David Jeremiah - A Life Beyond Amazing

February 2, 2025 | S25:E5

The Holy Spirit help us develop qualities in our lives that enable us to become the person God wants us to be.

#HolySpirit #FruitoftheSpirit #Singer/Songwriter #RelationshipwithGod #SeekGod #Praise #Lifestyle #Religion #Music #Musician #PoweroftheHolySpirit #inActive #TurningPointwithDr.DavidJeremiah #DavidJeremiah #Worship

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Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah | David Jeremiah - A Life Beyond Amazing | February 2, 2025

...
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Male announcer: happy?
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You know you can be.
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There's a simple way to find happiness.
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You might be surprised where you can find it.
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The bible.
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Jesus gives a prescription for happiness.
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You'll find easy and inspiring habits
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For a happy life
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In "12 habits of truly happy christians"
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By dr. jeremiah.
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Discover scripture-based habits
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And jesus's teaching about how to be happy.
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Request yours today.
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♪♪♪
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Dr. david jeremiah: each of us has just one life to live.
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Our life should count.
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It should matter.
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It should have purpose,
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And frankly, it should be amazing.
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But as i look around me, i see lives lived in disarray,
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Defeat, and discouragement.
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I've been deeply burdened about this because, you see,
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An unfulfilled life is just no way to exist.
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And from what i read in the scripture, god promises us
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A life of blessings beyond our comprehension,
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Literally a life beyond amazing.
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Announcer: coming up on "turning point.
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Dr. jeremiah: the life beyond amazing is not a passive
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"wait till jesus comes back" kind of life.
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The life beyond amazing is the kind of life
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That will get you up early in the morning
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And keep you up late at night
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If you really get your arms around it.
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Jesus christ didn't just die for us to live in eternity
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With his father.
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He died so that we would have an abundant life
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On this earth as well.
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And we seem to not be grabbing that in some way.
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♪ let praise be a weapon ♪
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♪ that silences the enemy ♪
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♪ let praise be a weapon ♪
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♪ that conquers all anxiety ♪
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♪ let it rise ♪
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♪ let praise arise ♪
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♪ we sing your name in the dark ♪
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♪ and it changes everything ♪
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♪ we sing with all we are ♪
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♪ and we claim your victory ♪
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♪ let it rise ♪
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♪ let praise arise ♪
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♪ we'll see you break down every wall ♪
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♪ we'll watch the giants fall ♪
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♪ fear cannot survive ♪
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♪ when we praise you ♪
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♪ the god of breakthrough's on our side ♪
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♪ forever lift him high ♪
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♪ with all creation cry ♪
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♪ god, we praise you ♪
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♪ oh, we praise you ♪
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♪ oh ♪
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♪ let faith be the song ♪
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♪ that overcomes the raging sea ♪
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♪ let faith be the song ♪
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♪ that calms the storm inside of me ♪
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♪ let it rise ♪
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♪ let faith arise ♪
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♪ we'll see you break down every wall ♪
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♪ we'll watch the giants fall ♪
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♪ fear cannot survive ♪
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♪ when we praise you ♪
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♪ the god of breakthrough's on our side ♪
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♪ forever lift him high ♪
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♪ with all creation cry ♪
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♪ god, we praise you ♪
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♪ oh, we praise you ♪
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♪ oh ♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
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♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
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♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
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♪ we praise you, we praise you ♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
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♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
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♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
00:04:07.330 --> 00:04:09.799
♪ we praise you, we praise you ♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
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♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
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♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
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♪ we praise you, we praise ♪
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♪ we'll see you break down every wall ♪
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♪ we'll watch the giants fall ♪
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♪ fear cannot survive ♪
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♪ when we praise you ♪
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♪ the god of breakthrough's on our side ♪
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♪ forever lift him high ♪
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♪ with all creation cry ♪
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♪ god, we praise you ♪
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♪ oh, we praise you ♪
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♪♪♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
00:05:17.633 --> 00:05:21.738
♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
00:05:21.738 --> 00:05:24.474
♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
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♪ we praise you, we praise you ♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
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♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
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♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
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♪ we praise you, we praise you ♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
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♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
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♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
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♪ we praise you, we praise you ♪
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♪ this is what living looks like ♪
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♪ this is what freedom feels like ♪
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♪ this is what heaven sounds like ♪
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♪ we praise you, we praise you ♪♪
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♪♪♪
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[congregation applauding]
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Announcer: what are the signs of a life beyond amazing?
00:06:14.524 --> 00:06:17.326
Among them, joy that is not dependent on circumstance,
00:06:17.326 --> 00:06:20.730
Integrity that settles for no exceptions,
00:06:20.730 --> 00:06:23.199
And self-discipline that stands firm.
00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:26.235
But how do you get them into your life?
00:06:26.235 --> 00:06:28.738
It takes a decision, actually nine decisions each day,
00:06:28.738 --> 00:06:32.775
To commit these into your heart and actions.
00:06:32.775 --> 00:06:35.745
Discover the steps to the life of blessings god has for you in
00:06:35.745 --> 00:06:39.182
Dr. david jeremiah's inspiring book,
00:06:39.182 --> 00:06:41.717
"a life beyond amazing:
00:06:41.717 --> 00:06:43.486
Nine decisions that will transform your life today."
00:06:43.486 --> 00:06:46.722
Order this transformational book from dr. jeremiah today
00:06:46.722 --> 00:06:50.293
When you give a gift of any amount
00:06:50.293 --> 00:06:51.727
In support of this program.
00:06:51.727 --> 00:06:53.463
And if you give $60 or more, dr. jeremiah will send you in
00:06:53.463 --> 00:06:57.300
Appreciation his comprehensive "a life beyond amazing" set.
00:06:57.300 --> 00:07:01.971
It contains his book, his entire teaching series
00:07:01.971 --> 00:07:04.574
On cd or dvd, a correlating study guide,
00:07:04.574 --> 00:07:07.810
And the "life beyond amazing" scripture cards.
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Also available, the "30 days to a life beyond amazing" workbook.
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Implement the nine key decisions from
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"a life beyond amazing" in powerful and practical ways.
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Plus, it includes a dvd with video instructions from
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Dr. jeremiah, available on its own for $30 or more, or as part
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Of the "life beyond amazing" set for a gift of $85 or more.
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Decide today to start living a life beyond
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What you thought possible, a life beyond amazing.
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Order these resources when you contact "turning point" today.
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♪ your name is power ♪
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♪ your name is healing ♪
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♪ your name is life ♪
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♪ break every stronghold ♪
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♪ shine through the shadows ♪
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♪ burn like a fire ♪
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♪ shout jesus from the mountains ♪
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♪ and jesus in the streets ♪
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♪ jesus in the darkness ♪
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♪ over every enemy ♪
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♪ jesus for my family ♪
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♪ i speak the holy name, jesus ♪
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♪ shout jesus from the mountains ♪
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♪ jesus in the streets ♪
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♪ jesus in the darkness ♪
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♪ over every enemy ♪
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♪ jesus for my family ♪
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♪ i speak the holy name, jesus ♪
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♪ shout jesus from the mountains ♪
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♪ jesus in the streets ♪
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♪ jesus in the darkness ♪
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♪ over every enemy ♪
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♪ jesus for my family ♪
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♪ i speak the holy name, jesus ♪
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♪ your name is power ♪
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♪ your name is healing ♪
00:09:32.822 --> 00:09:36.125
♪ your name is life ♪
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♪ break every stronghold ♪
00:09:42.598 --> 00:09:45.768
♪ shine through the shadows ♪
00:09:45.768 --> 00:09:49.205
♪ burn like a fire ♪
00:09:49.205 --> 00:09:55.745
♪ your name is power ♪
00:09:55.745 --> 00:09:58.881
♪ your name is healing ♪
00:09:58.881 --> 00:10:02.118
♪ your name is life ♪
00:10:02.118 --> 00:10:08.591
♪ break every stronghold ♪
00:10:08.591 --> 00:10:11.727
♪ shine through the shadows ♪
00:10:11.727 --> 00:10:14.830
♪ burn like a fire ♪
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♪ i just wanna speak the name of jesus ♪
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♪ over every heart and every mind ♪
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♪ i know there is peace within your presence ♪
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♪ i speak jesus ♪♪
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[congregation applauding]
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Announcer: dr. david jeremiah
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Is delivering the unchanging word of god every month
00:10:53.803 --> 00:10:56.772
To more than half a million homes
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Through "turning points" magazine and devotional.
00:10:58.708 --> 00:11:01.177
Read articles and devotionals from dr. jeremiah each month
00:11:01.177 --> 00:11:04.213
That will encourage, challenge,
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And strengthen your walk with the lord.
00:11:05.848 --> 00:11:07.817
As you explore the pages of "turning points" each month,
00:11:07.817 --> 00:11:10.352
You'll find inspirational articles
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From dr. jeremiah on biblical themes
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He believes are most relevant for today's times,
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As well as daily devotionals,
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Including an uplifting thought from dr. jeremiah,
00:11:18.461 --> 00:11:21.030
A powerful verse to remember,
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A recommended scripture reading for deeper study,
00:11:22.665 --> 00:11:25.101
And a yearly bible reading plan.
00:11:25.101 --> 00:11:27.470
It's also the perfect way to stay connected
00:11:27.470 --> 00:11:29.105
With the ministry of turning point,
00:11:29.105 --> 00:11:30.740
Including a monthly schedule of radio and television,
00:11:30.740 --> 00:11:33.275
The latest study resources from dr. jeremiah,
00:11:33.275 --> 00:11:35.778
And ministry news.
00:11:35.778 --> 00:11:37.346
Join more than half a million people
00:11:37.346 --> 00:11:39.281
Who are inspired and encouraged
00:11:39.281 --> 00:11:40.983
By "turning points" magazine and devotional each month.
00:11:40.983 --> 00:11:44.186
Request your first three issues of "turning points"
00:11:44.186 --> 00:11:46.689
Completely free from turning point today.
00:11:46.689 --> 00:11:49.358
♪ i searched the world ♪
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♪ but it couldn't fill me ♪
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♪ and man's empty praise ♪
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♪ and treasures and fame ♪
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♪ are never enough ♪
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♪ you came along ♪
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♪ you put me back together ♪
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♪ every desire is now satisfied ♪
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♪ here in your love ♪
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Michael sanchez: come on, church, sing it.
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♪ oh there's nothing ♪
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♪ better than you ♪
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♪ there's nothing ♪
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♪ better than you ♪
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♪ lord there's nothing ♪
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♪ nothing is better than you ♪
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♪♪♪
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♪ i'm not afraid ♪
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♪ to show you my weakness ♪
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♪ and my failures and flaws ♪
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♪ lord you've seem them all ♪
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♪ and you still call me friend ♪
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Michael: thank you for that, lord.
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♪ 'cause the god of the mountain ♪
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♪ is the god of the valley ♪
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♪ there's not a place ♪
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♪ your mercy and grace won't find me again ♪
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♪ oh there's nothing ♪
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♪ better than you ♪
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♪ there's nothing ♪
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♪ better than you ♪
00:13:44.473 --> 00:13:46.308
♪ lord there's nothing ♪
00:13:46.308 --> 00:13:49.445
♪ nothing is better than you ♪
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♪♪♪
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♪ you turn mourning to dancing ♪
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♪ you give beauty for ashes ♪
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♪ you turn shame into glory ♪
00:14:12.434 --> 00:14:15.838
♪ you're the only one who can ♪
00:14:15.838 --> 00:14:22.144
♪ you turn graves into gardens ♪
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♪ you turn bones into armies ♪
00:14:27.316 --> 00:14:32.288
♪ you turn seas into highways ♪
00:14:32.288 --> 00:14:35.858
♪ you're the only one who can ♪
00:14:35.858 --> 00:14:48.270
♪ oh there's nothing ♪
00:14:40.863 --> 00:14:51.473
♪ better than you ♪
00:14:51.473 --> 00:14:53.709
♪ there's nothing ♪
00:14:53.709 --> 00:14:56.412
♪ better than you ♪
00:14:56.412 --> 00:14:58.380
♪ lord there's nothing ♪
00:14:58.380 --> 00:15:01.216
♪ nothing is better than you ♪
00:15:01.216 --> 00:15:08.090
♪ oh there's nothing ♪
00:15:08.090 --> 00:15:11.260
♪ better than you ♪
00:15:11.260 --> 00:15:13.495
♪ there's nothing ♪
00:15:13.495 --> 00:15:16.231
♪ better than you ♪
00:15:16.231 --> 00:15:18.100
♪ lord there's nothing ♪
00:15:18.100 --> 00:15:21.270
♪ nothing is better than you ♪
00:15:21.270 --> 00:15:25.574
Michael: c'mon, one more.
00:15:25.574 --> 00:15:29.178
♪ you turn mourning to dancing ♪
00:15:29.178 --> 00:15:34.116
♪ you give beauty for ashes ♪
00:15:34.116 --> 00:15:39.088
♪ you turn shame into glory ♪
00:15:39.088 --> 00:15:42.925
♪ you're the only one who can ♪
00:15:42.925 --> 00:15:48.998
♪ you turn mourning to dancing ♪
00:15:48.998 --> 00:15:53.902
♪ you give beauty for ashes ♪
00:15:53.902 --> 00:15:59.074
♪ you turn shame into glory ♪
00:15:59.074 --> 00:16:02.611
♪ you're the only one who can ♪
00:16:02.611 --> 00:16:08.951
♪ you turn graves into gardens ♪
00:16:08.951 --> 00:16:13.822
♪ you turn bones into armies ♪
00:16:13.822 --> 00:16:18.794
♪ you turn seas into highways ♪
00:16:18.794 --> 00:16:22.564
♪ you're the only one who can ♪
00:16:22.564 --> 00:16:32.841
♪ you're the only one who can ♪♪
00:16:27.703 --> 00:16:39.181
♪♪♪
00:16:39.181 --> 00:16:47.156
[congregation applauding]
00:16:47.156 --> 00:16:51.293
Announcer: what are the signs of a life beyond amazing?
00:16:53.195 --> 00:16:56.031
Among them, joy that is not dependent on circumstance,
00:16:56.031 --> 00:16:59.435
Integrity that settles for no exceptions,
00:16:59.435 --> 00:17:01.837
And self-discipline that stands firm.
00:17:01.837 --> 00:17:04.907
But how do you get them into your life?
00:17:04.907 --> 00:17:07.409
It takes a decision, actually nine decisions each day,
00:17:07.409 --> 00:17:11.413
To commit these into your heart and actions.
00:17:11.413 --> 00:17:14.416
Discover the steps to the life of blessings god has for you in
00:17:14.416 --> 00:17:17.820
Dr. david jeremiah's inspiring book,
00:17:17.820 --> 00:17:20.389
"a life beyond amazing:
00:17:20.389 --> 00:17:22.157
Nine decisions that will transform your life today."
00:17:22.157 --> 00:17:25.394
Order this transformational book from dr. jeremiah today
00:17:25.394 --> 00:17:28.764
When you give a gift of any amount
00:17:28.764 --> 00:17:30.466
In support of this program.
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00:18:12.441 --> 00:18:15.377
What you thought possible, a life beyond amazing.
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And now, here is dr. jeremiah with his message,
00:18:40.202 --> 00:18:43.572
"a life beyond amazing."
00:18:43.572 --> 00:18:45.107
Dr. jeremiah: what kind of people do we need to be to live
00:18:46.942 --> 00:18:49.678
In this culture that is so messed up and hard to define
00:18:49.678 --> 00:18:54.149
And we don't know where it's going and it always ends up
00:18:54.149 --> 00:18:56.952
Where we didn't think it would be?
00:18:56.952 --> 00:19:00.189
We are told that when the holy spirit completely
00:19:00.189 --> 00:19:02.591
Controls the life of a believer, this is what it will look like:
00:19:02.591 --> 00:19:08.096
"the fruit of the spirit is love, joy,
00:19:08.096 --> 00:19:10.499
Peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,
00:19:10.499 --> 00:19:13.435
Faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
00:19:13.435 --> 00:19:16.905
God's description of a man for all seasons.
00:19:16.905 --> 00:19:21.510
So in response to the question, "what kind of people should we
00:19:21.510 --> 00:19:24.479
Be at such a time in history as this," here is god's answer.
00:19:24.479 --> 00:19:28.317
He calls us to be people of love and joy and peace.
00:19:28.317 --> 00:19:32.554
He wants us to have endurance in our lives.
00:19:32.554 --> 00:19:34.990
He wants us to have compassion for those who need our help.
00:19:34.990 --> 00:19:38.794
We should be people of generosity, integrity,
00:19:38.794 --> 00:19:42.164
Humility, self-discipline.
00:19:42.164 --> 00:19:44.967
This is god's ideal person, and believe it or not,
00:19:44.967 --> 00:19:48.070
We can become like that.
00:19:48.070 --> 00:19:49.538
We were meant to be like that.
00:19:49.538 --> 00:19:51.240
Could i just say it this way?
00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:52.841
Christ died so that we could be that kind of a person.
00:19:52.841 --> 00:19:57.045
These nine qualities compose a list which often people say
00:19:57.045 --> 00:20:00.849
Isn't really a list, but nine descriptions of the same thing,
00:20:00.849 --> 00:20:03.852
But it is a list no matter how you look at it.
00:20:03.852 --> 00:20:07.055
Nine things that the bible tells us will be true of us in
00:20:07.055 --> 00:20:10.592
Some way, in a growing way, as we become god's people.
00:20:10.592 --> 00:20:16.064
So we're gonna discuss all these, one at a time.
00:20:16.064 --> 00:20:20.035
What it means to become the person god wants us to be,
00:20:20.035 --> 00:20:23.572
A person of love and generosity.
00:20:23.572 --> 00:20:25.941
We're going to learn how the holy spirit interacts with us
00:20:25.941 --> 00:20:30.012
To develop these qualities in our lives.
00:20:30.012 --> 00:20:32.848
And we're going to embrace a life beyond amazing.
00:20:32.848 --> 00:20:38.287
If you read the new testament, it becomes pretty clear,
00:20:38.287 --> 00:20:40.589
If you read it carefully, that's the kind of life
00:20:40.589 --> 00:20:42.324
God wants us to have.
00:20:42.324 --> 00:20:43.692
The lord jesus christ said in john 10:10:
00:20:44.760 --> 00:20:47.129
"i have come that they might have life,
00:20:47.129 --> 00:20:50.732
And that they might have it more abundantly."
00:20:50.732 --> 00:20:54.736
Sounds like life beyond amazing.
00:20:54.736 --> 00:20:58.307
But there's some roadblocks that we need to get out
00:20:58.307 --> 00:21:01.043
Of the way if we're gonna get to the place we wanna be.
00:21:01.043 --> 00:21:05.614
If the whole purpose of jesus coming to this earth was to
00:21:05.614 --> 00:21:08.684
Bring us a life beyond amazing, what's gotten us off course?
00:21:08.684 --> 00:21:16.258
I mean, do you get the sense that the christians you know
00:21:16.258 --> 00:21:19.294
Are living a life beyond amazing?
00:21:19.294 --> 00:21:23.598
Would you describe your life like that?
00:21:23.598 --> 00:21:27.703
Would i describe mine like that?
00:21:27.703 --> 00:21:30.739
If there's a gap between the promise of what our lord
00:21:30.739 --> 00:21:33.642
Wants us to have and what we're experiencing,
00:21:33.642 --> 00:21:36.545
What is causing it?
00:21:36.545 --> 00:21:38.213
What is happening to us that this abundant life that jesus
00:21:38.213 --> 00:21:42.617
Died for so that we could have it seems to always be at the end
00:21:42.617 --> 00:21:46.722
Of our fingers but not quite in our grasp?
00:21:46.722 --> 00:21:49.891
And i'd like to suggest to you the three things
00:21:49.891 --> 00:21:52.127
That i've thought of in preparation for this
00:21:52.127 --> 00:21:54.730
That might help us understand this a little bit.
00:21:54.730 --> 00:21:58.200
First of all, i think for many of us,
00:21:58.200 --> 00:22:00.502
We misunderstand our salvation.
00:22:00.502 --> 00:22:04.139
Most christians today view salvation strictly
00:22:04.139 --> 00:22:06.608
In the past tense.
00:22:06.608 --> 00:22:10.145
Salvation is something that has happened to us.
00:22:10.145 --> 00:22:12.781
It's history.
00:22:12.781 --> 00:22:14.416
Our salvation, according to many christians,
00:22:14.416 --> 00:22:17.018
Is a done thing.
00:22:17.018 --> 00:22:19.921
But the bible doesn't view salvation like that,
00:22:19.921 --> 00:22:22.124
Men and women.
00:22:22.124 --> 00:22:23.458
The bible views salvation in three different tenses.
00:22:23.458 --> 00:22:27.362
The bible views salvation like this: i have been saved.
00:22:27.362 --> 00:22:31.900
If i've trusted jesus christ as my savior, as many of you have,
00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:35.337
You've become a christian, then you can say of yourself,
00:22:35.337 --> 00:22:38.774
"i have been saved."
00:22:38.774 --> 00:22:41.042
And you point to the day when you trusted christ.
00:22:41.042 --> 00:22:44.112
But the bible also teaches that once you're saved,
00:22:44.112 --> 00:22:46.615
You continue being saved.
00:22:46.615 --> 00:22:48.517
You're saved eternally, but it's true that once you have
00:22:48.517 --> 00:22:52.020
Been saved, as you go forward in your life, you are being saved.
00:22:52.020 --> 00:22:56.858
And one day the scripture says you're gonna stand before
00:22:56.858 --> 00:22:59.261
The lord and you're gonna be just like him,
00:22:59.261 --> 00:23:01.930
And then the bible says you will be ultimately saved.
00:23:01.930 --> 00:23:04.433
So here's the way that works.
00:23:04.433 --> 00:23:06.802
You are saved from your sin, from the very penalty of sin.
00:23:06.802 --> 00:23:12.107
During your lifetime as a christian,
00:23:12.107 --> 00:23:13.875
You're gradually being saved from the power of sin
00:23:13.875 --> 00:23:16.144
Over your life.
00:23:16.144 --> 00:23:17.979
And ultimately, one day, praise god,
00:23:17.979 --> 00:23:19.815
We're all gonna be saved from the very presence of sin.
00:23:19.815 --> 00:23:22.584
There won't even be any sin.
00:23:22.584 --> 00:23:25.787
But please hear me.
00:23:25.787 --> 00:23:27.622
If you get stuck in the past tense,
00:23:27.622 --> 00:23:30.592
You won't be the kind of person
00:23:30.592 --> 00:23:33.528
Who can have a life beyond amazing.
00:23:33.528 --> 00:23:36.631
Because salvation is more than just, "i have been saved,"
00:23:36.631 --> 00:23:40.068
It's "i am being saved," and "i ultimately will be saved."
00:23:40.068 --> 00:23:43.472
That's why paul said to the romans that
00:23:43.472 --> 00:23:47.275
"now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
00:23:47.275 --> 00:23:50.879
What was he talking about?
00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:52.714
Not past salvation, that was already done.
00:23:52.714 --> 00:23:54.616
Not present salvation, they were living that.
00:23:54.616 --> 00:23:56.685
The salvation of the future when you stand before the lord
00:23:56.685 --> 00:23:59.354
And you are made like unto him.
00:23:59.354 --> 00:24:01.656
So what does that have to do with the life beyond amazing?
00:24:01.656 --> 00:24:05.360
Here's a little paradigm from writer, n.t. wright,
00:24:05.360 --> 00:24:09.431
That gives us a very helpful illustration.
00:24:09.431 --> 00:24:12.667
He said, "many christians have so emphasized the opening act
00:24:12.667 --> 00:24:15.370
Of faith, the initial statement of that faith,
00:24:15.370 --> 00:24:18.306
Believing that jesus died for me,
00:24:18.306 --> 00:24:20.208
That they have a big gap in their vision of what being
00:24:20.208 --> 00:24:22.544
A christian's all about.
00:24:22.544 --> 00:24:24.980
It's as though they were standing on one side of a deep,
00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:27.249
Wide river looking across to the farthest bank.
00:24:27.249 --> 00:24:30.652
And on this bank, you declare your faith.
00:24:30.652 --> 00:24:32.921
On the opposite bank is the ultimate result,
00:24:32.921 --> 00:24:35.590
Final salvation itself.
00:24:35.590 --> 00:24:38.093
But what in the world are you supposed to do
00:24:38.093 --> 00:24:41.396
Between this bank and that bank?"
00:24:41.396 --> 00:24:44.699
I am saved.
00:24:44.699 --> 00:24:46.134
I'm gonna be with the lord someday for sure.
00:24:46.134 --> 00:24:48.036
That's eternal life.
00:24:48.036 --> 00:24:50.872
But i might have 70 or 80 years on this earth.
00:24:50.872 --> 00:24:53.241
What do i do between this bank and this bank?
00:24:53.241 --> 00:24:57.579
That's what this series is really all about.
00:24:57.579 --> 00:24:59.781
The life beyond amazing is not a passive
00:24:59.781 --> 00:25:01.983
"wait till jesus comes back" kind of life.
00:25:01.983 --> 00:25:05.186
The life beyond amazing is the kind of life that will get you
00:25:05.186 --> 00:25:07.989
Up early in the morning and keep you up late at night
00:25:07.989 --> 00:25:10.225
If you really get your arms around it.
00:25:10.225 --> 00:25:12.727
Jesus christ didn't just die for us to live in eternity
00:25:12.727 --> 00:25:15.497
With his father.
00:25:15.497 --> 00:25:16.898
He died so that we would have an abundant life on this earth as
00:25:16.898 --> 00:25:19.334
Well, and we seem to not be grabbing that in some way.
00:25:19.334 --> 00:25:23.338
And i think one of the reasons is because we just think,
00:25:23.338 --> 00:25:25.874
"well, salvation is it."
00:25:25.874 --> 00:25:28.843
Author craig barnes asks, "how long does it take
00:25:28.843 --> 00:25:31.479
To become a christian?
00:25:31.479 --> 00:25:33.181
A moment and a lifetime."
00:25:33.181 --> 00:25:35.784
He said, "when i was a child, my father brought home a
00:25:35.784 --> 00:25:38.653
12-year-old boy named roger, whose parents had died
00:25:38.653 --> 00:25:41.756
From drug overdose.
00:25:41.756 --> 00:25:44.225
And he said there was no one to care for roger,
00:25:44.225 --> 00:25:46.027
So my folks decided that they would help
00:25:46.027 --> 00:25:48.129
And they would raise him as if he was one of their own sons.
00:25:48.129 --> 00:25:52.400
At first, it was very difficult because roger came from
00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:54.603
A totally different world and he was trying to adjust
00:25:54.603 --> 00:25:57.405
To his new home, an environment free of heroin,
00:25:57.405 --> 00:26:00.308
No addicted adults in that home.
00:26:00.308 --> 00:26:02.444
And every day, several times a day," he said,
00:26:02.444 --> 00:26:04.279
"i heard my parents saying to roger,
00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:06.548
'no, no, no, that's not how we behave in this family.'
00:26:06.548 --> 00:26:11.119
'no, no, no, you don't have to scream or fight
00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:12.988
Or hurt other people to get what you want.'
00:26:12.988 --> 00:26:16.291
'no, no, roger, we expect you to show respect in this family.'
00:26:16.291 --> 00:26:19.194
And in time, roger began to change."
00:26:19.194 --> 00:26:22.530
And craig barnes asked this provocative question:
00:26:22.530 --> 00:26:25.800
"did roger have to make all those changes
00:26:25.800 --> 00:26:27.902
In order to become part of the family?"
00:26:27.902 --> 00:26:29.904
Of course not.
00:26:29.904 --> 00:26:31.373
"he was part of the family by the grace of my father,"
00:26:31.373 --> 00:26:33.842
Said this man.
00:26:33.842 --> 00:26:35.810
"but did he then have to do a lot of hard work
00:26:35.810 --> 00:26:37.679
Because he was in the family?
00:26:37.679 --> 00:26:39.914
You bet he did.
00:26:39.914 --> 00:26:41.282
It was tough for him to change, and he had to work at it,
00:26:41.282 --> 00:26:43.385
But he was motivated by gratitude
00:26:43.385 --> 00:26:46.388
For the incredible love he had received from my father.
00:26:46.388 --> 00:26:50.925
Do you have a lot of hard work to do now that the spirit
00:26:50.925 --> 00:26:53.194
Has adopted you into god's family?
00:26:53.194 --> 00:26:56.564
I mean, certainly, but not in order to become a son,
00:26:56.564 --> 00:26:59.334
Not in order to become a daughter,
00:26:59.334 --> 00:27:00.669
Because you already are that if you're a christian.
00:27:00.669 --> 00:27:03.738
And every time you start to revert back to the old
00:27:03.738 --> 00:27:06.207
Addictions of sin, the holy spirit will say to you,
00:27:06.207 --> 00:27:08.410
'no, no, no, that's not how we do that in this family.
00:27:08.410 --> 00:27:12.914
That's not how we act in this family.'"
00:27:12.914 --> 00:27:16.184
Sometimes we miss what god wants for us
00:27:16.184 --> 00:27:18.420
Because we just misunderstand salvation.
00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:21.990
When you become a christian, that's not the end,
00:27:21.990 --> 00:27:24.092
That's the beginning.
00:27:24.092 --> 00:27:26.194
That's the commencement of your life.
00:27:26.194 --> 00:27:30.365
Sometimes we miss what god wants for us in the christian
00:27:30.365 --> 00:27:33.668
Experience because we misapply the concept of works.
00:27:33.668 --> 00:27:38.239
Now, this is not hard.
00:27:38.239 --> 00:27:39.774
This is a little bit theology, but hang with me
00:27:39.774 --> 00:27:41.142
And i'll put some stuff on the screen.
00:27:41.142 --> 00:27:42.610
It's real easy to grasp this.
00:27:42.610 --> 00:27:44.412
The new testament is very clear about the fact
00:27:44.412 --> 00:27:46.314
That in our present tense, salvation, we are not saved
00:27:46.314 --> 00:27:49.651
As the result of our effort.
00:27:49.651 --> 00:27:51.953
It's the result of the grace of god.
00:27:51.953 --> 00:27:53.588
I have noticed, however, that in many of the key passages where
00:27:53.588 --> 00:27:57.358
The doctrine of salvation apart from good works is found,
00:27:57.358 --> 00:28:02.597
The doctrine of salvation unto good works is also found.
00:28:02.597 --> 00:28:07.202
Here's the dilemma that people have.
00:28:07.202 --> 00:28:09.838
I'm supposed to be saved, but it's not by works.
00:28:09.838 --> 00:28:14.509
But then i am saved, now what do i do?
00:28:14.509 --> 00:28:17.112
So let me help you with that.
00:28:17.112 --> 00:28:18.446
Two passages of scripture that are very clear.
00:28:18.446 --> 00:28:20.582
First of all, ephesians 2:8-9.
00:28:20.582 --> 00:28:22.751
Notice: "for by grace you have been saved through faith,
00:28:22.751 --> 00:28:26.721
And that not of yourselves; it is the gift of god."
00:28:26.721 --> 00:28:29.457
Now watch this: "not of works, lest any man should boast."
00:28:29.457 --> 00:28:35.163
Or try this one.
00:28:35.163 --> 00:28:36.698
Paul wrote to titus, his young protege,
00:28:36.698 --> 00:28:38.399
And he said, "not by works of righteousness
00:28:38.399 --> 00:28:41.069
Which we have done, but according to his mercy
00:28:41.069 --> 00:28:43.438
He saved us, through the washing of regeneration
00:28:43.438 --> 00:28:46.207
And the renewing of the holy spirit."
00:28:46.207 --> 00:28:48.176
Paul, in both of these passages, reminds us clearly,
00:28:48.176 --> 00:28:52.614
Indelibly, unconditionally:
00:28:52.614 --> 00:28:55.116
There is no such thing as being saved by works.
00:28:55.116 --> 00:28:57.385
You can't do enough works to become a christian.
00:28:57.385 --> 00:29:00.989
You were saved by the grace of god apart from works.
00:29:00.989 --> 00:29:03.792
Everybody got that?
00:29:03.792 --> 00:29:05.493
All right, now don't stop here because after ephesians 2:8-9
00:29:05.493 --> 00:29:10.165
Comes ephesians 2:10.
00:29:10.165 --> 00:29:12.367
Have you read that?
00:29:12.367 --> 00:29:14.269
"for we are his workmanship, created in christ jesus
00:29:14.269 --> 00:29:18.273
For good works, which god prepared beforehand
00:29:18.273 --> 00:29:22.210
That we should walk in them."
00:29:22.210 --> 00:29:24.946
Not saved by good works, but you're saved for good works.
00:29:24.946 --> 00:29:31.019
Same thing with titus chapter 3.
00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:34.088
Here's verse 8 in the same chapter.
00:29:34.088 --> 00:29:36.090
This is even more powerful.
00:29:36.090 --> 00:29:37.892
"this is a faithful saying, and these things i want you to
00:29:37.892 --> 00:29:39.961
Affirm constantly, that those who have believed in god
00:29:39.961 --> 00:29:43.498
Should be careful to maintain good works.
00:29:43.498 --> 00:29:47.502
These things are good and profitable to men."
00:29:47.502 --> 00:29:51.406
Here's the problem.
00:29:51.406 --> 00:29:53.107
"i am so thankful that i'm going to heaven by grace.
00:29:53.107 --> 00:29:56.945
No works at all.
00:29:56.945 --> 00:29:58.279
I got saved and works never show up again till you die."
00:29:58.279 --> 00:30:01.883
That's the way some folks are.
00:30:01.883 --> 00:30:04.619
"i didn't get saved by works, so i don't have to do any works.
00:30:04.619 --> 00:30:07.655
Thank god for jesus."
00:30:07.655 --> 00:30:10.925
So, unfortunately, in many of our churches
00:30:10.925 --> 00:30:12.861
We have a lot of passive believers
00:30:12.861 --> 00:30:15.430
Who come every week to rejoice in the fact
00:30:15.430 --> 00:30:17.465
That they're going to heaven but haven't even thought
00:30:17.465 --> 00:30:19.434
About the fact that maybe something else
00:30:19.434 --> 00:30:20.835
Should be happening in their life
00:30:20.835 --> 00:30:22.470
Between the moment when they believed
00:30:22.470 --> 00:30:23.805
And when they finally hear the lord say, "well done."
00:30:23.805 --> 00:30:26.574
Because if they keep doing what they're doing,
00:30:26.574 --> 00:30:28.009
They're not gonna hear, "well done";
00:30:28.009 --> 00:30:29.544
They're gonna just say, "come on in."
00:30:29.544 --> 00:30:34.082
So sometimes we don't get what we should get out of this life
00:30:34.082 --> 00:30:38.419
As christians because we misunderstand salvation
00:30:38.419 --> 00:30:41.890
And we think it's already over, that everything has happened.
00:30:41.890 --> 00:30:45.493
Sometimes we don't get it right because we misunderstand
00:30:45.493 --> 00:30:47.996
How works are so wonderfully commanded of us as believers.
00:30:47.996 --> 00:30:52.934
And here's the third one, and this is a little more
00:30:52.934 --> 00:30:54.636
Mysterious, but if you've been around the church
00:30:54.636 --> 00:30:56.437
As long as i have, you'll get this one in a hurry.
00:30:56.437 --> 00:30:59.641
Sometimes it's a mistaken idea of spirituality.
00:30:59.641 --> 00:31:02.510
Have you ever heard--i'm gonna ask you to raise your hand.
00:31:02.510 --> 00:31:04.913
How many of you have ever heard of the deeper life?
00:31:04.913 --> 00:31:07.615
Let me see your hands, anybody?
00:31:07.615 --> 00:31:09.250
Yeah, 10 or 12 of you.
00:31:09.250 --> 00:31:11.085
I grew up in a time when the deeper life was a big deal.
00:31:11.085 --> 00:31:16.024
I have a book in my library that i'm almost ashamed
00:31:16.024 --> 00:31:18.059
To tell you about.
00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:19.394
You know what the title of it is?
00:31:19.394 --> 00:31:20.929
"shallow living from the deeper life."
00:31:20.929 --> 00:31:24.799
I've seen a little of that.
00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:27.468
Here's the idea of the deeper life.
00:31:27.468 --> 00:31:29.504
This is championed by a group called the keswicks.
00:31:29.504 --> 00:31:33.675
Hannah whitall smith was one of the great teachers
00:31:33.675 --> 00:31:36.010
Of this truth.
00:31:36.010 --> 00:31:37.979
It is the idea that you don't do anything, god does everything.
00:31:37.979 --> 00:31:43.284
The key to the christian life is to let go and let god.
00:31:43.284 --> 00:31:48.089
I've observed a lot of people have let go,
00:31:48.089 --> 00:31:51.092
But they haven't let god.
00:31:51.092 --> 00:31:53.394
They just let go, period.
00:31:53.394 --> 00:31:56.297
"the christian's secret of a happy life."
00:31:56.297 --> 00:31:57.999
Here's a little paragraph from one of her books:
00:31:57.999 --> 00:32:00.601
"all that we claim then in this life
00:32:00.601 --> 00:32:02.570
Of sanctification is that by a step of faith
00:32:02.570 --> 00:32:05.139
We put ourselves into the hands of the lord,
00:32:05.139 --> 00:32:07.575
For him to work in us all the good pleasure
00:32:07.575 --> 00:32:10.044
Of his will, and that by a continuous exercise of faith,
00:32:10.044 --> 00:32:13.581
We keep ourselves there.
00:32:13.581 --> 00:32:15.249
Our part is trusting.
00:32:15.249 --> 00:32:16.985
It is his accomplishment that is everything."
00:32:16.985 --> 00:32:20.488
Now, doesn't that sound like that should be right?
00:32:20.488 --> 00:32:23.624
But i've watched it over the years.
00:32:23.624 --> 00:32:26.861
I don't know how to say this in any other way
00:32:26.861 --> 00:32:28.863
Than just to say it doesn't work.
00:32:28.863 --> 00:32:31.799
It works to some degree for people who really get it.
00:32:31.799 --> 00:32:36.070
Watchman nee wrote a lot about this,
00:32:36.070 --> 00:32:38.239
A great chinese student of the word of god.
00:32:38.239 --> 00:32:41.409
It is so cerebral that it leaves people hanging with
00:32:41.409 --> 00:32:44.879
All of the opportunities that are before them
00:32:44.879 --> 00:32:46.948
And they don't know what to do.
00:32:46.948 --> 00:32:48.316
Should i do this or should i let god do it?
00:32:48.316 --> 00:32:50.718
Here's what i know, men and women,
00:32:50.718 --> 00:32:52.487
After all these years of studying this,
00:32:52.487 --> 00:32:54.422
And i want to be very clear about this,
00:32:54.422 --> 00:32:56.657
The new testament calls upon christians to take action.
00:32:56.657 --> 00:33:00.695
It does not tell us that the work of sanctification
00:33:00.695 --> 00:33:03.898
Is going to be done for us.
00:33:03.898 --> 00:33:06.401
We are in the good fight of faith,
00:33:06.401 --> 00:33:08.302
And we have to do the fighting.
00:33:08.302 --> 00:33:10.605
But thank god we're unable to do it,
00:33:10.605 --> 00:33:12.373
For the moment we believe and are justified by faith,
00:33:12.373 --> 00:33:14.709
We're born again by the spirit of god, we get the ability.
00:33:14.709 --> 00:33:18.379
The new testament method of sanctification
00:33:18.379 --> 00:33:20.281
Is to remind us of that.
00:33:20.281 --> 00:33:21.749
Now, having been reminded of it, let's go do it.
00:33:21.749 --> 00:33:26.921
Here's one you all will love.
00:33:26.921 --> 00:33:28.289
This is bono, the lead singer of u2.
00:33:28.289 --> 00:33:33.628
You never hear me quote him before, have you?
00:33:33.628 --> 00:33:38.633
Here's what he said.
00:33:38.633 --> 00:33:40.034
He said, "your nature's a hard thing to change.
00:33:40.034 --> 00:33:42.336
It takes time.
00:33:42.336 --> 00:33:44.372
I have heard of people who've had life-changing,
00:33:44.372 --> 00:33:46.641
Miraculous turnarounds.
00:33:46.641 --> 00:33:48.042
People set free from addiction after a single prayer.
00:33:48.042 --> 00:33:50.778
Relationships saved where both parties let go and let god.
00:33:50.778 --> 00:33:55.049
But it wasn't like that for me.
00:33:55.049 --> 00:33:56.884
For all that i was lost, i am found.
00:33:56.884 --> 00:33:59.654
It is probably more accurate to say i was really lost,
00:33:59.654 --> 00:34:03.724
And i'm a little less so at the moment.
00:34:03.724 --> 00:34:08.262
And then a little less and a little less again.
00:34:08.262 --> 00:34:12.066
That, to me, is the spiritual life, the slow reworking and
00:34:12.066 --> 00:34:14.836
Rebooting of the computer at regular intervals,
00:34:14.836 --> 00:34:17.772
Reading the small print in the service manual.
00:34:17.772 --> 00:34:20.241
It slowly rebuilt me in a better image.
00:34:20.241 --> 00:34:22.777
It's taken years though, and it's not over yet."
00:34:22.777 --> 00:34:24.846
Was he saying that salvation is a gradual thing?
00:34:24.846 --> 00:34:27.715
Not as far as accepting christ.
00:34:27.715 --> 00:34:30.685
But he was saying that "when i accepted christ, it wasn't over.
00:34:30.685 --> 00:34:34.088
I didn't get that spiritual situation
00:34:34.088 --> 00:34:36.224
Where when i woke up the next day,
00:34:36.224 --> 00:34:38.526
All of my lust was gone,
00:34:38.526 --> 00:34:39.994
And all of my greed was gone,
00:34:39.994 --> 00:34:41.629
And all of my selfishness was gone.
00:34:41.629 --> 00:34:43.664
It was still there.
00:34:43.664 --> 00:34:45.366
And it was over a period of time after receiving jesus christ
00:34:45.366 --> 00:34:48.970
That i wasn't as lost as i was before i was lost."
00:34:48.970 --> 00:34:52.840
You get that?
00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:55.409
Those are some of the things we need to kind of keep,
00:34:55.409 --> 00:34:57.378
And we'll talk about this some more as we go along.
00:34:57.378 --> 00:34:59.413
Now, let me hurry quickly to the roadmap of a life
00:34:59.413 --> 00:35:03.184
Beyond amazing, and i want you,
00:35:03.184 --> 00:35:04.785
If you have your bibles, to turn to the second chapter
00:35:04.785 --> 00:35:07.288
Of philippians.
00:35:07.288 --> 00:35:09.690
I love the book of philippians.
00:35:09.690 --> 00:35:11.125
Do you like philippians?
00:35:11.125 --> 00:35:12.493
Yes, what a great book this is.
00:35:12.493 --> 00:35:13.861
It seems like it speaks to so many things.
00:35:13.861 --> 00:35:16.697
But i want to read to you these verses, and having explained to
00:35:16.697 --> 00:35:19.567
You what i've explained to you, you'll sort of get this now
00:35:19.567 --> 00:35:22.436
In the way that i hoped you would get it.
00:35:22.436 --> 00:35:24.872
Philippians 2:12-13:
00:35:24.872 --> 00:35:27.375
"therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,
00:35:27.375 --> 00:35:30.912
Not as in my presence only,
00:35:30.912 --> 00:35:32.413
But now much more in my absence,"
00:35:32.413 --> 00:35:34.382
Listen carefully, "work out your own salvation with fear
00:35:34.382 --> 00:35:39.187
And trembling; for it is god who works in you
00:35:39.187 --> 00:35:43.024
Both to will and to do for his good pleasure."
00:35:43.024 --> 00:35:47.962
And you're gonna say, "wait a minute,
00:35:47.962 --> 00:35:49.397
Didn't you just tell me
00:35:49.397 --> 00:35:50.731
You don't have to work for your salvation?"
00:35:50.731 --> 00:35:52.233
Yes, i did, because that's what the bible says,
00:35:52.233 --> 00:35:54.635
And i'm not contradicting it.
00:35:54.635 --> 00:35:55.970
You're just not reading carefully.
00:35:55.970 --> 00:35:59.373
It doesn't say, "work for your salvation."
00:35:59.373 --> 00:36:02.210
It says, "work out your salvation."
00:36:02.210 --> 00:36:05.246
Some of you are so opposed to work out,
00:36:05.246 --> 00:36:06.914
You won't even read that.
00:36:06.914 --> 00:36:11.219
Work out your salvation.
00:36:11.219 --> 00:36:12.753
What does it mean?
00:36:12.753 --> 00:36:14.121
When the text says, "work out your own salvation,"
00:36:14.121 --> 00:36:16.224
It doesn't mean work for your salvation.
00:36:16.224 --> 00:36:18.726
The phrase "work out" has the meaning of working something
00:36:18.726 --> 00:36:21.562
Through to its full completion.
00:36:21.562 --> 00:36:23.764
This particular expression was used to describe those
00:36:23.764 --> 00:36:26.734
Who worked in the mines in paul's day.
00:36:26.734 --> 00:36:30.004
They were mining out of the ground that which had been
00:36:30.004 --> 00:36:33.040
Placed there by their creator.
00:36:33.040 --> 00:36:35.309
Working out our salvation has the meaning of working out
00:36:35.309 --> 00:36:39.614
What god has already worked in.
00:36:39.614 --> 00:36:42.049
Notice, in that same text it says,
00:36:42.049 --> 00:36:44.819
"work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
00:36:44.819 --> 00:36:47.455
Because it is god who works in you."
00:36:47.455 --> 00:36:52.260
So we're to work out what god has worked in.
00:36:52.260 --> 00:36:57.031
God is giving us these things that we need.
00:36:57.031 --> 00:37:01.602
But that doesn't mean we just sit and hold them.
00:37:01.602 --> 00:37:04.939
What is really responsible for your christian walk,
00:37:04.939 --> 00:37:08.109
Your christian growth?
00:37:08.109 --> 00:37:09.510
Is it just sit back and wait for the holy spirit to zap you?
00:37:09.510 --> 00:37:13.314
How many have-- had been zapped?
00:37:13.314 --> 00:37:16.317
No.
00:37:16.317 --> 00:37:17.985
And we wonder, why isn't this working?
00:37:17.985 --> 00:37:19.620
Well, we're looking for the wrong thing.
00:37:19.620 --> 00:37:23.257
Each generation of believers carries on its own debate
00:37:23.257 --> 00:37:26.260
Over this question.
00:37:26.260 --> 00:37:27.962
But here's what i want you to know.
00:37:27.962 --> 00:37:29.397
The bible holds the tension between man's role
00:37:29.397 --> 00:37:32.433
And god's role in perfect balance.
00:37:32.433 --> 00:37:35.436
Here's another great illustration
00:37:35.436 --> 00:37:37.305
From the new testament.
00:37:37.305 --> 00:37:39.373
In 2 peter chapter 1, i wanna read verses 3 and 4.
00:37:39.373 --> 00:37:43.944
I'll put them up on the screen.
00:37:43.944 --> 00:37:46.681
This is what it says: "his divine power has given to us,"
00:37:46.681 --> 00:37:51.118
Believers, "all the things that we need for life and godliness,
00:37:51.118 --> 00:37:55.189
Through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue,
00:37:55.189 --> 00:37:57.925
By which have been given to us exceeding great
00:37:57.925 --> 00:38:00.461
And precious promises, that through these
00:38:00.461 --> 00:38:03.264
You may be partakers of the divine nature,
00:38:03.264 --> 00:38:05.633
Having escaped the corruption
00:38:05.633 --> 00:38:06.967
That is in the world through lust."
00:38:06.967 --> 00:38:08.402
Now, i'll pack that in a real simple way.
00:38:08.402 --> 00:38:09.970
Here's what peter wrote.
00:38:09.970 --> 00:38:11.472
He said when you became a christian,
00:38:11.472 --> 00:38:13.040
You got everything you need for life and godliness.
00:38:13.040 --> 00:38:15.743
How many of you believe that?
00:38:15.743 --> 00:38:17.244
The bible says it, we have to believe it.
00:38:17.244 --> 00:38:18.579
He said, "god gave us," what did he do?
00:38:18.579 --> 00:38:20.147
He put it in us.
00:38:20.147 --> 00:38:21.682
Like he puts ore in the earth, he puts these things in us.
00:38:21.682 --> 00:38:26.921
Not only that, the scripture says he gives us
00:38:26.921 --> 00:38:30.091
Precious promises.
00:38:30.091 --> 00:38:31.625
What is that?
00:38:31.625 --> 00:38:32.960
That's the bible, the guidebook.
00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:34.762
He gives us everything we need for life and godliness,
00:38:34.762 --> 00:38:37.298
And then on top of that, he gives us
00:38:37.298 --> 00:38:38.666
These precious promises to help us.
00:38:38.666 --> 00:38:42.169
And we should say, "well, thank you, lord."
00:38:42.169 --> 00:38:45.573
But that isn't the end of the story.
00:38:45.573 --> 00:38:49.110
The people who want to tell you that your christian walk
00:38:49.110 --> 00:38:52.179
Should be a passive rest life waiting for god
00:38:52.179 --> 00:38:54.815
To do it all haven't read the rest of the chapter.
00:38:54.815 --> 00:38:58.419
Because in verse 5 it says: "also for this very reason,"
00:38:58.419 --> 00:39:04.225
What reason?
00:39:04.225 --> 00:39:05.559
Because you got all this stuff.
00:39:05.559 --> 00:39:07.762
Because you got all this, "add to your faith virtue
00:39:07.762 --> 00:39:11.499
And give all diligence in the process."
00:39:11.499 --> 00:39:14.835
The word "give all diligence" in the greek language
00:39:14.835 --> 00:39:16.904
Means to make every single effort.
00:39:16.904 --> 00:39:21.108
What peter was saying to his readers is this exactly,
00:39:21.108 --> 00:39:24.278
What paul had written to the philippians:
00:39:24.278 --> 00:39:26.747
"you have been given great resources.
00:39:26.747 --> 00:39:28.983
Now go out and realize the full potential
00:39:28.983 --> 00:39:31.352
Of all that you are and all that you have in jesus."
00:39:31.352 --> 00:39:35.623
You say, "how would that work out if i did that?"
00:39:35.623 --> 00:39:39.126
Can i take you back to philippians for just a moment?
00:39:39.126 --> 00:39:42.797
Here in philippians, remember, it says,
00:39:42.797 --> 00:39:44.198
"work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
00:39:44.198 --> 00:39:46.467
For it's god who works in you both to will
00:39:46.467 --> 00:39:48.202
And to do of his good purpose."
00:39:48.202 --> 00:39:50.137
What would that look like?
00:39:50.137 --> 00:39:51.839
Well, let me just tell you what it would look like.
00:39:51.839 --> 00:39:55.409
Verse 14 comes next:
00:39:55.409 --> 00:39:57.845
"do all things without complaining and disputing."
00:39:57.845 --> 00:40:02.283
It's a good place to start.
00:40:02.283 --> 00:40:03.851
How many of you could use a little help there?
00:40:03.851 --> 00:40:05.853
You probably complained because you couldn't find
00:40:05.853 --> 00:40:07.421
Your parking place this week.
00:40:07.421 --> 00:40:09.723
And i know some of you complain because somebody sat
00:40:09.723 --> 00:40:11.592
In your seat when you came to church this morning.
00:40:11.592 --> 00:40:14.361
So y'all need some work, that's what i'm telling you.
00:40:14.361 --> 00:40:17.565
The reason why we need to work out what god has worked in
00:40:17.565 --> 00:40:20.835
Is because it's not all working, amen?
00:40:20.835 --> 00:40:26.273
And it goes on to say that when we do this,
00:40:26.273 --> 00:40:29.310
"we'll become blameless and harmless children of god
00:40:29.310 --> 00:40:31.879
Without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
00:40:31.879 --> 00:40:34.849
Among whom you shine as lights in this world."
00:40:34.849 --> 00:40:38.185
The bible says that the reason we're not making more of an
00:40:38.185 --> 00:40:40.087
Impact on the world, why we're not shining as light is
00:40:40.087 --> 00:40:42.256
Because we haven't taken seriously
00:40:42.256 --> 00:40:43.924
The opportunity we have to take the things that god
00:40:43.924 --> 00:40:46.427
Has given us and max them out for his glory
00:40:46.427 --> 00:40:49.864
And for our good.
00:40:49.864 --> 00:40:52.466
And that's what he wants.
00:40:52.466 --> 00:40:53.868
He doesn't want us to sit on our blessings.
00:40:53.868 --> 00:40:57.338
He doesn't want us just to come to church
00:40:57.338 --> 00:40:58.806
And count our blessings, name them one by one.
00:40:58.806 --> 00:41:02.877
And it seems like today in the christian world
00:41:02.877 --> 00:41:07.348
There's just a movement away from all kind
00:41:07.348 --> 00:41:09.450
Of personal discipline or individual responsibility
00:41:09.450 --> 00:41:11.519
To the christian walk.
00:41:11.519 --> 00:41:14.021
Jerry bridges, who writes for the navigators, put it this way,
00:41:14.021 --> 00:41:16.824
He said, "we christians, we're very disciplined
00:41:16.824 --> 00:41:19.360
And industrious in our business, our studies, our home,
00:41:19.360 --> 00:41:22.196
Or even in our ministry,
00:41:22.196 --> 00:41:23.531
But we tend to be lazy when it comes to exercising
00:41:23.531 --> 00:41:25.599
Our own spiritual lives.
00:41:25.599 --> 00:41:28.402
We would rather pray, 'lord, make me godly,'
00:41:28.402 --> 00:41:31.672
And expect him to pour some godliness
00:41:31.672 --> 00:41:33.641
Into our soul in some mysterious way.
00:41:33.641 --> 00:41:36.977
God does, in fact, work in mysterious ways,
00:41:36.977 --> 00:41:39.046
But he expects us to train ourselves for godliness' sake."
00:41:39.046 --> 00:41:43.050
Jay adams put it this way: "you may have sought and tried
00:41:43.050 --> 00:41:45.586
To obtain instant godliness, there is no such thing.
00:41:45.586 --> 00:41:49.924
We want somebody to give us three easy steps to godliness
00:41:49.924 --> 00:41:52.560
And we'll take them next friday and we'll be godly.
00:41:52.560 --> 00:41:55.863
The trouble is, godliness doesn't come that way."
00:41:55.863 --> 00:41:59.934
When paul wrote to young timothy over in 1 timothy 4:7,
00:41:59.934 --> 00:42:04.104
He said, "reject profane and old wives' fables,
00:42:04.104 --> 00:42:07.341
And exercise yourself toward godliness."
00:42:07.341 --> 00:42:10.978
And i've always loved this passage
00:42:10.978 --> 00:42:12.713
Because i love physical exercise,
00:42:12.713 --> 00:42:15.649
And here the word for exercise
00:42:15.649 --> 00:42:18.085
Is the word in the greek language, "gumnazo";
00:42:18.085 --> 00:42:21.221
From the word we get gymnasium.
00:42:21.221 --> 00:42:25.292
And paul said to timothy, "go to the gymnasium.
00:42:25.292 --> 00:42:29.063
Exercise yourself for godliness."
00:42:29.063 --> 00:42:31.098
Does that sound like it's all just coming to you
00:42:31.098 --> 00:42:33.133
Without any effort on your part?
00:42:33.133 --> 00:42:35.669
Doesn't sound like that to me.
00:42:35.669 --> 00:42:37.237
In fact, here's an interesting thought.
00:42:37.237 --> 00:42:39.873
The last characteristic of the fruit of the spirit
00:42:39.873 --> 00:42:43.444
Is self-discipline, hmm.
00:42:43.444 --> 00:42:48.115
Everybody go, "hmm."
00:42:48.115 --> 00:42:52.119
Here's what aristotle said.
00:42:52.119 --> 00:42:55.255
He's not an evangelical, by the way.
00:42:55.255 --> 00:42:59.159
He said, "just as we become builders by building
00:42:59.159 --> 00:43:02.963
And lyre players by playing the lyre,
00:43:02.963 --> 00:43:05.466
So we become just by doing just acts,
00:43:05.466 --> 00:43:08.602
Temperate by doing temperate acts,
00:43:08.602 --> 00:43:10.604
Brave by doing brave acts.
00:43:10.604 --> 00:43:12.840
Virtue, that is to say, it is not an emotion
00:43:12.840 --> 00:43:15.542
But a quality of character, and it is gained by practice."
00:43:15.542 --> 00:43:21.448
When i was a student at dallas seminary,
00:43:21.448 --> 00:43:23.083
Tom landry was the coach of the cowboys.
00:43:23.083 --> 00:43:24.618
That tells you how long ago that was.
00:43:24.618 --> 00:43:27.388
I've told you before, i was addicted back then.
00:43:27.388 --> 00:43:31.325
Used to skip my tuesday class
00:43:31.325 --> 00:43:32.826
To go to the cowboy luncheon downtown.
00:43:32.826 --> 00:43:36.597
He used to say this, and he said it in a number of books,
00:43:36.597 --> 00:43:39.266
And i've heard him say it.
00:43:39.266 --> 00:43:40.634
I heard him say it personally, that "the job of a football
00:43:40.634 --> 00:43:42.236
Coach is to make men do what they don't want to do
00:43:42.236 --> 00:43:45.973
In order to achieve what they've always wanted to be."
00:43:45.973 --> 00:43:49.777
And he's--in much the same way christians are called to make
00:43:49.777 --> 00:43:52.546
Themselves do something they would not naturally do,
00:43:52.546 --> 00:43:55.416
Like pursue discipline, in order to become
00:43:55.416 --> 00:43:57.951
What they always wanted to be, that is, like jesus christ.
00:43:57.951 --> 00:44:01.221
Discipline yourself for godliness' sake.
00:44:01.221 --> 00:44:04.825
That's what it says.
00:44:04.825 --> 00:44:07.094
Take the things that god has given you and use them.
00:44:07.094 --> 00:44:10.464
Teach yourself how to do these things.
00:44:10.464 --> 00:44:12.132
You're not gonna just-- i don't know how to say this,
00:44:12.132 --> 00:44:14.368
And i don't wanna-- i'm not in any way
00:44:14.368 --> 00:44:17.438
Being disrespectful of the holy spirit.
00:44:17.438 --> 00:44:20.007
The holy spirit, and we're gonna have a whole lesson
00:44:20.007 --> 00:44:21.909
On what it means to be filled with the holy spirit
00:44:21.909 --> 00:44:23.544
And how he helps us do this, but the holy spirit
00:44:23.544 --> 00:44:26.213
Doesn't do the things that you were called to do.
00:44:26.213 --> 00:44:29.683
He helps you do them.
00:44:29.683 --> 00:44:31.218
He helps you build these disciplines.
00:44:31.218 --> 00:44:32.986
But if you're sitting back waiting,
00:44:32.986 --> 00:44:36.657
You're gonna miss what god has for you.
00:44:36.657 --> 00:44:38.258
That's not the way it works.
00:44:38.258 --> 00:44:40.094
That's not what the bible teaches.
00:44:40.094 --> 00:44:42.196
We are not saved by good works; we are saved for good works.
00:44:42.196 --> 00:44:46.433
And in these things that we do to develop these graces
00:44:46.433 --> 00:44:49.470
In our lives, there's effort to be made on our part.
00:44:49.470 --> 00:44:53.407
Now, let's go back to the picture that we had
00:44:53.407 --> 00:44:56.043
At the beginning of the message about the river.
00:44:56.043 --> 00:44:58.212
Remember all these people standing over here who just got
00:44:58.212 --> 00:45:00.814
Saved, and all these people over here who just got to heaven,
00:45:00.814 --> 00:45:03.951
And now you're standing over here
00:45:03.951 --> 00:45:05.519
Trying to figure out what do i do?
00:45:05.519 --> 00:45:07.087
What is the bridge across that river?
00:45:07.087 --> 00:45:09.156
And i'm convinced that the bridge
00:45:09.156 --> 00:45:10.624
That we're missing is the bridge of character
00:45:10.624 --> 00:45:13.160
Where we, as believers, have a job to do on ourselves
00:45:13.160 --> 00:45:17.297
To become like christ, to study the word of god
00:45:17.297 --> 00:45:20.701
And the characteristics of the word of god
00:45:20.701 --> 00:45:22.336
And ask god to give us the help we need
00:45:22.336 --> 00:45:24.505
And completely give ourselves to the holy spirit
00:45:24.505 --> 00:45:28.308
And to develop in us.
00:45:28.308 --> 00:45:29.877
Some of you here today, you're really loving people.
00:45:29.877 --> 00:45:31.745
That won't be an issue for you.
00:45:31.745 --> 00:45:33.447
You can do this.
00:45:33.447 --> 00:45:35.015
People talk about you all the-- "she's the most loving person
00:45:35.015 --> 00:45:36.483
I've ever been around.
00:45:36.483 --> 00:45:37.885
No matter what happens, she just loves everybody."
00:45:37.885 --> 00:45:39.486
But some of you aren't so patient.
00:45:39.486 --> 00:45:42.923
And maybe that's where you're gonna have to do
00:45:42.923 --> 00:45:44.258
A little homework, ask god to help you learn
00:45:44.258 --> 00:45:45.859
What it means to be patient.
00:45:45.859 --> 00:45:48.262
So what are we supposed to do between conversion and heaven?
00:45:48.262 --> 00:45:52.866
The bridge in question goes by many names,
00:45:52.866 --> 00:45:55.002
But one of the most obvious names is character.
00:45:55.002 --> 00:45:57.237
The transforming, shaping,
00:45:57.237 --> 00:45:59.306
Marking of a life and its habits.
00:45:59.306 --> 00:46:02.176
In the last analysis, what matters after you believe
00:46:02.176 --> 00:46:04.678
Isn't rules or spontaneous self-discovery.
00:46:04.678 --> 00:46:07.748
It's becoming more like the one who saved you
00:46:07.748 --> 00:46:10.884
In the first place.
00:46:10.884 --> 00:46:12.686
And we know about that, and we know we can't do it in our own
00:46:12.686 --> 00:46:15.289
Strength, but we know it does take some of our strength.
00:46:15.289 --> 00:46:18.759
We're not just gonna sit and wait for god to make us
00:46:18.759 --> 00:46:21.695
The people that he's called us to be.
00:46:21.695 --> 00:46:23.664
The bible won't allow that.
00:46:23.664 --> 00:46:25.399
If you don't know that, there's hundreds of other scriptures
00:46:25.399 --> 00:46:27.901
I could bring to you that call us to put on the new life,
00:46:27.901 --> 00:46:31.271
To take off the old life, to walk in holiness.
00:46:31.271 --> 00:46:34.842
These are commands.
00:46:34.842 --> 00:46:36.443
These are not suggestions.
00:46:36.443 --> 00:46:38.779
So what is character?
00:46:38.779 --> 00:46:40.247
What will we look like if we develop this character
00:46:40.247 --> 00:46:42.049
In our life?
00:46:42.049 --> 00:46:43.517
People of strong character are usually people
00:46:43.517 --> 00:46:45.252
That are very disciplined.
00:46:45.252 --> 00:46:47.387
They have fortitude, integrity, ethical strength.
00:46:47.387 --> 00:46:50.858
These are attributes that will distinguish you
00:46:50.858 --> 00:46:52.693
From one another.
00:46:52.693 --> 00:46:54.127
These are the things that make you shine
00:46:54.127 --> 00:46:55.629
As a light in the darkness.
00:46:55.629 --> 00:46:57.064
You're a different kind of person.
00:46:57.064 --> 00:46:59.499
Character is an attitude that every young person,
00:46:59.499 --> 00:47:01.735
Every middle-aged person, and every old person
00:47:01.735 --> 00:47:05.138
Should have embedded in their minds.
00:47:05.138 --> 00:47:07.875
Character is returning extra change at the grocery store.
00:47:07.875 --> 00:47:11.211
Character is keeping appointments and being on time.
00:47:11.211 --> 00:47:14.281
Character is honoring your commitments
00:47:14.281 --> 00:47:16.216
And honoring your word.
00:47:16.216 --> 00:47:17.885
Character is choosing the harder right
00:47:17.885 --> 00:47:20.153
Instead of the easier wrong.
00:47:20.153 --> 00:47:22.055
Character is setting priorities that honor god
00:47:22.055 --> 00:47:24.791
And family and country.
00:47:24.791 --> 00:47:27.261
Character in marriage is working through the tough times
00:47:27.261 --> 00:47:30.597
Rather than throwing in the towel and looking for divorce.
00:47:30.597 --> 00:47:33.600
Character is being committed to the well-being of your family
00:47:33.600 --> 00:47:36.436
And friends, associates, and others,
00:47:36.436 --> 00:47:38.505
Even if it's personally costly,
00:47:38.505 --> 00:47:40.374
And character is setting a good example.
00:47:40.374 --> 00:47:42.876
A married person of character acts married all the time.
00:47:42.876 --> 00:47:47.714
A person of character is self-disciplined
00:47:47.714 --> 00:47:49.583
And self-controlled.
00:47:49.583 --> 00:47:50.984
Character implies the courage to stand for what is right
00:47:50.984 --> 00:47:53.620
If necessary, all alone,
00:47:53.620 --> 00:47:55.555
To oppose what is wrong and to make the effort
00:47:55.555 --> 00:47:57.491
To discern the difference.
00:47:57.491 --> 00:47:59.493
Character is being truthful in all things while being sensitive
00:47:59.493 --> 00:48:02.329
To the fact that sometimes truth hurts, needs not be spoken.
00:48:02.329 --> 00:48:07.234
Character is being selfless rather than selfish.
00:48:07.234 --> 00:48:11.805
Remember, character is the only thing that goes in the casket
00:48:11.805 --> 00:48:15.342
With you to the hereafter.
00:48:15.342 --> 00:48:17.778
And believe it or not, it's the only thing that people
00:48:17.778 --> 00:48:19.780
Will remember about you when you're gone.
00:48:19.780 --> 00:48:23.684
And it should be something we desperately
00:48:23.684 --> 00:48:26.853
Want to develop in our lives.
00:48:26.853 --> 00:48:28.956
Here's where i'm at, folks.
00:48:28.956 --> 00:48:30.590
I can tell you, we used to talk about this years ago.
00:48:30.590 --> 00:48:34.361
We used to talk about character.
00:48:34.361 --> 00:48:35.996
We used to even teach it to our children in school.
00:48:35.996 --> 00:48:37.831
Do you remember that?
00:48:37.831 --> 00:48:39.366
We had courses in character.
00:48:39.366 --> 00:48:40.867
Not now.
00:48:40.867 --> 00:48:42.336
We got characters in our school, but we don't have
00:48:42.336 --> 00:48:43.804
Any character in our school.
00:48:43.804 --> 00:48:47.074
But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do it, does it?
00:48:47.074 --> 00:48:48.976
Because nobody's been doing it recently?
00:48:48.976 --> 00:48:51.178
Would you say that one of the great needs
00:48:51.178 --> 00:48:52.846
We have in our culture is more people of character?
00:48:52.846 --> 00:48:56.616
Don't you want to be a person of character?
00:48:56.616 --> 00:48:58.185
I know i sure do.
00:48:58.185 --> 00:48:59.519
I want to learn everything i can about what it means to be a man
00:48:59.519 --> 00:49:02.222
Of god and have character because whether you like it
00:49:02.222 --> 00:49:05.892
Or not, at some point people whose opinion matters
00:49:05.892 --> 00:49:10.831
Will be paying a lot of attention to you and to me.
00:49:10.831 --> 00:49:14.401
They'll be watching what we do and how we react.
00:49:14.401 --> 00:49:17.971
We might not even know it, but they'll be looking at you
00:49:17.971 --> 00:49:20.574
For an example because they need an example to follow.
00:49:20.574 --> 00:49:24.111
They'll be looking for a leader.
00:49:24.111 --> 00:49:26.313
Maybe the children will be looking for parents
00:49:26.313 --> 00:49:28.315
To do the right thing.
00:49:28.315 --> 00:49:30.250
And each time you enter a room, each time you go to a practice
00:49:30.250 --> 00:49:33.520
Or a meeting, every time you involve yourself in the life of
00:49:33.520 --> 00:49:36.490
Another human being, you have the opportunity to leave a
00:49:36.490 --> 00:49:41.028
Positive legacy behind because you're a person of character.
00:49:41.028 --> 00:49:47.367
I read about this choir director who took on the running
00:49:47.367 --> 00:49:50.203
Of a church choir, which hadn't had much help for years.
00:49:50.203 --> 00:49:54.608
And they had struggled valiantly to sing the hymns,
00:49:54.608 --> 00:49:57.010
To give the congregation a bit of a lead,
00:49:57.010 --> 00:49:58.712
And on special occasions even to try a simple anthem.
00:49:58.712 --> 00:50:01.782
But frankly, the results weren't very impressive.
00:50:01.782 --> 00:50:05.485
However long they practiced, they didn't seem to get
00:50:05.485 --> 00:50:07.687
Any better, and they were probably just reinforcing
00:50:07.687 --> 00:50:10.624
Their existing bad habits.
00:50:10.624 --> 00:50:13.360
So when the new choir director arrived and took them on,
00:50:13.360 --> 00:50:16.229
Gently finding out what they could and couldn't do,
00:50:16.229 --> 00:50:19.566
It was, in a sense, an act of grace.
00:50:19.566 --> 00:50:23.703
He didn't tell them they were rubbish or shout at them
00:50:23.703 --> 00:50:26.606
To sing in tune, that wouldn't have done any good at all.
00:50:26.606 --> 00:50:30.477
It would have been simply depressing.
00:50:30.477 --> 00:50:33.413
He accepted them as they were, began to work with them.
00:50:33.413 --> 00:50:37.384
But the point of doing so was not so that they could
00:50:37.384 --> 00:50:39.186
Carry on as before, only now with someone waving
00:50:39.186 --> 00:50:42.722
His arms in front of them.
00:50:42.722 --> 00:50:46.126
The point of his taking them on as they were was
00:50:46.126 --> 00:50:48.895
So that they could really learn to sing.
00:50:48.895 --> 00:50:52.432
And now, remarkably, they can.
00:50:52.432 --> 00:50:55.235
Same people, whole new sound.
00:50:55.235 --> 00:50:59.039
That is a picture of how god's grace works in our lives.
00:50:59.039 --> 00:51:02.542
God loves us as we are, as he finds us, which is more or less
00:51:02.542 --> 00:51:07.180
Kind of messy, muddy, and singing out of tune.
00:51:07.180 --> 00:51:11.218
And the wonder at the heart of genuine christian living is that
00:51:11.218 --> 00:51:14.121
God has come to meet us right where we are,
00:51:14.121 --> 00:51:16.690
"for god so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,
00:51:16.690 --> 00:51:20.026
That whoever believes in him should not perish."
00:51:20.026 --> 00:51:24.197
God's love comes to you and to me where we are in jesus christ,
00:51:24.197 --> 00:51:27.434
And all we have to do is accept it.
00:51:27.434 --> 00:51:29.769
But when we accept it, when we welcome the new choir director
00:51:29.769 --> 00:51:33.807
Into our ragged and out-of-tune singing, we find a new desire
00:51:33.807 --> 00:51:37.811
To read the music better, to understand what it's all about,
00:51:37.811 --> 00:51:41.515
To sense the harmonies, and bit by bit to start singing in tune.
00:51:41.515 --> 00:51:47.721
Ladies and gentlemen, what i've been talking about
00:51:47.721 --> 00:51:50.724
Is called sanctification.
00:51:50.724 --> 00:51:52.993
And sanctification is best defined in this word:
00:51:52.993 --> 00:51:56.763
Sanctification is becoming in practice
00:51:56.763 --> 00:51:59.799
What you already are in position.
00:51:59.799 --> 00:52:03.370
Everything god calls us to be, we already are in his mind,
00:52:03.370 --> 00:52:08.475
But he calls us now to become every day
00:52:08.475 --> 00:52:11.211
What we already are in heaven.
00:52:11.211 --> 00:52:14.848
Out of our desire to become better musicians, we begin
00:52:14.848 --> 00:52:18.118
To practice, we begin to learn the habits of how to sing.
00:52:18.118 --> 00:52:21.188
There is the sequence, grace, which meets us where we are,
00:52:21.188 --> 00:52:24.457
But it is not content to let us remain where we are, followed by
00:52:24.457 --> 00:52:28.795
Direction and guidance to enable us to acquire the right habits,
00:52:28.795 --> 00:52:31.798
Replace the wrong ones.
00:52:31.798 --> 00:52:33.300
All of a sudden, we're singing almost in tune again.
00:52:33.300 --> 00:52:38.872
We got in the choir a long time ago.
00:52:38.872 --> 00:52:42.342
Maybe you got in the choir when you were a kid.
00:52:42.342 --> 00:52:45.679
You've been in the choir for a long time and you just sense
00:52:45.679 --> 00:52:47.714
That something's out of tune.
00:52:47.714 --> 00:52:50.250
Here's a chance to get tuned up and take the scriptures
00:52:50.250 --> 00:52:53.753
And allow them to be the motivation
00:52:53.753 --> 00:52:57.023
So that you can start singing in harmony.
00:52:57.023 --> 00:53:01.494
You know, the greatest illustration of what i've been
00:53:01.494 --> 00:53:03.230
Talking to you about today is this: almighty god has loved us
00:53:03.230 --> 00:53:09.703
Before the foundation of the world, and that would be enough,
00:53:09.703 --> 00:53:14.407
Would it not?
00:53:14.407 --> 00:53:15.909
He loves us.
00:53:15.909 --> 00:53:18.445
But god didn't leave it at that.
00:53:18.445 --> 00:53:20.947
He loved us, and he sent us his own son to prove it.
00:53:20.947 --> 00:53:26.386
God took action to demonstrate his love to you and to me.
00:53:26.386 --> 00:53:32.959
And if you've never received that love
00:53:32.959 --> 00:53:34.628
Because you've never understood how much he loves you,
00:53:34.628 --> 00:53:37.330
I'd like to ask you to do that today.
00:53:37.330 --> 00:53:39.532
God loves you so much that he didn't even keep his own son
00:53:39.532 --> 00:53:42.235
In heaven with him.
00:53:42.235 --> 00:53:43.570
He sent his only begotten son to this earth,
00:53:43.570 --> 00:53:45.639
Let him become like us and go to the cross
00:53:45.639 --> 00:53:47.507
And pay a penalty for our sin which we could never
00:53:47.507 --> 00:53:50.110
Have paid, so that we can have a standing
00:53:50.110 --> 00:53:53.480
Before the father.
00:53:53.480 --> 00:53:55.715
If you've never trusted christ, ask yourself this morning,
00:53:55.715 --> 00:53:58.818
Why not?
00:53:58.818 --> 00:54:00.453
Maybe it's time for you to make that decision,
00:54:00.453 --> 00:54:02.322
To decide to become a christian.
00:54:02.322 --> 00:54:04.524
Announcer: dr. jeremiah will return with one more
00:54:05.792 --> 00:54:08.061
Inspirational word to close today's "a life beyond amazing"
00:54:08.061 --> 00:54:11.765
Program right after this.
00:54:11.765 --> 00:54:13.233
Announcer: discover the steps to the life of blessings
00:54:15.268 --> 00:54:17.470
God has for you in dr. david jeremiah's inspiring book,
00:54:17.470 --> 00:54:21.274
"a life beyond amazing:
00:54:21.274 --> 00:54:23.043
Nine decisions that will transform your life today."
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Order this transformational book from dr. jeremiah today when you
00:54:26.279 --> 00:54:29.983
Give a gift of any amount in support of this program.
00:54:29.983 --> 00:54:33.019
And if you give $60 or more, dr. jeremiah will send you in
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Appreciation his comprehensive "a life beyond amazing" set.
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It contains his book, his entire teaching series on cd or dvd,
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A correlating study guide, and the
00:54:45.865 --> 00:54:47.634
"life beyond amazing" scripture cards.
00:54:47.634 --> 00:54:50.904
Also available, the "30 days to a life beyond amazing" workbook.
00:54:50.904 --> 00:54:54.974
Implement the nine key decisions from "a life beyond amazing"
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In powerful and practical ways.
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Plus, it includes a dvd with video instructions
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From dr. jeremiah, available on its own for $30 or more,
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Decide today to start living a life beyond what you
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Thought possible, a life beyond amazing.
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Order these resources when you contact "turning point" today.
00:55:19.733 --> 00:55:22.635
Announcer: and now, with one last word for today's program,
00:55:25.605 --> 00:55:28.341
Here is dr. jeremiah.
00:55:28.341 --> 00:55:31.144
Dr. jeremiah: let me say it again.
00:55:31.144 --> 00:55:32.812
God intends for your christian life to be amazing.
00:55:32.812 --> 00:55:36.816
However, some christians are not experiencing
00:55:36.816 --> 00:55:40.186
That kind of abundant life, and maybe that's you.
00:55:40.186 --> 00:55:44.391
That's the purpose in this introductory message you heard
00:55:44.391 --> 00:55:47.427
Today about realizing a life beyond amazing.
00:55:47.427 --> 00:55:51.564
I want you to overcome the roadblocks in your life,
00:55:51.564 --> 00:55:55.735
Discover the roadmap, and reap the results of the life
00:55:55.735 --> 00:55:59.739
Christ died to provide for you.
00:55:59.739 --> 00:56:03.443
Such a life begins with faith in christ as lord and savior
00:56:03.443 --> 00:56:08.114
And continues with knowing and trusting in his word.
00:56:08.114 --> 00:56:11.885
Also, upon request, we would like to send you three
00:56:11.885 --> 00:56:15.989
Free gifts to encourage you on your journey with christ.
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First, "life beyond amazing" scripture cards to help you stay
00:56:19.859 --> 00:56:23.797
Focused every day on the amazing life we have in christ.
00:56:23.797 --> 00:56:28.101
Second, a booklet about knowing and living for christ called,
00:56:28.101 --> 00:56:31.671
"your greatest turning point."
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And third, our monthly devotional magazine,
00:56:33.540 --> 00:56:36.876
"turning points," to encourage you with inspiring articles
00:56:36.876 --> 00:56:40.680
And devotionals.
00:56:40.680 --> 00:56:42.749
And we'll send all these gifts to you free of charge
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If you will contact us here at "turning point" today.
00:56:45.518 --> 00:56:49.155
Announcer: next time on "turning point."
00:56:51.825 --> 00:56:53.993
Dr. jeremiah: the bible says, "commit your way unto the lord,
00:56:54.060 --> 00:56:55.662
And he," what?
00:56:55.662 --> 00:56:56.996
"gives you the desires of your heart."
00:56:56.996 --> 00:56:59.299
But it doesn't start until you say, "yes," until you say,
00:56:59.299 --> 00:57:02.268
"lord god, i want your joy.
00:57:02.268 --> 00:57:04.137
I know i'm not gonna get it my way, so here i am.
00:57:04.137 --> 00:57:07.140
Here's the page of my life.
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I've signed the bottom, you fill in the details."
00:57:08.908 --> 00:57:10.710
Announcer: thank you for being with us today
00:57:12.312 --> 00:57:13.913
For dr. jeremiah's series, "a life beyond amazing."
00:57:13.913 --> 00:57:17.450
Join us next time for dr. jeremiah's message,
00:57:17.450 --> 00:57:20.553
"a life of joy,"
00:57:20.553 --> 00:57:22.755
Here on "turning point."
00:57:22.755 --> 00:57:24.624
♪♪♪
00:57:24.624 --> 00:57:29.429

David Jeremiah - A Life Beyond Amazing

February 2, 2025 | S25:E5

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