Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - From Tragedy to Triumph | April 2, 2026
- Alaska is unlike any other place on earth,
- 00:00:00.590 --> 00:00:03.827
- And this is your chance to witness god's masterpiece
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- And america's priceless treasure,
- 00:00:06.863 --> 00:00:08.932
- June 13 through 20, 2026.
- 00:00:08.932 --> 00:00:11.768
- You know, i can hardly wait to show you alaska.
- 00:00:11.768 --> 00:00:14.971
- I've been there before,
- 00:00:14.971 --> 00:00:16.272
- And every time i witness those massive glaciers
- 00:00:16.272 --> 00:00:19.409
- And towering mountains,
- 00:00:19.409 --> 00:00:20.944
- I'm reminded of how incredibly creative our god is.
- 00:00:20.944 --> 00:00:24.914
- Picture this, waking up to snow capped peaks
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- Outside your window,
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- Then heading to your refreshing breakfast,
- 00:00:29.319 --> 00:00:31.454
- Knowing that all your meals are prepared for you.
- 00:00:31.454 --> 00:00:34.090
- The world class service means that you can truly relax.
- 00:00:34.090 --> 00:00:37.460
- We'll explore charming villages together,
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- We'll stroll alongside the still waters
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- Of the mountain stream,
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- And yes, we'll see god's artistry at every turn.
- 00:00:43.900 --> 00:00:48.138
- Reserve your spot
- 00:00:48.138 --> 00:00:49.572
- On the 2026 pathway to victory cruise to alaska
- 00:00:49.572 --> 00:00:53.209
- By calling 888-280-6747, or visit ptv.org.
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- ♪ music ♪
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- From the pulpit
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- Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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- This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
- 00:01:10.460 --> 00:01:14.664
- Hi, i'm robert jeffress,
- 00:01:15.165 --> 00:01:16.466
- And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
- 00:01:16.466 --> 00:01:18.701
- Death was never part of god's perfect plan
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- For you and for me.
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- Rather, death was the tragic consequence
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- Of mankind's rebellion against him.
- 00:01:25.508 --> 00:01:28.344
- Gratefully, god provided a solution.
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- And today we're going to look at 1 corinthians chapter 15,
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- Where the bible describes the one who died in our place.
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- My message is titled from tragedy to triumph,
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- On today's edition of "pathway to victory".
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- Life doesn't always go the way we plan,
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- But here's the good news.
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- We get to choose how we respond.
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- In "choose your attitudes, change your life",
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- Dr. robert jeffress shares 11 biblical attitude choices
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- That can transform your health, your relationships,
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- And even your eternity.
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- You may not be able to control what happens to you,
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- But you can learn how to make your circumstances
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- Strengthen you rather than destroy you.
- 00:02:14.757 --> 00:02:17.360
- Request "choose your attitudes, change your life"
- 00:02:17.360 --> 00:02:19.696
- When you give a generous gift to "pathway to victory".
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- ♪ music ♪
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- Our friend and bestselling author lee strobel
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- Has released a brand new book
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- Entitled "the case for heaven".
- 00:02:36.079 --> 00:02:39.849
- And in a recent interview with "the christian post",
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- Lee explained what the impetus for the book was.
- 00:02:42.452 --> 00:02:46.155
- It was a brush with death he recently had
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- That made him acutely aware of what really matters in life.
- 00:02:50.093 --> 00:02:54.097
- He said, "so i lingered between life and death
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- In the hospital for a while,
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- Until they were able to save my life.
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- But it was a very clarifying experience,
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- Because when you're in that situation,
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- Nothing is more important than what really happens
- 00:03:08.044 --> 00:03:11.881
- After we close our eyes for the last time in this world."
- 00:03:11.881 --> 00:03:16.552
- Today we're going to cut through the syrupy sentimentality
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- That characterizes a lot of sermons about easter.
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- Easter is not about spring renewal, families or daffodils.
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- Easter is the answer to life's most important question.
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- It's the question that job first asked 4,000 years ago
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- When he said, "if a man dies, will he live again?"
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- When i close my eyes for the last time here on earth,
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- Do i enter into an eternity of nothingness?
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- Or do i enter into a different existence
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- That'll last eternally beyond the grave?
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- And if there is something for me beyond the grave,
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- How do i prepare for it right now?
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- The best answer i know to that question
- 00:04:14.477 --> 00:04:17.747
- Is found in the passage we're going to look at today.
- 00:04:17.747 --> 00:04:21.150
- If you have your bibles, turn to 1 corinthians chapter 15
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- As we look at how we move from tragedy to triumph.
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- You know, if i were going to give a title
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- To 1 corinthians 15, i would title it
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- Everything you've ever wanted to know
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- About the resurrection, but were afraid to ask.
- 00:04:37.133 --> 00:04:40.436
- Because in this detailed chapter,
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- Paul tells us first of all about the evidence,
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- The historical evidence for the resurrection of christ,
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- And there's lots of it.
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- Then he talks about those
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- Who will participate in the future resurrection
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- That all of us who know christ will share in.
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- He talks about the superiority
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- Of the resurrection of jesus christ.
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- But then beginning in verse 50,
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- He describes the final victory
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- That the resurrection will bring.
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- And that's where we want to pick up this study, in verse 50.
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- Before he talks about the victory,
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- Paul acknowledges the democracy of death.
- 00:05:15.405 --> 00:05:19.275
- Everybody is going to experience death.
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- In his book "facing death",
- 00:05:23.379 --> 00:05:25.014
- The late billy graham makes a good point when he notes
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- That many of the media accounts about tragedies
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- Are misleading.
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- You get the idea from the media
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- That somehow tragedies like war and pandemics
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- And famines and earthquakes somehow increase the death rate.
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- They don't at all.
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- No, the death rate is fixed.
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- It is certain for every generation.
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- As george bernard shaw said one time,
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- "the statistics on death are quite impressive.
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- One out of every one dies."
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- We're all going to die.
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- Euripides said,
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- "death is the debt that every man must pay."
- 00:06:06.122 --> 00:06:09.892
- You know, one reason we know the bible
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- Is god's inspired word
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- Is it doesn't gloss over hard experiences.
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- It tells us the truth about death.
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- Somebody has noted
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- That the first book of the bible, genesis,
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- Ends with a coffin.
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- The first real estate transaction in the bible
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- Was buying a plot of land to bury a loved one.
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- Paul explained in romans 5:12,
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- "for through one man, adam, death came into the world
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- And death spread to all people, because all sinned."
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- It doesn't say death spreads
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- Because we all sin, present tense.
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- It's because we all sinned when adam sinned.
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- I don't understand that, but adam was the representative
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- Of the human race.
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- When he sinned, we all sinned in god's eyes,
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- And that's why we die.
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- If you ever doubt that some people
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- Have received that virus of sin and are guilty of sin,
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- Just look at 'em.
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- Do they die, yes.
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- Do babies die, yes.
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- Do people who've never heard the gospel die, yes.
- 00:07:11.787 --> 00:07:14.924
- We all die, and therefore we are all guilty before god.
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- "for as in adam, all die,
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- So in christ, all shall be made alive."
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- That's the theological reason we die,
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- But there's a very practical reason we must die as well
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- That paul explains in verse 50.
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- He says, "now i say this, brethren, that flesh and blood
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- Cannot inherit the kingdom of god,
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- Nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable."
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- Translation, your body was not designed to last forever.
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- By the way, do you need a pastor to tell you that?
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- We all know that, don't we?
- 00:07:49.625 --> 00:07:51.027
- Our bodies wear out.
- 00:07:51.027 --> 00:07:52.328
- They have a shelf life of 70 or 80 years,
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- Maybe a little bit more, but not much more.
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- Our bodies were designed for this life
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- With a limited shelf life.
- 00:08:00.469 --> 00:08:03.673
- Katharine hepburn, the late actress, once said,
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- "i think we're finally to a point when we've learned
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- To see death with a sense of humor.
- 00:08:09.712 --> 00:08:11.814
- I have to.
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- When you're my age, it's as if you're a car.
- 00:08:13.215 --> 00:08:16.385
- First a tire blows and you go get that fixed,
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- And then a headlight goes out and you go get that fixed,
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- And then one day you drive into the shop and the man frowns
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- And says, 'sorry, miss.
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- They don't have the parts for your model any longer.'"
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- (congregation laughing)
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- And that's why paul says we have to exchange this body
- 00:08:33.736 --> 00:08:37.807
- For a new body if we're going to inherit the kingdom of god,
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- And death is the way that happens.
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- Look at verses 51 and 52 of 1 corinthians 15.
- 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:47.950
- Paul explains that need for a new body.
- 00:08:47.950 --> 00:08:50.019
- He says, "behold, i tell you a mystery.
- 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:52.788
- We will not all sleep, but we shall all be changed."
- 00:08:52.788 --> 00:08:58.094
- When he says we shall not all sleep,
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- Sleep is a euphemism in the bible
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- For what happens to christians when they die.
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- Their soul doesn't go to sleep,
- 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:06.202
- But their bodies go to sleep awaiting the resurrection.
- 00:09:06.202 --> 00:09:09.805
- And paul says we're not all going to die.
- 00:09:09.805 --> 00:09:12.775
- There is a generation that will not die,
- 00:09:12.775 --> 00:09:15.277
- The generation that's alive when the rapture occurs,
- 00:09:15.277 --> 00:09:18.381
- And it could occur at any moment.
- 00:09:18.381 --> 00:09:21.083
- But whether you die before the rapture
- 00:09:21.083 --> 00:09:23.919
- Or you're raptured when christ returns,
- 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:26.722
- You still have to be changed.
- 00:09:26.722 --> 00:09:28.591
- We'll not all die, but we all shall be changed,
- 00:09:28.591 --> 00:09:31.661
- And it will happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
- 00:09:31.661 --> 00:09:36.132
- By the way, that doesn't say the blinking of an eye,
- 00:09:36.132 --> 00:09:38.801
- It's going to be even quicker than the blinking of an eye.
- 00:09:38.801 --> 00:09:41.037
- The twinkling of an eye is the amount of time it takes
- 00:09:41.037 --> 00:09:43.773
- For light to enter into the iris
- 00:09:43.773 --> 00:09:45.841
- And travel back to your retina.
- 00:09:45.841 --> 00:09:47.543
- It's just like that.
- 00:09:47.543 --> 00:09:49.111
- In that short of a period of time, at the last trumpet,
- 00:09:49.111 --> 00:09:52.682
- "for the trumpet will sound
- 00:09:52.682 --> 00:09:54.450
- And the dead will be raised imperishable,
- 00:09:54.450 --> 00:09:56.852
- And we will all be changed."
- 00:09:56.852 --> 00:09:59.955
- Paul describes that further in 1 thessalonians 4
- 00:09:59.955 --> 00:10:02.792
- When he says at the rapture,
- 00:10:02.792 --> 00:10:04.093
- The dead and christ shall be raised first,
- 00:10:04.093 --> 00:10:06.929
- And then we who are alive at that time and remain
- 00:10:06.929 --> 00:10:09.532
- Shall be called up together to meet the lord and the heir.
- 00:10:09.532 --> 00:10:12.535
- What a sight that will be, when the graves are opened
- 00:10:12.535 --> 00:10:15.638
- And the bodies of believers of ages past will be raised
- 00:10:15.638 --> 00:10:19.008
- And we'll be raised.
- 00:10:19.008 --> 00:10:20.309
- And as we're headed to heaven in a moment,
- 00:10:20.309 --> 00:10:22.378
- In the twinkle of an eye, we receive our heaven suits
- 00:10:22.378 --> 00:10:26.115
- That are designed for all eternity.
- 00:10:26.115 --> 00:10:29.251
- We shall all be changed.
- 00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:30.953
- Why?
- 00:10:30.953 --> 00:10:32.555
- Verse 53, "for this perishable must put on the imperishable,
- 00:10:32.555 --> 00:10:36.325
- And this mortal must put on immortality."
- 00:10:36.325 --> 00:10:40.596
- There's a democracy of death.
- 00:10:41.230 --> 00:10:43.265
- God says we must die so that we can be prepared
- 00:10:43.265 --> 00:10:46.836
- For eternity.
- 00:10:46.836 --> 00:10:48.337
- But that's not all.
- 00:10:48.337 --> 00:10:49.739
- The bible talks about a distress of death as well.
- 00:10:49.739 --> 00:10:53.809
- The distress, the pain, the agony of death.
- 00:10:53.809 --> 00:10:57.880
- William willimon was the former dean
- 00:10:57.880 --> 00:11:00.549
- Of the chapel at duke university,
- 00:11:00.549 --> 00:11:03.753
- And he said that he used to hesitate
- 00:11:03.753 --> 00:11:05.721
- To preach about the resurrection
- 00:11:05.721 --> 00:11:07.490
- Because it seemed so improbable for sophisticated people
- 00:11:07.490 --> 00:11:11.427
- To believe that a jew who died 2000 years ago,
- 00:11:11.427 --> 00:11:14.864
- Was crucified,
- 00:11:14.864 --> 00:11:16.198
- Would miraculously be raised from the dead.
- 00:11:16.198 --> 00:11:19.335
- But then willimon said, "i realized that in one year alone,
- 00:11:19.335 --> 00:11:23.939
- Seven major movies all dealt with life after death.
- 00:11:23.939 --> 00:11:28.611
- It's not that people today don't believe in immortality,
- 00:11:28.611 --> 00:11:31.981
- They just believe the wrong thing about immortality.
- 00:11:31.981 --> 00:11:35.050
- They believe that we are all so wonderful
- 00:11:35.050 --> 00:11:37.186
- That we're going to just go on forever,
- 00:11:37.186 --> 00:11:39.522
- And that there'll always be some spark of you
- 00:11:39.522 --> 00:11:41.791
- That will remain."
- 00:11:41.791 --> 00:11:43.325
- Now, that's not what the bible says.
- 00:11:43.325 --> 00:11:45.427
- The bible says we're all going to go on forever,
- 00:11:45.427 --> 00:11:48.631
- But it's not because we're so wonderful.
- 00:11:48.631 --> 00:11:50.966
- There's going to be a resurrection of everyone.
- 00:11:50.966 --> 00:11:53.035
- Some will be raised to eternal life
- 00:11:53.035 --> 00:11:55.271
- And some will be raised for eternal judgment.
- 00:11:55.271 --> 00:11:58.140
- But before any of us faces eternity, there's death.
- 00:11:58.140 --> 00:12:01.544
- And death can be agonizing and painful.
- 00:12:01.544 --> 00:12:04.647
- Verse 54, "but when this parable
- 00:12:04.647 --> 00:12:06.816
- Will have put on the imperishable
- 00:12:06.816 --> 00:12:08.717
- And this mortal must have put on immortality,
- 00:12:08.717 --> 00:12:11.420
- Then will come about the saying that is written,
- 00:12:11.420 --> 00:12:14.824
- Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 00:12:14.824 --> 00:12:17.026
- Oh death, where is your victory?
- 00:12:17.026 --> 00:12:18.861
- Oh death, where is your sting?"
- 00:12:18.861 --> 00:12:21.931
- There's a sting, there's a pain, there's an agony of death.
- 00:12:21.931 --> 00:12:26.468
- Sometimes it's for those who die.
- 00:12:26.468 --> 00:12:28.737
- Some people died distressing, horrible, painful deaths.
- 00:12:28.737 --> 00:12:33.509
- You know, katharine hepburn was being funny about death,
- 00:12:34.643 --> 00:12:37.479
- But many people are fearful of death.
- 00:12:37.479 --> 00:12:40.182
- I think we can more relate to
- 00:12:40.182 --> 00:12:41.483
- What woody allen said one time.
- 00:12:41.483 --> 00:12:43.085
- He said, "it's not that i'm afraid to die,
- 00:12:43.085 --> 00:12:44.920
- I just don't want to be there when it happens."
- 00:12:44.920 --> 00:12:48.457
- And the reason we say that is
- 00:12:49.091 --> 00:12:51.227
- We're fearful of what may await us,
- 00:12:51.227 --> 00:12:54.096
- Or we're fearful of the process.
- 00:12:54.096 --> 00:12:57.399
- As christians, we know god will walk with us
- 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:59.768
- Through that experience of death.
- 00:12:59.768 --> 00:13:01.570
- One of my favorite descriptions of death for a christian
- 00:13:01.570 --> 00:13:05.140
- Comes from john bunyan's allegory "pilgrim's progress".
- 00:13:05.140 --> 00:13:09.778
- You remember two of his main characters
- 00:13:09.778 --> 00:13:11.680
- Are named hopeful and christian,
- 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:14.717
- And they're on their way to the heavenly city,
- 00:13:14.717 --> 00:13:16.752
- But first they must cross a river, the river of death.
- 00:13:16.752 --> 00:13:21.056
- And christian is afraid to enter into that river,
- 00:13:21.056 --> 00:13:23.993
- Afraid he will sink.
- 00:13:23.993 --> 00:13:25.661
- But his friend hopeful is a few yards ahead of him
- 00:13:25.661 --> 00:13:29.164
- And he says, "be of good cheer,
- 00:13:29.164 --> 00:13:31.834
- For i have felt the bottom and it is good."
- 00:13:31.834 --> 00:13:37.106
- We're not left alone in death.
- 00:13:37.740 --> 00:13:39.074
- If we have trusted in christ as our savior,
- 00:13:39.074 --> 00:13:41.543
- We have a firm foundation even in death.
- 00:13:41.543 --> 00:13:46.315
- But there's nevertheless an agony, whether it's physical
- 00:13:46.315 --> 00:13:49.218
- Or emotional agony for those who die.
- 00:13:49.218 --> 00:13:52.288
- There's also an agony many of you know
- 00:13:52.288 --> 00:13:54.657
- For those who are left behind.
- 00:13:54.657 --> 00:13:57.593
- I imagine there are some of you right now
- 00:13:57.593 --> 00:14:00.062
- Who are thinking of a loved one who was here last easter
- 00:14:00.062 --> 00:14:04.300
- And is no longer here.
- 00:14:04.300 --> 00:14:06.568
- Many of you have lost people important to you, a parent,
- 00:14:06.568 --> 00:14:10.506
- A mate, a child, a close friend,
- 00:14:10.506 --> 00:14:14.910
- And there's an agony that comes from that kind of loss.
- 00:14:14.910 --> 00:14:19.348
- Rabbi harold kushner lost his 12-year-old son to leukemia,
- 00:14:19.348 --> 00:14:24.119
- And in talking about his son, he said,
- 00:14:24.119 --> 00:14:26.288
- "i have not known a day in which i did not think about him,
- 00:14:26.288 --> 00:14:29.959
- In which i did not probe the empty space
- 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:32.628
- His death left behind,
- 00:14:32.628 --> 00:14:34.697
- Like a tongue probing a missing tooth."
- 00:14:34.697 --> 00:14:39.034
- You understand that.
- 00:14:39.034 --> 00:14:40.602
- You understand the agony of death.
- 00:14:40.602 --> 00:14:43.238
- I'll never forget an experience from many years ago.
- 00:14:44.273 --> 00:14:47.910
- I conducted the funeral service
- 00:14:47.910 --> 00:14:49.645
- For a young woman in our church,
- 00:14:49.645 --> 00:14:51.947
- A young mother whose body had been ravaged by cancer.
- 00:14:51.947 --> 00:14:56.085
- And as i stood after the service by the hearse
- 00:14:56.085 --> 00:15:00.356
- And watched the pallbearers
- 00:15:00.356 --> 00:15:02.491
- Load her casket into that hearse,
- 00:15:02.491 --> 00:15:06.061
- The woman's little six-year-old daughter
- 00:15:06.061 --> 00:15:07.863
- Was standing beside me.
- 00:15:07.863 --> 00:15:09.732
- And she cried out, "mommy, no, no, no!
- 00:15:10.566 --> 00:15:16.405
- Mommy, no, no, no."
- 00:15:16.872 --> 00:15:21.944
- That is the sting of death, the distress of death
- 00:15:22.978 --> 00:15:27.249
- That we will all experience at some point.
- 00:15:27.249 --> 00:15:30.919
- But thank god that's not the end of the story.
- 00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:34.156
- Yes, there is a distress that death produces,
- 00:15:34.156 --> 00:15:37.726
- But because of christ jesus,
- 00:15:37.726 --> 00:15:39.428
- There will one day be a defeat of death.
- 00:15:39.428 --> 00:15:42.531
- And that's how paul finishes, the defeat of death.
- 00:15:42.531 --> 00:15:46.702
- He says, "for as in adam, all die,
- 00:15:46.702 --> 00:15:48.670
- But in christ, all shall be made alive."
- 00:15:48.670 --> 00:15:53.042
- It is through christ that we have the hope
- 00:15:53.042 --> 00:15:55.978
- Of the defeat of death.
- 00:15:55.978 --> 00:15:57.913
- The late theologian rc sproul used to explain
- 00:15:57.913 --> 00:16:02.351
- How some people have it all wrong when they think about
- 00:16:02.351 --> 00:16:05.788
- Why we go to heaven.
- 00:16:05.788 --> 00:16:07.423
- Many people, sproul said, believe in justification by death.
- 00:16:07.423 --> 00:16:12.694
- That is, all you have to do is die
- 00:16:13.462 --> 00:16:15.030
- And you're welcomed into heaven,
- 00:16:15.030 --> 00:16:16.698
- And everybody's going to heaven.
- 00:16:16.698 --> 00:16:18.534
- No, it's not justification by death.
- 00:16:18.534 --> 00:16:21.270
- It's justification by faith in the grace of jesus christ.
- 00:16:21.270 --> 00:16:26.542
- And only those who have been justified by faith
- 00:16:27.476 --> 00:16:29.645
- Have the hope of heaven.
- 00:16:29.645 --> 00:16:31.647
- Remember job's question,
- 00:16:31.647 --> 00:16:33.515
- "if a man dies, will he live again?"
- 00:16:33.515 --> 00:16:36.552
- Job answered his own question in job 19 when he said,
- 00:16:36.552 --> 00:16:40.489
- "as for me, i know that my redeemer lives,
- 00:16:40.489 --> 00:16:45.060
- And that at the last day
- 00:16:45.060 --> 00:16:46.361
- He shall take his stand upon the earth.
- 00:16:46.361 --> 00:16:48.630
- Even after my skin is destroyed,
- 00:16:48.630 --> 00:16:50.966
- Yet from my flesh, i shall see god."
- 00:16:50.966 --> 00:16:55.204
- Job was looking forward to something
- 00:16:55.204 --> 00:16:57.206
- That would happen 2000 years after his death,
- 00:16:57.206 --> 00:17:00.309
- When the redeemer, jesus christ would come
- 00:17:00.309 --> 00:17:03.378
- And pay the ransom for his sin.
- 00:17:03.378 --> 00:17:06.081
- That is our hope.
- 00:17:06.081 --> 00:17:07.416
- It is our hope in a redeemer.
- 00:17:07.416 --> 00:17:10.419
- Paul said the same thing in verses 56 and 57
- 00:17:10.419 --> 00:17:13.755
- In 1 corinthians 15, he said, "for the sting of death is sin
- 00:17:13.755 --> 00:17:18.560
- And the power of sin is the law,
- 00:17:18.560 --> 00:17:21.029
- But thanks be to god who gives us the victory
- 00:17:21.029 --> 00:17:24.700
- Through jesus christ."
- 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:27.236
- And one day even physical death, that buzzing of death
- 00:17:27.236 --> 00:17:31.607
- Will be swallowed up in victory.
- 00:17:31.607 --> 00:17:33.809
- That's what paul means in verse 54 when he says,
- 00:17:33.809 --> 00:17:36.145
- "but when this perishable will have put on the imperishable
- 00:17:36.145 --> 00:17:39.715
- And this mortal will have put on immortality,
- 00:17:39.715 --> 00:17:42.417
- Then will come about the saying that is written,
- 00:17:42.417 --> 00:17:45.487
- Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 00:17:45.487 --> 00:17:48.390
- Oh death, where is your sting?
- 00:17:48.390 --> 00:17:51.193
- Oh grave, where is your victory?"
- 00:17:51.193 --> 00:17:55.631
- That's the future defeat of death that we look forward to.
- 00:17:55.631 --> 00:18:00.869
- You know, every time i share this truth with a family
- 00:18:01.904 --> 00:18:04.072
- That is grieving over the loss of a loved one,
- 00:18:04.072 --> 00:18:07.609
- They'll either ask me verbally
- 00:18:07.609 --> 00:18:10.212
- Or they ask me by the look in their eyes,
- 00:18:10.212 --> 00:18:13.448
- "pastor, how do you know this is true?
- 00:18:13.448 --> 00:18:16.585
- How do you know this resurrection stuff
- 00:18:16.585 --> 00:18:19.855
- Is really going to happen?
- 00:18:19.855 --> 00:18:22.157
- How do we know?"
- 00:18:22.157 --> 00:18:23.759
- Ladies and gentlemen,
- 00:18:23.759 --> 00:18:25.327
- The resurrection of believers from the dead is not legend,
- 00:18:25.327 --> 00:18:29.531
- It's not myth, it's not hopeful thinking.
- 00:18:29.531 --> 00:18:32.601
- The resurrection is based on the promises of jesus himself.
- 00:18:32.601 --> 00:18:37.539
- Just listen to what jesus said in john 5:24.
- 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:40.976
- "truly, truly i say to you, he who hears my word
- 00:18:40.976 --> 00:18:45.214
- And believes him who sent me
- 00:18:45.214 --> 00:18:46.882
- Has eternal life and does not come into judgment,
- 00:18:46.882 --> 00:18:49.918
- But shall pass from death unto life."
- 00:18:49.918 --> 00:18:52.521
- Or john 6:40, "for this is the will of my father,
- 00:18:52.521 --> 00:18:55.757
- That everyone who beholds the son and believes in him
- 00:18:55.757 --> 00:18:59.394
- Shall have eternal life,
- 00:18:59.394 --> 00:19:00.896
- And i myself shall raise him up
- 00:19:00.896 --> 00:19:03.899
- In the everlasting eternity."
- 00:19:03.899 --> 00:19:06.501
- Or john 11:25, "for i am the resurrection and the life.
- 00:19:06.501 --> 00:19:10.205
- He who believes in me, though he were dead,
- 00:19:10.205 --> 00:19:13.542
- Yet shall he live again."
- 00:19:13.542 --> 00:19:15.310
- Or john chapter 14, "let not your heart be troubled,
- 00:19:15.310 --> 00:19:18.847
- Neither let it be afraid.
- 00:19:18.847 --> 00:19:20.082
- You believe in god, believe in me,
- 00:19:20.082 --> 00:19:22.217
- For in my father's house are many mansions.
- 00:19:22.217 --> 00:19:24.419
- If it were not so, i would've told you,
- 00:19:24.419 --> 00:19:26.488
- For i go to prepare a place for you.
- 00:19:26.488 --> 00:19:28.657
- And if i go and prepare a place for you, i will come again
- 00:19:28.657 --> 00:19:31.560
- And take you unto myself
- 00:19:31.560 --> 00:19:32.928
- That where i am, there you may be also."
- 00:19:32.928 --> 00:19:36.131
- Ladies and gentlemen, i say it again,
- 00:19:36.131 --> 00:19:37.833
- The resurrection is not a myth, it's not a legend,
- 00:19:37.833 --> 00:19:41.169
- It's not hopeful thinking.
- 00:19:41.169 --> 00:19:42.537
- It is based on the promises of jesus christ!
- 00:19:42.537 --> 00:19:46.108
- (congregation applauding)
- 00:19:46.108 --> 00:19:49.645
- And the fact that jesus conquered death himself
- 00:19:49.645 --> 00:19:53.215
- Mean he has the power to deliver on that promise
- 00:19:53.215 --> 00:19:56.485
- He's made to us.
- 00:19:56.485 --> 00:19:58.186
- That is why we know this is all true.
- 00:19:58.186 --> 00:20:01.023
- And it's because of that,
- 00:20:01.023 --> 00:20:03.058
- Paul could say with absolute conviction in 1 corinthians 15,
- 00:20:03.058 --> 00:20:07.195
- One day death will be swallowed up in victory.
- 00:20:07.195 --> 00:20:10.866
- It's why the apostle john could say with confidence
- 00:20:10.866 --> 00:20:13.702
- In revelation 21 verse four, "from that day,
- 00:20:13.702 --> 00:20:16.838
- God will wipe away every tear from our eyes
- 00:20:16.838 --> 00:20:20.342
- And there shall no longer be any death or mourning or crying
- 00:20:20.342 --> 00:20:23.745
- Or pain, for the first things will have passed away."
- 00:20:23.745 --> 00:20:28.417
- Was john saying that one day in heaven,
- 00:20:29.251 --> 00:20:31.787
- God's going to do a memory wipe
- 00:20:31.787 --> 00:20:33.689
- And we no longer remember the agony we experienced
- 00:20:33.689 --> 00:20:38.026
- Of losing a loved one?
- 00:20:38.026 --> 00:20:40.329
- He's not saying that at all.
- 00:20:40.329 --> 00:20:42.364
- But here's what he's saying.
- 00:20:42.364 --> 00:20:44.166
- He's saying when that day comes,
- 00:20:44.166 --> 00:20:46.301
- That we cross the river of death
- 00:20:46.301 --> 00:20:49.538
- And we are welcomed into heaven by the lord jesus
- 00:20:49.538 --> 00:20:52.908
- And by our loved ones,
- 00:20:52.908 --> 00:20:54.710
- As we stand there with our loved ones
- 00:20:54.710 --> 00:20:57.045
- And look back on what had happened on earth,
- 00:20:57.045 --> 00:21:00.282
- We'll see for the first time
- 00:21:00.282 --> 00:21:02.951
- How what appeared to be an unending tragedy
- 00:21:02.951 --> 00:21:07.756
- Was simply a prelude to a neverending triumph.
- 00:21:07.756 --> 00:21:13.095
- And we will laugh and rejoice forever and ever and ever.
- 00:21:14.229 --> 00:21:18.633
- In his book, "the darkness and the dawn",
- 00:21:19.501 --> 00:21:22.437
- Chuck swindoll relates the story of a norwegian fisherman
- 00:21:22.437 --> 00:21:25.907
- And his two sons
- 00:21:25.907 --> 00:21:27.242
- Who were out on their daily fishing journey.
- 00:21:27.242 --> 00:21:30.379
- By early evening, a fierce storm arose,
- 00:21:30.379 --> 00:21:33.515
- Extinguishing the light in the lighthouse,
- 00:21:33.515 --> 00:21:36.251
- Leaving the men dependent on their own guesswork
- 00:21:36.251 --> 00:21:38.653
- To find the shore among the smothering darkness.
- 00:21:38.653 --> 00:21:43.091
- At the same time they were trying to find a way home,
- 00:21:43.091 --> 00:21:47.362
- The wife and mother was back home,
- 00:21:47.362 --> 00:21:49.965
- Unaware of what was happening to her family.
- 00:21:49.965 --> 00:21:52.701
- She was preparing the evening meal when a fire broke out
- 00:21:52.701 --> 00:21:56.838
- And totally destroyed their house.
- 00:21:56.838 --> 00:21:59.207
- She stood outside watching her house burn to the ground,
- 00:21:59.207 --> 00:22:02.411
- Wondering how she was going to explain it to her family
- 00:22:02.411 --> 00:22:06.415
- As she stood on the shore awaiting her family's return.
- 00:22:06.415 --> 00:22:10.652
- As the man and his sons made their way onto the shore,
- 00:22:10.652 --> 00:22:15.123
- She told them about the fire.
- 00:22:15.123 --> 00:22:17.959
- "we've lost everything," she cried.
- 00:22:17.959 --> 00:22:21.029
- But the father was strangely unmoved.
- 00:22:21.029 --> 00:22:24.866
- She said, "carl, didn't you hear me?
- 00:22:24.866 --> 00:22:27.469
- We lost everything."
- 00:22:27.469 --> 00:22:30.439
- He said, "yes, i heard you.
- 00:22:30.439 --> 00:22:32.541
- But this evening we were lost at sea.
- 00:22:33.375 --> 00:22:36.077
- We were depending on the light of the lighthouse
- 00:22:36.077 --> 00:22:38.613
- To lead us to safety.
- 00:22:38.613 --> 00:22:40.549
- But when the light went out, i thought we were doomed.
- 00:22:40.549 --> 00:22:44.319
- And then we noticed a yellow light in the distance.
- 00:22:44.319 --> 00:22:48.123
- We turned our boat around
- 00:22:48.123 --> 00:22:49.691
- And started rowing toward the light.
- 00:22:49.691 --> 00:22:52.260
- It grew brighter and brighter until we followed it safely
- 00:22:52.260 --> 00:22:55.330
- To the shore.
- 00:22:55.330 --> 00:22:57.032
- The same fire that destroyed our house
- 00:22:57.032 --> 00:23:00.368
- Created a light that saved our lives."
- 00:23:00.368 --> 00:23:05.073
- Ladies and gentlemen, we are in a boat in the sea of life,
- 00:23:05.073 --> 00:23:12.180
- And that boat is sinking.
- 00:23:12.747 --> 00:23:15.517
- All of the lights on the shore have been extinguished.
- 00:23:15.517 --> 00:23:18.787
- There is only one light that can lead us to safety,
- 00:23:18.787 --> 00:23:22.791
- And it is the light of the resurrected christ.
- 00:23:22.791 --> 00:23:26.728
- Because of the tragedy of a burning house,
- 00:23:27.629 --> 00:23:30.565
- A family was saved.
- 00:23:30.565 --> 00:23:32.267
- Because of the tragedy of a crucified savior,
- 00:23:33.201 --> 00:23:36.571
- We had a resurrected savior.
- 00:23:36.571 --> 00:23:39.941
- And because he has conquered death, one day, so shall we.
- 00:23:39.941 --> 00:23:45.313
- That's the hope of easter.
- 00:23:45.881 --> 00:23:48.416
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:23:48.416 --> 00:23:52.487
- That's the reason we celebrate easter with joy.
- 00:23:53.455 --> 00:23:57.025
- And i hope your day is filled with gratitude to jesus,
- 00:23:57.025 --> 00:23:59.895
- The one who conquered the grave.
- 00:23:59.895 --> 00:24:02.330
- Now, before our time is out today, i'd like to read you
- 00:24:02.330 --> 00:24:05.200
- An encouraging comment i received from jan.
- 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:08.236
- She wrote,
- 00:24:08.236 --> 00:24:09.704
- "pastor, i first happened upon 'pathway to victory'
- 00:24:09.704 --> 00:24:12.240
- While listening to the radio on my way home from work.
- 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:15.644
- I was in a spiritual funk at the time,
- 00:24:15.644 --> 00:24:18.480
- But god used 'pathway to victory' to help restore me
- 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:21.716
- To a right relationship with him.
- 00:24:21.716 --> 00:24:24.185
- Thank you for following the lord's leading
- 00:24:24.185 --> 00:24:26.321
- And sharing this ministry with the world."
- 00:24:26.321 --> 00:24:29.391
- Well, thank you so much, jan, for that encouragement.
- 00:24:29.391 --> 00:24:32.394
- Your words are a tremendous affirmation to me.
- 00:24:32.394 --> 00:24:35.964
- And thanks to the many friends
- 00:24:35.964 --> 00:24:37.599
- Who support "pathway to victory"
- 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:39.501
- And empower us to pierce the darkness
- 00:24:39.501 --> 00:24:42.370
- With the light of god's word.
- 00:24:42.370 --> 00:24:44.172
- Now, please stay right there.
- 00:24:44.172 --> 00:24:45.640
- I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
- 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:47.976
- In just a moment.
- 00:24:47.976 --> 00:24:50.145
- When unexpected challenges hit, it's easy to feel defeated
- 00:24:51.279 --> 00:24:54.883
- And robbed of joy.
- 00:24:54.883 --> 00:24:56.518
- But while we can't always choose our circumstances,
- 00:24:56.518 --> 00:24:59.321
- We can always choose how we respond to them.
- 00:24:59.321 --> 00:25:02.157
- In "choose your attitudes, change your life",
- 00:25:02.157 --> 00:25:04.693
- Dr. robert jeffress shares 11 proven attitude choices
- 00:25:04.693 --> 00:25:08.029
- That will help you experience the abundant life
- 00:25:08.029 --> 00:25:10.498
- God desires for you.
- 00:25:10.498 --> 00:25:12.067
- The bible tells us that as a person thinks within himself,
- 00:25:12.067 --> 00:25:15.904
- So is he.
- 00:25:15.904 --> 00:25:17.272
- Our attitudes impact everything,
- 00:25:17.272 --> 00:25:19.474
- Our health, our relationships, our work,
- 00:25:19.474 --> 00:25:21.910
- And even our eternity.
- 00:25:21.910 --> 00:25:23.845
- In my book, "choose your attitudes, change your life",
- 00:25:23.845 --> 00:25:26.982
- I walk you through 11 essential choices
- 00:25:26.982 --> 00:25:30.185
- Like purpose over aimlessness, perseverance over defeat,
- 00:25:30.185 --> 00:25:34.489
- And faith over worry.
- 00:25:34.489 --> 00:25:36.524
- These biblical principles have transformed countless lives,
- 00:25:36.524 --> 00:25:40.095
- And they can transform yours as well.
- 00:25:40.095 --> 00:25:42.631
- Request your copy
- 00:25:42.631 --> 00:25:43.965
- Of "choose your attitudes, change your life"
- 00:25:43.965 --> 00:25:45.934
- When you give a generous gift
- 00:25:45.934 --> 00:25:47.268
- To support "pathway to victory".
- 00:25:47.268 --> 00:25:49.270
- And when your ministry gift is $75 or more,
- 00:25:49.270 --> 00:25:52.474
- We'll also send you the companion study guide
- 00:25:52.474 --> 00:25:55.076
- Along with the complete teaching series on cd and dvd.
- 00:25:55.076 --> 00:25:58.880
- Our attitude determines our destiny.
- 00:25:58.880 --> 00:26:01.783
- Attitudes profoundly impact our life, our death,
- 00:26:01.783 --> 00:26:06.755
- And our eternal destiny.
- 00:26:06.755 --> 00:26:08.690
- Thank you for your generous support
- 00:26:08.690 --> 00:26:10.425
- Of "pathway to victory".
- 00:26:10.425 --> 00:26:11.926
- Your partnership helps us bring
- 00:26:11.926 --> 00:26:13.628
- Practical life-changing biblical truth
- 00:26:13.628 --> 00:26:15.930
- Into homes across the nation and around the world.
- 00:26:15.930 --> 00:26:20.335
- When jesus hung on the cross, he experienced the sting
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- Of eternal death for us all.
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- And when christ returns, death itself will pass away.
- 00:26:27.008 --> 00:26:31.446
- That is the message of easter, from tragedy to triumph.
- 00:26:31.446 --> 00:26:36.718
- Well, at easter, christians around the world
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- Will celebrate the resurrection of jesus christ.
- 00:26:39.054 --> 00:26:42.057
- But what if christ never came back to life?
- 00:26:42.057 --> 00:26:45.060
- And what if his body remained in the tomb?
- 00:26:45.060 --> 00:26:47.929
- Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
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- On "pathway to victory".
- 00:26:50.432 --> 00:26:53.068
- Somebody has well said,
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- "christianity stands or falls on the resurrection
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- Of jesus christ from the dead.
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- Disprove it, and you have disposed
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- Of the christian faith forever."
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- The resurrection isn't just incidental,
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- It is essential to the christian faith.
- 00:27:12.253 --> 00:27:15.623
- Set your dvr and join us next time for the message,
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- If jesus is dead, so what?, here on "pathway to victory".
- 00:27:19.127 --> 00:27:19.127