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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - How To Blow Up A Church

April 24, 2025 | S25:E196

Robert Jeffress - How To Blow Up A Church
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 - How To Blow Up A Church | April 24, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [narrator] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
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  • Of dallas, texas,
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  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress.
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  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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  • Nothing destroys the effectiveness of a church any quicker
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  • Than mindless bickering over controversial topics.
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  • And if you don't believe me,
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  • Just look at the church at corinth.
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  • Today we turn to 1 corinthians 1 to discover both the cause,
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  • And the cure for dissension in the church.
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  • And then we'll have a practical discussion
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  • On how to avoid these common pitfalls.
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  • My message is titled "how to blow up a church"
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  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • [narrator] think about a child in your life
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  • Who needs to put their faith in jesus.
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  • How do you explain the gospel to them
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  • In a way they can understand.
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  • In "the gift: the gospel for children"
  • 00:01:04.710 --> 00:01:07.112
  • Dr. robert jeffress presents the gospel message
  • 00:01:07.112 --> 00:01:09.748
  • In a way that's clear and engaging.
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  • The book also includes a salvation prayer
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  • For you to pray with your child or grandchild.
  • 00:01:14.052 --> 00:01:16.555
  • Give your child the most important gift
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  • They'll ever receive.
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  • The opportunity to begin a relationship with jesus christ.
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  • Request your copy of "the gift" at ptv.org.
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  • ♪ music ♪
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  • We had some very good friends
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  • Involved in a wedding in fort worth,
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  • So we drove to fort worth and attended the wedding,
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  • But as i was watching the wedding,
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  • I couldn't help but think of some words
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  • Written by karen mains in a piece entitled
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  • "the brawling bride."
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  • And in that piece she talks about a climactic moment
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  • In a wedding ceremony.
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  • As i watched this wedding ceremony unfold,
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  • I couldn't help but think about that one.
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  • She writes about the climax of the wedding this way.
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  • Down front stands the groom in a spotless tuxedo,
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  • Handsome, smiling, full of anticipation,
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  • Shoes shined, every hair in place,
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  • Anxiously awaiting the presence of his bride.
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  • All the attendants are in place,
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  • Looking joyful and attractive.
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  • The magical moment finally arrives
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  • As the pipe organ reaches full crescendo,
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  • And the stately wedding march begins.
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  • Everyone rises and looks toward the door
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  • For the first glimpse of the bride.
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  • Suddenly there is a horrified gasp.
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  • The wedding party is shocked.
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  • The groom stares in embarrassed disbelief.
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  • Instead of a lovely woman dressed in elegant white,
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  • Smiling behind a lace veil,
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  • The bride is limping down the aisle.
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  • Her dress is soiled and torn.
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  • Her leg seems twisted.
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  • Ugly cuts and bruises cover her bare arms.
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  • Her nose is bleeding.
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  • One eye is purple and swollen.
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  • Her hair is disheveled.
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  • Does not this handsome groom deserve better than this?
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  • Asks the author, and then the punchline.
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  • Alas, his bride, the church, has been fighting again.
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  • You know, nothing tarnishes the image of christ's bride,
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  • The church, anymore than the back-biting and the bickering
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  • That goes on in so many congregations today.
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  • I imagine tonight most every one of us
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  • Could name someone we know,
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  • A christian who became disillusioned,
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  • Fell away from the church, even fell away from the faith,
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  • Because they were involved in a church fight
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  • Somewhere at some point.
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  • Nothing causes more damage to the reputation of jesus christ
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  • Than when his bride, the church, is brawling.
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  • Now that was taking place, by the way,
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  • At the church at corinth.
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  • They were involved in bitter divisions and because of that,
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  • The church at corinth was in danger of losing its witness.
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  • And because of that situation,
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  • The apostle paul wrote some very strong words
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  • In 1 corinthians 1 to that church at corinth.
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  • Words we would do well to pay attention to tonight.
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  • If you have your bibles,
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  • I want you to turn to 1 corinthians 1,
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  • As we look at a case study of how to blow up a church.
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  • 1 corinthians 1.
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  • Now, remember, from last week,
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  • Paul had a special interest in the church at corinth.
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  • He founded the church on his second missionary journey.
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  • He stayed in corinth for 18 months,
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  • And afterwards he went on to ephesus.
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  • And while at ephesus he received word
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  • That the church was having problems,
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  • And the leaders at corinth went to ephesus,
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  • And delivered to paul a letter with some specific questions.
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  • And paul wrote back to the corinthians
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  • To respond to the situation there.
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  • We saw last time how paul, first of all,
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  • Reminded these corinthian christians
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  • In spite of their actions they were saints.
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  • They had been sanctified by christ,
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  • Set apart for a special purpose.
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  • And then after reminding them of their position in christ,
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  • They were set apart for a special purpose.
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  • Paul reminds them of their wealth from christ.
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  • Because god had selected them and saved them,
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  • He had given them forgiveness from the past,
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  • Gifts for the present,
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  • And a hope for the future.
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  • Now after those introductory words beginning in verse 10,
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  • Paul begins addressing the variety of problems
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  • In the corinthian church.
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  • And he begins by talking about the problem of divisions.
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  • Look at the fact of divisions in the church in verse 11.
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  • Paul writes,
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  • For i have been informed concerning you, my brethren,
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  • By chloe's people that there are quarrels among you.
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  • Now, we don't know much about
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  • This prominent woman in the church, chloe.
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  • She apparently sent word to paul
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  • That there were problems in the church at corinth,
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  • Namely divisions.
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  • Now, chloe and her family
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  • Were not like a lot of christians today.
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  • You know people like this. they'll come up to you and say,
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  • You know, there's a problem here,
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  • But, please, whatever you do,
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  • Don't use my name when you address it.
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  • You know people like that?
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  • Or other people who will come to you and say,
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  • You know, pastor, you know sunday school teacher,
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  • You know superintendent, director of a department.
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  • People are saying thus and thus and thus and thus and thus.
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  • And you ask exactly what people are saying.
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  • Well, i can't tell, i better not say.
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  • Chloe wasn't like that.
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  • She didn't mind her name being used.
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  • She said, "there is a problem here.
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  • A problem that needs to be solved."
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  • She said, "specifically, there are divisions in the church."
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  • What is it that is the root?
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  • What is the cause of divisions and factions in the church?
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  • We find the answer to that in verse 12.
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  • Before we look at verse 12,
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  • Let me mention to you three unstable foundations
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  • For any church to be built upon.
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  • Number one, some churches are built upon the foundation
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  • Of traditionalism.
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  • Traditionalism.
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  • You know the seven last words of the church?
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  • We've never done it that way before.
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  • That will be the death knell for any congregation.
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  • We've never done it that way before.
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  • Traditionalism is when a church is cemented in practices,
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  • And there is no freedom to move away from those practices.
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  • We always take the offering at this point in the service.
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  • We always sing the doxology
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  • At the beginning of every service.
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  • Things that we do,
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  • And there is no freedom to move whatsoever
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  • Away from those traditions.
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  • And when you ever find a church
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  • That is rooted in traditionalism,
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  • Here's what inevitably happens.
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  • New leadership comes along, changes occur in the church,
  • 00:07:59.958 --> 00:08:03.929
  • And the church divides because the foundation of the church
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  • Is starting to shift.
  • 00:08:08.099 --> 00:08:09.834
  • And so when things change, this church begins to splinter.
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  • Other churches have built their church
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  • On the foundation of denominationalism.
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  • That is, they get their identity from the denomination
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  • That they're a part of.
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  • And their attitude is my denomination, right or wrong.
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  • I don't care what the church does, the denomination does.
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  • I'm going to be loyal to that denomination,
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  • But here's the problem.
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  • What happens when that denomination
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  • Begins to change and shift?
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  • We see it happening all around us.
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  • What happens when the denomination
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  • That was once firmly rooted in scripture
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  • Begins to accept same-sex marriages,
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  • Or ordained homosexual clergy,
  • 00:08:52.944 --> 00:08:55.747
  • Or begins to doubt the infallibility,
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  • And inerrancy of scripture?
  • 00:08:58.516 --> 00:09:00.285
  • What happens is the church begins to fracture.
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  • Some people say,
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  • We're going to stay with the denomination regardless.
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  • Other people say, no, we need to stay true to the bible.
  • 00:09:06.124 --> 00:09:09.294
  • And you have these schisms in the church.
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  • No, denominationalism is not the foundation
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  • For any congregation.
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  • Thirdly, some people built their church
  • 00:09:17.569 --> 00:09:19.804
  • On the shakiest foundation of all, the pastor.
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  • There is no more unstable foundation
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  • On which to build a church than the pastor
  • 00:09:26.544 --> 00:09:29.014
  • Because what happens if the pastor falls into sin?
  • 00:09:29.014 --> 00:09:31.483
  • What if he gets sick?
  • 00:09:31.483 --> 00:09:32.517
  • What if he leaves?
  • 00:09:32.517 --> 00:09:33.351
  • What if he dies?
  • 00:09:33.351 --> 00:09:34.519
  • The church, again, crumbles.
  • 00:09:34.519 --> 00:09:36.421
  • Unfortunately, that's what was happening
  • 00:09:36.421 --> 00:09:38.523
  • At the church at corinth.
  • 00:09:38.523 --> 00:09:40.191
  • They were dividing because they had built their congregation
  • 00:09:40.191 --> 00:09:44.095
  • Upon the personality of the pastor.
  • 00:09:44.095 --> 00:09:47.032
  • Look at verse 12, paul said,
  • 00:09:47.032 --> 00:09:48.566
  • Now i mean this, that each of you is saying,
  • 00:09:48.566 --> 00:09:52.237
  • "i am of paul," or "i am of apollos,"
  • 00:09:52.237 --> 00:09:55.674
  • Or "i'm of cephas," or "i am of christ."
  • 00:09:55.674 --> 00:09:59.911
  • Some people in the corinthian church
  • 00:09:59.911 --> 00:10:01.513
  • Were still loyal to the founding pastor, paul.
  • 00:10:01.513 --> 00:10:04.282
  • He had founded the church.
  • 00:10:04.282 --> 00:10:05.784
  • And you understand the affection they would have for paul.
  • 00:10:05.784 --> 00:10:08.186
  • Other people said that they were followers
  • 00:10:08.186 --> 00:10:10.055
  • Of the new pastor, apollos,
  • 00:10:10.055 --> 00:10:11.690
  • Who was probably a more gifted speaker
  • 00:10:11.690 --> 00:10:13.792
  • Than the apostle paul was.
  • 00:10:13.792 --> 00:10:15.493
  • Some people, probably the traditionalists in the church,
  • 00:10:15.493 --> 00:10:18.163
  • Were saved under the preaching
  • 00:10:18.163 --> 00:10:19.497
  • Of the apostle peter in jerusalem.
  • 00:10:19.497 --> 00:10:21.266
  • They said, "no, we'll always be faithful to peter.
  • 00:10:21.266 --> 00:10:24.135
  • He's the one whose ministry saved us."
  • 00:10:24.135 --> 00:10:27.672
  • And then there were those in the church who said,
  • 00:10:27.672 --> 00:10:29.741
  • "i am of christ."
  • 00:10:29.741 --> 00:10:31.443
  • These are the people
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  • Who really didn't want to follow any human leadership.
  • 00:10:32.944 --> 00:10:34.779
  • And so they said,
  • 00:10:34.779 --> 00:10:36.181
  • "we don't get direction from anybody except jesus."
  • 00:10:36.181 --> 00:10:38.550
  • Translated, we'll do whatever we want to do,
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  • And don't you try to tell us how to behave.
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  • Paul said they were dividing
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  • According to the personality of the pastors.
  • 00:10:44.756 --> 00:10:48.660
  • Now, what's the remedy for division in the church?
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  • Look at what paul says beginning in verse 13.
  • 00:10:50.962 --> 00:10:53.331
  • First of all, he said, "to heal divisions in the church,
  • 00:10:53.331 --> 00:10:56.735
  • You had to have a proper understanding of christ."
  • 00:10:56.735 --> 00:11:00.004
  • Look at verse 13.
  • 00:11:00.004 --> 00:11:01.606
  • Paul asked the question, has christ been divided?
  • 00:11:01.606 --> 00:11:05.710
  • Has christ been divided?
  • 00:11:06.211 --> 00:11:07.746
  • That word divided literally means has christ been quartered?
  • 00:11:07.746 --> 00:11:12.183
  • That's a horrible thought
  • 00:11:12.183 --> 00:11:13.651
  • When you think of tearing apart the body of christ.
  • 00:11:13.651 --> 00:11:16.254
  • Has christ been quartered,
  • 00:11:16.254 --> 00:11:17.756
  • And a little piece of jesus' body been given to paul,
  • 00:11:17.756 --> 00:11:20.425
  • And another part to peter, and another part to apollos?
  • 00:11:20.425 --> 00:11:24.028
  • No, that's a hideous thought.
  • 00:11:24.028 --> 00:11:26.965
  • By the way, christians, church members,
  • 00:11:26.965 --> 00:11:30.201
  • When you engage in gossip, and backbiting,
  • 00:11:30.201 --> 00:11:33.138
  • And division in the church, you are guilty of dividing,
  • 00:11:33.138 --> 00:11:37.242
  • Quartering the body of jesus christ.
  • 00:11:37.242 --> 00:11:40.845
  • It's a serious offense against the body of christ.
  • 00:11:40.845 --> 00:11:44.749
  • Have a proper understanding of christ.
  • 00:11:44.749 --> 00:11:47.352
  • He is not divided, and neither should we be divided,
  • 00:11:47.352 --> 00:11:51.923
  • But, secondly, there needs to be a proper understanding
  • 00:11:51.923 --> 00:11:54.759
  • Of the servant of christ.
  • 00:11:54.759 --> 00:11:57.061
  • You see, these corinthians were making the same mistake
  • 00:11:57.061 --> 00:12:00.165
  • That a lot of people in the church today
  • 00:12:00.165 --> 00:12:01.633
  • Are guilty of making,
  • 00:12:01.633 --> 00:12:02.934
  • And that is focusing on the servant of christ
  • 00:12:02.934 --> 00:12:06.771
  • Rather than on christ himself.
  • 00:12:06.771 --> 00:12:09.507
  • In many churches, people are fixated on the pastor.
  • 00:12:09.507 --> 00:12:13.945
  • They either focus on his strengths, he can do no wrong,
  • 00:12:13.945 --> 00:12:18.183
  • Or they're focused on his weaknesses, he can do no right.
  • 00:12:18.183 --> 00:12:22.053
  • And either attitude is lethal to your spiritual health.
  • 00:12:22.053 --> 00:12:26.391
  • Don't focus on the servant of christ.
  • 00:12:26.391 --> 00:12:30.495
  • The power is not in the messenger.
  • 00:12:30.495 --> 00:12:33.198
  • Look in verse 13.
  • 00:12:33.198 --> 00:12:34.666
  • Paul says, "paul was not crucified for you, was he?"
  • 00:12:34.666 --> 00:12:39.237
  • That is paul, he's being very blunt.
  • 00:12:39.237 --> 00:12:41.005
  • He said, "now think about your salvation.
  • 00:12:41.005 --> 00:12:42.807
  • Am i the one who crawled up on the cross,
  • 00:12:42.807 --> 00:12:45.310
  • And died for your sins?
  • 00:12:45.310 --> 00:12:46.744
  • No, i am just a servant.
  • 00:12:46.744 --> 00:12:49.647
  • I was not crucified for you,
  • 00:12:49.647 --> 00:12:51.482
  • Or were you baptized in the name of paul?"
  • 00:12:51.482 --> 00:12:55.053
  • That word baptized means to identify with.
  • 00:12:55.053 --> 00:12:57.956
  • When you were in the baptismal waters,
  • 00:12:57.956 --> 00:12:59.791
  • Did you identify with the apostle paul?
  • 00:12:59.791 --> 00:13:01.960
  • No.
  • 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:03.194
  • Baptism is our identity with jesus christ.
  • 00:13:03.194 --> 00:13:06.598
  • When we are baptized, it's our way of saying to the world
  • 00:13:06.598 --> 00:13:09.734
  • That we identify with jesus christ.
  • 00:13:09.734 --> 00:13:12.270
  • He is the one who is our savior.
  • 00:13:12.270 --> 00:13:14.939
  • Look at verses 14 to 16.
  • 00:13:14.939 --> 00:13:16.541
  • Paul says, "i thank god that i baptized none of you
  • 00:13:16.541 --> 00:13:19.677
  • Except crispus and gaius,
  • 00:13:19.677 --> 00:13:21.546
  • So that no one would say you were baptized in my name."
  • 00:13:21.546 --> 00:13:24.949
  • Paul purposely did not baptize many people.
  • 00:13:24.949 --> 00:13:28.052
  • He didn't want people identifying with the apostle paul.
  • 00:13:28.052 --> 00:13:32.290
  • He said, "so that no one would say
  • 00:13:32.290 --> 00:13:33.925
  • You were baptized in my name.
  • 00:13:33.925 --> 00:13:36.194
  • Now, i did baptize also the household of stephanas,
  • 00:13:36.194 --> 00:13:39.597
  • But beyond that,
  • 00:13:39.597 --> 00:13:40.999
  • I don't know whether i baptized any one or not."
  • 00:13:40.999 --> 00:13:43.635
  • He doesn't remember who he baptized.
  • 00:13:43.635 --> 00:13:45.637
  • And it was immaterial, not because baptism is not important.
  • 00:13:45.637 --> 00:13:50.241
  • That's not what he's saying.
  • 00:13:50.241 --> 00:13:51.743
  • Baptism is very important.
  • 00:13:51.743 --> 00:13:53.344
  • It's our public identification with christ.
  • 00:13:53.344 --> 00:13:55.546
  • He said, "the one who does the baptizing is unimportant."
  • 00:13:55.546 --> 00:13:59.550
  • And that's why in our baptistry
  • 00:13:59.550 --> 00:14:00.785
  • You see a variety of people baptizing.
  • 00:14:00.785 --> 00:14:02.520
  • You don't have to be ordained to baptize somebody
  • 00:14:02.520 --> 00:14:04.956
  • Set apart by the church.
  • 00:14:04.956 --> 00:14:06.958
  • The baptizer is not what is important.
  • 00:14:06.958 --> 00:14:10.028
  • It's the person you're identifying, jesus christ,
  • 00:14:10.028 --> 00:14:13.264
  • That is important.
  • 00:14:13.264 --> 00:14:15.133
  • Verse 17, paul says, "for christ did not send me to baptize,
  • 00:14:15.133 --> 00:14:20.071
  • But to preach the gospel not in cleverness of speech
  • 00:14:20.071 --> 00:14:24.108
  • So that the cross of christ would not be made void."
  • 00:14:24.108 --> 00:14:28.446
  • That's a hinge verse
  • 00:14:28.446 --> 00:14:29.781
  • That leads us to the next passage next week,
  • 00:14:29.781 --> 00:14:32.517
  • But what paul is saying is this.
  • 00:14:32.517 --> 00:14:34.552
  • The power is not in the messenger,
  • 00:14:34.552 --> 00:14:38.923
  • But in the message.
  • 00:14:38.923 --> 00:14:40.591
  • And we would do well to remember that in the church,
  • 00:14:40.591 --> 00:14:43.494
  • Especially, when we get focused on spiritual leaders,
  • 00:14:43.494 --> 00:14:46.264
  • Whether they're pastors, or sunday school teachers,
  • 00:14:46.264 --> 00:14:48.800
  • Or other leaders.
  • 00:14:48.800 --> 00:14:50.535
  • The power is not in the messenger, but it is in the message.
  • 00:14:50.535 --> 00:14:55.707
  • I was talking to one of our members this afternoon
  • 00:14:56.708 --> 00:14:59.544
  • Trying to recollect a series of events
  • 00:15:00.378 --> 00:15:02.447
  • Because i remember this as a child early in the 1960s,
  • 00:15:02.447 --> 00:15:05.950
  • There was an evangelist.
  • 00:15:05.950 --> 00:15:07.251
  • And i bet some of you remember who it was,
  • 00:15:07.251 --> 00:15:09.187
  • Who came through here,
  • 00:15:09.187 --> 00:15:10.621
  • And led a series of evangelistic meetings, or revival.
  • 00:15:10.621 --> 00:15:13.558
  • A multitude of people were saved during that revival.
  • 00:15:13.558 --> 00:15:17.295
  • Later on, it was learned that his character
  • 00:15:17.295 --> 00:15:19.731
  • Was less than admirable.
  • 00:15:19.731 --> 00:15:21.866
  • He went to the next city,
  • 00:15:21.866 --> 00:15:23.067
  • And ultimately was placed in prison.
  • 00:15:23.067 --> 00:15:25.269
  • He was a complete fraud it turned out.
  • 00:15:25.269 --> 00:15:27.872
  • And people in our church began wondering,
  • 00:15:27.872 --> 00:15:29.741
  • Especially those who were saved,
  • 00:15:29.741 --> 00:15:31.409
  • What about my spiritual condition?
  • 00:15:31.409 --> 00:15:33.611
  • I was saved under this man's preaching,
  • 00:15:33.611 --> 00:15:35.446
  • And now it turns out he's a fraud.
  • 00:15:35.446 --> 00:15:37.382
  • Is my salvation illegitimate?
  • 00:15:37.382 --> 00:15:40.118
  • And there had to be a great deal of counseling
  • 00:15:40.118 --> 00:15:41.819
  • That went on in our church
  • 00:15:41.819 --> 00:15:43.087
  • Because of the people who had been saved
  • 00:15:43.087 --> 00:15:44.956
  • Under this fraudulent minister's ministry.
  • 00:15:44.956 --> 00:15:48.359
  • Listen to what romans 1:16 says, paul said,
  • 00:15:48.359 --> 00:15:51.295
  • "for i am not ashamed of the gospel of christ,
  • 00:15:51.295 --> 00:15:54.866
  • For it is the power of god for salvation
  • 00:15:54.866 --> 00:15:59.003
  • To everyone who believes,
  • 00:15:59.003 --> 00:16:00.605
  • Both to the jew and then to the greek."
  • 00:16:00.605 --> 00:16:03.307
  • The power of the gospel is in the message itself.
  • 00:16:03.307 --> 00:16:07.378
  • It is the gospel by which we are saved,
  • 00:16:07.378 --> 00:16:10.448
  • Not another human being.
  • 00:16:10.448 --> 00:16:12.250
  • We need to remember to focus on the message,
  • 00:16:12.250 --> 00:16:15.686
  • Not on the messenger.
  • 00:16:15.686 --> 00:16:17.789
  • Now, what's the application of this passage about division
  • 00:16:17.789 --> 00:16:20.358
  • For us here tonight?
  • 00:16:20.358 --> 00:16:21.793
  • Let me leave you with two principles
  • 00:16:21.793 --> 00:16:23.728
  • That we would all do well to remember.
  • 00:16:23.728 --> 00:16:25.396
  • First of all, to be united as a church,
  • 00:16:25.396 --> 00:16:28.032
  • We must share a common foundation.
  • 00:16:28.032 --> 00:16:32.203
  • If we're going to be united as a congregation,
  • 00:16:32.203 --> 00:16:34.605
  • We have to share a common foundation.
  • 00:16:34.605 --> 00:16:37.175
  • Go back to verse 10 for just a moment.
  • 00:16:37.175 --> 00:16:39.177
  • Paul begins this section by saying,
  • 00:16:39.177 --> 00:16:41.446
  • "now i exhort you brethren
  • 00:16:41.446 --> 00:16:43.915
  • By the name of our lord jesus christ that you all agree."
  • 00:16:43.915 --> 00:16:49.253
  • Now, that phrase all agree literally means
  • 00:16:50.154 --> 00:16:53.091
  • That you all speak the same thing.
  • 00:16:53.091 --> 00:16:57.095
  • Paul said, "if we're going to have unity as a congregation,
  • 00:16:57.095 --> 00:16:59.997
  • We must all be saying the same thing.
  • 00:16:59.997 --> 00:17:03.434
  • We must agree."
  • 00:17:03.434 --> 00:17:04.969
  • Now, he's not talking about minor, secondary, tertiary,
  • 00:17:04.969 --> 00:17:09.207
  • Doctrinal issues like, you know, millennialism,
  • 00:17:09.207 --> 00:17:12.543
  • Or calvinism, or all of these other things.
  • 00:17:12.543 --> 00:17:15.113
  • What he is saying, though, is on the basics,
  • 00:17:15.113 --> 00:17:17.882
  • We must all be saying the same thing.
  • 00:17:17.882 --> 00:17:20.017
  • We must all agree.
  • 00:17:20.017 --> 00:17:22.620
  • What is the same thing on which we must all agree?
  • 00:17:22.620 --> 00:17:25.356
  • That jesus christ and his word will have the final say,
  • 00:17:25.356 --> 00:17:30.695
  • And what we do individually and together as a church,
  • 00:17:31.796 --> 00:17:34.398
  • That must be the common foundation of our congregation,
  • 00:17:34.398 --> 00:17:38.102
  • That jesus christ and his word
  • 00:17:38.102 --> 00:17:41.038
  • Have the final say in everything we do.
  • 00:17:41.038 --> 00:17:44.942
  • If we find ourselves in a difficult marriage,
  • 00:17:44.942 --> 00:17:47.411
  • We're going to remain in that marriage
  • 00:17:47.411 --> 00:17:49.480
  • Because that is what jesus has commanded us to do.
  • 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:53.351
  • If we're encouraged to engage in dishonesty in our job,
  • 00:17:53.351 --> 00:17:57.421
  • We're going to refuse to do that
  • 00:17:57.421 --> 00:17:59.323
  • Because that is what jesus has commanded us to do.
  • 00:17:59.323 --> 00:18:02.960
  • If there is immorality in our life,
  • 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.996
  • We're going to root it out no matter what the cost,
  • 00:18:04.996 --> 00:18:08.499
  • Because that is what jesus has commanded us to do.
  • 00:18:08.499 --> 00:18:12.203
  • If we're called upon to speak for the truth,
  • 00:18:12.203 --> 00:18:15.139
  • Regardless of the cost, we are going to do that
  • 00:18:15.139 --> 00:18:18.142
  • Because that is what jesus has commanded us to do.
  • 00:18:18.142 --> 00:18:22.046
  • Jesus christ and his word have the final say
  • 00:18:22.046 --> 00:18:25.950
  • About everything we do.
  • 00:18:25.950 --> 00:18:27.485
  • That is the common foundation for a church.
  • 00:18:27.485 --> 00:18:31.722
  • Secondly, to have this unity of spirit, paul writes about,
  • 00:18:31.722 --> 00:18:35.893
  • We must also share a common attitude.
  • 00:18:35.893 --> 00:18:39.297
  • The second part of paul's exhortation, look at verse 10 was.
  • 00:18:39.297 --> 00:18:42.366
  • That there be no divisions, factions among you,
  • 00:18:42.366 --> 00:18:45.736
  • But that you be made complete.
  • 00:18:45.736 --> 00:18:49.006
  • Underline that word complete,
  • 00:18:49.006 --> 00:18:51.676
  • In the same mind and in the same judgment.
  • 00:18:51.676 --> 00:18:55.379
  • Paul said, "there should not be any divisions,
  • 00:18:55.379 --> 00:18:57.815
  • Any factions."
  • 00:18:57.815 --> 00:18:59.016
  • Instead, he wants us to be complete.
  • 00:18:59.016 --> 00:19:01.686
  • That greek word complete, katartizo, is a word that refers
  • 00:19:01.686 --> 00:19:05.990
  • To the mending together of a broken net,
  • 00:19:05.990 --> 00:19:09.660
  • Or the mending together of broken bones.
  • 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:12.797
  • Paul says, i don't want there to be any
  • 00:19:12.797 --> 00:19:15.132
  • Factions in the church.
  • 00:19:15.132 --> 00:19:16.767
  • The only way that is going to happen is if you are complete,
  • 00:19:16.767 --> 00:19:19.937
  • Mended together by the same mind, the same attitude.
  • 00:19:19.937 --> 00:19:25.409
  • There are factions in the church today.
  • 00:19:26.244 --> 00:19:28.946
  • Paul bilheimer was right when he said,
  • 00:19:28.946 --> 00:19:30.848
  • "the continuous and widespread fragmentation of the church
  • 00:19:30.848 --> 00:19:34.952
  • Has been the scandal of the ages.
  • 00:19:34.952 --> 00:19:37.054
  • It has been satan's master strategy.
  • 00:19:37.054 --> 00:19:40.324
  • The sin of disunity probably
  • 00:19:40.324 --> 00:19:42.360
  • Has caused more souls to be lost
  • 00:19:42.360 --> 00:19:44.762
  • Than all other sins combined."
  • 00:19:44.762 --> 00:19:47.198
  • Factions ruin the reputation of jesus christ.
  • 00:19:48.165 --> 00:19:51.502
  • What is the cause of factions in the church?
  • 00:19:51.502 --> 00:19:55.940
  • What's the cause of factions in your home,
  • 00:19:55.940 --> 00:19:58.609
  • In your friendships?
  • 00:19:58.609 --> 00:20:00.011
  • Listen to what james said in verses one and two
  • 00:20:00.011 --> 00:20:02.380
  • Of chapter four.
  • 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:03.414
  • He asked the question,
  • 00:20:03.414 --> 00:20:04.849
  • What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?
  • 00:20:04.849 --> 00:20:08.719
  • Is not the source your pleasures
  • 00:20:08.719 --> 00:20:10.554
  • That wage war in your members?
  • 00:20:10.554 --> 00:20:12.690
  • You lust and you don't have, so you commit murder.
  • 00:20:12.690 --> 00:20:15.926
  • You're envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.
  • 00:20:15.926 --> 00:20:19.497
  • You do not have because you do not ask.
  • 00:20:19.497 --> 00:20:23.834
  • From the day we're born,
  • 00:20:24.335 --> 00:20:26.103
  • Our number one inclination is to look out for number one,
  • 00:20:26.103 --> 00:20:30.841
  • To make sure we get our way regardless of the cost.
  • 00:20:30.841 --> 00:20:36.080
  • And whenever you have two people,
  • 00:20:36.747 --> 00:20:38.282
  • Each of whom is intent on having his or her way,
  • 00:20:38.282 --> 00:20:41.252
  • When you put those two people in a marriage,
  • 00:20:41.252 --> 00:20:44.622
  • When you place them in a friendship,
  • 00:20:44.622 --> 00:20:46.223
  • When you place them in a church,
  • 00:20:46.223 --> 00:20:48.125
  • The result is going to be friction and factions
  • 00:20:48.125 --> 00:20:52.330
  • In that church, in that friendship, in that marriage.
  • 00:20:52.330 --> 00:20:56.233
  • What's the remedy to divisions?
  • 00:20:56.867 --> 00:21:00.171
  • The remedy to divisions paul says
  • 00:21:00.171 --> 00:21:03.007
  • Is that you be made complete,
  • 00:21:03.007 --> 00:21:05.109
  • Mended together by the same attitude, the same mind.
  • 00:21:05.109 --> 00:21:10.448
  • What is that attitude, that mind that mends us together
  • 00:21:11.582 --> 00:21:14.852
  • Whether than tears us apart?
  • 00:21:14.852 --> 00:21:17.288
  • It's the attitude paul described in philippians 2.
  • 00:21:18.289 --> 00:21:21.225
  • Listen to what paul said in this well-known passage
  • 00:21:22.226 --> 00:21:24.729
  • Beginning with verse four.
  • 00:21:24.729 --> 00:21:26.464
  • Do not merely look out for your own personal interests,
  • 00:21:27.565 --> 00:21:31.836
  • But also for the interest of others.
  • 00:21:31.836 --> 00:21:35.373
  • Have this attitude in yourselves,
  • 00:21:35.373 --> 00:21:37.241
  • Which was also in christ jesus,
  • 00:21:37.241 --> 00:21:39.443
  • Who although he existed in the form of god,
  • 00:21:39.443 --> 00:21:42.213
  • He did not regard his equality with god,
  • 00:21:42.213 --> 00:21:44.482
  • A thing to be grasped, held onto,
  • 00:21:44.482 --> 00:21:47.418
  • But instead he emptied himself,
  • 00:21:47.418 --> 00:21:49.687
  • Taking the form of a bond-servant,
  • 00:21:49.687 --> 00:21:51.756
  • And being made in the likeness of men.
  • 00:21:51.756 --> 00:21:54.024
  • Being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself
  • 00:21:54.024 --> 00:21:57.928
  • By becoming obedient to the point of death,
  • 00:21:57.928 --> 00:22:00.998
  • Even death on a cross.
  • 00:22:00.998 --> 00:22:04.034
  • Instead of putting your interests at the top of the list,
  • 00:22:05.236 --> 00:22:10.574
  • Put the interest of others before you.
  • 00:22:11.409 --> 00:22:12.743
  • You know, that attitude would've healed the divisions
  • 00:22:13.811 --> 00:22:16.814
  • In the church of corinth.
  • 00:22:16.814 --> 00:22:18.382
  • That attitude will prevent divisions in our church.
  • 00:22:19.383 --> 00:22:22.920
  • Having the mind of jesus christ,
  • 00:22:23.554 --> 00:22:26.123
  • Putting other people's interest preferences before your own
  • 00:22:26.123 --> 00:22:31.228
  • Is the key to healing divisions.
  • 00:22:31.862 --> 00:22:34.632
  • Divisions that may occur right now in your friendships,
  • 00:22:34.632 --> 00:22:38.436
  • In your marriage, and in your church.
  • 00:22:38.436 --> 00:22:41.405
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:22:41.405 --> 00:22:45.876
  • We often talk about hostile enemies
  • 00:22:46.644 --> 00:22:49.079
  • Who attempt to attack the church from without,
  • 00:22:49.079 --> 00:22:52.216
  • But rarely consider the dangers within our own four walls.
  • 00:22:52.216 --> 00:22:56.654
  • And this dire warning in paul's letter
  • 00:22:56.654 --> 00:22:58.856
  • To the church at corinth
  • 00:22:58.856 --> 00:23:00.357
  • Is just as relevant to churches today in the 21st century
  • 00:23:00.357 --> 00:23:04.328
  • As it was to those in the first century.
  • 00:23:04.328 --> 00:23:07.665
  • In closing, i'd like to affirm those of you
  • 00:23:07.665 --> 00:23:09.934
  • Who faithfully support "pathway to victory"
  • 00:23:09.934 --> 00:23:13.370
  • Through your generous partnership,
  • 00:23:13.370 --> 00:23:15.372
  • We're able to bring god's unchanging truth
  • 00:23:15.372 --> 00:23:18.175
  • To a changing world that desperately needs to hear it.
  • 00:23:18.175 --> 00:23:21.979
  • Every day we receive messages from viewers
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  • Whose lives have been transformed
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  • By the bold teaching of scripture they hear on this program.
  • 00:23:27.384 --> 00:23:31.722
  • These testimonies of life change
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  • Are the direct result of your generosity,
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  • And faithful prayers.
  • 00:23:37.228 --> 00:23:38.696
  • So thank you for standing with us
  • 00:23:38.696 --> 00:23:40.898
  • As we continue to pierce the darkness
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  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:23:43.667 --> 00:23:45.769
  • Now stay right there.
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  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
  • 00:23:47.071 --> 00:23:49.740
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:51.876
  • The most important task a parent,
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  • Or grandparent has in life is to lead their child,
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  • Or grandchild to faith in jesus christ.
  • 00:23:57.815 --> 00:24:00.584
  • Yet many don't know where to begin.
  • 00:24:00.584 --> 00:24:02.853
  • That's why i've written "the gift: the gospel for children."
  • 00:24:02.853 --> 00:24:06.524
  • A beautifully illustrated book designed to help you
  • 00:24:06.524 --> 00:24:09.593
  • Share the gospel with the children you love.
  • 00:24:09.593 --> 00:24:12.696
  • [narrator] "the gift" provides a clear presentation
  • 00:24:12.696 --> 00:24:15.165
  • Of the gospel for your child or grandchild,
  • 00:24:15.165 --> 00:24:17.568
  • And makes sharing the life-changing message of jesus simple.
  • 00:24:17.568 --> 00:24:21.138
  • Plus, you'll receive an instructional dvd message
  • 00:24:21.138 --> 00:24:23.908
  • From dr. jeffress
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  • That you can watch together with your child.
  • 00:24:25.242 --> 00:24:27.478
  • You can give this book to your children or grandchildren
  • 00:24:27.478 --> 00:24:30.247
  • To read on their own, or better yet, read it together
  • 00:24:30.247 --> 00:24:33.717
  • To begin a rewarding spiritual journey
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  • That will shape their eternity.
  • 00:24:36.587 --> 00:24:38.789
  • At the end of my book, i've included a prayer for salvation.
  • 00:24:38.789 --> 00:24:42.326
  • They can pray to trust in christ as their savior.
  • 00:24:42.326 --> 00:24:46.330
  • [narrator] help your child or grandchild make the decision
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  • To follow jesus christ.
  • 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:50.634
  • Request "the gift" when you give a generous gift
  • 00:24:50.634 --> 00:24:53.404
  • To support the ministry of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:24:53.404 --> 00:24:56.206
  • And when your ministry gift is $75, or more,
  • 00:24:56.206 --> 00:24:59.376
  • We'll also send you "straight answers to tough questions,"
  • 00:24:59.376 --> 00:25:02.413
  • Chapters one through nine on both dvd and audio disc.
  • 00:25:02.413 --> 00:25:06.317
  • Thank you for partnering with "pathway to victory."
  • 00:25:06.317 --> 00:25:08.886
  • Together we're preaching the gospel
  • 00:25:08.886 --> 00:25:10.588
  • To as many people as possible,
  • 00:25:10.588 --> 00:25:12.456
  • And equipping parents and grandparents
  • 00:25:12.456 --> 00:25:14.391
  • To lead the children they love to faith in jesus christ.
  • 00:25:14.391 --> 00:25:20.197
  • It's not easy to put the wellbeing of our family,
  • 00:25:21.131 --> 00:25:23.767
  • And our friends, and our churches ahead of our own desires,
  • 00:25:23.767 --> 00:25:28.305
  • But we can't be an effective church body
  • 00:25:28.305 --> 00:25:30.941
  • Unless we adopt the selfless,
  • 00:25:30.941 --> 00:25:32.776
  • And humble attitude of jesus christ.
  • 00:25:32.776 --> 00:25:36.447
  • Well, americans today have nearly instant access
  • 00:25:36.447 --> 00:25:39.617
  • To endless amounts of information,
  • 00:25:39.617 --> 00:25:42.586
  • And yet our culture
  • 00:25:42.586 --> 00:25:43.887
  • Is reaching new depths of moral depravity.
  • 00:25:43.887 --> 00:25:46.924
  • Why is that?
  • 00:25:46.924 --> 00:25:48.459
  • Because the so-called wisdom of this world
  • 00:25:48.459 --> 00:25:51.428
  • Is foolishness to god.
  • 00:25:51.428 --> 00:25:53.831
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:25:53.831 --> 00:25:56.266
  • In our series, straight answers to tough questions.
  • 00:25:56.266 --> 00:26:01.605
  • You know, that's the paradox of our age.
  • 00:26:02.473 --> 00:26:04.008
  • Even though we worship
  • 00:26:04.008 --> 00:26:05.409
  • At the shrine of human education and philosophy,
  • 00:26:05.409 --> 00:26:08.979
  • The fact is our society is becoming increasingly illiterate,
  • 00:26:08.979 --> 00:26:13.283
  • And morally decadent.
  • 00:26:13.283 --> 00:26:15.152
  • Why is that?
  • 00:26:15.152 --> 00:26:16.720
  • Because the so-called wisdom of this world
  • 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:20.557
  • Is foolishness to god.
  • 00:26:20.557 --> 00:26:23.060
  • [narrator] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:26:23.994 --> 00:26:25.929
  • For the message, the foolishness of god,
  • 00:26:25.929 --> 00:26:28.866
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:28.866 --> 00:26:30.601
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:26:30.601 --> 00:26:33.237
  • Each of us will leave a legacy.
  • 00:26:33.237 --> 00:26:36.006
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:26:36.006 --> 00:26:38.442
  • Your legacy giving can further the gospel,
  • 00:26:38.442 --> 00:26:41.211
  • And be an example to your children
  • 00:26:41.211 --> 00:26:43.547
  • About what matters most in life.
  • 00:26:43.547 --> 00:26:46.116
  • The world my daughters and grandchildren are growing up in
  • 00:26:46.116 --> 00:26:49.620
  • Is vastly different than the one you and i grew up in.
  • 00:26:49.620 --> 00:26:53.323
  • The gospel of jesus christ is our only answer.
  • 00:26:53.323 --> 00:26:57.461
  • And naming "pathway to victory"
  • 00:26:57.461 --> 00:26:59.229
  • As a beneficiary in your will helps guarantee
  • 00:26:59.229 --> 00:27:02.833
  • That there will be a trusted ministry
  • 00:27:02.833 --> 00:27:05.436
  • That will continue to be salt and light.
  • 00:27:05.436 --> 00:27:08.539
  • Like the ripples
  • 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.807
  • That emanate from a rock thrown into a pond,
  • 00:27:09.807 --> 00:27:12.676
  • Your influence for christ can keep going on and on
  • 00:27:12.676 --> 00:27:16.413
  • After you die with a gift in your will.
  • 00:27:16.413 --> 00:27:19.750
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:27:19.750 --> 00:27:22.453
  • Only one life, will soon be past.
  • 00:27:22.453 --> 00:27:25.856
  • Only what's done for christ will last.
  • 00:27:25.856 --> 00:27:25.856