1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - Straight Talk About Your Faith (Part 2)
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Straight Talk About Your Faith (Part 2)

January 7, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - Straight Talk About Your Faith (Part 2)
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#Victory #Faith #Communication #WalkwithGod #Bible #Worship #RobertJeffress

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Straight Talk About Your Faith (Part 2) | January 7, 2026
  • (bright music)
  • 00:00:00.190 --> 00:00:02.525
  • From the pulpit of the first baptist church
  • 00:00:06.463 --> 00:00:08.631
  • Of dallas, texas,
  • 00:00:08.631 --> 00:00:10.133
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:10.133 --> 00:00:13.236
  • Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
  • 00:00:14.571 --> 00:00:15.872
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
  • 00:00:15.872 --> 00:00:18.274
  • One of the most common questions people often ask me
  • 00:00:18.274 --> 00:00:21.478
  • Is also one of my favorite questions to answer:
  • 00:00:21.478 --> 00:00:24.881
  • Should christians get involved in politics?
  • 00:00:24.881 --> 00:00:28.351
  • Well, you likely know that my answer is yes,
  • 00:00:28.351 --> 00:00:31.187
  • But perhaps you don't know what my reasons are.
  • 00:00:31.187 --> 00:00:34.424
  • As you're going to see today, jesus not only encourages us
  • 00:00:34.424 --> 00:00:38.094
  • To influence this world for the gospel, he commands it.
  • 00:00:38.094 --> 00:00:42.499
  • My message is titled "straight talk about your faith",
  • 00:00:42.499 --> 00:00:46.369
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory".
  • 00:00:46.369 --> 00:00:50.006
  • (gentle upbeat music)
  • 00:00:50.006 --> 00:00:53.443
  • ♪ you took my place, laid inside my tomb of sin ♪
  • 00:00:53.443 --> 00:00:58.448
  • ♪ you were buried for three days ♪
  • 00:01:00.550 --> 00:01:04.154
  • ♪ and then you walked right out again ♪
  • 00:01:04.154 --> 00:01:08.191
  • ♪ and now death has no sting and life has no end ♪
  • 00:01:08.191 --> 00:01:13.296
  • ♪ for i have been transformed by the blood of the lamb ♪
  • 00:01:16.199 --> 00:01:21.304
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, for the blood applied ♪
  • 00:01:24.707 --> 00:01:29.812
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, it has washed me white ♪
  • 00:01:32.282 --> 00:01:37.387
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, you have saved my life ♪
  • 00:01:40.223 --> 00:01:45.228
  • ♪ brought me from the darkness into glorious light ♪
  • 00:01:48.131 --> 00:01:54.504
  • ♪ glory to his name ♪
  • 00:01:58.074 --> 00:02:02.946
  • ♪ glory to his name ♪
  • 00:02:06.216 --> 00:02:11.321
  • ♪ there to my heart was the blood applied ♪
  • 00:02:13.923 --> 00:02:19.028
  • ♪ glory to his name ♪
  • 00:02:21.931 --> 00:02:27.103
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, for the blood applied ♪
  • 00:02:31.040 --> 00:02:36.145
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, it has washed me white ♪
  • 00:02:39.382 --> 00:02:44.487
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, you have saved my life ♪
  • 00:02:48.224 --> 00:02:53.229
  • ♪ brought me from the darkness into glorious light ♪
  • 00:02:56.399 --> 00:03:02.405
  • ♪ thank you, jesus, you have saved my life ♪
  • 00:03:06.376 --> 00:03:11.481
  • ♪ brought me from the darkness ♪
  • 00:03:14.550 --> 00:03:22.558
  • ♪ brought me from the darkness into glorious light ♪
  • 00:03:16.552 --> 00:03:29.132
  • ♪ into glorious light ♪
  • 00:03:32.702 --> 00:03:36.806
  • ♪ glorious light ♪
  • 00:03:36.806 --> 00:03:40.943
  • ♪ thank you, lord ♪
  • 00:03:40.943 --> 00:03:44.347
  • ♪ into glorious light ♪
  • 00:03:44.347 --> 00:03:52.255
  • (congregation applauding)
  • 00:03:55.858 --> 00:03:59.462
  • Each day, millions of lost people
  • 00:04:02.565 --> 00:04:04.600
  • Are searching for hope and truth.
  • 00:04:04.600 --> 00:04:06.803
  • Through "pathway to victory",
  • 00:04:06.803 --> 00:04:08.237
  • God's word is reaching into homes across america
  • 00:04:08.237 --> 00:04:11.107
  • And around the world,
  • 00:04:11.107 --> 00:04:12.442
  • But there are still so many
  • 00:04:12.442 --> 00:04:13.876
  • Who haven't heard the saving message of jesus christ.
  • 00:04:13.876 --> 00:04:16.879
  • You can help change that by becoming a pathway partner.
  • 00:04:16.879 --> 00:04:20.249
  • You'll join a dedicated team of broadcast missionaries
  • 00:04:20.249 --> 00:04:23.186
  • Who are sharing the gospel through television and radio.
  • 00:04:23.186 --> 00:04:26.089
  • Your monthly support will help reach people worldwide
  • 00:04:26.089 --> 00:04:29.325
  • With the life-changing power of the cross.
  • 00:04:29.325 --> 00:04:32.128
  • (gentle music)
  • 00:04:33.129 --> 00:04:38.301
  • Have you ever wondered why god allows people
  • 00:04:42.271 --> 00:04:45.775
  • Like vladimir putin and adolf hitler
  • 00:04:45.775 --> 00:04:48.544
  • And others to wreck havoc on the world
  • 00:04:48.544 --> 00:04:51.914
  • And continue in their evil ways?
  • 00:04:51.914 --> 00:04:53.916
  • Why doesn't god put an end to it?
  • 00:04:53.916 --> 00:04:56.719
  • The bible's very clear in 2 peter 3:9-10.
  • 00:04:56.719 --> 00:05:00.323
  • Peter says, "for the lord is not slow about his promise,
  • 00:05:00.323 --> 00:05:03.926
  • As some count slowness,
  • 00:05:03.926 --> 00:05:05.528
  • But he is patient toward you,
  • 00:05:05.528 --> 00:05:07.296
  • Not wishing for any to perish
  • 00:05:07.296 --> 00:05:09.799
  • But for all to come to repentance."
  • 00:05:09.799 --> 00:05:12.402
  • The only reason god has not drawn
  • 00:05:12.402 --> 00:05:15.271
  • The curtain on human history and sent christ back
  • 00:05:15.271 --> 00:05:18.274
  • Is to give people longer to share the gospel.
  • 00:05:18.274 --> 00:05:23.379
  • If we're fulfilling our christ-given purpose to be solved,
  • 00:05:24.847 --> 00:05:27.250
  • It means we are being a preservative.
  • 00:05:27.250 --> 00:05:30.353
  • We are pushing back against evil not to save america.
  • 00:05:30.353 --> 00:05:34.924
  • There is no command in america for us to save america.
  • 00:05:34.924 --> 00:05:39.228
  • That's not the command of scripture.
  • 00:05:39.228 --> 00:05:41.464
  • We have been called to save americans
  • 00:05:41.464 --> 00:05:44.534
  • From the coming judgment of god
  • 00:05:44.534 --> 00:05:46.669
  • By introducing them to faith in jesus christ.
  • 00:05:46.669 --> 00:05:49.939
  • That's why we push up against evil.
  • 00:05:49.939 --> 00:05:53.476
  • And you know, there are a lot of christians today
  • 00:05:53.476 --> 00:05:55.878
  • Who have come up with all kind of excuses
  • 00:05:55.878 --> 00:05:57.947
  • Of why they shouldn't get involved
  • 00:05:57.947 --> 00:05:59.949
  • In pushing back against evil.
  • 00:05:59.949 --> 00:06:02.351
  • They talk about their own piety.
  • 00:06:02.351 --> 00:06:03.986
  • "well, i'm just too holy,
  • 00:06:03.986 --> 00:06:05.521
  • And i can't get involved in the worldly things.
  • 00:06:05.521 --> 00:06:08.758
  • I just can't do that at all.
  • 00:06:08.758 --> 00:06:10.426
  • I might taint my holiness."
  • 00:06:10.426 --> 00:06:12.295
  • Some use theologies an excuse.
  • 00:06:12.295 --> 00:06:14.330
  • "well, we can't change the sovereign plan of god.
  • 00:06:14.330 --> 00:06:17.200
  • God is going to do whatever he is going to do."
  • 00:06:17.200 --> 00:06:19.535
  • Some even use a false patriotism of saying,
  • 00:06:19.535 --> 00:06:22.805
  • "well, this is america,
  • 00:06:22.805 --> 00:06:24.407
  • And i shouldn't have impose my christian views
  • 00:06:24.407 --> 00:06:27.443
  • On a free country."
  • 00:06:27.443 --> 00:06:28.778
  • Let me remind you something.
  • 00:06:28.778 --> 00:06:30.646
  • Every country is built on somebody's values.
  • 00:06:30.646 --> 00:06:34.383
  • Every nation is built on some value system.
  • 00:06:34.383 --> 00:06:37.720
  • For the first 160 years of this nation,
  • 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:40.556
  • We were built on the values found in god's word.
  • 00:06:40.556 --> 00:06:44.861
  • Now we are following the values of atheism,
  • 00:06:44.861 --> 00:06:48.664
  • Marxism, humanism,
  • 00:06:48.664 --> 00:06:51.067
  • But every nation is going to be built on some set of values.
  • 00:06:51.067 --> 00:06:56.172
  • Should we get involved in pushing back against evil,
  • 00:06:57.473 --> 00:06:59.675
  • Or should we just stay in our holy huddle
  • 00:06:59.675 --> 00:07:02.078
  • And talk to one another?
  • 00:07:02.078 --> 00:07:04.647
  • Erwin lutzer, my good friend, recounts what happens
  • 00:07:04.647 --> 00:07:08.684
  • When christians are indifferent
  • 00:07:08.684 --> 00:07:12.388
  • About what is happening in their nation and in their world.
  • 00:07:12.388 --> 00:07:16.425
  • If you want to know the end result of christian passivity,
  • 00:07:16.425 --> 00:07:19.795
  • Just remember what happened 83 years ago
  • 00:07:19.795 --> 00:07:22.698
  • When adolf hitler invaded poland in 1939
  • 00:07:22.698 --> 00:07:26.636
  • And then he started his march across the world.
  • 00:07:26.636 --> 00:07:30.273
  • The fact is, the reason he was allowed to do what he did
  • 00:07:30.273 --> 00:07:34.810
  • Was the indifference of the german people,
  • 00:07:34.810 --> 00:07:37.980
  • Mainly german christians.
  • 00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:40.483
  • There were a few outliers like dietrich bonhoeffer,
  • 00:07:40.483 --> 00:07:44.554
  • But the majority of german christians remained silent
  • 00:07:44.554 --> 00:07:48.658
  • Under this ungodly dictator,
  • 00:07:48.658 --> 00:07:51.294
  • And they used all the excuses,
  • 00:07:51.294 --> 00:07:53.162
  • Piety and their theology
  • 00:07:53.162 --> 00:07:55.131
  • And their false sense of patriotism, to remain silent.
  • 00:07:55.131 --> 00:07:59.435
  • Dr. lutzer recounts the testimony
  • 00:07:59.435 --> 00:08:01.871
  • Of a christian living in germany
  • 00:08:01.871 --> 00:08:03.973
  • About the end result of indifference.
  • 00:08:03.973 --> 00:08:07.577
  • "i lived in germany during the nazi holocaust.
  • 00:08:07.577 --> 00:08:11.280
  • I considered myself a christian.
  • 00:08:11.280 --> 00:08:14.016
  • We heard stories of what was happening to the jews,
  • 00:08:14.016 --> 00:08:17.420
  • But we tried to distance ourselves from it,
  • 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:20.456
  • Because what could anyone do to stop it?
  • 00:08:20.456 --> 00:08:23.426
  • Our railroad track ran behind our small church,
  • 00:08:23.426 --> 00:08:27.129
  • And each sunday morning we could hear
  • 00:08:27.129 --> 00:08:28.998
  • The whistle in the distance
  • 00:08:28.998 --> 00:08:30.833
  • And then the wheels coming over the tracks.
  • 00:08:30.833 --> 00:08:34.003
  • We became disturbed when we heard the cries
  • 00:08:34.003 --> 00:08:36.739
  • Coming from the train as it passed by.
  • 00:08:36.739 --> 00:08:40.376
  • We realized it was carrying jews like cattle in the cars.
  • 00:08:40.376 --> 00:08:45.481
  • Week after week, the whistle would blow.
  • 00:08:46.582 --> 00:08:49.118
  • We dreaded to hear the sound of those wheels
  • 00:08:49.118 --> 00:08:51.954
  • Because we knew we would hear the cries of the jews
  • 00:08:51.954 --> 00:08:55.658
  • En route to a death camp.
  • 00:08:55.658 --> 00:08:58.127
  • Their screams tormented us.
  • 00:08:58.127 --> 00:09:00.896
  • We knew the time the train was coming,
  • 00:09:00.896 --> 00:09:03.633
  • And when we heard the whistle blow, we began singing hymns.
  • 00:09:03.633 --> 00:09:08.371
  • By the time the train came past our church,
  • 00:09:08.371 --> 00:09:11.507
  • We were singing at the top of our lungs.
  • 00:09:11.507 --> 00:09:15.611
  • We heard the screams, we sang more loudly
  • 00:09:15.611 --> 00:09:19.615
  • And we soon heard them no more.
  • 00:09:19.615 --> 00:09:22.752
  • Years have passed and nobody talks about it anymore,
  • 00:09:23.986 --> 00:09:27.523
  • But i still hear that train whistle in my sleep.
  • 00:09:27.523 --> 00:09:32.261
  • God, forgive me;
  • 00:09:32.261 --> 00:09:34.630
  • Forgive all of us who called ourselves christians
  • 00:09:34.630 --> 00:09:37.967
  • Yet did nothing to intervene."
  • 00:09:37.967 --> 00:09:41.003
  • There are churches across this country
  • 00:09:43.506 --> 00:09:45.408
  • That are singing at the top of their lungs
  • 00:09:45.408 --> 00:09:48.344
  • To try to drown out the evil
  • 00:09:48.344 --> 00:09:50.713
  • That is pervading our country right now.
  • 00:09:50.713 --> 00:09:53.249
  • We dare not do that.
  • 00:09:53.249 --> 00:09:55.651
  • We must speak out and push back against evil,
  • 00:09:55.651 --> 00:09:59.455
  • And we're going to continue to do it.
  • 00:09:59.455 --> 00:10:01.390
  • (congregation applauding)
  • 00:10:01.390 --> 00:10:03.993
  • You know, when it comes to our role in the culture
  • 00:10:03.993 --> 00:10:08.364
  • In pushing back against evil,
  • 00:10:08.364 --> 00:10:10.933
  • Christians go to one of two extremes.
  • 00:10:10.933 --> 00:10:12.968
  • You know, there are some christians
  • 00:10:12.968 --> 00:10:14.403
  • Who want to isolate themselves.
  • 00:10:14.403 --> 00:10:16.672
  • They're salt, but they're going to stay in that shaker
  • 00:10:16.672 --> 00:10:19.341
  • And they come up with all kind of reasons.
  • 00:10:19.341 --> 00:10:21.877
  • They isolate themselves from the culture.
  • 00:10:21.877 --> 00:10:24.246
  • There are other christians who go to the opposite extreme.
  • 00:10:24.246 --> 00:10:26.716
  • They identify with the culture.
  • 00:10:26.716 --> 00:10:29.185
  • They become more like the culture
  • 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:31.921
  • Rather than the culture becoming like the church.
  • 00:10:31.921 --> 00:10:34.390
  • They adopt their value system. they become just like them.
  • 00:10:34.390 --> 00:10:38.094
  • Jesus talked about them in verse 13.
  • 00:10:38.094 --> 00:10:41.230
  • In jesus' day, you couldn't buy pure salt.
  • 00:10:41.230 --> 00:10:43.899
  • It was too expensive.
  • 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:45.167
  • You'd buy a mixture of salt and sand,
  • 00:10:45.167 --> 00:10:47.303
  • And eventually the sand
  • 00:10:47.303 --> 00:10:48.704
  • Would break down the effectiveness of the salt.
  • 00:10:48.704 --> 00:10:51.073
  • And that's why jesus said, if the salt has become tasteless,
  • 00:10:51.073 --> 00:10:54.310
  • How can it be made salty again?
  • 00:10:54.310 --> 00:10:56.112
  • It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out
  • 00:10:56.112 --> 00:11:00.416
  • And trampled underfoot by men.
  • 00:11:00.416 --> 00:11:02.651
  • Once the salt lost its sting, its tastiness,
  • 00:11:02.651 --> 00:11:05.788
  • Its preserving influence, it was thrown away.
  • 00:11:05.788 --> 00:11:09.258
  • That's happening to christians
  • 00:11:09.258 --> 00:11:11.460
  • Who become more like the world than they should.
  • 00:11:11.460 --> 00:11:14.597
  • Now, jesus said don't isolate yourself.
  • 00:11:14.597 --> 00:11:17.199
  • Don't identify with the culture.
  • 00:11:17.199 --> 00:11:18.801
  • Instead, influence the culture.
  • 00:11:18.801 --> 00:11:22.071
  • Permeate the culture.
  • 00:11:22.071 --> 00:11:23.272
  • Get out of the shaker.
  • 00:11:23.272 --> 00:11:24.707
  • Get involved in the world of business
  • 00:11:24.707 --> 00:11:27.209
  • And politics and entertainment.
  • 00:11:27.209 --> 00:11:29.145
  • God needs his people in those arenas
  • 00:11:29.145 --> 00:11:31.914
  • To be that preserving influence
  • 00:11:31.914 --> 00:11:34.283
  • That god has called us to be.
  • 00:11:34.283 --> 00:11:36.485
  • But notice jesus gives another image
  • 00:11:36.485 --> 00:11:38.821
  • That describes our purpose, and that is light.
  • 00:11:38.821 --> 00:11:42.324
  • He talks about the necessity of light.
  • 00:11:42.324 --> 00:11:45.027
  • You are the light of the world.
  • 00:11:45.027 --> 00:11:47.797
  • You know it's interesting in john 9:5,
  • 00:11:47.797 --> 00:11:50.099
  • Another one of those i ams that we heard about this morning.
  • 00:11:50.099 --> 00:11:55.104
  • One of those i ams was, "i am the light of the world."
  • 00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:59.208
  • But here, jesus says, "you are the light of the world."
  • 00:11:59.208 --> 00:12:02.945
  • Jesus is the light who generates light.
  • 00:12:02.945 --> 00:12:06.482
  • He's like the sun, but you and i don't generate light.
  • 00:12:06.482 --> 00:12:10.152
  • We're like the moon. we reflect the light of the sun.
  • 00:12:10.152 --> 00:12:14.523
  • And our job here is not just to push back against evil,
  • 00:12:15.858 --> 00:12:19.028
  • But it's also to share the light,
  • 00:12:19.028 --> 00:12:21.330
  • The only light of the world, jesus christ.
  • 00:12:21.330 --> 00:12:23.632
  • I mean, quite frankly, what use is it
  • 00:12:23.632 --> 00:12:26.135
  • To create spiritual thirst in people if you never show them
  • 00:12:26.135 --> 00:12:29.705
  • How to satisfy that thirst through the living word of god,
  • 00:12:29.705 --> 00:12:34.176
  • Jesus christ, the water of life.
  • 00:12:34.176 --> 00:12:36.645
  • What use is it to delay god's judgment on the world
  • 00:12:36.645 --> 00:12:40.516
  • If you don't tell people how to escape god's judgment
  • 00:12:40.516 --> 00:12:43.953
  • In their life by trusting in christ as savior?
  • 00:12:43.953 --> 00:12:47.423
  • And that's why jesus says,
  • 00:12:47.423 --> 00:12:48.858
  • We must be the light of the world.
  • 00:12:48.858 --> 00:12:52.328
  • You know, i am reminded of the story of the christian
  • 00:12:52.328 --> 00:12:55.998
  • Who worked alongside a non-christian for 20 years,
  • 00:12:55.998 --> 00:12:59.535
  • And when he first discovered this man was not a christian,
  • 00:12:59.535 --> 00:13:02.771
  • He said to himself, "you know what?
  • 00:13:02.771 --> 00:13:04.573
  • I'm going to be a silent witness for christ."
  • 00:13:04.573 --> 00:13:07.943
  • Have you ever heard that term a silent witness?
  • 00:13:07.943 --> 00:13:10.145
  • It's an oxymoron, but people think,
  • 00:13:10.145 --> 00:13:12.248
  • "i won't share my faith.
  • 00:13:12.248 --> 00:13:13.616
  • I'll just try to live out my faith
  • 00:13:13.616 --> 00:13:15.951
  • And maybe this person
  • 00:13:15.951 --> 00:13:17.219
  • Will magically come to faith in christ."
  • 00:13:17.219 --> 00:13:19.355
  • So for 20 years,
  • 00:13:19.355 --> 00:13:20.623
  • This man never mentioned he was a christian.
  • 00:13:20.623 --> 00:13:22.925
  • Just try to witness to him through his attitude
  • 00:13:22.925 --> 00:13:25.628
  • And the way he treated him.
  • 00:13:25.628 --> 00:13:27.263
  • After 20 years,
  • 00:13:27.263 --> 00:13:28.564
  • That non-christian came into work one morning
  • 00:13:28.564 --> 00:13:30.566
  • And said to the christian,
  • 00:13:30.566 --> 00:13:31.934
  • "the most marvelous thing has happened to me.
  • 00:13:31.934 --> 00:13:34.370
  • Last night, i trusted in christ to be my savior."
  • 00:13:34.370 --> 00:13:38.407
  • And the christian said, "that is wonderful!
  • 00:13:38.407 --> 00:13:41.677
  • What led you to do that?",
  • 00:13:41.677 --> 00:13:43.479
  • Thinking for sure he was the catalyst
  • 00:13:43.479 --> 00:13:45.347
  • For the man's conversion.
  • 00:13:45.347 --> 00:13:47.082
  • And this new convert said,
  • 00:13:47.082 --> 00:13:48.550
  • "you know, i worked beside you for 20 years,
  • 00:13:48.550 --> 00:13:52.354
  • And i saw the great attitude you had
  • 00:13:52.354 --> 00:13:55.190
  • And the way you treated me.
  • 00:13:55.190 --> 00:13:56.392
  • And i thought to myself,
  • 00:13:56.392 --> 00:13:57.993
  • If anybody could work his way to heaven, it would be you.
  • 00:13:57.993 --> 00:14:01.096
  • I never knew you were a christian,
  • 00:14:01.096 --> 00:14:03.399
  • But last night, my next door neighbor showed me
  • 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:05.834
  • How i could come to know christ as well."
  • 00:14:05.834 --> 00:14:09.305
  • Look, living out your faith is great.
  • 00:14:09.305 --> 00:14:12.241
  • We ought to be positive examples,
  • 00:14:12.241 --> 00:14:14.043
  • But if that's not accompanied by an explanation,
  • 00:14:14.043 --> 00:14:17.112
  • You can actually confuse people
  • 00:14:17.112 --> 00:14:19.281
  • About the way to eternal life.
  • 00:14:19.281 --> 00:14:21.817
  • That's why peter said in 1 peter 3:15,
  • 00:14:21.817 --> 00:14:25.354
  • "sanctify christ as lord in your hearts,
  • 00:14:25.354 --> 00:14:29.158
  • Always being ready to make a defense
  • 00:14:29.158 --> 00:14:32.328
  • To everyone who asked you
  • 00:14:32.328 --> 00:14:34.463
  • To give an account for the hope that is in you,
  • 00:14:34.463 --> 00:14:37.099
  • Yet with gentleness and reverence."
  • 00:14:37.099 --> 00:14:39.902
  • Peter is picturing somebody who's coming to you asking,
  • 00:14:39.902 --> 00:14:44.373
  • "what is the secret of your life?
  • 00:14:44.373 --> 00:14:46.275
  • Why are you so filled with hope
  • 00:14:46.275 --> 00:14:48.210
  • With all that is happening?"
  • 00:14:48.210 --> 00:14:49.878
  • Make sure you're ready to give a defense
  • 00:14:49.878 --> 00:14:53.015
  • To lead people to the truth of jesus christ.
  • 00:14:53.015 --> 00:14:56.952
  • Jesus likens believers to a city set on a hill
  • 00:14:56.952 --> 00:15:01.924
  • That cannot be hidden, verse 14.
  • 00:15:02.691 --> 00:15:04.927
  • In israel, in jesus' day, the country was dotted
  • 00:15:04.927 --> 00:15:09.198
  • With small rural villages, but there was one hill
  • 00:15:09.198 --> 00:15:13.469
  • And there was one city on that hill, it was jerusalem.
  • 00:15:13.469 --> 00:15:16.905
  • And at night, when the temple lights, candles were on,
  • 00:15:16.905 --> 00:15:20.743
  • And the individual homes were lighted,
  • 00:15:20.743 --> 00:15:24.079
  • It could be seen for miles away.
  • 00:15:24.079 --> 00:15:27.316
  • What is the city set on the hill today?
  • 00:15:27.316 --> 00:15:29.718
  • It's not america.
  • 00:15:29.718 --> 00:15:31.720
  • It's not israel, it's not a nation.
  • 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:34.056
  • It is christians, he said,
  • 00:15:34.056 --> 00:15:36.091
  • Who are showing forth the light of god's word
  • 00:15:36.091 --> 00:15:39.228
  • In a dark world.
  • 00:15:39.228 --> 00:15:41.330
  • He said, not only that, you're a lamp that cannot be hidden.
  • 00:15:41.330 --> 00:15:45.734
  • In jesus' day, for light in the house,
  • 00:15:45.734 --> 00:15:47.903
  • You would take a lamp, kind of like aladdin's lamp,
  • 00:15:47.903 --> 00:15:51.440
  • And it was made out of clay with a reservoir of oil in it.
  • 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:55.244
  • It would be lit,
  • 00:15:55.244 --> 00:15:56.545
  • And then it wouldn't be hidden under a basket.
  • 00:15:56.545 --> 00:15:58.647
  • It would be put on a lamp stand so that it could shine
  • 00:15:58.647 --> 00:16:01.850
  • For everyone to see.
  • 00:16:01.850 --> 00:16:03.719
  • For a light to be effective, it has to be seen.
  • 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:08.690
  • Just imagine in the middle of the night
  • 00:16:08.690 --> 00:16:11.560
  • During one of these cold dallas nights,
  • 00:16:11.560 --> 00:16:14.430
  • Your electricity goes off, your house is completely black,
  • 00:16:14.430 --> 00:16:18.634
  • But you remember you have a flashlight
  • 00:16:18.634 --> 00:16:21.070
  • In the drawer beside your bed,
  • 00:16:21.070 --> 00:16:22.905
  • So you reach for the flashlight
  • 00:16:22.905 --> 00:16:24.506
  • And you're about to turn it on and you have another thought
  • 00:16:24.506 --> 00:16:26.708
  • And you thought, "you know what?
  • 00:16:26.708 --> 00:16:28.977
  • I sure don't want to offend the darkness
  • 00:16:28.977 --> 00:16:31.246
  • By showing this light.
  • 00:16:31.246 --> 00:16:33.115
  • That will chase the darkness away.
  • 00:16:33.115 --> 00:16:35.150
  • I don't want to offend the light."
  • 00:16:35.150 --> 00:16:36.685
  • Would you do that? no.
  • 00:16:36.685 --> 00:16:38.954
  • Light is meant to confront the darkness.
  • 00:16:38.954 --> 00:16:42.357
  • In fact, light is of little value in the light.
  • 00:16:42.357 --> 00:16:45.527
  • A flashlight makes no difference in the sunlight.
  • 00:16:45.527 --> 00:16:48.330
  • It's in the darkness that it does its work.
  • 00:16:48.330 --> 00:16:51.166
  • And the fact is, if a light is going to be effective,
  • 00:16:51.166 --> 00:16:54.636
  • If we're going to be effective,
  • 00:16:54.636 --> 00:16:56.271
  • We're effective for christ
  • 00:16:56.271 --> 00:16:57.806
  • Not when we're around other light sources, other christians.
  • 00:16:57.806 --> 00:17:01.443
  • It is when we are in the darkness.
  • 00:17:01.443 --> 00:17:04.046
  • Light has to confront the darkness,
  • 00:17:04.046 --> 00:17:06.915
  • And it chases the darkness away.
  • 00:17:06.915 --> 00:17:09.651
  • Perhaps you're wondering right now,
  • 00:17:09.651 --> 00:17:11.286
  • "ah, why is it god put me in this company
  • 00:17:11.286 --> 00:17:15.357
  • Where there are no christians anywhere to be found?
  • 00:17:15.357 --> 00:17:18.560
  • Why did god put me in this ungodly school?
  • 00:17:18.560 --> 00:17:21.463
  • Why did god put me in this neighborhood
  • 00:17:21.463 --> 00:17:23.499
  • Where i'm the only believer?"
  • 00:17:23.499 --> 00:17:25.134
  • You've just answered your own question.
  • 00:17:25.134 --> 00:17:27.870
  • Paul said in philippians 2:15-16,
  • 00:17:27.870 --> 00:17:30.472
  • "for in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation;
  • 00:17:30.472 --> 00:17:33.775
  • You are children of light holding forth the word of life."
  • 00:17:33.775 --> 00:17:38.881
  • As the old saying goes,
  • 00:17:39.515 --> 00:17:40.883
  • "instead of cursing the darkness, light a light,"
  • 00:17:40.883 --> 00:17:44.820
  • And we are the light of the world.
  • 00:17:44.820 --> 00:17:48.524
  • What's the application for us of this message?
  • 00:17:48.524 --> 00:17:51.426
  • There are two applications, one for christians individually.
  • 00:17:51.426 --> 00:17:55.564
  • Remember, he starts with you individually.
  • 00:17:55.564 --> 00:17:58.333
  • You are salt.
  • 00:17:58.333 --> 00:17:59.935
  • Are you looking for opportunities to create spiritual thirst
  • 00:17:59.935 --> 00:18:03.472
  • With the people around you by what you say?
  • 00:18:03.472 --> 00:18:06.275
  • As far as pushing back against evil,
  • 00:18:07.309 --> 00:18:10.312
  • What can you do to push back against evil?
  • 00:18:10.312 --> 00:18:13.215
  • It may be going to a school board meeting
  • 00:18:13.215 --> 00:18:15.851
  • And voting against a policy
  • 00:18:15.851 --> 00:18:18.320
  • That is trying to cram ungodly thoughts
  • 00:18:18.320 --> 00:18:22.457
  • Into the lives of our children.
  • 00:18:22.457 --> 00:18:24.993
  • It may be voting
  • 00:18:24.993 --> 00:18:26.295
  • Not because a candidate is perfect and godly,
  • 00:18:26.295 --> 00:18:29.898
  • But because at least they embrace godly values.
  • 00:18:29.898 --> 00:18:34.303
  • There are a lot of things that you can do individually
  • 00:18:34.303 --> 00:18:37.406
  • To push back as far as being light.
  • 00:18:37.406 --> 00:18:39.875
  • Are you praying for non-christians around you,
  • 00:18:41.276 --> 00:18:43.612
  • Praying for an opportunity to share with them
  • 00:18:43.612 --> 00:18:46.682
  • The way to heaven?
  • 00:18:46.682 --> 00:18:48.817
  • But there's also, secondly, an application
  • 00:18:48.817 --> 00:18:51.086
  • For christians collectively.
  • 00:18:51.086 --> 00:18:54.223
  • We're not just individual grains of salt
  • 00:18:54.223 --> 00:18:57.526
  • Or an individual flashlight.
  • 00:18:57.526 --> 00:19:00.028
  • We're in a church.
  • 00:19:00.028 --> 00:19:01.597
  • You know, the only thing more effective
  • 00:19:01.597 --> 00:19:03.098
  • Than one grain of salt is a shaker of salt.
  • 00:19:03.098 --> 00:19:06.401
  • The only thing more effective
  • 00:19:06.401 --> 00:19:08.103
  • Than a penlight or a flashlight is a floodlight.
  • 00:19:08.103 --> 00:19:12.541
  • Today, there are people who wonder,
  • 00:19:12.541 --> 00:19:13.842
  • "why do we get involved in the pro-life movement
  • 00:19:13.842 --> 00:19:18.347
  • And speaking out against abortion?
  • 00:19:18.347 --> 00:19:20.983
  • That's politics!"
  • 00:19:20.983 --> 00:19:22.217
  • No, that is a moral, a spiritual issue.
  • 00:19:22.217 --> 00:19:25.988
  • The fact is that word politics,
  • 00:19:25.988 --> 00:19:27.823
  • The latin word for it, means influence.
  • 00:19:27.823 --> 00:19:31.526
  • Influence.
  • 00:19:31.526 --> 00:19:33.161
  • When you say christians shouldn't get involved in politics
  • 00:19:33.161 --> 00:19:36.265
  • Or pastors shouldn't get involved in politics,
  • 00:19:36.265 --> 00:19:39.434
  • What you're saying is,
  • 00:19:39.434 --> 00:19:40.836
  • Christians should not try to influence the world
  • 00:19:40.836 --> 00:19:43.272
  • In which they live.
  • 00:19:43.272 --> 00:19:44.573
  • Can anybody say that with a straight face?
  • 00:19:44.573 --> 00:19:46.875
  • And man, jesus said, you are a salt.
  • 00:19:46.875 --> 00:19:50.245
  • You are a preservative.
  • 00:19:50.245 --> 00:19:52.447
  • We need to push back against evil.
  • 00:19:52.447 --> 00:19:54.916
  • I mean, think about it.
  • 00:19:54.916 --> 00:19:56.251
  • Why did god leave you and me on this earth?
  • 00:19:56.251 --> 00:19:58.453
  • Why didn't he take us to heaven?
  • 00:19:58.453 --> 00:20:00.922
  • He didn't leave us here to build a big financial portfolio
  • 00:20:00.922 --> 00:20:05.694
  • Of stocks and bonds and possessions.
  • 00:20:05.694 --> 00:20:08.764
  • He didn't leave us here to have a successful career.
  • 00:20:08.764 --> 00:20:12.868
  • He didn't even leave us here to have a happy family life.
  • 00:20:12.868 --> 00:20:16.004
  • He left us here to be that salt, to be that light.
  • 00:20:17.205 --> 00:20:21.043
  • (bright music)
  • 00:20:21.043 --> 00:20:23.745
  • Well, i can assure you that we receive scores of letters,
  • 00:20:26.882 --> 00:20:30.185
  • Like the one i quoted earlier.
  • 00:20:30.185 --> 00:20:32.287
  • In fact, our audience has showered us with thank-you notes.
  • 00:20:32.287 --> 00:20:36.091
  • People often tell us that "pathway to victory"
  • 00:20:36.091 --> 00:20:38.393
  • Has become a daily oasis
  • 00:20:38.393 --> 00:20:40.529
  • And their source of light in a very dark world.
  • 00:20:40.529 --> 00:20:44.066
  • And when you join hands with us,
  • 00:20:44.066 --> 00:20:45.834
  • When you give voluntary gifts,
  • 00:20:45.834 --> 00:20:47.869
  • You're equipping "pathway to victory"
  • 00:20:47.869 --> 00:20:50.105
  • To push back the forces of darkness
  • 00:20:50.105 --> 00:20:52.541
  • And to bring light and life
  • 00:20:52.541 --> 00:20:54.309
  • To all who are ready to hear god's word.
  • 00:20:54.309 --> 00:20:57.112
  • So let me thank you, our financial partners,
  • 00:20:57.112 --> 00:20:59.414
  • For being salt and light in our world,
  • 00:20:59.414 --> 00:21:02.651
  • Just as jesus commanded.
  • 00:21:02.651 --> 00:21:04.886
  • I don't need to convince you
  • 00:21:04.886 --> 00:21:06.121
  • That we're living in chaotic times.
  • 00:21:06.121 --> 00:21:08.523
  • People are not only confused, but they often live in fear.
  • 00:21:08.523 --> 00:21:12.227
  • When you give to "pathway to victory",
  • 00:21:12.227 --> 00:21:14.029
  • You are becoming the channel god uses to reach people
  • 00:21:14.029 --> 00:21:17.499
  • With hope and life.
  • 00:21:17.499 --> 00:21:19.534
  • Thank you so much for your generosity.
  • 00:21:19.534 --> 00:21:22.137
  • We couldn't do this without you.
  • 00:21:22.137 --> 00:21:24.873
  • Now stay right there.
  • 00:21:24.873 --> 00:21:26.241
  • I'll be back with more in just a moment.
  • 00:21:26.241 --> 00:21:29.077
  • When jesus spoke,
  • 00:21:29.878 --> 00:21:31.313
  • He wasted no time in getting straight to the heart
  • 00:21:31.313 --> 00:21:34.049
  • Of what matters most.
  • 00:21:34.049 --> 00:21:35.450
  • (upbeat music)
  • 00:21:35.450 --> 00:21:40.355
  • Did you realize that his famous sermon on the mount
  • 00:21:44.393 --> 00:21:46.862
  • Can be read in only 18 minutes?
  • 00:21:46.862 --> 00:21:49.498
  • And now in my book called "18 minutes with jesus",
  • 00:21:49.498 --> 00:21:53.402
  • I'll unpack the radical teaching that jesus shared
  • 00:21:53.402 --> 00:21:56.471
  • With his followers in the famous sermon on the mount.
  • 00:21:56.471 --> 00:22:00.308
  • In his sermon on the mount,
  • 00:22:00.308 --> 00:22:01.777
  • Jesus delivers straight talk about the issues
  • 00:22:01.777 --> 00:22:04.513
  • That matter to you most,
  • 00:22:04.513 --> 00:22:06.281
  • Things like your happiness, faith, relationships, prayer,
  • 00:22:06.281 --> 00:22:10.185
  • Money, eternity and more.
  • 00:22:10.185 --> 00:22:12.687
  • Request the brand-new book, "18 minutes with jesus",
  • 00:22:12.687 --> 00:22:15.924
  • When you give a generous gift to "pathway to victory".
  • 00:22:15.924 --> 00:22:18.860
  • And when your gift is $75 or more,
  • 00:22:18.860 --> 00:22:21.730
  • We'll also send you the corresponding study guide
  • 00:22:21.730 --> 00:22:24.666
  • With thought-provoking questions and activities for you
  • 00:22:24.666 --> 00:22:27.602
  • Or your small group or sunday school class.
  • 00:22:27.602 --> 00:22:30.105
  • Plus, you'll also receive the complete
  • 00:22:30.105 --> 00:22:32.174
  • "18 minutes with jesus" teaching series on cd and dvd.
  • 00:22:32.174 --> 00:22:37.012
  • This sermon is more of a constitution
  • 00:22:37.012 --> 00:22:39.915
  • For life in the kingdom of god,
  • 00:22:39.915 --> 00:22:42.250
  • Not something that happens after you die.
  • 00:22:42.250 --> 00:22:44.119
  • It's how to live now.
  • 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:45.654
  • Your generous gift to "pathway to victory" empowers us
  • 00:22:45.654 --> 00:22:49.224
  • To equip christians in a dark and decaying world.
  • 00:22:49.224 --> 00:22:52.594
  • So please keep standing with us
  • 00:22:52.594 --> 00:22:54.763
  • That we might reach as many people as possible
  • 00:22:54.763 --> 00:22:57.365
  • With the truth of god's word.
  • 00:22:57.365 --> 00:22:59.067
  • Karen, your question is a great one,
  • 00:23:01.336 --> 00:23:03.538
  • And it's the most frequently asked question
  • 00:23:03.538 --> 00:23:05.807
  • At "pathway to victory".
  • 00:23:05.807 --> 00:23:07.442
  • Cremation is certainly becoming more popular
  • 00:23:07.442 --> 00:23:10.445
  • With the increasing cost of funerals.
  • 00:23:10.445 --> 00:23:13.748
  • With covid, that changed the way
  • 00:23:13.748 --> 00:23:16.117
  • People treated their loved ones who had died.
  • 00:23:16.117 --> 00:23:19.120
  • But let me cut to the chase on this.
  • 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:21.690
  • The fact is our bodies are temporary.
  • 00:23:21.690 --> 00:23:25.093
  • God made them as temporary dwelling places.
  • 00:23:25.093 --> 00:23:28.530
  • They were never meant to be our eternal home.
  • 00:23:28.530 --> 00:23:32.000
  • And the bible tells us that one day
  • 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:33.835
  • We're going to leave our bodies at home.
  • 00:23:33.835 --> 00:23:36.037
  • 2 corinthians 5:8 says,
  • 00:23:36.037 --> 00:23:37.772
  • "for a christian to be absent from the body
  • 00:23:37.772 --> 00:23:40.342
  • Is to be at home with the lord."
  • 00:23:40.342 --> 00:23:42.043
  • And it really doesn't matter how you die.
  • 00:23:42.043 --> 00:23:45.046
  • Whether you're blown up in an airplane
  • 00:23:45.046 --> 00:23:47.215
  • Over the pacific ocean, you're in a car crash,
  • 00:23:47.215 --> 00:23:50.318
  • Or your organs deteriorate,
  • 00:23:50.318 --> 00:23:52.587
  • One day, this temporary dwelling place
  • 00:23:52.587 --> 00:23:55.524
  • Is going to be reduced to dust.
  • 00:23:55.524 --> 00:23:57.859
  • Our bodies were formed out of the dust,
  • 00:23:57.859 --> 00:24:00.228
  • They're going to return to dust.
  • 00:24:00.228 --> 00:24:02.230
  • Cremation only accelerates the process.
  • 00:24:02.230 --> 00:24:05.734
  • Now, it used to be in the first century
  • 00:24:05.734 --> 00:24:08.169
  • When the bible new testament was written
  • 00:24:08.169 --> 00:24:11.039
  • That the romans and other pagans would stack bodies
  • 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:15.110
  • On top of one another and burn them.
  • 00:24:15.110 --> 00:24:17.512
  • They weren't expecting any resurrection,
  • 00:24:17.512 --> 00:24:20.048
  • But christians carefully buried their dead
  • 00:24:20.048 --> 00:24:23.652
  • As a sign that they were looking to a future resurrection.
  • 00:24:23.652 --> 00:24:27.489
  • Now, in truth, remember this,
  • 00:24:27.489 --> 00:24:29.491
  • Our bodies are going to be made new.
  • 00:24:29.491 --> 00:24:32.294
  • What we haul into heaven with us
  • 00:24:32.294 --> 00:24:34.262
  • Isn't going to be this body, thankfully.
  • 00:24:34.262 --> 00:24:36.898
  • It's going to be a brand-new body.
  • 00:24:36.898 --> 00:24:39.501
  • 1 corinthians 15 describes that new body
  • 00:24:39.501 --> 00:24:42.904
  • And what it's going to be like.
  • 00:24:42.904 --> 00:24:44.472
  • It's going to be free from sin, from sickness,
  • 00:24:44.472 --> 00:24:47.208
  • From broken relationships, and we all look forward to that.
  • 00:24:47.208 --> 00:24:50.879
  • So my short answer now to your question is,
  • 00:24:50.879 --> 00:24:53.982
  • There's nothing in the bible that prohibits cremation.
  • 00:24:53.982 --> 00:24:57.752
  • It doesn't matter how your natural body dies.
  • 00:24:57.752 --> 00:25:00.722
  • One day, god's going to give you a brand-new body.
  • 00:25:00.722 --> 00:25:04.025
  • Each individual christian is like a grain of salt
  • 00:25:05.794 --> 00:25:08.797
  • And a ray of light.
  • 00:25:08.797 --> 00:25:10.398
  • Yes, we can make a difference for god's kingdom on our own,
  • 00:25:10.398 --> 00:25:14.669
  • But when we join together as the body of christ,
  • 00:25:14.669 --> 00:25:17.806
  • We become an unstoppable force for the gospel.
  • 00:25:17.806 --> 00:25:21.977
  • Well, today we saw that when we live
  • 00:25:21.977 --> 00:25:23.945
  • According to jesus' standard,
  • 00:25:23.945 --> 00:25:25.914
  • We become the salt and light he commanded us to be.
  • 00:25:25.914 --> 00:25:29.317
  • And now we're ready to get into the application.
  • 00:25:29.317 --> 00:25:32.387
  • How does this apply to our relationships?
  • 00:25:32.387 --> 00:25:35.490
  • Stay tuned for a preview
  • 00:25:35.490 --> 00:25:36.758
  • Of what's coming up next in our series,
  • 00:25:36.758 --> 00:25:38.994
  • "18 minutes with jesus".
  • 00:25:38.994 --> 00:25:41.596
  • God has a far higher standard than our standard.
  • 00:25:42.831 --> 00:25:47.669
  • And understanding that standard is not only necessary
  • 00:25:48.970 --> 00:25:51.172
  • To make it into the kingdom of god,
  • 00:25:51.172 --> 00:25:53.141
  • But it's necessary for us to live with the benefits
  • 00:25:53.141 --> 00:25:56.778
  • Of the kingdom of god right now.
  • 00:25:56.778 --> 00:25:59.180
  • How does understanding and applying jesus' standard
  • 00:25:59.180 --> 00:26:02.617
  • Apply, first of all, to our relationships?
  • 00:26:02.617 --> 00:26:07.155
  • Set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:26:07.155 --> 00:26:09.324
  • For the message "straight talk about your relationships"
  • 00:26:09.324 --> 00:26:12.794
  • Here on "pathway to victory".
  • 00:26:12.794 --> 00:26:14.562
  • Experience the beauty of alaska
  • 00:26:17.432 --> 00:26:19.567
  • With the "pathway to victory" family,
  • 00:26:19.567 --> 00:26:21.569
  • June 13 through 20, 2026.
  • 00:26:21.569 --> 00:26:24.606
  • Sail through the calm waters of the legendary inside passage
  • 00:26:24.606 --> 00:26:28.009
  • With dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:26:28.009 --> 00:26:29.444
  • Aboard holland america's magnificent koningsdam.
  • 00:26:29.444 --> 00:26:32.747
  • Be inspired by award-winning musician
  • 00:26:32.747 --> 00:26:34.849
  • Michael o'brien's powerful worship,
  • 00:26:34.849 --> 00:26:36.985
  • Share laughter with dennis swanberg,
  • 00:26:36.985 --> 00:26:39.054
  • America's minister of encouragement,
  • 00:26:39.054 --> 00:26:41.356
  • All while exploring frontier towns,
  • 00:26:41.356 --> 00:26:43.558
  • Like juneau, skagway, and ketchikan.
  • 00:26:43.558 --> 00:26:46.261
  • There's something powerful about connecting with god
  • 00:26:46.261 --> 00:26:49.097
  • And fellow believers in the majesty
  • 00:26:49.097 --> 00:26:51.599
  • Of his untamed wilderness.
  • 00:26:51.599 --> 00:26:53.635
  • From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles,
  • 00:26:53.635 --> 00:26:56.805
  • These moments in god's creation
  • 00:26:56.805 --> 00:26:58.673
  • Will deepen your faith in powerful ways.
  • 00:26:58.673 --> 00:27:01.476
  • Join us for a spiritual journey
  • 00:27:01.476 --> 00:27:03.311
  • Through some of creation's most spectacular displays.
  • 00:27:03.311 --> 00:27:06.748
  • Don't wait. our best cabins are going fast.
  • 00:27:06.748 --> 00:27:09.317
  • Secure your alaska adventure now.
  • 00:27:09.317 --> 00:27:11.519
  • Call 888-280-6747, or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:11.519 --> 00:27:11.519