1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Allen Jackson Ministries
  4. Episodes
  5. Allen Jackson - Compassion, Compromise, Conflict
Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Compassion, Compromise, Conflict

June 19, 2026 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Compassion, Compromise, Conflict
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Judgement #Evil #Goodness #Comfort #Mercy #Sin #Forgiveness #Anger #Compassion #Grace #Lifestyle #Sacrifice #AllenJackson

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Compassion, Compromise, Conflict | June 19, 2026
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.383
  • Allen jackson: hey, i've encouraged you for a long time
  • 00:00:01.517 --> 00:00:03.185
  • To lead with your faith.
  • 00:00:03.285 --> 00:00:03.685
  • Take your faith outside the church building into all the
  • 00:00:04.853 --> 00:00:07.423
  • Places that your life takes you, where you have influence, where
  • 00:00:07.423 --> 00:00:09.958
  • You have a voice.
  • 00:00:09.958 --> 00:00:11.326
  • We've created some pieces to help you do that, a tote bag,
  • 00:00:11.326 --> 00:00:14.096
  • A blanket.
  • 00:00:14.096 --> 00:00:15.431
  • Maybe you're going to a ball game or the park or the beach,
  • 00:00:15.431 --> 00:00:17.566
  • Wherever that may be, you take these along.
  • 00:00:17.566 --> 00:00:19.768
  • They are a celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary.
  • 00:00:19.768 --> 00:00:24.473
  • Somebody will wanna know where you got it, what it's about, it
  • 00:00:24.473 --> 00:00:27.042
  • Gives you an opportunity to share your faith.
  • 00:00:27.042 --> 00:00:29.678
  • You know, i've had the privilege of living in some places outside
  • 00:00:29.678 --> 00:00:32.448
  • The united states.
  • 00:00:32.448 --> 00:00:33.882
  • Things like a grocery store or fast food or food delivery,
  • 00:00:33.882 --> 00:00:38.821
  • Those things weren't possible in the places i lived.
  • 00:00:38.821 --> 00:00:41.223
  • When i come home, just walking through a grocery store reminds
  • 00:00:41.223 --> 00:00:43.725
  • Me of the goodness and the faithfulness of god, his
  • 00:00:43.725 --> 00:00:46.095
  • Blessings on our nation.
  • 00:00:46.095 --> 00:00:48.063
  • Use your voice to say god has blessed america.
  • 00:00:48.063 --> 00:00:51.900
  • Something as simple as a tote bag can open a door for your
  • 00:00:51.900 --> 00:00:54.736
  • God story.
  • 00:00:54.736 --> 00:00:56.071
  • Together we're gonna lift up the name of jesus in this generation
  • 00:00:56.071 --> 00:00:59.174
  • And see god bless america again.
  • 00:00:59.174 --> 00:01:01.543
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:02.111 --> 00:01:08.250
  • Allen: the topic for this session is "compassion,
  • 00:01:08.250 --> 00:01:10.285
  • Compromise, and conflict."
  • 00:01:10.285 --> 00:01:12.788
  • I'm gonna see if we can understand those three ideas
  • 00:01:12.788 --> 00:01:15.791
  • From a biblical perspective with a little bit more clarity.
  • 00:01:15.791 --> 00:01:21.063
  • God is moving in the earth in a way i've never seen, to be
  • 00:01:21.063 --> 00:01:24.299
  • Quite candid.
  • 00:01:24.299 --> 00:01:25.634
  • The whole earth is different.
  • 00:01:25.634 --> 00:01:27.002
  • We talked to our friends in israel and they say israel is
  • 00:01:27.002 --> 00:01:29.238
  • Different than it's been in years.
  • 00:01:29.238 --> 00:01:32.641
  • I've heard the same thing from multiple other places around the
  • 00:01:32.641 --> 00:01:35.777
  • Earth, and i think here at home, we're aware that we're in the
  • 00:01:35.777 --> 00:01:38.714
  • Midst of tremendous change that's about far more
  • 00:01:38.714 --> 00:01:40.983
  • Than elections.
  • 00:01:40.983 --> 00:01:43.185
  • You know, the reality of change is it's never embraced
  • 00:01:43.185 --> 00:01:45.787
  • By everyone.
  • 00:01:45.787 --> 00:01:47.923
  • It never is.
  • 00:01:47.923 --> 00:01:49.892
  • The american revolution, they say that only about a third of
  • 00:01:49.892 --> 00:01:53.295
  • The colonists were in favor of the revolution.
  • 00:01:53.295 --> 00:01:57.166
  • Another third were supportive of the british, and another third
  • 00:01:57.166 --> 00:02:00.802
  • We're just gonna wait and see.
  • 00:02:00.802 --> 00:02:04.306
  • So when we think about change, when jesus came, not everybody
  • 00:02:04.306 --> 00:02:07.476
  • Adhered to--or chose to be his follower.
  • 00:02:07.476 --> 00:02:11.613
  • And so you've got to be conscious when you recognize
  • 00:02:11.613 --> 00:02:14.049
  • That there's great change, that there's decisions for you
  • 00:02:14.049 --> 00:02:16.518
  • To make.
  • 00:02:16.518 --> 00:02:19.121
  • Whether you're going to be impacted by the change, how
  • 00:02:19.121 --> 00:02:21.356
  • You're going to be impacted, if you're willing to be changed.
  • 00:02:21.356 --> 00:02:26.695
  • It's very important, never--it's never gonna be
  • 00:02:26.695 --> 00:02:28.897
  • Widely embraced.
  • 00:02:28.897 --> 00:02:30.265
  • Therefore, there are many opinions that are expressed in
  • 00:02:30.265 --> 00:02:31.934
  • Seasons of change.
  • 00:02:31.934 --> 00:02:33.669
  • Lots of opinions about what's appropriate and inappropriate,
  • 00:02:33.669 --> 00:02:37.339
  • Right or wrong, and decisions are often based upon, you know,
  • 00:02:37.339 --> 00:02:43.078
  • What i think.
  • 00:02:43.078 --> 00:02:44.413
  • "this is how i feel."
  • 00:02:44.413 --> 00:02:46.081
  • And i--feelings are legitimate and thoughts are certainly real,
  • 00:02:46.081 --> 00:02:49.551
  • But i would submit to you, if the consequences are
  • 00:02:49.551 --> 00:02:52.955
  • Significant, decisions need to be based upon more than
  • 00:02:52.955 --> 00:02:55.290
  • Individual opinion or preference.
  • 00:02:55.290 --> 00:02:58.060
  • And for those of us who consider ourselves to be
  • 00:02:58.060 --> 00:03:00.062
  • Christ-followers, we have a resource.
  • 00:03:00.062 --> 00:03:02.831
  • The scripture is essential when we're navigating seasons
  • 00:03:02.831 --> 00:03:05.500
  • Of change.
  • 00:03:05.500 --> 00:03:07.336
  • It provides guidance for us, and perspective to deliver us from
  • 00:03:07.336 --> 00:03:11.373
  • The tyranny of fear, and the tyranny of self.
  • 00:03:11.373 --> 00:03:16.445
  • Because if we don't interrupt the momentum of ourselves, it
  • 00:03:16.445 --> 00:03:20.882
  • Will fill our lives and define our futures by what i want, what
  • 00:03:20.882 --> 00:03:25.087
  • I think, and what i feel.
  • 00:03:25.087 --> 00:03:27.756
  • And that's true even if you're born again, and you will miss
  • 00:03:27.756 --> 00:03:31.193
  • Most of the purposes of god for your life if you allow that
  • 00:03:31.193 --> 00:03:33.962
  • Tyranny to remain in place.
  • 00:03:33.962 --> 00:03:37.532
  • Thus, invitations to read your bible.
  • 00:03:37.532 --> 00:03:39.368
  • If you're not consistently, systematically reading through
  • 00:03:39.368 --> 00:03:42.170
  • Your bible, you are forfeiting the guidance of god.
  • 00:03:42.170 --> 00:03:46.475
  • You don't have to be on the plan with us, but you need
  • 00:03:46.475 --> 00:03:49.411
  • That discipline.
  • 00:03:49.411 --> 00:03:52.681
  • It's remarkable, the changes that are swirling around us
  • 00:03:52.681 --> 00:03:56.518
  • These days, and the multitude of opinions around it,
  • 00:03:56.518 --> 00:04:00.088
  • It's dizzying.
  • 00:04:00.088 --> 00:04:04.092
  • I mean, i talk to people across our nation on a regular basis,
  • 00:04:04.092 --> 00:04:07.896
  • And it just seems to be true in every walk of life, from
  • 00:04:07.896 --> 00:04:10.399
  • Every perspective.
  • 00:04:10.399 --> 00:04:12.901
  • You know, there are issues that are prevalent today that are
  • 00:04:12.901 --> 00:04:17.439
  • Viewed differently than we have seen before.
  • 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:20.242
  • One of the current topics is illegal immigration, and the
  • 00:04:20.242 --> 00:04:24.046
  • People who are in our nation without proper documentation.
  • 00:04:24.046 --> 00:04:28.650
  • There is a wide array of opinions around how to think
  • 00:04:28.650 --> 00:04:31.253
  • About that.
  • 00:04:31.253 --> 00:04:33.288
  • I'll give you my opinion, but i believe it's supported
  • 00:04:33.288 --> 00:04:37.726
  • By scripture.
  • 00:04:37.726 --> 00:04:39.094
  • I'm gonna walk you through some biblical perspectives on why
  • 00:04:39.094 --> 00:04:40.429
  • I think that's true.
  • 00:04:40.429 --> 00:04:42.364
  • And while there's room for more than one interpretation of
  • 00:04:42.364 --> 00:04:45.000
  • Scripture, i would encourage you not to formulate opinions just
  • 00:04:45.000 --> 00:04:49.171
  • Based on what you think.
  • 00:04:49.171 --> 00:04:51.440
  • 'cause when you stand before the lord, "i think" won't carry
  • 00:04:51.440 --> 00:04:53.675
  • The day.
  • 00:04:53.675 --> 00:04:55.344
  • It's what god said that will carry the day.
  • 00:04:55.344 --> 00:04:58.246
  • And i understand the responsibility of that.
  • 00:04:58.246 --> 00:05:02.184
  • But i--you know, whether-- is it compassionate?
  • 00:05:02.184 --> 00:05:06.288
  • Is it kindness?
  • 00:05:06.288 --> 00:05:07.622
  • How--what is the response?
  • 00:05:07.622 --> 00:05:08.990
  • We're currently committed to a program of deporting people who
  • 00:05:08.990 --> 00:05:13.362
  • Are here illegally and are criminals.
  • 00:05:13.362 --> 00:05:17.065
  • And there are an enormous number of people who don't think that's
  • 00:05:17.065 --> 00:05:19.568
  • A good idea, which is a bit intriguing to me.
  • 00:05:19.568 --> 00:05:25.607
  • I'll give you the simplest version from my vantage point.
  • 00:05:25.607 --> 00:05:28.510
  • Any conversation that begins with "illegal" means the
  • 00:05:28.510 --> 00:05:33.548
  • Conversation needs to be about more than kindness.
  • 00:05:33.548 --> 00:05:38.820
  • If you came into this country illegally, that has to be
  • 00:05:38.820 --> 00:05:42.624
  • Rectified before there's any further conversation.
  • 00:05:42.624 --> 00:05:45.794
  • [applause]
  • 00:05:45.794 --> 00:05:48.463
  • And i don't believe that's absent compassion.
  • 00:05:52.434 --> 00:05:57.406
  • But there again, there's a tremendous amount of confusion
  • 00:05:57.406 --> 00:06:00.275
  • Around that.
  • 00:06:00.275 --> 00:06:01.610
  • If you choose another aspect of our lives, if you're in the
  • 00:06:01.610 --> 00:06:04.179
  • Habit of making withdrawals from the bank illegally, i object
  • 00:06:04.179 --> 00:06:12.521
  • To that.
  • 00:06:12.521 --> 00:06:14.890
  • And no matter what circumstance you bring to me that follows the
  • 00:06:14.890 --> 00:06:18.360
  • Illegal withdrawal.
  • 00:06:18.360 --> 00:06:20.796
  • "well, i withdrew the money illegally--"
  • 00:06:20.796 --> 00:06:23.365
  • That's called stealing.
  • 00:06:23.365 --> 00:06:25.634
  • Robbing a bank, probably, technically, but "i was--i made
  • 00:06:25.634 --> 00:06:29.671
  • The illegal withdrawal because i had a real need."
  • 00:06:29.671 --> 00:06:34.776
  • Still illegal.
  • 00:06:34.776 --> 00:06:36.845
  • "i made the illegal withdrawal because i was in
  • 00:06:36.845 --> 00:06:40.215
  • A health crisis."
  • 00:06:40.215 --> 00:06:41.917
  • It's still illegal.
  • 00:06:41.917 --> 00:06:44.953
  • And oh, by the way, it isn't your money.
  • 00:06:44.953 --> 00:06:48.089
  • If it was your money, it's not an illegal withdrawal.
  • 00:06:48.089 --> 00:06:50.192
  • You could withdraw your money.
  • 00:06:50.192 --> 00:06:52.594
  • So you're taking something that belongs to someone else, which
  • 00:06:52.594 --> 00:06:54.930
  • Means you're determining that they should forfeit something
  • 00:06:54.930 --> 00:06:57.699
  • Because you're putting your need in front of theirs.
  • 00:06:57.699 --> 00:07:01.102
  • Well, all of those same principles apply to the debate
  • 00:07:01.102 --> 00:07:04.372
  • Around immigration, and i don't believe it's fundamentally a
  • 00:07:04.372 --> 00:07:07.409
  • Political issue.
  • 00:07:07.409 --> 00:07:09.377
  • See, i believe if the church were using its voice
  • 00:07:09.377 --> 00:07:11.413
  • Appropriately, we would have a great deal more moral clarity.
  • 00:07:11.413 --> 00:07:17.319
  • Politicians just want votes.
  • 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:20.722
  • That's the nature of that contract.
  • 00:07:20.722 --> 00:07:25.093
  • And they are a representation of the hearts of the people, at
  • 00:07:25.093 --> 00:07:31.166
  • Least in the system of government that we propose
  • 00:07:31.166 --> 00:07:33.101
  • To have.
  • 00:07:33.101 --> 00:07:35.704
  • And i don't think it's a lack of compassion.
  • 00:07:35.704 --> 00:07:39.975
  • You know, and there's all sorts of things introduced into that.
  • 00:07:39.975 --> 00:07:42.811
  • If someone's here illegally and they have a child.
  • 00:07:42.811 --> 00:07:46.815
  • Well, i've traveled enough.
  • 00:07:46.815 --> 00:07:48.149
  • I can tell you for a fact, if you're visiting israel with one
  • 00:07:48.149 --> 00:07:50.151
  • Of our tours and you have a child while you're there, the
  • 00:07:50.151 --> 00:07:52.387
  • Child is not israeli.
  • 00:07:52.387 --> 00:07:55.023
  • And the church's voice is important.
  • 00:07:55.023 --> 00:07:56.625
  • We can't afford to stand on the sidelines and say we don't
  • 00:07:56.625 --> 00:07:58.860
  • Notice the culture.
  • 00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:00.195
  • Can we have a bible study about the first century?
  • 00:08:00.195 --> 00:08:05.634
  • The reason that gender confusion made its way to be such an issue
  • 00:08:05.634 --> 00:08:08.637
  • That we have men competing in women's sports is, for decades,
  • 00:08:08.637 --> 00:08:11.673
  • The church has been almost totally silent on biblical
  • 00:08:11.673 --> 00:08:15.043
  • Discussions of gender roles.
  • 00:08:15.043 --> 00:08:17.879
  • We're not the same.
  • 00:08:17.879 --> 00:08:21.449
  • We're not!
  • 00:08:21.449 --> 00:08:23.051
  • And the bible has some things to say about it, and because we
  • 00:08:23.051 --> 00:08:25.720
  • Haven't been willing to talk about it, and the church has
  • 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:28.056
  • Looked more like the secular version of the discussion, the
  • 00:08:28.056 --> 00:08:31.159
  • Culture is without guidance because we haven't been salt
  • 00:08:31.159 --> 00:08:33.361
  • And light.
  • 00:08:33.361 --> 00:08:35.730
  • The whole discussion around the lgbtq two--i don't keep
  • 00:08:35.730 --> 00:08:42.604
  • Up--reflects a phenomenal silence on the part of
  • 00:08:42.604 --> 00:08:48.276
  • The church.
  • 00:08:48.276 --> 00:08:50.812
  • I don't doubt that there are people who struggle with those
  • 00:08:50.812 --> 00:08:53.949
  • Issues and those perspectives in which there are some individuals
  • 00:08:53.949 --> 00:08:56.351
  • With whom there's significant confusion, but there's a great
  • 00:08:56.351 --> 00:08:59.187
  • Difference in doing that and mutilating our children because
  • 00:08:59.187 --> 00:09:01.556
  • There are confused people amongst us.
  • 00:09:01.556 --> 00:09:03.858
  • [applause]
  • 00:09:03.858 --> 00:09:08.396
  • But we confuse the discussion around language and the church
  • 00:09:08.396 --> 00:09:12.701
  • Just--we're rendered mute because to be truthful, i don't
  • 00:09:12.701 --> 00:09:15.737
  • Think it matters that much to us.
  • 00:09:15.737 --> 00:09:18.206
  • And we watch our nation be looted by people who are
  • 00:09:18.206 --> 00:09:20.475
  • Here illegally.
  • 00:09:20.475 --> 00:09:22.911
  • Looting our educational system, looting our healthcare system.
  • 00:09:22.911 --> 00:09:31.353
  • And we'll just be quiet because, one way or another, some of the
  • 00:09:31.353 --> 00:09:33.888
  • Loot filters down to us, so we just stay quiet.
  • 00:09:33.888 --> 00:09:38.126
  • And we won't talk about the other issues because it might
  • 00:09:38.126 --> 00:09:41.463
  • Infringe on our ability to get our portion from the trough of
  • 00:09:41.463 --> 00:09:45.033
  • The loot.
  • 00:09:45.033 --> 00:09:48.036
  • And i believe that there will be a serious consequence before
  • 00:09:48.036 --> 00:09:50.872
  • The lord.
  • 00:09:50.872 --> 00:09:54.509
  • Allen: hey, we're celebrating this year the 250th anniversary
  • 00:09:58.713 --> 00:10:02.083
  • Of the signing of the declaration of independence.
  • 00:10:02.083 --> 00:10:04.786
  • What a wonderful privilege we have.
  • 00:10:04.786 --> 00:10:07.255
  • You know, god has blessed our nation so many good things.
  • 00:10:07.255 --> 00:10:10.191
  • People say to me, "well, our whole history is not good."
  • 00:10:10.191 --> 00:10:12.661
  • Well, folks, you know, my history is not great, your
  • 00:10:12.661 --> 00:10:15.096
  • Family history is not perfect, but you love your family, you
  • 00:10:15.096 --> 00:10:18.033
  • Love your children in spite of our weaknesses.
  • 00:10:18.033 --> 00:10:21.236
  • Well, our nation hadn't been perfect, but through that whole
  • 00:10:21.236 --> 00:10:23.805
  • Story, the goodness of god is evident.
  • 00:10:23.805 --> 00:10:26.574
  • It still is.
  • 00:10:26.574 --> 00:10:27.909
  • Let's ask god to bless america again.
  • 00:10:27.909 --> 00:10:30.679
  • I believe he will.
  • 00:10:30.679 --> 00:10:32.013
  • Female announcer: as we celebrate 250 years of god's
  • 00:10:32.013 --> 00:10:34.916
  • Faithfulness to our nation, we want to help you carry that
  • 00:10:34.916 --> 00:10:37.986
  • Message along with you.
  • 00:10:37.986 --> 00:10:39.487
  • This commemorative tote bag and blanket are simple reminders of
  • 00:10:39.487 --> 00:10:42.957
  • His goodness and a way to spark meaningful conversations
  • 00:10:42.957 --> 00:10:46.194
  • Wherever you go.
  • 00:10:46.194 --> 00:10:47.562
  • Request your limited edition tote bag and blanket today while
  • 00:10:47.562 --> 00:10:50.832
  • Supplies last with your gift of $100 or
  • 00:10:50.832 --> 00:10:53.601
  • More at allenjackson.com, or call...
  • 00:10:53.601 --> 00:11:00.842
  • Allen: so compro--compassion, compromise, and conflict.
  • 00:11:00.909 --> 00:11:04.679
  • I think we start with our life objective, and this is really
  • 00:11:04.679 --> 00:11:07.682
  • A biblical perspective to inform why i would say those things
  • 00:11:07.682 --> 00:11:10.485
  • To you.
  • 00:11:10.485 --> 00:11:11.820
  • Folks, we cannot hide from our current culture and hold up a
  • 00:11:11.820 --> 00:11:15.890
  • Few verses from romans and say, "i'm saved," and think we're at
  • 00:11:15.890 --> 00:11:18.993
  • Peace with god.
  • 00:11:18.993 --> 00:11:21.996
  • Now, i think i can support that for you pretty simply from
  • 00:11:21.996 --> 00:11:24.566
  • Scripture in a moment or two, but there is some very, very
  • 00:11:24.566 --> 00:11:29.237
  • Destructive thinking that has taken root in the church.
  • 00:11:29.237 --> 00:11:32.240
  • And i have meetings almost every day with people that say they
  • 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:34.876
  • Are counting on the church to be the difference-maker in our
  • 00:11:34.876 --> 00:11:38.480
  • Culture on abortion.
  • 00:11:38.480 --> 00:11:39.814
  • I had that meeting today.
  • 00:11:39.814 --> 00:11:42.150
  • Man traveled hundreds of miles to have the conversation.
  • 00:11:42.150 --> 00:11:45.754
  • Sincere man, good man, businessman,
  • 00:11:45.754 --> 00:11:48.089
  • Highly-trained person.
  • 00:11:48.089 --> 00:11:50.225
  • And he said, "the church will make the difference."
  • 00:11:50.225 --> 00:11:52.060
  • And the reality is the statistics say there's almost no
  • 00:11:52.060 --> 00:11:55.096
  • Difference between the church and the secular culture on
  • 00:11:55.096 --> 00:11:59.534
  • The issue.
  • 00:11:59.534 --> 00:12:01.836
  • Almost 70% of americans are okay with abortion.
  • 00:12:01.836 --> 00:12:10.345
  • Say, "well, you know, not after 12 weeks."
  • 00:12:10.345 --> 00:12:16.084
  • Ninety-six percent of abortions take place in those first 12
  • 00:12:16.084 --> 00:12:19.888
  • Weeks, and we just hide from it.
  • 00:12:19.888 --> 00:12:26.227
  • And now i'm--we have these conversations, we have to say,
  • 00:12:26.227 --> 00:12:28.263
  • "well, you know, in reality, the church doesn't act like the
  • 00:12:28.263 --> 00:12:30.765
  • Church, because we're not really committed to discipleship."
  • 00:12:30.765 --> 00:12:35.670
  • We've embraced the gospel of salvation, and if we're saved,
  • 00:12:35.670 --> 00:12:37.939
  • We just ignore the counsel of scripture.
  • 00:12:37.939 --> 00:12:43.211
  • And we get confused, or we muddy our language.
  • 00:12:43.211 --> 00:12:47.415
  • Compassion, compromise, and conflict.
  • 00:12:47.415 --> 00:12:49.217
  • I think our objective in life, ecclesiastes 12, is
  • 00:12:49.217 --> 00:12:51.753
  • Pretty straightforward.
  • 00:12:51.753 --> 00:12:54.522
  • This is from the perspective of king solomon.
  • 00:12:54.522 --> 00:12:56.591
  • "now all has been heard: here is the conclusion of the matter:
  • 00:12:56.591 --> 00:12:59.794
  • Fear god and keep his commandments, for this is the
  • 00:12:59.794 --> 00:13:03.198
  • Whole duty of man.
  • 00:13:03.198 --> 00:13:04.933
  • For god will bring every deed into judgment, including every
  • 00:13:04.933 --> 00:13:07.435
  • Hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
  • 00:13:07.435 --> 00:13:10.872
  • So if you just want a little pocket summary of the assignment
  • 00:13:10.872 --> 00:13:13.508
  • For your journey under the sun: fear god and keep
  • 00:13:13.508 --> 00:13:16.444
  • His commandments.
  • 00:13:16.444 --> 00:13:18.046
  • Everything else is subordinated to that.
  • 00:13:18.046 --> 00:13:19.681
  • Why would you do that?
  • 00:13:19.681 --> 00:13:21.583
  • Because god is going to bring every deed into evaluation.
  • 00:13:21.583 --> 00:13:24.152
  • He's going to evaluate every deed, not arbitrarily.
  • 00:13:24.152 --> 00:13:27.589
  • Not on a whim, not based on what i think or i feel, based on the
  • 00:13:27.589 --> 00:13:32.560
  • Counsel of his word and his character.
  • 00:13:32.560 --> 00:13:36.497
  • Hebrews 4 gives us a slightly different perspective, but it
  • 00:13:36.497 --> 00:13:39.200
  • Adds tremendous value to the word of god in our lives.
  • 00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:41.769
  • They said, "the word of god is living and active."
  • 00:13:41.769 --> 00:13:45.206
  • It's a living thing.
  • 00:13:45.206 --> 00:13:47.508
  • "sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the
  • 00:13:47.508 --> 00:13:50.311
  • Dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges
  • 00:13:50.311 --> 00:13:53.214
  • Thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
  • 00:13:53.214 --> 00:13:55.783
  • Nothing in all creation is hidden from god's sight.
  • 00:13:55.783 --> 00:13:58.786
  • Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to
  • 00:13:58.786 --> 00:14:01.623
  • Whom we must give account."
  • 00:14:01.623 --> 00:14:03.591
  • There's that reminder again, we are going to give an account for
  • 00:14:03.591 --> 00:14:06.494
  • How we live our lives.
  • 00:14:06.494 --> 00:14:07.862
  • That's our motivation for the fear of god.
  • 00:14:07.862 --> 00:14:12.634
  • You think, "well, i'm never gonna be--" oh, you will be, and
  • 00:14:12.634 --> 00:14:15.536
  • You can't blame the pastor.
  • 00:14:15.536 --> 00:14:18.406
  • It may be true, i was inadequate and too often inept, but it will
  • 00:14:18.406 --> 00:14:22.377
  • Not be an adequate excuse when you stand before the lord.
  • 00:14:22.377 --> 00:14:26.814
  • Or your parenting, or the evil in other people, or the hatred
  • 00:14:26.814 --> 00:14:30.952
  • In the world, all the things we bring forth to excuse
  • 00:14:30.952 --> 00:14:34.222
  • Our ungodliness.
  • 00:14:34.222 --> 00:14:36.758
  • God's word helps us to decipher the indecipherable.
  • 00:14:36.758 --> 00:14:41.696
  • Scripture establishes for us authority, priorities, it
  • 00:14:41.696 --> 00:14:46.034
  • Identifies the best pathways for living.
  • 00:14:46.034 --> 00:14:50.605
  • We don't always like it, the scripture brings discipline to
  • 00:14:50.605 --> 00:14:53.341
  • Our lives.
  • 00:14:53.341 --> 00:14:55.810
  • It's hard sometimes to distinguish the thoughts and
  • 00:14:55.810 --> 00:14:59.480
  • Attitudes of the heart.
  • 00:14:59.480 --> 00:15:02.183
  • We are able to excuse, to self-justify.
  • 00:15:02.183 --> 00:15:04.819
  • We all have phenomenal abilities at that.
  • 00:15:04.819 --> 00:15:08.823
  • And i need the word of god to help to separate out those
  • 00:15:08.823 --> 00:15:13.194
  • Things that would diminish what god would do in me, and so
  • 00:15:13.194 --> 00:15:17.298
  • Do you.
  • 00:15:17.298 --> 00:15:20.368
  • So our objective is to lead lives that reverence god, that
  • 00:15:20.368 --> 00:15:24.172
  • Fear god, and to keep his commandments, and to do that,
  • 00:15:24.172 --> 00:15:26.240
  • We're gonna need the word of god.
  • 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:29.243
  • Let's look at these words a little bit more.
  • 00:15:29.243 --> 00:15:30.645
  • We'll start with the happy end: compassion, mercy, and grace.
  • 00:15:30.645 --> 00:15:34.682
  • 2 corinthians 1:3, "praise be to the god and father of our lord
  • 00:15:34.682 --> 00:15:38.086
  • Jesus christ, the father of compassion and the god of all
  • 00:15:38.086 --> 00:15:43.091
  • Comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can
  • 00:15:43.091 --> 00:15:46.661
  • Comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves
  • 00:15:46.661 --> 00:15:49.530
  • Have received from god."
  • 00:15:49.530 --> 00:15:51.733
  • Now, i think we often use those words interchangeably, and in
  • 00:15:51.733 --> 00:15:54.235
  • Reality, they're different.
  • 00:15:54.235 --> 00:15:56.738
  • And if you use them in a sloppy way, you're more
  • 00:15:56.738 --> 00:15:58.740
  • Easily manipulated.
  • 00:15:58.740 --> 00:16:01.442
  • Just a good working definition of compassion is it's a response
  • 00:16:01.442 --> 00:16:05.513
  • To someone's suffering, typically motivated by a desire
  • 00:16:05.513 --> 00:16:10.218
  • Or an intent to relieve the discomfort or the suffering.
  • 00:16:10.218 --> 00:16:17.225
  • A response to someone's suffering with the intent of
  • 00:16:17.225 --> 00:16:20.161
  • Relieving it, trying to alleviate, to be of assistance.
  • 00:16:20.161 --> 00:16:24.465
  • So go back to the verse, it says god is "the father of compassion
  • 00:16:24.465 --> 00:16:30.638
  • And the god of all comfort."
  • 00:16:30.638 --> 00:16:32.507
  • God is the ultimate expression of the willingness to
  • 00:16:32.507 --> 00:16:35.910
  • Alleviate suffering.
  • 00:16:35.910 --> 00:16:37.245
  • He sent his son.
  • 00:16:37.245 --> 00:16:40.715
  • So when you say "i have compassion on someone," the next
  • 00:16:40.715 --> 00:16:44.419
  • Sentence should be an expression of what--how that's going to be
  • 00:16:44.419 --> 00:16:46.954
  • Given expression.
  • 00:16:46.954 --> 00:16:50.725
  • There's many places in the new testament, i spared you the
  • 00:16:50.725 --> 00:16:53.394
  • Study, it would--maybe another time, where jesus talks about
  • 00:16:53.394 --> 00:16:56.197
  • The compassion jesus directed towards crowds,
  • 00:16:56.197 --> 00:16:58.966
  • Individuals, circumstances.
  • 00:16:58.966 --> 00:17:01.736
  • And in all of those instances, there's a response from him to
  • 00:17:01.736 --> 00:17:07.575
  • Alleviate the discomfort, the suffering.
  • 00:17:07.575 --> 00:17:10.611
  • He looks at a group of people that have been with him three
  • 00:17:10.611 --> 00:17:12.447
  • Days and they've run out of food, and he said, "i have
  • 00:17:12.447 --> 00:17:14.515
  • Compassion on these people, let's feed them."
  • 00:17:14.515 --> 00:17:18.453
  • He didn't just say, "oh, it's too bad they're kind of hungry.
  • 00:17:18.453 --> 00:17:21.522
  • Let's talk about fasting."
  • 00:17:21.522 --> 00:17:24.158
  • Compassion, let's consider that in light of mercy.
  • 00:17:24.158 --> 00:17:28.763
  • Mercy's a bit different.
  • 00:17:28.763 --> 00:17:30.731
  • In micah chapter 7 and verse 18, he said, "who is a god like you,
  • 00:17:30.731 --> 00:17:33.968
  • Who pardons sin and forgives the transgressions of the remnant of
  • 00:17:33.968 --> 00:17:39.040
  • His inheritance?"
  • 00:17:39.040 --> 00:17:41.042
  • Micah is talking to the--he's a prophet, he's talking to the
  • 00:17:41.042 --> 00:17:43.444
  • People about god restoring the jewish people back to the land
  • 00:17:43.444 --> 00:17:49.183
  • After the exile.
  • 00:17:49.183 --> 00:17:51.419
  • So the remnant of the people who survived.
  • 00:17:51.419 --> 00:17:54.522
  • He said, "god has forgiven their transgressions.
  • 00:17:54.522 --> 00:17:57.158
  • You don't stay angry forever and you delight to show mercy.
  • 00:17:57.158 --> 00:18:02.396
  • You will again have compassion on us: you will tread our sins
  • 00:18:02.396 --> 00:18:06.334
  • Underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of
  • 00:18:06.334 --> 00:18:09.237
  • The sea."
  • 00:18:09.237 --> 00:18:11.038
  • God didn't always show them compassion, sometimes he showed
  • 00:18:11.038 --> 00:18:14.175
  • Them discipline.
  • 00:18:14.175 --> 00:18:16.444
  • They had to leave their country, they lost their homes, they
  • 00:18:16.444 --> 00:18:20.214
  • Lived as slaves in a foreign land for decades.
  • 00:18:20.214 --> 00:18:25.586
  • But micah said, "you won't stay angry forever because you
  • 00:18:25.586 --> 00:18:29.123
  • Delight to show mercy."
  • 00:18:29.123 --> 00:18:33.127
  • Well, mercy is a little different than compassion.
  • 00:18:33.127 --> 00:18:36.063
  • Mercy is very closely aligned with forgiveness.
  • 00:18:36.063 --> 00:18:40.101
  • Mercy, mercy is when punishment is withheld.
  • 00:18:40.101 --> 00:18:44.672
  • Punishment that is deserved.
  • 00:18:44.672 --> 00:18:47.708
  • I'm not going to extend the discipline, the punishment that
  • 00:18:47.708 --> 00:18:51.345
  • Is deserved.
  • 00:18:51.345 --> 00:18:52.680
  • I'm going to give you mercy.
  • 00:18:52.680 --> 00:18:56.817
  • That's different than compassion.
  • 00:18:56.817 --> 00:19:01.756
  • And then, in hebrews chapter 4, we pick up grace.
  • 00:19:01.756 --> 00:19:07.395
  • We're given this amazing invitation, "let us then
  • 00:19:07.395 --> 00:19:09.764
  • Approached the throne of grace with confidence, so that we can
  • 00:19:09.764 --> 00:19:13.234
  • Receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
  • 00:19:13.234 --> 00:19:18.573
  • The presentation of jesus, our great high priest, seated on
  • 00:19:18.573 --> 00:19:22.343
  • A throne of grace.
  • 00:19:22.343 --> 00:19:24.912
  • The grace is the unearned, undeserved blessing, favor
  • 00:19:24.912 --> 00:19:31.118
  • Of god.
  • 00:19:31.118 --> 00:19:32.453
  • Grace is not merit-based.
  • 00:19:32.453 --> 00:19:34.922
  • If it's merit-based, it isn't grace.
  • 00:19:34.922 --> 00:19:40.027
  • So grace isn't about your rewards.
  • 00:19:40.027 --> 00:19:43.431
  • Grace is something different, but it says we can approach
  • 00:19:43.431 --> 00:19:46.467
  • Jesus on his throne because it's a throne of grace.
  • 00:19:46.467 --> 00:19:50.071
  • We don't come before his throne because we deserve to be there,
  • 00:19:50.071 --> 00:19:54.909
  • We've been invited there.
  • 00:19:54.909 --> 00:19:57.278
  • That pathway has been opened for us by a new and living way
  • 00:19:57.278 --> 00:20:00.214
  • Through the curtain, through the shed blood of jesus, not because
  • 00:20:00.214 --> 00:20:03.551
  • Of something we have done.
  • 00:20:03.551 --> 00:20:06.921
  • It's--the words here are very interesting to me, if you'll
  • 00:20:06.921 --> 00:20:10.658
  • Just hold the definitions we've been processing, "so that we
  • 00:20:10.658 --> 00:20:13.628
  • May receive mercy."
  • 00:20:13.628 --> 00:20:15.563
  • Remember, mercy is very much like forgiveness.
  • 00:20:15.563 --> 00:20:18.532
  • You have to receive that.
  • 00:20:18.532 --> 00:20:22.570
  • It's something that's extended to you.
  • 00:20:22.570 --> 00:20:24.639
  • It's not a right, you can't demand mercy.
  • 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:29.910
  • It's a gift that is to be received.
  • 00:20:29.910 --> 00:20:32.680
  • And then it says, "we find grace to help us."
  • 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:36.450
  • Grace is discovered.
  • 00:20:36.450 --> 00:20:38.853
  • You realize, you come to the awareness that god has given you
  • 00:20:38.853 --> 00:20:42.690
  • Something that you didn't earn, that you didn't deserve.
  • 00:20:42.690 --> 00:20:46.627
  • As long as we're trapped in a perspective of entitlement, and
  • 00:20:46.627 --> 00:20:50.364
  • What i deserve, and what i have a right to, you forfeit the
  • 00:20:50.364 --> 00:20:53.768
  • Grace of god.
  • 00:20:53.768 --> 00:20:57.305
  • We deserve judgment.
  • 00:20:57.305 --> 00:20:59.974
  • We deserve banishment from the presence of god.
  • 00:20:59.974 --> 00:21:03.978
  • I don't want what i deserve.
  • 00:21:03.978 --> 00:21:06.514
  • I don't want justice.
  • 00:21:06.514 --> 00:21:08.482
  • I want mercy.
  • 00:21:08.482 --> 00:21:13.254
  • We receive mercy, we find grace, the discovery of the gifts, the
  • 00:21:13.254 --> 00:21:18.359
  • Provision, the kindness of god.
  • 00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:20.661
  • As you walk with the lord, you discover his grace.
  • 00:21:20.661 --> 00:21:24.832
  • Most of us, when we become christ followers, we think god
  • 00:21:24.832 --> 00:21:27.435
  • Kind of got a bargain.
  • 00:21:27.435 --> 00:21:30.104
  • Remember that?
  • 00:21:30.104 --> 00:21:32.173
  • Thinking, "well, you know, if i raise my hand and tell the lord
  • 00:21:32.173 --> 00:21:33.908
  • I'm gonna help him, five-star recruit coming in."
  • 00:21:33.908 --> 00:21:44.018
  • And then, somewhere along the way, you realize that god took
  • 00:21:44.085 --> 00:21:46.587
  • On a tremendous liability, that only by his grace is there a way
  • 00:21:46.587 --> 00:21:52.893
  • For us to add value to his initiatives in the earth.
  • 00:21:52.893 --> 00:21:59.533
  • I would submit to you that it isn't kind.
  • 00:21:59.533 --> 00:22:05.940
  • I don't even think it's compassionate to create a system
  • 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:09.810
  • That causes people to begin their relationship with you by
  • 00:22:09.810 --> 00:22:13.214
  • Doing something illegal.
  • 00:22:13.214 --> 00:22:17.485
  • You wouldn't be a good co-worker.
  • 00:22:17.485 --> 00:22:20.521
  • You wouldn't be a good parent.
  • 00:22:20.521 --> 00:22:23.591
  • You wouldn't be a good neighbor.
  • 00:22:23.591 --> 00:22:26.694
  • You wouldn't be a good driver's ed instructor.
  • 00:22:26.694 --> 00:22:30.431
  • And you're certainly not a good christ-follower, nor a good
  • 00:22:30.431 --> 00:22:34.969
  • Citizen, if you craft a system that forces people to begin a
  • 00:22:34.969 --> 00:22:41.242
  • Relationship with something that demands being illegal.
  • 00:22:41.242 --> 00:22:50.151
  • Look at hebrews 5 with me.
  • 00:22:50.151 --> 00:22:51.485
  • I wanna take a minute.
  • 00:22:51.485 --> 00:22:52.853
  • There's a phrase in here that i wanna call your attention to.
  • 00:22:52.853 --> 00:22:55.389
  • Says, "every high priest is--" discussing the difference
  • 00:22:55.389 --> 00:22:58.559
  • Between the high priest that preceded jesus and the high
  • 00:22:58.559 --> 00:23:01.796
  • Priestly role of jesus.
  • 00:23:01.796 --> 00:23:03.197
  • Did you know that jesus is your high priest?
  • 00:23:03.197 --> 00:23:06.834
  • Up until jesus, you couldn't just offer your prayers to the
  • 00:23:06.834 --> 00:23:10.371
  • Lord or your sacrifices to the lord, you had to take them to
  • 00:23:10.371 --> 00:23:12.673
  • The priest because the priest represent people to god.
  • 00:23:12.673 --> 00:23:17.077
  • But jesus was appointed as our high priest.
  • 00:23:17.077 --> 00:23:21.115
  • He takes our prayers before the father.
  • 00:23:21.115 --> 00:23:25.019
  • He takes our prayers based on the sacrifice he made.
  • 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:30.124
  • That's an amazing thing, it gives us standing.
  • 00:23:30.124 --> 00:23:34.228
  • It gives us the ability to approach that throne.
  • 00:23:34.228 --> 00:23:39.700
  • Well, it's this discussion in hebrews 5, "every high priest is
  • 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:42.369
  • Selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in
  • 00:23:42.369 --> 00:23:48.175
  • Matters related to god, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
  • 00:23:48.175 --> 00:23:55.182
  • The high priest is able to deal gently with those who are
  • 00:23:55.182 --> 00:23:57.551
  • Ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject
  • 00:23:57.551 --> 00:24:00.287
  • To weakness.
  • 00:24:00.287 --> 00:24:01.856
  • That is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins,
  • 00:24:01.856 --> 00:24:05.392
  • As well as for the sins of the people."
  • 00:24:05.392 --> 00:24:06.727
  • It's a discussion of the priestly role, the high
  • 00:24:06.727 --> 00:24:08.762
  • Priestly role.
  • 00:24:08.762 --> 00:24:10.831
  • But look at that phrase, "the high priest is appointed by god
  • 00:24:10.831 --> 00:24:14.268
  • To represent people in matters related to god."
  • 00:24:14.268 --> 00:24:20.741
  • I wanna be certain that we each understand, there are matters in
  • 00:24:20.741 --> 00:24:24.512
  • Your life, matters in my life, that are related to god that
  • 00:24:24.512 --> 00:24:27.748
  • Have to be addressed.
  • 00:24:27.748 --> 00:24:30.584
  • You could say, "i don't believe that, it isn't relevant."
  • 00:24:30.584 --> 00:24:32.553
  • That's like saying i don't believe in gravity.
  • 00:24:32.553 --> 00:24:35.556
  • You don't have to believe in it, it believes in you.
  • 00:24:35.556 --> 00:24:40.394
  • There are matters about your life, your journey, your
  • 00:24:40.394 --> 00:24:43.531
  • Existence that relate to god that have to be addressed.
  • 00:24:43.531 --> 00:24:48.669
  • Now god has given us the guidelines, he's given us
  • 00:24:48.669 --> 00:24:50.871
  • A perspective.
  • 00:24:50.871 --> 00:24:52.239
  • We're not alone, we're not isolated, but we've got to be
  • 00:24:52.239 --> 00:24:54.942
  • Prepared to address those matters.
  • 00:24:54.942 --> 00:24:59.380
  • Say, "well, i don't believe like that."
  • 00:24:59.380 --> 00:25:01.315
  • Well, you're certainly entitled to that choice, god has given us
  • 00:25:01.315 --> 00:25:04.218
  • Each a free will.
  • 00:25:04.218 --> 00:25:06.620
  • But the scripture has given us more insight than that.
  • 00:25:06.620 --> 00:25:11.292
  • "matters that relate to god."
  • 00:25:11.292 --> 00:25:14.194
  • God is not just a god of mercy.
  • 00:25:14.194 --> 00:25:17.464
  • He's not just a god of grace.
  • 00:25:17.464 --> 00:25:20.434
  • He's not just a god of compassion.
  • 00:25:20.434 --> 00:25:24.238
  • He's also a god of justice.
  • 00:25:24.238 --> 00:25:27.408
  • We have had a very lopsided presentation of the gospel.
  • 00:25:27.408 --> 00:25:31.679
  • If you talk about jesus being only--his only message being
  • 00:25:31.679 --> 00:25:35.849
  • Love, you ignore an enormous part of the messaging that
  • 00:25:35.849 --> 00:25:38.886
  • Jesus brought.
  • 00:25:38.886 --> 00:25:41.055
  • Allen: there's a lot of fear in the church these days because we
  • 00:25:41.121 --> 00:25:43.490
  • Recognize, intuitively, if we haven't recognized it
  • 00:25:43.490 --> 00:25:46.126
  • Consciously, that the world has changed.
  • 00:25:46.126 --> 00:25:48.696
  • The way we practiced our faith two or three years ago isn't
  • 00:25:48.696 --> 00:25:51.098
  • Sufficient for what's before us right now.
  • 00:25:51.098 --> 00:25:53.534
  • Don't be frightened by that.
  • 00:25:53.534 --> 00:25:55.235
  • Ask the lord to give you an understanding heart.
  • 00:25:55.235 --> 00:25:57.605
  • We've got to learn to see in some new ways so we can respond
  • 00:25:57.605 --> 00:26:00.574
  • With boldness and courage.
  • 00:26:00.574 --> 00:26:02.343
  • Let's pray.
  • 00:26:02.343 --> 00:26:03.711
  • Father, i pray you'll give us new courage, new eyes to see,
  • 00:26:03.711 --> 00:26:06.347
  • New understanding hearts that we may respond with great faith to
  • 00:26:06.347 --> 00:26:10.150
  • What you're doing in the earth.
  • 00:26:10.150 --> 00:26:11.518
  • I thank you for it.
  • 00:26:11.518 --> 00:26:12.886
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:26:12.886 --> 00:26:16.857
  • Allen: you know, around the world, people are searching for
  • 00:26:21.028 --> 00:26:23.230
  • Truth, and together, we're doing our very best to help them
  • 00:26:23.230 --> 00:26:26.266
  • Find it.
  • 00:26:26.266 --> 00:26:27.601
  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
  • 00:26:27.601 --> 00:26:29.536
  • Ministries, you're joining a growing community of believers
  • 00:26:29.536 --> 00:26:32.806
  • Who are committed to strengthening the church and
  • 00:26:32.806 --> 00:26:35.509
  • Sharing god's word through every available channel: television,
  • 00:26:35.509 --> 00:26:39.480
  • Radio, podcast, books, bible studies, digital
  • 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:42.883
  • Resources, conferences.
  • 00:26:42.883 --> 00:26:44.985
  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers, to reach new
  • 00:26:44.985 --> 00:26:48.322
  • Audiences, and to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
  • 00:26:48.322 --> 00:26:52.192
  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
  • 00:26:52.192 --> 00:26:54.361
  • Together we can stand firm in our faith and make god's truth
  • 00:26:54.361 --> 00:26:58.232
  • Known, right here at home and around the earth, wherever god
  • 00:26:58.232 --> 00:27:01.468
  • Opens the door.
  • 00:27:01.468 --> 00:27:02.803
  • Let's keep gathering his people and building his church until
  • 00:27:02.803 --> 00:27:06.006
  • The day our king returns.
  • 00:27:06.006 --> 00:27:08.275
  • You can find more about becoming a ministry partner at
  • 00:27:08.275 --> 00:27:11.345
  • Allenjackson.com/partner.
  • 00:27:11.345 --> 00:27:18.352
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:21.689 --> 00:27:21.689