Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Grave Matters

April 21, 2025 | S25:E190

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

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Grave Matters | April 21, 2025

♪ music ♪
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[narrator 1] from the pulpit
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Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
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All of us will face death eventually.
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It's one appointment none of us can cancel.
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But for christians, death isn't the end of the story.
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It's merely a transition to eternal life with christ.
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Today, i'll share why an empty tomb
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Over 2,000 years ago is crucial
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For understanding our future resurrection,
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Our eternal home, and god's ultimate victory plan.
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My message is titled "grave matters"
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On today's edition of "pathway to victory".
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♪ music ♪
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[narrator 2] each day,
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Millions of lost people are searching for hope and truth.
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Through "pathway to victory",
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God's word is reaching into homes across america
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And around the world,
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But there are still so many
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Who haven't heard the saving message of jesus christ.
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You can help change that by becoming a pathway partner.
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You'll join a dedicated team of broadcast missionaries
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Who are sharing the gospel through television and radio.
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Your monthly support will help reach people worldwide
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With the life-changing power of the cross.
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In an article entitled "grave matters",
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The new testament scholar n.t. wright wrote
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Of an interesting article
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That appeared on palm sunday, 1996,
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In the london sunday times.
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It was an article that declared
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That an archeological discovery had now shaken christianity
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To its very foundation.
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What was that discovery?
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In israel, in a family plot, so to speak,
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There were a number of ossuaries,
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Bone boxes is what they are,
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That had some interesting names on them.
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One had the name of mary, one had the name of joseph,
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One somebody named judah,
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And there was a bone box with the name jesus on it.
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Oh, they were so sure this was the smoking gun that proved
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That the resurrection was a myth.
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Now, of course,
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All those names are familiar names in the middle east.
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There's nothing to suggest that it belonged
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To the family we know,
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But even if it did belong to them, so what?
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I have a grave reserved for me in van alstyne, texas,
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But i'm not in it.
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Just having a place
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For your future burial doesn't mean anything.
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But what they didn't realize was,
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By pointing out this bone box discovery,
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They were actually making an argument for the resurrection
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Instead of against it.
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Let me explain what i mean.
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In the middle east, there was a two-step burial process.
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When somebody died,
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Their body was wrapped in spices
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To prevent a premature decay of the body,
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And the body was placed on a shelf in a tomb,
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Just like jesus was.
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It would take about a year for the body
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To completely decompose, and after about a year,
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The relatives would come and collect the bones
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And put it in an ossuary, a bone box,
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So that the shelf was clear for the next family member.
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Now, just think about it.
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If indeed this bone box were for jesus,
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It would've meant that after a year after his death,
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Somebody would've gone back to collect the bones.
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Can you imagine what that would've done
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To the christian movement, if after a year,
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Just as soon as christianity was getting off the ground,
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The bones of jesus were discovered?
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It would've destroyed the christian movement
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From the very beginning.
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There were no bones
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In that bone box because there were no bones left behind.
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When jesus was raised from the dead, he was raised bodily,
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Literally, not just spiritually.
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Now, not everybody believes that's a big deal.
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If, for example,
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One scholar was talking about why he didn't believe
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That an empty tomb really mattered that much,
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He said, "i think the resurrection of jesus really happened,
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But i have no idea if it involves something happening
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To his corpse, and therefore,
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I have no idea if it involves an empty tomb.
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So, i would have no problem whatsoever
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With archeologists finding the corpse of jesus.
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For me, that would not be discrediting
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Of the christian faith or of the christian tradition."
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The apostle paul begs to differ.
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He says a literal bodily resurrection is the core
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Of our christian belief.
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He wrote in 1 corinthians 15,
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"but if there is no resurrection of the dead,
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Not even christ has been raised;
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And if christ has not been raised,
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Then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain."
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Why is an empty grave important?
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I want to share with you this morning, briefly,
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Five reasons an empty grave matters.
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First of all, an empty tomb verifies the truth of scripture.
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It verifies the truth of the entire scriptures
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Throughout the new testament.
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We find over and over again the prophecy
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And the declaration that jesus rose from the dead.
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In acts 2, peter stood on the southern steps
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To the temple and preached the first sermon
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In the history of the church.
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He said, "but god raised jesus up again,
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Putting an end to the agony of death,
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Since it's impossible for him to be held in its power."
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Verse 29, "i, peter, may confidently say to you
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Regarding the patriarch david that he both died
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And he was buried,
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And his tomb is with us to this day."
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We know where david is.
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We know where his body is, verse 32,
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But, "this jesus god raised him up again
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To which we are all witnesses."
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It was the central message of the newborn church.
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Jesus prophesied in john 2:19.
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"he answered to them, 'destroy this temple, this body,
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And in three days, i will raise it up.'"
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In matthew 16:21, the bible says,
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"from that time on,
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Jesus began to teach his disciples how he must go
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To jerusalem, how he must suffer at the hands of the elders
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And chiefs and scribes and how he must be killed
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And raised up on the third day."
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Jesus prophesied it was going to happen.
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You know what's interesting?
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Even jesus' enemies knew
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That a literal body resurrection,
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That that was essential to christ's message.
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How did they know that?
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Look at matthew 27 verses 62 to 64.
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Jesus died on friday.
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He was buried before sundown on saturday.
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Notice what happened.
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"now on the next day," saturday,
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"the day after the preparation,
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The chief priest and the pharisees gathered together
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With pilate, and they said,
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'sir, we remember that when jesus was still alive
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That deceiver said,
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"after three days, i'm going to rise again.
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Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure
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Until the third day,
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Otherwise his disciples may come and steal the body away,
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And say, 'he has risen from the dead
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And the last deception will be worse than the first.'"
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Now, if jesus meant by resurrection that his spirit would go
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To heaven, how would anybody know if that happened or not?
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The reason they had to guard the tomb was they understood
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That jesus was claiming his body would be raised
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From the dead, and if the disciples stole the body,
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Then that would mean jesus' claim was true,
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That he was the messiah.
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And so, they said, "we're going to do whatever we need
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To make sure that body is not stolen
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And give a false verification
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That jesus is actually the son of god."
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That's why the angel said to those who had come searching
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For the body of jesus in matthew 28, "do not be afraid.
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For i know that you're looking for jesus
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Who has been crucified.
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He is not here.
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He has risen, just as he said.
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Come, see the place where he was lying."
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Why is an empty grave necessary?
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It verifies the truth of what the scripture said
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About the literal bodily resurrection of jesus
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From the dead.
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Secondly, an empty grave is important,
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Because it ratifies the sufficiency of christ's death.
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It ratifies the sufficiency of christ's death.
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Now, let me explain what i mean.
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Some years ago, i remember watching an evening newscast,
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I think it was abc.
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Remember back when everybody watched news one time a day
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At 5:30 p.m.?
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You'd gather around the tv to watch the news.
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That's all the news you got,
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So everybody watched the evening news.
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And i think it was the late peter jennings,
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Who was the anchor, and he had an interesting story.
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He said, "an archeological discovery
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Had found a 2,000-year-old road near the temple
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In jerusalem," and he said,
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"this is a road that jesus very well may have walked
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On when he went to the temple,
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And later, when he walked to the cross."
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And i heard that story,
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And i got this warm, fuzzy feeling inside of me, thinking,
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"well, isn't that nice?
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Isn't that something?
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A secular newscaster affirming
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That jesus really lived and was a teacher
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And a great person and died?"
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I was feeling good until the next story.
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Right after the jesus story,
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An image of buddha appeared behind peter jennings,
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And he said, "and in other news,
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Archeologists have discovered a tooth of buddha
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That is 2,500 years old."
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And as i watched that,
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I suddenly understood what was going on.
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Secularists don't mind acknowledging
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That jesus was a real person.
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History proves that.
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They don't mind acknowledging that he was a good teacher.
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He was.
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Just like buddha, jesus was a good teacher.
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They don't mind acknowledging that he died.
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Both jesus and buddha died.
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But here's the difference.
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When buddha died, he left his teeth and bones behind.
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When jesus died, he left nothing behind,
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Because he was raised from the dead, just as the bible says.
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"well, pastor,
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Why do you make such a big deal
00:11:07.823 --> 00:11:09.859
About christ's bodily resurrection?
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What does that have to do with me?"
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Simply put: everything.
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A bodily resurrection proves
00:11:16.766 --> 00:11:18.534
That christ has forgiven you of your sins.
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In romans 4:25, paul said,
00:11:21.437 --> 00:11:23.739
"jesus, who was delivered over
00:11:23.739 --> 00:11:26.242
Because of our transgressions,
00:11:26.242 --> 00:11:28.144
Was raised because of our justification.
00:11:28.144 --> 00:11:30.913
He was crucified to pay for our sins,
00:11:30.913 --> 00:11:34.817
But he was raised to prove that that payment actually went
00:11:34.817 --> 00:11:39.188
Through," so to speak, that it was sufficient for our sins.
00:11:39.188 --> 00:11:42.792
Here's what i mean by that.
00:11:42.792 --> 00:11:44.493
Anybody can go around saying, "oh, i'll pay for your sins,
00:11:44.493 --> 00:11:48.464
I'll pay for your sins,"
00:11:48.464 --> 00:11:49.932
But how do you know if he actually accomplished it?
00:11:49.932 --> 00:11:52.968
It's the resurrection that proves
00:11:52.968 --> 00:11:55.304
That god accepted his payment.
00:11:55.304 --> 00:11:56.806
Let me illustrate it for you this way.
00:11:56.806 --> 00:11:59.241
Just imagine that our executive pastor, ben lavorn,
00:11:59.241 --> 00:12:03.813
Comes into my office tomorrow,
00:12:04.446 --> 00:12:07.416
And he said, "pastor, i'm just really down."
00:12:07.416 --> 00:12:11.187
And i said, "well, ben, what's going on?"
00:12:11.187 --> 00:12:12.922
He said, "well, you know,
00:12:12.922 --> 00:12:14.390
We're just under a lot of financial pressure.
00:12:14.390 --> 00:12:16.258
We've got that baby coming at the end of the week.
00:12:16.258 --> 00:12:18.761
And not only that,
00:12:18.761 --> 00:12:20.062
Paris has spent too much time
00:12:20.062 --> 00:12:21.463
At nordstrom buying all this stuff for the baby
00:12:21.463 --> 00:12:24.099
And getting ready for it,
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And our visa card is charged up to the maximum.
00:12:26.335 --> 00:12:29.738
I don't know what we're going to do."
00:12:29.738 --> 00:12:31.273
And i said, "well, ben,
00:12:31.273 --> 00:12:32.575
I don't want you to be under that pressure.
00:12:32.575 --> 00:12:33.976
Give me the visa bill, i'll pay it for you."
00:12:33.976 --> 00:12:37.012
And ben lightens up, and he says,
00:12:37.012 --> 00:12:39.014
"pastor, you're even more wonderful than i thought you were.
00:12:39.014 --> 00:12:41.684
Thank you so much for doing that!"
00:12:41.684 --> 00:12:44.820
I said, "no problem."
00:12:44.820 --> 00:12:47.022
A month later, ben gets a call from visa.
00:12:47.890 --> 00:12:50.392
"where's our money?"
00:12:50.392 --> 00:12:52.094
And it's, "oh, oh, well, my pastor, dr. jeffress,
00:12:52.094 --> 00:12:56.131
Paid that for me.
00:12:56.131 --> 00:12:57.733
Don't you have a record of his check?"
00:12:57.733 --> 00:12:59.401
And they search the computer.
00:12:59.401 --> 00:13:00.870
"oh, yeah, we see dr. jeffress did send in a check,
00:13:00.870 --> 00:13:04.106
But that was to cover his visa bill.
00:13:04.106 --> 00:13:06.675
There's nothing left over for you.
00:13:07.409 --> 00:13:09.879
You're still on your own."
00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:11.513
Now, i know that's a silly illustration,
00:13:11.513 --> 00:13:13.148
But it's an illustration of exactly what christ did.
00:13:13.148 --> 00:13:16.051
He claimed to pay for our sins.
00:13:16.051 --> 00:13:18.520
He said on the cross, "tetelestai!".
00:13:18.520 --> 00:13:20.789
It is finished, paid in full.
00:13:20.789 --> 00:13:22.725
But how do we know if that payment was accepted by god?
00:13:22.725 --> 00:13:26.495
Listen to me.
00:13:26.495 --> 00:13:27.796
If jesus, after he died, remained in the grave,
00:13:27.796 --> 00:13:30.466
Then it meant he was paying for his sins, not our sins,
00:13:30.466 --> 00:13:35.204
But the fact that god raised him from the dead proves
00:13:35.204 --> 00:13:38.941
That we are justified, declared righteous,
00:13:38.941 --> 00:13:41.777
By believing in the crucified and the risen christ.
00:13:41.777 --> 00:13:46.215
That's what i mean.
00:13:46.215 --> 00:13:47.616
It is an empty grave that proves the sufficiency
00:13:47.616 --> 00:13:50.819
Of christ's payment for our sins.
00:13:50.819 --> 00:13:53.856
Thirdly, it is the resurrection,
00:13:53.856 --> 00:13:57.559
The empty tomb, that clarifies the nature of eternity.
00:13:57.559 --> 00:14:01.797
The resurrection clarifies the nature of eternity.
00:14:01.797 --> 00:14:05.768
The late dr. tim lahaye was a friend of mine.
00:14:05.768 --> 00:14:08.570
He was a great writer.
00:14:08.570 --> 00:14:10.306
The "left behind" series, great books on bible prophecy.
00:14:10.306 --> 00:14:13.676
Tim says that one of the things
00:14:13.676 --> 00:14:15.277
That prevented him from becoming a christian earlier
00:14:15.277 --> 00:14:18.647
In life was the thought that all christianity had
00:14:18.647 --> 00:14:22.217
To offer was the promise
00:14:22.217 --> 00:14:23.652
That one day we would be some disembodied spirit,
00:14:23.652 --> 00:14:27.456
Floating around on a cloud, plucking a harp,
00:14:27.456 --> 00:14:30.192
And tim wasn't real interested in that.
00:14:30.192 --> 00:14:32.594
But it's only when he understood what the resurrection was
00:14:32.594 --> 00:14:36.165
That he came to understand what we're going to be like
00:14:36.165 --> 00:14:38.400
In all eternity.
00:14:38.400 --> 00:14:40.602
The bible says we're not going to be a disembodied spirit.
00:14:40.602 --> 00:14:43.772
We were created body, soul, and spirit.
00:14:43.772 --> 00:14:46.575
There's never been a time we haven't always been body,
00:14:46.575 --> 00:14:49.178
Soul, and spirit,
00:14:49.178 --> 00:14:50.779
And there never will be a time that we exist without a body.
00:14:50.779 --> 00:14:54.483
The bible says god made us with a body.
00:14:54.483 --> 00:14:57.753
What is that body going to be like?
00:14:57.753 --> 00:15:00.022
1 corinthians 15:20 gives us a hint.
00:15:00.022 --> 00:15:03.158
"but now christ has been raised from the dead.
00:15:03.158 --> 00:15:06.428
He is the first fruits of those who are asleep."
00:15:06.428 --> 00:15:10.399
Later in 1 corinthians 15,
00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:12.234
Paul continues that analogy of our resurrection
00:15:12.234 --> 00:15:15.604
With a harvest.
00:15:15.604 --> 00:15:16.905
And he said, there are two things you need
00:15:16.905 --> 00:15:18.407
To know about this harvest,
00:15:18.407 --> 00:15:19.975
This spiritual harvest, that's coming.
00:15:19.975 --> 00:15:22.211
First of all, the harvest is superior to the seed.
00:15:22.211 --> 00:15:26.849
In verse 37, paul says,
00:15:26.849 --> 00:15:28.684
"and that which you sow,
00:15:28.684 --> 00:15:30.119
You don't sow the body which is to be,
00:15:30.119 --> 00:15:32.588
But a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or something."
00:15:32.588 --> 00:15:35.591
In other words,
00:15:35.591 --> 00:15:36.959
What you plant is inferior to what you receive
00:15:36.959 --> 00:15:39.895
At the harvest.
00:15:39.895 --> 00:15:40.729
The harvest is superior.
00:15:40.729 --> 00:15:41.797
In verse 38, paul said,
00:15:41.797 --> 00:15:43.732
"but god gives it a body just as he chooses,
00:15:43.732 --> 00:15:47.569
And to each of the seeds a body of its own."
00:15:47.569 --> 00:15:51.507
Every seed is different.
00:15:51.507 --> 00:15:53.409
You don't plant an apple seed and harvest a kumquat.
00:15:53.409 --> 00:15:57.646
What you plant is what you get.
00:15:57.646 --> 00:15:59.782
There's some similarities between the two.
00:15:59.782 --> 00:16:02.384
That was true in jesus' body.
00:16:02.384 --> 00:16:04.119
Even though his body was superior from what he had on earth,
00:16:04.119 --> 00:16:07.322
His disciples recognized him.
00:16:07.322 --> 00:16:09.425
There were some features that were similar.
00:16:09.425 --> 00:16:11.360
Even the way he broke bread was similar.
00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:13.629
Whether he was right-handed or left-handed, we don't know,
00:16:13.629 --> 00:16:16.799
But some things remained.
00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:18.667
What paul is saying is that this clarifies the nature
00:16:18.667 --> 00:16:23.272
Of eternity.
00:16:23.272 --> 00:16:24.573
We're going to be real people when we die.
00:16:24.573 --> 00:16:26.809
I say this all the time.
00:16:26.809 --> 00:16:28.243
When we die, it's not somebody else who goes to heaven.
00:16:28.243 --> 00:16:32.014
It's we who goes to heaven.
00:16:32.014 --> 00:16:34.016
And many of the things about us will remain, our giftedness,
00:16:34.016 --> 00:16:37.786
Our interest, even similar characteristics to our body.
00:16:37.786 --> 00:16:41.757
We remain individuals when we die.
00:16:41.757 --> 00:16:45.094
The resurrection of christ clarifies the nature of eternity.
00:16:45.094 --> 00:16:49.298
Fourthly, why does an empty grave matter?
00:16:49.298 --> 00:16:52.267
Because an empty grave energizes the people of god.
00:16:52.267 --> 00:16:56.738
That writer, n.t. wright, i mentioned a few moments ago,
00:16:56.738 --> 00:17:00.509
Notes that half of the references in the bible
00:17:00.509 --> 00:17:05.414
To running have to do with the resurrection.
00:17:05.414 --> 00:17:08.817
Did you know that?
00:17:08.817 --> 00:17:10.219
Half of the times the bible talks about running,
00:17:10.219 --> 00:17:12.688
It's in reference to the resurrection.
00:17:12.688 --> 00:17:14.823
In matthew 28, verses 7 and 8,
00:17:14.823 --> 00:17:17.025
An angel of the lord said,
00:17:17.025 --> 00:17:18.427
"go quickly and tell the disciples that he has risen
00:17:18.427 --> 00:17:22.097
From the dead; and behold,
00:17:22.097 --> 00:17:23.699
He is going ahead of you into galilee, and you will see him.
00:17:23.699 --> 00:17:27.402
And the women left the tomb quickly with great fear
00:17:27.402 --> 00:17:31.440
And great joy, and they ran to report it to the disciples."
00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:34.843
The women ran from the empty tomb.
00:17:34.843 --> 00:17:37.613
The men ran to the empty tomb.
00:17:37.613 --> 00:17:39.581
But everybody was running!
00:17:39.581 --> 00:17:41.216
Why?
00:17:41.216 --> 00:17:42.351
There was a sense of urgency.
00:17:42.351 --> 00:17:44.153
There was a sense of excitement
00:17:44.153 --> 00:17:45.954
When they saw the risen christ.
00:17:45.954 --> 00:17:48.557
And we need to have that same energy today as well.
00:17:48.557 --> 00:17:51.693
You know, i don't want to get off on a tangent,
00:17:51.693 --> 00:17:54.096
But you know there are so many churches today
00:17:54.096 --> 00:17:57.599
That try to appeal to people, and they say things like,
00:17:57.599 --> 00:18:00.702
"now, if you're tired of being in a church
00:18:00.702 --> 00:18:03.272
That's always asking you to do something,
00:18:03.272 --> 00:18:06.175
Always asking you to give something,
00:18:06.175 --> 00:18:08.343
Always asking you to serve somewhere, come to our church.
00:18:08.343 --> 00:18:13.315
We won't ask you to do a thing.
00:18:13.315 --> 00:18:15.551
You can just sit and soak in the truth of god's word
00:18:15.551 --> 00:18:19.655
And nourish one another.
00:18:19.655 --> 00:18:21.356
We'll never ask you to do anything at all.
00:18:21.356 --> 00:18:23.825
Just come and be at ease in zion."
00:18:23.825 --> 00:18:27.162
That sounds so good, but it is so wrong.
00:18:27.162 --> 00:18:31.733
At first baptist, dallas,
00:18:31.733 --> 00:18:33.302
We don't make any apology for asking you to do something,
00:18:33.302 --> 00:18:36.238
Because we are obeying the great commission.
00:18:36.238 --> 00:18:39.141
Jesus told us to go into all the world
00:18:39.141 --> 00:18:41.276
And make as many disciples as quickly disciples,
00:18:41.276 --> 00:18:44.846
Because, "i am coming back again one day",
00:18:44.846 --> 00:18:47.115
And the message of the cross,
00:18:47.115 --> 00:18:49.084
The message of the resurrection ought to energize the people
00:18:49.084 --> 00:18:52.354
Of god to do the one thing christ ask us to do.
00:18:52.354 --> 00:18:56.124
And that's why we ask you to give.
00:18:56.124 --> 00:18:57.826
That's why we ask you to serve.
00:18:57.826 --> 00:18:59.528
We are not ashamed of the gospel of christ,
00:18:59.528 --> 00:19:02.264
And we're not ashamed of the great commission.
00:19:02.264 --> 00:19:04.933
That is our commission.
00:19:04.933 --> 00:19:06.802
And a resurrection ought to energize the people of god.
00:19:06.802 --> 00:19:10.772
Finally, why is an empty grave important?
00:19:10.772 --> 00:19:14.042
An empty grave not only verifies the truth of scripture,
00:19:14.042 --> 00:19:17.212
It not only ratifies the sufficiency of christ's death
00:19:17.212 --> 00:19:20.682
For us, not only does it clarify the nature of eternity,
00:19:20.682 --> 00:19:24.620
Or not only does it energize the people of god,
00:19:24.620 --> 00:19:28.857
The empty grave is important
00:19:28.857 --> 00:19:30.726
Because it exemplifies the victory of god.
00:19:30.726 --> 00:19:35.464
It exemplifies the victory of god.
00:19:35.464 --> 00:19:37.332
Now, please stay with me on this.
00:19:37.332 --> 00:19:40.969
God's original plan for the world had no death
00:19:40.969 --> 00:19:44.406
As a part of it, no mourning, no crying, no pain.
00:19:44.406 --> 00:19:47.743
That was never a part of god's plan.
00:19:47.743 --> 00:19:50.812
The bible says it is the usurper, satan himself,
00:19:50.812 --> 00:19:54.950
Who brought those things in the world
00:19:54.950 --> 00:19:57.119
Through a willing vehicle in adam and eve.
00:19:57.119 --> 00:20:00.155
For by sin, death came into the world,
00:20:00.155 --> 00:20:03.592
And death spread to all men because all sin,
00:20:03.592 --> 00:20:06.395
Romans 5:12 says, that wasn't a part of god's plan.
00:20:06.395 --> 00:20:10.432
It is satan, jesus said, who is the thief,
00:20:10.432 --> 00:20:14.002
Who comes to kill, and steal, and destroy.
00:20:14.002 --> 00:20:18.273
Now, here's what i want you to listen to.
00:20:18.273 --> 00:20:20.008
If when we die, god says,
00:20:20.008 --> 00:20:24.946
"i'm going to take your spirit to be with me,
00:20:24.946 --> 00:20:27.749
But i can't do anything about your body.
00:20:27.749 --> 00:20:29.918
I can't do anything.
00:20:29.918 --> 00:20:31.420
Satan won that victory when he brought sin into the world.
00:20:31.420 --> 00:20:35.023
But i'll bring your spirit into heaven.
00:20:35.023 --> 00:20:37.192
And not only that,
00:20:37.192 --> 00:20:38.593
I'll bring you to be with me here in heaven,
00:20:38.593 --> 00:20:40.796
But you can't remain on the earth.
00:20:40.796 --> 00:20:42.531
Satan has that.
00:20:42.531 --> 00:20:44.199
He owns that land.
00:20:44.199 --> 00:20:45.500
It's his real estate, whatsoever.
00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:48.103
But just come up with me in your spirit to heaven,
00:20:48.103 --> 00:20:50.706
And we'll reside in this corner of the universe,
00:20:50.706 --> 00:20:53.542
And we'll let satan have the world
00:20:53.542 --> 00:20:55.410
That he's claimed for himself.
00:20:55.410 --> 00:20:56.845
Do you think god's going to allow that to happen?
00:20:56.845 --> 00:21:00.048
Do you think god is going to let satan have the final word
00:21:00.048 --> 00:21:05.020
In what happens to our bodies
00:21:05.020 --> 00:21:06.655
Or what happens to the earth
00:21:06.655 --> 00:21:08.056
That he created for eternity?
00:21:08.056 --> 00:21:10.792
Not on your life.
00:21:10.792 --> 00:21:11.860
God is not going to allow satan
00:21:11.860 --> 00:21:13.862
To have the last word on this,
00:21:13.862 --> 00:21:16.631
And the resurrection of jesus christ
00:21:16.631 --> 00:21:18.800
From the dead is just a hint
00:21:18.800 --> 00:21:20.736
About what god is going to do one day.
00:21:20.736 --> 00:21:24.373
One day, death will be swallowed up in victory,
00:21:24.373 --> 00:21:27.743
And then will come about the saying that is written,
00:21:27.743 --> 00:21:30.379
"oh, death.
00:21:30.379 --> 00:21:31.446
Where is your victory?
00:21:31.446 --> 00:21:33.081
Oh grave, where is your sting?"
00:21:33.081 --> 00:21:36.051
The resurrection of jesus is just the beginning
00:21:36.051 --> 00:21:39.421
Of god's process of completely reclaiming this world
00:21:39.421 --> 00:21:43.592
For himself.
00:21:43.592 --> 00:21:44.826
And that's why an empty grave matters.
00:21:44.826 --> 00:21:47.596
I think about easter sunday, april 8th, 1945.
00:21:47.596 --> 00:21:54.770
A godly pastor was imprisoned.
00:21:55.404 --> 00:21:58.006
His name was dietrich bonhoeffer.
00:21:58.006 --> 00:22:01.209
And on that easter sunday,
00:22:01.209 --> 00:22:02.711
Bonhoeffer preached his last message.
00:22:02.711 --> 00:22:06.314
His text was, "by his stripes, we are healed."
00:22:06.314 --> 00:22:11.686
And he had not finished his sermon
00:22:12.421 --> 00:22:14.022
When the prison doors opened, and one of the soldiers said,
00:22:14.022 --> 00:22:18.360
"prisoner bonhoeffer, come with us."
00:22:18.360 --> 00:22:22.864
He leaned over to a friend, and he said, "this is the end,
00:22:22.864 --> 00:22:27.235
But for me, it is a new beginning of life."
00:22:27.235 --> 00:22:32.407
The next morning, under the gray skies
00:22:33.241 --> 00:22:35.110
Of the flossenburg concentration camp,
00:22:35.110 --> 00:22:39.080
Dietrich bonhoeffer was hanged on the gallows.
00:22:39.080 --> 00:22:44.352
Although he is gone, his words remain with us today.
00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:49.391
"this is the end,
00:22:49.825 --> 00:22:51.226
But it's also the new beginning of life for us."
00:22:51.226 --> 00:22:55.764
A.w. tozer said, "if the resurrection proves anything,
00:22:56.865 --> 00:23:00.769
It proves who won and who lost."
00:23:01.403 --> 00:23:06.508
"i am the resurrection and the life,"
00:23:07.309 --> 00:23:09.444
Jesus said, "he who believes in me,
00:23:09.444 --> 00:23:13.248
Though he were dead, yet shall he live again."
00:23:13.248 --> 00:23:18.119
That's why an empty grave matters.
00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:22.157
♪ music ♪
00:23:22.157 --> 00:23:26.995
In this sacred moment,
00:23:27.496 --> 00:23:28.763
Men and women all around the world are responding
00:23:28.763 --> 00:23:31.366
To god's invitation.
00:23:31.366 --> 00:23:32.901
And if you've never made the decision to trust in christ,
00:23:32.901 --> 00:23:36.271
Let today be the day you say yes
00:23:36.271 --> 00:23:39.274
And receive his free gift of salvation.
00:23:39.274 --> 00:23:43.678
Now, in closing,
00:23:43.678 --> 00:23:45.046
I want to share this encouraging story i heard
00:23:45.046 --> 00:23:46.781
From a viewer in arizona.
00:23:46.781 --> 00:23:49.050
She wrote, "this past easter,
00:23:49.050 --> 00:23:51.119
I was feeling under the weather,
00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:53.121
So i stayed home and watched "pathway to victory" on tv.
00:23:53.121 --> 00:23:57.058
Dr. jeffress spoke about the real reason for easter:
00:23:57.058 --> 00:24:00.195
The death and resurrection of christ
00:24:00.195 --> 00:24:02.564
And what god accomplished for us
00:24:02.564 --> 00:24:05.467
Through these crucial events.
00:24:05.467 --> 00:24:07.536
I haven't heard a powerful message like that,
00:24:07.536 --> 00:24:10.238
A truth-filled message, in so long.
00:24:10.238 --> 00:24:14.109
I appreciate that you have that message out
00:24:14.109 --> 00:24:16.945
For the world to see and hear.
00:24:16.945 --> 00:24:19.247
It restored my faith in the truth!"
00:24:19.247 --> 00:24:22.817
Well, personal stories like this one
00:24:22.817 --> 00:24:24.686
Are exactly the reason "pathway to victory" exists.
00:24:24.686 --> 00:24:28.123
Together, we are reaching our nation
00:24:28.123 --> 00:24:30.492
And the world with the hope of the gospel of jesus christ.
00:24:30.492 --> 00:24:35.096
Now, stay right there.
00:24:35.096 --> 00:24:36.398
I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
00:24:36.398 --> 00:24:38.433
In just a moment.
00:24:38.433 --> 00:24:40.402
We know that easter is much more than chocolate bunnies
00:24:41.536 --> 00:24:44.239
And easter eggs.
00:24:44.239 --> 00:24:45.540
Easter celebrates the most important event
00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:47.943
In all of human history.
00:24:47.943 --> 00:24:50.011
[narrator 3] in "the power of the cross",
00:24:50.011 --> 00:24:51.646
Dr. robert jeffress retraces the steps of jesus each day
00:24:51.646 --> 00:24:55.417
Of holy week, from bethany to jerusalem to calvary
00:24:55.417 --> 00:24:59.421
And to the empty tomb.
00:24:59.421 --> 00:25:01.456
Through his incredible sacrifice,
00:25:01.456 --> 00:25:03.792
Jesus conquered sin and death once and for all.
00:25:03.792 --> 00:25:07.295
And this beautifully illustrated book provides a trustworthy
00:25:07.295 --> 00:25:10.599
And approachable way to share the good news
00:25:10.599 --> 00:25:13.568
With someone you love.
00:25:13.568 --> 00:25:15.937
[narrator 4] the power of the cross is a full-color,
00:25:15.937 --> 00:25:18.673
96-page, large print book,
00:25:18.673 --> 00:25:21.209
Filled with imagery from the holy land
00:25:21.209 --> 00:25:23.345
And photographic depictions of key scriptural events
00:25:23.345 --> 00:25:26.648
That bring holy week to life.
00:25:26.648 --> 00:25:28.984
Request "the power of the cross"
00:25:28.984 --> 00:25:31.386
When you give a generous gift to "pathway to victory".
00:25:31.386 --> 00:25:34.556
And as you give $75 or more,
00:25:34.556 --> 00:25:37.525
You'll also receive eight powerful messages
00:25:37.525 --> 00:25:40.729
By dr. jeffress from the holy land
00:25:40.729 --> 00:25:42.998
On dvd and mp3 format audio disc.
00:25:42.998 --> 00:25:46.568
It's called "live from israel".
00:25:46.568 --> 00:25:49.437
Thank you for partnering with "pathway to victory"
00:25:49.437 --> 00:25:52.140
To share the life-changing truth
00:25:52.140 --> 00:25:53.942
Of the gospel this easter season.
00:25:53.942 --> 00:25:56.378
Together, we are proclaiming the radical,
00:25:56.378 --> 00:25:59.247
Transforming power of the cross of christ,
00:25:59.247 --> 00:26:01.883
The only hope for our beloved country and world.
00:26:01.883 --> 00:26:11.092
It wasn't enough for jesus to simply die.
00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:15.030
The tomb was empty.
00:26:15.030 --> 00:26:17.666
Jesus rose from the dead,
00:26:17.666 --> 00:26:19.401
And in doing so, conquered death once and for all,
00:26:19.401 --> 00:26:23.271
And we can have eternal life because he died
00:26:23.271 --> 00:26:26.307
And rose again.
00:26:26.307 --> 00:26:28.910
Well, is it possible for followers of christ
00:26:28.910 --> 00:26:31.780
To live in the world, yet not be of the world?
00:26:31.780 --> 00:26:35.884
Next time,
00:26:35.884 --> 00:26:37.285
We'll begin a study in the book of 1 corinthians,
00:26:37.285 --> 00:26:38.887
A book of the bible that offers no-nonsense insights
00:26:38.887 --> 00:26:43.224
On how we can maintain our purity and witness
00:26:43.224 --> 00:26:46.561
In an increasingly dark world.
00:26:46.561 --> 00:26:48.997
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
00:26:48.997 --> 00:26:51.733
On "pathway to victory".
00:26:51.733 --> 00:26:54.302
Ask yourself this question:
00:26:54.903 --> 00:26:56.604
Is there any measurable difference between my values,
00:26:56.604 --> 00:27:01.176
That is, what i'm really chasing after in life,
00:27:01.176 --> 00:27:03.712
Between my values and actions and attitudes,
00:27:03.712 --> 00:27:06.715
Is there any difference between me
00:27:06.715 --> 00:27:08.249
And the non-christians who surround me?
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Most of us would have to answer not.
00:27:11.486 --> 00:27:15.123
[narrator 5] set your dvr
00:27:15.690 --> 00:27:16.858
And join us next time for the message,
00:27:16.858 --> 00:27:18.660
"straight answers to tough questions"
00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:21.062
Here on "pathway to victory".
00:27:21.062 --> 00:27:22.931
♪ music ♪
00:27:22.931 --> 00:27:22.931

Robert Jeffress - Grave Matters

April 21, 2025 | S25:E190

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