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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - It's Later Than You Think (Part 1)

June 25, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - It's Later Than You Think (Part 1)
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 - It's Later Than You Think (Part 1) | June 25, 2026
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
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  • Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory" with
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  • 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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  • No one looks forward to being jolted awake by the alarm clock
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  • In the morning.
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  • But when that alarm goes off, you know it's time to get up and
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  • Get ready fast.
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  • And in the same way, the alarm bells are already starting to
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  • Ring for christ's return.
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  • Today i'll discuss what you and i should be doing right now to
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  • Prepare for the second coming of jesus christ.
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  • My message is titled, "it's later than you think" on today's
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  • 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: there are a number of different ways to
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  • Categorize people.
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  • Some people are hot natured, others are cold natured.
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  • You can differentiate people by their personality types.
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  • Some people are what we call melancholy.
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  • Some people are sanguine.
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  • You can distinguish people by their spiritual gifts, but one
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  • Way to differentiate between people is by their response to
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  • The alarm clock.
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  • Now, there are some people that we call morning people.
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  • They're really the obnoxious ones.
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  • I mean, they're the ones who when the alarm clock sounds,
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  • They bound out of bed.
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  • And their best hours of the day are between 5 am and 1 pm in
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  • The afternoon.
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  • By about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, they're wasted and
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  • They have to go to bed, you know.
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  • But those are the morning people.
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  • Honestly, i used to think of myself as a morning person until
  • 00:02:55.698 --> 00:03:00.169
  • The last couple of days my alarm went off at 2:30 in the morning
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  • To get up for "fox and friends" and i'm rethinking that whole
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  • Morning thing.
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  • I'm not sure that i really am.
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  • But then they're what we call the night people, the
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  • Night crawlers.
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  • I mean, they don't even get started till about 8 o'clock at
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  • Night and their most productive times are between about 8 p.m.
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  • And 1 a.m. but i tell you, when that alarm rings, they have
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  • A hard time getting any blanket victory.
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  • They don't feel like they're saved until their fifth cup of
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  • Coffee after 11 am in the morning.
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  • Those are the night time people.
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  • Now, i'm not gonna ask how many of you are night people, but i
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  • Think you'll agree with me that if you happen to be a night
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  • Person, you'll agree with me that there are some days that
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  • It's not difficult at all to get up for.
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  • The first day of your vacation.
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  • The first day of a new job.
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  • The day that you're getting married.
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  • There are some days that are so exciting in and of themselves
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  • That you get up immediately, you're able to shake off the
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  • Lethargy of the night before.
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  • Well, in the passage we're going to look at today, paul says,
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  • There is one day coming.
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  • In fact, it's about to dawn.
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  • That is so exciting that it ought to cause us to awaken
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  • Immediately to get up to get ready.
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  • And that day is the day of christ's appearing.
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  • If you have your bibles, i want you to turn to romans
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  • Chapter 13.
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  • We're in the last section of the book of romans.
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  • It's the section that deals with the practical aspects
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  • Of righteousness.
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  • If we are in a right relationship with god,
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  • It certainly ought to impact our daily life.
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  • And paul has been talking about our love that we ought to be
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  • Extending to other christians.
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  • He talks about how we ought to treat our enemies.
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  • He talks about how we respond to government.
  • 00:05:01.124 --> 00:05:04.060
  • But then in verse 11 of romans 13, he says, we are to do all of
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  • These things knowing the time.
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  • Well, what time is it, paul?
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  • What do you mean knowing the time?
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  • What time is it?
  • 00:05:16.239 --> 00:05:17.607
  • Well, paul says, the alarm has already sounded and first of
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  • All, that means it's time to get up.
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  • It's time to get up.
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  • Look at verse 11 of romans 13.
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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 first believed."
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  • Paul wants us to know what time it is.
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  • Remember the sons of issachar we talked about a few weeks ago,
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  • 1 chronicles 12, verse 32.
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  • It says, these descendants of issachar, they were men who
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  • Understood their times.
  • 00:05:54.577 --> 00:05:57.213
  • They knew what time it was and they knew what god's people
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  • Should do.
  • 00:06:00.783 --> 00:06:02.118
  • In matthew 16, verse 3, jesus criticized the pharisees by
  • 00:06:02.118 --> 00:06:06.389
  • Saying, "you know how to interpret the appearance of the
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  • Sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times."
  • 00:06:09.358 --> 00:06:15.198
  • We need to know what time we are living in right now.
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  • What time is it on god's clock?
  • 00:06:19.769 --> 00:06:22.705
  • Well, right now we're living in the time, first of all, write it
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  • Down, when darkness prevails.
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  • When darkness prevails.
  • 00:06:28.411 --> 00:06:29.779
  • Look at verse 12, "the night is almost gone, and the day is
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  • At hand."
  • 00:06:34.851 --> 00:06:36.219
  • Paul is saying it's still night time.
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  • You know, when the alarm goes off, if you've got it set right,
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  • It probably goes off when it's still dark and it isn't full
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  • Daylight yet.
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  • And it's the same way here.
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  • We need to realize that the darkness is still with us.
  • 00:06:48.764 --> 00:06:52.902
  • The darkness is still prevailing.
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  • The day is at hand, but it hasn't quite yet arrived.
  • 00:06:54.937 --> 00:06:59.709
  • And folks understanding that helps you make sense of the
  • 00:06:59.709 --> 00:07:02.278
  • World in which we live.
  • 00:07:02.278 --> 00:07:04.080
  • You know, galatians 1, verse 4 says that we are living in this
  • 00:07:04.080 --> 00:07:08.317
  • Present evil age.
  • 00:07:08.317 --> 00:07:11.621
  • Do you understand we're living in an era where satan is still
  • 00:07:11.621 --> 00:07:16.058
  • In control of this world?
  • 00:07:16.058 --> 00:07:17.493
  • Do you need a preacher to tell you that?
  • 00:07:17.493 --> 00:07:19.629
  • Just look around you at what is happening.
  • 00:07:19.629 --> 00:07:21.764
  • It is very clear that satan is in control.
  • 00:07:21.764 --> 00:07:25.067
  • The bible says in 2 corinthians 4, verse 4, he is the god of
  • 00:07:25.067 --> 00:07:29.472
  • This world.
  • 00:07:29.472 --> 00:07:31.140
  • Ephesians 2:2 says he is the prince of the power of the air.
  • 00:07:31.140 --> 00:07:35.545
  • Now, that doesn't mean that god is not sovereign.
  • 00:07:35.545 --> 00:07:38.714
  • God is still in control, but he's given temporary control of
  • 00:07:38.714 --> 00:07:43.452
  • This world to satan.
  • 00:07:43.452 --> 00:07:45.288
  • You've heard me say it before, satan is like a junkyard dog on
  • 00:07:45.288 --> 00:07:49.892
  • A very long leash.
  • 00:07:49.892 --> 00:07:51.894
  • His power to destroy is considerable, but it's
  • 00:07:51.894 --> 00:07:55.898
  • Also limited.
  • 00:07:55.898 --> 00:07:57.633
  • Nevertheless, we are living in an evil age and that explains
  • 00:07:57.633 --> 00:08:04.206
  • A lot of what's happening in the world today.
  • 00:08:04.206 --> 00:08:06.008
  • We look at atrocities like what happened in charleston
  • 00:08:06.008 --> 00:08:08.611
  • Last month.
  • 00:08:08.611 --> 00:08:09.946
  • These wonderful christians gunned down.
  • 00:08:09.946 --> 00:08:13.316
  • And people ask, well, why does that happen?
  • 00:08:13.316 --> 00:08:15.918
  • Why does god allow that to happen?
  • 00:08:15.918 --> 00:08:18.187
  • I was listening to talk show host michael savage this week
  • 00:08:18.187 --> 00:08:21.724
  • Talk about that.
  • 00:08:21.724 --> 00:08:23.059
  • He's jewish and he was on a rant about it.
  • 00:08:23.059 --> 00:08:25.728
  • He said, "i cannot understand if there is a god, why did he allow
  • 00:08:25.728 --> 00:08:30.132
  • Those people to die?"
  • 00:08:30.132 --> 00:08:31.467
  • He said, "nobody has been able to answer my question.
  • 00:08:31.467 --> 00:08:33.769
  • I've talked to three rabbis this week and none of them could
  • 00:08:33.769 --> 00:08:36.672
  • Answer my question.
  • 00:08:36.672 --> 00:08:38.107
  • Why does this happen?"
  • 00:08:38.107 --> 00:08:40.409
  • Well, the reason is very clear the bible says, because satan
  • 00:08:40.409 --> 00:08:44.246
  • Is the prince of the power of the air.
  • 00:08:44.246 --> 00:08:46.048
  • He is the god of this world for now.
  • 00:08:46.048 --> 00:08:50.586
  • And we will never make sense of our world till we
  • 00:08:50.586 --> 00:08:52.955
  • Understand that.
  • 00:08:52.955 --> 00:08:54.290
  • You know, paul said in ephesians 6, for our battle, our wrestling
  • 00:08:54.290 --> 00:08:57.493
  • Is not with flesh and blood, it's not against other people.
  • 00:08:57.493 --> 00:09:01.530
  • It's against the unseen forces of wickedness in the
  • 00:09:01.530 --> 00:09:04.533
  • Heavenly places.
  • 00:09:04.533 --> 00:09:06.502
  • You know, i was trying to think about how to best illustrate for
  • 00:09:06.502 --> 00:09:10.072
  • You the darkness that prevails in this world right now.
  • 00:09:10.072 --> 00:09:14.877
  • And i thought about statistics i could give you about violence
  • 00:09:14.877 --> 00:09:18.014
  • And immorality and so forth.
  • 00:09:18.014 --> 00:09:20.016
  • But i came across a letter that i think best illustrates the
  • 00:09:20.016 --> 00:09:24.920
  • Darkness in which we are living.
  • 00:09:24.920 --> 00:09:26.689
  • The darkness of this present age.
  • 00:09:26.689 --> 00:09:30.760
  • Jodi mcleod is a high school principal in tennessee.
  • 00:09:30.760 --> 00:09:34.730
  • He was wrestling with the question about how to handle the
  • 00:09:34.730 --> 00:09:37.967
  • Supreme court's ban on public prayers at football games.
  • 00:09:37.967 --> 00:09:42.038
  • And so after much prayer himself, one night at the friday
  • 00:09:42.038 --> 00:09:46.742
  • Night football game, he stood in front of the microphone and he
  • 00:09:46.742 --> 00:09:51.480
  • Spoke these words to the assembled crowd:
  • 00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:55.351
  • "it has always been the custom at rome county high school
  • 00:09:55.351 --> 00:09:58.688
  • Football games to say a prayer and play the national anthem to
  • 00:09:58.688 --> 00:10:02.958
  • Honor god and country.
  • 00:10:02.958 --> 00:10:05.361
  • Due to a recent ruling by the supreme court, i'm told that
  • 00:10:05.361 --> 00:10:09.065
  • Saying a prayer is a violation of federal law.
  • 00:10:09.065 --> 00:10:12.968
  • As i understand the law at this time, i can use this public
  • 00:10:12.968 --> 00:10:18.007
  • Facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it
  • 00:10:18.007 --> 00:10:21.877
  • An alternative lifestyle.
  • 00:10:21.877 --> 00:10:23.546
  • And if somebody is offended, that's okay.
  • 00:10:23.546 --> 00:10:26.882
  • I can use this facility to condone sexual promiscuity by
  • 00:10:26.882 --> 00:10:31.454
  • Dispensing condoms and calling it safe sex.
  • 00:10:31.454 --> 00:10:34.490
  • If somebody is offended, that's okay.
  • 00:10:34.490 --> 00:10:37.660
  • I can even use this public facility to present the merits
  • 00:10:37.660 --> 00:10:41.497
  • Of killing an unborn baby as a viable means of birth control.
  • 00:10:41.497 --> 00:10:46.168
  • If somebody is offended, no problem.
  • 00:10:46.168 --> 00:10:49.672
  • I can designate a school day as earth day and involve the
  • 00:10:49.672 --> 00:10:54.009
  • Students and activities to religiously worship and praise
  • 00:10:54.009 --> 00:10:57.913
  • The goddess mother earth and i can call it ecology.
  • 00:10:57.913 --> 00:11:02.418
  • I can use literature, videos, and presentations in the
  • 00:11:02.418 --> 00:11:05.955
  • Classroom that depict people with strong traditional
  • 00:11:05.955 --> 00:11:09.859
  • Christian convictions as simple minded and ignorant and i can
  • 00:11:09.859 --> 00:11:14.296
  • Call it enlightenment.
  • 00:11:14.296 --> 00:11:16.265
  • However, if anyone uses this facility to honor god and ask
  • 00:11:16.265 --> 00:11:21.771
  • Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship,
  • 00:11:21.771 --> 00:11:25.241
  • Federal law is violated.
  • 00:11:25.241 --> 00:11:28.244
  • This appears to be at best inconsistent and at
  • 00:11:28.244 --> 00:11:32.047
  • Worst diabolical.
  • 00:11:32.047 --> 00:11:34.850
  • Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and
  • 00:11:34.850 --> 00:11:38.420
  • Everyone except god and his commandments.
  • 00:11:38.420 --> 00:11:43.058
  • Nevertheless, as a school principal, i frequently ask
  • 00:11:43.058 --> 00:11:46.762
  • Staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not
  • 00:11:46.762 --> 00:11:50.499
  • Necessarily agree.
  • 00:11:50.499 --> 00:11:52.334
  • For me to do otherwise would be at best inconsistent and at
  • 00:11:52.334 --> 00:11:56.639
  • Worst hypocritical.
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  • For this reason, i shall render unto caesar that which is
  • 00:11:58.741 --> 00:12:02.845
  • Caesar's and refrain from praying at this game.
  • 00:12:02.845 --> 00:12:07.683
  • However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise, and thank god,
  • 00:12:07.683 --> 00:12:13.656
  • And to ask in the name of jesus christ to bless this
  • 00:12:13.656 --> 00:12:17.159
  • Event, please feel free to do so.
  • 00:12:17.159 --> 00:12:19.829
  • As far as i know that's not against the law yet."
  • 00:12:19.829 --> 00:12:23.599
  • God bless that principal.
  • 00:12:23.599 --> 00:12:27.736
  • Now, that summarizes the age in which we live.
  • 00:12:27.736 --> 00:12:33.843
  • Is in the age in which the darkness prevails.
  • 00:12:33.843 --> 00:12:37.913
  • But paul says something else about the time we're living in,
  • 00:12:37.913 --> 00:12:40.482
  • We're living in a time when the daylight is about to unveil.
  • 00:12:40.482 --> 00:12:45.154
  • Darkness prevails, the night is almost gone, and the day is
  • 00:12:45.154 --> 00:12:49.859
  • About to appear.
  • 00:12:49.859 --> 00:12:51.227
  • What day is paul talking about?
  • 00:12:51.227 --> 00:12:53.229
  • The scripture uses the day to refer to the time of
  • 00:12:53.229 --> 00:12:57.967
  • Christ's return.
  • 00:12:57.967 --> 00:12:59.301
  • Now, stay with me on this.
  • 00:12:59.301 --> 00:13:01.170
  • In many ways, the day refers to all of the end time events, it
  • 00:13:01.170 --> 00:13:06.542
  • Telescopes all of the end time events together and sees them
  • 00:13:06.542 --> 00:13:09.879
  • As one.
  • 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:11.213
  • We know on god's prophetic calendar the next event is going
  • 00:13:11.213 --> 00:13:14.183
  • To be the rapture of the church when all christians are caught
  • 00:13:14.183 --> 00:13:17.753
  • Up to meet the lord in the air, followed by the seven years of
  • 00:13:17.753 --> 00:13:20.789
  • Tribulation, we call the day of the lord, the day of god's
  • 00:13:20.789 --> 00:13:23.459
  • Judgment followed by the literal return of jesus christ to
  • 00:13:23.459 --> 00:13:27.096
  • The earth.
  • 00:13:27.096 --> 00:13:28.430
  • Paul uses the term the day to refer to all of those events.
  • 00:13:28.430 --> 00:13:32.868
  • For example, mark down hebrews 10, verses 24 to 25: "and let us
  • 00:13:32.868 --> 00:13:37.973
  • Consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
  • 00:13:37.973 --> 00:13:42.578
  • Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of
  • 00:13:42.578 --> 00:13:45.881
  • Some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you
  • 00:13:45.881 --> 00:13:50.119
  • See the," what?
  • 00:13:50.119 --> 00:13:51.453
  • "the day drawing near."
  • 00:13:51.453 --> 00:13:53.689
  • Or jot down 1 thessalonians 5:4 through 7: "but you, brethren,
  • 00:13:53.689 --> 00:13:58.227
  • Are not in the darkness, that the day should overtake you like
  • 00:13:58.227 --> 00:14:02.164
  • A thief, for you are all sons of light and sons of day.
  • 00:14:02.164 --> 00:14:05.801
  • We are not of the night nor of the darkness; so then let us not
  • 00:14:05.801 --> 00:14:10.172
  • Sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
  • 00:14:10.172 --> 00:14:13.943
  • For those who sleep, do their sleeping at night, and those who
  • 00:14:13.943 --> 00:14:18.013
  • Get drunk, get drunk at night."
  • 00:14:18.013 --> 00:14:21.083
  • Or 2 peter 1:19:
  • 00:14:21.083 --> 00:14:23.118
  • "and so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which
  • 00:14:23.118 --> 00:14:26.355
  • You do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark
  • 00:14:26.355 --> 00:14:29.625
  • Place, until the day dawns and the morning star
  • 00:14:29.625 --> 00:14:33.662
  • Arises in your hearts."
  • 00:14:33.662 --> 00:14:34.997
  • Do you see that?
  • 00:14:34.997 --> 00:14:36.365
  • The day refers to the return of christ.
  • 00:14:36.365 --> 00:14:38.367
  • And so in romans 13:11, paul says, "for now, salvation is
  • 00:14:38.367 --> 00:14:43.706
  • Nearer to us than when we believed."
  • 00:14:43.706 --> 00:14:46.508
  • Because the day is just about here, salvation is nearer to us
  • 00:14:46.508 --> 00:14:51.413
  • Than it's ever been.
  • 00:14:51.413 --> 00:14:53.115
  • Now, this confuses a lot of people to say, what do you mean
  • 00:14:53.115 --> 00:14:55.417
  • Salvation is nearer than it's ever been?
  • 00:14:55.417 --> 00:14:58.887
  • Does that mean we're not yet saved?
  • 00:14:58.887 --> 00:15:01.090
  • Does it mean we can't know for sure whether we're truly saved
  • 00:15:01.090 --> 00:15:04.193
  • Until christ comes back?
  • 00:15:04.193 --> 00:15:05.761
  • No, that's not what it's saying.
  • 00:15:05.761 --> 00:15:07.896
  • This is so key to understanding what god is doing in your life.
  • 00:15:07.896 --> 00:15:11.633
  • Did you know there are three aspects to your salvation?
  • 00:15:11.633 --> 00:15:16.805
  • If you're truly a christian, you were saved, you are being saved,
  • 00:15:16.805 --> 00:15:22.144
  • And one day you shall be saved.
  • 00:15:22.144 --> 00:15:24.713
  • First of all, the bible says, when you trust in christ as your
  • 00:15:24.713 --> 00:15:29.184
  • Savior, you were saved.
  • 00:15:29.184 --> 00:15:31.186
  • That refers to our justification.
  • 00:15:31.186 --> 00:15:33.689
  • Write that down on your outline.
  • 00:15:33.689 --> 00:15:35.224
  • Our justification.
  • 00:15:35.224 --> 00:15:37.292
  • Justification is that one time act of god when at the moment we
  • 00:15:37.292 --> 00:15:42.164
  • Trust in christ as our savior, god justifies us.
  • 00:15:42.164 --> 00:15:45.434
  • He declares us not guilty.
  • 00:15:45.434 --> 00:15:48.437
  • You were never more justified in your whole life than you were
  • 00:15:48.437 --> 00:15:51.840
  • The moment you trusted in christ as your savior.
  • 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:54.243
  • It is a one time act of god.
  • 00:15:54.243 --> 00:15:56.545
  • Paul talks about it in romans 5:1.
  • 00:15:56.545 --> 00:15:58.747
  • He says, "therefore, having been justified by faith, we have
  • 00:15:58.747 --> 00:16:03.986
  • Peace with god through our lord jesus christ."
  • 00:16:03.986 --> 00:16:07.523
  • So that's the past tense of our salvation.
  • 00:16:07.523 --> 00:16:09.892
  • You were justified.
  • 00:16:09.892 --> 00:16:11.360
  • You were saved.
  • 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:12.795
  • But there is a present salvation going on in your life right now,
  • 00:16:12.795 --> 00:16:16.698
  • You are being saved.
  • 00:16:16.698 --> 00:16:18.434
  • That refers to number two, our sanctification.
  • 00:16:18.434 --> 00:16:22.171
  • Sanctification is the process by which we become more and more
  • 00:16:22.171 --> 00:16:26.942
  • Like jesus christ.
  • 00:16:26.942 --> 00:16:28.277
  • "for whom god foreknew, he predestined to become conformed
  • 00:16:28.277 --> 00:16:31.880
  • To the image of his son."
  • 00:16:31.880 --> 00:16:33.449
  • It is a work that begin the moment you are received and will
  • 00:16:33.449 --> 00:16:36.785
  • Continue until the time that you see christ again.
  • 00:16:36.785 --> 00:16:40.155
  • That is our sanctification.
  • 00:16:40.155 --> 00:16:42.558
  • You were saved, you are being saved, the third facet of your
  • 00:16:42.558 --> 00:16:46.462
  • Salvation is still future.
  • 00:16:46.462 --> 00:16:48.263
  • And that is our glorification.
  • 00:16:48.263 --> 00:16:51.300
  • One day you shall be saved.
  • 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:54.103
  • The final act of god in your salvation is gonna be when he
  • 00:16:54.103 --> 00:16:57.940
  • Gives you that brand-new body, that body that is forever free
  • 00:16:57.940 --> 00:17:03.512
  • From the power of sin and death.
  • 00:17:03.512 --> 00:17:05.881
  • And that is the last chapter of your salvation that
  • 00:17:05.881 --> 00:17:09.184
  • We're looking for.
  • 00:17:09.184 --> 00:17:10.552
  • And so paul says, when your salvation is nearer than it's
  • 00:17:10.552 --> 00:17:13.288
  • Ever been, he's talking about your glorification, that new
  • 00:17:13.288 --> 00:17:17.059
  • Body you'll receive at the rapture of the church.
  • 00:17:17.059 --> 00:17:20.696
  • What do you mean, paul, it is closer than it is ever been?
  • 00:17:20.696 --> 00:17:25.334
  • You know, the fact is we don't know when christ is coming.
  • 00:17:25.334 --> 00:17:30.672
  • We can't know the time, but we do know the times.
  • 00:17:30.672 --> 00:17:34.009
  • Did you know in the greek text, there are really two words that
  • 00:17:34.009 --> 00:17:37.746
  • Refer to time.
  • 00:17:37.746 --> 00:17:40.115
  • One word is the word "kronos." "kronos."
  • 00:17:40.115 --> 00:17:43.619
  • It means hour, date, minute, second, the "kronos."
  • 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:49.057
  • We can't know the "kronos" of when christ is coming.
  • 00:17:49.057 --> 00:17:52.261
  • But there's a second word for time, "kairos," k-a-i-r-o-s.
  • 00:17:52.261 --> 00:17:57.299
  • That refers to the season, the era.
  • 00:17:57.299 --> 00:18:00.969
  • And by looking at prophetic events, we can know we're living
  • 00:18:00.969 --> 00:18:04.206
  • In the time, the season, the era of christ's return.
  • 00:18:04.206 --> 00:18:08.577
  • He said it is closer today than it has ever been.
  • 00:18:08.577 --> 00:18:13.515
  • And that's why paul is saying in romans 13:11, the alarm has
  • 00:18:13.515 --> 00:18:17.619
  • Sounded, it is time to wake up.
  • 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:21.924
  • But number two, it's time to do something else.
  • 00:18:21.924 --> 00:18:24.626
  • Since the alarm has sounded, it is also time to get dressed.
  • 00:18:24.626 --> 00:18:29.131
  • Look at verse 12: "the night is almost gone, and the day is
  • 00:18:29.131 --> 00:18:33.869
  • At hand.
  • 00:18:33.869 --> 00:18:35.204
  • Therefore, let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the
  • 00:18:35.204 --> 00:18:41.610
  • Armor of light."
  • 00:18:41.610 --> 00:18:44.179
  • Now, when you get up and finally get yourself out of bed, what's
  • 00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:47.783
  • The first thing you do?
  • 00:18:47.783 --> 00:18:49.518
  • Well, you get dressed.
  • 00:18:49.518 --> 00:18:51.520
  • And the reason you get dressed is the clothing you were wearing
  • 00:18:51.520 --> 00:18:55.490
  • At night or the lack of clothing you were wearing at night may be
  • 00:18:55.490 --> 00:19:00.429
  • Suitable for the night time, but it's certainly not suitable for
  • 00:19:00.429 --> 00:19:04.199
  • The daytime.
  • 00:19:04.199 --> 00:19:05.534
  • There is some clothing that is suitable for the nighttime that
  • 00:19:05.534 --> 00:19:09.171
  • There's other clothing that is only suitable for the daytime.
  • 00:19:09.171 --> 00:19:12.007
  • And you wouldn't dare think about wearing what you wore at
  • 00:19:12.007 --> 00:19:16.411
  • Night in the daytime.
  • 00:19:16.411 --> 00:19:18.981
  • It just wouldn't be proper.
  • 00:19:18.981 --> 00:19:21.250
  • To help you understand that i want us to for just a moment,
  • 00:19:21.250 --> 00:19:24.453
  • Rewind the tape of this morning's sermon.
  • 00:19:24.453 --> 00:19:27.923
  • And i want you to imagine that today's sermon began this way
  • 00:19:27.923 --> 00:19:32.794
  • Instead, watch the screen.
  • 00:19:32.794 --> 00:19:34.830
  • Jeffress: there are a number of different ways to
  • 00:19:34.830 --> 00:19:36.698
  • Categorize people.
  • 00:19:36.698 --> 00:19:38.267
  • Some people are hot natured, others are cold natured.
  • 00:19:38.267 --> 00:19:42.404
  • You can distinguish people by personality types.
  • 00:19:42.404 --> 00:19:45.941
  • Some people are melancholy.
  • 00:19:45.941 --> 00:19:48.010
  • Jeffress: there are just certain kinds of clothing you don't wear
  • 00:19:48.010 --> 00:19:51.246
  • In the daytime.
  • 00:19:51.246 --> 00:19:52.614
  • Now, paul is saying the same thing about our behavior.
  • 00:19:52.614 --> 00:19:55.317
  • He uses clothing as a metaphor for behavior.
  • 00:19:55.317 --> 00:20:00.188
  • There's certain behavior we put off because the night is over.
  • 00:20:00.188 --> 00:20:04.493
  • And there's other kind of behavior that we need to put on
  • 00:20:04.493 --> 00:20:07.663
  • Throughout the bible.
  • 00:20:07.663 --> 00:20:09.431
  • Righteousness, a right relationship with god is often
  • 00:20:09.431 --> 00:20:13.735
  • Compared to clothing.
  • 00:20:13.735 --> 00:20:16.638
  • Now again, we're gonna wade into some theological waters here for
  • 00:20:16.638 --> 00:20:20.409
  • Just a moment, but this is very, very practical.
  • 00:20:20.409 --> 00:20:23.545
  • You know, the word righteousness means a right standing with god.
  • 00:20:23.545 --> 00:20:29.318
  • And there are two kinds of righteousness in the bible.
  • 00:20:29.318 --> 00:20:33.055
  • I didn't put it on your outline, so write it in.
  • 00:20:33.055 --> 00:20:35.257
  • There's what we call, first of all, imputed righteousness.
  • 00:20:35.257 --> 00:20:37.693
  • I-m-p-u-t-e-d, imputed righteousness.
  • 00:20:37.693 --> 00:20:41.730
  • That is righteousness that god imputes, that is he credits to
  • 00:20:41.730 --> 00:20:46.268
  • Our account the moment we become a christian.
  • 00:20:46.268 --> 00:20:49.204
  • Imputed righteousness, it is a gift of god.
  • 00:20:49.204 --> 00:20:52.007
  • The moment we trust in christ, we are declared to be
  • 00:20:52.007 --> 00:20:55.277
  • Not guilty.
  • 00:20:55.277 --> 00:20:56.645
  • It is a gift from god.
  • 00:20:56.645 --> 00:20:57.979
  • It is nothing we earn.
  • 00:20:57.979 --> 00:20:59.548
  • The bible also describes that kind of righteousness as
  • 00:20:59.548 --> 00:21:02.117
  • A garment that god puts on us.
  • 00:21:02.117 --> 00:21:05.454
  • Do you remember the illustration i used before about man who
  • 00:21:05.454 --> 00:21:09.791
  • Takes his wife to dinner to a very nice restaurant.
  • 00:21:09.791 --> 00:21:11.993
  • He's dressed in nice casual clothes, but when he gets to the
  • 00:21:11.993 --> 00:21:14.830
  • Restaurant, he discovers there's a policy that says, "dinner
  • 00:21:14.830 --> 00:21:19.034
  • Jackets required."
  • 00:21:19.034 --> 00:21:20.369
  • He complains to the maître d' that he was unaware
  • 00:21:20.369 --> 00:21:22.371
  • Of the policy.
  • 00:21:22.371 --> 00:21:23.705
  • The maître d' said, "it doesn't matter, that's our policy."
  • 00:21:23.705 --> 00:21:26.508
  • But he said, "you're not the only one who's come in here like
  • 00:21:26.508 --> 00:21:28.910
  • This and that's why we keep a spare jacket here.
  • 00:21:28.910 --> 00:21:31.613
  • And if you'd like, you can borrow this jacket and you can
  • 00:21:31.613 --> 00:21:34.483
  • Come in and have a great meal."
  • 00:21:34.483 --> 00:21:36.385
  • Now, at that point, you have a choice.
  • 00:21:36.385 --> 00:21:38.487
  • You can either out of pride say, "if you don't like me the way
  • 00:21:38.487 --> 00:21:41.423
  • I'm dressed well, you can just hang it on your beak.
  • 00:21:41.423 --> 00:21:43.825
  • I'm out of here. and here we go."
  • 00:21:43.825 --> 00:21:45.861
  • Or, you can humble yourself and say, "i'll follow the policy.
  • 00:21:45.861 --> 00:21:50.832
  • I'll accept the gift of that coat.
  • 00:21:50.832 --> 00:21:52.734
  • I will put it on so i can enjoy a great meal."
  • 00:21:52.734 --> 00:21:56.605
  • You know, the same is true for us.
  • 00:21:56.605 --> 00:21:58.039
  • Spiritually, none of us has the right clothing, so to speak,
  • 00:21:58.039 --> 00:22:01.777
  • To enter into heaven.
  • 00:22:01.777 --> 00:22:03.745
  • Our righteousness, the best we can do is like a filthy garment
  • 00:22:03.745 --> 00:22:07.883
  • To god the bible says.
  • 00:22:07.883 --> 00:22:09.851
  • We can never enter heaven in our own, but god makes us a deal.
  • 00:22:09.851 --> 00:22:13.955
  • He said, you don't have enough righteousness, but i've got lots
  • 00:22:13.955 --> 00:22:17.125
  • Of righteousness.
  • 00:22:17.125 --> 00:22:18.660
  • And if you will confess your sin and trust in jesus to be your
  • 00:22:18.660 --> 00:22:22.330
  • Savior, i will put his righteousness around you.
  • 00:22:22.330 --> 00:22:26.701
  • I'll wrap you in his righteousness.
  • 00:22:26.701 --> 00:22:28.703
  • And from that point on when i see you, i don't see your sin,
  • 00:22:28.703 --> 00:22:31.873
  • I see the righteousness of my son.
  • 00:22:31.873 --> 00:22:34.876
  • Now, at that point, we can say, "god, i don't care.
  • 00:22:34.876 --> 00:22:37.279
  • If you don't take me the way i am, forget it."
  • 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:41.149
  • And we miss eternity with god in heaven or we can humble
  • 00:22:41.149 --> 00:22:44.586
  • Ourselves and we can say, god, i believe what you've said.
  • 00:22:44.586 --> 00:22:48.857
  • And in humility, i accept the gift of your righteousness by
  • 00:22:48.857 --> 00:22:52.627
  • Trusting in christ.
  • 00:22:52.627 --> 00:22:54.362
  • The bible calls that imputed righteousness.
  • 00:22:54.362 --> 00:22:57.799
  • You know, philippians 3:9 says, "my prayer," paul said, "is that
  • 00:22:57.799 --> 00:23:01.803
  • I might be found in him not having a righteousness of my own
  • 00:23:01.803 --> 00:23:07.342
  • Which comes from obeying the law."
  • 00:23:07.342 --> 00:23:09.177
  • That's not good enough.
  • 00:23:09.177 --> 00:23:10.612
  • I want the righteousness that comes from god on the basis of
  • 00:23:10.612 --> 00:23:14.883
  • Faith in christ.
  • 00:23:14.883 --> 00:23:16.785
  • We sing that song often, "when he shall come with trumpet
  • 00:23:16.785 --> 00:23:20.589
  • Sound, oh may i then in him be found dressed in his
  • 00:23:20.589 --> 00:23:26.428
  • Righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
  • 00:23:26.428 --> 00:23:31.600
  • On christ the solid rock i stand, all other ground is
  • 00:23:31.600 --> 00:23:36.571
  • Sinking sand."
  • 00:23:36.571 --> 00:23:37.939
  • That is imputed righteousness.
  • 00:23:37.939 --> 00:23:40.609
  • We receive it as a gift.
  • 00:23:40.609 --> 00:23:43.812
  • Jeffress: i'm under no delusion that changing the moral
  • 00:23:47.916 --> 00:23:50.285
  • Direction of our nation is easy.
  • 00:23:50.285 --> 00:23:52.721
  • Without god's help and without the truth of god's word,
  • 00:23:52.721 --> 00:23:55.991
  • Impacting our culture is impossible.
  • 00:23:55.991 --> 00:23:58.793
  • The only way we're going to change the morality of america
  • 00:23:58.793 --> 00:24:02.597
  • Is by changing the hearts of americans.
  • 00:24:02.597 --> 00:24:05.467
  • And "pathway to victory" is committed to being a light in
  • 00:24:05.467 --> 00:24:08.470
  • The darkness of a nation and world in desperate need.
  • 00:24:08.470 --> 00:24:12.541
  • Right now, you can be part of that mission by giving toward
  • 00:24:12.541 --> 00:24:16.077
  • The in god we trust matching challenge.
  • 00:24:16.077 --> 00:24:19.014
  • Several visionary friends of this ministry have established
  • 00:24:19.014 --> 00:24:22.584
  • A $1.5 million matching fund.
  • 00:24:22.584 --> 00:24:25.887
  • That means that your gift between now and july 5
  • 00:24:25.887 --> 00:24:29.157
  • Will be doubled in its impact.
  • 00:24:29.157 --> 00:24:31.459
  • Again, the deadline is july 5, so please don't wait
  • 00:24:31.459 --> 00:24:34.930
  • To give your gift.
  • 00:24:34.930 --> 00:24:36.598
  • Now, stay right there.
  • 00:24:36.598 --> 00:24:38.066
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:38.066 --> 00:24:41.236
  • Announcer: as our nation celebrates 250 years, do we
  • 00:24:43.605 --> 00:24:47.509
  • Still remember the faith that built america?
  • 00:24:47.509 --> 00:24:50.645
  • Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book to make sure
  • 00:24:50.645 --> 00:24:54.182
  • That we and our families never forget.
  • 00:24:54.182 --> 00:24:56.551
  • The brand new 250th commemorative edition
  • 00:24:56.551 --> 00:24:59.187
  • Of "america is a christian nation" is an 88 page, full
  • 00:24:59.187 --> 00:25:03.124
  • Color, large print coffee table book packed with inspiring
  • 00:25:03.124 --> 00:25:06.661
  • Stories from our nation's history, breathtaking imagery of
  • 00:25:06.661 --> 00:25:10.098
  • America, select portraits of our founding fathers, and powerful
  • 00:25:10.098 --> 00:25:14.169
  • Truth from god's word.
  • 00:25:14.169 --> 00:25:16.071
  • Jeffress: america was founded on the principles of the
  • 00:25:16.071 --> 00:25:18.607
  • Judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible, and our
  • 00:25:18.607 --> 00:25:22.110
  • Future depends on returning to that biblical foundation.
  • 00:25:22.110 --> 00:25:26.514
  • Announcer: request the 250th commemorative edition of
  • 00:25:26.514 --> 00:25:29.751
  • "america is a christian nation" when you give a generous
  • 00:25:29.751 --> 00:25:32.954
  • Ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:25:32.954 --> 00:25:35.690
  • You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video and mp3
  • 00:25:35.690 --> 00:25:39.861
  • Format audio disc set featuring two powerful messages from
  • 00:25:39.861 --> 00:25:44.299
  • Dr. jeffress and 12 patriotic performances by the
  • 00:25:44.299 --> 00:25:47.902
  • First baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
  • 00:25:47.902 --> 00:25:50.905
  • And with your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll also send
  • 00:25:50.905 --> 00:25:54.976
  • You the complete "america and the bible" teaching series on
  • 00:25:54.976 --> 00:25:58.546
  • Dvd video and mp3 format audio disc.
  • 00:25:58.546 --> 00:26:02.350
  • Your gift today will be doubled in impact through the in god we
  • 00:26:02.350 --> 00:26:06.221
  • Trust matching challenge as together we pierce the darkness
  • 00:26:06.221 --> 00:26:10.258
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:26:10.258 --> 00:26:12.527
  • Jeffress: without question, the day of jesus's coming is
  • 00:26:14.396 --> 00:26:17.132
  • Drawing near.
  • 00:26:17.132 --> 00:26:18.466
  • This isn't a sensational statement designed to garner
  • 00:26:18.466 --> 00:26:21.503
  • An audience.
  • 00:26:21.503 --> 00:26:22.837
  • The alarm is sounded and it's time to get ready.
  • 00:26:22.837 --> 00:26:26.441
  • Next time, i'm going to identify three kinds of
  • 00:26:26.441 --> 00:26:28.843
  • Behaviors that every christian needs to lay aside in order to
  • 00:26:28.843 --> 00:26:32.981
  • Put on the righteousness of christ.
  • 00:26:32.981 --> 00:26:35.717
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:26:35.717 --> 00:26:37.952
  • Series, "america and the bible."
  • 00:26:37.952 --> 00:26:41.923
  • Jeffress: the fact that we've got opportunity now to do the
  • 00:26:41.990 --> 00:26:45.960
  • Works of god doesn't mean we'll always have those opportunities.
  • 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:49.931
  • Work while it's day for the night is coming when it will be
  • 00:26:49.931 --> 00:26:52.667
  • Too late to do any work.
  • 00:26:52.667 --> 00:26:54.869
  • Both are saying the same thing.
  • 00:26:54.869 --> 00:26:57.338
  • It's right now time to go to work.
  • 00:26:57.338 --> 00:27:00.742
  • It's time to lay aside that sinful behavior that causes you
  • 00:27:00.742 --> 00:27:06.514
  • To feel separated from god.
  • 00:27:06.514 --> 00:27:08.983
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join
  • 00:27:08.983 --> 00:27:10.585
  • Us next time for part two of the
  • 00:27:10.585 --> 00:27:11.920
  • Message, "it's later
  • 00:27:11.920 --> 00:27:13.254
  • Than you think,"
  • 00:27:13.254 --> 00:27:14.589
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:14.589 --> 00:27:27.235