1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - The Sixth Commandment - Preserve Life (Part 2)
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - The Sixth Commandment - Preserve Life (Part 2)

June 11, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - The Sixth Commandment - Preserve Life (Part 2)
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#TenCommandments #Murder #Anger #Bitterness #Sin #Wordswespeak #Violence #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - The Sixth Commandment - Preserve Life (Part 2) | June 11, 2026
  • (bright triumphant music)
  • 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.862
  • From the pulpit of
  • 00:00:06.296 --> 00:00:07.530
  • The first baptist church of dallas, texas,
  • 00:00:07.530 --> 00:00:09.766
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:09.766 --> 00:00:13.803
  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:00:14.304 --> 00:00:15.605
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:15.605 --> 00:00:17.774
  • Tragic stories of homicide often dominate the news cycle,
  • 00:00:17.774 --> 00:00:22.078
  • But in reality,
  • 00:00:22.078 --> 00:00:23.480
  • The sinful act of killing someone is quite rare.
  • 00:00:23.480 --> 00:00:26.483
  • So does that mean that
  • 00:00:26.483 --> 00:00:27.917
  • Most of us have never broken the sixth commandment?
  • 00:00:27.917 --> 00:00:31.154
  • Today, i'm going to expose common attitudes
  • 00:00:31.154 --> 00:00:34.057
  • That creep into our minds that, when allowed to fester,
  • 00:00:34.057 --> 00:00:37.727
  • Can lead us down a path of destruction.
  • 00:00:37.727 --> 00:00:40.797
  • My message is titled "the sixth commandment: preserve life,"
  • 00:00:40.797 --> 00:00:45.768
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:45.768 --> 00:00:49.772
  • (wistful inspirational music)
  • 00:00:49.772 --> 00:01:07.590
  • ♪ the sun was darkened and the heavens thundered ♪
  • 00:01:08.625 --> 00:01:13.963
  • ♪ and for a moment death had thought it conquered ♪
  • 00:01:15.031 --> 00:01:20.370
  • ♪ but it wasn't over till you said it's over ♪
  • 00:01:21.371 --> 00:01:27.076
  • ♪ your word is greater still ♪
  • 00:01:27.744 --> 00:01:33.149
  • ♪ the perfect sacrifice, your body broken ♪
  • 00:01:34.083 --> 00:01:39.489
  • ♪ as you restored to us what sin had stolen ♪
  • 00:01:40.423 --> 00:01:45.762
  • ♪ once and for all you tore the veil wide open ♪
  • 00:01:46.763 --> 00:01:52.635
  • ♪ your power is stronger still ♪
  • 00:01:53.303 --> 00:01:58.575
  • ♪ all praise ♪
  • 00:01:58.975 --> 00:02:04.747
  • ♪ to the name above all names ♪
  • 00:02:01.444 --> 00:02:10.787
  • ♪ jesus ♪
  • 00:02:11.120 --> 00:02:14.390
  • ♪ you reign ♪
  • 00:02:14.390 --> 00:02:17.560
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:02:17.560 --> 00:02:25.235
  • ♪ oh, yes you are ♪
  • 00:02:25.735 --> 00:02:31.074
  • ♪ you turned the grave into a new beginning ♪
  • 00:02:32.075 --> 00:02:37.447
  • ♪ our god is risen ♪
  • 00:02:37.947 --> 00:02:39.849
  • ♪ you're alive and breathing ♪
  • 00:02:39.849 --> 00:02:43.386
  • ♪ oh, there's nothing ♪
  • 00:02:43.386 --> 00:02:44.921
  • ♪ there's nothing that can rise against your victory ♪
  • 00:02:44.921 --> 00:02:49.926
  • ♪ oh, your name ♪
  • 00:02:50.393 --> 00:02:51.427
  • ♪ your name is higher still ♪
  • 00:02:51.427 --> 00:02:54.631
  • ♪ your name is higher ♪
  • 00:02:54.631 --> 00:02:57.300
  • ♪ your name is higher still ♪
  • 00:02:57.300 --> 00:03:02.038
  • ♪ all praise ♪
  • 00:03:02.038 --> 00:03:08.811
  • ♪ to the name above all names ♪
  • 00:03:05.508 --> 00:03:13.750
  • ♪ that's jesus ♪
  • 00:03:13.750 --> 00:03:15.051
  • ♪ jesus ♪
  • 00:03:15.051 --> 00:03:16.786
  • ♪ you reign ♪
  • 00:03:16.786 --> 00:03:21.524
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:03:18.288 --> 00:03:30.233
  • ♪ oh, jesus ♪
  • 00:03:30.633 --> 00:03:32.935
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:03:32.935 --> 00:03:36.272
  • ♪ oh, oh ♪
  • 00:03:36.272 --> 00:03:37.674
  • (wistful enchanted music)
  • 00:03:37.674 --> 00:03:40.710
  • ♪ the cross still stands ♪
  • 00:03:40.710 --> 00:03:43.413
  • ♪ the blood still flows ♪
  • 00:03:43.413 --> 00:03:46.749
  • ♪ the work is finished and hell still knows ♪
  • 00:03:46.749 --> 00:03:52.021
  • ♪ that the grave is still empty ♪
  • 00:03:52.755 --> 00:03:55.958
  • ♪ the stone is still rolled ♪
  • 00:03:55.958 --> 00:03:58.995
  • ♪ and you're still high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:03:58.995 --> 00:04:02.932
  • ♪ you're still seated on the throne ♪
  • 00:04:02.932 --> 00:04:06.069
  • ♪ the cross still stands ♪
  • 00:04:06.069 --> 00:04:09.138
  • ♪ the blood still flows ♪
  • 00:04:09.138 --> 00:04:12.375
  • ♪ the work is finished ♪
  • 00:04:11.074 --> 00:04:13.910
  • -♪ oh ♪ -♪ and hell still knows ♪
  • 00:04:13.910 --> 00:04:16.979
  • ♪ that the grave is still empty ♪
  • 00:04:16.979 --> 00:04:18.581
  • ♪ the grave is still empty ♪
  • 00:04:18.581 --> 00:04:21.384
  • ♪ the stone is still rolled ♪
  • 00:04:21.384 --> 00:04:24.687
  • ♪ and you're still high and lifted up ♪
  • 00:04:24.687 --> 00:04:28.758
  • ♪ you're still seated on the throne ♪
  • 00:04:28.758 --> 00:04:31.961
  • ♪ all praise ♪
  • 00:04:31.961 --> 00:04:38.234
  • ♪ to the name above all names ♪
  • 00:04:35.131 --> 00:04:44.474
  • ♪ jesus ♪
  • 00:04:44.807 --> 00:04:46.809
  • ♪ let's give him praise ♪
  • 00:04:46.809 --> 00:04:48.144
  • ♪ you reign ♪
  • 00:04:48.144 --> 00:04:51.147
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:04:51.147 --> 00:04:58.187
  • ♪ hallelujah ♪
  • 00:04:58.588 --> 00:05:04.794
  • ♪ every voice will proclaim ♪
  • 00:05:05.461 --> 00:05:08.297
  • ♪ there is no higher name ♪
  • 00:05:08.297 --> 00:05:11.367
  • ♪ hallelujah ♪
  • 00:05:11.367 --> 00:05:17.774
  • ♪ age to age we will sing ♪
  • 00:05:18.408 --> 00:05:21.177
  • ♪ there is no higher name ♪
  • 00:05:21.177 --> 00:05:24.113
  • -♪ hallelujah ♪ -(bright dramatic music)
  • 00:05:24.113 --> 00:05:30.353
  • ♪ every voice will proclaim ♪
  • 00:05:31.020 --> 00:05:33.890
  • ♪ there is no higher name ♪
  • 00:05:33.890 --> 00:05:36.726
  • ♪ hallelujah ♪
  • 00:05:36.726 --> 00:05:43.266
  • ♪ age to age we will sing ♪
  • 00:05:43.900 --> 00:05:46.602
  • ♪ there is no higher name ♪
  • 00:05:46.602 --> 00:05:54.744
  • ♪ all praise ♪
  • 00:05:55.144 --> 00:06:01.484
  • ♪ to the name above all names ♪
  • 00:05:58.181 --> 00:06:07.156
  • -♪ jesus ♪ -♪ oh, jesus ♪
  • 00:06:07.890 --> 00:06:10.960
  • ♪ you reign ♪
  • 00:06:10.960 --> 00:06:14.297
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:06:14.297 --> 00:06:20.002
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:06:20.803 --> 00:06:26.142
  • ♪ you're the name above all names ♪
  • 00:06:26.943 --> 00:06:32.949
  • -♪ jesus ♪ -(dramatic instrumental music)
  • 00:06:33.883 --> 00:06:42.425
  • -(congregants applauding) -(congregants cheering)
  • 00:06:43.426 --> 00:06:46.996
  • As our nation marks 250 years,
  • 00:06:46.996 --> 00:06:49.465
  • America stands at a crossroads.
  • 00:06:49.465 --> 00:06:51.701
  • Will we return to the god who blessed us
  • 00:06:51.701 --> 00:06:54.170
  • Or continue down a path that leads to ruin?
  • 00:06:54.170 --> 00:06:56.772
  • Through the in god we trust matching challenge,
  • 00:06:56.772 --> 00:06:59.375
  • Your gift today will be doubled in ministry impact.
  • 00:06:59.375 --> 00:07:02.211
  • For 30 years,
  • 00:07:02.211 --> 00:07:03.713
  • "pathway to victory" has pierced the darkness of our nation
  • 00:07:03.713 --> 00:07:06.382
  • With the light of god's word
  • 00:07:06.382 --> 00:07:07.817
  • By sharing biblical truth that transforms hearts.
  • 00:07:07.817 --> 00:07:11.120
  • Join us in this critical hour by giving toward
  • 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:13.890
  • The in god we trust matching challenge today.
  • 00:07:13.890 --> 00:07:17.693
  • Stay tuned for a very special "ask dr. jeffress" segment
  • 00:07:18.828 --> 00:07:22.231
  • After today's message.
  • 00:07:22.231 --> 00:07:24.600
  • (bright triumphant music)
  • 00:07:25.167 --> 00:07:30.840
  • You know how there are just some things that happen to you
  • 00:07:32.008 --> 00:07:33.910
  • You never forget?
  • 00:07:33.910 --> 00:07:35.945
  • And this was the most bizarre thing.
  • 00:07:35.945 --> 00:07:38.548
  • One time my brother, sister, and i inherited rent houses.
  • 00:07:39.682 --> 00:07:44.587
  • And one of our relatives died
  • 00:07:45.221 --> 00:07:47.557
  • And left each one of us a rent house.
  • 00:07:47.557 --> 00:07:49.825
  • I quickly learned why my grandfather once said,
  • 00:07:49.825 --> 00:07:52.795
  • "if you really hate somebody and want to get even with them,
  • 00:07:52.795 --> 00:07:55.965
  • Give them a rent house."
  • 00:07:55.965 --> 00:07:57.567
  • (congregants laugh)
  • 00:07:57.567 --> 00:07:59.001
  • Because you're always worried about keeping it filled,
  • 00:07:59.001 --> 00:08:01.304
  • You know, keeping it maintained.
  • 00:08:01.304 --> 00:08:03.172
  • And, you know, i had this rent house,
  • 00:08:03.172 --> 00:08:04.707
  • Had a couple living in it,
  • 00:08:04.707 --> 00:08:06.542
  • And i was trying to unload it on them,
  • 00:08:06.542 --> 00:08:10.079
  • I mean, sell it to them at a reasonable price.
  • 00:08:10.079 --> 00:08:13.616
  • Thought we had it all worked out, had the contract signed.
  • 00:08:13.616 --> 00:08:16.485
  • On a monday morning, the realtor called me, said,
  • 00:08:16.485 --> 00:08:19.422
  • "robert, that contract fell through."
  • 00:08:19.422 --> 00:08:21.591
  • I said, "oh no, not again."
  • 00:08:21.591 --> 00:08:23.759
  • She said, "in all my years in the real estate business,
  • 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:26.596
  • I've never had this happen."
  • 00:08:26.596 --> 00:08:27.930
  • I said, "well, what happened?"
  • 00:08:27.930 --> 00:08:29.932
  • She said, "well, that couple signed that contract
  • 00:08:29.932 --> 00:08:32.902
  • On saturday afternoon.
  • 00:08:32.902 --> 00:08:35.204
  • Saturday night, the husband bludgeoned his wife to death
  • 00:08:35.204 --> 00:08:40.543
  • And left her unrecognizable remains in the back bedroom."
  • 00:08:41.711 --> 00:08:45.414
  • Now, if that were not creepy enough,
  • 00:08:45.414 --> 00:08:48.484
  • A few days later i received in the mail
  • 00:08:48.484 --> 00:08:51.420
  • That signed contract from that husband and wife.
  • 00:08:51.420 --> 00:08:55.725
  • And i thought as i looked at that contract,
  • 00:08:56.592 --> 00:08:59.061
  • "this couple were unified, at least enough
  • 00:08:59.061 --> 00:09:01.464
  • To agree on a major purchase in the afternoon.
  • 00:09:01.464 --> 00:09:05.668
  • But by evening, anger had injured that relationship
  • 00:09:05.668 --> 00:09:09.305
  • And caused that husband
  • 00:09:09.305 --> 00:09:10.640
  • To extinguish the life of his life partner."
  • 00:09:10.640 --> 00:09:13.609
  • That is the power of unresolved anger.
  • 00:09:13.609 --> 00:09:17.480
  • And that's why jesus said in matthew 5:22,
  • 00:09:17.480 --> 00:09:19.849
  • "but i say to you that
  • 00:09:19.849 --> 00:09:21.417
  • Everyone who is angry with his brother
  • 00:09:21.417 --> 00:09:23.586
  • Shall be guilty before the court."
  • 00:09:23.586 --> 00:09:27.356
  • Anger in and of itself is not a sin.
  • 00:09:27.356 --> 00:09:29.892
  • The bible says "be angry, but do not sin."
  • 00:09:29.892 --> 00:09:33.429
  • You need to resolve anger before nighttime comes.
  • 00:09:33.429 --> 00:09:37.066
  • Don't let the sun go down on your anger.
  • 00:09:37.066 --> 00:09:40.403
  • Jesus said another attitude,
  • 00:09:40.403 --> 00:09:43.105
  • An action that leads to murder is an insult.
  • 00:09:43.105 --> 00:09:46.475
  • He goes on to say in matthew 5:22,
  • 00:09:46.475 --> 00:09:49.145
  • "whoever says to his brother,
  • 00:09:49.145 --> 00:09:50.880
  • 'you good for nothing'
  • 00:09:50.880 --> 00:09:52.448
  • Shall be guilty before the supreme court."
  • 00:09:52.448 --> 00:09:55.184
  • That word translated good for nothing, it's an aramaic word,
  • 00:09:55.184 --> 00:09:58.854
  • It means somebody's mental aptitude.
  • 00:09:58.854 --> 00:10:01.724
  • Literally it means empty-headed.
  • 00:10:01.724 --> 00:10:04.226
  • You dimwit!
  • 00:10:04.226 --> 00:10:05.861
  • You know, when our girls were growing up,
  • 00:10:05.861 --> 00:10:07.396
  • We tried to keep them from using the s-word, stupid.
  • 00:10:07.396 --> 00:10:11.333
  • Don't say stupid, stupid.
  • 00:10:11.333 --> 00:10:13.335
  • Of course i would undercut myself when i'd yell it out
  • 00:10:13.335 --> 00:10:15.738
  • When somebody tried to cut me off.
  • 00:10:15.738 --> 00:10:17.640
  • But i tried to, as much as possible,
  • 00:10:17.640 --> 00:10:20.109
  • Not have them use the word stupid
  • 00:10:20.109 --> 00:10:21.844
  • Because you're assaulting somebody's mental aptitude,
  • 00:10:21.844 --> 00:10:26.015
  • Somebody god made.
  • 00:10:26.015 --> 00:10:27.550
  • And that leads to a third wrong attitude in action
  • 00:10:27.550 --> 00:10:30.720
  • That leads to murder, defamation.
  • 00:10:30.720 --> 00:10:33.255
  • Matthew 5:22 says, "and whoever says, 'you fool'
  • 00:10:33.255 --> 00:10:37.460
  • Shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell."
  • 00:10:37.460 --> 00:10:40.496
  • That word fool is moros. we get moron from it.
  • 00:10:40.496 --> 00:10:43.766
  • We think of mental aptitude,
  • 00:10:43.766 --> 00:10:45.601
  • But it really is a character assassination.
  • 00:10:45.601 --> 00:10:48.537
  • Somebody who's devoid of good character.
  • 00:10:48.537 --> 00:10:51.974
  • You know, in proverbs 11:9, solomon said,
  • 00:10:51.974 --> 00:10:54.744
  • "with his mouth, the godless man destroys his neighbor."
  • 00:10:54.744 --> 00:10:59.215
  • You can destroy a person by the words you strike them with.
  • 00:10:59.215 --> 00:11:03.986
  • You know, just as murder robs somebody of physical life,
  • 00:11:05.121 --> 00:11:10.059
  • Wrong attitudes, whether it's anger, insults, defamation,
  • 00:11:11.227 --> 00:11:14.663
  • They rob a person of their god-given dignity.
  • 00:11:14.663 --> 00:11:18.334
  • That's where the apostle john said in 1 john 3:15,
  • 00:11:18.334 --> 00:11:22.104
  • "everyone who hates his brother is a murderer
  • 00:11:22.104 --> 00:11:26.342
  • And you know that no murderer
  • 00:11:26.342 --> 00:11:28.144
  • Has eternal life abiding in him."
  • 00:11:28.144 --> 00:11:31.814
  • When you insult somebody, defame them,
  • 00:11:31.814 --> 00:11:35.885
  • Spill out bitterness on them,
  • 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:38.654
  • You are assaulting somebody christ made.
  • 00:11:38.654 --> 00:11:42.424
  • Now there's a third area that this command encompasses,
  • 00:11:43.559 --> 00:11:47.263
  • Acts of murder, actions or attitudes that lead to murder,
  • 00:11:47.263 --> 00:11:51.400
  • And third, activities short of murder.
  • 00:11:51.400 --> 00:11:56.839
  • When god talks about violence,
  • 00:11:57.473 --> 00:11:59.642
  • He's not just talking about murder,
  • 00:11:59.642 --> 00:12:01.210
  • He's talking about any way we assault another person.
  • 00:12:01.210 --> 00:12:04.780
  • I want to tell you something very interesting.
  • 00:12:04.780 --> 00:12:06.982
  • If you study genesis 6,
  • 00:12:06.982 --> 00:12:09.185
  • Right before god destroyed the world,
  • 00:12:09.185 --> 00:12:11.320
  • Do you know the reason he destroyed the world?
  • 00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:14.356
  • He says himself in genesis 5.
  • 00:12:14.356 --> 00:12:17.026
  • In fact, he says it twice!
  • 00:12:17.026 --> 00:12:18.527
  • In genesis 6:11, it says,
  • 00:12:18.527 --> 00:12:20.396
  • "now the earth was corrupt and was filled with violence."
  • 00:12:20.396 --> 00:12:24.800
  • And then it says in verse 13, god said,
  • 00:12:24.800 --> 00:12:27.236
  • "the earth is filled with violence
  • 00:12:27.236 --> 00:12:29.672
  • And i'm about to destroy it."
  • 00:12:29.672 --> 00:12:31.540
  • Don't think this attitude
  • 00:12:31.540 --> 00:12:33.409
  • Or this idea of violence is some secondary issue.
  • 00:12:33.409 --> 00:12:36.879
  • God hates violence.
  • 00:12:36.879 --> 00:12:40.416
  • And we need to remember that!
  • 00:12:40.416 --> 00:12:41.684
  • That's the reason he destroyed the earth.
  • 00:12:41.684 --> 00:12:43.919
  • When you strike another human being,
  • 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:46.288
  • You are striking somebody
  • 00:12:46.288 --> 00:12:47.823
  • Who's been created in the image of god.
  • 00:12:47.823 --> 00:12:50.459
  • I don't know if it was this way with you growing up,
  • 00:12:50.459 --> 00:12:53.162
  • But it was for me.
  • 00:12:53.162 --> 00:12:54.563
  • You know, my parents went to great lengths
  • 00:12:54.563 --> 00:12:57.433
  • To make sure we didn't see anything that was immoral
  • 00:12:57.433 --> 00:13:01.237
  • Or overtly sexual, you know?
  • 00:13:01.237 --> 00:13:04.039
  • Certain tv programs, certain movies,
  • 00:13:04.039 --> 00:13:06.408
  • You know, you just couldn't watch those.
  • 00:13:06.408 --> 00:13:08.310
  • You didn't ever want to see anybody in their underwear.
  • 00:13:08.310 --> 00:13:10.913
  • I mean, that was terrible.
  • 00:13:10.913 --> 00:13:12.948
  • But to see somebody have their head chopped off,
  • 00:13:12.948 --> 00:13:15.017
  • Oh, that was nothing, you know?
  • 00:13:15.017 --> 00:13:16.752
  • People gunned down, you know, in a brawl,
  • 00:13:16.752 --> 00:13:18.821
  • You know, that was fine.
  • 00:13:18.821 --> 00:13:20.289
  • Violence was okay, sexual immorality was wrong.
  • 00:13:20.289 --> 00:13:24.226
  • No, both are wrong. both cheapen the value of life.
  • 00:13:24.226 --> 00:13:29.498
  • And that's why we've got to be very careful about
  • 00:13:30.432 --> 00:13:31.800
  • What we allow our children to see.
  • 00:13:31.800 --> 00:13:33.836
  • I think not the only reason,
  • 00:13:33.836 --> 00:13:35.604
  • But one reason violence is so prevalent in our society
  • 00:13:35.604 --> 00:13:39.475
  • Is we glorify violence through television
  • 00:13:39.475 --> 00:13:42.278
  • And movies and video games.
  • 00:13:42.278 --> 00:13:44.480
  • We teach people that life is cheap.
  • 00:13:44.480 --> 00:13:47.449
  • Now the bible says
  • 00:13:47.449 --> 00:13:48.951
  • We're not to engage in any kind of violence whatsoever.
  • 00:13:48.951 --> 00:13:53.055
  • And if you're in a situation
  • 00:13:53.055 --> 00:13:55.557
  • Where there is violence in the home,
  • 00:13:55.557 --> 00:13:57.826
  • That must be dealt with.
  • 00:13:57.826 --> 00:14:00.462
  • Why is, and the third question is,
  • 00:14:00.462 --> 00:14:02.598
  • Why is the punishment for violating this sixth commandment
  • 00:14:02.598 --> 00:14:06.101
  • So severe?
  • 00:14:06.101 --> 00:14:07.102
  • Let's be clear,
  • 00:14:07.102 --> 00:14:08.304
  • There's no wiggle room in god's law
  • 00:14:08.304 --> 00:14:10.039
  • For taking the life of another person.
  • 00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:12.474
  • Exodus 21:12 and 14 say,
  • 00:14:12.474 --> 00:14:15.644
  • "he who strikes a man so that he dies
  • 00:14:15.644 --> 00:14:18.580
  • Shall surely be put to death.
  • 00:14:18.580 --> 00:14:20.749
  • If a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor
  • 00:14:20.749 --> 00:14:23.719
  • So as to kill him craftily,
  • 00:14:23.719 --> 00:14:25.955
  • You are to take him even from my altar that he may die."
  • 00:14:25.955 --> 00:14:31.193
  • If god did not prescribe
  • 00:14:31.694 --> 00:14:33.529
  • Such a severe punishment for murder,
  • 00:14:33.529 --> 00:14:36.398
  • Then it would devalue human life.
  • 00:14:36.398 --> 00:14:39.902
  • No, but here's another reason
  • 00:14:39.902 --> 00:14:41.704
  • God is so against violence and especially murder.
  • 00:14:41.704 --> 00:14:46.976
  • I describe psalm 139:13-16 that talk about
  • 00:14:47.876 --> 00:14:51.747
  • How intricately designed we were by god.
  • 00:14:51.747 --> 00:14:54.717
  • Now listen to psalm 139:17 and 18.
  • 00:14:54.717 --> 00:14:58.220
  • This is worth the price of the sermon right here.
  • 00:14:58.220 --> 00:15:01.390
  • This is what david is saying.
  • 00:15:01.390 --> 00:15:03.258
  • "how precious, god, are your thoughts about me, o god?
  • 00:15:03.258 --> 00:15:08.130
  • They cannot be numbered. i can't even count them.
  • 00:15:08.130 --> 00:15:12.634
  • They outnumber the grains of sand.
  • 00:15:12.634 --> 00:15:15.371
  • And when i wake up, you're still with me."
  • 00:15:15.371 --> 00:15:18.340
  • Isn't that an amazing thought?
  • 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:20.909
  • God doesn't just think about you occasionally.
  • 00:15:20.909 --> 00:15:24.480
  • He is constantly thinking about you.
  • 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:27.516
  • When you wake up, he's thinking about you.
  • 00:15:28.417 --> 00:15:30.552
  • Through the day, he's thinking about you.
  • 00:15:30.552 --> 00:15:32.488
  • When you go to bed, he's thinking about you.
  • 00:15:32.488 --> 00:15:34.990
  • You can't count the number of times a day
  • 00:15:34.990 --> 00:15:37.593
  • That god is thinking about you because he loves you.
  • 00:15:37.593 --> 00:15:42.164
  • You can understand then why god reacts so violently
  • 00:15:43.198 --> 00:15:47.202
  • To somebody destroying that person that he loves,
  • 00:15:47.202 --> 00:15:51.040
  • That person that he sent his son jesus to die for.
  • 00:15:51.040 --> 00:15:55.444
  • You can understand his outrage at the first murder
  • 00:15:55.444 --> 00:15:59.148
  • When cain murdered his brother, abel.
  • 00:15:59.148 --> 00:16:01.617
  • Remember the story?
  • 00:16:01.617 --> 00:16:03.052
  • God told cain and abel, the sons of adam and eve,
  • 00:16:03.052 --> 00:16:06.555
  • To bring an offering,
  • 00:16:06.555 --> 00:16:08.057
  • And he told him exactly what kind of offering to bring.
  • 00:16:08.057 --> 00:16:11.060
  • Abel obeyed god and brought the right kind of sacrifice,
  • 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:14.396
  • God accepted his offering.
  • 00:16:14.396 --> 00:16:17.166
  • But cain decided
  • 00:16:17.533 --> 00:16:18.801
  • He would try to approach god in his own way.
  • 00:16:18.801 --> 00:16:21.570
  • He had a better way, he thought, to approach god,
  • 00:16:21.570 --> 00:16:24.073
  • A better offering to bring.
  • 00:16:24.073 --> 00:16:26.041
  • In fact, that same pattern continues today.
  • 00:16:26.909 --> 00:16:29.411
  • There's a phrase throughout the bible, "the way of cain."
  • 00:16:29.411 --> 00:16:33.615
  • Beware of the way of cain.
  • 00:16:33.615 --> 00:16:35.551
  • What is the way of cain?
  • 00:16:35.551 --> 00:16:36.785
  • It's trying to approach god on your terms
  • 00:16:36.785 --> 00:16:38.921
  • Instead of god's terms.
  • 00:16:38.921 --> 00:16:40.589
  • People today say, "oh, i don't need to believe in jesus.
  • 00:16:40.589 --> 00:16:43.792
  • I can come to god in my own way through another god
  • 00:16:43.792 --> 00:16:46.929
  • Or through my own good works."
  • 00:16:46.929 --> 00:16:48.564
  • No! jesus said, "i am the way, the truth and the life.
  • 00:16:48.564 --> 00:16:53.902
  • No man comes to the father, but by me."
  • 00:16:54.770 --> 00:16:56.905
  • Cain didn't believe that.
  • 00:16:56.905 --> 00:16:58.273
  • God rejected his offering and cain got angry.
  • 00:16:58.273 --> 00:17:01.343
  • Now, his anger really was toward god,
  • 00:17:01.343 --> 00:17:04.580
  • But he knew the principle,
  • 00:17:04.580 --> 00:17:06.014
  • "don't pick a fight with somebody bigger than you are."
  • 00:17:06.014 --> 00:17:08.717
  • So he directed his anger not toward god,
  • 00:17:08.717 --> 00:17:11.420
  • But toward his brother who was made in the image of god.
  • 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:15.290
  • He killed abel.
  • 00:17:15.290 --> 00:17:16.425
  • And what did god say in verse nine?
  • 00:17:16.425 --> 00:17:18.293
  • He said, "what have you done?"
  • 00:17:18.293 --> 00:17:20.496
  • God knew the answer.
  • 00:17:20.496 --> 00:17:21.763
  • He wanted to know if cain would confess.
  • 00:17:21.763 --> 00:17:24.700
  • Cain didn't confess.
  • 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:25.968
  • And so god said it straight in verse 10,
  • 00:17:25.968 --> 00:17:28.303
  • "the voice of your brother's blood is crying to me
  • 00:17:28.303 --> 00:17:32.274
  • From the ground for justice."
  • 00:17:32.274 --> 00:17:34.877
  • Up to that point, no human being had ever died.
  • 00:17:34.877 --> 00:17:38.580
  • Can you imagine how adam and eve must have felt
  • 00:17:38.580 --> 00:17:42.417
  • When they stumbled upon
  • 00:17:42.417 --> 00:17:43.685
  • The lifeless corpse of their son, abel?
  • 00:17:43.685 --> 00:17:47.890
  • They perhaps better than anybody
  • 00:17:48.524 --> 00:17:50.893
  • Understood the sanctity of the value of human life.
  • 00:17:50.893 --> 00:17:54.796
  • Why? because life was truly a gift from god for them.
  • 00:17:54.796 --> 00:17:59.234
  • God had personally breathed the breath of life
  • 00:17:59.234 --> 00:18:02.471
  • Into each one of them
  • 00:18:02.471 --> 00:18:03.939
  • And they understood that nobody had a right
  • 00:18:03.939 --> 00:18:06.375
  • To extinguish that breath of life.
  • 00:18:06.375 --> 00:18:09.578
  • Life is valuable to god.
  • 00:18:10.078 --> 00:18:12.614
  • How do we apply this commandment?
  • 00:18:13.348 --> 00:18:15.817
  • What are some things that we can do?
  • 00:18:15.817 --> 00:18:18.453
  • There's a scene in the novel "lonesome dove"
  • 00:18:18.453 --> 00:18:20.956
  • By larry mcmurtry,
  • 00:18:20.956 --> 00:18:23.158
  • In which cutthroat murderer named the blue duck
  • 00:18:23.158 --> 00:18:28.463
  • Stumbles upon a group of gamblers
  • 00:18:29.198 --> 00:18:30.265
  • And he wants to enter the game.
  • 00:18:30.265 --> 00:18:32.367
  • The hardened gamblers don't want to let blue duck in,
  • 00:18:32.367 --> 00:18:35.437
  • So without warning, he pulls his gun and shoots one of them.
  • 00:18:35.437 --> 00:18:39.508
  • And another one of the gamblers says,
  • 00:18:39.508 --> 00:18:41.109
  • "man, life sure is cheap up here on the canadian river."
  • 00:18:41.109 --> 00:18:46.448
  • And blue duck says, "yep, and it may get even cheaper."
  • 00:18:47.583 --> 00:18:50.786
  • We live in a society in which life seems to be cheap.
  • 00:18:51.853 --> 00:18:55.924
  • We may think, "well, we're powerless to do anything
  • 00:18:55.924 --> 00:18:58.994
  • To stem the tide of devaluing human life."
  • 00:18:58.994 --> 00:19:02.598
  • But let me close today
  • 00:19:02.598 --> 00:19:03.932
  • By just some practical things that we can do.
  • 00:19:03.932 --> 00:19:07.536
  • First of all, if you're able, give your time,
  • 00:19:07.536 --> 00:19:11.640
  • Give some of your money to support shelters
  • 00:19:11.640 --> 00:19:14.543
  • That protect abused women and children.
  • 00:19:14.543 --> 00:19:18.847
  • We have a pregnancy center
  • 00:19:18.847 --> 00:19:21.116
  • That we support here at first baptist dallas,
  • 00:19:21.116 --> 00:19:23.885
  • And what i love about it and many pregnancy centers is
  • 00:19:23.885 --> 00:19:27.256
  • They not only care for the child inside the womb
  • 00:19:27.256 --> 00:19:30.826
  • And make sure that child is taken care of,
  • 00:19:30.826 --> 00:19:33.295
  • But also for the mother and the child once they're born.
  • 00:19:33.295 --> 00:19:36.665
  • Remember again,
  • 00:19:36.665 --> 00:19:38.133
  • The sanctity of life means caring about all children,
  • 00:19:38.133 --> 00:19:40.702
  • Both the born and the unborn.
  • 00:19:40.702 --> 00:19:43.605
  • Second, if you are struggling with thoughts of suicide,
  • 00:19:44.740 --> 00:19:49.811
  • Deal with that immediately.
  • 00:19:50.412 --> 00:19:52.547
  • We have a wonderful counseling center here at our church,
  • 00:19:52.547 --> 00:19:55.584
  • Pathways counseling.
  • 00:19:55.584 --> 00:19:57.185
  • If you're watching this right now, you live in another city
  • 00:19:57.185 --> 00:20:00.689
  • And you're struggling with suicide,
  • 00:20:00.689 --> 00:20:02.624
  • Talk to somebody immediately.
  • 00:20:02.624 --> 00:20:04.660
  • If you have nobody to talk to,
  • 00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:06.595
  • Call the national suicide prevention hotline.
  • 00:20:06.595 --> 00:20:10.098
  • It operates 24 hours a day.
  • 00:20:10.098 --> 00:20:12.601
  • I've asked the number to be put on the screen.
  • 00:20:12.601 --> 00:20:14.870
  • It's 1-800-273-8255.
  • 00:20:14.870 --> 00:20:20.809
  • 800-273-8255.
  • 00:20:21.176 --> 00:20:25.380
  • Thirdly, maybe you have elderly neighbors.
  • 00:20:26.248 --> 00:20:29.051
  • They deserve dignity of life as well.
  • 00:20:29.051 --> 00:20:32.154
  • Check in on them, make sure they have water and food
  • 00:20:32.154 --> 00:20:35.624
  • And utilities and what they need to live and survive.
  • 00:20:35.624 --> 00:20:39.861
  • And fourth, and perhaps most importantly, remember murder,
  • 00:20:39.861 --> 00:20:44.700
  • Whether it's overt murder or attitudes that lead to murder,
  • 00:20:44.700 --> 00:20:48.737
  • Comes from the heart.
  • 00:20:48.737 --> 00:20:50.639
  • If you've got a root of bitterness in your life
  • 00:20:50.639 --> 00:20:53.975
  • Toward the way a family member has treated you,
  • 00:20:53.975 --> 00:20:57.846
  • Maybe a friend has betrayed you,
  • 00:20:57.846 --> 00:20:59.381
  • A parent has disappointed you,
  • 00:20:59.381 --> 00:21:01.717
  • Root that bitterness out.
  • 00:21:02.284 --> 00:21:03.819
  • We are never more like christ
  • 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:06.321
  • Than when we forgive a wrong committed against us.
  • 00:21:06.321 --> 00:21:10.225
  • Remember unresolved anger
  • 00:21:10.225 --> 00:21:12.894
  • Metastasizes into a tumor of bitterness
  • 00:21:12.894 --> 00:21:16.231
  • And can destroy everything and everyone important around us.
  • 00:21:16.231 --> 00:21:20.335
  • That's why the writer of hebrews said in hebrews 12:15,
  • 00:21:20.335 --> 00:21:23.605
  • "see to it that no one of you
  • 00:21:23.605 --> 00:21:25.474
  • Comes short of the grace of god,
  • 00:21:25.474 --> 00:21:28.143
  • That no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble,
  • 00:21:28.143 --> 00:21:31.780
  • And by it many be defiled."
  • 00:21:31.780 --> 00:21:34.549
  • (soft triumphant music)
  • 00:21:34.549 --> 00:21:35.951
  • Simply put, to preserve life means to carry the light
  • 00:21:35.951 --> 00:21:41.390
  • And protect god's precious gift of life.
  • 00:21:42.257 --> 00:21:47.629
  • (dramatic triumphant music)
  • 00:21:48.230 --> 00:21:51.900
  • (bright triumphant music)
  • 00:21:51.900 --> 00:21:53.402
  • Our lives and the lives of others are gifts from god,
  • 00:21:53.402 --> 00:21:55.771
  • And for that reason,
  • 00:21:55.771 --> 00:21:57.005
  • They must be protected and preserved.
  • 00:21:57.005 --> 00:21:59.941
  • Well, as we approach america's 250th birthday,
  • 00:21:59.941 --> 00:22:03.812
  • Our nation is in a spiritual crisis.
  • 00:22:03.812 --> 00:22:06.615
  • Recent studies show that 57% of americans seldom
  • 00:22:06.615 --> 00:22:10.819
  • Or never attend a church service.
  • 00:22:10.819 --> 00:22:13.588
  • Friends, now is the time to get god's word to more people.
  • 00:22:13.588 --> 00:22:17.993
  • Several generous friends have established
  • 00:22:17.993 --> 00:22:20.095
  • The $1.5 million in god we trust matching challenge,
  • 00:22:20.095 --> 00:22:24.666
  • And your gift today will be matched
  • 00:22:24.666 --> 00:22:26.601
  • And therefore doubled in its impact.
  • 00:22:26.601 --> 00:22:29.204
  • Together, let's stand on god's word
  • 00:22:29.204 --> 00:22:31.873
  • And take it to the world.
  • 00:22:31.873 --> 00:22:33.909
  • Now, please stay right there.
  • 00:22:33.909 --> 00:22:35.210
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
  • 00:22:35.210 --> 00:22:37.612
  • In just a moment.
  • 00:22:37.612 --> 00:22:39.014
  • Most of us grew up seeing the 10 commandments
  • 00:22:39.981 --> 00:22:41.950
  • Posted in our schools and courthouses.
  • 00:22:41.950 --> 00:22:44.419
  • So why don't we seem to follow
  • 00:22:44.419 --> 00:22:46.154
  • Those 10 commandments anymore?
  • 00:22:46.154 --> 00:22:48.557
  • In "the 10," dr. robert jeffress shows us
  • 00:22:48.557 --> 00:22:51.460
  • These ancient truths were not given to us
  • 00:22:51.460 --> 00:22:53.762
  • To take away our freedom.
  • 00:22:53.762 --> 00:22:55.564
  • They were given to enhance our happiness,
  • 00:22:55.564 --> 00:22:58.099
  • And to invite us into a deeper love relationship with god.
  • 00:22:58.099 --> 00:23:01.670
  • In a culture where moral confusion reigns,
  • 00:23:01.670 --> 00:23:04.706
  • Where what's right is wrong and what's wrong is right,
  • 00:23:04.706 --> 00:23:07.742
  • We desperately need to get back to the basics of morality.
  • 00:23:07.742 --> 00:23:11.480
  • And that's exactly what the 10 commandments help us do.
  • 00:23:11.480 --> 00:23:15.150
  • "the 10" by dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:23:15.150 --> 00:23:17.919
  • A copy is yours today when you give a generous gift
  • 00:23:17.919 --> 00:23:20.689
  • To "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:20.689 --> 00:23:22.257
  • And when your ministry gift is $125 or more,
  • 00:23:22.257 --> 00:23:25.727
  • You'll receive not only the book,
  • 00:23:25.727 --> 00:23:27.629
  • But a personal and group study guide,
  • 00:23:27.629 --> 00:23:29.798
  • "the 10" encouragement cards,
  • 00:23:29.798 --> 00:23:31.666
  • A colorful children's book,
  • 00:23:31.666 --> 00:23:33.101
  • Called "the 10 commandments for kids,"
  • 00:23:33.101 --> 00:23:35.637
  • And the complete series on dvd video and audio disc.
  • 00:23:35.637 --> 00:23:39.608
  • You will never make it to heaven
  • 00:23:39.608 --> 00:23:41.610
  • By keeping the 10 commandments,
  • 00:23:41.610 --> 00:23:43.945
  • But you will have a much better life here on earth
  • 00:23:43.945 --> 00:23:47.048
  • If you do.
  • 00:23:47.048 --> 00:23:48.316
  • That is the promise that god is making.
  • 00:23:48.316 --> 00:23:50.619
  • For 30 years,
  • 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:51.887
  • "pathway to victory" has been sharing god's truth
  • 00:23:51.887 --> 00:23:54.656
  • With a world that needs it now more than ever.
  • 00:23:54.656 --> 00:23:57.592
  • And when you give today,
  • 00:23:57.592 --> 00:23:59.127
  • Your gift will be doubled in impact
  • 00:23:59.127 --> 00:24:01.096
  • Through the in god we trust matching challenge.
  • 00:24:01.096 --> 00:24:04.299
  • Thank you for helping us pierce the darkness
  • 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:06.935
  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:24:06.935 --> 00:24:09.671
  • (wistful music)
  • 00:24:10.038 --> 00:24:11.206
  • Gary, that's a great question.
  • 00:24:11.206 --> 00:24:13.108
  • Fortunately,
  • 00:24:13.108 --> 00:24:14.609
  • The bible doesn't stutter in answering that question.
  • 00:24:14.609 --> 00:24:16.912
  • In 1 corinthians 12:13,
  • 00:24:16.912 --> 00:24:19.314
  • Paul was writing to a group of carnal christians,
  • 00:24:19.314 --> 00:24:22.484
  • Back-slidden, who were involved in immorality,
  • 00:24:22.484 --> 00:24:25.654
  • They were terrible excuses and examples of christians.
  • 00:24:25.654 --> 00:24:28.890
  • And yet paul said in 1 corinthians 12:13,
  • 00:24:28.890 --> 00:24:31.893
  • "for by one spirit we were all baptized into one body."
  • 00:24:31.893 --> 00:24:37.198
  • The baptism with the holy spirit is not just reserved for
  • 00:24:38.333 --> 00:24:41.403
  • A special group of superior christians.
  • 00:24:41.403 --> 00:24:44.940
  • The baptism with the holy spirit
  • 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:47.375
  • Is a part of the basic package that each one of us receives
  • 00:24:47.375 --> 00:24:51.179
  • When we trust in christ as savior.
  • 00:24:51.179 --> 00:24:53.715
  • The baptism with the holy spirit is that act of god
  • 00:24:53.715 --> 00:24:57.552
  • By which god connects us to the head of the body of christ,
  • 00:24:57.552 --> 00:25:01.856
  • Jesus christ, and to other members of the body, the church.
  • 00:25:01.856 --> 00:25:06.394
  • We receive that the moment we trust in god.
  • 00:25:06.394 --> 00:25:09.698
  • There's no command ever to be baptized with the spirit.
  • 00:25:09.698 --> 00:25:13.735
  • That's something god does.
  • 00:25:13.735 --> 00:25:15.370
  • It's not something we do.
  • 00:25:15.370 --> 00:25:17.172
  • But what the bible does command
  • 00:25:17.172 --> 00:25:18.907
  • In relationship to the holy spirit
  • 00:25:18.907 --> 00:25:20.909
  • Is to be filled with the holy spirit.
  • 00:25:20.909 --> 00:25:23.645
  • Ephesians 5:18.
  • 00:25:23.645 --> 00:25:25.647
  • What is the filling of the holy spirit?
  • 00:25:25.647 --> 00:25:27.415
  • It means to be controlled by the holy spirit of god.
  • 00:25:27.415 --> 00:25:31.519
  • It's a greek word (speaking greek) that was used to describe
  • 00:25:31.519 --> 00:25:35.190
  • The wind filling up the mast of a ship
  • 00:25:35.190 --> 00:25:38.093
  • And driving that ship in a particular direction.
  • 00:25:38.093 --> 00:25:41.630
  • To be filled with the spirit
  • 00:25:41.630 --> 00:25:43.398
  • Means to be controlled by the spirit of god,
  • 00:25:43.398 --> 00:25:46.434
  • And that's a continual process.
  • 00:25:46.434 --> 00:25:49.004
  • Think of it this way.
  • 00:25:49.004 --> 00:25:50.405
  • The moment you're saved,
  • 00:25:50.405 --> 00:25:51.873
  • You receive all the holy spirit of god.
  • 00:25:51.873 --> 00:25:55.744
  • There's no more to receive.
  • 00:25:55.744 --> 00:25:57.479
  • You are baptized with the holy spirit.
  • 00:25:57.479 --> 00:26:00.215
  • So the question is no longer,
  • 00:26:00.215 --> 00:26:01.783
  • "do we have all of the holy spirit?"
  • 00:26:01.783 --> 00:26:04.219
  • The question is, "does the holy spirit have all of us?"
  • 00:26:04.219 --> 00:26:08.657
  • And that's what being filled with the spirit talks about.
  • 00:26:08.657 --> 00:26:11.960
  • So if you're a christian today,
  • 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:13.595
  • You've been baptized with the holy spirit of god,
  • 00:26:13.595 --> 00:26:16.698
  • And there is no greater gift.
  • 00:26:16.698 --> 00:26:19.134
  • (bright triumphant music)
  • 00:26:19.134 --> 00:26:20.468
  • Why does god value life so much?
  • 00:26:20.468 --> 00:26:22.904
  • Because he created us.
  • 00:26:22.904 --> 00:26:25.106
  • And even when we turned away from him,
  • 00:26:25.106 --> 00:26:27.509
  • God gave his best gift, the gift of his son jesus,
  • 00:26:27.509 --> 00:26:31.546
  • To die on the cross that we would spend eternity with him.
  • 00:26:31.546 --> 00:26:36.885
  • Well, god designed marriage to be a sacred bond,
  • 00:26:37.886 --> 00:26:39.854
  • But that bond is under constant attack.
  • 00:26:39.854 --> 00:26:42.924
  • Next time we're going to look at
  • 00:26:42.924 --> 00:26:44.492
  • Practical ways to protect your marriage
  • 00:26:44.492 --> 00:26:46.928
  • From one of its greatest threats.
  • 00:26:46.928 --> 00:26:49.230
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
  • 00:26:49.230 --> 00:26:51.900
  • In our series, "the 10."
  • 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:54.436
  • Sin is pleasurable but only for a season.
  • 00:26:55.303 --> 00:26:59.140
  • And perhaps no sin leaves a wake of destruction behind it
  • 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:04.412
  • Like the sin we're talking about today.
  • 00:27:05.246 --> 00:27:07.682
  • It affects not only those involved
  • 00:27:07.682 --> 00:27:09.584
  • But the innocent parties.
  • 00:27:09.584 --> 00:27:10.852
  • It can affect generations to come.
  • 00:27:10.852 --> 00:27:13.755
  • Set your dvr and join us next time for the message
  • 00:27:13.755 --> 00:27:16.758
  • "the seventh commandment: keep marriage holy,"
  • 00:27:16.758 --> 00:27:20.128
  • -here on "pathway to victory." -(triumphant music)
  • 00:27:20.128 --> 00:27:20.128