Robert Jeffress - Good Grace Spiritual Surgery (Part 2)

April 30, 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 - Good Grace Spiritual Surgery (Part 2) | April 30, 2026
  • Alaska is unlike any other place on earth.
  • 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:03.426
  • And this is your chance to witness god's masterpiece
  • 00:00:03.426 --> 00:00:06.429
  • And america's priceless treasure.
  • 00:00:06.429 --> 00:00:08.531
  • June 13th through 20, 2026.
  • 00:00:08.531 --> 00:00:11.367
  • You know, i can hardly wait to show you alaska.
  • 00:00:11.367 --> 00:00:14.537
  • I've been there before,
  • 00:00:14.537 --> 00:00:15.839
  • And every time i witness those massive glaciers
  • 00:00:15.839 --> 00:00:19.008
  • And towering mountains,
  • 00:00:19.008 --> 00:00:20.543
  • I'm reminded of how incredibly creative our god is.
  • 00:00:20.543 --> 00:00:24.514
  • Picture this:
  • 00:00:24.514 --> 00:00:25.882
  • Waking up to snow-capped peaks outside your window.
  • 00:00:25.882 --> 00:00:28.918
  • Then heading to your refreshing breakfast
  • 00:00:28.918 --> 00:00:31.054
  • Knowing that all your meals are prepared for you.
  • 00:00:31.054 --> 00:00:33.690
  • The world-class service means that you can truly relax.
  • 00:00:33.690 --> 00:00:37.060
  • We'll explore charming villages together,
  • 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:39.529
  • We'll stroll alongside the still waters
  • 00:00:39.529 --> 00:00:42.031
  • Of a mountain stream,
  • 00:00:42.031 --> 00:00:43.500
  • And, yes, we'll see god's artistry at every turn.
  • 00:00:43.500 --> 00:00:47.737
  • Reserve your spot
  • 00:00:47.737 --> 00:00:49.172
  • On the 2026 "pathway to victory" cruise to alaska
  • 00:00:49.172 --> 00:00:52.775
  • By calling 888-280-6747 or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:00:52.775 --> 00:01:00.316
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:01:00.650 --> 00:01:06.589
  • From the pulpit
  • 00:01:06.956 --> 00:01:08.224
  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
  • 00:01:08.224 --> 00:01:10.426
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:01:10.426 --> 00:01:14.464
  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:01:14.964 --> 00:01:16.299
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:01:16.299 --> 00:01:18.768
  • When a fellow christian
  • 00:01:18.768 --> 00:01:20.236
  • Is caught up in a serious sin and refuses to repent,
  • 00:01:20.236 --> 00:01:23.907
  • What should the church do?
  • 00:01:23.907 --> 00:01:25.875
  • The bible doesn't leave us guessing.
  • 00:01:25.875 --> 00:01:28.244
  • In fact, the bible lays out
  • 00:01:28.244 --> 00:01:29.812
  • A very specific step-by-step process for how to handle it.
  • 00:01:29.812 --> 00:01:34.350
  • Today, we're going to walk through that biblical blueprint
  • 00:01:34.350 --> 00:01:37.820
  • And discover what good grace spiritual surgery
  • 00:01:37.820 --> 00:01:41.257
  • Actually looks like in practice.
  • 00:01:41.257 --> 00:01:43.760
  • My message is titled: "good grace spiritual surgery."
  • 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:47.897
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:01:47.897 --> 00:01:52.168
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:01:52.168 --> 00:01:58.241
  • ♪ there is a blood ♪
  • 00:01:58.741 --> 00:02:02.512
  • ♪ that sights the blind ♪
  • 00:02:02.512 --> 00:02:06.382
  • ♪ and heals the sick ♪
  • 00:02:06.382 --> 00:02:09.786
  • ♪ and the lonely find ♪
  • 00:02:09.786 --> 00:02:13.690
  • ♪ it has the power to free the bound ♪
  • 00:02:13.690 --> 00:02:21.164
  • ♪ as chains they fall ♪
  • 00:02:21.698 --> 00:02:25.101
  • ♪ upon the ground ♪
  • 00:02:25.101 --> 00:02:29.172
  • ♪ so pour it out ♪
  • 00:02:29.172 --> 00:02:32.775
  • ♪ to cleanse my soul ♪
  • 00:02:32.775 --> 00:02:37.113
  • ♪ let his liquid glory flow ♪
  • 00:02:37.113 --> 00:02:43.786
  • ♪ because it lives ♪
  • 00:02:44.287 --> 00:02:48.191
  • ♪ to make me whole ♪
  • 00:02:48.191 --> 00:02:51.794
  • ♪ i owe my life ♪
  • 00:02:51.794 --> 00:02:55.765
  • ♪ i owe my soul ♪
  • 00:02:55.765 --> 00:02:59.936
  • ♪ so i come to tell you he saves ♪
  • 00:02:59.936 --> 00:03:05.808
  • ♪ to shout and to proclaim ♪
  • 00:03:06.442 --> 00:03:09.946
  • ♪ and he's coming back for you ♪
  • 00:03:09.946 --> 00:03:16.552
  • ♪ can wash away my sins ♪
  • 00:03:17.153 --> 00:03:22.425
  • ♪ nothing but his blood ♪
  • 00:03:23.026 --> 00:03:25.928
  • ♪ his cleansing blood ♪
  • 00:03:25.928 --> 00:03:28.498
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:03:28.498 --> 00:03:35.271
  • ♪ there is a grave ♪
  • 00:03:35.772 --> 00:03:39.676
  • ♪ that tried to hide ♪
  • 00:03:39.676 --> 00:03:43.279
  • ♪ this precious blood ♪
  • 00:03:43.279 --> 00:03:47.050
  • ♪ that gave me life ♪
  • 00:03:47.050 --> 00:03:50.887
  • ♪ but in three days he breathed again ♪
  • 00:03:50.887 --> 00:03:56.259
  • ♪ and rose to stand ♪
  • 00:03:56.793 --> 00:04:01.931
  • ♪ in my defense ♪
  • 00:04:02.398 --> 00:04:09.539
  • ♪ so i come to tell you he's alive ♪
  • 00:04:10.373 --> 00:04:15.645
  • ♪ jesus is alive ♪
  • 00:04:16.112 --> 00:04:17.080
  • ♪ to shout and to proclaim ♪
  • 00:04:17.080 --> 00:04:19.349
  • ♪ he's coming back ♪
  • 00:04:19.349 --> 00:04:20.917
  • ♪ he's coming back for you ♪
  • 00:04:20.917 --> 00:04:23.119
  • ♪ he's coming back, he's coming back ♪
  • 00:04:23.119 --> 00:04:26.289
  • ♪ in the twinkle of an eye ♪
  • 00:04:26.289 --> 00:04:28.991
  • ♪ he's coming back for you ♪
  • 00:04:28.991 --> 00:04:30.927
  • ♪ when the trumpet sounds he's coming ♪
  • 00:04:30.927 --> 00:04:37.533
  • ♪ for you ♪
  • 00:04:37.900 --> 00:04:46.776
  • (congregation applauds)
  • 00:04:47.276 --> 00:04:49.979
  • Some christians use grace
  • 00:04:49.979 --> 00:04:51.581
  • As a spiritual get-out-of-jail-free card.
  • 00:04:51.581 --> 00:04:54.484
  • Others pile on so many rules,
  • 00:04:54.484 --> 00:04:56.753
  • They have no grace for themselves or others.
  • 00:04:56.753 --> 00:04:59.389
  • In "grace gone wild,"
  • 00:04:59.389 --> 00:05:01.190
  • Dr. robert jeffress shows you
  • 00:05:01.190 --> 00:05:02.792
  • What biblical grace actually looks like
  • 00:05:02.792 --> 00:05:05.228
  • And how practicing it leads to true freedom and lasting joy.
  • 00:05:05.228 --> 00:05:08.998
  • Discover how grace can transform your marriage,
  • 00:05:08.998 --> 00:05:11.367
  • Your relationships, and your walk with god.
  • 00:05:11.367 --> 00:05:14.003
  • Request "grace gone wild"
  • 00:05:14.003 --> 00:05:15.938
  • When you give a generous ministry gift
  • 00:05:15.938 --> 00:05:17.974
  • To "pathway to victory."
  • 00:05:17.974 --> 00:05:20.676
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:05:21.010 --> 00:05:28.484
  • We have a choice
  • 00:05:28.851 --> 00:05:30.153
  • When we come upon those sparks of controversy.
  • 00:05:30.153 --> 00:05:32.789
  • We can take our bucket of water
  • 00:05:33.423 --> 00:05:36.325
  • And extinguish that spark by what we say.
  • 00:05:36.325 --> 00:05:39.762
  • You know, "i doubt that's true,"
  • 00:05:39.762 --> 00:05:41.731
  • Or, "have you checked with the person about it personally?"
  • 00:05:41.731 --> 00:05:45.134
  • Or, "maybe that's not the whole story."
  • 00:05:45.134 --> 00:05:47.003
  • We can douse it with water
  • 00:05:47.003 --> 00:05:48.638
  • Or we can pour a bucket of gasoline on that spark
  • 00:05:48.638 --> 00:05:52.642
  • And fuel that flame
  • 00:05:52.642 --> 00:05:54.043
  • Until it destroys everything and everyone.
  • 00:05:54.043 --> 00:05:57.747
  • We are called as a church,
  • 00:05:57.747 --> 00:05:59.415
  • As individual members of the body of christ,
  • 00:05:59.415 --> 00:06:02.084
  • To be fire extinguishers
  • 00:06:02.084 --> 00:06:04.554
  • Wherever we find those sparks going around.
  • 00:06:04.554 --> 00:06:07.223
  • And when somebody refuses to do that,
  • 00:06:07.223 --> 00:06:10.226
  • When somebody is continually fueling the flame
  • 00:06:10.226 --> 00:06:13.663
  • Of controversy in the church,
  • 00:06:13.663 --> 00:06:15.331
  • We cannot afford to leave that alone.
  • 00:06:15.331 --> 00:06:18.167
  • It has to be dealt with.
  • 00:06:18.167 --> 00:06:19.902
  • In romans 16, verse 17, paul said:
  • 00:06:19.902 --> 00:06:22.638
  • "now i urge you, brothers and sisters,
  • 00:06:22.638 --> 00:06:25.007
  • "keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances
  • 00:06:25.007 --> 00:06:31.214
  • "contrary to the teaching which you have learned,
  • 00:06:32.215 --> 00:06:34.784
  • "and turn away from them."
  • 00:06:34.784 --> 00:06:39.121
  • In a previous church, we had a leader
  • 00:06:39.922 --> 00:06:42.091
  • Who was always fueling the flame of controversy.
  • 00:06:42.091 --> 00:06:45.461
  • He was making false statements
  • 00:06:45.461 --> 00:06:47.363
  • About the finances of the church.
  • 00:06:47.363 --> 00:06:49.732
  • He was constantly criticizing staff members.
  • 00:06:49.732 --> 00:06:53.169
  • And finally the leaders of our church met
  • 00:06:53.169 --> 00:06:55.037
  • And said, "we can't put up with this any longer.
  • 00:06:55.037 --> 00:06:57.507
  • "it is hurting our church."
  • 00:06:57.507 --> 00:06:59.675
  • And they had the audacity, the boldness, the courage
  • 00:06:59.675 --> 00:07:03.279
  • To remove this person from their place of leadership.
  • 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:07.483
  • And the controversy disappeared.
  • 00:07:07.483 --> 00:07:10.653
  • You think that's drastic?
  • 00:07:10.653 --> 00:07:11.954
  • Listen again to what the word of god says.
  • 00:07:11.954 --> 00:07:13.756
  • Titus 3: 10 and 11: "reject a divisive person
  • 00:07:13.756 --> 00:07:19.061
  • "after a first and second warning."
  • 00:07:19.795 --> 00:07:21.230
  • "oh, pastor, we're supposed to love these people.
  • 00:07:21.230 --> 00:07:23.466
  • "we're supposed to welcome them."
  • 00:07:23.466 --> 00:07:24.767
  • No, that's not what the word of god says.
  • 00:07:24.767 --> 00:07:27.303
  • You reject them after a first and second warning.
  • 00:07:27.303 --> 00:07:30.673
  • "knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right
  • 00:07:30.673 --> 00:07:34.577
  • "and is sinning, being self-condemned."
  • 00:07:34.577 --> 00:07:39.081
  • There are some instances in which a sin
  • 00:07:39.882 --> 00:07:44.220
  • Is so grievous against a congregation
  • 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:46.188
  • That it threatens the moral, doctrinal,
  • 00:07:46.188 --> 00:07:48.558
  • Or emotional health of that congregation.
  • 00:07:48.558 --> 00:07:51.627
  • It has to be dealt with.
  • 00:07:51.627 --> 00:07:52.995
  • Well, how do you do that?
  • 00:07:52.995 --> 00:07:54.797
  • How do you engage in that kind of discipline?
  • 00:07:54.797 --> 00:07:57.867
  • That's what jesus is talking about
  • 00:07:57.867 --> 00:07:59.769
  • In the first portion of matthew chapter 18.
  • 00:07:59.769 --> 00:08:02.672
  • Remember, i call this spiritual surgery.
  • 00:08:02.672 --> 00:08:05.808
  • Paul said, "if you see somebody caught in a sin,
  • 00:08:05.808 --> 00:08:10.212
  • "let those of you who are spiritual restore."
  • 00:08:10.212 --> 00:08:13.716
  • Katartizo, a word that means to mend a broken bone.
  • 00:08:13.716 --> 00:08:18.654
  • You've got to do this very, very carefully
  • 00:08:18.654 --> 00:08:21.891
  • So you don't lose the patient
  • 00:08:21.891 --> 00:08:23.960
  • But also you don't lose the congregation in the process.
  • 00:08:23.960 --> 00:08:27.296
  • So jesus outlines the steps for doing that.
  • 00:08:27.296 --> 00:08:29.966
  • Look at verse 15.
  • 00:08:29.966 --> 00:08:31.267
  • Step number one: if you see a person involved
  • 00:08:31.267 --> 00:08:33.970
  • In this kind of sin, talk with the person privately.
  • 00:08:33.970 --> 00:08:38.541
  • Here's the difference between condemnation and restoration.
  • 00:08:38.541 --> 00:08:42.011
  • If you really just want to condemn a person
  • 00:08:42.011 --> 00:08:43.646
  • And make yourself feel better,
  • 00:08:43.646 --> 00:08:45.214
  • You're just interested in condemning people,
  • 00:08:45.214 --> 00:08:47.717
  • You'll deal as publicly as possible
  • 00:08:47.717 --> 00:08:49.819
  • With that sinning christian.
  • 00:08:49.819 --> 00:08:51.320
  • But if your real goal is restoration,
  • 00:08:51.320 --> 00:08:53.956
  • Then you'll deal as privately as possible with them.
  • 00:08:53.956 --> 00:08:57.026
  • And that's why jesus said step 1, verse 15:
  • 00:08:57.026 --> 00:09:00.062
  • "if your brother sins,
  • 00:09:00.062 --> 00:09:01.297
  • "go and show him his fault in private.
  • 00:09:01.297 --> 00:09:05.368
  • "if he listens to you, you've won your brother."
  • 00:09:05.368 --> 00:09:08.838
  • That's the best outcome.
  • 00:09:08.838 --> 00:09:10.806
  • Now, this isn't about somebody who's sinned against you.
  • 00:09:10.806 --> 00:09:13.242
  • You're supposed to forgive them.
  • 00:09:13.242 --> 00:09:15.011
  • No, this is some other kind of sin you see
  • 00:09:15.011 --> 00:09:17.346
  • That's destroying them or harming the church.
  • 00:09:17.346 --> 00:09:20.016
  • Go talk to them in private.
  • 00:09:20.016 --> 00:09:21.350
  • Don't tell anybody else about it.
  • 00:09:21.350 --> 00:09:23.419
  • And the very best outcome is?
  • 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:26.155
  • They say, "you know, you're right and i'm going to change."
  • 00:09:26.155 --> 00:09:28.991
  • That's what you hope for is the outcome.
  • 00:09:28.991 --> 00:09:32.061
  • I need to stop here and just address this common fallacy.
  • 00:09:33.195 --> 00:09:37.199
  • I even saw it in the chat room between services,
  • 00:09:37.199 --> 00:09:39.735
  • People watching our online service.
  • 00:09:39.735 --> 00:09:41.704
  • Well, "what about matthew 7:
  • 00:09:41.704 --> 00:09:43.372
  • "'judge not lest you be judged'"?
  • 00:09:43.372 --> 00:09:46.442
  • Jesus was not saying you never judge anybody
  • 00:09:47.343 --> 00:09:49.679
  • For any reason at all.
  • 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:50.880
  • I could quote you verse after verse
  • 00:09:50.880 --> 00:09:52.481
  • Where the bible says we are to judge.
  • 00:09:52.481 --> 00:09:54.417
  • We are to make discerning decisions.
  • 00:09:54.417 --> 00:09:57.853
  • We're to inspect other people's fruit.
  • 00:09:57.853 --> 00:10:00.790
  • By their fruits, you shall know them.
  • 00:10:01.557 --> 00:10:03.926
  • The judgment jesus is talking about here
  • 00:10:03.926 --> 00:10:06.195
  • Is the pharisaical kind of judgment.
  • 00:10:06.195 --> 00:10:09.532
  • The pharisees loved to condemn people
  • 00:10:09.532 --> 00:10:12.034
  • And say, "this person is beyond redemption."
  • 00:10:12.034 --> 00:10:15.838
  • We're never to say that.
  • 00:10:15.838 --> 00:10:17.139
  • Only god can perform that kind of judgment.
  • 00:10:17.139 --> 00:10:21.510
  • Let me prove to you, though,
  • 00:10:21.510 --> 00:10:22.812
  • The fact that jesus says we are to judge.
  • 00:10:22.812 --> 00:10:25.047
  • Look at verse 5 of matthew 7.
  • 00:10:25.047 --> 00:10:27.216
  • "you hypocrite, first, take the log out of your own eye
  • 00:10:27.216 --> 00:10:31.253
  • "and then you'll be able to see clearly
  • 00:10:31.253 --> 00:10:34.256
  • "to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
  • 00:10:34.256 --> 00:10:37.026
  • Jesus said, "i'm not against
  • 00:10:37.626 --> 00:10:39.495
  • "trying to take the speck out of somebody's eye,
  • 00:10:39.495 --> 00:10:41.964
  • "but just take the log out of your own eye
  • 00:10:41.964 --> 00:10:44.533
  • "before you try that."
  • 00:10:44.533 --> 00:10:46.802
  • Let me illustrate this.
  • 00:10:47.303 --> 00:10:49.205
  • Have you ever gotten something in your eye
  • 00:10:49.205 --> 00:10:51.140
  • And you just couldn't get it out?
  • 00:10:51.140 --> 00:10:53.275
  • I mean, your eye waters, and it's just a mess.
  • 00:10:53.275 --> 00:10:56.278
  • And all you can think about is:
  • 00:10:56.278 --> 00:10:57.446
  • "how am i going to get this out?"
  • 00:10:57.446 --> 00:10:58.681
  • Let's just imagine you wear contacts,
  • 00:10:58.681 --> 00:11:00.649
  • You get a contact lens stuck in your eye,
  • 00:11:00.649 --> 00:11:02.952
  • And you can't get it out.
  • 00:11:02.952 --> 00:11:04.587
  • And it's just bothering you
  • 00:11:04.587 --> 00:11:05.955
  • And it's getting worse and worse.
  • 00:11:05.955 --> 00:11:07.523
  • So finally, you break down, you go to the ophthalmologist,
  • 00:11:07.523 --> 00:11:10.392
  • The nurse puts you in the chair
  • 00:11:10.392 --> 00:11:12.027
  • And says, "the doctor will be with you in a moment."
  • 00:11:12.027 --> 00:11:14.130
  • So you lean back waiting for the doctor to come in.
  • 00:11:14.130 --> 00:11:16.632
  • He comes in and says, "what is the problem?"
  • 00:11:16.632 --> 00:11:18.768
  • And you notice coming out of his eye is a two by four.
  • 00:11:18.768 --> 00:11:22.905
  • He says, "now let me see here
  • 00:11:22.905 --> 00:11:24.673
  • "to see if i can get this out of here."
  • 00:11:24.673 --> 00:11:27.143
  • Would you want that doctor working on your eye?
  • 00:11:27.143 --> 00:11:30.012
  • I don't think so.
  • 00:11:30.012 --> 00:11:31.547
  • You'd want to be sure that two by four got out of his eye
  • 00:11:31.547 --> 00:11:34.116
  • So he could see clearly to operate on your eye.
  • 00:11:34.116 --> 00:11:38.287
  • And that's exactly what jesus is saying in matthew 7.
  • 00:11:38.287 --> 00:11:41.757
  • It's a merciful thing
  • 00:11:41.757 --> 00:11:43.159
  • To help somebody remove the speck from their eye.
  • 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:45.461
  • We ought to do that.
  • 00:11:45.461 --> 00:11:47.263
  • But we've got to deal with the log, the sin in our own life
  • 00:11:47.263 --> 00:11:50.866
  • Before we can see clearly to help somebody else.
  • 00:11:50.866 --> 00:11:54.503
  • Go talk privately.
  • 00:11:54.503 --> 00:11:55.704
  • If he responds, you've won a brother.
  • 00:11:55.704 --> 00:11:57.573
  • Well, what if he doesn't respond?
  • 00:11:57.573 --> 00:11:58.974
  • Well, then go to step 2, jesus said, verse 16:
  • 00:11:58.974 --> 00:12:01.777
  • "take a small group with you
  • 00:12:01.777 --> 00:12:03.813
  • "when you talk to the person."
  • 00:12:03.813 --> 00:12:05.281
  • Look at verse 16.
  • 00:12:05.281 --> 00:12:06.682
  • "but if he does not listen to you,
  • 00:12:06.682 --> 00:12:09.185
  • "take one or two with you so that,"
  • 00:12:09.185 --> 00:12:12.021
  • And then he quotes from the old testament,
  • 00:12:12.021 --> 00:12:14.723
  • "so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses,
  • 00:12:14.723 --> 00:12:18.194
  • "every matter may be confirmed."
  • 00:12:18.194 --> 00:12:21.730
  • Now, jesus isn't saying:
  • 00:12:21.730 --> 00:12:23.299
  • Find two or three eyewitnesses to the sin
  • 00:12:23.299 --> 00:12:25.968
  • This person has committed.
  • 00:12:25.968 --> 00:12:27.703
  • That's almost impossible.
  • 00:12:27.703 --> 00:12:28.971
  • There are usually no eyewitnesses to sin.
  • 00:12:28.971 --> 00:12:32.408
  • The reason jesus says take two or three with you,
  • 00:12:32.408 --> 00:12:36.212
  • Is that, a, it will convince the sinner
  • 00:12:36.212 --> 00:12:39.281
  • How serious this sin is,
  • 00:12:39.281 --> 00:12:40.883
  • That if three people from the church
  • 00:12:40.883 --> 00:12:42.751
  • Want to come talk to you,
  • 00:12:42.751 --> 00:12:44.186
  • This is a pretty serious matter.
  • 00:12:44.186 --> 00:12:46.555
  • But also it means that there are
  • 00:12:46.555 --> 00:12:48.123
  • Two or three witnesses there
  • 00:12:48.123 --> 00:12:49.558
  • Who can respond to the church if necessary
  • 00:12:49.558 --> 00:12:52.561
  • On what the sinner's attitude was.
  • 00:12:52.561 --> 00:12:54.964
  • Was he repentant or not repentant?
  • 00:12:54.964 --> 00:12:58.434
  • Again, when this happens, the goal is restoration.
  • 00:12:58.434 --> 00:13:01.971
  • Now, i've been involved in this process many times,
  • 00:13:01.971 --> 00:13:05.908
  • Two or three of us talking
  • 00:13:05.908 --> 00:13:07.576
  • With a christian who's committing a sin
  • 00:13:07.576 --> 00:13:10.212
  • That needs to be corrected.
  • 00:13:10.212 --> 00:13:13.115
  • And if you're going to do spiritual surgery,
  • 00:13:13.115 --> 00:13:16.418
  • It's a very delicate surgery.
  • 00:13:16.418 --> 00:13:18.354
  • There's got to be precision.
  • 00:13:18.354 --> 00:13:20.556
  • I've met with the people
  • 00:13:20.556 --> 00:13:22.157
  • Who were going to go confront with the sinner,
  • 00:13:22.157 --> 00:13:23.726
  • And we wrote down who was going to say what.
  • 00:13:23.726 --> 00:13:27.162
  • In what order.
  • 00:13:27.162 --> 00:13:28.931
  • How are we going to respond if he says this?
  • 00:13:28.931 --> 00:13:31.734
  • Or what if he says that?
  • 00:13:31.734 --> 00:13:34.436
  • You know, when you're doing surgery,
  • 00:13:35.204 --> 00:13:36.939
  • You want to use a scalpel, not a pickaxe.
  • 00:13:36.939 --> 00:13:39.675
  • It's very delicate what you're doing.
  • 00:13:39.675 --> 00:13:41.911
  • And so it needs to be done carefully with thought,
  • 00:13:41.911 --> 00:13:44.914
  • And always remembering: the goal is restoration.
  • 00:13:44.914 --> 00:13:47.516
  • To bring him or her to the point
  • 00:13:47.516 --> 00:13:49.418
  • Where they're willing to say, "you know, you're right,
  • 00:13:49.418 --> 00:13:52.221
  • "and, today, i'm repenting of that sin.
  • 00:13:52.221 --> 00:13:54.890
  • "i'm asking for the church's forgiveness.
  • 00:13:54.890 --> 00:13:57.359
  • "i'm ready to start living differently."
  • 00:13:57.359 --> 00:13:59.929
  • And, again, if a person responds, great,
  • 00:13:59.929 --> 00:14:02.564
  • You've won a brother.
  • 00:14:02.564 --> 00:14:04.667
  • But what if they don't respond?
  • 00:14:04.667 --> 00:14:06.168
  • What if they bow up and say:
  • 00:14:06.168 --> 00:14:07.503
  • "i don't have to listen to you.
  • 00:14:07.503 --> 00:14:09.305
  • "i'm going to continue living however i want to live."
  • 00:14:09.305 --> 00:14:12.041
  • What do you do then?
  • 00:14:12.041 --> 00:14:13.175
  • Jesus gives us step 3:
  • 00:14:13.175 --> 00:14:15.210
  • Report the situation to the congregation.
  • 00:14:15.210 --> 00:14:18.280
  • Look at verse 17.
  • 00:14:18.280 --> 00:14:19.748
  • "if he," that is the unrepentant believer,
  • 00:14:19.748 --> 00:14:22.918
  • "refuses to listen to them," that group of two or three,
  • 00:14:22.918 --> 00:14:27.589
  • "then you tell it to the church."
  • 00:14:27.589 --> 00:14:32.161
  • Why would you tell it to the church?
  • 00:14:32.962 --> 00:14:35.731
  • It's not to humiliate the sinner,
  • 00:14:35.731 --> 00:14:38.200
  • It's to, first of all, let him know:
  • 00:14:38.200 --> 00:14:39.702
  • "this is such a serious thing,
  • 00:14:39.702 --> 00:14:41.670
  • "we're going to have to report this to the church."
  • 00:14:41.670 --> 00:14:44.306
  • And it's also to gather a group of more people
  • 00:14:44.306 --> 00:14:46.542
  • To pray for the sinner
  • 00:14:46.542 --> 00:14:48.043
  • To restore him to a right relationship with god.
  • 00:14:48.043 --> 00:14:51.680
  • Now, i need to point out here
  • 00:14:51.680 --> 00:14:53.182
  • That jesus' directions here are very general.
  • 00:14:53.182 --> 00:14:57.286
  • They're not precise.
  • 00:14:57.286 --> 00:14:59.788
  • We don't know exactly what he means:
  • 00:14:59.788 --> 00:15:02.257
  • "tell it to the church."
  • 00:15:02.257 --> 00:15:03.492
  • I think jesus is giving us a lot of leeway
  • 00:15:03.492 --> 00:15:06.395
  • In how to do this according to our individual situation.
  • 00:15:06.395 --> 00:15:11.667
  • You know, i doubt most of the time
  • 00:15:12.434 --> 00:15:15.237
  • We would want to announce
  • 00:15:15.237 --> 00:15:16.472
  • Somebody's sin to the whole church.
  • 00:15:16.472 --> 00:15:18.874
  • Can you see our video announcements ending with:
  • 00:15:18.874 --> 00:15:21.076
  • "and now a list of sinning church members for this week"?
  • 00:15:21.076 --> 00:15:25.447
  • It'd have high attendance, i'm sure.
  • 00:15:25.447 --> 00:15:27.316
  • Every sunday, people would want to come and see that.
  • 00:15:27.316 --> 00:15:30.953
  • But i think by telling it to the church,
  • 00:15:31.820 --> 00:15:33.622
  • It could mean to a group of leaders in the church,
  • 00:15:33.622 --> 00:15:36.558
  • To the deacons, to the staff.
  • 00:15:36.558 --> 00:15:39.328
  • But jesus gives us some leeway.
  • 00:15:39.328 --> 00:15:40.963
  • But, again, the goal is restoration here.
  • 00:15:40.963 --> 00:15:44.600
  • Well, what if even after that a person doesn't repent?
  • 00:15:44.600 --> 00:15:48.637
  • Then and only then do you go
  • 00:15:48.637 --> 00:15:50.305
  • To the most drastic step, step 4:
  • 00:15:50.305 --> 00:15:53.008
  • If necessary, remove the person from the congregation.
  • 00:15:53.008 --> 00:15:58.480
  • Again, i heard somebody in the chat room,
  • 00:15:59.348 --> 00:16:00.816
  • Read somebody in the chat room:
  • 00:16:00.816 --> 00:16:02.084
  • "oh, i can't believe the pastor talked about
  • 00:16:02.084 --> 00:16:04.053
  • "removing people from the church!
  • 00:16:04.053 --> 00:16:06.188
  • "we're supposed to be a church
  • 00:16:06.188 --> 00:16:07.322
  • "of love and acceptance of sinners!"
  • 00:16:07.322 --> 00:16:10.192
  • Oh yes, everybody's welcome to come.
  • 00:16:10.192 --> 00:16:12.494
  • All sinners are welcome to come.
  • 00:16:12.494 --> 00:16:14.096
  • All unbelievers are welcome to come.
  • 00:16:14.096 --> 00:16:16.832
  • But the one who's talking about removing people
  • 00:16:16.832 --> 00:16:18.967
  • From the congregation's not robert jeffress,
  • 00:16:18.967 --> 00:16:21.203
  • It's jesus christ.
  • 00:16:21.203 --> 00:16:22.838
  • This is what he said, look at verse 17.
  • 00:16:22.838 --> 00:16:25.140
  • "if he refuses to listen even to the church,
  • 00:16:25.140 --> 00:16:28.710
  • "let him be to you as a gentile and a tax collector."
  • 00:16:28.710 --> 00:16:32.881
  • That was an idiom for turning him out of the congregation.
  • 00:16:32.881 --> 00:16:37.052
  • It's what paul said in 1 corinthians 5:
  • 00:16:37.052 --> 00:16:39.421
  • "this one who refuses to repent of his sexual sin
  • 00:16:39.421 --> 00:16:42.825
  • "and is ruining the reputation of your church?
  • 00:16:42.825 --> 00:16:45.060
  • "you need to turn him out of the church
  • 00:16:45.060 --> 00:16:46.462
  • "so he understands how serious the sin is."
  • 00:16:46.462 --> 00:16:50.466
  • And, again, the purpose
  • 00:16:50.466 --> 00:16:51.700
  • Of turning somebody out of the church
  • 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:53.769
  • Is not out of hatred for the person.
  • 00:16:53.769 --> 00:16:55.737
  • It's out of love.
  • 00:16:55.737 --> 00:16:57.306
  • It's with the hope that, number one,
  • 00:16:57.306 --> 00:16:58.974
  • Such a drastic action will cause that person
  • 00:16:58.974 --> 00:17:01.777
  • To realize what he's doing and repent.
  • 00:17:01.777 --> 00:17:04.947
  • But, secondly, it's to protect
  • 00:17:04.947 --> 00:17:06.582
  • The moral and spiritual health of the congregation.
  • 00:17:06.582 --> 00:17:10.552
  • It's going to infect the entire congregation
  • 00:17:10.552 --> 00:17:13.088
  • If it doesn't get dealt with.
  • 00:17:13.088 --> 00:17:15.858
  • You know, these days we're talking a lot about antibodies,
  • 00:17:15.858 --> 00:17:20.095
  • The need for our bodies to have antibodies
  • 00:17:20.095 --> 00:17:22.798
  • To protect ourself against disease.
  • 00:17:22.798 --> 00:17:26.034
  • Correcting sinning christians,
  • 00:17:26.034 --> 00:17:28.637
  • Even to the point of removing them from the church,
  • 00:17:28.637 --> 00:17:32.808
  • Is a way to keep our antibodies strong.
  • 00:17:32.808 --> 00:17:35.210
  • It produces antibodies,
  • 00:17:35.210 --> 00:17:36.645
  • It keeps the whole body from being infected
  • 00:17:36.645 --> 00:17:39.448
  • When we engage in church discipline.
  • 00:17:39.448 --> 00:17:41.750
  • If we don't follow jesus' instructions here,
  • 00:17:41.750 --> 00:17:45.287
  • We are at risk of infecting the entire body of believers.
  • 00:17:45.287 --> 00:17:50.058
  • That's what he's saying here.
  • 00:17:50.058 --> 00:17:52.861
  • The question, and i want to make this point
  • 00:17:53.762 --> 00:17:58.133
  • Before i wrap up
  • 00:17:58.133 --> 00:17:59.935
  • 'cause i think it's a point that needs to be made.
  • 00:17:59.935 --> 00:18:03.205
  • I heard somebody point out even this week
  • 00:18:03.205 --> 00:18:06.175
  • That all of these steps for correction,
  • 00:18:06.175 --> 00:18:08.443
  • Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4,
  • 00:18:08.443 --> 00:18:11.680
  • All take place within the local church.
  • 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:16.919
  • The local church
  • 00:18:17.286 --> 00:18:18.854
  • Is the highest ecclesiastical authority there is on earth.
  • 00:18:18.854 --> 00:18:23.692
  • There is no higher authority.
  • 00:18:24.326 --> 00:18:28.263
  • God said the way you deal with sinning christians
  • 00:18:28.263 --> 00:18:31.233
  • Who need to be restored
  • 00:18:31.233 --> 00:18:32.701
  • Is within the confines of a local church.
  • 00:18:32.701 --> 00:18:36.738
  • Nothing larger than that.
  • 00:18:36.738 --> 00:18:38.874
  • And the reason i say that
  • 00:18:38.874 --> 00:18:40.242
  • Is one of the disturbing trends i see
  • 00:18:40.242 --> 00:18:42.978
  • In our southern baptist convention
  • 00:18:42.978 --> 00:18:45.314
  • Is to go beyond that
  • 00:18:45.314 --> 00:18:48.350
  • And to create a denominational hierarchy
  • 00:18:48.350 --> 00:18:51.253
  • And to have churches report to this hierarchy.
  • 00:18:51.253 --> 00:18:54.056
  • And if a local church doesn't deal with a sin,
  • 00:18:54.056 --> 00:18:56.758
  • To let the denomination deal with it.
  • 00:18:56.758 --> 00:18:59.127
  • That is totally antithetical to what the word of god says.
  • 00:18:59.127 --> 00:19:03.332
  • There is no biblical basis for any organization
  • 00:19:03.332 --> 00:19:06.935
  • That is more authoritative than the local church.
  • 00:19:06.935 --> 00:19:11.840
  • Every local church is responsible
  • 00:19:11.840 --> 00:19:15.043
  • For dealing with the sin within its own congregation.
  • 00:19:15.043 --> 00:19:20.015
  • Well, does it really work?
  • 00:19:20.015 --> 00:19:22.150
  • Does this whole idea of church discipline really work?
  • 00:19:22.150 --> 00:19:26.388
  • You know, i have found that most of the people
  • 00:19:26.388 --> 00:19:28.890
  • In the christian world
  • 00:19:28.890 --> 00:19:30.859
  • Who preach about or write articles or books
  • 00:19:30.859 --> 00:19:34.463
  • About church discipline
  • 00:19:34.463 --> 00:19:35.631
  • Are those who've never done it before.
  • 00:19:35.631 --> 00:19:37.766
  • Full disclosure here: in 40 years of pastoring,
  • 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:42.671
  • I have gone through step 1, step 2, step 3,
  • 00:19:42.671 --> 00:19:47.943
  • Telling it to the church,
  • 00:19:48.510 --> 00:19:49.778
  • Usually a smaller subset of the church.
  • 00:19:49.778 --> 00:19:53.015
  • I've never engaged in step 4
  • 00:19:53.015 --> 00:19:55.350
  • Of actually turning somebody out from the church.
  • 00:19:55.350 --> 00:19:58.687
  • I have refused to allow certain people
  • 00:19:58.687 --> 00:20:01.156
  • To join the church knowing they would cause dissension,
  • 00:20:01.156 --> 00:20:04.326
  • But i've never turned anybody out of the church.
  • 00:20:04.326 --> 00:20:07.996
  • One reason i haven't done it
  • 00:20:07.996 --> 00:20:10.732
  • Is because, in today's culture,
  • 00:20:10.732 --> 00:20:13.101
  • If you get turned out of this church,
  • 00:20:13.101 --> 00:20:14.836
  • All you have to do is walk down the block
  • 00:20:14.836 --> 00:20:16.438
  • And join another church.
  • 00:20:16.438 --> 00:20:18.507
  • In paul's day, there was only one church in every city.
  • 00:20:18.507 --> 00:20:22.010
  • For you to get turned out of a church
  • 00:20:22.010 --> 00:20:23.545
  • Meant it was either be with god's people
  • 00:20:23.545 --> 00:20:25.614
  • Or be with satan's people.
  • 00:20:25.614 --> 00:20:27.182
  • You were either in or out.
  • 00:20:27.182 --> 00:20:29.484
  • It's a little different than it is today.
  • 00:20:29.484 --> 00:20:31.520
  • My experience has been that:
  • 00:20:31.520 --> 00:20:33.455
  • By the time you get to step 2 or 3,
  • 00:20:33.455 --> 00:20:35.557
  • The person voluntarily removes themselves from the church.
  • 00:20:35.557 --> 00:20:40.028
  • Usually, it just takes a small group
  • 00:20:40.028 --> 00:20:42.264
  • Going to an individual and confronting them
  • 00:20:42.264 --> 00:20:44.399
  • To either get them to repent or cause them to leave.
  • 00:20:44.399 --> 00:20:48.170
  • Interestingly, this situation in corinth
  • 00:20:48.170 --> 00:20:51.707
  • Had a positive outcome.
  • 00:20:51.707 --> 00:20:53.642
  • Remember i said in 1 corinthians 5,
  • 00:20:53.642 --> 00:20:55.577
  • Paul chastised them for not dealing with this sinning member
  • 00:20:55.577 --> 00:20:59.047
  • Sleeping with his stepmother?
  • 00:20:59.047 --> 00:21:00.415
  • Well, apparently they got the message,
  • 00:21:00.415 --> 00:21:03.452
  • And they dealt with him.
  • 00:21:03.452 --> 00:21:04.419
  • How do i know that?
  • 00:21:04.419 --> 00:21:05.587
  • Because of paul's words
  • 00:21:05.587 --> 00:21:06.988
  • In 2 corinthians, his second letter, chapter 2,
  • 00:21:06.988 --> 00:21:10.125
  • Beginning with verse 6.
  • 00:21:10.125 --> 00:21:11.693
  • He said, "sufficient for such a person is this punishment
  • 00:21:11.693 --> 00:21:16.264
  • "which was imposed by the majority.
  • 00:21:16.264 --> 00:21:19.000
  • "so that, on the other hand,
  • 00:21:19.000 --> 00:21:20.402
  • "you should rather forgive and comfort him.
  • 00:21:20.402 --> 00:21:22.938
  • "otherwise, such a person
  • 00:21:22.938 --> 00:21:24.406
  • "might become overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
  • 00:21:24.406 --> 00:21:28.143
  • "therefore, i urge you to reaffirm your love for him."
  • 00:21:28.143 --> 00:21:32.481
  • The church met, they voted this man out of the church.
  • 00:21:32.481 --> 00:21:36.785
  • He repented and wanted to come back.
  • 00:21:36.785 --> 00:21:39.955
  • Some of the people in the corinthian church said,
  • 00:21:39.955 --> 00:21:41.990
  • "no, no, no, no.
  • 00:21:41.990 --> 00:21:43.725
  • "we're not letting you back in.
  • 00:21:43.725 --> 00:21:45.727
  • "we don't want to endanger our church."
  • 00:21:45.727 --> 00:21:47.396
  • Paul said, "that's the wrong response.
  • 00:21:47.396 --> 00:21:49.631
  • "the goal is restoration.
  • 00:21:49.631 --> 00:21:51.533
  • "and if he repents, you need to welcome him back."
  • 00:21:51.533 --> 00:21:56.004
  • That's the goal of church discipline,
  • 00:21:56.004 --> 00:21:58.707
  • The restoration of a sinning christian.
  • 00:21:58.707 --> 00:22:02.077
  • Now, i know this is completely foreign
  • 00:22:02.911 --> 00:22:07.082
  • To our understanding today,
  • 00:22:07.082 --> 00:22:09.718
  • But remember all of this is an illustration
  • 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:13.688
  • Of how seriously god takes the subject of sin.
  • 00:22:13.688 --> 00:22:18.460
  • Sin is a serious subject to god.
  • 00:22:19.094 --> 00:22:21.263
  • It's serious in your life,
  • 00:22:21.263 --> 00:22:23.198
  • And it's serious in the life of other believers as well.
  • 00:22:23.198 --> 00:22:26.902
  • And the most loving thing you can do
  • 00:22:26.902 --> 00:22:29.571
  • Is to help correct a sinning christian.
  • 00:22:29.571 --> 00:22:32.140
  • And therein is the difference
  • 00:22:32.140 --> 00:22:33.708
  • Between good grace and bad grace.
  • 00:22:33.708 --> 00:22:38.246
  • Bad grace equates correction with condemnation.
  • 00:22:38.246 --> 00:22:42.417
  • Good grace understands
  • 00:22:42.417 --> 00:22:43.885
  • That sometimes the most loving thing
  • 00:22:43.885 --> 00:22:46.021
  • We can do for another christian
  • 00:22:46.021 --> 00:22:48.323
  • Is to confront him about his disobedience.
  • 00:22:48.323 --> 00:22:51.993
  • Bad grace rarely considers the effect
  • 00:22:52.761 --> 00:22:56.131
  • That an individual's sin has on an entire congregation.
  • 00:22:56.131 --> 00:23:00.202
  • But good grace recognizes our responsibility
  • 00:23:00.202 --> 00:23:04.139
  • To protect the moral, the doctrinal,
  • 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:06.775
  • And the emotional health of the church.
  • 00:23:06.775 --> 00:23:09.811
  • Bad grace uses the live-and-let-live philosophy
  • 00:23:09.811 --> 00:23:13.882
  • As an excuse for ignoring a fellow believer
  • 00:23:13.882 --> 00:23:17.085
  • Who's being held hostage by sin.
  • 00:23:17.085 --> 00:23:20.188
  • Good grace recognizes that we have a responsibility
  • 00:23:20.188 --> 00:23:24.392
  • To rescue other believers who have been overtaken by sin.
  • 00:23:24.392 --> 00:23:29.164
  • As james says, "he who turns a sinner
  • 00:23:29.965 --> 00:23:33.602
  • "from the error of his ways
  • 00:23:33.602 --> 00:23:36.538
  • "saves his soul from death
  • 00:23:36.538 --> 00:23:39.341
  • "and covers a multitude of sins."
  • 00:23:39.341 --> 00:23:43.478
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:23:43.812 --> 00:23:47.682
  • Sometimes god's grace requires confrontation.
  • 00:23:48.617 --> 00:23:51.820
  • And when we follow the bible's blueprint
  • 00:23:51.820 --> 00:23:54.422
  • For disciplining another christian,
  • 00:23:54.422 --> 00:23:56.658
  • We can have confidence that we're exercising
  • 00:23:56.658 --> 00:23:59.261
  • Our god-given right and our god-given responsibility.
  • 00:23:59.261 --> 00:24:03.865
  • Now, in closing today, i want to affirm the value
  • 00:24:03.865 --> 00:24:06.268
  • Of your partnership with "pathway to victory."
  • 00:24:06.268 --> 00:24:09.304
  • In these challenging and divisive times,
  • 00:24:09.304 --> 00:24:11.973
  • When our nation seems to be overcome by darkness,
  • 00:24:11.973 --> 00:24:15.143
  • There's nothing more important
  • 00:24:15.143 --> 00:24:16.811
  • Than providing clear, life-changing truth about god
  • 00:24:16.811 --> 00:24:20.715
  • And his amazing grace.
  • 00:24:20.715 --> 00:24:22.584
  • And your support makes it possible for us
  • 00:24:22.584 --> 00:24:24.853
  • To broadcast these programs
  • 00:24:24.853 --> 00:24:26.621
  • Across the country and around the world.
  • 00:24:26.621 --> 00:24:29.424
  • So thank you for partnering with us
  • 00:24:29.424 --> 00:24:31.693
  • To pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
  • 00:24:31.693 --> 00:24:34.863
  • Now, please stay right there.
  • 00:24:34.863 --> 00:24:36.464
  • I'll be back with more in just a moment.
  • 00:24:36.464 --> 00:24:39.501
  • The bible tells us we're saved by grace.
  • 00:24:40.368 --> 00:24:43.605
  • But do you allow yourself to receive grace?
  • 00:24:43.605 --> 00:24:46.608
  • Do you practice grace?
  • 00:24:46.608 --> 00:24:48.176
  • Do you abuse god's grace?
  • 00:24:48.176 --> 00:24:50.445
  • In "grace gone wild,"
  • 00:24:50.445 --> 00:24:51.880
  • Dr. robert jeffress clears up the confusion
  • 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:54.616
  • And shows you how grace leads to joy, not guilt.
  • 00:24:54.616 --> 00:24:58.119
  • Christians fall into one of two traps
  • 00:24:58.119 --> 00:25:00.255
  • When it comes to grace.
  • 00:25:00.255 --> 00:25:01.856
  • Some believe grace means there are no boundaries in living.
  • 00:25:01.856 --> 00:25:05.694
  • Others pile on so many rules
  • 00:25:05.694 --> 00:25:07.729
  • That christianity feels like a burden instead of a blessing.
  • 00:25:07.729 --> 00:25:12.033
  • In my book, "grace gone wild,"
  • 00:25:12.033 --> 00:25:13.602
  • I'll show you that true grace leads to a deeper,
  • 00:25:13.602 --> 00:25:17.405
  • More joy-filled relationship with god.
  • 00:25:17.405 --> 00:25:20.609
  • Discover how understanding grace
  • 00:25:20.609 --> 00:25:22.677
  • Can transform your marriage, your relationships,
  • 00:25:22.677 --> 00:25:25.513
  • And every decision you make.
  • 00:25:25.513 --> 00:25:27.515
  • Request your copy of "grace gone wild"
  • 00:25:27.515 --> 00:25:29.985
  • When you give a generous gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:25:29.985 --> 00:25:33.321
  • And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:25:33.321 --> 00:25:36.891
  • We'll also send you
  • 00:25:36.891 --> 00:25:38.426
  • The "grace gone wild" teaching series on both cd and dvd,
  • 00:25:38.426 --> 00:25:42.564
  • Along with the application guide.
  • 00:25:42.564 --> 00:25:44.766
  • There are too many christians today
  • 00:25:44.766 --> 00:25:46.568
  • Who have taken this marvelous gift of grace
  • 00:25:46.568 --> 00:25:50.338
  • And perverted it.
  • 00:25:50.338 --> 00:25:52.040
  • They are robbing themselves
  • 00:25:52.040 --> 00:25:53.541
  • Of the joy that comes from obedience to god.
  • 00:25:53.541 --> 00:25:57.545
  • Thank you for your generous support
  • 00:25:57.545 --> 00:25:59.314
  • Of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:25:59.314 --> 00:26:00.882
  • Your gift helps us bring bold,
  • 00:26:00.882 --> 00:26:02.651
  • Biblical teaching around the world.
  • 00:26:02.651 --> 00:26:04.519
  • Together, we are piercing the darkness
  • 00:26:04.519 --> 00:26:06.855
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:26:06.855 --> 00:26:10.725
  • As we come to the end of our series, "grace gone wild,"
  • 00:26:11.826 --> 00:26:15.296
  • I hope you have a clear understanding
  • 00:26:15.296 --> 00:26:17.098
  • Of what grace is and what it isn't.
  • 00:26:17.098 --> 00:26:20.101
  • When we truly understand the scope of god's grace,
  • 00:26:20.101 --> 00:26:23.405
  • We realize that sin has no place in the life of a christian.
  • 00:26:23.405 --> 00:26:27.809
  • Well, the most important question
  • 00:26:27.809 --> 00:26:29.411
  • A person can ask in life is this one:
  • 00:26:29.411 --> 00:26:31.913
  • How can i have a right relationship with god?
  • 00:26:31.913 --> 00:26:35.250
  • And the verse that gives the answer, in my opinion,
  • 00:26:35.250 --> 00:26:37.986
  • In the most clear fashion,
  • 00:26:37.986 --> 00:26:39.821
  • Is the most important verse, i believe, in all of the bible.
  • 00:26:39.821 --> 00:26:43.525
  • Stay tuned for a preview
  • 00:26:43.525 --> 00:26:44.793
  • Of what's coming up next on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:44.793 --> 00:26:48.997
  • Admittedly, a pastor's setting himself up for trouble
  • 00:26:48.997 --> 00:26:53.034
  • When he announces he's going to talk about
  • 00:26:53.034 --> 00:26:55.036
  • The most important verse in the bible
  • 00:26:55.036 --> 00:26:56.604
  • Because everybody has a different idea
  • 00:26:56.604 --> 00:26:59.274
  • Of what that verse should be.
  • 00:26:59.274 --> 00:27:01.443
  • But i think you would agree with me
  • 00:27:01.443 --> 00:27:02.944
  • That if you had to select
  • 00:27:02.944 --> 00:27:04.345
  • The single most important verse in the bible,
  • 00:27:04.345 --> 00:27:07.449
  • It ought to be one that answers
  • 00:27:08.083 --> 00:27:10.985
  • The most important question in life.
  • 00:27:10.985 --> 00:27:14.422
  • Set your dvr and join us next time for the message:
  • 00:27:14.422 --> 00:27:17.358
  • "the most important verse in the bible."
  • 00:27:17.358 --> 00:27:20.128
  • -here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:20.128 --> 00:27:20.128