Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - A Gift Too Wonderful For Words

December 23, 2024 | S

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

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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - A Gift Too Wonderful For Words | December 23, 2024

♪♪♪
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Male announcer: from the pulpit
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Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
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This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
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Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress,
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And welcome again to "pathway to victory".
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Some christians argue that the tradition of giving gifts
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At christmas is worldly and superficial.
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They contend it's nothing more than a result
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Of the commercialism that sweeps our nation every holiday season.
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But according to scripture, christmas really is about gifts,
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Specifically the indescribable gift
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That god offers to each of us.
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My message is titled, "a gift too wonderful for words,"
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On today's special edition of "pathway to victory."
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Announcer: the celebration of jesus's birth each christmas
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Marks the moment when god's radiant hope entered our world,
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And jesus calls us to share this light with others.
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You can help pierce the darkness with the light of god's word
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Through the pathway to victory light the darkness
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Matching challenge.
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Since 1996, "pathway to victory" has been boldly sharing
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The gospel of jesus christ, and your gift, doubled in impact,
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Will be used to proclaim god's truth here in america
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And around the world.
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♪♪♪
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Jeffress: what is the best christmas present
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You ever received?
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For some of you, it may be a gift that had
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A lot of monetary value to it.
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I understand some people, some families,
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Give expensive gifts like jewelry or fine automobiles
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Or a horde of cash.
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I've never been a part of a family like that,
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But i hear they're out there somewhere.
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For the others of you, it might be a gift that didn't have
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A lot of monetary value but sentimental value
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Because of who gave it.
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Every parent knows the joy of receiving a homemade
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Christmas craft or a handmade christmas card with the words,
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"i love you," scrawled in crayon.
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Of course, those gifts tend to mean a lot more if they come
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From your 5-year-old child rather than
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Your 35-year old child, but it's the sentiment that counts.
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Other people would say, "you know,
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The best gift i got was one that was practical in nature,
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It's something i really needed."
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A few years ago, i did a funeral service for an 84-year-old
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Friend, and his daughter-in-law had written a tribute
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To her father-in-law about a special christmas present
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He had purchased for his wife.
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She wrote, "it was boxed and meticulously wrapped
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By dad himself.
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It was undoubtedly one of the most precious gifts
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I've ever seen, not diamonds, pearls, or a fur coat.
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It was a year's supply of all of mom's preferred toiletries,
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Multiple cans of hairspray, talcum powder, lotions,
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And so forth.
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To me, it was a beautiful expression of a mature love
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That said, 'i know you better and love you more than
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Anyone else on the face of the earth and i know
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What you need and use every single day of the year
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And i'm gonna make sure you have it.'"
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The daughter-in-law said, "i still get misty-eyed,
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Thinking of dad going up and down the aisle at sam's,
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Lovingly shopping for those precious gifts
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For his beloved wife."
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But i think most of you would agree that the very best gift
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Of all was one that had all three characteristics.
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It was a gift of great value, it was a gift given by somebody
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Who's important to you, and it's a gift that meets
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A very real need.
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And of course, the best example of that gift
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Is the gift of jesus christ.
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You know, in 2 corinthians chapter 9,
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Paul was writing to the corinthian church about
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Their need to give to a special offering he was collecting and
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He was trying to motivate them to give and he used the greatest
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Example of giving he could think of: god giving his only son.
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And he climaxed that chapter in verse 15 by writing these words:
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"thanks be to god for his indescribable gift."
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The living bible says: "a gift far too wonderful for words."
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God's indescribable gift.
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Do you know, that's quite a concession for somebody
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Like paul to give, to say that he can't even describe
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The gift of jesus christ.
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I mean, after all, think about paul.
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He had more degrees than you could shake a stick at.
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He would end up writing over half of the new testament.
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He studied under the greatest intellect of his day,
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Gamaliel, and yet when it come-- came to trying to express
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What christ meant, he said, "it's indescribable.
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I can't come up with a word."
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That words translated "indescribable"
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Is a word paul made up.
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Doesn't appear in the greek new testament anywhere.
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He just said, "i'm gonna come up with a word," like
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"supercalifragilistic- expialidocious,"
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Trying to explain the wonderful, indescribable gift of our god.
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What is it that made this gift so indescribable?
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In the few minutes we have today,
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I just want you to jot down three characteristics
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Of god's indescribable gift.
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First of all, god's indescribable gift was preceded
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By elaborate preparation.
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You know, the bigger the gift, the more important the gift,
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The more preparation it requires.
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Many of you know my sister jennifer and her husband,
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Matthew, who teaches our sunburst class.
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Matthew and jennifer lived in tyler for a number of years
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Where matthew pastored, and their eldest daughter,
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My niece, was a gifted concert pianist.
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And when she was a little girl, more than anything
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For christmas, she wanted a baby grand piano.
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And so, they went around the different music stores
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And she found the one she really wanted.
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And about 2 weeks before christmas,
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Jennifer and matthew had to break the news to her.
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Jennifer said, "caroline, we'd love to give this to you
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But we just can't afford it right now.
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All we can afford is an upright piano.
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Maybe someday we can give you this piano."
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And caroline was disappointed
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But she had a good attitude about it.
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Now, what caroline didn't know about her mother
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Is something i've known for a long time.
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And that is jennifer is a great liar,
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One of the most gifted i've ever met.
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She and matthew actually had purchased that baby grand piano
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And they made an elaborate preparation that
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On christmas day, while they were out for breakfast,
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The music store would deliver the grand piano.
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And so, when they came back from breakfast and opened the door,
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There was that beautiful baby grand piano with a ribbon on it.
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It was a gift with elaborate preparation.
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I tell you, even more elaborate preparation came
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With god's indescribable gift.
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In galatians 4:4, paul said that "when the set time
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Had fully come, god sent his son, born of a woman,
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Born under the law."
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Again, the living bible says: "at just the right time,
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God sent forth his son."
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In what sense was it "just the right time"?
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God had been preparing for this gift for thousands of years,
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And now the time had come.
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It was the right time, first of all, culturally,
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When you think about it, for the coming of christ.
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For the first time, since the tower of babel,
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The majority of people in the world
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Were speaking the same language.
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Alexander the great had fashioned koine greek,
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Greek for the common man, to be spoken.
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And that facilitated the spreading of the gospel
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When christ came.
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It facilitated the writing of the scriptures
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In a language everyone could understand.
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Secondly, it was the right time politically
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For the coming of christ.
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The emperor was caesar augustus.
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His real name was octavian, and he had achieved and presided
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Over the pax romana, the roman peace.
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The world, for the first time in a long time,
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Was relatively at peace.
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And there was a vast road system,
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Like our interstate highways, the romans had created, again,
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That would allow for the quick spread of the gospel
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After the resurrection of jesus from the dead.
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Thirdly, it was the right time, spiritually,
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For the coming of christ.
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The polytheism, the worship of many gods,
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Of the romans and the greeks, had given way to the openness
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To monotheism, the idea that there is one god,
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Not multiple gods.
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But most importantly, it was the right time prophetically.
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The right time, prophetically, for the coming of christ.
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As you know, there are over 150 specific prophecies
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In the old testament about the coming of christ,
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Some of them, hundreds, a few of them,
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A thousand years old, that gave every detail about his birth.
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Let me just give you one example.
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This prophecy was made 700 years before christ was born.
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It's found in micah 5:2.
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Remember what micah said?
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"but as for you, bethlehem ephrathah,
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Too little to be among the clans of judah,
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From you one will go forth for me to be the ruler in israel.
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His goings forth are from long ago,
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From the days of eternity."
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Of all of the places christ could have been born,
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Micah pinpointed this little village that was
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So small it wasn't even listed on the registry of towns.
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He said, "this is where christ is going to be born."
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That's an amazing prophecy.
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Now, fast forward 700 years from micah 5:2
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To the time christ was born.
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Mary and joseph, the couple, are expecting the birth
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Of the miraculous child.
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The only problem is they're not in bethlehem
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Where micah predicted.
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They're up north, 90 miles north in nazareth,
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So how in the world does god get this couple from nazareth
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Down to bethlehem?
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Well, we find the answer in the first verse of luke chapter 2:
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"now in those days a decree went out from caesar augustus,"
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Octavian, "that a census be taken
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Of all the inhabited earth."
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While mary and joseph were in nazareth,
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Contemplating the birth of this miraculous child,
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A half a continent away in the center of power,
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Rome, the emperor and his advisors are meeting together
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And you know what they're talking about?
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A government shutdown because of a lack of funding.
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Some things never change, do they, harris?
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Same news, just recycled.
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We're facing that right now.
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So they were saying, "how are we gonna make up for the shortfall
00:11:40.656 --> 00:11:43.425
Of this lack of revenue?"
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And somebody comes up with a brilliant idea:
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"let's tax the people."
00:11:48.397 --> 00:11:51.133
Again, some things never change, do they?
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They never think about decreasing spending.
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It's always, "let's raise the taxes on people."
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The only problem was, unlike the irs today that has computers
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That can track you down wherever you are and knows every amount
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Of income you have, there was no way to track people down.
00:12:06.916 --> 00:12:10.953
So what did octavian do?
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He made an order that everyone had to go to his home town
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To register for a census that would lead to the taxation.
00:12:18.093 --> 00:12:22.998
Look at verse 3: "and everyone was on his way to register
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For the census, each to his own city.
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Joseph also went from galilee, the city of nazareth, to judea,
00:12:29.705 --> 00:12:35.211
To the city of david which is called bethlehem,
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Because he was of the house and family of david."
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Think about it.
00:12:43.686 --> 00:12:45.221
The most powerful man in the world, octavian,
00:12:45.221 --> 00:12:48.190
Signed a decree, an order.
00:12:48.190 --> 00:12:50.826
Little did he know when he signed that command
00:12:50.826 --> 00:12:53.596
That it would cause a couple he had never met,
00:12:53.596 --> 00:12:57.099
Named joseph and mary, to travel to a village
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He had never heard of, named bethlehem,
00:12:59.935 --> 00:13:02.238
To give birth to the savior of the world.
00:13:02.238 --> 00:13:05.875
Now, that's just one example of the elaborate preparation
00:13:05.875 --> 00:13:09.578
That preceded god's indescribable gift.
00:13:09.578 --> 00:13:14.083
Secondly, god's indescribable gift was not only preceded
00:13:14.083 --> 00:13:17.853
By elaborate preparation, it was actually missed
00:13:17.853 --> 00:13:21.123
Because of its simple appearance.
00:13:21.123 --> 00:13:24.426
Look at verses 6 and 7: "while they were there in bethlehem,
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The days were accomplished for her to give birth.
00:13:28.364 --> 00:13:31.901
And so, she gave birth to her firstborn son;
00:13:31.901 --> 00:13:35.537
And she wrapped him in cloths, and laid him in a manger,
00:13:35.537 --> 00:13:38.807
Because there was no room for them in the inn."
00:13:38.807 --> 00:13:42.711
You know one reason, the main reason,
00:13:42.711 --> 00:13:44.914
Most people miss god's indescribable gift?
00:13:44.914 --> 00:13:47.416
It's because of the wrapping in which that gift came.
00:13:47.416 --> 00:13:51.086
The jews believed that the greatest need they had was
00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:54.723
For liberation from the romans.
00:13:54.723 --> 00:13:58.160
They wanted to be free from being underneath the roman boot.
00:13:58.160 --> 00:14:01.630
They wanted liberation from rome.
00:14:01.630 --> 00:14:05.100
But what they really needed was liberation from their sins
00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:08.971
And the consequences of their sin.
00:14:08.971 --> 00:14:11.740
They were looking for a political deliverer
00:14:11.740 --> 00:14:14.610
And that's why they missed the coming of the messiah.
00:14:14.610 --> 00:14:17.913
They expected when the messiah came,
00:14:17.913 --> 00:14:19.882
He would come dressed in regal robes like a king ought to be,
00:14:19.882 --> 00:14:24.420
Instead of these simple cloths.
00:14:24.420 --> 00:14:27.289
The same thing is true today.
00:14:27.289 --> 00:14:29.725
You know, most people you talk to, if you ask,
00:14:29.725 --> 00:14:32.161
"what's the greatest gift god could give you?"
00:14:32.161 --> 00:14:35.197
Most people would answer, "boy, what i really need
00:14:35.197 --> 00:14:37.866
Is an infusion of cash into my bank account."
00:14:37.866 --> 00:14:41.904
Or, "i need healing in my body, or the body of somebody i love."
00:14:41.904 --> 00:14:46.976
"i need reconciliation in a relationship that's gone south.
00:14:46.976 --> 00:14:51.046
That's my greatest need."
00:14:51.046 --> 00:14:53.282
Those are all legitimate needs,
00:14:53.282 --> 00:14:55.150
But our greatest need is for god's forgiveness.
00:14:55.150 --> 00:14:58.787
And i think that explains why this announcement
00:14:58.787 --> 00:15:01.290
Of christ's birth came to the group it did.
00:15:01.290 --> 00:15:05.160
It didn't come to the religious leaders.
00:15:05.160 --> 00:15:07.129
It came to the most unlikely group.
00:15:07.129 --> 00:15:09.598
Verse 8 of chapter 2: "and in the same region
00:15:09.598 --> 00:15:12.768
There were some shepherds staying out in the fields
00:15:12.768 --> 00:15:15.637
And keeping watch over their flock by night."
00:15:15.637 --> 00:15:19.375
Now, you have to understand in the first century,
00:15:19.375 --> 00:15:21.910
You didn't get any lower on the socio-economic ladder
00:15:21.910 --> 00:15:25.814
Than shepherds.
00:15:25.814 --> 00:15:27.583
They were the bottom rung.
00:15:27.583 --> 00:15:30.152
Nobody wanted to be around shepherds.
00:15:30.152 --> 00:15:32.454
They never got invited to the a-list parties,
00:15:32.454 --> 00:15:35.224
Partly because of how they dressed,
00:15:35.224 --> 00:15:37.026
And probably because of how they smelled
00:15:37.026 --> 00:15:39.461
After being with the sheep.
00:15:39.461 --> 00:15:41.330
They were outcast, which explains why they were
00:15:41.330 --> 00:15:44.900
The first to hear the news of the gospel.
00:15:44.900 --> 00:15:47.069
They understood their need.
00:15:47.069 --> 00:15:49.905
And that's why the angel said in verse 9 through 11:
00:15:49.905 --> 00:15:53.308
"the angel suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the lord
00:15:53.308 --> 00:15:56.512
Shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.
00:15:56.512 --> 00:15:59.448
But the angel said to them, 'do not be afraid; for behold,
00:15:59.448 --> 00:16:03.919
I bring you good news of great joy which shall be
00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:07.723
For all the people; for today in the city of david
00:16:07.723 --> 00:16:12.027
There has been born for you," a what?
00:16:12.027 --> 00:16:15.464
"a savior, who is christ the lord."
00:16:15.464 --> 00:16:20.536
Somebody has said, "if man's greatest need had been
00:16:20.536 --> 00:16:23.172
For an education, god would have sent us a teacher.
00:16:23.172 --> 00:16:28.010
If our greatest need had been for money,
00:16:28.010 --> 00:16:30.813
God would have sent us an economist.
00:16:30.813 --> 00:16:33.882
But our greatest need was for forgiveness,
00:16:33.882 --> 00:16:37.453
And that's why god sent us a savior."
00:16:37.453 --> 00:16:41.023
"for unto you is born this day a savior who is christ the lord."
00:16:41.023 --> 00:16:46.395
And by the way, will you notice,
00:16:46.395 --> 00:16:48.564
That is "good news of great joy for all the people."
00:16:48.564 --> 00:16:53.235
All the people, not just some of the people.
00:16:53.235 --> 00:16:55.838
Christ coming is good news for all people.
00:16:55.838 --> 00:16:59.741
I have an op-ed coming out tuesday at fox news
00:16:59.741 --> 00:17:02.811
On why christmas isn't just for christians.
00:17:02.811 --> 00:17:06.782
Did you know that?
00:17:06.782 --> 00:17:08.383
The message, the good news of christians,
00:17:08.383 --> 00:17:10.586
Is for baptists, it's for catholics,
00:17:10.586 --> 00:17:13.422
It's for jews, it's for muslims, it's for atheists.
00:17:13.422 --> 00:17:16.859
"whosoever will may come and take the water of life
00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:20.896
Without cost."
00:17:20.896 --> 00:17:22.264
God said jesus is for everyone, not just for some people.
00:17:22.264 --> 00:17:27.669
That's the good news we have to share.
00:17:27.669 --> 00:17:30.539
Christ's coming is good news for everyone.
00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:33.375
How did the shepherds react to that news?
00:17:33.375 --> 00:17:35.811
Look at verse 15: "when the angels had gone away from them
00:17:35.811 --> 00:17:39.281
Into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another,
00:17:39.281 --> 00:17:42.851
'let us go straight,'" immediately,
00:17:42.851 --> 00:17:46.288
"'to bethlehem, then, and see this thing which has happened,
00:17:46.288 --> 00:17:49.591
Which the lord has made known to us.'"
00:17:49.591 --> 00:17:52.628
They couldn't get to bethlehem quickly enough.
00:17:52.628 --> 00:17:55.964
God's indescribable gift was missed by many
00:17:55.964 --> 00:17:59.968
Because of its simple appearance.
00:17:59.968 --> 00:18:03.005
Thirdly, why is god's gift indescribable?
00:18:03.005 --> 00:18:05.774
Because it was occasioned by unparalleled love.
00:18:05.774 --> 00:18:10.879
Look at verses 13 and 14: "and suddenly there appeared
00:18:10.879 --> 00:18:15.384
With the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising god
00:18:15.384 --> 00:18:20.155
And saying, 'glory to god in the highest,
00:18:20.155 --> 00:18:23.358
And on earth peace among men with whom god is pleased.'"
00:18:23.358 --> 00:18:29.064
That verse gets mistranslated in some versions:
00:18:29.064 --> 00:18:32.234
"and the angel said, 'glory to god in the highest,
00:18:32.234 --> 00:18:36.939
And peace, goodwill toward men,'"
00:18:36.939 --> 00:18:39.274
As if god was simply spreading and sharing goodwill, peace,
00:18:39.274 --> 00:18:44.446
To everybody.
00:18:44.446 --> 00:18:46.081
No, it's to a specific group:
00:18:46.081 --> 00:18:48.483
"peace to those with whom god is pleased."
00:18:48.483 --> 00:18:53.989
The fact is, god is not pleased with us, apart from christ.
00:18:53.989 --> 00:18:58.894
We've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of god,
00:18:58.894 --> 00:19:02.297
But romans 5:1 says: "therefore, having been justified
00:19:02.297 --> 00:19:06.101
Through faith, we have peace with god."
00:19:06.101 --> 00:19:09.438
Jesus is the mediator, the bridge-builder,
00:19:09.438 --> 00:19:12.374
The one who came to restore our relationship with god.
00:19:12.374 --> 00:19:16.745
And those who come to faith in christ can be at peace
00:19:16.745 --> 00:19:20.983
With themselves, but most importantly,
00:19:20.983 --> 00:19:23.185
They can be at peace with god.
00:19:23.185 --> 00:19:25.754
You know, one of the most common images in the bible
00:19:25.754 --> 00:19:30.158
Of god the father is of the wounded lover.
00:19:30.158 --> 00:19:34.997
The bible says god loves you and me.
00:19:34.997 --> 00:19:38.100
He created us to have a relationship with us.
00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:41.470
But we're the ones who wandered away from god.
00:19:41.470 --> 00:19:45.040
We've allowed other people and other things to replace
00:19:45.040 --> 00:19:48.644
His rightful place in our heart.
00:19:48.644 --> 00:19:52.648
How has god responded to that wound, that insult?
00:19:52.648 --> 00:19:57.185
He could have left us where we are,
00:19:57.185 --> 00:19:59.688
Separated from god in this life and in the next one.
00:19:59.688 --> 00:20:03.558
But instead, god took the first step in reconciling
00:20:03.558 --> 00:20:07.863
That relationship with us.
00:20:07.863 --> 00:20:09.631
The bible says: "but god demonstrated his love
00:20:09.631 --> 00:20:12.668
Toward us in that while we were yet sinners,
00:20:12.668 --> 00:20:15.837
He sent christ to die for us.
00:20:15.837 --> 00:20:20.342
It was god's love that occasioned
00:20:20.342 --> 00:20:22.644
This indescribable gift.
00:20:22.644 --> 00:20:25.514
J.b. phillips was a pastor, an anglican pastor, in london,
00:20:26.715 --> 00:20:31.453
And the bible translator who wrote that phillips paraphrase
00:20:31.453 --> 00:20:35.490
Of the new testament many of us enjoy.
00:20:35.490 --> 00:20:38.860
In one of his writings, jb phillips describes
00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:42.698
What the first christmas must've looked like
00:20:42.698 --> 00:20:45.801
From the angels's point of view.
00:20:45.801 --> 00:20:48.670
Listen to this.
00:20:48.670 --> 00:20:51.106
"a senior angel was showing a very young angel
00:20:51.106 --> 00:20:54.109
Around the splendors of the universe.
00:20:54.109 --> 00:20:57.145
They viewed whirling galaxies and blazing suns.
00:20:57.145 --> 00:21:01.316
And then flit across the ancient distances of space.
00:21:01.316 --> 00:21:05.587
Until at least they entered on particular galaxy containing
00:21:05.587 --> 00:21:09.825
500,000,000,000 stars.
00:21:09.825 --> 00:21:13.261
As the two angels drew nearer to the star
00:21:13.261 --> 00:21:16.198
Which we call our sun, and to it's circling planets,
00:21:16.198 --> 00:21:20.535
The senior angel pointed to a small
00:21:20.535 --> 00:21:22.838
And rather insignificant sphere turning very slowly
00:21:22.838 --> 00:21:27.509
On it's axis.
00:21:27.509 --> 00:21:29.311
It looked as done as a dirty tennis ball to the little angel,
00:21:29.311 --> 00:21:33.615
Whose mind was filled with the size and glory
00:21:33.615 --> 00:21:36.218
Of what he had just seen.
00:21:36.218 --> 00:21:38.887
'i want you to watch that planet particularly,'
00:21:38.887 --> 00:21:42.023
Said the senior angel, pointing with his finger.
00:21:42.023 --> 00:21:45.994
'well, it looks very small and rather dirty to me,'
00:21:45.994 --> 00:21:49.798
Said the little angel, 'what's so special about that one?'
00:21:49.798 --> 00:21:54.803
He listened in stunned disbelief as the senior angel told him
00:21:54.803 --> 00:22:00.809
That this planet, small and insignificant,
00:22:00.809 --> 00:22:04.679
And not overly clean, was the renowned visited planet
00:22:04.679 --> 00:22:11.820
'do you mean that our great and glorious prince
00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:15.056
Went down in person to that fifth-rate little ball?
00:22:15.056 --> 00:22:19.127
Why should he do a thing such as that?'
00:22:19.127 --> 00:22:21.630
The little angel's face wrinkled in disgust.
00:22:21.630 --> 00:22:24.132
He continued, 'do you mean to tell me he stooped so low
00:22:24.132 --> 00:22:29.037
As to become one of those creeping, crawling creatures
00:22:29.037 --> 00:22:32.707
On that floating ball?'
00:22:32.707 --> 00:22:35.343
'i do,' said the senior angel.
00:22:35.343 --> 00:22:37.779
'and i don't think he would like to call them creeping,
00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:40.582
Crawling creatures in that tone of voice.
00:22:40.582 --> 00:22:44.219
For strange as it may seem to us, he loves them.
00:22:44.219 --> 00:22:49.024
He went down to visit them, to lift them up,
00:22:49.024 --> 00:22:51.326
To become like him.'
00:22:51.326 --> 00:22:54.262
The little angel looked blank.
00:22:54.262 --> 00:22:57.098
Such a thought was almost beyond comprehension.
00:22:57.098 --> 00:23:02.904
Such a thought was beyond paul's comprehension, too,
00:23:02.904 --> 00:23:07.776
Which is why he said, "thanks be to god for
00:23:07.776 --> 00:23:12.614
His indescribable gift, a gift far too wonderful for words."
00:23:12.614 --> 00:23:20.188
♪♪♪
00:23:20.188 --> 00:23:25.527
Jeffress: in this season of giving and receiving gifts,
00:23:25.527 --> 00:23:28.096
It's the perfect time to accept the greatest gift of all:
00:23:28.096 --> 00:23:32.234
God's gift of your forgiveness.
00:23:32.234 --> 00:23:34.936
Well, december is quickly coming to a close
00:23:34.936 --> 00:23:37.873
And time's running out to participate in the
00:23:37.873 --> 00:23:40.442
"pathway to victory" light the darkness matching challenge.
00:23:40.442 --> 00:23:44.379
Your gift today will be matched
00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:46.381
And therefore multiplied by two.
00:23:46.381 --> 00:23:48.884
Having twice the impact in bringing light
00:23:48.884 --> 00:23:51.887
To our darkening world.
00:23:51.887 --> 00:23:53.622
That means your $50 gift would becoming $100,
00:23:53.622 --> 00:23:57.025
Your $500 gift would become $1,000,
00:23:57.025 --> 00:24:01.162
A $3,000 gift would become $6,000.
00:24:01.162 --> 00:24:05.567
These proceeds will be channeled directly into sharing
00:24:05.567 --> 00:24:09.404
The light of god's word through radio, television,
00:24:09.404 --> 00:24:12.941
Digital streaming, and print media.
00:24:12.941 --> 00:24:15.810
As we celebrate the birth of christ,
00:24:15.810 --> 00:24:18.280
We remember that his light has overcome the darkness,
00:24:18.280 --> 00:24:22.217
And it's our calling to continue sharing this good news
00:24:22.217 --> 00:24:25.854
So that his light may shine even in the darkest corners
00:24:25.854 --> 00:24:29.758
Of our world.
00:24:29.758 --> 00:24:31.393
Please get in touch with "pathway to victory" today
00:24:31.393 --> 00:24:33.828
To participate in the matching challenge.
00:24:33.828 --> 00:24:36.798
And stay right there, i'll be back with more in just a moment.
00:24:36.798 --> 00:24:40.602
Announcer: the one thing god wants more than
00:24:42.304 --> 00:24:44.272
Anything else in this world is time with you.
00:24:44.272 --> 00:24:47.342
Make god your priority by spending quality time
00:24:47.342 --> 00:24:50.579
In his word with the brand-new 2025
00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:53.014
"'pathway to victory' daily devotional."
00:24:53.014 --> 00:24:55.317
This year's devotional has a beautiful navy blue leather
00:24:55.317 --> 00:24:57.986
Cover with inlaid brown and gold foil accents.
00:24:57.986 --> 00:25:00.522
And now with larger print, the 260 practical insights
00:25:00.522 --> 00:25:04.259
From dr. robert jeffress are easier to read.
00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:06.528
This stunning 532 page devotional makes an ideal
00:25:06.528 --> 00:25:10.098
Christmas gift for loved ones
00:25:10.098 --> 00:25:11.566
Who want to grow in their faith too.
00:25:11.566 --> 00:25:13.702
Jeffress: of all the ways god could have revealed himself
00:25:13.768 --> 00:25:16.304
To us, he chose to do it through the written word.
00:25:16.304 --> 00:25:19.908
And that's why it's so important for you and for me to set aside
00:25:19.908 --> 00:25:23.244
Regular time to read the word of god.
00:25:23.244 --> 00:25:26.848
Announcer: every season carries an uplifting theme.
00:25:26.915 --> 00:25:29.551
Begin the new year by exploring god's will for your life.
00:25:29.551 --> 00:25:34.122
In spring and summer, grow stronger in christ
00:25:34.122 --> 00:25:36.758
With insights from colossians.
00:25:36.758 --> 00:25:38.627
And in the fall and winter, embrace the father who loves you
00:25:38.627 --> 00:25:41.763
With inspirational readings based on the parable
00:25:41.763 --> 00:25:44.399
Of the prodigal son.
00:25:44.399 --> 00:25:46.468
When the day-to-day problems of life feel overwhelming, take
00:25:46.468 --> 00:25:49.638
A moment to anchor yourself in the calming truth of god's word
00:25:49.638 --> 00:25:52.841
With the brand new 2025 "pathway to victory" daily devotional.
00:25:52.841 --> 00:25:57.178
Your gift of support not only provides you with this life
00:25:57.178 --> 00:26:00.782
Giving resource, it empowers us to spread the hope filled
00:26:00.782 --> 00:26:03.752
Message of jesus christ as well.
00:26:03.752 --> 00:26:05.954
Thank you for supporting the ministry
00:26:05.954 --> 00:26:07.789
Of "pathway to victory."
00:26:07.789 --> 00:26:10.458
Jeffress: a gift as wonderful, as elaborate,
00:26:12.494 --> 00:26:14.996
As it may be, isn't a gift unless it's received.
00:26:14.996 --> 00:26:18.800
John wrote: "but as many as received christ,
00:26:18.800 --> 00:26:22.971
To those he gave the right to become the children of god,
00:26:22.971 --> 00:26:26.541
Even to those who believe on his name."
00:26:26.541 --> 00:26:29.477
And today, i hope you've received
00:26:29.477 --> 00:26:31.913
God's indescribable gift to you.
00:26:31.913 --> 00:26:35.016
Well, on christmas day we'll celebrate the birth
00:26:35.016 --> 00:26:37.952
Of the one who is known as the lord jesus christ.
00:26:37.952 --> 00:26:41.456
And next time, we'll see why the name of jesus
00:26:41.456 --> 00:26:44.459
Is the name above all names.
00:26:44.459 --> 00:26:47.262
Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
00:26:47.262 --> 00:26:49.698
On "pathway to victory."
00:26:49.698 --> 00:26:53.368
Jeffress: he shall be called "wonderful counselor."
00:26:53.368 --> 00:26:55.837
He'll also be called "the mighty god."
00:26:55.837 --> 00:27:01.209
Jesus didn't come into existence in bethlehem.
00:27:01.209 --> 00:27:05.780
He is god, he has existed eternally.
00:27:05.780 --> 00:27:10.452
Announcer: set your dvr and join us next time
00:27:10.518 --> 00:27:12.554
For the message, "the name above all names,"
00:27:12.554 --> 00:27:16.157
Here on "pathway to victory."
00:27:16.157 --> 00:27:27.368

Robert Jeffress - A Gift Too Wonderful For Words

December 23, 2024 | S

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