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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - In God We Trust Freedom Sunday | July 5, 2026
- (powerful upbeat music)
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- From the pulpit of the first baptist church
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- Of dallas, texas,
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- This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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- (powerful music fades)
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- Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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- And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
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- This year, our nation marks an extraordinary milestone:
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- 250 years of american freedom.
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- But the liberty we hold dear came at great cost.
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- And it points to an even greater freedom
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- That no government can grant.
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- Today, i'm bringing you a special presentation
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- From the first baptist church in dallas
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- Where our choir and orchestra joined us
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- For a stirring celebration of the freedom we have
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- In jesus christ.
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- Join me now for the in god we trust freedom sunday
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- On today's special edition of "pathway to victory".
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- ("in god we trust")
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- ♪ some will trust in chariots of war ♪
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- ♪ and some believe in nothing anymore ♪
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- ♪ 'cause kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall ♪
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- ♪ but there is one who stands above them all ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ 'cause there is power in his name ♪
- 00:01:45.728 --> 00:01:51.868
- ♪ age to age, he's still the same ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
- 00:01:54.704 --> 00:01:57.707
- ♪ jehovah ♪
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- ♪ he is rapha, he is jireh ♪
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- ♪ he's the banner over us ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
- 00:02:06.549 --> 00:02:10.820
- ♪ we believe he is the great i am ♪
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- ♪ we know he holds the whole world in his hands ♪
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- ♪ christ alone, our cornerstone ♪
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- ♪ faithful now and faithful to the end ♪
- 00:02:28.805 --> 00:02:33.543
- ♪ in god we trust ♪
- 00:02:33.543 --> 00:02:39.916
- ♪ there is power in his name ♪
- 00:02:36.546 --> 00:02:42.852
- ♪ age to age, he's still the same ♪
- 00:02:42.852 --> 00:02:45.588
- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ jehovah ♪
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- ♪ he is rapha, he is jireh ♪
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- ♪ he's the banner over us ♪
- 00:02:55.098 --> 00:02:57.767
- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ no other name ♪
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- ♪ no other way ♪
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- ♪ no other ♪
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- ♪ no other name ♪
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- ♪ no other way ♪
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- ♪ no other name ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ your kingdom come ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
- 00:03:54.691 --> 00:04:00.963
- ♪ there is power in his name ♪
- 00:03:57.694 --> 00:04:03.966
- ♪ age to age, he's still the same ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
- 00:04:06.502 --> 00:04:09.572
- ♪ jehovah ♪
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- ♪ he is rapha, he is jireh ♪
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- ♪ he's the banner over us ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- ♪ you are all we trust ♪
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- ♪ no other name ♪
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- ♪ no other way ♪
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- ♪ no other name, no other name ♪
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- ♪ but jesus ♪
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- ♪ no other name ♪
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- ♪ no other way, no other way ♪
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- ♪ no other, no other way ♪
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- ♪ in god we trust ♪
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- (congregation applauding)
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- ("god bless america")
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ land that i love ♪
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- ♪ stand beside her and guide her ♪
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- ♪ through the night with a light from above ♪
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- ♪ from the mountains to the prairies ♪
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- ♪ to the oceans white with foam ♪
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ my home sweet home ♪
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ land that i love ♪
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- ♪ stand beside her and guide her ♪
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- ♪ through the night with a light from above ♪
- 00:07:03.312 --> 00:07:09.452
- ♪ from the mountains to the prairies ♪
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- ♪ to the oceans white with foam ♪
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ my home sweet home ♪
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- ♪ from the mountains, from the mountains ♪
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- ♪ to the prairies, to the prairies ♪
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- ♪ to the oceans, to the oceans ♪
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- ♪ white with foam ♪
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ my home sweet home ♪
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- (music stops)
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- ♪ god bless america ♪
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- ♪ my home sweet home ♪
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- ♪ my home sweet home ♪
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- ♪ my home sweet home ♪
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- ♪ america ♪
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- ♪ my home, sweet home ♪
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- ♪ sweet home ♪
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- (congregation applauding)
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- As our nation marks 250 years,
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- America stands at a crossroads.
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- Will we return to the god who blessed us
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- Or continue down a path that leads to ruin?
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- Through the in god we trust matching challenge,
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- Your gift today will be doubled in ministry impact.
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- For 30 years, "pathway to victory"
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- Has pierced the darkness of our nation
- 00:09:41.203 --> 00:09:43.205
- With the light of god's word by sharing biblical truth
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- That transforms hearts.
- 00:09:46.275 --> 00:09:47.943
- Join us in this critical hour by giving
- 00:09:47.943 --> 00:09:50.413
- Toward the in god we trust matching challenge today.
- 00:09:50.413 --> 00:09:54.216
- (upbeat music)
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- (peaceful music)
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- Today as we celebrate
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- 250 years of god's blessings on this country,
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- I think it's important to keep in mind the reality
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- That america will not last forever.
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- That's certainly the teaching of history.
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- The teaching of history is, nations rise and fall.
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- Kings and leaders come and go.
- 00:10:26.682 --> 00:10:29.585
- But only the kingdom of jesus christ will last forever.
- 00:10:29.585 --> 00:10:33.923
- Whether the return of christ is 10 years away
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- Or a thousand years away,
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- The fact is, we have a limited time here on earth.
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- Do some math.
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- This'll depress the heck out of you, but just do this.
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- No, i'm just kidding.
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- Figure out a normal lifespan you think you might have:
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- 70, 80, maybe 85 years.
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- Let's just say you take 85 years
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- And you subtract the years you've already lived.
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- How many do you have left?
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- Some of you are on overtime already.
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- (congregation laughing)
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- We are here for a very short time.
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- No one lasts forever in this world.
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- So whether we're talking about the end of america
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- Or the end of our own lives,
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- What should be our attitude?
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- You know, in romans chapter 13,
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- The apostle paul had done the math
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- About how close either his death was
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- Or the coming of the lord was.
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- And he said, "do this knowing the time," romans 13.
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- "do this knowing the time that is already,
- 00:11:35.818 --> 00:11:38.320
- "the hour for you to awaken from your sleep.
- 00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:41.023
- "and now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.
- 00:11:41.023 --> 00:11:45.227
- "the night is almost gone and the day is near."
- 00:11:45.227 --> 00:11:49.298
- Paul said, "therefore, my beloved brethren,
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- "be steadfast, immovable,
- 00:11:51.901 --> 00:11:54.837
- "and always abounding in the work of the lord
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- "knowing that our toil is not in vain in the lord."
- 00:11:57.840 --> 00:12:02.344
- I want us to consider paul's three commands
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- About how we are to live in these last days.
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- First of all, he says, "be hopeful."
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- Be hopeful.
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- Write that down, be hopeful.
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- That's what he means by the word steadfast.
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- It's a greek word, hedraios, that means to be seated,
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- To be firmly situated, to be secure.
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- The hebrew counterpart to that
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- Is a word that means to be at leisure.
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- 1 peter: 3 says, "we need to be ready to give an answer
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- "to anyone who asks us for the hope that is within us."
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- Not the depression that is within us
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- But the hope that is within us.
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- And that's why paul said, "in these last days, be hopeful."
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- He has a second command.
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- He says, "be courageous."
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- Be courageous.
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- That's what the word immovable refers to.
- 00:12:52.561 --> 00:12:55.164
- "be steadfast and immovable.
- 00:12:55.164 --> 00:12:57.299
- "be courageous."
- 00:12:57.299 --> 00:12:59.401
- One night, the captain of an oil tanker
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- Found himself staring into bright lights.
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- He immediately wanted to avoid a collision,
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- And so he told the signal man to flash a signal
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- To that light that said, "change course 10 degrees south."
- 00:13:12.915 --> 00:13:18.187
- And a message was flashed back to him immediately.
- 00:13:19.221 --> 00:13:22.191
- "you change course 10 degrees north."
- 00:13:22.191 --> 00:13:26.195
- Well, this kind of ticked the captain off.
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- And so he sent the message,
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- "i am the captain of this vessel."
- 00:13:31.033 --> 00:13:33.669
- And the message came back, "i'm a first class seaman."
- 00:13:33.669 --> 00:13:37.539
- Well, he had about all of it he could take,
- 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.375
- And so he flashed back the final message,
- 00:13:39.375 --> 00:13:42.011
- "i am a 240,000 ton ocean oil carrier.
- 00:13:42.011 --> 00:13:48.117
- "change your course 10 degrees south."
- 00:13:48.951 --> 00:13:51.954
- And the final message flashed back,
- 00:13:51.954 --> 00:13:53.722
- "change your course 10 degrees north.
- 00:13:53.722 --> 00:13:56.592
- "i am the lighthouse."
- 00:13:56.592 --> 00:13:58.994
- (congregation laughing)
- 00:13:58.994 --> 00:14:01.797
- You know, we live in a world that celebrates compromise.
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- And we're being told as christians,
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- We need to change our course.
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- We need to change our convictions to mesh with the culture.
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- Ladies and gentlemen, the bible never commanded us
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- To fit into the culture.
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- We are not the ones who fit into the culture's mold.
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- We are to force and mold the culture
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- After the church of jesus christ.
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- That's what we've been called to do.
- 00:14:27.256 --> 00:14:28.924
- -(congregation applauding) -not to be like the world
- 00:14:28.924 --> 00:14:30.659
- But to encourage the world to become like jesus christ.
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- And we can't do that if we compromise
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- Our biblically based convictions.
- 00:14:36.932 --> 00:14:39.668
- A lighthouse is of absolute no worth if it moves.
- 00:14:39.668 --> 00:14:44.306
- It has to be steadfast.
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- It has to be immovable.
- 00:14:46.208 --> 00:14:48.444
- You know, one of the great illustrations
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- Of that in the bible is the story of daniel.
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- Remember daniel's story.
- 00:14:53.515 --> 00:14:55.351
- In daniel chapter six. daniel was living in exile
- 00:14:55.351 --> 00:14:58.921
- In a foreign country, babylon,
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- Just as we're living in a foreign country right now,
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- Planet earth.
- 00:15:03.959 --> 00:15:05.327
- They were exiles in babylon.
- 00:15:05.327 --> 00:15:08.130
- And he served under several kings while he was in babylon.
- 00:15:08.130 --> 00:15:12.868
- And remember, when he was under king darius, darius,
- 00:15:12.868 --> 00:15:17.072
- Darius was egocentric.
- 00:15:17.072 --> 00:15:20.109
- And some of those who served darius were jealous
- 00:15:20.109 --> 00:15:24.346
- At the favor that he had shown toward daniel.
- 00:15:24.346 --> 00:15:27.016
- So they laid a trap to try to trap daniel.
- 00:15:27.016 --> 00:15:30.085
- What did daniel do when he received the news
- 00:15:30.085 --> 00:15:33.188
- That anybody worshiping another god
- 00:15:33.188 --> 00:15:35.891
- Would become the dinner for the lions?
- 00:15:35.891 --> 00:15:39.261
- Look at what he did in daniel 6:10.
- 00:15:39.261 --> 00:15:41.897
- "now when daniel knew that this document was signed,
- 00:15:41.897 --> 00:15:45.968
- "he entered his house and he continued kneeling on his knees
- 00:15:45.968 --> 00:15:51.273
- "three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his god
- 00:15:52.441 --> 00:15:56.311
- "as he had been doing previously."
- 00:15:56.311 --> 00:16:00.816
- He didn't change one thing about what he did,
- 00:16:00.816 --> 00:16:03.385
- Knowing that he could face death.
- 00:16:03.385 --> 00:16:05.721
- Why?
- 00:16:05.721 --> 00:16:07.089
- You know what daniel knew?
- 00:16:07.089 --> 00:16:08.323
- He said he knew that kings come and go.
- 00:16:08.323 --> 00:16:10.859
- He had served nebuchadnezzar,
- 00:16:10.859 --> 00:16:12.327
- And now nebuchadnezzar was no more.
- 00:16:12.327 --> 00:16:14.363
- Darius would one day be gone
- 00:16:14.363 --> 00:16:16.031
- But the kingdom of god would endure forever.
- 00:16:16.031 --> 00:16:18.734
- Why change his convictions over a kingdom
- 00:16:18.734 --> 00:16:21.970
- That was transitional.
- 00:16:21.970 --> 00:16:23.405
- And that ought to be our attitude as well.
- 00:16:23.405 --> 00:16:26.175
- God calls us in light of what the culture says
- 00:16:26.175 --> 00:16:30.079
- To be courageous, to be immovable.
- 00:16:30.079 --> 00:16:33.615
- How are we to live in these last days?
- 00:16:33.615 --> 00:16:36.018
- Be hopeful, be courageous.
- 00:16:36.018 --> 00:16:38.520
- Be that light god called us to be.
- 00:16:38.520 --> 00:16:40.556
- And thirdly, be productive.
- 00:16:40.556 --> 00:16:43.292
- Look again at verse 58 of 1 corinthians 15.
- 00:16:43.292 --> 00:16:46.428
- "always abounding in the work of the lord
- 00:16:46.428 --> 00:16:49.765
- "knowing that your labor is not in vain."
- 00:16:49.765 --> 00:16:53.735
- Randy alcorn has a great illustration of that.
- 00:16:53.735 --> 00:16:57.206
- I heard him one time ask an audience he was speaking to
- 00:16:57.206 --> 00:17:00.342
- To take out a blank sheet of paper, 8 1/2 by 11,
- 00:17:00.342 --> 00:17:04.713
- And then to take your pen and make a dot
- 00:17:04.713 --> 00:17:07.783
- In the center of that piece of paper,
- 00:17:07.783 --> 00:17:10.686
- And then draw a line from the dot to the end of the border
- 00:17:10.686 --> 00:17:14.456
- All the way to the right.
- 00:17:14.456 --> 00:17:16.158
- He said, "that dot represents the 70 or 80 years
- 00:17:16.158 --> 00:17:20.262
- "you have here on earth,
- 00:17:20.262 --> 00:17:22.397
- "but the line represents that eternity
- 00:17:22.397 --> 00:17:26.702
- "that awaits you after those 70 or 80 years.
- 00:17:26.702 --> 00:17:29.872
- "the line goes on and on and on and on."
- 00:17:29.872 --> 00:17:33.575
- And randy said, "while we're here on earth,
- 00:17:33.575 --> 00:17:36.044
- "we have to live in the dot.
- 00:17:36.044 --> 00:17:38.147
- "we don't have any choice about that.
- 00:17:38.147 --> 00:17:39.648
- "we're in those 70 or 80 years.
- 00:17:39.648 --> 00:17:41.817
- "but the question is not where are you living,
- 00:17:41.817 --> 00:17:44.887
- "but what are you living for?
- 00:17:44.887 --> 00:17:47.422
- "are you investing those 70 or 80 years
- 00:17:47.422 --> 00:17:50.325
- "in the things that are happening in the dot
- 00:17:50.325 --> 00:17:53.495
- "or are you considering eternity?"
- 00:17:53.495 --> 00:17:56.331
- He said, "people who live for the dot
- 00:17:56.331 --> 00:17:59.067
- "invest in treasures that end up at junkyards one day.
- 00:17:59.067 --> 00:18:04.306
- "but people who invest for the line, for eternity,
- 00:18:05.307 --> 00:18:07.309
- "are investing for treasures that will never end."
- 00:18:07.309 --> 00:18:11.380
- You know, the apostle paul was a great model of that.
- 00:18:11.380 --> 00:18:14.783
- A lot of people misunderstand paul.
- 00:18:14.783 --> 00:18:17.052
- They wonder why he went through all the suffering he did.
- 00:18:17.052 --> 00:18:19.488
- He wasn't some sadomasochist.
- 00:18:19.488 --> 00:18:21.423
- He didn't enjoy being beat
- 00:18:21.423 --> 00:18:23.859
- Within an inch of his life three different times.
- 00:18:23.859 --> 00:18:26.094
- He didn't enjoy being imprisoned or shipwrecked.
- 00:18:26.094 --> 00:18:28.664
- He didn't enjoy ultimately being beheaded.
- 00:18:28.664 --> 00:18:31.433
- He did all these things
- 00:18:31.433 --> 00:18:33.535
- Because he knew there was a greater reward coming
- 00:18:33.535 --> 00:18:36.104
- For those who worked for jesus christ.
- 00:18:36.104 --> 00:18:39.074
- You know, i read an illustration
- 00:18:39.074 --> 00:18:41.043
- That i had a hard time believing at the time was true
- 00:18:41.043 --> 00:18:43.812
- But found out, in fact, it was true.
- 00:18:43.812 --> 00:18:46.815
- Somebody said, "imagine that you were living
- 00:18:46.815 --> 00:18:50.252
- "at the time of jesus christ.
- 00:18:50.252 --> 00:18:52.020
- "and let's just say, it's zero ad when jesus was born.
- 00:18:52.020 --> 00:18:57.359
- "and you got the news that jesus the messiah
- 00:18:58.293 --> 00:18:59.695
- "had been born in zero ad, 2,000 plus years ago.
- 00:18:59.695 --> 00:19:04.433
- "and you said, 'you know, i think this baby jesus
- 00:19:04.433 --> 00:19:06.868
- "'is going places someday.
- 00:19:06.868 --> 00:19:09.071
- "'and i want to be a part of what he's doing.'
- 00:19:09.071 --> 00:19:11.607
- "so you take $1 and you invest in an organization
- 00:19:11.607 --> 00:19:15.711
- "known as jesus incorporated.
- 00:19:15.711 --> 00:19:18.347
- "and the purpose of that organization is to make the message
- 00:19:18.347 --> 00:19:21.416
- "of jesus christ known throughout the world.
- 00:19:21.416 --> 00:19:23.819
- "some people would call it the church, jesus incorporated.
- 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:27.956
- "and you invest $1 in jesus incorporated in zero ad
- 00:19:27.956 --> 00:19:32.227
- "and it earns a return of 6% a year.
- 00:19:32.227 --> 00:19:36.064
- "so you invest your dollar.
- 00:19:36.064 --> 00:19:37.466
- "you never invest another dollar,
- 00:19:37.466 --> 00:19:38.834
- "just this $1 in jesus incorporated.
- 00:19:38.834 --> 00:19:41.970
- "the next year, you have $1.06, right?
- 00:19:41.970 --> 00:19:45.407
- "it earns 6% interest.
- 00:19:45.407 --> 00:19:47.776
- "second year, $1.06 and a fraction
- 00:19:48.510 --> 00:19:51.847
- "because of inflation and compound interest.
- 00:19:51.847 --> 00:19:56.585
- "so it's $1.12,
- 00:19:56.585 --> 00:19:58.387
- "then $1 and maybe 19 or 20 cents.
- 00:19:58.387 --> 00:20:01.256
- "every year, that $1 compounds in 6% interest.
- 00:20:01.256 --> 00:20:05.727
- "by the time you reach today, 2026,
- 00:20:06.461 --> 00:20:10.599
- "you know how much that dollar would be worth
- 00:20:10.599 --> 00:20:13.669
- "through compound interest?
- 00:20:13.669 --> 00:20:15.737
- "720 quadrillion dollars.
- 00:20:15.737 --> 00:20:21.076
- "$1 invested at 6% for 2,000 years."
- 00:20:21.877 --> 00:20:25.981
- I had to do the math to see if that's right.
- 00:20:25.981 --> 00:20:27.949
- It's right.
- 00:20:27.949 --> 00:20:29.084
- Somebody else estimated it even higher.
- 00:20:29.084 --> 00:20:31.253
- It would be a 10 with 50 zeros behind it.
- 00:20:31.253 --> 00:20:35.090
- You say, "how could that be?"
- 00:20:35.090 --> 00:20:36.758
- That's the magic of compound interest.
- 00:20:36.758 --> 00:20:40.362
- It's the horizon you have for your investments.
- 00:20:40.362 --> 00:20:44.533
- You said, "well, that doesn't make any sense
- 00:20:44.533 --> 00:20:46.234
- "and it doesn't apply to me
- 00:20:46.234 --> 00:20:47.803
- "because i didn't live 1,000 years ago.
- 00:20:47.803 --> 00:20:50.205
- "i didn't live 2,000 years ago."
- 00:20:50.205 --> 00:20:52.307
- That's right, we didn't live 2,000 years ago.
- 00:20:52.307 --> 00:20:54.876
- But guess what?
- 00:20:54.876 --> 00:20:56.178
- We're going to be alive 2,000 years from now
- 00:20:56.178 --> 00:20:58.847
- And 10,000 years and 10 million years and 10 billion years.
- 00:20:58.847 --> 00:21:02.884
- And even if we weren't alive 2,000 years ago
- 00:21:02.884 --> 00:21:05.420
- To make that investment,
- 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:06.755
- We can make that investment now
- 00:21:06.755 --> 00:21:09.124
- Knowing that there's a reward coming down the line.
- 00:21:09.124 --> 00:21:12.961
- You see, the problem with most people
- 00:21:12.961 --> 00:21:14.896
- And their investments is,
- 00:21:14.896 --> 00:21:16.531
- Their horizon for investment is too short.
- 00:21:16.531 --> 00:21:19.534
- They think the investment horizon is 10 years.
- 00:21:19.534 --> 00:21:22.537
- Your financial advisor tells you,
- 00:21:22.537 --> 00:21:24.106
- "think about the next 20 years or the next 30 years."
- 00:21:24.106 --> 00:21:27.042
- But as believers in jesus christ,
- 00:21:27.042 --> 00:21:29.044
- We have to have a longer horizon than that.
- 00:21:29.044 --> 00:21:32.013
- We need to think about eternity.
- 00:21:32.013 --> 00:21:34.850
- The fact is, when people have only a 20-year,
- 00:21:34.850 --> 00:21:37.853
- 30-year investment horizon,
- 00:21:37.853 --> 00:21:39.788
- They invest in things that will either be lost,
- 00:21:39.788 --> 00:21:42.524
- Stolen, ruined, forgotten, or left behind.
- 00:21:42.524 --> 00:21:46.695
- But when you invest,
- 00:21:46.695 --> 00:21:47.963
- And i'm not just talking about money,
- 00:21:47.963 --> 00:21:49.798
- When you invest your time, your treasure, your efforts
- 00:21:49.798 --> 00:21:53.869
- Into the kingdom of god that will never end,
- 00:21:53.869 --> 00:21:56.872
- You are ensuring one day
- 00:21:56.872 --> 00:21:58.774
- That you're going to receive an inheritance,
- 00:21:58.774 --> 00:22:00.776
- A dividend that 1 peter 2:4 says,
- 00:22:00.776 --> 00:22:03.378
- "is unblemished, undefiled, and will not fade in heaven."
- 00:22:03.378 --> 00:22:07.382
- And it's reserved in heaven for you.
- 00:22:07.382 --> 00:22:09.818
- It has your name on it.
- 00:22:09.818 --> 00:22:12.154
- That's why the bible says
- 00:22:12.154 --> 00:22:13.755
- Right now in this short time we have on planet earth,
- 00:22:13.755 --> 00:22:17.259
- We need to be abounding in the work of the lord
- 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:20.529
- Knowing that our work, our investment for him
- 00:22:20.529 --> 00:22:23.632
- Is not in vain.
- 00:22:23.632 --> 00:22:25.867
- Let me ask you today,
- 00:22:26.368 --> 00:22:28.069
- How are you spending these last days,
- 00:22:28.837 --> 00:22:31.706
- Maybe the twilight years of america
- 00:22:31.706 --> 00:22:33.809
- Or the last days of your life on earth?
- 00:22:33.809 --> 00:22:37.078
- Are you allowing the daily headlines
- 00:22:37.078 --> 00:22:39.214
- To just grip your emotions,
- 00:22:39.214 --> 00:22:41.850
- Seize you and fill you with fear?
- 00:22:41.850 --> 00:22:44.586
- Are you placing your hope
- 00:22:45.153 --> 00:22:46.588
- In some politician or political party
- 00:22:46.588 --> 00:22:49.391
- Thinking that they're going to deliver you
- 00:22:49.391 --> 00:22:50.992
- From the mess we're in only to be disappointed?
- 00:22:50.992 --> 00:22:54.629
- Are you spending your time just trying to eek out a living,
- 00:22:55.797 --> 00:22:59.768
- Help your family survive and make it till the end?
- 00:22:59.768 --> 00:23:03.405
- No, the word of god says
- 00:23:03.405 --> 00:23:04.739
- We need to take a much more offensive,
- 00:23:04.739 --> 00:23:07.509
- Not defensive, stance.
- 00:23:07.509 --> 00:23:09.511
- We need to rise up and push back
- 00:23:09.511 --> 00:23:11.913
- Against the darkness of this world.
- 00:23:11.913 --> 00:23:14.683
- And in the limited time we have here on planet earth,
- 00:23:14.683 --> 00:23:17.452
- We're to be that lighthouse
- 00:23:17.452 --> 00:23:19.421
- Pointing people to the only hope of the world, jesus christ.
- 00:23:19.421 --> 00:23:24.259
- Therefore, be steadfast, be hopeful.
- 00:23:24.259 --> 00:23:28.730
- Be immovable, be courageous.
- 00:23:28.730 --> 00:23:31.533
- Be productive, always abounding in the work of the lord,
- 00:23:31.533 --> 00:23:35.837
- Knowing that your labor is not in vain.
- 00:23:35.837 --> 00:23:39.574
- (powerful music)
- 00:23:39.941 --> 00:23:43.512
- Thank you to our first baptist dallas choir and orchestra
- 00:23:44.646 --> 00:23:47.849
- For that inspiring celebration of faith and freedom.
- 00:23:47.849 --> 00:23:52.120
- I'm so glad you could join me for this historic occasion
- 00:23:52.120 --> 00:23:55.524
- As we celebrate 250 years as one nation under god.
- 00:23:55.524 --> 00:24:00.595
- Well, today is the very last day
- 00:24:01.229 --> 00:24:03.198
- Of the in god we trust matching challenge.
- 00:24:03.198 --> 00:24:06.468
- At midnight tonight, this opportunity ends.
- 00:24:06.468 --> 00:24:09.604
- A group of generous friends
- 00:24:09.604 --> 00:24:11.172
- Established a $1.5 million matching fund.
- 00:24:11.172 --> 00:24:14.709
- And for just a few more hours,
- 00:24:14.709 --> 00:24:16.811
- Every dollar you give will be matched and therefore doubled
- 00:24:16.811 --> 00:24:20.415
- In ministry impact until we reach the goal.
- 00:24:20.415 --> 00:24:23.852
- As america marks 250 years as a nation,
- 00:24:23.852 --> 00:24:27.255
- Our greatest need is not political, it's spiritual.
- 00:24:27.255 --> 00:24:31.793
- The only hope for our country
- 00:24:31.793 --> 00:24:33.695
- Is the transforming power of the gospel of jesus christ.
- 00:24:33.695 --> 00:24:37.832
- Please respond right now with your very best gift.
- 00:24:37.832 --> 00:24:41.970
- And together, let's reach as many people as possible
- 00:24:41.970 --> 00:24:45.240
- While there's still time.
- 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:46.975
- Now please, stay right there.
- 00:24:46.975 --> 00:24:48.276
- I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
- 00:24:48.276 --> 00:24:50.612
- In just a moment.
- 00:24:50.612 --> 00:24:52.080
- (monotonal ambient music)
- 00:24:52.080 --> 00:24:53.448
- As our nation celebrates 250 years,
- 00:24:53.448 --> 00:24:56.885
- Do we still remember the faith that built america?
- 00:24:56.885 --> 00:25:00.388
- Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book
- 00:25:00.388 --> 00:25:03.258
- To make sure that we and our families never forget.
- 00:25:03.258 --> 00:25:06.127
- The brand new 250th commemorative edition
- 00:25:06.127 --> 00:25:09.030
- Of "america is a christian nation"
- 00:25:09.030 --> 00:25:11.333
- Is an 88-page, full-color, large-print coffee table book
- 00:25:11.333 --> 00:25:15.270
- Packed with inspiring stories from our nation's history,
- 00:25:15.270 --> 00:25:18.607
- Breathtaking imagery of america,
- 00:25:18.607 --> 00:25:20.742
- Select portraits of our founding fathers
- 00:25:20.742 --> 00:25:23.311
- And powerful truth from god's word.
- 00:25:23.311 --> 00:25:25.814
- America was founded on the principles
- 00:25:25.814 --> 00:25:28.183
- Of the judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible.
- 00:25:28.183 --> 00:25:31.586
- And our future depends on returning
- 00:25:31.586 --> 00:25:34.222
- To that biblical foundation.
- 00:25:34.222 --> 00:25:36.157
- Request the 250th commemorative edition
- 00:25:36.157 --> 00:25:39.260
- Of "america is a christian nation"
- 00:25:39.260 --> 00:25:41.529
- When you give a generous ministry gift
- 00:25:41.529 --> 00:25:43.698
- To "pathway to victory".
- 00:25:43.698 --> 00:25:45.367
- You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video
- 00:25:45.367 --> 00:25:48.903
- And mp3-format audio disc set
- 00:25:48.903 --> 00:25:51.673
- Featuring two powerful messages from dr. jeffress
- 00:25:51.673 --> 00:25:55.243
- And 12 patriotic performances
- 00:25:55.243 --> 00:25:57.479
- By the first baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
- 00:25:57.479 --> 00:26:00.582
- And with your ministry gift of $100 or more,
- 00:26:00.582 --> 00:26:03.885
- We'll also send you
- 00:26:03.885 --> 00:26:05.353
- The complete "america and the bible teaching series"
- 00:26:05.353 --> 00:26:08.089
- On dvd video and mp3-format audio disc.
- 00:26:08.089 --> 00:26:12.160
- Your gift today will be doubled in impact
- 00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:14.729
- Through the in god we trust matching challenge
- 00:26:14.729 --> 00:26:17.799
- As together we pierce the darkness
- 00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:20.268
- With the light of god's word.
- 00:26:20.268 --> 00:26:22.804
- (upbeat music)
- 00:26:22.804 --> 00:26:24.205
- America has been a nation blessed by god
- 00:26:24.205 --> 00:26:26.875
- Because of our dependence upon god.
- 00:26:26.875 --> 00:26:29.978
- And i hope today's celebration has renewed your commitment
- 00:26:29.978 --> 00:26:33.014
- To the god who made this nation great.
- 00:26:33.014 --> 00:26:36.184
- Well, christians today are under attack.
- 00:26:36.184 --> 00:26:38.687
- And it's easy to get stuck in survival mode
- 00:26:38.687 --> 00:26:41.389
- Just trying to make it from one day to the next.
- 00:26:41.389 --> 00:26:44.426
- But god calls us to so much more.
- 00:26:44.426 --> 00:26:47.462
- Stay tuned for a preview
- 00:26:47.462 --> 00:26:48.863
- Of our upcoming series, "courageous".
- 00:26:48.863 --> 00:26:52.701
- We have an adversary, the devil,
- 00:26:52.701 --> 00:26:54.469
- Who is intent on destroying everything important to us.
- 00:26:54.469 --> 00:26:59.107
- And we have a culture that is increasingly hostile
- 00:26:59.107 --> 00:27:02.510
- To the things of god.
- 00:27:02.510 --> 00:27:04.379
- And if that were not enough,
- 00:27:04.379 --> 00:27:05.680
- We all carry around us that fallen nature.
- 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:09.317
- Set your dvr and join us next time
- 00:27:09.317 --> 00:27:11.653
- For the message survival tip number one, don't panic,
- 00:27:11.653 --> 00:27:15.657
- Part of the series "courageous"
- 00:27:15.657 --> 00:27:17.726
- Here on "pathway to victory."
- 00:27:17.726 --> 00:27:19.761
- (powerful music fades)
- 00:27:19.761 --> 00:27:19.761