Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - What Child Is This?

December 25, 2024 | S24:E5204

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

#Faith #Visions/Dreams #Religion #Culture #Christmas #WordofGod #Miracles #Angels #Family #inActive #Dr.RobertJeffress #RobertJeffress #VirginBirth #Shepherds #Colossians1

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - What Child Is This? | December 25, 2024

♪ music ♪
00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.662
[announcer] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
00:00:06.796 --> 00:00:09.199
Of dallas, texas,
00:00:09.199 --> 00:00:10.767
This is pathway to victory with dr. robert jeffress.
00:00:10.767 --> 00:00:14.571
Hi, i'm robert jeffress
00:00:15.071 --> 00:00:16.406
And welcome to this christmas day edition
00:00:16.406 --> 00:00:19.075
Of pathway to victory.
00:00:19.075 --> 00:00:20.910
When you picture jesus christ,
00:00:20.910 --> 00:00:22.545
What image comes to your mind?
00:00:22.545 --> 00:00:24.647
A tiny baby in a feeding trough?
00:00:24.647 --> 00:00:27.217
A grown man teaching the multitudes?
00:00:27.217 --> 00:00:29.486
Or a powerful monarch seated on a throne?
00:00:29.486 --> 00:00:32.622
Today we're looking at a passage in the new testament
00:00:32.622 --> 00:00:35.625
That reveals the true identity
00:00:35.625 --> 00:00:38.094
Of the one whose birth we celebrate today.
00:00:38.094 --> 00:00:41.297
My message is titled, "what child is this?"
00:00:41.297 --> 00:00:44.901
On today's edition of pathway to victory.
00:00:44.901 --> 00:00:48.705
♪ music ♪
00:00:48.705 --> 00:00:53.243
[announcer] the celebration of jesus' birth
00:00:54.144 --> 00:00:55.912
Each christmas marks the moment
00:00:55.912 --> 00:00:57.580
When god's radiant hope entered our world.
00:00:57.580 --> 00:01:00.550
And jesus calls us to share this light with others.
00:01:00.550 --> 00:01:03.119
You can help pierce the darkness
00:01:03.119 --> 00:01:04.821
With the light of god's word
00:01:04.821 --> 00:01:06.322
Through the pathway to victory light the darkness
00:01:06.322 --> 00:01:08.591
Matching challenge.
00:01:08.591 --> 00:01:09.893
Since 1996, pathway to victory has been boldly
00:01:09.893 --> 00:01:13.163
Sharing the gospel of jesus christ,
00:01:13.163 --> 00:01:15.398
And your gift doubled in impact will be used
00:01:15.398 --> 00:01:18.034
To proclaim god's truth here in america,
00:01:18.034 --> 00:01:20.436
And around the world.
00:01:20.436 --> 00:01:22.739
♪ music ♪
00:01:23.072 --> 00:01:28.745
I've got an illustration. it's a great illustration.
00:01:29.812 --> 00:01:32.182
I'm not going to tell you the name of the movie,
00:01:32.182 --> 00:01:34.784
It is a mega hit comedy from about 10 years ago
00:01:34.784 --> 00:01:38.188
That many of you saw.
00:01:38.188 --> 00:01:39.756
You're not going to admit that you saw it, but you did see it.
00:01:39.756 --> 00:01:42.525
A lot of you saw it.
00:01:42.525 --> 00:01:44.093
And in one memorable scene in this movie,
00:01:44.093 --> 00:01:47.430
The family is seated around the dinner table
00:01:47.430 --> 00:01:49.799
And the father is going to lead grace
00:01:49.799 --> 00:01:51.868
For the family before the meal.
00:01:51.868 --> 00:01:54.237
Has everybody bow their head, and he begins,
00:01:54.237 --> 00:01:57.473
"dear baby jesus."
00:01:57.473 --> 00:02:00.276
And he keeps going, "dear baby jesus, tiny baby jesus,
00:02:00.276 --> 00:02:03.546
Baby jesus, baby jesus."
00:02:03.546 --> 00:02:05.181
And the wife interrupts the prayer and she says,
00:02:05.181 --> 00:02:08.151
"honey, you do know that he grew up, don't you?"
00:02:08.151 --> 00:02:11.588
(congregation laughing)
00:02:11.588 --> 00:02:13.122
And the husband says, "yeah, but i like tiny baby jesus.
00:02:13.122 --> 00:02:15.458
I like the tiny baby jesus better than the adult jesus.
00:02:15.458 --> 00:02:18.695
That's the one i want to pray to."
00:02:18.695 --> 00:02:20.230
And then the grandfather interrupts.
00:02:20.230 --> 00:02:21.864
He said, "well, i like the fully grown
00:02:21.864 --> 00:02:23.733
And fully bearded jesus.
00:02:23.733 --> 00:02:25.602
He's the one i like to pray to."
00:02:25.602 --> 00:02:27.370
So they get in a huge knockdown argument
00:02:27.370 --> 00:02:29.906
Around the dinner table
00:02:29.906 --> 00:02:31.307
About which jesus is the right jesus to pray to.
00:02:31.307 --> 00:02:35.878
Now, i have to admit to you,
00:02:35.878 --> 00:02:37.213
When i first saw that i was really offended.
00:02:37.213 --> 00:02:40.083
I thought this is really sacrilegious.
00:02:40.083 --> 00:02:43.453
But the more i've watched that,
00:02:43.453 --> 00:02:45.655
The more i realize it illustrates a great truth.
00:02:45.655 --> 00:02:49.659
There are a lot of people who really believe that jesus
00:02:49.659 --> 00:02:53.630
Is whoever they imagine him to be.
00:02:53.630 --> 00:02:56.332
Oh, while the real jesus though,
00:02:56.966 --> 00:02:59.769
The jesus of the bible
00:02:59.769 --> 00:03:01.904
Came into this world as a tiny baby,
00:03:01.904 --> 00:03:06.075
He was much more than that.
00:03:06.075 --> 00:03:08.611
Who is this child
00:03:09.045 --> 00:03:10.680
That was born in the feeding trough in bethlehem
00:03:10.680 --> 00:03:13.416
2000 years ago?
00:03:13.416 --> 00:03:14.717
Was he just another tiny baby, or was he more?
00:03:14.717 --> 00:03:19.389
Well, the best answer to,
00:03:19.389 --> 00:03:20.990
What child is this that was born in bethlehem,
00:03:20.990 --> 00:03:24.661
Is going to be the focus of our study today.
00:03:24.661 --> 00:03:27.463
And the answer to that question, who was this baby?
00:03:27.463 --> 00:03:30.600
The best answer is found not in luke 2,
00:03:30.600 --> 00:03:34.070
The traditional nativity account,
00:03:34.070 --> 00:03:36.472
But it's found in colossians 1.
00:03:36.472 --> 00:03:39.509
If you have your bibles,
00:03:39.509 --> 00:03:40.610
I want you to turn to colossians 1
00:03:40.610 --> 00:03:43.313
As we discover the real identity
00:03:43.313 --> 00:03:46.015
Of this baby born in bethlehem 2000 years ago.
00:03:46.015 --> 00:03:50.286
Just a little background.
00:03:50.286 --> 00:03:51.721
You remember, paul wrote this letter to the christians
00:03:51.721 --> 00:03:54.490
At the church of colossae.
00:03:54.490 --> 00:03:56.492
This church was being invaded by all kind of false teachers
00:03:56.492 --> 00:04:00.730
Who were distorting the message of jesus christ.
00:04:00.730 --> 00:04:04.200
And there were gnostics, there were legalists,
00:04:04.200 --> 00:04:07.904
There were those who promoted asceticism.
00:04:07.904 --> 00:04:10.740
They had all these heresies
00:04:10.740 --> 00:04:12.942
They were introducing into the church.
00:04:12.942 --> 00:04:15.044
And although each of these heresies was different,
00:04:15.044 --> 00:04:17.780
They all were the same in this respect,
00:04:17.780 --> 00:04:20.216
All these false systems
00:04:20.216 --> 00:04:22.952
Sought to distort who jesus really was.
00:04:22.952 --> 00:04:27.824
Some of these false teachers
00:04:27.824 --> 00:04:29.892
Were distorting the person of jesus.
00:04:29.892 --> 00:04:32.929
Some were saying he was god, but not man.
00:04:32.929 --> 00:04:35.298
Others were saying he was man but not god.
00:04:35.298 --> 00:04:37.467
They were distorting the person of jesus.
00:04:37.467 --> 00:04:39.936
Others of these heresies
00:04:39.936 --> 00:04:42.105
Were distorting the work of jesus christ.
00:04:42.105 --> 00:04:44.841
What is it that he came to do?
00:04:44.841 --> 00:04:47.377
And some said, yes, he came to die on the cross,
00:04:48.344 --> 00:04:51.047
But his death on the cross as important as that is,
00:04:51.047 --> 00:04:54.317
It isn't enough for you.
00:04:54.317 --> 00:04:56.586
You need the death of christ
00:04:56.586 --> 00:04:58.488
And something else in order to be saved.
00:04:58.488 --> 00:05:01.758
You need the death of christ,
00:05:01.758 --> 00:05:03.226
Plus obeying a set of behaviors, a law.
00:05:03.226 --> 00:05:07.830
Or you need christ and,
00:05:07.830 --> 00:05:10.433
Asceticism refusing any kind of pleasure at all.
00:05:10.433 --> 00:05:14.036
Or it's faith in christ and,
00:05:14.036 --> 00:05:16.005
This deeper secret knowledge
00:05:16.005 --> 00:05:18.207
That is just reserved for a few people.
00:05:18.207 --> 00:05:20.810
So paul was combating all of these different heresies,
00:05:20.810 --> 00:05:24.013
And the theme of this letter is simply this,
00:05:24.013 --> 00:05:26.315
Jesus christ is sufficient
00:05:26.315 --> 00:05:29.318
For every need you have.
00:05:29.318 --> 00:05:32.221
He is sufficient to save you.
00:05:32.221 --> 00:05:34.357
He is sufficient to secure you.
00:05:34.357 --> 00:05:36.325
He is sufficient to sustain you
00:05:36.325 --> 00:05:38.361
Through whatever problems you are facing.
00:05:38.361 --> 00:05:41.597
There's some of you here today,
00:05:42.231 --> 00:05:43.599
Some of you watching who need to hear that message
00:05:43.599 --> 00:05:45.802
More than ever right now,
00:05:45.802 --> 00:05:47.870
That jesus christ is really all that you need.
00:05:47.870 --> 00:05:51.808
He really is sufficient for that need you're facing today,
00:05:51.808 --> 00:05:55.011
Whether it's a financial need.
00:05:55.011 --> 00:05:57.814
Some of you right now are facing health concerns.
00:05:58.815 --> 00:06:02.852
Some of you are dealing with a loss of a loved one
00:06:02.852 --> 00:06:05.588
This past year or in years past,
00:06:05.588 --> 00:06:08.324
And it's especially painful at this time.
00:06:08.324 --> 00:06:11.861
Hear are the message,
00:06:11.861 --> 00:06:13.095
Jesus christ is everything that you need.
00:06:13.095 --> 00:06:17.166
You say, how do you know that, pastor?
00:06:17.166 --> 00:06:19.502
Well, paul answers that question
00:06:19.502 --> 00:06:21.537
In these five verses, 15 through 20,
00:06:21.537 --> 00:06:24.941
In which paul says jesus is sufficient,
00:06:24.941 --> 00:06:27.944
And the way you know he is is,
00:06:27.944 --> 00:06:29.679
Because he is central in three specific realms
00:06:29.679 --> 00:06:33.883
Of this universe.
00:06:33.883 --> 00:06:35.318
As you see the centrality of jesus christ
00:06:35.318 --> 00:06:37.987
In these three different arenas,
00:06:37.987 --> 00:06:39.856
You'll become convinced that he's sufficient for you.
00:06:39.856 --> 00:06:43.759
First of all, paul says,
00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:45.027
Jesus christ is the creator of the universe.
00:06:45.027 --> 00:06:48.598
He is central in the creation of the universe.
00:06:48.598 --> 00:06:52.268
You know, a lot of christians believe
00:06:52.268 --> 00:06:54.070
That jesus just came on the scene at bethlehem.
00:06:54.070 --> 00:06:56.973
That was the first time he was created
00:06:56.973 --> 00:06:59.575
At the conception and nine months later
00:06:59.575 --> 00:07:01.577
When he was born in bethlehem.
00:07:01.577 --> 00:07:02.979
No, the bible says jesus christ is eternal
00:07:02.979 --> 00:07:06.582
Just as god is eternal.
00:07:06.582 --> 00:07:09.385
And in these verses, verses 15 through 17,
00:07:09.385 --> 00:07:12.455
Paul shows that by showing the central role
00:07:12.455 --> 00:07:15.658
That jesus had in the creation of the universe.
00:07:15.658 --> 00:07:18.494
First of all, jesus was pre-existent to the creation.
00:07:18.494 --> 00:07:22.331
He actually existed before bethlehem.
00:07:22.331 --> 00:07:24.901
Look at verse 15.
00:07:24.901 --> 00:07:26.335
"for he, jesus is the image of the invisible god."
00:07:26.335 --> 00:07:31.607
Who is jesus? he's the image of the invisible god.
00:07:32.608 --> 00:07:35.478
Not only that, secondly, he was the cause of creation.
00:07:35.478 --> 00:07:38.548
Everything that exists in this vast universe
00:07:38.548 --> 00:07:40.983
Was created by who?
00:07:40.983 --> 00:07:43.286
Not god the father.
00:07:43.286 --> 00:07:44.720
We think of god the father is the creator.
00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:46.989
No, it was that baby born in bethlehem
00:07:46.989 --> 00:07:50.226
Who is the creator of everything that has ever existed.
00:07:50.226 --> 00:07:54.063
Just think about it, that cross on which jesus hung
00:07:54.063 --> 00:07:58.067
Was made of wood from a tree that jesus had created.
00:07:58.067 --> 00:08:02.305
And notice this word, all.
00:08:02.305 --> 00:08:05.141
All things were created by him.
00:08:05.141 --> 00:08:09.211
What's the point of all of this?
00:08:09.211 --> 00:08:11.013
If jesus can create everything that exists in this universe,
00:08:11.013 --> 00:08:14.617
Don't you think he can take care of whatever need you have?
00:08:14.617 --> 00:08:19.555
This is jesus, the creator of all things.
00:08:19.555 --> 00:08:22.425
I want us to explore that word, all, for just a moment.
00:08:22.425 --> 00:08:26.262
Think of the vastness of this great universe.
00:08:26.262 --> 00:08:30.833
You know, our solar system
00:08:30.833 --> 00:08:34.370
Exists in the milky way galaxy.
00:08:35.004 --> 00:08:38.441
We are just one of hundreds of millions of solar systems
00:08:38.441 --> 00:08:43.112
In the milky way galaxy.
00:08:43.112 --> 00:08:45.314
The milky way galaxy has a hundred billion stars in it.
00:08:45.314 --> 00:08:50.653
And the milky way galaxy is but one of a hundred billion,
00:08:51.821 --> 00:08:55.891
At least, galaxies that exist in this universe.
00:08:55.891 --> 00:08:59.528
But let's just think of our one galaxy, the milky way galaxy
00:08:59.528 --> 00:09:04.033
With a hundred billion stars.
00:09:04.033 --> 00:09:06.235
The average distance from star to star
00:09:06.235 --> 00:09:08.971
In the milky way galaxy is 30 trillion miles.
00:09:08.971 --> 00:09:13.542
That is five light years.
00:09:13.542 --> 00:09:15.378
Light travels at 186,000 miles per second in a year,
00:09:15.378 --> 00:09:20.616
One light year.
00:09:20.983 --> 00:09:21.817
We're five light years,
00:09:21.817 --> 00:09:23.185
30 trillion miles away from the average star.
00:09:23.185 --> 00:09:27.390
To give you an idea of how far that is,
00:09:27.390 --> 00:09:29.959
The late norm geisler said,
00:09:29.959 --> 00:09:31.627
"imagine you get hold of one
00:09:31.627 --> 00:09:33.229
Of those decommissioned space shuttles,
00:09:33.229 --> 00:09:36.866
And you were able to reactivate it.
00:09:36.866 --> 00:09:39.235
It travels at 17,000 miles an hour.
00:09:39.235 --> 00:09:42.905
You got on one of those space shuttles on one star,
00:09:42.905 --> 00:09:45.875
You wanted to go to the next one,
00:09:45.875 --> 00:09:47.309
30 trillion miles going at 17,000 miles an hour,
00:09:47.309 --> 00:09:51.514
It would take you 201,000 years
00:09:51.514 --> 00:09:55.584
To travel just to the next star."
00:09:55.584 --> 00:09:57.853
Who created all that?
00:09:57.853 --> 00:10:00.089
Where did it come from?
00:10:00.089 --> 00:10:02.024
It all came from a word
00:10:02.024 --> 00:10:04.827
Spoken by that baby in bethlehem, jesus christ.
00:10:04.827 --> 00:10:09.331
He is the creator of all things.
00:10:09.331 --> 00:10:12.368
And not only that, the bible says,
00:10:12.368 --> 00:10:14.403
He is the heir of creation.
00:10:14.403 --> 00:10:17.306
Look at verse 16 again,
00:10:17.306 --> 00:10:18.874
"all things have been created through him and for him."
00:10:18.874 --> 00:10:24.213
And not only that, if that were not enough,
00:10:25.147 --> 00:10:27.049
Not only did he create it, he sustains the creation.
00:10:27.049 --> 00:10:31.087
Look at verse 17,
00:10:31.087 --> 00:10:32.621
"he is before all things,
00:10:32.621 --> 00:10:35.491
And in him, in jesus, all things hold together."
00:10:35.491 --> 00:10:41.630
And here's the point,
00:10:42.131 --> 00:10:43.599
If jesus christ is powerful enough
00:10:43.599 --> 00:10:46.602
To uphold everything in this universe,
00:10:46.602 --> 00:10:49.438
Don't you think he's powerful enough
00:10:49.438 --> 00:10:51.440
To uphold every detail of your life,
00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:54.844
To hold your life together?
00:10:54.844 --> 00:10:57.046
There is nothing without purpose
00:10:57.046 --> 00:10:59.215
That comes into the life of a child of god.
00:10:59.215 --> 00:11:01.984
There are no random people.
00:11:01.984 --> 00:11:03.552
There are no random circumstances.
00:11:03.552 --> 00:11:05.521
There is nothing that is out of control in your life.
00:11:05.521 --> 00:11:08.057
No matter how it seems, jesus christ is sustaining you.
00:11:08.057 --> 00:11:12.495
He's upholding you by the word of his power.
00:11:12.495 --> 00:11:16.065
That's how we know jesus is sufficient.
00:11:16.065 --> 00:11:20.236
Jesus christ is the creator of the universe.
00:11:20.236 --> 00:11:23.906
His sufficiency is also seen in the fact
00:11:23.906 --> 00:11:26.108
That he is the generator of eternal life.
00:11:26.108 --> 00:11:29.712
Look at this in verse 18,
00:11:29.712 --> 00:11:31.180
"he, jesus, is also head of the body, the church."
00:11:31.180 --> 00:11:36.418
The most common image of christians in the new testament
00:11:37.520 --> 00:11:41.090
Is the body of christ.
00:11:41.090 --> 00:11:43.225
Jesus is the head,
00:11:43.225 --> 00:11:44.727
And we are joined together to him spiritually,
00:11:44.727 --> 00:11:47.229
We are joined together with one another spiritually as well.
00:11:47.229 --> 00:11:50.833
He's the head, we are the body.
00:11:50.833 --> 00:11:53.335
Now that word head can mean in greek,
00:11:53.335 --> 00:11:55.571
It can mean he is the authority over the body.
00:11:55.571 --> 00:11:58.974
No doubt about that.
00:11:58.974 --> 00:12:00.276
Jesus is in charge of every one of our lives.
00:12:00.276 --> 00:12:03.245
He's in charge of this local church
00:12:03.245 --> 00:12:05.214
And the universal church.
00:12:05.214 --> 00:12:06.916
It can mean the authority.
00:12:06.916 --> 00:12:08.717
But the word head in greek can also mean
00:12:08.717 --> 00:12:11.287
The source of power.
00:12:11.287 --> 00:12:13.389
The power comes from the head.
00:12:13.389 --> 00:12:15.691
And i think that's what he has in mind here.
00:12:15.691 --> 00:12:18.260
Jesus christ is the head, the power source,
00:12:19.161 --> 00:12:22.331
The generator for all christians.
00:12:22.331 --> 00:12:25.334
The power flows through him into us.
00:12:25.334 --> 00:12:29.071
What kind of power, pastor, are you talking about?
00:12:29.071 --> 00:12:31.807
Certainly the power to overcome
00:12:31.807 --> 00:12:34.210
The power of sin in our life.
00:12:34.210 --> 00:12:35.978
We have that power.
00:12:35.978 --> 00:12:37.847
We have the power to sustain us through life's crises.
00:12:37.847 --> 00:12:41.483
But the primary power that comes from jesus christ
00:12:41.483 --> 00:12:44.753
Is the power of eternal life.
00:12:44.753 --> 00:12:47.122
How do i know that?
00:12:47.122 --> 00:12:48.057
Look at the second phrase,
00:12:48.057 --> 00:12:49.191
"he is the firstborn from the dead."
00:12:49.191 --> 00:12:54.096
And there's that word again, prmtotokos,
00:12:54.096 --> 00:12:56.699
The firstborn of the dead.
00:12:56.699 --> 00:12:59.368
He is the prototype of the dead.
00:12:59.368 --> 00:13:02.271
Now, does that mean jesus christ
00:13:02.271 --> 00:13:03.873
Was the first person ever raised from the dead?
00:13:03.873 --> 00:13:06.442
No, there were people raised from the dead before jesus.
00:13:06.442 --> 00:13:10.045
In the old testament, elijah and elisha and other prophets
00:13:10.045 --> 00:13:13.148
Had the ability to raise people from the dead
00:13:13.148 --> 00:13:16.318
As a sign of power.
00:13:16.318 --> 00:13:17.720
Jesus raised lazarus from the dead.
00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:20.956
There other resurrections before jesus christ,
00:13:20.956 --> 00:13:25.194
But here's the key difference.
00:13:25.194 --> 00:13:26.929
Everybody who got raised from the dead died again.
00:13:26.929 --> 00:13:31.867
They still had their old body with 'em.
00:13:32.701 --> 00:13:34.737
But jesus christ is the prototype.
00:13:35.504 --> 00:13:38.107
He is the leader,
00:13:38.107 --> 00:13:39.475
The first of a whole kind of new resurrection,
00:13:39.475 --> 00:13:42.811
And a new body that will never die.
00:13:42.811 --> 00:13:45.748
I remember a few years ago
00:13:46.315 --> 00:13:47.616
When the boeing aircraft company in washington
00:13:47.616 --> 00:13:50.319
Or in seattle, washington
00:13:50.319 --> 00:13:52.154
Decided that they were going to develop
00:13:52.154 --> 00:13:54.290
The most sophisticated jumbo jet liner ever developed,
00:13:54.290 --> 00:13:58.060
The 787 dreamliner.
00:13:58.060 --> 00:14:01.196
They poured $32 billion
00:14:01.196 --> 00:14:04.199
Into the development of that jet airplane.
00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:07.503
And once they had all the research done, what did they do?
00:14:07.503 --> 00:14:10.039
They built the prmtotokos, the prototype of that airplane.
00:14:10.039 --> 00:14:14.343
Now, if they had spent $32 billion to build one airplane,
00:14:14.343 --> 00:14:18.414
That would've been a bad business decision.
00:14:18.414 --> 00:14:21.417
There's no airplane that's worth $32 billion.
00:14:21.417 --> 00:14:24.853
But that first airplane wasn't the last one,
00:14:25.754 --> 00:14:28.223
It was the first of thousands of others
00:14:28.223 --> 00:14:31.126
That would be built and modeled just after the prmtotokos,
00:14:31.126 --> 00:14:35.397
The prototype.
00:14:35.397 --> 00:14:37.099
That's who jesus christ is.
00:14:37.099 --> 00:14:39.168
He is just the first
00:14:39.168 --> 00:14:41.503
In a long line of millions of christians
00:14:41.503 --> 00:14:44.807
Who will inherit the same kind of body
00:14:44.807 --> 00:14:47.242
That jesus inherited and was given.
00:14:47.242 --> 00:14:50.346
And paul said in 1 corinthians 15, "as in adam all die.
00:14:50.346 --> 00:14:53.682
So in christ all shall be made alive."
00:14:53.682 --> 00:14:58.420
The bible says he is the generator of eternal life
00:14:58.420 --> 00:15:02.057
For everyone who trusts in him.
00:15:02.057 --> 00:15:04.893
Isn't that great news?
00:15:04.893 --> 00:15:06.495
One day we're going to receive that brand new body from jesus
00:15:06.495 --> 00:15:09.865
That is free from pain and suffering, and sin and heartache.
00:15:09.865 --> 00:15:14.103
The same kind of body jesus has
00:15:14.103 --> 00:15:17.172
Is the same kind of body you and i will have forever.
00:15:17.172 --> 00:15:20.175
There are some of you who are grieving
00:15:20.175 --> 00:15:22.745
Over the loss of somebody that has left you,
00:15:22.745 --> 00:15:26.181
Perhaps this year or maybe years ago.
00:15:26.181 --> 00:15:28.951
And you wonder where they are.
00:15:28.951 --> 00:15:30.486
You wonder if you're ever going to know them or see them again.
00:15:30.486 --> 00:15:33.822
What are they doing right now?
00:15:33.822 --> 00:15:35.591
What is their existence like?
00:15:35.591 --> 00:15:37.993
All you have to do is look at jesus,
00:15:37.993 --> 00:15:40.195
And the body god gave him to know what your body
00:15:40.195 --> 00:15:43.766
Is going to be like and the body of your loved one.
00:15:43.766 --> 00:15:45.801
Jesus in his new resurrection body.
00:15:45.801 --> 00:15:48.270
He knew other people. he knew his disciples.
00:15:48.270 --> 00:15:50.973
The relationship he had with them in his old body
00:15:50.973 --> 00:15:53.409
Just continued in the new body.
00:15:53.409 --> 00:15:55.377
They fellowshiped together.
00:15:55.377 --> 00:15:56.912
Our relationships don't end on earth,
00:15:56.912 --> 00:15:59.214
They don't end at the graveyard.
00:15:59.214 --> 00:16:01.417
The bible says those family members,
00:16:01.417 --> 00:16:03.519
Those friends you have,
00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.853
If they know christ as savior,
00:16:04.853 --> 00:16:06.455
You'll be with them in heaven forever and ever and ever.
00:16:06.455 --> 00:16:10.125
You say, pastor, how can you say that with such certainty?
00:16:10.125 --> 00:16:13.829
Listen to what john the apostle said in 1 john 3:2,
00:16:13.829 --> 00:16:17.933
"beloved, now we are children of god
00:16:17.933 --> 00:16:20.702
And it's not appeared as yet as to what we shall be,
00:16:20.702 --> 00:16:23.939
But we know when he appears
00:16:23.939 --> 00:16:26.608
We shall be like him."
00:16:26.608 --> 00:16:30.312
Now, here's the point again of what paul is saying to us.
00:16:30.312 --> 00:16:33.182
If jesus christ has the power
00:16:33.182 --> 00:16:36.485
To deliver you out of the grave
00:16:36.485 --> 00:16:38.587
And give you a brand new body,
00:16:38.587 --> 00:16:40.823
Don't you think that same jesus is powerful enough
00:16:40.823 --> 00:16:44.293
To deliver you through the problem
00:16:44.293 --> 00:16:45.727
You're going through right now?
00:16:45.727 --> 00:16:47.329
It's small potatoes compared to what he's getting ready
00:16:47.329 --> 00:16:50.632
To do for you one day at your death.
00:16:50.632 --> 00:16:53.535
Jesus christ is sufficient.
00:16:53.535 --> 00:16:56.004
He is the creator of the universe.
00:16:56.004 --> 00:16:58.173
He is the generator of eternal life.
00:16:58.173 --> 00:17:00.976
And third, and most importantly,
00:17:00.976 --> 00:17:02.978
Jesus christ is our reconciler to god.
00:17:02.978 --> 00:17:07.316
He is our reconciler to god.
00:17:07.316 --> 00:17:09.218
Look at verse 19, "for it was the father's good pleasure
00:17:09.218 --> 00:17:12.921
For all the fullness to dwell in him."
00:17:12.921 --> 00:17:16.191
All of god dwelt in jesus,
00:17:16.191 --> 00:17:18.327
Not just a little bit of god or 50% of god,
00:17:18.327 --> 00:17:21.096
All of god was poured into his son, jesus christ.
00:17:21.096 --> 00:17:24.566
Why? verse 20.
00:17:24.566 --> 00:17:26.568
"and through him, jesus, to reconcile all things to himself,
00:17:26.568 --> 00:17:31.874
Having made peace through the blood of his cross
00:17:32.841 --> 00:17:34.877
Through him.
00:17:34.877 --> 00:17:36.245
I say, whether things on earth o things in heaven."
00:17:36.245 --> 00:17:39.515
The reason all of god dwelt in jesus
00:17:39.515 --> 00:17:42.017
Is so that jesus could fulfill his primary mission on earth,
00:17:42.017 --> 00:17:45.787
And that is to reconcile us to god,
00:17:45.787 --> 00:17:49.057
Making peace for us with god.
00:17:49.057 --> 00:17:51.293
Now listen to me very carefully,
00:17:51.293 --> 00:17:53.996
Every problem you face right now,
00:17:53.996 --> 00:17:57.699
Whether it's a financial problem, a health problem,
00:17:57.699 --> 00:18:00.636
A relationship problem,
00:18:00.636 --> 00:18:02.371
Whether it's a problem with illness or emotional distress,
00:18:02.371 --> 00:18:06.208
Every problem we experience every hour of the day
00:18:06.208 --> 00:18:10.012
Is the result of a world that is not at peace with god.
00:18:11.146 --> 00:18:15.551
Every problem we face
00:18:16.051 --> 00:18:18.187
Is living in the aftermath of a world
00:18:18.187 --> 00:18:21.557
That has been separated from god.
00:18:21.557 --> 00:18:24.960
What we need is reconciliation with god.
00:18:25.761 --> 00:18:29.231
That word reconcile means to move from hostility to harmony.
00:18:29.231 --> 00:18:34.269
You see, the bible says, we have all strayed from god.
00:18:35.370 --> 00:18:39.508
We have all strayed from god.
00:18:40.142 --> 00:18:42.778
You see that all the time in relationships.
00:18:42.778 --> 00:18:44.813
A husband and wife have an bitter argument,
00:18:44.813 --> 00:18:47.516
And they separate from one another.
00:18:47.516 --> 00:18:50.152
Two friends have a disagreement
00:18:50.152 --> 00:18:52.754
And they decide to end the friendship and separate.
00:18:52.754 --> 00:18:54.523
A child decides he or she no longer wants to live
00:18:54.523 --> 00:18:59.294
Under the authority of a parent
00:18:59.294 --> 00:19:00.562
And they separate from their parent.
00:19:00.562 --> 00:19:03.365
But then there comes a reconciliation,
00:19:04.199 --> 00:19:07.569
And they agree to come back together.
00:19:07.569 --> 00:19:10.472
The bible says, in our relationship with god,
00:19:10.472 --> 00:19:13.275
God's not the one who left us.
00:19:13.275 --> 00:19:15.544
We separated from god.
00:19:15.544 --> 00:19:17.279
All we like sheep have gone astray.
00:19:17.279 --> 00:19:19.414
We've turned everyone into our own way.
00:19:19.414 --> 00:19:23.085
But god, in spite of our sin,
00:19:23.085 --> 00:19:26.221
God made the first move in reconciling us to himself.
00:19:26.221 --> 00:19:30.792
The bible said god demonstrated his love for us
00:19:30.792 --> 00:19:33.428
In that while we were yet sinners,
00:19:33.428 --> 00:19:35.330
He sent christ to die for us.
00:19:35.330 --> 00:19:38.533
God made the first move
00:19:38.533 --> 00:19:41.003
In reconciling us and the world of god
00:19:41.003 --> 00:19:43.438
By sending christ the perfect son of god,
00:19:43.438 --> 00:19:46.441
To die for our sins,
00:19:46.441 --> 00:19:48.043
To take the punishment that we deserve to take on the cross.
00:19:48.043 --> 00:19:52.147
And although god has made the first move,
00:19:52.147 --> 00:19:54.516
We have to decide whether we want to be reconciled to god
00:19:54.516 --> 00:19:58.020
Or live separated from god in this life and all eternity.
00:19:58.020 --> 00:20:02.491
How did god reconcile us to himself?
00:20:02.491 --> 00:20:05.060
Look at this verse 20,
00:20:05.060 --> 00:20:06.695
"through the blood of his cross."
00:20:06.695 --> 00:20:10.932
Hear me, ladies and gentlemen,
00:20:10.932 --> 00:20:12.601
There's only one way for you and me to be reconciled to god
00:20:12.601 --> 00:20:16.238
And that's to be forgiven of our sins.
00:20:16.238 --> 00:20:18.206
We can't forgive ourselves.
00:20:18.206 --> 00:20:19.908
It is christ whose blood forgives us,
00:20:19.908 --> 00:20:23.979
Cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
00:20:23.979 --> 00:20:27.282
Hear me this morning.
00:20:27.282 --> 00:20:28.850
The blood of jesus christ wasn't designed to protect you
00:20:28.850 --> 00:20:31.119
From illness, from problems, from physical death,
00:20:31.119 --> 00:20:33.822
But it was designed and it is totally sufficient,
00:20:33.822 --> 00:20:37.826
To protect you from the greatest problem you and i have,
00:20:37.826 --> 00:20:40.762
And that's separation from god.
00:20:40.762 --> 00:20:43.565
If we trust in the blood of christ
00:20:43.565 --> 00:20:45.600
For the forgiveness of our sins,
00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:47.336
We won't escape physical death,
00:20:47.336 --> 00:20:49.404
But we are guaranteed to escape spiritual death.
00:20:49.404 --> 00:20:53.508
Separation from god.
00:20:53.508 --> 00:20:55.243
And the blood of christ is the only thing sufficient
00:20:55.243 --> 00:20:59.448
To reconcile you to your heavenly father,
00:20:59.448 --> 00:21:03.218
And ensure eternal life for you
00:21:03.218 --> 00:21:05.921
And for those who trust in christ as well.
00:21:05.921 --> 00:21:08.724
That's why peter said in 1 peter 3:18,
00:21:08.724 --> 00:21:11.393
"for christ also died for sins, once for all,
00:21:11.393 --> 00:21:15.263
The just for the unjust,
00:21:15.263 --> 00:21:17.032
So that he might bring us to god,
00:21:17.032 --> 00:21:19.267
Having put to death in the flesh,
00:21:19.267 --> 00:21:21.536
But being made alive again in the spirit."
00:21:21.536 --> 00:21:25.107
Jesus christ is sufficient.
00:21:25.107 --> 00:21:27.909
He is central in being our reconciler to god.
00:21:27.909 --> 00:21:32.247
How do i know jesus is sufficient
00:21:32.247 --> 00:21:34.716
For everything that i'm facing today?
00:21:34.716 --> 00:21:37.419
Think of it.
00:21:37.419 --> 00:21:38.520
He's the creator of the universe.
00:21:38.520 --> 00:21:40.522
He's the generator of eternal life.
00:21:40.522 --> 00:21:43.392
And he is our reconciler to god.
00:21:43.392 --> 00:21:46.428
Jesus is sufficient.
00:21:46.428 --> 00:21:49.931
You know, i saw a great illustration
00:21:50.732 --> 00:21:53.935
Of the centrality of jesus christ in this universe.
00:21:53.935 --> 00:21:58.273
A number of years ago, when i was watching the tonight show.
00:21:59.474 --> 00:22:03.245
This was long before jimmy fallon or even jay leno.
00:22:03.245 --> 00:22:07.916
It was back in the johnny carson days of the tonight show.
00:22:07.916 --> 00:22:12.087
Now i remember one night he had a guest host,
00:22:12.087 --> 00:22:14.790
As he often did.
00:22:14.790 --> 00:22:16.224
It was that caustic comedian joan rivers.
00:22:16.224 --> 00:22:19.060
Remember joan rivers?
00:22:19.060 --> 00:22:21.496
And she was interviewing
00:22:21.496 --> 00:22:23.732
That celebrity interviewer, barbara walters.
00:22:23.732 --> 00:22:27.369
They're having a discussion,
00:22:27.969 --> 00:22:29.171
And joan rivers asked barbara walters,
00:22:29.171 --> 00:22:30.872
"if you could interview any person in the world,
00:22:30.872 --> 00:22:34.276
Whom would you interview?"
00:22:34.276 --> 00:22:36.411
And barbara walters said, "oh, that's easy, jesus christ."
00:22:36.411 --> 00:22:41.683
Joan river said, "well, what would you ask him?"
00:22:42.617 --> 00:22:45.220
Barbara walters said, "i would have to think about that.
00:22:45.220 --> 00:22:47.522
But joan, if you were going to interview him,
00:22:47.522 --> 00:22:50.192
What would you ask him?"
00:22:50.192 --> 00:22:51.860
And in a rare moment of seriousness, joan rivers said,
00:22:52.928 --> 00:22:57.132
"i would ask him if i'm going to heaven when i die."
00:22:57.132 --> 00:23:02.904
Two jewish women on national television
00:23:03.772 --> 00:23:07.676
Having a discussion, and the central issue was jesus christ.
00:23:07.676 --> 00:23:14.516
That baby born in bethlehem 2000 years ago,
00:23:15.450 --> 00:23:20.288
Is the central issue in this vast universe he created.
00:23:20.288 --> 00:23:25.927
And what you do with jesus christ
00:23:26.661 --> 00:23:30.031
Is the central issue in your life,
00:23:30.031 --> 00:23:32.901
And for all of your eternity.
00:23:33.535 --> 00:23:40.208
As you've been watching today's program,
00:23:41.042 --> 00:23:43.678
Have you been thinking about a particular problem
00:23:43.678 --> 00:23:46.047
You're facing right now?
00:23:46.047 --> 00:23:48.049
Friends, you can be assured of this,
00:23:48.049 --> 00:23:50.552
Jesus is sufficient to meet your needs.
00:23:50.552 --> 00:23:54.956
Well, if you've been meaning to reach out
00:23:54.956 --> 00:23:56.925
To pathway to victory, it's still not too late
00:23:56.925 --> 00:23:59.628
To participate in the light the darkness matching challenge.
00:23:59.628 --> 00:24:03.565
But the deadline is december 31st at midnight,
00:24:03.565 --> 00:24:07.035
And time is running out.
00:24:07.035 --> 00:24:09.170
For just a few more days,
00:24:09.170 --> 00:24:10.505
Your generous year-end gift
00:24:10.505 --> 00:24:12.440
Will be matched and therefore doubled in impact.
00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:15.777
Jesus said, you are the light of the world.
00:24:15.777 --> 00:24:19.347
Let your light shine before men.
00:24:19.347 --> 00:24:22.183
And every dollar we raise will be used
00:24:22.183 --> 00:24:24.519
To shine the light of god's word
00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:26.655
Through television, radio, digital streaming,
00:24:26.655 --> 00:24:29.758
And print media,
00:24:29.758 --> 00:24:31.126
Allowing us to reach more people than ever before.
00:24:31.126 --> 00:24:34.796
Please don't miss out on this opportunity
00:24:34.796 --> 00:24:37.699
To double the impact of your generous gift.
00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:40.902
I look forward to hearing from you today.
00:24:40.902 --> 00:24:43.772
Now stay right there,
00:24:43.772 --> 00:24:45.340
I'll be back with more pathway to victory in just a moment.
00:24:45.340 --> 00:24:49.377
[announcer] the one thing god wants
00:24:50.145 --> 00:24:51.646
More than anything else in this world is time with you.
00:24:51.646 --> 00:24:55.383
Make god your priority
00:24:55.383 --> 00:24:56.751
By spending quality time in his word
00:24:56.751 --> 00:24:58.887
With a brand new 2025 pathway to victory daily devotional.
00:24:58.887 --> 00:25:02.924
This year's devotional
00:25:02.924 --> 00:25:04.159
Has a beautiful navy blue leather cover
00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:05.961
With inlaid brown and gold foil accents.
00:25:05.961 --> 00:25:08.363
And now with larger print,
00:25:08.363 --> 00:25:09.764
The 260 practical insights
00:25:09.764 --> 00:25:11.800
From dr. robert jeffress are easier to read.
00:25:11.800 --> 00:25:14.502
This stunning 532 page devotional
00:25:14.502 --> 00:25:17.138
Makes an ideal christmas gift for loved ones
00:25:17.138 --> 00:25:19.341
Who want to grow in their faith too.
00:25:19.341 --> 00:25:21.376
Of all the ways god could have revealed himself to us,
00:25:21.376 --> 00:25:24.813
He chose to do it through the written word.
00:25:24.813 --> 00:25:27.816
And that's why it's so important for you and for me
00:25:27.816 --> 00:25:30.118
To set aside regular time to read the word of god.
00:25:30.118 --> 00:25:34.689
[announcer] every season carries an uplifting theme.
00:25:34.689 --> 00:25:37.258
Begin the new year by exploring god's will for your life.
00:25:37.258 --> 00:25:41.429
In spring and summer,
00:25:41.930 --> 00:25:43.431
Grow stronger in christ with insights from colossians.
00:25:43.431 --> 00:25:46.001
And in the fall and winter,
00:25:46.001 --> 00:25:47.602
Embrace the father who loves you with inspirational readings
00:25:47.602 --> 00:25:51.039
Based on the parable of the prodigal son.
00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:53.575
When the day-to-day problems of life feel overwhelming,
00:25:54.676 --> 00:25:57.145
Take a moment to anchor yourself
00:25:57.145 --> 00:25:58.847
In the calming truth of god's word
00:25:58.847 --> 00:26:00.682
With a brand new 2025 pathway to victory daily devotional.
00:26:00.682 --> 00:26:05.253
Your gift of support not only provides you
00:26:05.253 --> 00:26:07.422
With this life giving resource,
00:26:07.422 --> 00:26:09.224
It empowers us to spread the hope-filled message
00:26:09.224 --> 00:26:11.993
Of jesus christ as well.
00:26:11.993 --> 00:26:13.928
Thank you for supporting the ministry of pathway to victory.
00:26:13.928 --> 00:26:20.101
Jesus is the creator of the universe.
00:26:20.869 --> 00:26:23.705
He is the generator of eternal life,
00:26:23.705 --> 00:26:26.941
And he is our reconciler to god.
00:26:26.941 --> 00:26:29.911
This is the baby,
00:26:29.911 --> 00:26:31.279
The savior whose birth we celebrate at christmas.
00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:35.383
Well, at some point,
00:26:35.383 --> 00:26:36.785
Nearly every christian goes through a season
00:26:36.785 --> 00:26:39.421
When they question god's existence or his goodness,
00:26:39.421 --> 00:26:43.158
And many are to ashamed to admit it.
00:26:43.158 --> 00:26:45.527
So how do we handle those inevitable moments of uncertainty?
00:26:45.527 --> 00:26:49.798
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
00:26:49.798 --> 00:26:52.567
On pathway to victory.
00:26:52.567 --> 00:26:54.936
All of us at some point in our life,
00:26:55.737 --> 00:26:58.506
Will question either the love,
00:26:58.506 --> 00:27:01.276
The wisdom, or even the existence of god.
00:27:01.276 --> 00:27:05.346
If that's true of you,
00:27:05.847 --> 00:27:07.982
You're in good company.
00:27:07.982 --> 00:27:09.884
It may surprise you to know
00:27:09.884 --> 00:27:11.286
That some of the greatest men and women in history
00:27:11.286 --> 00:27:13.955
Who have been used by god have all had times of great doubt.
00:27:13.955 --> 00:27:18.026
[announcer] set your dvr and join us next time
00:27:18.026 --> 00:27:20.261
For the message "for those who doubt,"
00:27:20.261 --> 00:27:22.731
Here on pathway to victory.
00:27:22.731 --> 00:27:22.731

Robert Jeffress - What Child Is This?

December 25, 2024 | S24:E5204

Closed captions

Share