Robert Jeffress - How Should We Now Live (Part 1)

June 19, 2026 | 27:29

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

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - How Should We Now Live (Part 1) | June 19, 2026
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church
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  • Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
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  • With dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome
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  • Again to "pathway to victory."
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  • In times like these, it's tempting to put your head
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  • Down and just try to survive, but that is not what god
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  • Has called his people to do.
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  • The darker the world becomes, the more urgent our calling.
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  • Today i'm going to show you how followers of christ should live
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  • When the world around them is falling apart.
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  • My message is titled, "how should we now live?"
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  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • Jeffress: before today's program begins, i want to invite you to
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  • Join me for a special message about america's future.
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  • Our nation is celebrating 250 years, but can we survive
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  • 250 more?
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  • Mark your calendar for june 21 and june 28 to hear this timely
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  • Message, "america at the crossroads: can we survive
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  • Another 250 years?"
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  • On "pathway to victory."
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  • Announcer: as our nation marks 250 years, america
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  • Stands at a crossroads.
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  • Will we return to the god who blessed us or continue down a
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  • Path that leads to ruin?
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  • Through the in god we trust matching challenge, your gift
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  • Today will be doubled in ministry impact.
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  • For 30 years, "pathway to victory" has pierced the
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  • Darkness of our nation with the light of god's word by sharing
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  • Biblical truth that transforms hearts.
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  • Join us in this critical hour by giving toward the in god we
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  • Trust matching challenge today.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Jeffress: a survey a few months ago asked a cross section of
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  • Americans this question, which better describes how you feel
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  • About the way things are going in the world these days?
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  • The survey offered two possible responses.
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  • Response number one, everything will be all right.
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  • Response number two, things are going to hell in a hand basket.
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  • Would you be surprised to know that 60% of americans chose
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  • That second response?
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  • Things are going to hell in a hand basket.
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  • By way of note, it's the first time going to hell in a hand
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  • Basket was ever used in a national survey before.
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  • But that's how many people feel about the world condition.
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  • Another group, 64% of voters said that they believe that the
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  • World is spinning out of control.
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  • 84% of americans in another poll said they believe isis poses
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  • A real threat to american security.
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  • It's not surprising then that in another poll, 70% of all
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  • Americans said they are angry about the direction
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  • In which the world is going.
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  • People are asking the question, what is the world coming to?
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  • Where are we headed?
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  • Is anybody really in charge?
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  • The answer to all of those questions is found in a single
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  • Event toward which all history is marching.
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  • That event is the apocalypse, the unveiling the revelation,
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  • The return of jesus christ.
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  • And today we're going to talk about the return of jesus christ
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  • And how we should be living as believers in light
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  • Of his return.
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  • Over and over again in scripture we find the promise of jesus
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  • That he will come again.
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  • And the bible says two things about the return of jesus.
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  • First of all, his coming is absolutely certain.
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  • Remember in john 14, jesus was meeting with his disciples
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  • Before he was crucified and resurrected from the dead.
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  • And he made this promise in john 14:3, "and if i go and prepare a
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  • Place for you, i will come again, and receive you to
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  • Myself: that where i am, there you may be also."
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  • Jesus promise, i will come again.
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  • And you see that promise from genesis to revelation throughout
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  • The bible about the lord's triumphant return.
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  • Did you know in the new testament alone, there are over
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  • 300 verses that talk about the return of jesus?
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  • One out of every 13 verses in the new testament has something
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  • To do about the lord's return.
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  • And although christians have always differed on some of the
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  • Minute details of his return, the constant refrain from the
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  • Beginning of christianity has been this,
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  • Jesus is coming again.
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  • You know, you see that certainty of the lord's return found in
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  • Acts chapter 1.
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  • Remember jesus had been on the earth 40 days
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  • After his resurrection.
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  • He was in his new body and thousands of people saw him,
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  • And finally he assembled with his followers
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  • On the mount of olives.
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  • Many of us have been there before and jesus
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  • Ascended into the heavens.
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  • Can you imagine what that scene was like?
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  • I've often tried to imagine that standing on those mountains as
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  • The disciples looked up and they saw the lord
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  • Lifted up into heaven.
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  • And as they were gazing into heaven, the people, two angels
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  • Said to them in acts 1:11, "men of galilee, why do you stand
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  • Gazing into the sky?"
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  • Of course, they were gazing in the sky who wouldn't be after
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  • Such a miraculous event?
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  • But they said, "why do you stand gazing in the sky?
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  • This jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come
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  • In just the same way as you have watched him go into heaven."
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  • And the angels were saying this same jesus, the one you've been
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  • With for these last three years, the one you saw go into heaven,
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  • He is coming back from heaven in just the same way.
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  • How did he go up into heaven?
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  • Did he go figuratively into heaven?
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  • No, his body ascended into heaven?
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  • Jesus went up literally, personally,
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  • Visibly, into heaven.
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  • And the angel said he is going to return the same way.
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  • I've heard these idiotic preachers before, i hear him on
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  • The radio sometimes say, "oh, jesus is coming back again.
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  • His second coming is when he comes into your heart."
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  • That's what some people believe.
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  • The second coming of jesus is when you trust in him, when he
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  • Comes into your heart.
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  • No, the angel said, jesus is coming back literally visibly,
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  • Bodily for everyone to see.
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  • That's the promise of scripture.
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  • His coming is certain.
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  • And secondly, the bible promises his coming is soon.
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  • His coming, his second coming will be soon.
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  • How can you say that pastor with such certainty?
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  • Well, the fact is there are no prophecies that have
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  • To be fulfilled before the rapture takes place.
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  • Remember, the rapture comes--takes place seven years
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  • Before the second coming.
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  • The rapture is imminent.
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  • It could happen before we enter into the invitation time in just
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  • A few moments.
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  • So in that sense, his coming is soon.
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  • Think about it this way, if 2,000 years ago, the apostles
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  • Were talking about the soon coming of the lord, how much
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  • Closer is his coming today than it was 2,000 years ago?
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  • In fact, paul alluded to that in romans chapter 13 verses 11
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  • To 12, paul believed the lord was coming soon.
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  • Listen to what he says.
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  • "and this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for
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  • You to awaken from sleep, for now salvation is nearer to us
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  • Than when we believed.
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  • The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand."
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  • Paul had done the math in his head.
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  • He had figured out that the coming of the lord is closer
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  • And it's easy to see why he believed that.
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  • If there is a date certain on god's calendar, when christ is
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  • Coming back again, every second that passes moves us
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  • Closer to that day.
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  • And paul is saying to these romans, look at this,
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  • "our salvation."
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  • That word refers to our deliverance that will occur
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  • When christ returns.
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  • Our deliverance out of this sin infected world.
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  • Our salvation is nearer to us today than when we believed
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  • A few years ago.
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  • Time is passing.
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  • It is moving us toward that soon return of jesus christ.
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  • Imagine if the apostle paul were writing to us today, what would
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  • He say to us, the first baptist church of dallas?
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  • He would have said, "wake up, remove the sleep from your eyes.
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  • If i thought the lord's return were close 2,000 years ago when
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  • I first wrote to the romans, how much closer is it today?
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  • The lord's return is near.
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  • He is coming soon.
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  • That is the promise of romans 15 verse 13.
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  • Well, how are we supposed to live?
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  • We're to live expectantly, we're to live knowing what time it is.
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  • Well, how are we to be living in light of that certain and soon
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  • Coming of the lord.
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  • As you look through scripture, there are three qualities that
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  • Ought to characterize every believer who finds himself
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  • Living in the last days.
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  • First of all, the bible says, we are to be people of hope.
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  • We're to be people of hope.
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  • You know, it's easy to look at the world situation today and
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  • Get discouraged.
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  • Not long ago, the former defense secretary chuck hagel spoke at
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  • The washington ideas festival.
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  • He wasn't sanguine about the future of the world.
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  • He said, quote, "i think we are living through one of the most
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  • Historic defining times.
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  • We are seeing a new world order -- post world war 2,
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  • Post-soviet union implosion being built, tyranny,
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  • Terrorism... [are] going to be with us.
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  • It's a reality.
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  • I see these things continuing."
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  • In other words, get used to the world situation.
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  • It's going to continue, it is only going to get worse.
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  • So pastor, how can we be people of hope given what's happening
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  • In the world today?
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  • Ladies and gentlemen, our hope does not rest in washington dc.
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  • Our hope is not found in any politician.
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  • Listen to what the psalmist said.
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  • Psalm 39:7, "and now lord, for what do i wait?
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  • My hope is in thee."
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  • Our hope is in the everlasting god.
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  • And romans 15:13 contains one of the most beautiful benedictions
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  • Found in all scripture.
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  • Paul closes, "now may the god of hope fill you with all joy and
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  • Peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope
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  • By the power of the holy spirit."
  • 00:11:32.448 --> 00:11:34.016
  • Do you see the repetition of that?
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  • We serve the god of hope, and because of that we ought to
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  • Abound in hope ourselves.
  • 00:11:40.156 --> 00:11:42.091
  • That word abound is a very interesting word.
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  • It's a word that refers to a river that overflows its banks.
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  • That is when people get close to us, they can't help but get
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  • Splashed by the hope of god.
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  • And that's because we're hopeful.
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  • One of the worst witnesses we can be to unbelievers is to go
  • 00:12:00.342 --> 00:12:04.213
  • Around depressed and scared and fearful.
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  • Oh, what's gonna happen next?
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  • What's gonna--that is no witness.
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  • Remember what the apostle peter said?
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  • He said, be ready to give a defense to anyone
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  • Who ask for the what?
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  • The doom and gloom that's in you.
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  • The despair that's in you.
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  • The discouragement.
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  • No, be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you
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  • For the hope that is within you.
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  • Christians ought to be the most hopeful, the most optimistic
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  • People they are.
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  • We ought to be overflowing with hope.
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  • But not only are we to be people of hope, secondly,
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  • The bible says we are to be people of insight.
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  • Tucked away in the old testament is a verse that i think best
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  • Describes how we ought to be living in times like these.
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  • You find it in 1 chronicles chapter 12.
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  • When's the last time you've been reading devotionally
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  • In 1 chronicles 12?
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  • Probably been a while, hasn't it?
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  • When we read the list of these endless names and strange people
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  • And customs and we think that has no application to us.
  • 00:13:03.339 --> 00:13:06.976
  • But in 1 chronicles 12, there is a story about a group of jewish
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  • Men who decided to leave the service of king saul
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  • And join forces with david, god's man at hebron.
  • 00:13:15.417 --> 00:13:19.321
  • And there is a listing of those who chose
  • 00:13:19.321 --> 00:13:21.323
  • To join david in battle.
  • 00:13:21.323 --> 00:13:23.726
  • And the writers divided them by the 12 tribes of israel.
  • 00:13:23.726 --> 00:13:28.831
  • Those from judah, those from levi, benjamin, and ephraim.
  • 00:13:28.831 --> 00:13:32.668
  • But when he gets to the tribe of issachar, the men from issachar,
  • 00:13:32.668 --> 00:13:36.906
  • The tribe of issachar who chose to follow david, the writer adds
  • 00:13:36.906 --> 00:13:40.709
  • These words, 1 chronicles 12:32, "the sons of issachar, men who
  • 00:13:40.709 --> 00:13:48.517
  • Understood the times, with knowledge
  • 00:13:48.517 --> 00:13:53.088
  • Of what israel should do."
  • 00:13:53.088 --> 00:13:56.525
  • Men who understood the times with a knowledge of what they
  • 00:13:56.525 --> 00:14:01.497
  • Israel should do.
  • 00:14:01.497 --> 00:14:04.266
  • People who live in the last times are people who first of
  • 00:14:04.266 --> 00:14:08.203
  • All understand the times.
  • 00:14:08.203 --> 00:14:10.806
  • They understand the times.
  • 00:14:10.806 --> 00:14:12.207
  • These sons of issachar, they knew what was happening
  • 00:14:12.207 --> 00:14:15.144
  • In their nation.
  • 00:14:15.144 --> 00:14:16.712
  • They knew that there was a shift in the political winds.
  • 00:14:16.712 --> 00:14:20.449
  • They had an understanding of the moral and spiritual climate of
  • 00:14:20.449 --> 00:14:24.153
  • Their nation and we need to be the same way today.
  • 00:14:24.153 --> 00:14:28.190
  • We need to have our finger on the pulse of what is happening
  • 00:14:28.190 --> 00:14:31.627
  • In this country and what is happening in this world morally,
  • 00:14:31.627 --> 00:14:35.798
  • Spiritually, and politically.
  • 00:14:35.798 --> 00:14:38.968
  • You know, there are some christians, they think they're
  • 00:14:38.968 --> 00:14:41.804
  • Holier than god is.
  • 00:14:41.804 --> 00:14:43.505
  • And they just say, "oh, i don't get involved in all these
  • 00:14:43.505 --> 00:14:45.774
  • Current events and so forth.
  • 00:14:45.774 --> 00:14:47.609
  • I don't read the newspaper.
  • 00:14:47.609 --> 00:14:49.011
  • I don't turn on the news.
  • 00:14:49.011 --> 00:14:50.446
  • It's just too depressing.
  • 00:14:50.446 --> 00:14:51.914
  • I just read my bible.
  • 00:14:51.914 --> 00:14:53.382
  • It's just me and god.
  • 00:14:53.382 --> 00:14:54.850
  • I let other people handle all that stuff."
  • 00:14:54.850 --> 00:14:56.418
  • That's not being a godly person that's being an ignorant person.
  • 00:14:56.418 --> 00:15:00.889
  • And god places no premium on ignorance, okay?
  • 00:15:00.889 --> 00:15:04.360
  • You don't get any brownie points in heaven for being stupid and
  • 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:07.162
  • Ignorant about what's happening in the world.
  • 00:15:07.162 --> 00:15:09.832
  • God says, if you're gonna be a godly person, you need to
  • 00:15:09.832 --> 00:15:12.801
  • Understand the times in which god has placed you.
  • 00:15:12.801 --> 00:15:16.005
  • That's what the sons of issachar did.
  • 00:15:16.005 --> 00:15:17.840
  • They understood the times.
  • 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:20.209
  • And secondly, people of insight are people who know what the
  • 00:15:20.209 --> 00:15:24.480
  • People of god should do.
  • 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:27.416
  • The reason they had this insight, the reason they wanted
  • 00:15:27.416 --> 00:15:29.918
  • To know what was happening in their country is so that they
  • 00:15:29.918 --> 00:15:32.521
  • Could know what they should do, d-o, take action.
  • 00:15:32.521 --> 00:15:36.692
  • And they came to the conclusion, it was time to shift allegiances
  • 00:15:36.692 --> 00:15:40.062
  • And to follow after god's man, david.
  • 00:15:40.062 --> 00:15:43.532
  • You know, it's very easy for us to get discouraged in the world
  • 00:15:43.532 --> 00:15:46.301
  • Today and say what terrible times we're living in.
  • 00:15:46.301 --> 00:15:49.471
  • I think about the catholic theologian,
  • 00:15:49.471 --> 00:15:51.206
  • Father john neuhaus.
  • 00:15:51.206 --> 00:15:53.175
  • He was at a speaking engagement in another city and the host had
  • 00:15:53.175 --> 00:15:57.546
  • Arrived to pick him up at the airport and they were driving to
  • 00:15:57.546 --> 00:16:00.416
  • The speaking event and the driver was just lamenting about
  • 00:16:00.416 --> 00:16:03.719
  • What terrible times we're living in what terrible times.
  • 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:07.990
  • Father neuhaus finally had all he could take of it.
  • 00:16:07.990 --> 00:16:10.292
  • And he said "yes, these times may be terrible, but they're the
  • 00:16:10.292 --> 00:16:14.229
  • Only times god has given us and the sin is a despair."
  • 00:16:14.229 --> 00:16:20.402
  • That's what the sons of issachar say.
  • 00:16:20.402 --> 00:16:23.672
  • They say "yes, the times are terrible, but these are the
  • 00:16:23.672 --> 00:16:26.308
  • Times in which we are living and we ought to be doing something."
  • 00:16:26.308 --> 00:16:31.246
  • The people of insight are people who not only understand their
  • 00:16:31.246 --> 00:16:35.317
  • Times, but they know what they should do.
  • 00:16:35.317 --> 00:16:39.054
  • And that means in these last days,
  • 00:16:39.054 --> 00:16:40.622
  • We are to be people of action.
  • 00:16:40.622 --> 00:16:44.960
  • People of action.
  • 00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:47.096
  • Not just hunkering down or sitting on our blessed
  • 00:16:47.096 --> 00:16:52.201
  • Assurances, if you know what i mean, and
  • 00:16:52.201 --> 00:16:54.770
  • Waiting for the end to come.
  • 00:16:54.770 --> 00:16:57.106
  • We're to be people who are doing something.
  • 00:16:57.106 --> 00:17:00.776
  • I was reading this week, about a well known evangelical pastor,
  • 00:17:00.776 --> 00:17:05.981
  • You all know him very well, probably one of the most
  • 00:17:05.981 --> 00:17:08.450
  • Influential evangelical pastors in the world.
  • 00:17:08.450 --> 00:17:11.487
  • Somebody who has roots to this church many years ago.
  • 00:17:11.487 --> 00:17:15.958
  • And he was talking to a group of pastors about
  • 00:17:15.958 --> 00:17:18.260
  • What we ought to be doing.
  • 00:17:18.260 --> 00:17:20.295
  • And he said some good things.
  • 00:17:20.295 --> 00:17:22.464
  • He talked about christians need to live out their faith
  • 00:17:22.464 --> 00:17:25.734
  • In a daily way.
  • 00:17:25.734 --> 00:17:27.603
  • He said, you know, if we would--christians would stop
  • 00:17:27.603 --> 00:17:29.838
  • Watching pornography, if christians would stop
  • 00:17:29.838 --> 00:17:33.375
  • Gossiping and slandering.
  • 00:17:33.375 --> 00:17:35.010
  • If they would start living true to their faith, we could make
  • 00:17:35.010 --> 00:17:36.712
  • A difference in this world.
  • 00:17:36.712 --> 00:17:38.347
  • And i agree with that 100%.
  • 00:17:38.347 --> 00:17:41.350
  • And then he said something that could not have been more wrong.
  • 00:17:41.350 --> 00:17:45.888
  • He said, "i believe christians need to take a year off from the
  • 00:17:45.888 --> 00:17:51.326
  • Culture wars and just concentrate on their own
  • 00:17:51.326 --> 00:17:54.997
  • Relationship with god."
  • 00:17:54.997 --> 00:17:58.200
  • Take a year off.
  • 00:17:58.200 --> 00:18:00.536
  • Take a year off from fighting for the sanctity of life
  • 00:18:00.536 --> 00:18:03.906
  • When a million babies are being murdered every year.
  • 00:18:03.906 --> 00:18:07.376
  • Take a year off from that.
  • 00:18:07.376 --> 00:18:09.378
  • Take a year off from speaking out against immorality
  • 00:18:09.378 --> 00:18:12.948
  • And the sanctity of marriage that is coming under attack.
  • 00:18:12.948 --> 00:18:17.019
  • Take a year off from speaking out against human trafficking
  • 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:20.422
  • And the other atrocities that take place in the world.
  • 00:18:20.422 --> 00:18:23.091
  • Look, the sons of issachar don't get to take a time off.
  • 00:18:23.091 --> 00:18:27.062
  • They're always involved in doing god's work and make no mistake
  • 00:18:27.062 --> 00:18:31.066
  • About it, god has called upon us to confront an evil society.
  • 00:18:31.066 --> 00:18:36.471
  • He's called upon us to confront evil leaders.
  • 00:18:36.471 --> 00:18:40.943
  • He's called upon us to confront all immorality and say without
  • 00:18:40.943 --> 00:18:45.347
  • Stuttering or stammering, "thus saith the lord."
  • 00:18:45.347 --> 00:18:49.751
  • We are to be actively involved in battle.
  • 00:18:49.751 --> 00:18:52.321
  • Listen to what jesus said in matthew 5 verses 13 and 14.
  • 00:18:52.321 --> 00:18:56.525
  • He said, "you are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has
  • 00:18:56.525 --> 00:18:59.094
  • Become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?
  • 00:18:59.094 --> 00:19:03.332
  • It is good for nothing except to be thrown out and trampled
  • 00:19:03.332 --> 00:19:06.802
  • Under foot by men."
  • 00:19:06.802 --> 00:19:09.037
  • You've heard me say this before, but when jesus talked about
  • 00:19:09.037 --> 00:19:12.140
  • Being salt, he was talking about being a preservative.
  • 00:19:12.140 --> 00:19:15.010
  • That's what salt did in jesus's day.
  • 00:19:15.010 --> 00:19:17.412
  • It didn't prevent the decaying of meat,
  • 00:19:17.412 --> 00:19:19.681
  • It delayed the decay of meat.
  • 00:19:19.681 --> 00:19:22.050
  • It gave the meat a longer shelf life until it eventually
  • 00:19:22.050 --> 00:19:24.486
  • Had to be thrown out.
  • 00:19:24.486 --> 00:19:26.521
  • And jesus said as my representatives in the world
  • 00:19:26.521 --> 00:19:29.057
  • Today, you are to be salt.
  • 00:19:29.057 --> 00:19:31.360
  • You're to be a preservative in this culture.
  • 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:33.795
  • You are to keep this world from prematurely imploding so that
  • 00:19:33.795 --> 00:19:37.532
  • People have longer to accept the gospel.
  • 00:19:37.532 --> 00:19:40.535
  • You know, for salt to impact meat, to preserve meat, it can't
  • 00:19:40.535 --> 00:19:44.273
  • Remain in the salt shaker.
  • 00:19:44.273 --> 00:19:46.174
  • It has to get out of the shaker.
  • 00:19:46.174 --> 00:19:47.976
  • It has to penetrate the meat itself to be a preservative.
  • 00:19:47.976 --> 00:19:52.180
  • God has not called us to take off a year from doing that.
  • 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:55.851
  • He's called upon us to influence this world to push back against
  • 00:19:55.851 --> 00:20:00.155
  • The tide of the immorality that is engulfing us.
  • 00:20:00.155 --> 00:20:03.458
  • We're to be salt.
  • 00:20:03.458 --> 00:20:04.993
  • But he also said, "you are to be the light of a world.
  • 00:20:04.993 --> 00:20:08.530
  • A city set on a hill that cannot be hidden."
  • 00:20:08.530 --> 00:20:12.134
  • We're to be at the same time that we are pushing
  • 00:20:12.134 --> 00:20:14.503
  • Back against evil.
  • 00:20:14.503 --> 00:20:16.004
  • We are being the holding forth, we're to be holding forth the
  • 00:20:16.004 --> 00:20:18.707
  • Word of the light of god.
  • 00:20:18.707 --> 00:20:21.009
  • It's not either or.
  • 00:20:21.009 --> 00:20:22.711
  • Jesus didn't say you're to be salt or light, he said,
  • 00:20:22.711 --> 00:20:26.648
  • You're to be salt and light.
  • 00:20:26.648 --> 00:20:29.184
  • You're to confront evil, but share jesus at the same time.
  • 00:20:29.184 --> 00:20:33.388
  • One of my favorite verses in all of the bible is daniel 11:32.
  • 00:20:33.388 --> 00:20:38.026
  • It says, "the people who know their god shall stand firm
  • 00:20:38.026 --> 00:20:43.865
  • And take action."
  • 00:20:43.865 --> 00:20:46.201
  • God has called us not just to understand the times,
  • 00:20:46.201 --> 00:20:49.705
  • But to do something.
  • 00:20:49.705 --> 00:20:51.606
  • We're to be people of hope.
  • 00:20:51.606 --> 00:20:54.643
  • We're to be people of insight, but thirdly,
  • 00:20:54.643 --> 00:20:57.446
  • We're to be people of courage.
  • 00:20:57.446 --> 00:21:00.148
  • To be that salt and light in today's world takes courage.
  • 00:21:00.148 --> 00:21:05.887
  • A.w. tozer once said, "a scared world needs a fearless church."
  • 00:21:05.887 --> 00:21:12.227
  • God wants us to be fearless people as we stand for him.
  • 00:21:12.227 --> 00:21:17.666
  • Are you ready to stand for him regardless of the cost?
  • 00:21:17.666 --> 00:21:22.404
  • Persecution is coming?
  • 00:21:22.404 --> 00:21:24.806
  • It's coming not just around the world,
  • 00:21:24.806 --> 00:21:26.641
  • It's coming to this country.
  • 00:21:26.641 --> 00:21:28.977
  • Are you ready for it?
  • 00:21:28.977 --> 00:21:30.379
  • Sadly, most christians aren't.
  • 00:21:30.379 --> 00:21:32.948
  • If they just hear of the possibility of suffering or
  • 00:21:32.948 --> 00:21:36.451
  • Persecution, man, they run for the exits of the church.
  • 00:21:36.451 --> 00:21:39.888
  • They hide under the bed.
  • 00:21:39.888 --> 00:21:41.757
  • They're fearful of suffering.
  • 00:21:41.757 --> 00:21:43.692
  • Jesus said, get ready, it is coming.
  • 00:21:43.692 --> 00:21:47.829
  • When i think about real persecution, i think about
  • 00:21:47.829 --> 00:21:51.099
  • A story randy alcorn told the remarkable story of
  • 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:54.970
  • Graham staines and his family.
  • 00:21:54.970 --> 00:21:58.373
  • "on january the 23, 1999, graham staines and his two sons,
  • 00:21:58.373 --> 00:22:04.413
  • Philip, 11 years of age and timothy six years old,
  • 00:22:04.413 --> 00:22:08.450
  • Were murdered by a large mob of militant hindus.
  • 00:22:08.450 --> 00:22:12.554
  • They had gone to a christian camp in the jungle
  • 00:22:12.554 --> 00:22:14.856
  • Where graham was ministering.
  • 00:22:14.856 --> 00:22:17.092
  • At midnight, the mob attack setting fire to the jeep in
  • 00:22:17.092 --> 00:22:20.929
  • Which graham and his sons were sleeping.
  • 00:22:20.929 --> 00:22:24.099
  • They were burned alive.
  • 00:22:24.099 --> 00:22:26.234
  • When the fire finally cooled, they found the charred body of
  • 00:22:26.234 --> 00:22:29.438
  • Graham staines with his arms around the bodies of his sons.
  • 00:22:29.438 --> 00:22:34.943
  • The response of his wife, gladys and daughter esther was on the
  • 00:22:34.943 --> 00:22:38.847
  • Front page of every newspaper in india.
  • 00:22:38.847 --> 00:22:42.417
  • Gladys said, 'i have only one message for the people of india.
  • 00:22:42.417 --> 00:22:47.155
  • I am not bitter.
  • 00:22:47.155 --> 00:22:48.990
  • Neither am i angry but i have one great desire that each
  • 00:22:48.990 --> 00:22:53.929
  • Citizen of this country should establish a personal
  • 00:22:53.929 --> 00:22:57.699
  • Relationship with jesus christ who gave up his life
  • 00:22:57.699 --> 00:23:02.037
  • For their sins.
  • 00:23:02.037 --> 00:23:04.072
  • Let us burn hatred and spread the flame of christ's love.'
  • 00:23:04.072 --> 00:23:10.111
  • Many people were surprised when gladys staines decided
  • 00:23:10.111 --> 00:23:13.181
  • To remain in india.
  • 00:23:13.181 --> 00:23:15.250
  • She explained her decision this way.
  • 00:23:15.250 --> 00:23:17.986
  • 'my husband and our children have sacrificed
  • 00:23:17.986 --> 00:23:20.188
  • Their lives for this nation.
  • 00:23:20.188 --> 00:23:22.591
  • India is my home.
  • 00:23:22.591 --> 00:23:24.559
  • I hope to be here and continue to serve the needy.'
  • 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:28.296
  • When asked how she felt about the murder of her dad,
  • 00:23:28.296 --> 00:23:31.199
  • 13-year-old esther said, 'i praise the lord
  • 00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:35.136
  • That he found my father worthy to die for him.'"
  • 00:23:35.136 --> 00:23:42.043
  • Let me ask you again, are you ready
  • 00:23:42.043 --> 00:23:44.646
  • To suffer for christ?
  • 00:23:44.646 --> 00:23:48.850
  • People who find themselves living in the last days
  • 00:23:48.850 --> 00:23:52.654
  • Need to be people of hope.
  • 00:23:52.654 --> 00:23:54.656
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:23:54.656 --> 00:24:00.295
  • Jeffress: there's much more to cover in this message,
  • 00:24:00.295 --> 00:24:02.664
  • "how should we now live?"
  • 00:24:02.664 --> 00:24:04.966
  • And we'll continue our study time on "pathway to victory
  • 00:24:04.966 --> 00:24:07.836
  • Next time.
  • 00:24:07.836 --> 00:24:09.237
  • But at its core, the answer is this: we need to live
  • 00:24:09.237 --> 00:24:12.941
  • With urgency.
  • 00:24:12.941 --> 00:24:14.376
  • As america enters its 250th year, now is the time to get
  • 00:24:14.376 --> 00:24:18.747
  • God's word to as many people as possible, and right now through
  • 00:24:18.747 --> 00:24:22.784
  • The in god we trust matching challenge,
  • 00:24:22.784 --> 00:24:25.520
  • Every dollar you give to "pathway to victory" between
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  • Now and july 5 will be matched and therefore doubled
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  • In impact up to $1.5 million.
  • 00:24:31.826 --> 00:24:35.830
  • The gospel is the only hope for our nation, and your gift today
  • 00:24:35.830 --> 00:24:39.801
  • Will help us reach more families than ever before with the
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  • Transforming truth of god's word.
  • 00:24:43.305 --> 00:24:46.174
  • Now stay right there.
  • 00:24:46.174 --> 00:24:47.509
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory in just a moment.
  • 00:24:47.509 --> 00:24:50.912
  • Announcer: as our nation celebrates 250 years, do we
  • 00:24:52.714 --> 00:24:56.618
  • Still remember the faith that built america?
  • 00:24:56.618 --> 00:24:59.754
  • Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book to make sure
  • 00:24:59.754 --> 00:25:03.291
  • That we and our families never forget.
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  • The brand new 250th commemorative edition
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  • Of "america is a christian nation" is an 88 page, full
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  • Color, large print coffee table book packed with inspiring
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  • Stories from our nation's history, breathtaking imagery of
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  • America, select portraits of our founding fathers, and powerful
  • 00:25:19.207 --> 00:25:23.278
  • Truth from god's word.
  • 00:25:23.278 --> 00:25:25.180
  • Jeffress: america was founded on the principles of the
  • 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:27.716
  • Judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible, and our
  • 00:25:27.716 --> 00:25:31.219
  • Future depends on returning to that biblical foundation.
  • 00:25:31.219 --> 00:25:35.624
  • Announcer: request the 250th commemorative edition of
  • 00:25:35.624 --> 00:25:38.860
  • "america is a christian nation" when you give a generous
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  • Ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
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  • You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video and mp3
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  • Format audio disc set featuring two powerful messages from
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  • Dr. jeffress and 12 patriotic performances by the
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  • First baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
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  • And with your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll also send
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  • 00:26:19.534 --> 00:26:21.636
  • Jeffress: for over 2,000 years, followers of jesus christ have
  • 00:26:23.705 --> 00:26:26.775
  • Held on to the unshakeable promise that jesus is coming
  • 00:26:26.775 --> 00:26:30.812
  • Again, and every passing day brings us closer to that moment.
  • 00:26:30.812 --> 00:26:35.350
  • So what does that mean for how we live right now?
  • 00:26:35.350 --> 00:26:38.586
  • Next time i'm going to show you how the promise of christ's
  • 00:26:38.586 --> 00:26:41.256
  • Return should transform the way you live every single day.
  • 00:26:41.256 --> 00:26:45.560
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next on
  • 00:26:45.560 --> 00:26:48.396
  • "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:48.396 --> 00:26:51.099
  • Jeffress: the only way any of us are going to be at peace with
  • 00:26:51.166 --> 00:26:54.135
  • God, the only way we can be assured of being welcomed
  • 00:26:54.135 --> 00:26:57.672
  • Into heaven is to be justified by god.
  • 00:26:57.672 --> 00:27:02.444
  • That word justified is a legal term.
  • 00:27:02.444 --> 00:27:05.480
  • It means to be declared not guilty.
  • 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:09.017
  • The only hope any of us has is that we will be found
  • 00:27:09.017 --> 00:27:12.287
  • Not guilty before god.
  • 00:27:12.287 --> 00:27:14.055
  • But here's the problem, we're guilty before god.
  • 00:27:14.055 --> 00:27:16.324
  • You don't need me to tell you that.
  • 00:27:16.324 --> 00:27:18.026
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join
  • 00:27:18.093 --> 00:27:19.427
  • Us next time for part two of the
  • 00:27:19.427 --> 00:27:20.929
  • Message, "how should
  • 00:27:20.929 --> 00:27:22.263
  • We now live"
  • 00:27:22.263 --> 00:27:23.698
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:23.698 --> 00:27:27.235