1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Dr. Robert Jeffress
  4. Episodes
  5. Robert Jeffress - Up With Worship (Part 2)
Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - Up With Worship (Part 2)

May 8, 2025 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - Up With Worship (Part 2)
Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#BodyofChrist #Church #Relationships #Honor #Dedication/Devotion #SeekGod #Praise #Religion #Focus #SpiritualGrowth #Encouragement #Dr.RobertJeffress #RobertJeffress #Praise&Worship #GlorifyGod #Worship #Community #Orchestra

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Up With Worship (Part 2) | May 8, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:00.457
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:00.924 --> 00:00:06.729
  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
  • 00:00:06.830 --> 00:00:08.998
  • Dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory" with
  • 00:00:09.099 --> 00:00:09.933
  • Dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:12.102 --> 00:00:13.536
  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress, and welcome
  • 00:00:14.771 --> 00:00:16.773
  • Again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.773 --> 00:00:18.875
  • Churches around the world gather weekly to worship god through
  • 00:00:18.875 --> 00:00:22.412
  • Songs and prayers and messages from his word, but what exactly
  • 00:00:22.412 --> 00:00:26.883
  • Happens in these moments when we direct our attention to
  • 00:00:26.883 --> 00:00:30.286
  • Our creator?
  • 00:00:30.286 --> 00:00:31.654
  • And why does god desire our worship in the first place?
  • 00:00:31.654 --> 00:00:35.592
  • Today, i want to show you that true worship does far more than
  • 00:00:35.592 --> 00:00:38.828
  • Just honor god, it actually transforms your perspective on
  • 00:00:38.828 --> 00:00:43.633
  • Everything else in life.
  • 00:00:43.633 --> 00:00:45.268
  • My message is titled "up with worship!"
  • 00:00:45.268 --> 00:00:48.371
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:48.371 --> 00:00:54.110
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:54.110 --> 00:01:00.016
  • ♪ when peace like a river ♪
  • 00:01:00.016 --> 00:01:06.222
  • ♪ attendeth my way. ♪
  • 00:01:06.222 --> 00:01:15.598
  • ♪ when sorrows like sea billows ♪
  • 00:01:15.598 --> 00:01:22.338
  • ♪ roll. ♪
  • 00:01:22.338 --> 00:01:27.777
  • ♪ whatever my lot ♪
  • 00:01:27.777 --> 00:01:33.516
  • ♪ thou hast taught me to say. ♪
  • 00:01:33.516 --> 00:01:39.756
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:01:39.756 --> 00:01:42.725
  • ♪ it is well ♪
  • 00:01:42.725 --> 00:01:46.029
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:01:46.029 --> 00:01:51.834
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:01:52.902 --> 00:01:56.072
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:01:56.139 --> 00:01:59.309
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:01:59.309 --> 00:02:02.278
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:02:02.345 --> 00:02:05.782
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:02:05.782 --> 00:02:08.651
  • ♪ it is well with my soul. ♪
  • 00:02:08.651 --> 00:02:18.628
  • ♪ and lord haste the day. ♪
  • 00:02:18.695 --> 00:02:24.000
  • ♪ when my faith shall be sight. ♪
  • 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:30.573
  • ♪ the clouds be rolled back ♪
  • 00:02:30.573 --> 00:02:35.945
  • ♪ as a scroll. ♪
  • 00:02:35.945 --> 00:02:43.019
  • ♪ the trump shall resound. ♪
  • 00:02:43.019 --> 00:02:47.957
  • ♪ and the lord shall descend. ♪
  • 00:02:47.957 --> 00:02:54.097
  • ♪ even so, it is well ♪
  • 00:02:54.097 --> 00:03:00.436
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:03:00.436 --> 00:03:09.746
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:03:09.746 --> 00:03:12.715
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:03:12.782 --> 00:03:15.852
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:03:15.852 --> 00:03:19.188
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:03:19.255 --> 00:03:24.394
  • ♪ it is well. ♪
  • 00:03:25.695 --> 00:03:31.200
  • ♪ it is well ♪
  • 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:35.171
  • ♪ with my soul. ♪
  • 00:03:35.171 --> 00:03:43.112
  • ♪ amen. ♪♪
  • 00:03:43.112 --> 00:03:52.221
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:03:52.221 --> 00:03:58.127
  • Announcer: god never intended for the holy spirit to be a
  • 00:03:59.429 --> 00:04:02.131
  • Mystery to believers.
  • 00:04:02.131 --> 00:04:04.033
  • In fact, if you're a follower of jesus, then god's spirit is
  • 00:04:04.033 --> 00:04:07.704
  • Dwelling inside of you, and he's waiting to unleash his
  • 00:04:07.704 --> 00:04:10.973
  • Supernatural power in your life.
  • 00:04:10.973 --> 00:04:13.343
  • In his bestselling book, "i want more!," dr. robert jeffress
  • 00:04:13.343 --> 00:04:16.779
  • Teaches what it means to be filled with the power of the
  • 00:04:16.779 --> 00:04:19.615
  • Holy spirit.
  • 00:04:19.615 --> 00:04:21.150
  • Looking to satisfy your spiritual cravings?
  • 00:04:21.150 --> 00:04:23.786
  • Requests the book, "i want more!," when you give a generous
  • 00:04:23.786 --> 00:04:26.389
  • Gift to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:04:26.389 --> 00:04:29.992
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:04:29.992 --> 00:04:34.097
  • Jeffress: it's always been god's will, for all believers to come
  • 00:04:34.097 --> 00:04:37.734
  • Together in a central place to worship.
  • 00:04:37.734 --> 00:04:41.137
  • You see that in the old testament, before the tabernacle
  • 00:04:41.137 --> 00:04:44.741
  • And later the temple, god established worship centers in
  • 00:04:44.741 --> 00:04:48.978
  • Bethel, and shechem, and shiloh for the people to come together,
  • 00:04:48.978 --> 00:04:52.782
  • Congregate together to worship.
  • 00:04:52.782 --> 00:04:54.517
  • Later, he ordered the construction of the tabernacle,
  • 00:04:54.517 --> 00:04:57.019
  • A central worship place.
  • 00:04:57.019 --> 00:04:58.721
  • Later the temple, and when we come to acts 2 here, even though
  • 00:04:58.721 --> 00:05:01.991
  • The holy spirit has come, the new testament is in effect, the
  • 00:05:01.991 --> 00:05:06.496
  • Apostles are still going to the temple to worship god.
  • 00:05:06.496 --> 00:05:09.999
  • And the pattern continues today.
  • 00:05:09.999 --> 00:05:11.934
  • In hebrews 10, verse 25, the writer said, "do not forsake
  • 00:05:11.934 --> 00:05:17.240
  • The" what?
  • 00:05:17.240 --> 00:05:18.608
  • "the assembling together of yourselves."
  • 00:05:18.608 --> 00:05:21.711
  • Remember psalm 34, verse 3, "o magnify the lord with me, let us
  • 00:05:21.711 --> 00:05:27.717
  • Exalt his name" how?
  • 00:05:27.717 --> 00:05:30.787
  • "together," together, worship can be done individually, but it
  • 00:05:30.787 --> 00:05:35.958
  • Is also something that is to be done together.
  • 00:05:35.958 --> 00:05:40.163
  • By the way, not only does that benefit god, it benefits us as
  • 00:05:40.163 --> 00:05:44.767
  • Well when we come together.
  • 00:05:44.767 --> 00:05:47.170
  • Pastor leith anderson expresses our need for corporate worship
  • 00:05:47.170 --> 00:05:50.173
  • This way.
  • 00:05:50.173 --> 00:05:51.507
  • He said, "it is easy in this life to lose hope, to become
  • 00:05:51.507 --> 00:05:54.410
  • Pessimistic, to convince ourselves of defeat.
  • 00:05:54.410 --> 00:05:57.914
  • But as christians, we must open our eyes to see the view from
  • 00:05:57.914 --> 00:06:01.083
  • Where jesus sits.
  • 00:06:01.083 --> 00:06:02.819
  • When i'm discouraged and my hope runs thin, i remember that i'm a
  • 00:06:02.819 --> 00:06:07.924
  • Part of something much bigger than i am."
  • 00:06:07.924 --> 00:06:11.761
  • Coming together every sunday as a church is a way of reminding
  • 00:06:11.761 --> 00:06:15.898
  • Ourselves that we're a part of something much bigger than
  • 00:06:15.898 --> 00:06:18.968
  • We are.
  • 00:06:18.968 --> 00:06:20.303
  • There's encouragement, there is power in that.
  • 00:06:20.303 --> 00:06:23.239
  • Genuine worship is corporate as well as individual.
  • 00:06:23.239 --> 00:06:28.277
  • A third characteristic of genuine worship, write it down,
  • 00:06:28.277 --> 00:06:31.214
  • "genuine worship is active, not passive."
  • 00:06:31.214 --> 00:06:35.418
  • It's active, not passive.
  • 00:06:35.418 --> 00:06:38.221
  • A few years ago, william hendricks wrote a book entitled
  • 00:06:38.221 --> 00:06:41.224
  • "exit interviews."
  • 00:06:41.224 --> 00:06:43.159
  • He tried to figure out why people were leaving the church
  • 00:06:43.159 --> 00:06:46.562
  • In droves, and so he interviewed people who had left good, sound,
  • 00:06:46.562 --> 00:06:50.633
  • Evangelical churches to find out, "why did you quit going
  • 00:06:50.633 --> 00:06:54.504
  • To church?"
  • 00:06:54.504 --> 00:06:55.838
  • You know what the number one reason people gave was?
  • 00:06:55.838 --> 00:06:58.708
  • Boredom, boredom, but hendricks was quick to point out, when he
  • 00:06:58.708 --> 00:07:04.313
  • Probed further, what he found was they weren't looking for
  • 00:07:04.313 --> 00:07:07.016
  • More entertainment; they were looking for participation.
  • 00:07:07.016 --> 00:07:12.588
  • They wanted to be involved in what was going on in the church.
  • 00:07:12.588 --> 00:07:16.893
  • That's the way the first century church is, the one that we're
  • 00:07:16.893 --> 00:07:19.262
  • Reading about now.
  • 00:07:19.262 --> 00:07:20.596
  • They were not passive, they were active in worship.
  • 00:07:20.596 --> 00:07:23.666
  • In fact, if you wanna know what a first century worship service
  • 00:07:23.666 --> 00:07:26.435
  • Was like, we get a clue in 1 corinthians.
  • 00:07:26.435 --> 00:07:29.171
  • In the first century church, this may surprise some of you,
  • 00:07:29.171 --> 00:07:31.974
  • People did not sit in pews staring at the backs of one
  • 00:07:31.974 --> 00:07:35.344
  • Another's heads, okay?
  • 00:07:35.344 --> 00:07:37.079
  • That's not how first century worship happened.
  • 00:07:37.079 --> 00:07:39.582
  • They just didn't sit there and watch the paid professionals do
  • 00:07:39.582 --> 00:07:43.085
  • Their thing.
  • 00:07:43.085 --> 00:07:44.420
  • Instead, we find a glimpse of what the early church was like.
  • 00:07:44.420 --> 00:07:47.623
  • Paul says, "what is the outcome?
  • 00:07:47.623 --> 00:07:49.692
  • When you assemble, each one has a psalm, each one has a
  • 00:07:49.692 --> 00:07:54.230
  • Teaching, or a revelation, or a tongue, or an interpretation.
  • 00:07:54.230 --> 00:07:57.867
  • Let all things be done for edification."
  • 00:07:57.867 --> 00:08:02.204
  • In the early church, everyone participated.
  • 00:08:02.204 --> 00:08:05.608
  • Now remember, this was in the days before there was a new
  • 00:08:05.608 --> 00:08:08.244
  • Testament, okay?
  • 00:08:08.244 --> 00:08:09.645
  • There was no new testament to preach or teach from, so the
  • 00:08:09.645 --> 00:08:13.449
  • Apostles would teach, yes, but also the members
  • 00:08:13.449 --> 00:08:17.019
  • Would participate.
  • 00:08:17.019 --> 00:08:18.921
  • Don't let the words "revelation" and "tongue" throw you off.
  • 00:08:18.921 --> 00:08:22.391
  • The real point here is that worship was not just passive, it
  • 00:08:22.391 --> 00:08:27.229
  • Was active.
  • 00:08:27.229 --> 00:08:28.598
  • Now, the question is, how do we pull that off today?
  • 00:08:28.598 --> 00:08:32.201
  • How do we make our worship active rather than passive?
  • 00:08:32.201 --> 00:08:37.607
  • We need to be careful here to avoid the extremes.
  • 00:08:37.607 --> 00:08:41.477
  • There are some churches that have decided to completely
  • 00:08:41.477 --> 00:08:44.347
  • Overhaul their worship services.
  • 00:08:44.347 --> 00:08:47.316
  • They've said, "we don't want to do just presentational worship,
  • 00:08:47.316 --> 00:08:50.920
  • Where it's the pastor and the choir director and the choir
  • 00:08:50.920 --> 00:08:54.023
  • Doing everything, and everybody else just sits out there.
  • 00:08:54.023 --> 00:08:57.193
  • Instead of having presentational worship, we want to have
  • 00:08:57.193 --> 00:09:00.463
  • Participatory worship, because after all, what if a layman has
  • 00:09:00.463 --> 00:09:04.500
  • A message, he wants to stand up and give?
  • 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:06.736
  • Isn't his message just as valid as the pastor's message?
  • 00:09:06.736 --> 00:09:10.106
  • Why not let everybody participate?"
  • 00:09:10.106 --> 00:09:12.541
  • So, they've gone away from presentational worship to
  • 00:09:12.541 --> 00:09:15.778
  • Participatory worship.
  • 00:09:15.778 --> 00:09:17.246
  • I think you'll find this interesting.
  • 00:09:17.246 --> 00:09:18.614
  • When our architects were planning our new worship center,
  • 00:09:18.614 --> 00:09:21.283
  • And isn't it exciting to see how it's coming up so quickly
  • 00:09:21.283 --> 00:09:24.253
  • Out there?
  • 00:09:24.253 --> 00:09:25.621
  • But when our architects were planning our new worship center
  • 00:09:25.621 --> 00:09:27.757
  • Several years ago, they sat down with me, and they said, "now
  • 00:09:27.757 --> 00:09:29.925
  • Pastor, we need to know before we design this thing, is your
  • 00:09:29.925 --> 00:09:33.562
  • Style in worship going to be presentational or is it going to
  • 00:09:33.562 --> 00:09:38.100
  • Be participatory?
  • 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:39.435
  • Because that affects how we design this auditorium."
  • 00:09:39.435 --> 00:09:43.005
  • You know, in the old days, church sanctuaries had what was
  • 00:09:43.005 --> 00:09:47.410
  • Called a shotgun style of architecture.
  • 00:09:47.410 --> 00:09:50.746
  • Imagine this sanctuary without anything on the sides, just
  • 00:09:50.746 --> 00:09:54.116
  • These two sections here.
  • 00:09:54.116 --> 00:09:56.285
  • And you see a lot of churches like this today, it's a shotgun.
  • 00:09:56.285 --> 00:09:58.888
  • It's like you're looking down the barrel of a shotgun at the
  • 00:09:58.888 --> 00:10:01.757
  • Pulpit and the choir.
  • 00:10:01.757 --> 00:10:03.459
  • Those are for highly presentational churches.
  • 00:10:03.459 --> 00:10:06.128
  • The focus is up here.
  • 00:10:06.128 --> 00:10:08.397
  • But notice in our church, we have a little bit of room over
  • 00:10:08.397 --> 00:10:11.167
  • Here, we have a little bit of room over here, not just so you
  • 00:10:11.167 --> 00:10:14.303
  • Can see me, but you can see other people as well.
  • 00:10:14.303 --> 00:10:17.339
  • And there are churches that are more in the round to not only
  • 00:10:17.339 --> 00:10:20.943
  • Focus on the pulpit, but to focus on one another as well.
  • 00:10:20.943 --> 00:10:24.680
  • Well, what should we be, presentational or participatory?
  • 00:10:24.680 --> 00:10:28.951
  • Well, the answer is both.
  • 00:10:28.951 --> 00:10:31.053
  • We're both.
  • 00:10:31.053 --> 00:10:32.388
  • There is a time once a week when we need to come and hear the
  • 00:10:32.388 --> 00:10:36.092
  • Word of god presented.
  • 00:10:36.092 --> 00:10:37.860
  • Ephesians 4 says, "god has given every church a pastor-teacher
  • 00:10:37.860 --> 00:10:42.765
  • For the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, to the
  • 00:10:42.765 --> 00:10:45.701
  • Building up of the body of christ."
  • 00:10:45.701 --> 00:10:47.570
  • Those of you listening today by radio and television, if you're
  • 00:10:47.570 --> 00:10:50.573
  • In a local church, god has given your church a pastor.
  • 00:10:50.573 --> 00:10:55.077
  • And that pastor's job is to equip you to do the work
  • 00:10:55.077 --> 00:10:59.048
  • Of ministry.
  • 00:10:59.048 --> 00:11:00.616
  • But just because we have a presentation, it doesn't mean we
  • 00:11:00.616 --> 00:11:05.054
  • Shouldn't participate as well.
  • 00:11:05.054 --> 00:11:07.323
  • There ought to be a time when people get to participate
  • 00:11:07.323 --> 00:11:11.127
  • In worship.
  • 00:11:11.127 --> 00:11:12.495
  • How do we do that?
  • 00:11:12.495 --> 00:11:13.829
  • Let me share with you two ways that you can actively
  • 00:11:13.829 --> 00:11:16.398
  • Participate in worship.
  • 00:11:16.398 --> 00:11:18.901
  • First of all, become a part of a sunday school class or a
  • 00:11:18.901 --> 00:11:23.172
  • Small group.
  • 00:11:23.172 --> 00:11:24.507
  • Become a part of a sunday school class or a small group.
  • 00:11:24.507 --> 00:11:27.276
  • There needs to be a time when you as a church member can share
  • 00:11:27.276 --> 00:11:30.880
  • What god is doing in your life.
  • 00:11:30.880 --> 00:11:32.948
  • There needs to be a time when you can share prayer requests.
  • 00:11:32.948 --> 00:11:35.951
  • There needs to be a time when other people can pray for you,
  • 00:11:35.951 --> 00:11:39.188
  • But there's nothing that says that has to be at 11 o'clock on
  • 00:11:39.188 --> 00:11:41.824
  • Sunday mornings, okay?
  • 00:11:41.824 --> 00:11:44.093
  • You see, in the early church, they didn't split up these
  • 00:11:44.093 --> 00:11:48.597
  • Different functions.
  • 00:11:48.597 --> 00:11:50.065
  • Instead, "they would all meet together," paul says in
  • 00:11:50.065 --> 00:11:53.202
  • 1 corinthians 12:26.
  • 00:11:53.202 --> 00:11:55.137
  • They would have a time where the apostles would teach for an
  • 00:11:55.137 --> 00:11:57.640
  • Extended period of time, then they had a time of sharing,
  • 00:11:57.640 --> 00:12:00.609
  • Where people would share a prayer requests and what god was
  • 00:12:00.609 --> 00:12:03.045
  • Doing in their life, and then they would finish with the
  • 00:12:03.045 --> 00:12:05.948
  • Lord's supper every week.
  • 00:12:05.948 --> 00:12:07.783
  • And their services might go two, three, four hours today.
  • 00:12:07.783 --> 00:12:11.620
  • There was one service a week for the early church.
  • 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:14.723
  • And there are some churches that have done that today.
  • 00:12:14.723 --> 00:12:16.926
  • I've been in services like that, where the service would go two
  • 00:12:16.926 --> 00:12:19.962
  • And three and four hours.
  • 00:12:19.962 --> 00:12:21.297
  • And all of those things took place, both presentation
  • 00:12:21.297 --> 00:12:25.334
  • And participation.
  • 00:12:25.334 --> 00:12:27.102
  • Now, in our particular church and culture, a two, three, four
  • 00:12:27.102 --> 00:12:30.272
  • Hour service probably wouldn't go over very big.
  • 00:12:30.272 --> 00:12:32.842
  • And so, what we've done is we've split it up.
  • 00:12:32.842 --> 00:12:35.277
  • We've said, "okay, we're going to assemble together on sunday
  • 00:12:35.277 --> 00:12:38.180
  • Mornings in the sanctuary for the presentation that comes from
  • 00:12:38.180 --> 00:12:41.784
  • The pastor, for a time of music, for a time for us to focus on
  • 00:12:41.784 --> 00:12:46.055
  • Our admiration and appreciation for god.
  • 00:12:46.055 --> 00:12:49.024
  • And then the participation is going to take place in our small
  • 00:12:49.024 --> 00:12:53.896
  • Groups, our sunday school class."
  • 00:12:53.896 --> 00:12:56.165
  • Now, if you're not a part of a sunday school, you're missing
  • 00:12:56.165 --> 00:12:59.268
  • Out on a vital function of the church.
  • 00:12:59.268 --> 00:13:02.538
  • And you're missing out on a way that the holy spirit wants to
  • 00:13:02.538 --> 00:13:05.107
  • Energize you and encourage you.
  • 00:13:05.107 --> 00:13:08.611
  • Now, i'm gonna make some people mad by saying this, but i'm
  • 00:13:08.611 --> 00:13:10.746
  • Gonna say it anyway.
  • 00:13:10.746 --> 00:13:12.381
  • Unfortunately, some of our sunday school classes are not
  • 00:13:12.381 --> 00:13:15.217
  • Functioning like they were designed to function.
  • 00:13:15.217 --> 00:13:18.087
  • Instead of allowing participation and for this flow
  • 00:13:18.087 --> 00:13:21.523
  • Of the energy from the spirit to come into their lives, they've
  • 00:13:21.523 --> 00:13:24.727
  • Turned sunday school into a second worship service.
  • 00:13:24.727 --> 00:13:27.930
  • You go to a lot of sunday school classes, it's just like a
  • 00:13:27.930 --> 00:13:29.765
  • Church service.
  • 00:13:29.765 --> 00:13:31.100
  • They have 20 minutes of singing, and then they haul in somebody
  • 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:34.503
  • To do special music, you know?
  • 00:13:34.503 --> 00:13:36.272
  • And then they have a guy stand up, you know, and teach for 30
  • 00:13:36.272 --> 00:13:39.408
  • Or 40 minutes.
  • 00:13:39.408 --> 00:13:40.776
  • And then the director says, "whoops, out of time, gotta go,"
  • 00:13:40.776 --> 00:13:43.045
  • And there's not been any participation.
  • 00:13:43.045 --> 00:13:45.447
  • There's never been any sharing.
  • 00:13:45.447 --> 00:13:46.982
  • You don't need two worship services on sunday
  • 00:13:46.982 --> 00:13:48.884
  • Morning, okay?
  • 00:13:48.884 --> 00:13:50.219
  • What you need is a time to be together in this worship center,
  • 00:13:50.219 --> 00:13:53.856
  • And then a time to participate in the lives of other believers.
  • 00:13:53.856 --> 00:13:58.661
  • Frankly, that's a reason a lot of churches have done away with
  • 00:13:58.661 --> 00:14:01.830
  • Sunday school and they've gone to small groups.
  • 00:14:01.830 --> 00:14:04.600
  • They say, "sunday school just doesn't provide enough time, it
  • 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:08.871
  • Doesn't provide the atmosphere where christians can really get
  • 00:14:08.871 --> 00:14:12.541
  • To know one another on a deeper level, where there can be that
  • 00:14:12.541 --> 00:14:15.878
  • Sharing and that encouragement."
  • 00:14:15.878 --> 00:14:18.047
  • And so, as you know, a lot of churches don't have sunday
  • 00:14:18.047 --> 00:14:20.015
  • School anymore.
  • 00:14:20.015 --> 00:14:21.350
  • Instead, they have small group fellowships that meet throughout
  • 00:14:21.350 --> 00:14:23.886
  • The community maybe once a week, several times a month.
  • 00:14:23.886 --> 00:14:27.856
  • They'll meet in somebody's home and they'll have
  • 00:14:27.856 --> 00:14:30.159
  • Dinner together.
  • 00:14:30.159 --> 00:14:31.527
  • They'll get to know one another, they'll pray for one another.
  • 00:14:31.527 --> 00:14:33.796
  • They'll have an instruction from god's word.
  • 00:14:33.796 --> 00:14:36.031
  • It's a word to deepen that koinonia that was present in the
  • 00:14:36.031 --> 00:14:39.401
  • Early church.
  • 00:14:39.401 --> 00:14:40.869
  • I've had people ask me, "pastor, do you think we'll always have
  • 00:14:40.869 --> 00:14:44.139
  • Sunday school at first baptist, dallas?"
  • 00:14:44.139 --> 00:14:45.741
  • Do you ever see a time that we might move away from the sunday
  • 00:14:45.741 --> 00:14:49.478
  • School model and go to this small group model?
  • 00:14:49.478 --> 00:14:54.616
  • When i was on staff here, dr. criswell was toying with that
  • 00:14:54.616 --> 00:14:59.722
  • Idea of small groups and these home fellowships.
  • 00:14:59.722 --> 00:15:03.225
  • And so, he sent me to a southern baptist church, well known
  • 00:15:03.225 --> 00:15:06.495
  • Church, in our convention that had gone away from sunday school
  • 00:15:06.495 --> 00:15:10.065
  • And started doing these small groups.
  • 00:15:10.065 --> 00:15:11.567
  • He wanted me to go out and investigate, and come back to
  • 00:15:11.567 --> 00:15:13.469
  • Him and bring a report on it.
  • 00:15:13.469 --> 00:15:15.604
  • And so, i came back and i made the report.
  • 00:15:15.604 --> 00:15:17.306
  • I said, "dr. criswell,
  • 00:15:17.306 --> 00:15:18.674
  • That church used to run thousands, now they're
  • 00:15:18.674 --> 00:15:20.642
  • Running hundreds because they did away with the
  • 00:15:20.642 --> 00:15:23.278
  • Sunday school."
  • 00:15:23.278 --> 00:15:25.114
  • Fact is, i still believe sunday school is the best way to do
  • 00:15:25.114 --> 00:15:30.052
  • Small groups.
  • 00:15:30.052 --> 00:15:31.487
  • You know, the fact is, a lot of these churches that have small
  • 00:15:31.487 --> 00:15:34.223
  • Groups, you ask them, "well, what percent of your membership
  • 00:15:34.223 --> 00:15:36.692
  • Is involved in these small groups?"
  • 00:15:36.692 --> 00:15:38.761
  • They think they're doing great if they can get 30% or 40% of
  • 00:15:38.761 --> 00:15:41.630
  • Their people involved in small groups.
  • 00:15:41.630 --> 00:15:43.265
  • That is a huge success to them.
  • 00:15:43.265 --> 00:15:45.868
  • In our church, we have 95% of our people involved in
  • 00:15:45.868 --> 00:15:49.905
  • Sunday school.
  • 00:15:49.905 --> 00:15:51.240
  • It's a lot more convenient for people to have sunday school the
  • 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:54.043
  • Same day that they're having church.
  • 00:15:54.043 --> 00:15:55.778
  • We're all in the same place anyway, why not have sunday
  • 00:15:55.778 --> 00:15:58.614
  • School now?
  • 00:15:58.614 --> 00:16:00.049
  • But there are still some limitations with the
  • 00:16:00.049 --> 00:16:02.851
  • Sunday school.
  • 00:16:02.851 --> 00:16:04.186
  • There really isn't that time to develop those relationships like
  • 00:16:04.186 --> 00:16:07.423
  • We're talking about here, a time for participation, the kind of
  • 00:16:07.423 --> 00:16:11.360
  • Body life that was part of the first century church.
  • 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:14.696
  • You look at our church right now, some of the fastest growing
  • 00:16:14.696 --> 00:16:17.666
  • Sunday school classes are those that have sunday school on
  • 00:16:17.666 --> 00:16:20.969
  • Sunday, but out of that sunday school department they have
  • 00:16:20.969 --> 00:16:24.106
  • Formed small groups to meet in various locations around the
  • 00:16:24.106 --> 00:16:28.544
  • City several times a month.
  • 00:16:28.544 --> 00:16:30.846
  • It's not in place of sunday school, it is in addition to
  • 00:16:30.846 --> 00:16:34.049
  • Sunday school.
  • 00:16:34.049 --> 00:16:35.417
  • And those small groups are a way of deepening the fellowship
  • 00:16:35.417 --> 00:16:39.254
  • Among believers and also expanding the outreach of our
  • 00:16:39.254 --> 00:16:42.491
  • Church into those communities.
  • 00:16:42.491 --> 00:16:44.927
  • I really believe that as our church continues to grow, this
  • 00:16:44.927 --> 00:16:48.797
  • Is a model we ought to look at: continuing our sunday school,
  • 00:16:48.797 --> 00:16:52.935
  • Continuing to strengthen it, but encourage out of those sunday
  • 00:16:52.935 --> 00:16:56.338
  • Schools departments for these small group fellowships to meet
  • 00:16:56.338 --> 00:16:59.808
  • In various locations throughout our city.
  • 00:16:59.808 --> 00:17:03.345
  • Now, that's just one way.
  • 00:17:03.345 --> 00:17:05.447
  • The bible says one way that we can participate in worship is to
  • 00:17:05.447 --> 00:17:11.153
  • Become a part of a small group, but there's a second way to be a
  • 00:17:11.153 --> 00:17:15.390
  • Part actively in worshiping, and that is to "actively participate
  • 00:17:15.390 --> 00:17:20.229
  • In corporate worship."
  • 00:17:20.229 --> 00:17:22.097
  • Even in a service like this, it is possible for you to be
  • 00:17:22.097 --> 00:17:25.667
  • Actively rather than passively involved.
  • 00:17:25.667 --> 00:17:29.238
  • You know how to actively participate in the worship
  • 00:17:29.238 --> 00:17:31.974
  • Service of the church?
  • 00:17:31.974 --> 00:17:33.742
  • First of all, "prepare yourself physically and spiritually
  • 00:17:33.742 --> 00:17:38.447
  • For worship."
  • 00:17:38.447 --> 00:17:40.082
  • You know, too many christians, they spend saturday trying to
  • 00:17:40.082 --> 00:17:43.485
  • Cram all the relaxation they can into saturday.
  • 00:17:43.485 --> 00:17:47.055
  • And they drag themselves into bed saturday night at some
  • 00:17:47.055 --> 00:17:50.425
  • Ungodly hour, midnight, 1 o'clock in the morning, and then
  • 00:17:50.425 --> 00:17:54.429
  • The alarm goes off on sunday morning.
  • 00:17:54.429 --> 00:17:56.398
  • They think, "oh no, i've got to go to church," and so they drag
  • 00:17:56.398 --> 00:17:59.801
  • Themselves out of bed.
  • 00:17:59.801 --> 00:18:01.136
  • They come down here, they sit in the pews, and i'm looking at you
  • 00:18:01.136 --> 00:18:03.605
  • Right now.
  • 00:18:03.605 --> 00:18:04.940
  • Some of you look like you're in the third stage of anesthesia,
  • 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:06.742
  • You know what i mean?
  • 00:18:06.742 --> 00:18:08.911
  • You know, trying to keep those eyelids open.
  • 00:18:08.911 --> 00:18:10.646
  • And then after the service, you drag out of here, and you say,
  • 00:18:10.646 --> 00:18:14.316
  • "well, i didn't get much out of the message today."
  • 00:18:14.316 --> 00:18:17.252
  • Well, duh, why not?
  • 00:18:17.252 --> 00:18:20.289
  • Of course you didn't get anything out of the message.
  • 00:18:20.289 --> 00:18:23.292
  • No, you have to be ready.
  • 00:18:23.292 --> 00:18:24.760
  • You have to prepare yourself physically for worship.
  • 00:18:24.760 --> 00:18:27.396
  • You know for the jews, their worship day was not
  • 00:18:27.396 --> 00:18:30.199
  • Saturday morning.
  • 00:18:30.199 --> 00:18:31.567
  • It didn't begin on saturday morning, it began on the friday
  • 00:18:31.567 --> 00:18:33.902
  • Evening before.
  • 00:18:33.902 --> 00:18:35.237
  • Leviticus 23:32, "they began the sabbath the evening before."
  • 00:18:35.237 --> 00:18:39.841
  • I just want to encourage you, come in at a decent hour on
  • 00:18:39.841 --> 00:18:43.312
  • Saturday night.
  • 00:18:43.312 --> 00:18:44.680
  • Be sure you get plenty of rest.
  • 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:46.348
  • Be sure your kids get plenty of rest so that they're awake and
  • 00:18:46.348 --> 00:18:50.152
  • Alert and ready to hear god speak to them.
  • 00:18:50.152 --> 00:18:53.121
  • Prepare yourself physically, also prepare
  • 00:18:53.121 --> 00:18:55.924
  • Yourself spiritually.
  • 00:18:55.924 --> 00:18:58.627
  • You know, if the last thing you dwell on before you go to sleep
  • 00:18:58.627 --> 00:19:02.231
  • On saturday night is a skit from "saturday night live" on
  • 00:19:02.231 --> 00:19:05.334
  • Television, you're not gonna be thinking holy thoughts, okay?
  • 00:19:05.334 --> 00:19:09.271
  • Instead of letting the last thing in your mind on saturday
  • 00:19:09.271 --> 00:19:13.041
  • Night be some movie, or some television show, or some novel,
  • 00:19:13.041 --> 00:19:17.079
  • Or something else you're doing, just take a few minutes before
  • 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:20.082
  • You go to bed, read a chapter from god's word.
  • 00:19:20.082 --> 00:19:23.252
  • Maybe it's a chapter that is the center of what i'm gonna be
  • 00:19:23.252 --> 00:19:26.088
  • Preaching on.
  • 00:19:26.088 --> 00:19:27.422
  • We put those on the website early in the week.
  • 00:19:27.422 --> 00:19:29.291
  • Maybe it's a study you're going through.
  • 00:19:29.291 --> 00:19:32.194
  • Read a chapter of the bible, and then ask god as you drift off to
  • 00:19:32.194 --> 00:19:35.697
  • Sleep to speak to you the next morning, to really tell you what
  • 00:19:35.697 --> 00:19:39.735
  • He wants you to change in your life.
  • 00:19:39.735 --> 00:19:42.537
  • We need to prepare ourselves spiritually and physically
  • 00:19:42.537 --> 00:19:45.907
  • For worship.
  • 00:19:45.907 --> 00:19:47.276
  • Secondly, "make sure that your mind is in 'drive' rather than
  • 00:19:47.276 --> 00:19:51.213
  • 'neutral' throughout the service."
  • 00:19:51.213 --> 00:19:53.715
  • You know, there was a book that came out years ago, it was
  • 00:19:53.715 --> 00:19:55.550
  • Entitled "worship is a verb."
  • 00:19:55.550 --> 00:19:58.620
  • That's so true.
  • 00:19:58.620 --> 00:19:59.955
  • Worship is an action.
  • 00:19:59.955 --> 00:20:01.823
  • It's something we do.
  • 00:20:01.823 --> 00:20:03.859
  • And that means our minds have to stay in "drive" rather than
  • 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:07.863
  • In "neutral."
  • 00:20:07.863 --> 00:20:09.231
  • Let me illustrate what i mean.
  • 00:20:09.231 --> 00:20:10.565
  • When duren or ron are up here praying, we need to make sure.
  • 00:20:10.565 --> 00:20:15.370
  • We're praying the very same thing that they're praying.
  • 00:20:15.370 --> 00:20:17.472
  • There's something powerful when god's people join together
  • 00:20:17.472 --> 00:20:20.942
  • Praying for the same thing that is being verbalized.
  • 00:20:20.942 --> 00:20:24.313
  • When the music is going on and you see those words on the
  • 00:20:24.313 --> 00:20:27.282
  • Screen, you know, the reason we put those words up there is not
  • 00:20:27.282 --> 00:20:29.951
  • So you can catch any typos that might be up there, okay?
  • 00:20:29.951 --> 00:20:32.921
  • We put them up there so that you can sing.
  • 00:20:32.921 --> 00:20:35.290
  • And unfortunately i look around sometimes, people just standing
  • 00:20:35.290 --> 00:20:38.026
  • There staring at the screen.
  • 00:20:38.026 --> 00:20:39.928
  • This is a time for you to worship.
  • 00:20:39.928 --> 00:20:42.064
  • It's a time for you to voice your appreciation and praise to
  • 00:20:42.064 --> 00:20:45.233
  • God, use those words of those songs as your prayer to god.
  • 00:20:45.233 --> 00:20:50.105
  • When the pastor is preaching, the reason we provide those
  • 00:20:50.105 --> 00:20:53.075
  • Outlines for you is not so you can make your grocery list for
  • 00:20:53.075 --> 00:20:55.711
  • The next day, okay?
  • 00:20:55.711 --> 00:20:57.312
  • The reason we give you those outlines is so that you can stay
  • 00:20:57.312 --> 00:21:00.349
  • Involved in what the pastor is preaching, asking god to give
  • 00:21:00.349 --> 00:21:03.552
  • You insight from his word.
  • 00:21:03.552 --> 00:21:06.054
  • Make sure that your mind is in "drive" rather than in "neutral"
  • 00:21:06.054 --> 00:21:09.324
  • In the worship service.
  • 00:21:09.324 --> 00:21:11.326
  • It was kierkegaard who said, "in genuine worship, god is the
  • 00:21:11.326 --> 00:21:16.198
  • Audience, the congregation is the actor, and the pastor is
  • 00:21:16.198 --> 00:21:21.837
  • Simply the prompter off to the side, reminding the people, the
  • 00:21:21.837 --> 00:21:25.374
  • Congregation, of their lines."
  • 00:21:25.374 --> 00:21:28.710
  • Do you remember what jesus said in john 4:23, he was talking to
  • 00:21:28.710 --> 00:21:31.546
  • The woman at the well?
  • 00:21:31.546 --> 00:21:32.981
  • He said there is one thing god is actively looking for.
  • 00:21:32.981 --> 00:21:37.452
  • "god is actively seeking those who will" what?
  • 00:21:37.452 --> 00:21:42.057
  • "worship him."
  • 00:21:42.057 --> 00:21:44.860
  • God is looking right now for men and women, boys and girls, who
  • 00:21:44.860 --> 00:21:49.097
  • Are so appreciative of him, who are so grateful for all he has
  • 00:21:49.097 --> 00:21:53.902
  • Done in their lives, that their number one heart response is to
  • 00:21:53.902 --> 00:21:57.472
  • Want to express that appreciation, that admiration
  • 00:21:57.472 --> 00:22:00.709
  • To god.
  • 00:22:00.709 --> 00:22:02.310
  • Worship ought to be the priority of every one of us.
  • 00:22:02.310 --> 00:22:05.547
  • And while it's something we can certainly and should do
  • 00:22:05.547 --> 00:22:07.916
  • Individually, it's an activity that is best performed in a
  • 00:22:07.916 --> 00:22:11.753
  • Community of believers.
  • 00:22:11.753 --> 00:22:14.556
  • Now, next time, we're gonna look at the three other priorities of
  • 00:22:14.556 --> 00:22:18.026
  • The early church that unleash the power of god in the lives of
  • 00:22:18.026 --> 00:22:22.030
  • Its members.
  • 00:22:22.030 --> 00:22:24.166
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:22:24.166 --> 00:22:28.537
  • Jeffress: since the beginning of the church, worship has been an
  • 00:22:28.603 --> 00:22:31.339
  • Integral part of church gatherings, and i hope today's
  • 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:34.709
  • Message has helped you understand the definition and
  • 00:22:34.709 --> 00:22:37.679
  • The characteristics of genuine worship.
  • 00:22:37.679 --> 00:22:41.016
  • Now, before our time is up today, let me encourage our
  • 00:22:41.016 --> 00:22:43.685
  • Financial partners by sharing a note from carmen in ohio.
  • 00:22:43.685 --> 00:22:48.690
  • She wrote to us and said, "pastor, i listen to 'pathway to
  • 00:22:48.690 --> 00:22:52.194
  • Victory' every morning when i am getting ready for work.
  • 00:22:52.194 --> 00:22:55.430
  • There are mornings when the sermons bring me to tears
  • 00:22:55.430 --> 00:22:58.533
  • Because it is exactly what i need to face a problem i'm
  • 00:22:58.533 --> 00:23:02.304
  • Dealing with.
  • 00:23:02.304 --> 00:23:03.638
  • I run and grab a pen and paper to write down the important
  • 00:23:03.638 --> 00:23:07.042
  • Points and keep them with me during the day.
  • 00:23:07.042 --> 00:23:10.312
  • It helps me remember there is nothing too big for my god
  • 00:23:10.312 --> 00:23:14.182
  • To handle."
  • 00:23:14.182 --> 00:23:15.617
  • Friends, and especially our pathway partners, thank you for
  • 00:23:15.617 --> 00:23:18.687
  • Your faithful support of this ministry.
  • 00:23:18.687 --> 00:23:21.256
  • God is using you to reach men and women like carmen who
  • 00:23:21.256 --> 00:23:24.826
  • Desperately need a word from god.
  • 00:23:24.826 --> 00:23:27.662
  • Together, we are piercing the darkness with the light of
  • 00:23:27.662 --> 00:23:31.433
  • God's word.
  • 00:23:31.433 --> 00:23:32.767
  • Now please, stay right there.
  • 00:23:32.767 --> 00:23:34.202
  • I'll be back with more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:23:34.202 --> 00:23:37.906
  • Announcer: the bible promises that when we put our faith in
  • 00:23:39.207 --> 00:23:41.910
  • Jesus christ, our lives will be changed from the inside out.
  • 00:23:41.910 --> 00:23:46.014
  • And yet, many christians feel discouraged and defeated in
  • 00:23:46.014 --> 00:23:48.817
  • Their daily walk.
  • 00:23:48.817 --> 00:23:50.185
  • Jeffress: if you're longing for something more in your
  • 00:23:50.185 --> 00:23:52.354
  • Relationship with god, you're not alone.
  • 00:23:52.354 --> 00:23:54.789
  • At one time, i felt dissatisfied and powerless to change it.
  • 00:23:54.789 --> 00:23:59.127
  • But by god's grace, i discovered how to deploy the power of the
  • 00:23:59.127 --> 00:24:03.231
  • Holy spirit in my life.
  • 00:24:03.231 --> 00:24:05.233
  • And today, i wanna help you discover that as well in my best
  • 00:24:05.233 --> 00:24:09.271
  • Selling book, "i want more!"
  • 00:24:09.271 --> 00:24:12.107
  • Announcer: the book, "i want more!," was written to help you
  • 00:24:12.107 --> 00:24:14.676
  • Build spiritual strength as you pursue a fresh way to unleash
  • 00:24:14.676 --> 00:24:18.313
  • God's supernatural power in every area of your life.
  • 00:24:18.313 --> 00:24:22.083
  • You're invited to request a copy of "i want more!"
  • 00:24:22.083 --> 00:24:24.819
  • When you give a generous gift to support the ministry of "pathway
  • 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:27.822
  • To victory" or when you become a pathway partner.
  • 00:24:27.822 --> 00:24:30.992
  • And when you give $75 or more, we'll also send you the complete
  • 00:24:30.992 --> 00:24:35.163
  • "unleashed" teaching series on dvd and audio disc.
  • 00:24:35.163 --> 00:24:38.934
  • Jeffress: god has granted to you everything you need to lead a
  • 00:24:38.934 --> 00:24:44.306
  • Fulfilling existence while here on earth.
  • 00:24:44.306 --> 00:24:46.975
  • Everything he has given you is all wrapped up in the holy
  • 00:24:46.975 --> 00:24:50.812
  • Spirit of god.
  • 00:24:50.812 --> 00:24:52.814
  • Announcer: your generous giving will help us encourage and equip
  • 00:24:52.814 --> 00:24:55.784
  • Viewers like you with biblical truth and hope.
  • 00:24:55.784 --> 00:24:58.820
  • Thank you so much for your support as we continue to impact
  • 00:24:58.820 --> 00:25:02.123
  • You, your family, and our nation with the transforming truth of
  • 00:25:02.123 --> 00:25:06.027
  • God's word.
  • 00:25:06.027 --> 00:25:08.797
  • Jeffress: at the beginning of today's message, i said that the
  • 00:25:08.863 --> 00:25:11.399
  • Church is the body of christ.
  • 00:25:11.399 --> 00:25:14.102
  • If you don't have a vital connection to a local church,
  • 00:25:14.102 --> 00:25:17.238
  • It's like being a limb that's been severed from the body.
  • 00:25:17.238 --> 00:25:21.076
  • And if that's an accurate description of how you feel
  • 00:25:21.076 --> 00:25:24.145
  • Today, then let me encourage you to seek out the fellowship with
  • 00:25:24.145 --> 00:25:27.749
  • Other believers that god has intended for you.
  • 00:25:27.749 --> 00:25:31.953
  • Please make plans to join us again next time when we look at
  • 00:25:31.953 --> 00:25:35.056
  • The three other priorities of the early church that unleash
  • 00:25:35.056 --> 00:25:39.194
  • The power of god in their lives every day.
  • 00:25:39.194 --> 00:25:42.931
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:25:42.931 --> 00:25:45.667
  • Series, "unleashed."
  • 00:25:45.667 --> 00:25:48.837
  • Jeffress: the fact is, god did not create us to try to find
  • 00:25:48.837 --> 00:25:52.540
  • Him, or receive the nourishment we need from him, apart from our
  • 00:25:52.540 --> 00:25:57.045
  • Involvement with other christians.
  • 00:25:57.045 --> 00:25:58.546
  • The fact is, we need one another not just for warmth, but we need
  • 00:25:58.546 --> 00:26:03.785
  • One another for the energy that flows from them into our lives.
  • 00:26:03.785 --> 00:26:09.758
  • Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time for the message, "a
  • 00:26:09.758 --> 00:26:13.061
  • Winning church," here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:26:13.061 --> 00:26:15.830
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:26:15.830 --> 00:26:20.201
  • Jeffress: each of us will leave a legacy.
  • 00:26:20.201 --> 00:26:23.038
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:26:23.038 --> 00:26:25.440
  • Your legacy giving can further the gospel and be an example to
  • 00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:29.277
  • Your children about what matters most in life.
  • 00:26:29.277 --> 00:26:33.114
  • The world my daughters and grandchildren are growing up in
  • 00:26:33.114 --> 00:26:36.618
  • Is vastly different than the one you and i grew up in.
  • 00:26:36.618 --> 00:26:40.188
  • The gospel of jesus christ is our only answer, and naming
  • 00:26:40.188 --> 00:26:45.193
  • "pathway to victory" as a beneficiary in your will helps
  • 00:26:45.193 --> 00:26:49.030
  • Guarantee that there will be a trusted ministry that will
  • 00:26:49.030 --> 00:26:53.001
  • Continue to be salt and light.
  • 00:26:53.001 --> 00:26:55.470
  • Like the ripples that emanate from a rock thrown into a pond,
  • 00:26:55.470 --> 00:26:59.641
  • Your influence for christ can keep going on and on after you
  • 00:26:59.641 --> 00:27:04.045
  • Die with a gift in your will.
  • 00:27:04.045 --> 00:27:06.715
  • What will your legacy be?
  • 00:27:06.715 --> 00:27:09.384
  • "only one life, will soon be passed, only what's done for
  • 00:27:09.384 --> 00:27:14.222
  • Christ will last."
  • 00:27:14.222 --> 00:27:14.222