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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Survival Tip #1: Don't Panic (Part 1) | July 6, 2026
- (spirited music)
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- From the pulpit of the first baptist church
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- Of dallas, texas,
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- This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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- Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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- And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
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- When faced with danger, people respond in one of three ways:
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- Fight, flight, or freeze and panic.
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- And while the first two may have their place,
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- Panic is never an option for a christian.
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- As believers,
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- We faced very real attacks from a hostile culture,
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- From our own sinful nature,
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- And from an adversary who's determined to take us down.
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- So how do we stand our ground?
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- That's our focus today with "survival tip #1: don't panic"
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- On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
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- (spirited music ends)
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- If you've ever felt like your faith is under attack,
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- Like the world is trying to wear you down,
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- You're not imagining it.
- 00:01:02.852 --> 00:01:04.387
- The cultural pressure and spiritual opposition is real,
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- But you don't have to face it alone.
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- In his powerful book, "courageous,"
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- Dr. robert jeffress offers 10 practical biblical strategies
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- For standing strong,
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- Strategies that will give you fresh fire and real hope
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- In a world hostile to your faith.
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- Request your copy of "courageous"
- 00:01:22.138 --> 00:01:24.440
- When you give a generous ministry gift
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- To "pathway to victory."
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- (bright music)
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- The flight from columbus, ohio,
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- To los angeles, california, was routine.
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- Aboard usair flight 1493,
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- David koch sat shoeless
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- In the first class compartment's seat 2a.
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- As the airliner neared
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- The los angeles international airport,
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- Koch looked out the window
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- As the sun began to set over the pacific ocean.
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- They would be landing soon.
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- "i probably ought to put on my shoes," he thought,
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- But he decided to wait.
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- On their final approach,
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- Koch watched the sun sink below the horizon.
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- Moments later, he felt the familiar jolt
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- And heard the screech of the tires as the 737 jet,
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- Carrying 83 passengers and 6 crew members,
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- Touched down on lax's runway 24 left.
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- Then koch says he heard a sudden, sickening crunch.
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- Sparks hurtled past his window,
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- Followed by the bright flash of a fireball.
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- Screams filled the aircraft
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- As the flight attendant shouted, "stay down!"
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- As the plane skidded along the runway,
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- Koch unbuckled his seatbelt to prepare for a quick exit.
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- The plane came to a violent stop,
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- And another explosion rocked the cabin,
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- Throwing koch forward into the front-row first-class seats
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- And then into the bulkhead.
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- The fuselage went dark and began filling with smoke.
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- No instructions came from the pilot or flight attendants.
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- Passengers were on their own,
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- Running toward the back of the plane.
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- "i immediately got on my hands and knees
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- And attempted to find my shoes," koch recalled.
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- "i believed it would be difficult
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- To escape a burning plane in my stocking feet,"
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- But his shoes were nowhere to be found.
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- Trying to stay calm under the smoke,
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- Koch crawled toward the back of the plane.
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- In a panic, other passengers trampled him.
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- "i encountered a fighting, frenzied mob jamming the aisle,"
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- He later said.
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- "escape was probably impossible
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- Because i was last in line to get out the rear exit.
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- I concluded that i was probably going to die.
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- At that point, i stood up and, choking heavily on the smoke,
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- Walked back toward the first-class section.
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- I was not panicked, nor was i terrified," koch remembered.
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- "i was resigned.
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- For a few long moments, i stood there, immobilized,
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- Not knowing what else to do,
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- And i knew with absolute certainty that i was going to die."
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- Then it came to him.
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- If smoke was coming in from the front of the plane,
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- Then there had to be an opening
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- That might offer a way of escape.
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- He worked his way toward the cockpit,
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- But seeing flames lick the passenger door,
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- He realized that was an impossible route.
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- On the verge of passing out,
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- He guessed he maybe had 10 or 15 seconds
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- Before he would fall unconscious.
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- He turned to the opposite wall
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- And saw a crack in the fuselage.
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- He wedged his fingers into it and pulled.
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- It was the galley door, and it opened to the outside.
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- He thrust his head through and gulped a few breaths of air.
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- "a tremendous sense of strength came over me,
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- And a wave of adrenaline shot through my body," he said.
- 00:05:03.893 --> 00:05:07.897
- Koch looked down and saw a fire burning under the airplane.
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- To clear the flames, he jumped away from the wreckage
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- And hit the asphalt 10 feet below.
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- Other survivors were scattered about.
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- Some sobbed, some were silent,
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- And some stared in disbelief at the burning aircraft.
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- "i consider it a miracle that i escaped," koch said,
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- "and that i came through the ordeal as well as i did."
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- Today, we're beginning a new series i've titled "courageous:
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- 10 strategies for thriving in a hostile world."
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- Survival experts tell us that there are 10 strategies
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- That are essential for our survival
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- Whenever we find ourselves
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- In a threatening situation like an earthquake, an avalanche,
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- Or, in this case, a burning aircraft.
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- In the same way, as christians,
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- We're living in a threatening environment
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- That is just as real as the ones i've mentioned.
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- We have an adversary, the devil,
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- Who is intent on destroying everything important to us.
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- And we have a culture that is increasingly hostile
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- To the things of god.
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- And if that were not enough,
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- We all carry around us that fallen nature,
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- The residuals of it anyway,
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- That are opposed to everything god wants for our life.
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- How can we ever hope to survive that kind of environment?
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- Well, today we're going to look
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- At the first of 10 survival tips,
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- And it's the one that david koch illustrated
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- In that usair flight.
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- It's the most basic of all survival tips: don't panic.
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- Don't panic.
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- You know, the number one survival rule
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- In any threatening situation is don't panic.
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- And yet studies have shown
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- When people face hostile environments,
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- They respond in one of three ways.
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- 10% of people engage in fight, f-i-g-h-t.
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- That is, they're able to harness their emotions,
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- Think soundly, and attack the problem.
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- Only 10% of people do that.
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- The other 10% of people engage in flight.
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- That is, they run away from the situation
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- Or, more accurately,
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- They run around like a headless chicken,
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- Not knowing what to do.
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- Many of the passengers in that aircraft did that.
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- 10% fight, 10% flight,
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- But 80% of people in a dangerous situation simply freeze.
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- They panic.
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- They don't know what else to do.
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- You know, as i read that story of usair flight 1493,
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- I found myself wondering,
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- How would i respond in that situation?
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- Not how would i like to respond,
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- But what would i do in that kind of situation?
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- What about you?
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- Fortunately, you and i aren't going to be
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- In a burning aircraft, most probably.
- 00:08:07.577 --> 00:08:10.413
- But how do you respond to the dangerous situations
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- In which you find yourself in every day?
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- I want you to think for a moment, for example,
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- About what it is you fear most in life;
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- That's the greatest threat to you.
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- What do you fear the very most in your life?
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- Some people would say, well,
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- It's the loss of another person.
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- Maybe i'm not sure how i would handle it
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- If i lost my mate or my child or this friend.
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- Maybe material possessions, money,
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- Or something like your health.
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- How would you feel if you lost something important to you?
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- What do you fear most?
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- In all cases, it's important that we not panic.
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- And how do we not panic?
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- I want you to take your bibles and turn to 1 peter 1.
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- 1 peter 1.
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- At the start of world war ii,
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- Great britain stood alone almost
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- In facing the threat of nazi germany.
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- The possibility of invasion by the nazis
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- In britain was a very real possibility.
- 00:09:16.746 --> 00:09:19.849
- And so the british government printed up
- 00:09:19.849 --> 00:09:22.718
- Three different posters
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- To encourage the british people during wartime.
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- The first poster read,
- 00:09:28.858 --> 00:09:31.260
- "freedom is in peril, defend it with all of your might."
- 00:09:31.260 --> 00:09:36.265
- The second poster said,
- 00:09:36.265 --> 00:09:39.068
- "your courage, your cheerfulness,
- 00:09:39.802 --> 00:09:42.004
- Your resolution will bring us victory."
- 00:09:42.004 --> 00:09:45.341
- These two posters were plastered all over great britain,
- 00:09:45.341 --> 00:09:49.412
- But there was a third poster that was secretly printed
- 00:09:49.412 --> 00:09:53.516
- In case the nazis actually did invade britain.
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- You know what that poster said?
- 00:09:58.020 --> 00:09:59.889
- It was never put up, fortunately,
- 00:09:59.889 --> 00:10:02.024
- But it read, "keep calm and carry on."
- 00:10:02.024 --> 00:10:07.296
- "keep calm and carry on."
- 00:10:07.863 --> 00:10:10.933
- You know, that is the theme of 1 peter.
- 00:10:10.933 --> 00:10:15.237
- Peter was writing to a culture of christians, then,
- 00:10:15.237 --> 00:10:18.441
- Just like us today, who had been invaded by unbelievers.
- 00:10:18.441 --> 00:10:23.779
- Unbelievers seemed to be winning,
- 00:10:24.513 --> 00:10:26.048
- Christians seemed to be losing,
- 00:10:26.048 --> 00:10:27.750
- And peter said, "don't worry about it.
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- Even though you're starting to suffer very real persecution,
- 00:10:30.052 --> 00:10:33.923
- Keep calm and carry on.
- 00:10:33.923 --> 00:10:36.258
- Don't panic."
- 00:10:36.258 --> 00:10:38.027
- How do you do that?
- 00:10:38.027 --> 00:10:39.562
- I want you to notice in this first chapter of 1 peter,
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- He gives us three commands to keep us from panicking.
- 00:10:42.398 --> 00:10:46.435
- First of all, he says, "be disciplined in your thinking."
- 00:10:46.435 --> 00:10:50.673
- "be disciplined in your thinking."
- 00:10:50.673 --> 00:10:52.274
- Look at verse 13: "therefore, gird your minds for action."
- 00:10:52.274 --> 00:10:56.512
- What in the world does that mean, gird your minds?
- 00:10:56.512 --> 00:11:00.082
- It's the same term paul uses in ephesians 6
- 00:11:00.082 --> 00:11:02.918
- When he talks about the spiritual armor god has given us
- 00:11:02.918 --> 00:11:06.155
- To fight spiritual warfare.
- 00:11:06.155 --> 00:11:08.524
- Remember, the roman soldier wore a free-flowing tunic,
- 00:11:08.524 --> 00:11:12.862
- Which was very comfortable,
- 00:11:12.862 --> 00:11:14.730
- But it also could be very dangerous in battle.
- 00:11:14.730 --> 00:11:16.966
- If an enemy grabbed hold of the end of that tunic,
- 00:11:16.966 --> 00:11:20.169
- He could gain an advantage over the soldier.
- 00:11:20.169 --> 00:11:22.671
- So the first thing the roman soldier did
- 00:11:22.671 --> 00:11:26.809
- Was to gird up his tunic.
- 00:11:26.809 --> 00:11:28.410
- That is, take the free-flowing tunic
- 00:11:28.410 --> 00:11:30.579
- And tuck it in the roman belt.
- 00:11:30.579 --> 00:11:33.549
- And what peter is saying here to us is,
- 00:11:33.549 --> 00:11:36.051
- Take hold of any loose, undisciplined thinking in your life.
- 00:11:36.051 --> 00:11:41.690
- Don't let it go unchallenged.
- 00:11:42.324 --> 00:11:45.795
- Why is that?
- 00:11:45.795 --> 00:11:47.096
- Because as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.
- 00:11:47.096 --> 00:11:50.766
- Our mind, our thoughts,
- 00:11:50.766 --> 00:11:52.601
- Are command central for everything that we do.
- 00:11:52.601 --> 00:11:56.038
- Paul understood that in romans 12:2,
- 00:11:56.038 --> 00:11:58.174
- When he said, "do not be conformed to this world,
- 00:11:58.174 --> 00:12:00.409
- But be transformed," how?
- 00:12:00.409 --> 00:12:02.311
- "by the renewing of your mind."
- 00:12:02.311 --> 00:12:05.114
- The apostle paul also said in philippians 4:8,
- 00:12:05.114 --> 00:12:08.017
- "finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
- 00:12:08.017 --> 00:12:11.887
- Whatever is right, whatever is pure,
- 00:12:11.887 --> 00:12:14.290
- Whatever is lovely or admirable,
- 00:12:14.290 --> 00:12:16.292
- If anything is excellent or praiseworthy,
- 00:12:16.292 --> 00:12:19.662
- Think about these things."
- 00:12:19.662 --> 00:12:22.932
- If you're going to keep from panicking
- 00:12:22.932 --> 00:12:24.667
- In a threatening situation,
- 00:12:24.667 --> 00:12:26.135
- You've got to be disciplined in how you think
- 00:12:26.135 --> 00:12:29.238
- And what you allow into your minds.
- 00:12:29.238 --> 00:12:32.541
- I remember not long ago talking to one of our members,
- 00:12:32.541 --> 00:12:35.578
- He said, "pastor, i'm having the hardest time sleeping
- 00:12:35.578 --> 00:12:38.280
- At night.
- 00:12:38.280 --> 00:12:39.849
- I'm just so anxious i can't settle down and go to sleep."
- 00:12:39.849 --> 00:12:43.219
- So i asked him a little bit about his routine.
- 00:12:43.219 --> 00:12:45.254
- I said, "well, tell me what you do before you go to bed?
- 00:12:45.254 --> 00:12:47.556
- From the time you get home
- 00:12:47.556 --> 00:12:48.958
- And eat dinner till you go to bed, what do you do?"
- 00:12:48.958 --> 00:12:50.993
- Well, it turned out he watched about three hours
- 00:12:50.993 --> 00:12:52.928
- Of cable news every night on television.
- 00:12:52.928 --> 00:12:56.298
- No wonder he was anxious and panicked.
- 00:12:56.298 --> 00:12:58.601
- And so i pointed out this verse to him,
- 00:12:58.601 --> 00:13:00.402
- And i said, "you know, instead of watching cable news,
- 00:13:00.402 --> 00:13:03.272
- You know, why not fill your minds with god's word?
- 00:13:03.272 --> 00:13:05.975
- Why not listen to messages
- 00:13:05.975 --> 00:13:07.843
- That will help center your thinking?"
- 00:13:07.843 --> 00:13:10.212
- And so he did that.
- 00:13:10.212 --> 00:13:11.780
- A couple of weeks later, i said, "how are things going?"
- 00:13:11.780 --> 00:13:13.916
- He said, "pastor, it's been the most miraculous thing.
- 00:13:13.916 --> 00:13:16.719
- I've been listening to your sermons
- 00:13:16.719 --> 00:13:18.287
- From 'pathway to victory'
- 00:13:18.287 --> 00:13:19.588
- And after five minutes, i'm out like a light."
- 00:13:19.588 --> 00:13:22.024
- (audience laughing)
- 00:13:22.024 --> 00:13:26.528
- That's the power of the word of god.
- 00:13:27.329 --> 00:13:29.665
- (audience laughing)
- 00:13:29.665 --> 00:13:32.034
- But you know, thinking on god's word
- 00:13:32.034 --> 00:13:34.970
- Just doesn't keep us from fear,
- 00:13:34.970 --> 00:13:37.206
- But it can keep us from any of the distractions
- 00:13:37.206 --> 00:13:39.808
- That keep us from remembering while we are here.
- 00:13:39.808 --> 00:13:43.545
- And there are all kind of distractions, aren't there,
- 00:13:43.545 --> 00:13:45.547
- In life that keep us from remembering god's purpose.
- 00:13:45.547 --> 00:13:48.517
- You know, one of the things i remember so well,
- 00:13:48.517 --> 00:13:50.286
- When i was five years old,
- 00:13:50.286 --> 00:13:51.587
- My dad took me to the state fair of texas,
- 00:13:51.587 --> 00:13:54.323
- And we went to the midway.
- 00:13:54.323 --> 00:13:55.891
- I didn't want to see the exhibits,
- 00:13:55.891 --> 00:13:57.026
- I wanted to go to the midway.
- 00:13:57.026 --> 00:13:58.627
- And so we got to the midway, we're right on the edge there,
- 00:13:58.627 --> 00:14:00.863
- And he said, "now robert, i'm going to go to the restroom.
- 00:14:00.863 --> 00:14:03.465
- I'm going to plant you right here.
- 00:14:03.465 --> 00:14:05.000
- You stand right here outside the bathroom and don't move,
- 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:08.370
- Whatever you do."
- 00:14:08.370 --> 00:14:10.005
- So i stood there for about 30 seconds,
- 00:14:10.005 --> 00:14:13.442
- And then i got distracted by all of the sounds of the midway
- 00:14:13.442 --> 00:14:17.212
- And the bright lights, and i wandered away.
- 00:14:17.212 --> 00:14:20.149
- And not long after that, i found myself lost.
- 00:14:20.149 --> 00:14:23.385
- I was in a panic, and fortunately, a policeman found me,
- 00:14:23.385 --> 00:14:28.657
- And he picked me up,
- 00:14:29.124 --> 00:14:30.693
- And he put me on the back of his three-wheeled motorcycle.
- 00:14:30.693 --> 00:14:33.162
- I was facing out, he was faced the other direction.
- 00:14:33.162 --> 00:14:36.799
- We were weaving through that crowd on the midway
- 00:14:36.799 --> 00:14:40.135
- When i saw my father in the distance looking for me.
- 00:14:40.135 --> 00:14:43.672
- He saw me, locked eyes on me,
- 00:14:43.672 --> 00:14:45.674
- And he started running and chasing that motorcycle
- 00:14:45.674 --> 00:14:48.744
- And swept me off the back of it.
- 00:14:48.744 --> 00:14:50.946
- The policeman never knew, i think, whatever happened to me.
- 00:14:50.946 --> 00:14:52.948
- He probably thought i'd been raptured.
- 00:14:52.948 --> 00:14:55.417
- The point was, i wasn't trying to disobey my dad,
- 00:14:55.417 --> 00:14:59.455
- But i just got distracted by other things.
- 00:14:59.455 --> 00:15:02.157
- That's the same way with us as christians.
- 00:15:02.157 --> 00:15:04.126
- That's why we need to be careful,
- 00:15:04.126 --> 00:15:05.861
- Be diligent in what we think about.
- 00:15:05.861 --> 00:15:08.764
- "be diligent in your thinking," he says.
- 00:15:08.764 --> 00:15:11.200
- Not only that, he says, to keep from panicking,
- 00:15:11.200 --> 00:15:14.770
- To keep calm and carry on, be obedient in your conduct.
- 00:15:14.770 --> 00:15:18.507
- Look at verse 14: "as obedient children,
- 00:15:18.507 --> 00:15:21.443
- Do not be conformed to the former lusts
- 00:15:21.443 --> 00:15:25.014
- Which were yours in ignorance,
- 00:15:25.014 --> 00:15:26.882
- But like the holy one who called you,
- 00:15:26.882 --> 00:15:29.385
- Be holy yourselves in all of your behavior;
- 00:15:29.385 --> 00:15:33.288
- Because it is written, 'you shall be holy, for i am holy.'"
- 00:15:33.288 --> 00:15:38.594
- That word holy literally means to be separate.
- 00:15:39.528 --> 00:15:44.033
- God says if you want to live successfully
- 00:15:44.033 --> 00:15:47.436
- In this threatening world, be separate in your conduct.
- 00:15:47.436 --> 00:15:51.540
- Now, he's not saying separate yourself from other people.
- 00:15:51.540 --> 00:15:56.412
- God doesn't call on us
- 00:15:56.412 --> 00:15:57.813
- To separate ourself from other people.
- 00:15:57.813 --> 00:16:00.416
- He is saying make sure you live
- 00:16:00.416 --> 00:16:02.518
- In a way that is different from those around you.
- 00:16:02.518 --> 00:16:06.021
- One way we do that is romans 13:14:
- 00:16:06.021 --> 00:16:08.757
- "don't make any provision for the flesh
- 00:16:08.757 --> 00:16:11.393
- In regard to its lusts."
- 00:16:11.393 --> 00:16:13.595
- In other words,
- 00:16:13.595 --> 00:16:14.897
- Don't give an inch in your moral convictions,
- 00:16:14.897 --> 00:16:18.000
- Your biblical convictions.
- 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:20.669
- But god never prayed
- 00:16:20.669 --> 00:16:22.271
- And never wanted to take us out of this world.
- 00:16:22.271 --> 00:16:24.440
- Not yet anyway.
- 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:25.941
- You remember in john 17:15,
- 00:16:25.941 --> 00:16:28.010
- Jesus in the garden prayed actually for you and me.
- 00:16:28.010 --> 00:16:31.613
- He said, "i do not ask you to take them out of the world,
- 00:16:31.613 --> 00:16:35.851
- But keep them from the evil one."
- 00:16:35.851 --> 00:16:39.721
- So many christians get mixed up about this.
- 00:16:39.721 --> 00:16:42.324
- They think we're supposed to go live
- 00:16:42.324 --> 00:16:43.559
- In a christian commune somewhere
- 00:16:43.559 --> 00:16:45.928
- So we don't get tainted by the world.
- 00:16:45.928 --> 00:16:47.563
- No, 2 corinthians 5:20 says,
- 00:16:47.563 --> 00:16:49.898
- "we are ambassadors for christ."
- 00:16:49.898 --> 00:16:52.935
- We're christ's representative in this lost world.
- 00:16:52.935 --> 00:16:56.438
- And if we're to do that,
- 00:16:56.438 --> 00:16:57.806
- Then we're to be in contact with our culture.
- 00:16:57.806 --> 00:16:59.942
- We're to be in contact with non-christians.
- 00:16:59.942 --> 00:17:03.078
- If we're going to impact them,
- 00:17:03.078 --> 00:17:05.147
- We have to contact them first of all.
- 00:17:05.147 --> 00:17:07.349
- We have to have relationships with them.
- 00:17:07.349 --> 00:17:09.384
- We have to be willing to confront that
- 00:17:09.384 --> 00:17:11.954
- Which is ungodly in our society.
- 00:17:11.954 --> 00:17:14.990
- We are to be in the world and at the same time,
- 00:17:14.990 --> 00:17:18.694
- We're not to be of this world.
- 00:17:18.694 --> 00:17:21.163
- We're to be separate,
- 00:17:21.163 --> 00:17:22.464
- Different in the way we conduct ourselves.
- 00:17:22.464 --> 00:17:25.501
- You say, "pastor, that's a pretty tall order.
- 00:17:25.501 --> 00:17:27.603
- How do you pull that off,
- 00:17:27.603 --> 00:17:28.937
- Being in the world and yet not of the world?"
- 00:17:28.937 --> 00:17:32.274
- Well, he tells us in verse 13, as he begins this section,
- 00:17:32.274 --> 00:17:35.611
- He says, "fix your hope completely
- 00:17:35.611 --> 00:17:39.781
- On the grace to be brought to you at the revelation,
- 00:17:39.781 --> 00:17:44.453
- The apocalypses, the unveiling of jesus."
- 00:17:44.453 --> 00:17:49.324
- What is he talking about?
- 00:17:49.892 --> 00:17:51.293
- He's saying fix your hope completely
- 00:17:51.293 --> 00:17:53.795
- On the return of jesus christ.
- 00:17:53.795 --> 00:17:57.399
- That's how you remain obedient in your contact.
- 00:17:57.399 --> 00:18:01.503
- Remember the lord is coming back again.
- 00:18:01.503 --> 00:18:05.107
- There is a great reunion awaiting those
- 00:18:05.107 --> 00:18:07.843
- Who know christ is savior,
- 00:18:07.843 --> 00:18:09.711
- And that thought that jesus is coming back again ought
- 00:18:09.711 --> 00:18:12.848
- To permeate our every thought.
- 00:18:12.848 --> 00:18:15.484
- People say, "why do you preach so much
- 00:18:15.484 --> 00:18:17.186
- About bible prophecy?"
- 00:18:17.186 --> 00:18:18.987
- The reason is it ought to affect everything we do today,
- 00:18:18.987 --> 00:18:22.357
- The fact that jesus christ is coming back someday,
- 00:18:22.357 --> 00:18:25.494
- We ought to fill our minds.
- 00:18:25.494 --> 00:18:26.762
- It's what the bible calls the blessed hope.
- 00:18:26.762 --> 00:18:29.498
- It's what keeps us diligent,
- 00:18:29.498 --> 00:18:30.899
- That promise that we're going to see him again.
- 00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:34.870
- Most of you know that amy and i started dating
- 00:18:34.870 --> 00:18:39.274
- When we were in the ninth grade.
- 00:18:39.274 --> 00:18:41.109
- We were best friends.
- 00:18:41.109 --> 00:18:42.778
- We started dating, dated all through high school,
- 00:18:42.778 --> 00:18:45.714
- And we were hardly ever apart.
- 00:18:45.714 --> 00:18:47.716
- The first time we were ever apart
- 00:18:47.716 --> 00:18:49.918
- For any significant amount of time
- 00:18:49.918 --> 00:18:52.287
- Was when we went off to college.
- 00:18:52.287 --> 00:18:55.123
- She went to that pagan university of texas in austin.
- 00:18:55.123 --> 00:18:58.427
- I went to the semi-pagan baylor university in waco.
- 00:18:58.427 --> 00:19:01.964
- (audience laughing)
- 00:19:01.964 --> 00:19:03.298
- But we were separated for a period of time.
- 00:19:03.298 --> 00:19:04.967
- In fact, we were going to be separated for two whole weeks
- 00:19:04.967 --> 00:19:08.637
- Until i saw her.
- 00:19:08.637 --> 00:19:09.738
- And you know, the first few days,
- 00:19:09.738 --> 00:19:11.073
- I just moped around the campus there,
- 00:19:11.073 --> 00:19:13.909
- But i figured, you know, i've got to do something here,
- 00:19:13.909 --> 00:19:16.545
- So i started going to classes, and i started studying,
- 00:19:16.545 --> 00:19:21.350
- And i took some exams those first couple of weeks.
- 00:19:21.350 --> 00:19:25.087
- I was existing on one level, but at the back of my mind,
- 00:19:25.087 --> 00:19:29.625
- What kept me going that whole time was in two weeks,
- 00:19:29.625 --> 00:19:32.928
- I'm going to see amy.
- 00:19:32.928 --> 00:19:34.429
- In two weeks, i'm going to see amy.
- 00:19:34.429 --> 00:19:37.199
- And the thought of that future reunion
- 00:19:37.199 --> 00:19:39.134
- Is what gave me hope for the present.
- 00:19:39.134 --> 00:19:41.703
- It's the same way for those of us who are christians.
- 00:19:41.703 --> 00:19:44.406
- The bible says, yes, we have responsibilities here on earth
- 00:19:44.406 --> 00:19:47.776
- That we're to be diligent in performing,
- 00:19:47.776 --> 00:19:50.879
- But at the same time, our minds are to be fixated
- 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:54.016
- On that fact that jesus is coming back for us one day.
- 00:19:54.016 --> 00:19:57.886
- And because of that, we're to be obedient in our conduct.
- 00:19:57.886 --> 00:20:02.357
- How do you keep from panicking in a hostile world?
- 00:20:02.357 --> 00:20:05.193
- Be disciplined in your thinking.
- 00:20:05.193 --> 00:20:06.795
- Be obedient in your conduct.
- 00:20:06.795 --> 00:20:08.130
- Thirdly, be reliant on god's grace.
- 00:20:08.130 --> 00:20:13.035
- Be reliant on god's grace.
- 00:20:13.035 --> 00:20:15.070
- C.s. lewis has one of the best descriptions of this world.
- 00:20:15.070 --> 00:20:19.041
- He said, "enemy-occupied territory."
- 00:20:19.041 --> 00:20:23.645
- That's what this world is.
- 00:20:23.645 --> 00:20:26.515
- How can we survive, much less thrive,
- 00:20:26.515 --> 00:20:29.685
- In enemy-occupied territory?
- 00:20:29.685 --> 00:20:32.487
- Look at what peter says in 1 peter 5:12:
- 00:20:32.487 --> 00:20:35.791
- "this is the true grace of god.
- 00:20:35.791 --> 00:20:38.427
- Stand firm in it."
- 00:20:38.427 --> 00:20:40.796
- Stand firm in the grace of god.
- 00:20:40.796 --> 00:20:43.765
- Now, what in the world does that mean?
- 00:20:43.765 --> 00:20:45.834
- You know, whenever we think of grace,
- 00:20:45.834 --> 00:20:48.603
- We think of god's undeserved favor
- 00:20:48.603 --> 00:20:51.440
- That resulted in our salvation,
- 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:53.075
- And that's certainly one aspect of grace,
- 00:20:53.075 --> 00:20:55.677
- God's undeserved favor.
- 00:20:55.677 --> 00:20:58.280
- Somebody said it's god's undeserved burst of generosity.
- 00:20:58.280 --> 00:21:02.384
- The bible says, "for no other reason
- 00:21:02.384 --> 00:21:04.453
- Than the great love with which god loved you,
- 00:21:04.453 --> 00:21:06.888
- He sent christ to die for you and me."
- 00:21:06.888 --> 00:21:09.291
- It's nothing we deserved.
- 00:21:09.291 --> 00:21:10.926
- It's his grace, his undeserved favor.
- 00:21:10.926 --> 00:21:14.029
- Ephesians 2:8-9 "for by," what?
- 00:21:14.029 --> 00:21:16.798
- "grace you have been saved through faith,
- 00:21:16.798 --> 00:21:19.968
- That not of yourselves, it is a gift of god,
- 00:21:19.968 --> 00:21:22.804
- Not of works, lest any man should boast."
- 00:21:22.804 --> 00:21:25.741
- But grace also refers to, in the bible,
- 00:21:25.741 --> 00:21:28.076
- God's supernatural help.
- 00:21:28.076 --> 00:21:33.415
- Remember in 2 corinthians 12, paul prayed three times
- 00:21:31.213 --> 00:21:37.753
- That god would remove this physical ailment,
- 00:21:37.753 --> 00:21:40.922
- He had a thorn in the flesh, and every time, god said what?
- 00:21:40.922 --> 00:21:46.194
- No.
- 00:21:46.395 --> 00:21:47.796
- That didn't stop paul from asking. he asked again.
- 00:21:47.796 --> 00:21:49.931
- No.
- 00:21:49.931 --> 00:21:50.799
- Third time he asked, no.
- 00:21:50.799 --> 00:21:53.335
- And god said, "paul, my grace is sufficient for you.
- 00:21:53.335 --> 00:21:59.174
- My supernatural help."
- 00:21:59.674 --> 00:22:02.277
- And that's what grace is.
- 00:22:02.277 --> 00:22:04.012
- It's god's supernatural help
- 00:22:04.012 --> 00:22:05.914
- That stiffens our spiritual spines with courage.
- 00:22:05.914 --> 00:22:09.384
- That's why we don't need to fear.
- 00:22:09.384 --> 00:22:12.287
- God has promised us his grace.
- 00:22:12.287 --> 00:22:15.924
- Without courage,
- 00:22:15.924 --> 00:22:17.292
- The difficulties of life would cause us to despair.
- 00:22:17.292 --> 00:22:20.362
- I came across these words
- 00:22:20.362 --> 00:22:21.897
- By the great bible expositor, warren wiersbe,
- 00:22:21.897 --> 00:22:25.167
- Who just went home to be with the lord last week.
- 00:22:25.167 --> 00:22:27.903
- He said, "fear and faith can't live together very long
- 00:22:27.903 --> 00:22:31.940
- In the same heart.
- 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:33.475
- Either fear will conquer faith and will quit,
- 00:22:33.475 --> 00:22:37.712
- Or faith will conquer fear and will triumph."
- 00:22:37.712 --> 00:22:42.651
- You know, i look in the bible
- 00:22:43.285 --> 00:22:44.553
- And find one man who was certainly a profile
- 00:22:44.553 --> 00:22:47.656
- Of the kind of courage we're talking about.
- 00:22:47.656 --> 00:22:50.926
- His name was joshua.
- 00:22:50.926 --> 00:22:53.595
- Joshua was somebody who faced a daunting task,
- 00:22:53.595 --> 00:22:57.265
- But he refused to panic in that situation.
- 00:22:57.265 --> 00:23:00.602
- Turn over in your bibles to the old testament to joshua 1
- 00:23:00.602 --> 00:23:04.773
- For just a few moments.
- 00:23:04.773 --> 00:23:05.941
- You remember joshua.
- 00:23:05.941 --> 00:23:07.542
- He was the protege of the great leader moses.
- 00:23:07.542 --> 00:23:12.347
- And moses thought he was going to lead the children of israel
- 00:23:12.347 --> 00:23:16.284
- Into the promised land, but god had different plans.
- 00:23:16.284 --> 00:23:19.421
- It would be moses' successor who did that.
- 00:23:19.421 --> 00:23:22.357
- And you remember in the opening part of joshua 1:2,
- 00:23:22.357 --> 00:23:26.795
- "the lord said to joshua,
- 00:23:26.795 --> 00:23:29.531
- 'moses my servant is dead;
- 00:23:29.531 --> 00:23:33.435
- Now therefore arise."
- 00:23:33.435 --> 00:23:37.539
- He was saying, "joshua, moses is home with me,
- 00:23:38.440 --> 00:23:43.044
- And now it's your turn."
- 00:23:43.044 --> 00:23:45.313
- (grand music)
- 00:23:45.313 --> 00:23:49.818
- Two simple words, don't panic.
- 00:23:50.452 --> 00:23:53.889
- So easy to say, but often so difficult to live out.
- 00:23:53.889 --> 00:23:57.893
- Now, in closing today,
- 00:23:57.893 --> 00:23:59.494
- Let me share an encouraging word from gregory in arizona.
- 00:23:59.494 --> 00:24:02.831
- He wrote, "in recent years, i chose to run away from god.
- 00:24:02.831 --> 00:24:06.835
- My niece pointed me to your bible teaching,
- 00:24:06.835 --> 00:24:09.771
- And i was completely convicted
- 00:24:09.771 --> 00:24:11.873
- About the state of my relationship with god.
- 00:24:11.873 --> 00:24:14.910
- He has reached out and touched me
- 00:24:14.910 --> 00:24:17.012
- And set my feet on a path back home to him."
- 00:24:17.012 --> 00:24:20.882
- Well, we rejoice with you, gregory,
- 00:24:20.882 --> 00:24:23.151
- And to those of you who give to "pathway to victory,"
- 00:24:23.151 --> 00:24:25.654
- Thank you for helping us touch lives all around the world.
- 00:24:25.654 --> 00:24:29.291
- Now stay right there,
- 00:24:29.291 --> 00:24:30.659
- I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
- 00:24:30.659 --> 00:24:33.028
- In just a moment.
- 00:24:33.028 --> 00:24:34.796
- Christians today are living in a hostile territory.
- 00:24:34.796 --> 00:24:38.466
- The attacks are real, the opposition is fierce,
- 00:24:38.466 --> 00:24:41.736
- And the stakes couldn't be higher.
- 00:24:41.736 --> 00:24:44.039
- That's why i wrote "courageous"
- 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:46.241
- To give you the biblical tools you need,
- 00:24:46.241 --> 00:24:48.310
- Not just to survive, but to stand strong and thrive.
- 00:24:48.310 --> 00:24:52.480
- In "courageous,"
- 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:53.982
- You'll find 10 biblical survival strategies drawn straight
- 00:24:53.982 --> 00:24:57.052
- From scripture that will give you fresh fire
- 00:24:57.052 --> 00:24:59.421
- And real hope no matter what you're facing.
- 00:24:59.421 --> 00:25:02.157
- Survivors have two things in common:
- 00:25:02.157 --> 00:25:04.526
- A different response to trouble
- 00:25:04.526 --> 00:25:06.628
- And a different perspective on life.
- 00:25:06.628 --> 00:25:09.264
- In "courageous," i'll give you 10 biblical strategies
- 00:25:09.264 --> 00:25:12.767
- To develop both and come out stronger on the other side.
- 00:25:12.767 --> 00:25:16.871
- Request your copy of "courageous"
- 00:25:16.871 --> 00:25:18.707
- When you give a generous ministry gift
- 00:25:18.707 --> 00:25:20.842
- To "pathway to victory,"
- 00:25:20.842 --> 00:25:22.043
- Or when you become a pathway partner.
- 00:25:22.043 --> 00:25:24.279
- And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
- 00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:27.782
- We'll send you the courageous leadership kit
- 00:25:27.782 --> 00:25:30.285
- Containing the "courageous" book,
- 00:25:30.285 --> 00:25:32.020
- The personal and group study guide book,
- 00:25:32.020 --> 00:25:34.389
- 10 courageous encouragement cards,
- 00:25:34.389 --> 00:25:36.558
- Plus the complete teaching series on cd and dvd.
- 00:25:36.558 --> 00:25:40.295
- As christians, we're living in a threatening environment.
- 00:25:40.295 --> 00:25:44.366
- We have an adversary, the devil,
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- Who's intent on destroying everything important to us.
- 00:25:46.134 --> 00:25:50.238
- Thank you for partnering with "pathway to victory."
- 00:25:50.238 --> 00:25:52.974
- Your generosity funds the proclamation of god's word
- 00:25:52.974 --> 00:25:56.077
- Across television, radio, and online,
- 00:25:56.077 --> 00:25:58.813
- Bringing bold, biblical hope right here at home
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- And around the world.
- 00:26:01.983 --> 00:26:04.119
- (bright music)
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- When we rely on god's promises and presence,
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- We can face any threatening situation with courage.
- 00:26:08.690 --> 00:26:13.094
- Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
- 00:26:13.094 --> 00:26:15.630
- In our series "courageous."
- 00:26:15.630 --> 00:26:18.566
- You know, to give in to your fear
- 00:26:19.300 --> 00:26:21.703
- Is to assume that you are powerless.
- 00:26:21.703 --> 00:26:27.042
- And you and i are powerless apart from god.
- 00:26:27.976 --> 00:26:32.180
- But in christ, when we have a god who has limitless promises
- 00:26:33.381 --> 00:26:37.218
- And a limitless presence, he can do all things.
- 00:26:38.219 --> 00:26:41.423
- Set your dvr and join us next time for part two
- 00:26:41.423 --> 00:26:44.426
- Of the message "survival tip #1: don't panic" here
- 00:26:44.426 --> 00:26:48.296
- On "pathway to victory."
- 00:26:48.296 --> 00:26:51.332
- The apostle paul sailed these waters, walked these streets,
- 00:26:52.534 --> 00:26:56.404
- And the church was never the same.
- 00:26:56.404 --> 00:26:58.440
- I'm inviting you to follow in paul's footsteps
- 00:26:58.440 --> 00:27:01.242
- On the pathway to victory journeys of paul cruise
- 00:27:01.242 --> 00:27:04.345
- Through the stunning greek islands and the ancient ephesus,
- 00:27:04.345 --> 00:27:07.549
- And many other destinations as well.
- 00:27:07.549 --> 00:27:09.918
- This is purposeful travel at its finest.
- 00:27:09.918 --> 00:27:13.154
- The early bird discount ends july 31st, so act now.
- 00:27:13.154 --> 00:27:16.591
- Call 888-280-6747
- 00:27:16.591 --> 00:27:19.761
- Or visit ptv.org.
- 00:27:19.761 --> 00:27:19.761