Truths That Transform presented by Coral Ridge Ministries featuring Dr. Robert J. Pacienza, with sermon commentary from Dr. D. James Kennedy and Dr. Pacienza. Each program provides a compelling analysis of current moral and cultural controversies all from a biblical perspective.
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Truths That Transform | D. James Kennedy - Can The President Save America? | January 27, 2025
- There has been a major political change in washington, d.c.
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- Will it solve the nation's problems?
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- We'll look at america and christians
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- Under the new trump administration,
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- Next, on truths that transform!
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- Welcome to truths that transform,
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- A production of coral ridge ministries, where we are
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- I'm pastor rob pacienza.
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- A new presidential administration took office
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- This past week,
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- And a new congress this month.
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- What will it mean for the nation?
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- And what will it mean for christians?
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- On today's program, we'll look at the possibilities
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- -and the limits- of political victories.
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- And we begin with a conversation with my friend,
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- Dr. stephen mansfield.
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- Stephen is an historian and best-selling author,
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- And he's a senior fellow at our
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- Institute for faith and culture here at coral ridge,
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- And he's a regular contributor to this program.
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- He and i sat down to talk with me about this new trump era.
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- Stephen, we have a new presidential administration.
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- President donald trump has been inaugurated.
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- What do we expect to see change very quickly in washington, dc?
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- I think this new administration is going to declare war
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- On what we've called the deep state, the entrenchment,
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- The opposition to moving forward
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- In a conservative and more biblical way.
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- So, i think we're going to see a lot of tension.
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- I think we're going to see a lot of upheaval
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- And those who just want everything to be quiet,
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- Normal and go along a-pace,
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- They're going to be upset because there's going to be
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- A lot of tension and a lot of conflict,
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- But it's going to be good conflict.
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- As john lewis said, good trouble.
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- By contrast, where do we need to show patience
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- When it comes to the new administration?
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- Well, we have not elected jesus christ to president.
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- And so this administration will have its bumpiness.
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- It will have its moments of bad character.
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- There will be memories of the scandals
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- And things of that nature but beneath the scenes,
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- Certainly beneath the cameras of the press,
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- Good things are going to be happening
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- And this is what we need to remember.
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- God's always at work,
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- There are always good people doing good things,
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- And just because the press might be focused on
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- Some latest exaggeration or lie or hassle
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- Doesn't mean that great things aren't taking place.
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- From a christian perspective, what are your thoughts about
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- Donald trump's cabinet selection so far?
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- Obviously, time will be the ultimate test but
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- So far what are your thoughts?
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- I believe that god is using this administration,
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- As he does all administrations,
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- But he's especially using this administration
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- To create upheaval, to create,
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- To sort of upend the way things have always been.
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- And so you have people who are a bit more radical.
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- You have people who are a bit more rebel.
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- They're not the traditional establishment types.
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- And so i like who's being appointed,
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- Even if some of them don't get confirmed,
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- At least we're having the conversation,
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- At least we're kind of in congress making people debate,
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- Making people ask the important questions.
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- So i'm excited about what's happening now.
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- Now with the senate in control of the republican party,
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- Which i don't think any of us
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- Saw happening until election night.
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- You could make the argument that
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- All three branches of government are aligned,
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- Particularly with president donald trump's party.
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- What changes might we see happen
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- Now that all three branches are aligned somewhat?
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- Well, if everybody's aligned and if the party agrees,
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- I think you're going to see things move a bit faster.
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- Donald trump will get what he wants.
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- The administration will largely get what he wants.
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- There might be some dissident republicans who block things
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- And hold things up and hold him hostage,
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- So to speak, politically.
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- But i think some good things are going to happen.
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- It's going to happen rapidly.
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- It's going to be the speed, i think,
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- That will be new because we've been in a very stodgy
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- Administration that hasn't moved quickly on anything,
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- But trump's going in.
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- He's going in with both guns blazing.
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- Concerning the judicial branch,
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- Do you think first that donald trump will have the opportunity
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- To appoint another supreme court justice,
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- And if so, will it be along the lines of
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- The selections he made during his first administration?
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- I think trump will have a chance to appoint another justice.
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- Some of the ones who are sitting now are in very ill health.
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- Some of them are weary of it.
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- Some of them don't want to be in the role any longer.
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- And i think we'll see exactly the kind of appointment
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- We've had before which has of course
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- Changed the judiciary in america
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- And we're all thrilled.
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- So i think good things are going to happen in that department.
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- Every year as the president delivers
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- To a joint session of congress,
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- What is known as the state of the union address.
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- As christians, we're more concerned with
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- The spiritual state of the union in a broad sense,
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- How would you characterize
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- The spiritual state of the union right now?
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- I think we are a country that is
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- Haunted by crisis but won't turn to god.
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- And so americans are weary.
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- Americans are leery, they're afraid.
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- And i think, if i may be blunt,
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- I think we're in a pre-revival state.
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- When i look at the history of revivals in american history,
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- The time in which there was a great outpouring of the spirit,
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- Great renewals happening were always times like this.
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- Times of upheaval and crisis times when worst days
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- Loomed prior to the civil war,
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- Prior to the american revolution.
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- And so i am both saddened by the state of my country
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- And optimistic about the possibilities
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- For revival and renewal.
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- It does seem like there has been a shift,
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- Maybe you could call it
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- A reaction against wokeism in our nation,
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- Which is a good thing.
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- I think people are waking up.
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- They're seeing the woke ideology for what it really is
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- And how toxic it is in our culture.
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- But on the other hand,
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- I think we are also seeing on the right
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- This angry, militant, hopeless response.
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- What are the dangers in your mind
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- With what might be called a christless conservatism?
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- Christless conservatism is going to be a power movement.
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- It's going to be a about dominating the politics.
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- It's going to be, and i'm overstating to make a point,
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- Neo-nazi, in other words, power without morality.
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- But i believe, of course,
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- Any kind of conservatism that arises from scripture.
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- You and i both believe in this
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- And i think if we will stay the course,
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- If we christians will be engaged to be infusing
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- Into the secular right,
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- A more religious right, if i may say,
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- At a more biblical perspective, we can see that movement
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- Turning the extreme rights angry.
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- Some of it's violent, it's christless
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- And it can be dangerous,
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- But some of their analysis is good.
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- Some of what they want to change is good,
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- They just don't know how to do it.
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- So, we christians should be there
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- With our biblical distinctive's
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- And be speaking powerfully and winning hearts and minds.
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- I think we can make a difference in this time.
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- Stephen, i think we're also seeing
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- A reaction to feminism in our nation,
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- But in many cases we're seeing an overreaction,
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- What might be called toxic masculinity,
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- Really not rooted and grounded in a biblical worldview,
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- But more of a secular approach to understanding manhood,
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- Understanding masculinity.
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- Your thoughts on that?
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- I think whenever you have a movement that's wrongheaded,
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- You're going to have angry reactions to it.
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- And that's what's happening, exactly as you say,
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- Men are reacting to feminism
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- But i think that's just as dangerous.
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- I think that angry men engaged in a grab for power.
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- Bitter and resentful have a potential to do as much damage
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- As anything feminism ever did.
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- So what we need, as you say, is the christian gentlemen,
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- What we need are strong, powerful men
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- Who are biblically based because they'll have that moral grid,
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- They'll have the lordship of jesus in their lives.
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- They'll understand what manhood is really intended for,
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- And it's not just a power grab.
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- So i'm excited about the possibilities we have
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- To infuse christian manhood into our society.
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- Steven, thank you so much for your time today.
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- Always a privilege, buddy.
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- Prepare to join us in fort lauderdale
- 00:08:31.948 --> 00:08:33.783
- April 4th through 6th
- 00:08:33.783 --> 00:08:35.318
- For the 2025 kingdom come conference,
- 00:08:35.318 --> 00:08:38.154
- Featuring riley gaines, erwin lutzer, rosaria butterfield
- 00:08:38.154 --> 00:08:42.291
- Allie beth stuckey, stephen mansfield, and many more.
- 00:08:42.291 --> 00:08:46.062
- Register now at:
- 00:08:46.062 --> 00:08:49.765
- And join us as we seek “the mind of christ in our secular age.”
- 00:08:51.133 --> 00:09:00.943
- Among many of us there is a renewed sense of optimism
- 00:09:02.111 --> 00:09:05.081
- And excitement about the future.
- 00:09:05.081 --> 00:09:06.949
- We saw wokeness get rebuffed at the ballot box,
- 00:09:06.949 --> 00:09:10.486
- And the new trump administration promises to be far friendlier
- 00:09:10.486 --> 00:09:14.457
- To christian causes like the sanctity of life
- 00:09:14.457 --> 00:09:17.360
- And religious liberty than the biden administration was.
- 00:09:17.360 --> 00:09:20.763
- Still, it's important to remember that politics
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- Is just one element of a culture,
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- And salvation does not arrive via air force one.
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- My pastor and mentor, dr. d. james kennedy
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- Was an optimist about america's future,
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- But he also wanted to make sure that we understood that
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- The root of our problems is not political, but spiritual.
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- He explains in his classic message,
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- “can the president save america?”
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- The events of the recent past have most certainly brought
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- A certain euphoria to much of america.
- 00:09:54.397 --> 00:09:59.535
- There is a sense of expectation and anticipation
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- That things are going to be better.
- 00:10:05.474 --> 00:10:09.478
- And this brings to focus
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- One of the most important issues facing us today
- 00:10:12.682 --> 00:10:17.420
- It is the issue which faces us in the
- 00:10:17.420 --> 00:10:20.489
- Great controversy which is abroad in america today
- 00:10:20.489 --> 00:10:24.393
- The great struggle which is in process in our land
- 00:10:24.393 --> 00:10:27.830
- Which unfortunately many people
- 00:10:27.830 --> 00:10:29.498
- Do not even know what the real issue is.
- 00:10:29.498 --> 00:10:32.702
- It is the struggle between
- 00:10:32.702 --> 00:10:35.705
- Secular humanism and christianity,
- 00:10:35.705 --> 00:10:39.642
- Which are locked today in battle in this nation.
- 00:10:39.642 --> 00:10:46.182
- There has always been the struggle
- 00:10:46.182 --> 00:10:47.750
- Between faith and unbelief,
- 00:10:47.750 --> 00:10:50.052
- Which is the only real struggle worthy of one's attention,
- 00:10:50.052 --> 00:10:54.890
- As one great historian put it.
- 00:10:54.890 --> 00:10:56.826
- The bible answers that question for us very clearly.
- 00:10:57.993 --> 00:11:02.732
- It says this,
- 00:11:02.732 --> 00:11:04.333
- “ cursed be the man that trusts in man,
- 00:11:04.333 --> 00:11:11.140
- That trusts in the arm of flesh,
- 00:11:11.140 --> 00:11:15.211
- And whose heart is departed from the lord”
- 00:11:15.211 --> 00:11:20.282
- The bible tells us that we are to
- 00:11:20.282 --> 00:11:25.488
- “not put our trust in princes,
- 00:11:25.488 --> 00:11:29.091
- Nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
- 00:11:29.091 --> 00:11:33.929
- But his breath goeth forth and he returneth to the ground ...”
- 00:11:33.929 --> 00:11:40.069
- And invariably we find ourselves leaning upon a weak reed.
- 00:11:40.069 --> 00:11:45.708
- We are told instead,
- 00:11:45.708 --> 00:11:47.443
- “blessed is the man that trusteth in the lord,
- 00:11:47.443 --> 00:11:52.448
- And who maketh the lord his hope”
- 00:11:52.448 --> 00:11:56.619
- The lord god jehovah.
- 00:11:56.619 --> 00:12:00.389
- Here are the two basic views of life, or laws of life,
- 00:12:00.389 --> 00:12:07.997
- If you will, that are seen everywhere in this circumstance
- 00:12:07.997 --> 00:12:12.368
- But in other circumstances as well:
- 00:12:12.368 --> 00:12:16.005
- Those that trust in god
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- In the living god and those that trust in man.
- 00:12:18.207 --> 00:12:24.246
- What we need has not changed.
- 00:12:24.246 --> 00:12:27.917
- We need a genuine revival in this country:
- 00:12:27.917 --> 00:12:30.586
- We need to see tens of millions of people
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- Swept into the kingdom of god:
- 00:12:33.222 --> 00:12:34.990
- We need to see the gospel
- 00:12:34.990 --> 00:12:36.325
- Of jesus christ proclaimed like never before.
- 00:12:36.325 --> 00:12:39.829
- And only this is going to avert
- 00:12:39.829 --> 00:12:43.365
- The judgment of god upon this nation.
- 00:12:43.365 --> 00:12:46.836
- Right now we have a brief respite,
- 00:12:46.836 --> 00:12:51.941
- But the question is
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- What are we going to do with it?
- 00:12:53.442 --> 00:12:55.311
- Are we going to rest upon our lees?
- 00:12:55.311 --> 00:12:57.446
- Are we going to sit back and simply relax,
- 00:12:57.446 --> 00:13:00.883
- Or are we going to pray and work harder than before?
- 00:13:00.883 --> 00:13:05.221
- The seventeenth chapter of i samuel
- 00:13:05.221 --> 00:13:07.489
- Relates a great encounter between a prince,
- 00:13:07.489 --> 00:13:10.693
- Or prince-to-be and a very formidable foe.
- 00:13:10.693 --> 00:13:15.798
- I am speaking about the very familiar story
- 00:13:15.798 --> 00:13:18.467
- Of the encounter of david with the great goliath of gath.
- 00:13:18.467 --> 00:13:24.707
- This story is so familiar that people often miss completely
- 00:13:24.707 --> 00:13:30.045
- The deepest spiritual truth which it teaches
- 00:13:30.045 --> 00:13:34.250
- You will recall the incident: the army of the philistines
- 00:13:34.350 --> 00:13:41.156
- Had been drawn up on one mountain and on the mountain
- 00:13:41.156 --> 00:13:44.793
- On the other side of the valley of elah was the army of israel.
- 00:13:44.793 --> 00:13:49.865
- The philistines had sent out a champion, one goliath of gath,
- 00:13:49.865 --> 00:13:57.206
- Who, indeed, was a remarkable man to say the least.
- 00:13:57.206 --> 00:14:03.279
- For forty days this great giant of gath had come forth and
- 00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:10.619
- Mocked the israelites, blasphemed their god,
- 00:14:10.619 --> 00:14:13.722
- And had challenged them to come forth to send forth a champion
- 00:14:13.722 --> 00:14:17.793
- And if they lost, if he were defeated,
- 00:14:17.793 --> 00:14:21.530
- Then the philistines would forever
- 00:14:21.530 --> 00:14:24.033
- Serve the israelites and vice versa.
- 00:14:24.033 --> 00:14:27.102
- But i'm afraid that like most people,
- 00:14:27.102 --> 00:14:31.240
- The israelite soldiers cowered in their trenches
- 00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:35.010
- At the sight of this gigantic man.
- 00:14:35.010 --> 00:14:41.150
- And finally, he said that if no one else would,
- 00:14:41.150 --> 00:14:43.852
- That he would go out and fight him.
- 00:14:43.852 --> 00:14:47.022
- Now, you will notice that david trusted in the living god.
- 00:14:47.022 --> 00:14:57.333
- He said, “i come against you in the name of jehovah of hosts.”
- 00:14:57.333 --> 00:15:03.472
- He trusted in the lord and not in anything that he could do.
- 00:15:03.472 --> 00:15:10.045
- And that was the secret of his strength.
- 00:15:10.045 --> 00:15:12.648
- He had not self-confidence, but god-confidence.
- 00:15:12.648 --> 00:15:17.019
- And whereas, there were many no doubt self-confident
- 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:19.688
- Israelites cowering in their trenches,
- 00:15:19.688 --> 00:15:23.058
- This man who had a genuine faith or
- 00:15:23.058 --> 00:15:25.961
- Confidence in god was the only one who wasn't afraid.
- 00:15:25.961 --> 00:15:31.834
- On the other hand, however, you'll notice that
- 00:15:32.901 --> 00:15:36.472
- He had no doubt carefully made and measured that sling.
- 00:15:36.472 --> 00:15:41.377
- And he very particularly chose out of the stream
- 00:15:41.377 --> 00:15:47.216
- Five smooth stones of just the right size.
- 00:15:47.216 --> 00:15:52.988
- And it is without question that he had, for many hours,
- 00:15:52.988 --> 00:15:56.792
- And many days, and many years, practiced the art of the sling.
- 00:15:56.792 --> 00:16:03.365
- And who can tell how many trees in bethlehem bear
- 00:16:03.365 --> 00:16:08.070
- In their bark the evidence of the practice of the eye
- 00:16:08.070 --> 00:16:14.309
- And hand of young david, the shepherd.
- 00:16:14.309 --> 00:16:18.380
- But he didn't trust in his sling,
- 00:16:18.380 --> 00:16:24.353
- He didn't trust in his arm,
- 00:16:24.353 --> 00:16:26.955
- He didn't trust in his skill,
- 00:16:26.955 --> 00:16:29.725
- And he didn't trust in the stone.
- 00:16:29.725 --> 00:16:32.528
- He trusted in god!
- 00:16:32.528 --> 00:16:34.830
- David used the means which were carefully selected,
- 00:16:34.830 --> 00:16:40.135
- But he trusted in god ,
- 00:16:40.135 --> 00:16:44.506
- And the difference is the difference
- 00:16:44.506 --> 00:16:48.444
- Between blessing and cursing.
- 00:16:48.444 --> 00:16:51.713
- It is the difference in human lives between a withered shrub
- 00:16:51.713 --> 00:16:55.951
- Planted in the salt-laden wilderness of the desert
- 00:16:55.951 --> 00:17:00.522
- And a tree luxurious planted beside the rivers of water.
- 00:17:00.522 --> 00:17:09.598
- Everyone of us faces these temptations over and over again.
- 00:17:09.598 --> 00:17:16.738
- Right now we do as a nation.
- 00:17:16.738 --> 00:17:19.208
- Many of you face giants in your own life
- 00:17:19.208 --> 00:17:22.845
- In your home life, in your business, in school,
- 00:17:22.845 --> 00:17:27.015
- In personal relationships, in your health.
- 00:17:27.015 --> 00:17:31.753
- Certainly, we ought to make use of whatever means
- 00:17:31.753 --> 00:17:36.725
- The god-given intelligence we have would indicate,
- 00:17:36.725 --> 00:17:40.762
- In accordance with his word,
- 00:17:40.762 --> 00:17:43.332
- But we are to trust not in the means,
- 00:17:43.332 --> 00:17:49.204
- But in the living god.
- 00:17:49.204 --> 00:17:53.142
- “cursed is the man that trusteth in man”
- 00:17:54.209 --> 00:17:59.781
- And this is never more true
- 00:17:59.781 --> 00:18:03.152
- Than when it comes to our own eternal salvation.
- 00:18:03.152 --> 00:18:07.823
- There is always and everywhere a universal temptation
- 00:18:07.823 --> 00:18:12.628
- To trust in man... to trust in the arm of flesh
- 00:18:12.628 --> 00:18:15.831
- To trust in self... to trust in our own ability
- 00:18:15.831 --> 00:18:18.934
- In our own piety
- 00:18:18.934 --> 00:18:19.968
- In our own character
- 00:18:19.968 --> 00:18:21.069
- In our own morality
- 00:18:21.069 --> 00:18:21.970
- In our own performance
- 00:18:21.970 --> 00:18:23.972
- Rather than to trust in the living god.
- 00:18:23.972 --> 00:18:27.176
- Can you say lord jesus i trust you for my salvation.
- 00:18:27.176 --> 00:18:32.748
- In thee is my hope of eternal life not in myself
- 00:18:32.748 --> 00:18:38.854
- Not in any piety of my own,
- 00:18:38.854 --> 00:18:41.056
- Not in any character or morality of mine
- 00:18:41.056 --> 00:18:44.026
- But in thy shed blood in thy righteousness oh christ and
- 00:18:44.026 --> 00:18:49.965
- In thy wounds i find my hope forever lasting life.
- 00:18:49.965 --> 00:18:56.605
- This is the great lesson that god is trying to teach us in
- 00:18:56.605 --> 00:19:02.077
- Every aspect of our lives,
- 00:19:02.077 --> 00:19:05.113
- Both here and hereafter, to trust in him.
- 00:19:05.113 --> 00:19:12.187
- “cursed be the man that trusteth in man”
- 00:19:13.322 --> 00:19:20.062
- And“blessed is he that trusteth in the lord,”
- 00:19:20.062 --> 00:19:27.636
- May we pray.
- 00:19:27.636 --> 00:19:32.074
- May we trust in thee, the living god for our salvation,
- 00:19:32.074 --> 00:19:36.311
- For the needs of our everyday lives,
- 00:19:36.311 --> 00:19:39.982
- For our homes, our jobs, and most of all,
- 00:19:39.982 --> 00:19:43.919
- For our country now in these dire days?
- 00:19:43.919 --> 00:19:47.956
- We pray that thou wilt use this one whom thou hast raised up
- 00:19:47.956 --> 00:19:52.127
- To lead this land.
- 00:19:52.127 --> 00:19:53.595
- We trust in thee, o god.
- 00:19:53.595 --> 00:19:56.632
- May he be a smooth stone in the sling in thy hand
- 00:19:56.632 --> 00:20:04.906
- To slay the giants that we face in this time.
- 00:20:04.906 --> 00:20:11.246
- For christ's sake. amen.
- 00:20:11.246 --> 00:20:15.617
- Hi, i'm jennifer kennedy cassidy.
- 00:20:16.385 --> 00:20:18.920
- My dad was thrilled with the results of some elections,
- 00:20:18.920 --> 00:20:22.090
- And disappointed with the results of others.
- 00:20:22.090 --> 00:20:24.893
- No christian leader was more vocal in calling upon
- 00:20:24.893 --> 00:20:28.096
- God's people to get active and vote, because he knew
- 00:20:28.096 --> 00:20:31.633
- That we had a duty to obey god through our votes.
- 00:20:31.633 --> 00:20:34.836
- But he also knew that no election
- 00:20:34.836 --> 00:20:37.239
- Was going to save the country.
- 00:20:37.239 --> 00:20:39.274
- The saving of the country must come from god,
- 00:20:39.274 --> 00:20:42.077
- Through the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls.
- 00:20:42.077 --> 00:20:45.047
- But we've seen encouraging signs
- 00:20:45.047 --> 00:20:47.149
- That such an awakening may be starting.
- 00:20:47.149 --> 00:20:49.351
- And this is a key, strategic time for christians
- 00:20:49.351 --> 00:20:52.721
- To make their voices heard with
- 00:20:52.721 --> 00:20:54.790
- The new congress and presidential administration.
- 00:20:54.790 --> 00:20:57.726
- That's why we're taking the
- 00:20:57.726 --> 00:20:59.294
- 2025 spiritual state of the nation survey,
- 00:20:59.294 --> 00:21:02.130
- And i'm asking you to contact us right away to receive your copy.
- 00:21:02.130 --> 00:21:06.401
- Fill it out, and return it to us as soon as possible,
- 00:21:06.401 --> 00:21:09.371
- And we will combine your voice with thousands of other voices
- 00:21:09.371 --> 00:21:13.075
- To help you be heard when we present the results
- 00:21:13.075 --> 00:21:15.777
- Of this survey to president donald j. trump,
- 00:21:15.777 --> 00:21:18.213
- House speaker mike johnson, senate majority leader
- 00:21:18.213 --> 00:21:21.416
- John thune, members of congress, and select media outlets.
- 00:21:21.416 --> 00:21:25.821
- From the sanctity of human life to the security of our borders,
- 00:21:25.821 --> 00:21:29.458
- From the war against israel to the economy,
- 00:21:29.458 --> 00:21:32.060
- We want to hear which issues you think are most important.
- 00:21:32.060 --> 00:21:36.498
- And when you contact us to receive your survey,
- 00:21:36.498 --> 00:21:38.900
- Please consider giving a generous gift
- 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:41.336
- To help us continue the ongoing work of this ministry.
- 00:21:41.336 --> 00:21:44.606
- Your donation helps support our
- 00:21:44.606 --> 00:21:48.977
- In washington, d.c.,
- 00:21:49.544 --> 00:21:51.246
- Which ministers to members of congress and their staffs.
- 00:21:51.246 --> 00:21:54.182
- It supports our providence forum, which defends
- 00:21:54.182 --> 00:21:57.052
- And advances america's christian heritage.
- 00:21:57.052 --> 00:21:59.321
- And it helps us produce television programs,
- 00:21:59.321 --> 00:22:01.990
- Documentaries, podcasts, curricula, and more,
- 00:22:01.990 --> 00:22:05.427
- All advancing the christian worldview.
- 00:22:05.427 --> 00:22:08.230
- We'll thank you for your donation
- 00:22:08.230 --> 00:22:09.998
- By sending you the book,
- 00:22:09.998 --> 00:22:11.266
- In the footsteps of giants:
- 00:22:11.266 --> 00:22:13.368
- Solutions from the founders for a nation gone astray
- 00:22:13.368 --> 00:22:16.705
- By providence forum's dr. jerry newcombe.
- 00:22:16.705 --> 00:22:19.975
- In this book, jerry recounts
- 00:22:19.975 --> 00:22:22.277
- The bible-based building blocks of the founders
- 00:22:22.277 --> 00:22:24.946
- That they used to form our more perfect union.
- 00:22:24.946 --> 00:22:28.283
- And he shows how returning to that blueprint
- 00:22:28.283 --> 00:22:31.019
- Which was drawn from biblical thinking
- 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:33.288
- Can bring us back to freedom and prosperity today.
- 00:22:33.288 --> 00:22:36.491
- Contact us right away to get your
- 00:22:36.491 --> 00:22:38.693
- 2025 spiritual state of the nation survey,
- 00:22:38.693 --> 00:22:41.730
- Fill it out, and return it to us right away.
- 00:22:41.730 --> 00:22:44.633
- And if you're able to include a generous donation,
- 00:22:44.633 --> 00:22:47.369
- We'll send you the book,
- 00:22:47.369 --> 00:22:48.603
- In the footsteps of giants:
- 00:22:48.603 --> 00:22:50.439
- Solutions from the founders for a nation gone astray,
- 00:22:50.439 --> 00:22:53.508
- As our thanks.
- 00:22:53.508 --> 00:22:54.743
- Simply write to us at coral ridge ministries:
- 00:22:54.743 --> 00:23:01.783
- Or call toll free:
- 00:23:02.317 --> 00:23:07.489
- Or go online to:
- 00:23:07.956 --> 00:23:13.695
- We are pleased to have a new presidential administration
- 00:23:14.930 --> 00:23:17.766
- In washington d.c.
- 00:23:17.766 --> 00:23:19.367
- One that is not hostile towards
- 00:23:19.367 --> 00:23:21.436
- Pro-lifers and religious liberty,
- 00:23:21.436 --> 00:23:24.005
- And that appears to value the actual first amendment.
- 00:23:24.005 --> 00:23:27.242
- This shift, including a reversal of the justice department's
- 00:23:27.242 --> 00:23:31.313
- Targeting of christians and pro-lifers,
- 00:23:31.313 --> 00:23:34.249
- Is a welcome development that all bible-believing
- 00:23:34.249 --> 00:23:37.185
- Christians should be grateful for.
- 00:23:37.185 --> 00:23:39.287
- At the same time, we should be optimistic
- 00:23:39.287 --> 00:23:41.756
- But clear-eyed about where we're at.
- 00:23:41.756 --> 00:23:44.593
- I've been concerned recently about
- 00:23:44.593 --> 00:23:46.628
- The rise of christless conservatism.
- 00:23:46.628 --> 00:23:49.197
- This sort of conservatism is pro-america,
- 00:23:49.197 --> 00:23:52.067
- In favor of national security, and against wokeness,
- 00:23:52.067 --> 00:23:55.670
- But is somewhat ambivalent on issues like
- 00:23:55.670 --> 00:23:58.240
- The sanctity of human life,
- 00:23:58.240 --> 00:23:59.741
- The redefinition of marriage, the scourge of pornography,
- 00:23:59.741 --> 00:24:03.345
- Drug use, and other moral issues.
- 00:24:03.345 --> 00:24:05.947
- Through the 80's, 90's, and early 2000's,
- 00:24:05.947 --> 00:24:08.750
- Christian viewpoints on vital moral issues
- 00:24:08.750 --> 00:24:11.753
- Were strongly represented in the conservative movement.
- 00:24:11.753 --> 00:24:15.257
- But that's less true now than it's been in decades.
- 00:24:15.257 --> 00:24:18.426
- Politics is about building coalitions.
- 00:24:18.426 --> 00:24:21.463
- Those are never permanent, and each of the parties must always
- 00:24:21.463 --> 00:24:24.866
- Be maneuvering to draw in more voters than the other.
- 00:24:24.866 --> 00:24:28.403
- The current state of conservatism,
- 00:24:28.403 --> 00:24:30.338
- And of the conservative coalition,
- 00:24:30.338 --> 00:24:32.440
- Is reflective of the wider culture.
- 00:24:32.440 --> 00:24:35.210
- But it's also a jarring reminder to christians
- 00:24:35.210 --> 00:24:38.179
- Of the shortcomings of politics,
- 00:24:38.179 --> 00:24:40.415
- And why our work is only beginning,
- 00:24:40.415 --> 00:24:43.218
- Rather than ending with the new administration
- 00:24:43.218 --> 00:24:45.654
- And congress in place.
- 00:24:45.654 --> 00:24:47.556
- What has happened this year is good
- 00:24:47.556 --> 00:24:49.758
- And now we push to make it even better.
- 00:24:49.758 --> 00:24:52.861
- Even if the rest of the world
- 00:24:52.861 --> 00:24:54.529
- Wants to move away from pro-life and other issues,
- 00:24:54.529 --> 00:24:58.033
- We must stand boldly because we're christians,
- 00:24:58.033 --> 00:25:01.136
- And this is a matter of the imago dei - the image of god.
- 00:25:01.136 --> 00:25:05.006
- Jesus christ is not just one important figure
- 00:25:05.006 --> 00:25:07.842
- Among many sitting around the political table.
- 00:25:07.842 --> 00:25:10.912
- He's lord and king and ruler of the universe.
- 00:25:10.912 --> 00:25:13.682
- As the prophecy of isaiah says,
- 00:25:13.682 --> 00:25:22.257
- As christians, we have to do the hard work
- 00:25:23.191 --> 00:25:25.794
- Of discerning which are the best political options
- 00:25:25.794 --> 00:25:28.496
- Among imperfect choices.
- 00:25:28.496 --> 00:25:30.665
- But once those choices have been made,
- 00:25:30.665 --> 00:25:32.601
- We cannot content ourselves
- 00:25:32.601 --> 00:25:34.603
- With the fact that “our side” won.
- 00:25:34.603 --> 00:25:36.738
- We must work to evangelize, defend the faith,
- 00:25:36.738 --> 00:25:40.108
- Proclaim god's truth over all the issues of the day,
- 00:25:40.108 --> 00:25:43.712
- And encourage even our friends
- 00:25:43.712 --> 00:25:45.547
- And political teammates to repentance and faith.
- 00:25:45.547 --> 00:25:49.050
- Indeed, that's part of the work of our
- 00:25:49.050 --> 00:25:53.788
- On capitol hill.
- 00:25:54.255 --> 00:25:55.490
- Because no political party can save us
- 00:25:55.490 --> 00:25:58.126
- Only king jesus christ can save us.
- 00:25:58.126 --> 00:26:00.762
- And he works through the agency of his people-you and me-
- 00:26:00.762 --> 00:26:04.499
- To tell our fellow americans and fellow conservatives,
- 00:26:04.499 --> 00:26:07.769
- “thus sayeth the lord.”
- 00:26:07.769 --> 00:26:11.072
- Coral ridge ministries is
- 00:26:11.072 --> 00:26:14.809
- I want to thank you for joining us today.
- 00:26:15.777 --> 00:26:17.479
- Any time you're in fort lauderdale florida
- 00:26:17.479 --> 00:26:19.581
- We welcome you to join us for worship at
- 00:26:19.581 --> 00:26:22.417
- Coral ridge presbyterian church,
- 00:26:22.417 --> 00:26:24.986
- And you can always join via livestream at:
- 00:26:24.986 --> 00:26:28.823
- And to keep up with all our news, commentaries,
- 00:26:29.924 --> 00:26:32.427
- And other projects, connect with us on social media at:
- 00:26:32.427 --> 00:26:37.298
- And find a whole library of our biblical worldview content
- 00:26:38.566 --> 00:26:42.103
- Available for streaming at:
- 00:26:42.103 --> 00:26:45.640
- And now, here's a look at the next truths that transform.
- 00:26:46.908 --> 00:26:50.578
- The church is the bearer of truth.
- 00:26:51.379 --> 00:26:53.181
- We hold the hope of the world.
- 00:26:53.181 --> 00:26:54.516
- How dare we be quiet, ever.
- 00:26:54.516 --> 00:26:56.618
- We have to say to those in power,
- 00:26:56.618 --> 00:26:57.986
- What you're doing is wrong.
- 00:26:57.986 --> 00:27:00.488
- And the witness of the church, i think
- 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:02.190
- In that respect has never been more important than now.
- 00:27:02.190 --> 00:27:05.794
- That's next week
- 00:27:06.261 --> 00:27:09.631
- This has been a production of coral ridge ministries
- 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:10.799
