Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Grave Matters

April 21, 2025 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress delivers a powerful sermon titled "Grave Matters" on Easter Sunday. He discusses the significance of the empty tomb and how it verifies the truth of scripture, ratifies the sufficiency of Christ's death, clarifies the nature of eternity, energizes the people of God, and exemplifies the victory of God. Through his inspiring message, individuals are encouraged to trust in Christ and embrace the hope and truth of the resurrection.

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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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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
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Because of our transgressions,
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Was raised because of our justification.
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He was crucified to pay for our sins,
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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.
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Here's what i mean by that.
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Anybody can go around saying, "oh, i'll pay for your sins,
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I'll pay for your sins,"
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But how do you know if he actually accomplished it?
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It's the resurrection that proves
00:11:52.968 --> 00:11:55.304
That god accepted his payment.
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Let me illustrate it for you this way.
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Just imagine that our executive pastor, ben lavorn,
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Comes into my office tomorrow,
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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
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At nordstrom buying all this stuff for the baby
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And getting ready for it,
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And our visa card is charged up to the maximum.
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I don't know what we're going to do."
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And i said, "well, ben,
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I don't want you to be under that pressure.
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Give me the visa bill, i'll pay it for you."
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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.
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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?
00:27:08.249 --> 00:27:11.486
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 | 27:29

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