> 00:22:47.856
  • Is your life self-focused or god-focused?
  • 00:22:48.723 --> 00:22:53.995
  • It's one or the other.
  • 00:22:54.496 --> 00:22:56.665
  • It can't be both.
  • 00:22:56.665 --> 00:23:00.402
  • On the wall in my study,
  • 00:23:00.902 --> 00:23:02.804
  • -for many years, -(bright music)
  • 00:23:02.804 --> 00:23:05.874
  • Was a little plaque, ben, your grandparents gave me
  • 00:23:05.874 --> 00:23:09.077
  • When i went to my first church.
  • 00:23:09.077 --> 00:23:11.179
  • And i looked at it every day.
  • 00:23:11.179 --> 00:23:13.515
  • "only one life will soon be past.
  • 00:23:14.249 --> 00:23:18.520
  • Only what's done for christ will last."
  • 00:23:18.520 --> 00:23:22.791
  • That's the secret to fulfillment in life.
  • 00:23:23.658 --> 00:23:27.662
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:23:27.662 --> 00:23:31.933
  • -god doesn't want
  • 00:23:32.367 --> 00:23:33.668
  • Your purpose to remain a mystery,
  • 00:23:33.668 --> 00:23:36.238
  • And i truly hope today's message helps you determine
  • 00:23:36.238 --> 00:23:39.007
  • God's calling for your life.
  • 00:23:39.007 --> 00:23:41.510
  • Well, the deadline is nearly upon us
  • 00:23:41.510 --> 00:23:43.745
  • For the salt & light matching challenge.
  • 00:23:43.745 --> 00:23:46.114
  • For just a short while longer,
  • 00:23:46.114 --> 00:23:48.350
  • Your gift will be matched and therefore doubled
  • 00:23:48.350 --> 00:23:50.919
  • In ministry impact.
  • 00:23:50.919 --> 00:23:52.487
  • But the countdown ends july 6th at midnight.
  • 00:23:52.487 --> 00:23:56.591
  • So please, don't delay any longer
  • 00:23:56.591 --> 00:23:59.160
  • In sending your gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:02.063
  • In today's world where god's design for marriage,
  • 00:24:02.063 --> 00:24:05.166
  • Family, and life itself is being recklessly abandoned,
  • 00:24:05.166 --> 00:24:09.371
  • We need to take action.
  • 00:24:09.371 --> 00:24:11.239
  • Your support right now will help us
  • 00:24:11.239 --> 00:24:13.608
  • Boldly proclaim the gospel and defend biblical truth
  • 00:24:13.608 --> 00:24:17.178
  • When our nation needs it the most.
  • 00:24:17.178 --> 00:24:19.614
  • Thank you in advance for your generosity,
  • 00:24:19.614 --> 00:24:22.350
  • As together, we push back against the moral
  • 00:24:22.350 --> 00:24:25.587
  • And spiritual darkness of our day.
  • 00:24:25.587 --> 00:24:28.156
  • Now, stay right there, i'll be back
  • 00:24:28.156 --> 00:24:29.658
  • With more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:29.658 --> 00:24:33.261
  • [narrator] is fear holding you back
  • 00:24:33.995 --> 00:24:35.463
  • From sharing your faith?
  • 00:24:35.463 --> 00:24:36.865
  • Millions of christians have the desire
  • 00:24:36.865 --> 00:24:38.800
  • But lack the courage to speak up.
  • 00:24:38.800 --> 00:24:40.936
  • With god's holy spirit, you can become unstoppable.
  • 00:24:40.936 --> 00:24:44.506
  • Our enemy hates for the church to grow,
  • 00:24:44.506 --> 00:24:47.042
  • Not just in numbers, but in its influence for the gospel.
  • 00:24:47.042 --> 00:24:51.012
  • And he will do everything he can to stop it.
  • 00:24:51.012 --> 00:24:54.349
  • So we must do everything we can to stop him.
  • 00:24:54.349 --> 00:24:57.852
  • In my faith-building book, "unstoppable power,"
  • 00:24:57.852 --> 00:25:01.122
  • You'll discover how to call upon the holy spirit
  • 00:25:01.122 --> 00:25:03.992
  • To be your confidence in any situation.
  • 00:25:03.992 --> 00:25:07.462
  • [narrator] in his bestselling book, "unstoppable power,"
  • 00:25:07.462 --> 00:25:10.265
  • Dr. robert jeffress reveals how you can boldly proclaim
  • 00:25:10.265 --> 00:25:13.468
  • The gospel with the same confidence the apostles had.
  • 00:25:13.468 --> 00:25:16.871
  • You're invited to request the book "unstoppable power"
  • 00:25:16.871 --> 00:25:19.908
  • When you give a generous gift to the "pathway to victory"
  • 00:25:19.908 --> 00:25:22.711
  • Salt & light matching challenge.
  • 00:25:22.711 --> 00:25:24.813
  • And when your gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:25:24.813 --> 00:25:27.782
  • You'll also receive the companion study guide,
  • 00:25:27.782 --> 00:25:30.318
  • Along with the complete "unstoppable "power" teaching series
  • 00:25:30.318 --> 00:25:33.622
  • On dvd video and audio disc.
  • 00:25:33.622 --> 00:25:36.124
  • We face the same kind of growing opposition
  • 00:25:36.124 --> 00:25:40.795
  • In the 21st century
  • 00:25:40.795 --> 00:25:42.664
  • As those first-century christians experienced.
  • 00:25:42.664 --> 00:25:45.533
  • That opposition was no match for the power of jesus christ.
  • 00:25:45.533 --> 00:25:50.038
  • [narrator] remember, your gift today
  • 00:25:50.038 --> 00:25:51.406
  • Will have twice the impact thanks
  • 00:25:51.406 --> 00:25:53.208
  • To the "pathway to victory" salt & light matching challenge.
  • 00:25:53.208 --> 00:25:56.478
  • Thank you for partnering with "pathway to victory"
  • 00:25:56.478 --> 00:25:59.147
  • As we boldly proclaim the gospel in a world
  • 00:25:59.147 --> 00:26:01.950
  • That has lost its way.
  • 00:26:01.950 --> 00:26:04.152
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:26:04.152 --> 00:26:05.253
  • I first delivered today's message
  • 00:26:05.253 --> 00:26:07.122
  • To our congregation at first baptist church in dallas,
  • 00:26:07.122 --> 00:26:10.592
  • But the growth that i long to see in my own church
  • 00:26:10.592 --> 00:26:13.395
  • Is the same growth i want to see in yours as well.
  • 00:26:13.395 --> 00:26:16.965
  • And before any church can reach its full potential,
  • 00:26:16.965 --> 00:26:20.402
  • Every member has to be functioning at their full potential.
  • 00:26:20.402 --> 00:26:25.306
  • Well, in his famous sermon on the mount,
  • 00:26:25.306 --> 00:26:27.842
  • Jesus said, "blessed are those who hunger and thirst
  • 00:26:27.842 --> 00:26:30.612
  • For righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
  • 00:26:30.612 --> 00:26:34.849
  • What does it really mean to truly hunger for god?
  • 00:26:34.849 --> 00:26:38.153
  • And how can we experience the satisfaction jesus promises?
  • 00:26:38.153 --> 00:26:42.490
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:26:42.490 --> 00:26:45.326
  • On "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:45.326 --> 00:26:47.762
  • One reason we don't get our prayers answered sometime is
  • 00:26:48.897 --> 00:26:51.666
  • We're not acting righteously.
  • 00:26:51.666 --> 00:26:53.902
  • We may be in a right relationship with god.
  • 00:26:53.902 --> 00:26:56.371
  • We may be forgiven of our sins.
  • 00:26:56.371 --> 00:26:58.606
  • But if we don't act righteously,
  • 00:26:58.606 --> 00:27:00.909
  • God doesn't hear our prayers.
  • 00:27:00.909 --> 00:27:04.312
  • Judicial righteousness, ethical righteousness,
  • 00:27:05.213 --> 00:27:09.084
  • But jesus said the prerequisite for both of them,
  • 00:27:09.084 --> 00:27:12.387
  • Both a right standing with god
  • 00:27:12.387 --> 00:27:14.355
  • And a right acting before god, is to want it.
  • 00:27:14.355 --> 00:27:18.927
  • [narrator] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:27:18.927 --> 00:27:21.296
  • For the message "the one prayer god always answers,"
  • 00:27:21.296 --> 00:27:24.933
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:24.933 --> 00:27:26.901
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:27:26.901 --> 00:27:26.901