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Now, here's today's podcast from Pathway to Victory. Hi, this is Robert Jeffers, and I'm glad to study God's Word with you every day on this Bible teaching program. On today's edition, a Pathway to Victory. Jesus affirmed God's plan, and by setting God's standard, one man with one woman for life, He is saying that any deviation from that standard. Not just gay marriage, but any deviation, adultery, premarital sex, unbiblical divorce, those are all sins because they don't measure up to the standard, the perfect standard of God.
Welcome to Pathway to Victory with author and pastor Dr. Robert Jeffers. The Bible teaches that God established the standards for right and wrong when He laid the foundations of the world. But recently, politicians and policymakers have become self-appointed authors of moral law. Today on Pathway to Victory, Dr.
Robert Jeffers shows how the spiritual decline of today's culture is a sign of turbulent times ahead. But first, let's take a moment to hear some important ministry updates. Thanks, David, and welcome again to Pathway to Victory. In light of America's 250th birthday on July 4th, we've devoted our complete attention to a time-sensitive teaching series that I've titled America and the Bible. And I'm especially excited to present this study because I'm sensing a groundswell in our nation.
As your Bible teacher on Pathway to Victory, I'm privileged to talk to believers all across America. And I hear the same thing everywhere I go. People are tired of watching the values they raise their children on be openly mocked and systematically dismantled, tired of feeling like strangers in the nation they love. I understand that feeling, but I also know this. God is not wringing his hands.
And his people were made for moments exactly like this one. This is what feeds my enthusiasm for the In God We Trust matching challenge that's active right now. This matching challenge of $1.5 million gives you a fabulous opportunity to double the impact of your donation. You see, only two things last forever, God's Word and the souls of men and women. And when you give to the matching challenge, you're making an eternal investment in a human soul who is searching, herding, and waiting to hear the only message that can truly transform a life.
Later in the program, I'll share details about the exclusive thank you gifts I've set aside for you. But right now, let's give our complete attention to Paul's admonition to Timothy through a message that I've titled, The New Moral Disorder. We're going to look at what the Bible says about the moral deterioration of our world and how it will be a precursor to the return of Jesus Christ. Listen, as an individual or a nation, we will never experience God's blessing when we are rebelling against Him. It is impossible.
And as a nation, we are rebelling against God. We are shaking our fist in the face of God in two distinct areas. First of all, in the area of what God says about marriage. Let's look and see what the Bible really says about marriage. God created man in his own image.
In the image of God, he created him. He created them male and female. There's an equality. But listen, equality doesn't mean sameness. There's a difference in the way we act.
There's a difference in responsibility. There is a difference in how we relate to one another, including how we relate to one another sexually. And that's why you find the prohibition against homosexual behavior. Listen to what the Bible says. Leviticus 18, verse 22.
You, talking to men, you shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female. It is. an abomination.
Now, some people would say, well, wait a minute. You Christians, you are so hypocritical because you just pick and choose which verses out of the Bible you want to obey.
Well, there's a very simple reason for that. There's a very simple answer. The only rules of the Old Testament that apply to us today. are those rules that are repeated in the New Testament. We live under the New Testament, the new agreement, the new law of God.
And the only parts of the Old Testament we follow are those parts of the Old Testament that are repeated in the New Testament. But in this new agreement, there are prohibitions against homosexuality. For example, in Romans 1, verses 26 and 27, Paul said, for this reason, God gave them over to degrading passions. For their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural. And in the same way, also, men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another.
Men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their persons, their bodies, the due penalty of their error. There is a prohibition against homosexual behavior. Secondly, that leads to there is certainly a prohibition against homosexual marriage. You can take this message when you hear this said in your classroom and hear it in other places in the university.
Well, Jesus never talked about homosexuality, and he certainly never said anything about homosexual marriage. Oh, yes, he did. Where did he talk about it? He talked about it in Matthew 19. Remember, the Pharisees were trying to trip Jesus up?
And they came to the Lord and they said, Lord, is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?
So they said, Lord, answer this divorce question for us. Verse 4, Matthew 19, and Jesus answered and said, Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female? And he said, for this cause, a man shall leave his mother and father, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. Consequently, they are no longer two. But they are one.
What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate. What Jesus is saying is, if you want to know the answer to the divorce question, let's go back and see God's original plan for marriage, Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. It is one man with one woman. for a lifetime. That's God's plan.
Jesus affirmed God's plan. And by setting God's standard, one man with one woman for life, he is saying that any deviation from that standard. Not just gay marriage, but any deviation, adultery, premarital sex, unbiblical divorce, those are all sins because they. Don't measure up to the standard, the perfect standard of God. Jesus did address the marriage question.
He said it's one man with one woman for a lifetime.
Now I know there are some people who say, well, I just wish we didn't talk about this gay marriage stuff. It is so controversial. We should just keep silent about it and not talk about it. We do not do the world a favor when we stay silent about what God has said. Best-selling author Joel Rosenberg offers this wise reminder.
He said it is becoming politically incorrect. To accept the Bible's teachings on these and other moral issues, or to talk about them publicly. Nevertheless, The kingdom of God is not a democracy. The Lord is not running for political office. He's not trying to cobble together a majority.
He is the king of kings and the lord of lords. What he says goes. How blessed is the man or woman who follows the word of God, not his or her own desires. God has spoken about this issue. We dare not be silent.
Our rebellion as a culture against God is seen in our attitude about marriage. Secondly, it's seen in what we believe about the sanctity of life. Let's talk about this issue, the issue of abortion. Since the Supreme Court's ruling in 1973, Roe v. Wade, that legalized abortion for women, since that time, 54 million children have been butchered in the womb.
54 million children have been murdered. And that number is being added to every year by 1.3 million children who are being slaughtered. Gone. They don't exist anymore, wiped off the face of the earth because of our nation's rebellion against God. How does God look at that?
Well, let's see what God says about the unborn. Psalm 139, verses 13 to 16. David said, For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst weave me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are thy works, and my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from thee when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance, and in thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, yet there was not one of them. God is the one who in the womb weaves together forms the child. Remember God's word through Jeremiah and Jeremiah 1, verses 4 and 5?
Now the word of God came to me saying, Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. And before you were born, I consecrated you. God had a relationship with Jeremiah before he was ever born, while he was still in the womb. You know, one of the most fascinating stories that deal with the unborn is found in Luke chapter 1, verses 41 and 44. This is the story of when the then-pregnant Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, when she met Mary, who was pregnant with the Lord Jesus Christ.
And look what happened. Luke 1, verse 41. And it came about that when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby... Leaked in Elizabeth's womb. That's John the Baptist.
And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Verse 44, for behold, when the sound of your greeting, Elizabeth said to Mary, reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb. for joy. John the Baptist in his mom's womb got so excited when he heard Mary speak that he leapt in her womb.
Now, what is fascinating is this word baby in Greek is rephos. Talking about the baby inside Elizabeth's womb, it is the very same Greek word that is used elsewhere in the New Testament to talk about an infant that has already been born. God views the baby in the womb. As much as a human being as the baby outside of the womb, both are creations of God. You can understand then why God absolutely hates any violence toward children.
You remember in the Old Testament when the Israelites came to Canaan, the promised land that was inhabited by Canaanites, they unfortunately fell into the ways of the Canaanites, and they began to worship the false god Malach. A God whom the Canaanites said required the sacrifice of children on the altar, burnt sacrifices of children. One commentator describes that gruesome act this way. The ancients would heat up this idol of Moloch with fire until it was glowing. And then they would take newborn babies and place them on the arms of the idol and watch their children burn to death.
What did God think about that? What did he think about his own people engaging in that horrific sacrifice? Jeremiah 32:35, it says, And they built the high places of Baal that are in the valley of Behinnom to cause their sons and daughters to pass through the fire to Moloch. Which I had not commanded them, nor had it entered my mind that they should do this abomination. God said, when I saw the Israelites burning their children alive, it never entered into my mind that they would do such a thing.
And so in verses 28 and 29, he pronounces this judgment. Therefore says the Lord, Behold, I'm about to give this city, that is Jerusalem, into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and he will take it. The Chaldeans, that is the Babylonians who are fighting against this city, will enter and set this city on fire and burn it. God said to his own people, His own nation of Israel, because you are killing, slaughtering your own children, I'm going to raise up the foreigners to come and invade your city and to take it captive, to burn it to the ground.
Now, folks, If God will do that to his own chosen people, who destroy the lives of children. Do we have to wonder how God is going to deal with the United States of America, a country that not only allows but it celebrates the freedom of choice The freedom of choice to murder our children. It is an abomination in the sight of God. Contrast that. to what Jesus said about children.
If you want to know how Jesus views children, look at Mark 10, verses 13 through 16. And they were bringing children to him so that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, Permit the children to come to me and don't hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
And then verse 16, and he took them in his arms and he began blessing them, laying his hands upon them. The parents couldn't get their children to Jesus fast enough because they sensed He loved their children. They wanted him to be touched. By Jesus. I want you to write down these two principles as we think about this whole abortion issue.
Principle number one. When we honor a child, We honor Jesus. When we honor a child, we honor Jesus. Jesus said in Matthew 18:5, whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. When we honor a child, we honor Jesus.
And second principle: when we harm a child, we will face unspeakable judgment. Listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 18, verse 6. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck and he be dropped and drowned into the depths of the sea. Whoever harms a child. tempts him, leads him to sin, abuses him.
Or commits an act of violence against him. That's what Jesus is talking about. It would be better to have a millstone hung around his neck. And remember, Jesus said: a child inside the womb is the same as a child outside the womb. If you harm a child, you'd be better off having that millstone placed around your neck and dropped into the most turbulent place in the sea.
That's a better fate for you. than to be found harming a child. Pope John Paul II Test. This matter of abortion into a larger context when he said, Whoever attempts to destroy human life in the womb of the mother. not only violates the sacredness of a living, growing and developed human being, but he also opposes God.
And he also attacks society by undermining respect for all of human life. You say, well, what does all of this have to do with Bible prophecy? Here's what it has to do with it. Turn over to 2 Timothy 3 and look at verse 1. Paul said to Timothy, but mark this.
And in the NIV, it says, there will be terrible times in the last days.
Now, that verse raises two questions. First of all, what did Paul mean by the last days? He said, Timothy, buckle up. Get ready because it's going to be terrible times in the last days. What does he mean by the last days?
Well, in one sense, the last days began as soon as Jesus ascended into heaven after his first coming. The countdown began. This phrase really refers to those years, months, days leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. Paul said to Timothy, it's going to get worse. It's going to get worse in the last days.
And the second question is: what does he mean by it's going to be terrible times, difficult times? Look, that word terrible is not just some bland preacher word. The word had a very specific meaning. Literally, you could translate it: it will be times without moral restraint. That's what he's talking about.
You know, almost three decades ago, the evangelical philosopher Carl Henry predicted that as America increasingly lost its Judeo-Christian heritage, paganism. would grow even bolder. And he predicted that by the start of the 21st century, we would face, quote, naked naturalism and raw paganism. That is humanism with the pretty face ripped off. revealing the angry monster underneath it.
And that's what we're seeing right now: humanism. Unmask for what it really is. These are the times we're living in, and they are a sign that we are living in the last days. But there's even a more direct connection to Bible prophecy and the moral deterioration of our culture. Remember in the last seven years of the tribulation, there will be a world dictator called the Antichrist.
And I want you to listen to one of the descriptions of the Antichrist found in Daniel 7, verse 25. And he will speak out against the Most High, and He will wear down the saints of the Highest One, and He will intend to make alterations in times and in the law.
Now, we understand the first part of this. In the last days, the Antichrist is going to speak out against God, and he's going to speak out against the people of God. He's going to attempt to wear them down. But what does he mean when he says he will also try to make alterations in times and in the law? He's saying that this final world dictator will seek to change the most basic laws of humanity.
And we're seeing that happen. right now. For the first time in history, we have a United States president who has tried to redefine the most basic law of society: what constitutes a marriage. The first president, whoever who has come out and said, I don't care what God's word says, I want to change the definition of marriage. The president once again lectured and he called them out evangelical Christians.
He said, you all need to quit talking about abortion and gay marriage and just take care of the poor, like the Bible says. with President Obama. And by the way, he's not the only one. who's trying to change the most basic laws of society. You know, there has been an unholy alliance right now between.
The left and big business. Right now, forming together to strangle our religious liberties and say, We're going to change the laws about marriage in this country. You see these nine Self-appointed. Priest. And black robes.
sitting on their bench. In Washington, D.C., saying now stay tuned because in June we are going to rule about marriage. They're not going to rule about marriage. The rule has already been made. The judge of all the universe has already said that marriage is between a man and a woman.
This is what the Antichrist will do. He will seek to change. Did you hear again? It's not only gay marriage. But did you hear?
Hillary Rodden Clinton. The would-be successor to Barack Obama at the Women in the World Summit in New York City. Said that every woman has a right to abortion. Every woman has an unfettered right to abortion. But to make that dream, that perverse dream, a reality, she said, and I quote, for women to have access to abortion.
Means that the deep-seated religious beliefs have to be changed. End of quote. Can you believe that? We have to change our most basic convictions. Mrs.
Clinton. Culture may change. Your views certainly change. But the word of God never changes. Thy word is established in heaven forever, says the word of God.
This is what Paul was talking about when he said to Timothy, get ready. Get ready. In the last days, there will be terrible times, times without any moral restraint. But with that prediction is also a great hope. All of these things are simply setting the stage for the greatest event.
in human history. Don't lose heart. Don't despair. Help and hope are on the way. I suspect you care deeply for our country, just as I do, and you want nothing more than to see Americans wake up.
That's one reason we're so excited about the In God We Trust matching challenge that's active right now. With your investment in this opportunity, we're empowered to proclaim the truth about Christ and His Word. And when we do this together, we can transform our culture one life at a time. I think about Mitch from Ohio, who wrote to tell us that Pathway to Victory restored his faith in Christ. I think about Michelle, who told us that in the middle of frightening times, God brought her hope and peace through this ministry.
My friend, that's where your gift goes. It goes to real transformation. 92% of every gift is invested back into ministry, which means your support sends Pathway to Victory out over 1,100 radio stations and 11,000 cable and satellite systems every single day. Together, let's give to the matching challenge and watch what God does.
Now, when you respond today, I'm going to say thanks by sending you a fabulous keepsake. Our 250th commemorative edition of America is a Christian Nation is a full-color, beautifully crafted volume filled with inspiring stories, stunning images, and powerful reminders of the Christian faith that has always been at the heart of this nation. It'll be a treasured addition to your home for years to come. Here's David to tell you more. When you give a generous gift to support the Ministry of Pathway to Victory, you're invited to request the brand new 250th commemorative edition of America is a Christian Nation.
In addition to the book, you'll also receive In God We Trust, a brand new two-disc set featuring music performances by the First Baptist Dallas Choir and Orchestra and teaching from Dr. Robert Jeffress. To request these resources, call 866-999-2965, visit ptv.org, or text PTV to 78800. And when you give $100 or more, we'll also send you the America and the Bible Message Series on DVD video and MP3 format audio disc set. And remember, because of the In God We Trust matching challenge, your gift to Pathway to Victory will be matched and therefore doubled in impact.
So be sure to get in touch with us today. One more time, call 866-999-2965 or go online to ptv.org. You can also send your donation by mail right to PO Box 223-609 Dallas, Texas 75222. Again, that's P.O. Box 223-609, Dallas, Texas, 75222.
I'm David J. Mullins. In light of our country's moral failure, Many Christians are wondering how to respond. We're answering the question, how should we now live? Friday on Pathway to Victory.
Pathway to Victory with Dr. Robert Jeffress comes from the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas. You made it to the end of today's podcast from Pathway to Victory, and we're so glad you're here. Pathway to Victory relies on the generosity of loyal listeners like you to make this podcast possible. And right now, your ministry gift will be matched and therefore doubled in impact thanks to the In God We Trust $1.5 million matching challenge.
Take advantage of this opportunity to double your impact before the deadline on July 5th. To give toward the matching challenge, go to ptv.org slash donate. or follow the link in our show notes. We hope you've been blessed by today's podcast from Pathway to Victory.
