Robert Jeffress - In God We Trust Freedom Sunday

July 5, 2026 | 27:29

Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - In God We Trust Freedom Sunday | July 5, 2026
  • (powerful upbeat music)
  • 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.462
  • From the pulpit of the first baptist church
  • 00:00:06.362 --> 00:00:08.531
  • Of dallas, texas,
  • 00:00:08.531 --> 00:00:10.033
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:10.033 --> 00:00:12.602
  • (powerful music fades)
  • 00:00:12.602 --> 00:00:14.337
  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:00:14.337 --> 00:00:15.638
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
  • 00:00:15.638 --> 00:00:18.241
  • This year, our nation marks an extraordinary milestone:
  • 00:00:18.241 --> 00:00:21.578
  • 250 years of american freedom.
  • 00:00:21.578 --> 00:00:24.781
  • But the liberty we hold dear came at great cost.
  • 00:00:24.781 --> 00:00:28.151
  • And it points to an even greater freedom
  • 00:00:28.151 --> 00:00:30.420
  • That no government can grant.
  • 00:00:30.420 --> 00:00:32.589
  • Today, i'm bringing you a special presentation
  • 00:00:32.589 --> 00:00:35.492
  • From the first baptist church in dallas
  • 00:00:35.492 --> 00:00:37.827
  • Where our choir and orchestra joined us
  • 00:00:37.827 --> 00:00:39.729
  • For a stirring celebration of the freedom we have
  • 00:00:39.729 --> 00:00:43.500
  • In jesus christ.
  • 00:00:43.500 --> 00:00:44.901
  • Join me now for the in god we trust freedom sunday
  • 00:00:44.901 --> 00:00:48.671
  • On today's special edition of "pathway to victory".
  • 00:00:48.671 --> 00:00:52.542
  • ("in god we trust")
  • 00:00:52.542 --> 00:01:18.768
  • ♪ some will trust in chariots of war ♪
  • 00:01:19.636 --> 00:01:24.974
  • ♪ and some believe in nothing anymore ♪
  • 00:01:25.875 --> 00:01:30.847
  • ♪ 'cause kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall ♪
  • 00:01:31.781 --> 00:01:36.819
  • ♪ but there is one who stands above them all ♪
  • 00:01:37.754 --> 00:01:42.859
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:01:43.359 --> 00:01:49.032
  • ♪ 'cause there is power in his name ♪
  • 00:01:45.728 --> 00:01:51.868
  • ♪ age to age, he's still the same ♪
  • 00:01:51.868 --> 00:01:54.704
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:01:54.704 --> 00:01:57.707
  • ♪ jehovah ♪
  • 00:01:57.707 --> 00:02:00.877
  • ♪ he is rapha, he is jireh ♪
  • 00:02:00.877 --> 00:02:03.913
  • ♪ he's the banner over us ♪
  • 00:02:03.913 --> 00:02:06.549
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:02:06.549 --> 00:02:10.820
  • ♪ we believe he is the great i am ♪
  • 00:02:10.820 --> 00:02:16.159
  • ♪ we know he holds the whole world in his hands ♪
  • 00:02:17.227 --> 00:02:21.831
  • ♪ christ alone, our cornerstone ♪
  • 00:02:22.565 --> 00:02:27.904
  • ♪ 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 ♪
  • 00:02:45.588 --> 00:02:48.658
  • ♪ jehovah ♪
  • 00:02:48.658 --> 00:02:52.095
  • ♪ he is rapha, he is jireh ♪
  • 00:02:52.095 --> 00:02:55.098
  • ♪ he's the banner over us ♪
  • 00:02:55.098 --> 00:02:57.767
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:02:57.767 --> 00:03:03.106
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:03:03.606 --> 00:03:15.151
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:03:15.652 --> 00:03:21.491
  • ♪ no other name ♪
  • 00:03:18.354 --> 00:03:26.529
  • ♪ no other way ♪
  • 00:03:23.793 --> 00:03:29.499
  • ♪ no other ♪
  • 00:03:29.499 --> 00:03:35.672
  • ♪ no other name ♪
  • 00:03:32.468 --> 00:03:38.408
  • ♪ no other way ♪
  • 00:03:38.408 --> 00:03:41.411
  • ♪ no other name ♪
  • 00:03:41.411 --> 00:03:45.381
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:03:45.381 --> 00:03:48.618
  • ♪ your kingdom come ♪
  • 00:03:48.618 --> 00:03:54.190
  • ♪ 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 ♪
  • 00:04:03.966 --> 00:04:06.502
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:04:06.502 --> 00:04:09.572
  • ♪ jehovah ♪
  • 00:04:09.572 --> 00:04:12.875
  • ♪ he is rapha, he is jireh ♪
  • 00:04:12.875 --> 00:04:15.912
  • ♪ he's the banner over us ♪
  • 00:04:15.912 --> 00:04:18.614
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:04:18.614 --> 00:04:23.886
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:04:24.387 --> 00:04:27.623
  • ♪ you are all we trust ♪
  • 00:04:27.623 --> 00:04:32.395
  • ♪ no other name ♪
  • 00:04:32.395 --> 00:04:35.498
  • ♪ no other way ♪
  • 00:04:35.498 --> 00:04:38.568
  • ♪ no other name, no other name ♪
  • 00:04:38.568 --> 00:04:41.804
  • ♪ but jesus ♪
  • 00:04:41.804 --> 00:04:44.540
  • ♪ no other name ♪
  • 00:04:44.540 --> 00:04:47.510
  • ♪ no other way, no other way ♪
  • 00:04:47.510 --> 00:04:50.580
  • ♪ no other, no other way ♪
  • 00:04:50.580 --> 00:04:54.684
  • ♪ in god we trust ♪
  • 00:04:54.684 --> 00:05:04.861
  • (congregation applauding)
  • 00:05:05.428 --> 00:05:10.066
  • ("god bless america")
  • 00:05:10.566 --> 00:05:36.759
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:05:37.293 --> 00:05:44.167
  • ♪ land that i love ♪
  • 00:05:44.667 --> 00:05:50.339
  • ♪ stand beside her and guide her ♪
  • 00:05:51.107 --> 00:05:57.580
  • ♪ through the night with a light from above ♪
  • 00:05:58.548 --> 00:06:05.121
  • ♪ from the mountains to the prairies ♪
  • 00:06:05.988 --> 00:06:12.562
  • ♪ to the oceans white with foam ♪
  • 00:06:13.296 --> 00:06:21.471
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:06:22.004 --> 00:06:27.910
  • ♪ my home sweet home ♪
  • 00:06:28.444 --> 00:06:43.025
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:06:43.559 --> 00:06:50.032
  • ♪ land that i love ♪
  • 00:06:50.533 --> 00:06:55.838
  • ♪ stand beside her and guide her ♪
  • 00:06:56.606 --> 00:07:02.345
  • ♪ through the night with a light from above ♪
  • 00:07:03.312 --> 00:07:09.452
  • ♪ from the mountains to the prairies ♪
  • 00:07:10.319 --> 00:07:16.225
  • ♪ to the oceans white with foam ♪
  • 00:07:16.959 --> 00:07:24.233
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:07:24.767 --> 00:07:30.239
  • ♪ my home sweet home ♪
  • 00:07:30.773 --> 00:07:36.779
  • ♪ from the mountains, from the mountains ♪
  • 00:07:37.713 --> 00:07:41.117
  • ♪ to the prairies, to the prairies ♪
  • 00:07:41.117 --> 00:07:44.654
  • ♪ to the oceans, to the oceans ♪
  • 00:07:44.654 --> 00:07:48.124
  • ♪ white with foam ♪
  • 00:07:48.124 --> 00:07:54.463
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:07:54.997 --> 00:08:00.236
  • ♪ my home sweet home ♪
  • 00:08:00.770 --> 00:08:08.144
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:08:08.678 --> 00:08:15.084
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:08:15.618 --> 00:08:22.692
  • (music stops)
  • 00:08:23.059 --> 00:08:26.195
  • ♪ god bless america ♪
  • 00:08:26.195 --> 00:08:33.669
  • ♪ my home sweet home ♪
  • 00:08:34.203 --> 00:08:43.145
  • ♪ my home sweet home ♪
  • 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:50.252
  • ♪ my home sweet home ♪
  • 00:08:50.786 --> 00:09:00.730
  • ♪ america ♪
  • 00:09:01.097 --> 00:09:07.436
  • ♪ my home, sweet home ♪
  • 00:09:07.970 --> 00:09:11.741
  • ♪ sweet home ♪
  • 00:09:11.741 --> 00:09:20.916
  • (congregation applauding)
  • 00:09:21.484 --> 00:09:23.686
  • As our nation marks 250 years,
  • 00:09:23.686 --> 00:09:26.255
  • America stands at a crossroads.
  • 00:09:26.255 --> 00:09:28.491
  • Will we return to the god who blessed us
  • 00:09:28.491 --> 00:09:30.893
  • Or continue down a path that leads to ruin?
  • 00:09:30.893 --> 00:09:33.529
  • Through the in god we trust matching challenge,
  • 00:09:33.529 --> 00:09:36.132
  • Your gift today will be doubled in ministry impact.
  • 00:09:36.132 --> 00:09:39.001
  • For 30 years, "pathway to victory"
  • 00:09:39.001 --> 00:09:41.203
  • 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
  • 00:09:43.205 --> 00:09:46.275
  • 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)
  • 00:09:54.583 --> 00:09:59.689
  • (peaceful music)
  • 00:10:00.056 --> 00:10:01.724
  • Today as we celebrate
  • 00:10:01.724 --> 00:10:04.193
  • 250 years of god's blessings on this country,
  • 00:10:04.193 --> 00:10:09.465
  • I think it's important to keep in mind the reality
  • 00:10:10.499 --> 00:10:12.968
  • That america will not last forever.
  • 00:10:12.968 --> 00:10:18.307
  • That's certainly the teaching of history.
  • 00:10:19.175 --> 00:10:21.811
  • The teaching of history is, nations rise and fall.
  • 00:10:21.811 --> 00:10:26.682
  • 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
  • 00:10:33.923 --> 00:10:37.126
  • Or a thousand years away,
  • 00:10:37.126 --> 00:10:39.161
  • The fact is, we have a limited time here on earth.
  • 00:10:39.161 --> 00:10:43.599
  • Do some math.
  • 00:10:43.599 --> 00:10:45.134
  • This'll depress the heck out of you, but just do this.
  • 00:10:45.134 --> 00:10:47.603
  • No, i'm just kidding.
  • 00:10:47.603 --> 00:10:49.138
  • Figure out a normal lifespan you think you might have:
  • 00:10:49.138 --> 00:10:52.575
  • 70, 80, maybe 85 years.
  • 00:10:52.575 --> 00:10:57.113
  • Let's just say you take 85 years
  • 00:10:57.113 --> 00:11:00.182
  • And you subtract the years you've already lived.
  • 00:11:00.182 --> 00:11:03.219
  • How many do you have left?
  • 00:11:03.219 --> 00:11:05.454
  • Some of you are on overtime already.
  • 00:11:05.454 --> 00:11:07.590
  • (congregation laughing)
  • 00:11:07.590 --> 00:11:10.526
  • We are here for a very short time.
  • 00:11:10.526 --> 00:11:14.730
  • No one lasts forever in this world.
  • 00:11:14.730 --> 00:11:18.033
  • So whether we're talking about the end of america
  • 00:11:18.033 --> 00:11:20.436
  • Or the end of our own lives,
  • 00:11:20.436 --> 00:11:22.004
  • What should be our attitude?
  • 00:11:22.004 --> 00:11:23.472
  • You know, in romans chapter 13,
  • 00:11:23.472 --> 00:11:25.574
  • The apostle paul had done the math
  • 00:11:25.574 --> 00:11:27.943
  • About how close either his death was
  • 00:11:27.943 --> 00:11:30.045
  • Or the coming of the lord was.
  • 00:11:30.045 --> 00:11:31.881
  • And he said, "do this knowing the time," romans 13.
  • 00:11:31.881 --> 00:11:35.818
  • "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,
  • 00:11:49.298 --> 00:11:51.901
  • "be steadfast, immovable,
  • 00:11:51.901 --> 00:11:54.837
  • "and always abounding in the work of the lord
  • 00:11:54.837 --> 00:11:57.840
  • "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
  • 00:12:02.344 --> 00:12:05.047
  • About how we are to live in these last days.
  • 00:12:05.047 --> 00:12:09.285
  • First of all, he says, "be hopeful."
  • 00:12:09.285 --> 00:12:12.655
  • Be hopeful.
  • 00:12:12.655 --> 00:12:13.589
  • Write that down, be hopeful.
  • 00:12:13.589 --> 00:12:15.090
  • That's what he means by the word steadfast.
  • 00:12:15.090 --> 00:12:17.726
  • It's a greek word, hedraios, that means to be seated,
  • 00:12:17.726 --> 00:12:21.463
  • To be firmly situated, to be secure.
  • 00:12:21.463 --> 00:12:24.934
  • The hebrew counterpart to that
  • 00:12:24.934 --> 00:12:27.102
  • Is a word that means to be at leisure.
  • 00:12:27.102 --> 00:12:30.406
  • 1 peter: 3 says, "we need to be ready to give an answer
  • 00:12:30.406 --> 00:12:34.043
  • "to anyone who asks us for the hope that is within us."
  • 00:12:34.043 --> 00:12:38.380
  • Not the depression that is within us
  • 00:12:38.380 --> 00:12:40.583
  • But the hope that is within us.
  • 00:12:40.583 --> 00:12:42.484
  • And that's why paul said, "in these last days, be hopeful."
  • 00:12:42.484 --> 00:12:47.189
  • He has a second command.
  • 00:12:47.189 --> 00:12:48.457
  • He says, "be courageous."
  • 00:12:48.457 --> 00:12:51.260
  • Be courageous.
  • 00:12:51.260 --> 00:12:52.561
  • 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
  • 00:12:59.401 --> 00:13:02.738
  • Found himself staring into bright lights.
  • 00:13:02.738 --> 00:13:06.242
  • He immediately wanted to avoid a collision,
  • 00:13:06.242 --> 00:13:09.879
  • And so he told the signal man to flash a signal
  • 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:12.915
  • 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.
  • 00:13:26.195 --> 00:13:28.664
  • And so he sent the message,
  • 00:13:28.664 --> 00:13:31.033
  • "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.
  • 00:14:01.797 --> 00:14:06.035
  • And we're being told as christians,
  • 00:14:06.035 --> 00:14:07.536
  • We need to change our course.
  • 00:14:07.536 --> 00:14:09.638
  • We need to change our convictions to mesh with the culture.
  • 00:14:09.638 --> 00:14:13.809
  • Ladies and gentlemen, the bible never commanded us
  • 00:14:13.809 --> 00:14:17.012
  • To fit into the culture.
  • 00:14:17.012 --> 00:14:19.014
  • We are not the ones who fit into the culture's mold.
  • 00:14:19.014 --> 00:14:22.451
  • We are to force and mold the culture
  • 00:14:22.451 --> 00:14:24.954
  • After the church of jesus christ.
  • 00:14:24.954 --> 00:14:27.256
  • 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.
  • 00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:34.296
  • And we can't do that if we compromise
  • 00:14:34.296 --> 00:14:36.932
  • 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.
  • 00:14:44.306 --> 00:14:46.208
  • It has to be immovable.
  • 00:14:46.208 --> 00:14:48.444
  • You know, one of the great illustrations
  • 00:14:48.444 --> 00:14:50.179
  • Of that in the bible is the story of daniel.
  • 00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:53.515
  • 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,
  • 00:14:58.921 --> 00:15:00.889
  • Just as we're living in a foreign country right now,
  • 00:15:00.889 --> 00:15:03.959
  • 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