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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Disciples with Authority and Power (Part 2)

February 16, 2026 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Disciples with Authority and Power (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Disciples #Discipleship #Authority #Calling #Purpose #Jesus #Dedication/Devotion #Surrender #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Disciples with Authority and Power (Part 2) | February 16, 2026
  • ...
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  • Allen jackson: you know, around the world,
  • 00:00:01.518 --> 00:00:02.752
  • People are searching for truth, and together we're doing our
  • 00:00:02.852 --> 00:00:05.522
  • Very best to help them find it.
  • 00:00:05.622 --> 00:00:07.590
  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
  • 00:00:07.724 --> 00:00:09.859
  • Ministries, you're joining a growing community of believers
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  • Who are committed to strengthening the church and
  • 00:00:13.196 --> 00:00:15.999
  • Sharing god's word through every available channel--
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  • Television, radio, podcast, books, bible studies,
  • 00:00:19.269 --> 00:00:22.672
  • Digital resources, conferences.
  • 00:00:22.672 --> 00:00:25.542
  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers to reach new
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  • Audiences, to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
  • 00:00:28.711 --> 00:00:32.615
  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
  • 00:00:32.615 --> 00:00:34.717
  • Together, we can stand firm in our faith and make god's truth
  • 00:00:34.717 --> 00:00:38.655
  • Known right here at home and around the earth, wherever
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  • God opens a door.
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  • Let's keep gathering his people and building his church until
  • 00:00:43.193 --> 00:00:46.496
  • The day our king returns.
  • 00:00:46.496 --> 00:00:48.731
  • You can find more about becoming a ministry partner
  • 00:00:48.731 --> 00:00:51.634
  • At allenjackson.com/partner.
  • 00:00:51.634 --> 00:01:02.245
  • Allen jackson: you don't have a message until you establish
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  • In your heart who jesus is.
  • 00:01:09.285 --> 00:01:11.588
  • It's not about joining a denomination or finding
  • 00:01:11.588 --> 00:01:13.957
  • A worship service you like or a preacher that you enjoy or the
  • 00:01:13.957 --> 00:01:17.594
  • Translation of the bible that's easier for you to read.
  • 00:01:17.594 --> 00:01:20.430
  • Our faith is founded on a conviction that jesus of
  • 00:01:20.430 --> 00:01:22.999
  • Nazareth is the messiah, the anointed son of god,
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  • The incarnate son of god.
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  • Everything emerges from that.
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  • Nothing's too difficult for him.
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  • He can feed a multitude with a happy meal.
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  • He can speak to the wind and the waves.
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  • He can be the result of a virgin birth.
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  • He'll conquer death before we're done with the gospel.
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  • That's my lord and yours.
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  • That's the message we have for the world.
  • 00:01:52.128 --> 00:01:54.597
  • There's a power and authority that transcends all the power
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  • And authority that's available to us.
  • 00:01:57.934 --> 00:01:59.435
  • And there's a great deal of things available to us.
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  • There's economic power and military power and political
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  • Power and all sorts of--they're all real and legitimate, i'm not
  • 00:02:04.541 --> 00:02:08.011
  • Diminishing that, but there's a power that causes all of those
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  • Things to pale in comparison.
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  • All of those things are linked to time.
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  • They will fade away.
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  • They will come to an end.
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  • There's a conclusion.
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  • This present age will be rolled up like a scroll, like a book
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  • That's closed.
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  • But the power of our lord and king is eternal.
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  • That's our message for the world we're in.
  • 00:02:32.268 --> 00:02:37.540
  • Luke's not done.
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  • Chapter 9, verse 28, "after eight days"--or, "about eight
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  • Days after jesus said this, he took peter and john and james
  • 00:02:43.346 --> 00:02:46.249
  • With him and he went up onto a mountain to pray."
  • 00:02:46.249 --> 00:02:49.118
  • He didn't treat all the disciples the same.
  • 00:02:49.118 --> 00:02:51.321
  • No equity with the disciples.
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  • I know it's fashionable in some circles to say equity is
  • 00:02:57.560 --> 00:03:00.129
  • A biblical proposition.
  • 00:03:00.129 --> 00:03:01.564
  • It is not.
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  • I could give you many examples when jesus gave out talents
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  • To the servants.
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  • They didn't all get the same thing.
  • 00:03:08.571 --> 00:03:14.711
  • He took peter, james, and john; and bartholomew and
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  • Andrew complained.
  • 00:03:18.147 --> 00:03:22.018
  • "and he went up on a high mountain to pray.
  • 00:03:22.018 --> 00:03:23.720
  • And as he was praying, the appearance of his face changed,
  • 00:03:23.720 --> 00:03:26.589
  • And his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
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  • Two men, moses and elijah, appeared in glorious splendor,
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  • Talking with jesus.
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  • They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to
  • 00:03:36.633 --> 00:03:39.469
  • Fulfillment at jerusalem."
  • 00:03:39.469 --> 00:03:42.372
  • This is a fascinating event to me.
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  • We don't know exactly where it took place.
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  • If you visit israel, there's two or three places.
  • 00:03:47.210 --> 00:03:49.279
  • And at the end of the day, it doesn't matter, but it made it
  • 00:03:49.279 --> 00:03:53.783
  • Into the narrative.
  • 00:03:53.783 --> 00:03:55.151
  • Jesus goes up on a high mountain and while he's praying, moses
  • 00:03:55.151 --> 00:03:58.655
  • And elijah appeared.
  • 00:03:58.655 --> 00:04:00.023
  • I've always wondered how they knew it was moses and elijah.
  • 00:04:00.023 --> 00:04:03.526
  • Facebook was just new.
  • 00:04:03.526 --> 00:04:08.831
  • Do you think they had laminated lanyards with name tags?
  • 00:04:08.831 --> 00:04:15.571
  • Because the disciples, peter, john, and james, seem to
  • 00:04:15.571 --> 00:04:18.207
  • Understand who it is.
  • 00:04:18.207 --> 00:04:20.910
  • I've always been intrigued that moses and elijah had something
  • 00:04:20.910 --> 00:04:25.515
  • With which they wanted to speak to jesus.
  • 00:04:25.515 --> 00:04:31.287
  • See, when you're done with time you're not done.
  • 00:04:31.287 --> 00:04:35.858
  • We don't have a full presentation of that.
  • 00:04:35.858 --> 00:04:38.828
  • We're limited in the insight we have and the understanding.
  • 00:04:38.828 --> 00:04:42.332
  • But i can give you multiple examples when you step out,
  • 00:04:42.332 --> 00:04:45.101
  • When your earth suit stops, folks, you're not done.
  • 00:04:45.101 --> 00:04:49.806
  • You are working for something so much more enduring, so much more
  • 00:04:49.806 --> 00:04:53.976
  • Valuable, so much more significant.
  • 00:04:53.976 --> 00:04:57.280
  • The great diminishment of your faith is to think that your
  • 00:04:57.280 --> 00:04:59.882
  • Faith is only about getting all you can and canning what you get
  • 00:04:59.882 --> 00:05:02.885
  • And sitting on the can while you're here.
  • 00:05:02.885 --> 00:05:08.157
  • We are in preparation for something.
  • 00:05:08.157 --> 00:05:10.526
  • Jesus came to this earth, but when you read his story, you
  • 00:05:10.526 --> 00:05:13.596
  • Don't imagine his goal was an applause line while he was here.
  • 00:05:13.596 --> 00:05:20.002
  • It's very clear he was on an assignment for something far
  • 00:05:20.002 --> 00:05:23.573
  • More significant, far greater, and so are we.
  • 00:05:23.573 --> 00:05:29.679
  • I think it's worth noting, at least in passing, that ahab and
  • 00:05:29.679 --> 00:05:32.215
  • Jezebel didn't show up to talk to jesus.
  • 00:05:32.215 --> 00:05:37.720
  • Moses and elijah.
  • 00:05:37.720 --> 00:05:40.456
  • It's the last verse, i think, that is, perhaps, most
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  • Significant in this 9 chapter, though.
  • 00:05:42.792 --> 00:05:45.695
  • It's gonna become a theme in this chapter.
  • 00:05:45.695 --> 00:05:47.630
  • It's the introduction of something that is new to us.
  • 00:05:47.630 --> 00:05:50.633
  • It says moses and elijah spoke about his departure.
  • 00:05:50.633 --> 00:05:57.173
  • Well, that's--if it stopped right there, we might think he
  • 00:05:57.173 --> 00:05:59.142
  • Was taking a trip.
  • 00:05:59.142 --> 00:06:03.479
  • "about his departure, which he was about to bring to
  • 00:06:03.479 --> 00:06:06.949
  • Fulfillment in jerusalem."
  • 00:06:06.949 --> 00:06:08.818
  • Moses and elijah are talking about his crucifixion, his
  • 00:06:08.818 --> 00:06:12.088
  • Burial, his resurrection.
  • 00:06:12.088 --> 00:06:17.860
  • We're looking at the game plan again.
  • 00:06:17.860 --> 00:06:19.796
  • Luke has introduced something new to the narrative.
  • 00:06:19.796 --> 00:06:22.899
  • And jesus took peter and john and james with him.
  • 00:06:22.899 --> 00:06:26.569
  • They're gonna be central figures when we get to the book of acts,
  • 00:06:26.569 --> 00:06:30.740
  • Luke's explanation of how the church found its footing after
  • 00:06:30.740 --> 00:06:34.544
  • Jesus's ascension.
  • 00:06:34.544 --> 00:06:37.046
  • And peter and john and james will be right in the center
  • 00:06:37.046 --> 00:06:40.216
  • Of that narrative.
  • 00:06:40.216 --> 00:06:42.952
  • Same chapter, verse 37.
  • 00:06:42.952 --> 00:06:44.587
  • "the next day," next day from what?
  • 00:06:44.587 --> 00:06:47.290
  • The next day after the transfiguration.
  • 00:06:47.290 --> 00:06:50.693
  • "when they came down from the mountain," this is pretty
  • 00:06:50.693 --> 00:06:54.363
  • Intensive training.
  • 00:06:54.363 --> 00:06:57.433
  • They've been feeding large crowds, they've been
  • 00:06:57.433 --> 00:07:00.503
  • Acknowledging in public that jesus is the christ.
  • 00:07:00.503 --> 00:07:02.805
  • Up to this point, only the demons have been saying it.
  • 00:07:02.805 --> 00:07:07.743
  • Now they've seen the transfiguration, now they come
  • 00:07:07.743 --> 00:07:10.046
  • Down from the mountain, "there's a large crowd that met them.
  • 00:07:10.046 --> 00:07:12.648
  • And a man in the crowd called out, 'teacher, i beg you to look
  • 00:07:12.648 --> 00:07:15.117
  • At my son, he's my only child.
  • 00:07:15.117 --> 00:07:16.686
  • And a spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; and it throws
  • 00:07:16.686 --> 00:07:20.089
  • Him into convulsion so that he foams at the mouth.
  • 00:07:20.089 --> 00:07:23.059
  • It scarcely ever leaves him and it's destroying him.
  • 00:07:23.059 --> 00:07:26.596
  • I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.'"
  • 00:07:26.596 --> 00:07:31.000
  • It's another learning moment for the disciples.
  • 00:07:31.000 --> 00:07:34.003
  • Peter, james, and john weren't with the larger crowd.
  • 00:07:34.003 --> 00:07:36.305
  • The others are still ministering.
  • 00:07:36.305 --> 00:07:37.773
  • Remember, they've been commissioned in those first
  • 00:07:37.773 --> 00:07:39.442
  • Two verses.
  • 00:07:39.442 --> 00:07:41.410
  • Jesus said to them--remember what he said?
  • 00:07:41.410 --> 00:07:43.112
  • "you've got it."
  • 00:07:43.112 --> 00:07:44.480
  • He gave them power and authority to drive out demons and
  • 00:07:44.480 --> 00:07:45.982
  • To cure diseases.
  • 00:07:45.982 --> 00:07:48.150
  • Jesus expects them to be prepared to address
  • 00:07:48.150 --> 00:07:50.620
  • Demonic activity.
  • 00:07:50.620 --> 00:07:51.954
  • He gave them the authority in verses 1 and 2.
  • 00:07:51.954 --> 00:07:57.293
  • And here's a father saying, "your disciples are useless!"
  • 00:07:57.293 --> 00:08:01.631
  • And i didn't put it in your notes because i
  • 00:08:01.631 --> 00:08:03.065
  • Don't have enough room.
  • 00:08:03.065 --> 00:08:04.734
  • Do you remember what jesus said to them?
  • 00:08:04.734 --> 00:08:07.403
  • "what is wrong with your faith?"
  • 00:08:07.403 --> 00:08:13.342
  • The expectation is his disciples would be prepared to engage
  • 00:08:13.342 --> 00:08:17.980
  • Demonic activity.
  • 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:20.483
  • We're prepared to have a seminar.
  • 00:08:20.483 --> 00:08:27.623
  • Just saying.
  • 00:08:27.623 --> 00:08:30.660
  • The young man is delivered.
  • 00:08:30.660 --> 00:08:34.130
  • Verse 43 is the follow up.
  • 00:08:34.130 --> 00:08:35.865
  • "they were all amazed at the greatness of god.
  • 00:08:35.865 --> 00:08:39.802
  • And while everyone was marveling at all that jesus did, he said
  • 00:08:39.802 --> 00:08:43.072
  • To his disciples, 'listen carefully to what i'm about to
  • 00:08:43.072 --> 00:08:46.242
  • Tell you.'"
  • 00:08:46.242 --> 00:08:50.212
  • Again, luke is telling the story, so the words he chooses,
  • 00:08:50.212 --> 00:08:56.619
  • The quotes he gives us, are significant.
  • 00:08:56.619 --> 00:09:02.291
  • He has jesus looking at the disciples, "'listen carefully to
  • 00:09:02.291 --> 00:09:05.227
  • What i'm about to tell you: the son of man is going to be
  • 00:09:05.227 --> 00:09:08.497
  • Betrayed into the hands of men.'
  • 00:09:08.497 --> 00:09:11.100
  • But they didn't understand what he meant."
  • 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:12.635
  • Now, peter, james, and john had just had a--the preface of this
  • 00:09:12.635 --> 00:09:16.539
  • On the mount of transfiguration.
  • 00:09:16.539 --> 00:09:21.043
  • But now all the crew, all of them, are read into the story.
  • 00:09:21.043 --> 00:09:24.847
  • "jesus says, 'listen carefully to what i'm about to tell you:
  • 00:09:24.847 --> 00:09:27.950
  • The son of man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.'
  • 00:09:27.950 --> 00:09:31.854
  • But they didn't understand what this meant.
  • 00:09:31.854 --> 00:09:34.323
  • It was hidden from them, so that they didn't grasp it, and they
  • 00:09:34.323 --> 00:09:36.726
  • Were afraid to ask him about it."
  • 00:09:36.726 --> 00:09:40.696
  • Within the same chapter--now, this is the second mention of
  • 00:09:40.696 --> 00:09:43.532
  • Jesus's crucifixion, his resurrection, his redemptive
  • 00:09:43.532 --> 00:09:46.836
  • Work, and luke's not done even in this chapter.
  • 00:09:46.836 --> 00:09:50.740
  • But i think it's worth noting as disciples, as jesus followers
  • 00:09:50.740 --> 00:09:55.077
  • Walking close to him, fully engaged with him, there's no
  • 00:09:55.077 --> 00:09:58.948
  • Suggestion here that they're engaged in immorality or some
  • 00:09:58.948 --> 00:10:04.687
  • Carnality that is separating them from the purposes of god.
  • 00:10:04.687 --> 00:10:08.324
  • It's simply, they're trying to grasp what is unfolding in front
  • 00:10:08.324 --> 00:10:11.394
  • Of them and they are struggling to do it.
  • 00:10:11.394 --> 00:10:14.797
  • Allen: we have partnered with our friends tim and david barton
  • 00:10:19.001 --> 00:10:21.437
  • To make available to you a two-volume set on
  • 00:10:21.437 --> 00:10:24.206
  • American history.
  • 00:10:24.206 --> 00:10:25.541
  • It's "the american story."
  • 00:10:25.541 --> 00:10:26.909
  • And it focuses on the part of american history that's been
  • 00:10:26.909 --> 00:10:29.078
  • Lost in much of our public education these days.
  • 00:10:29.078 --> 00:10:31.981
  • It's god's engagement with this nation and how he brought the
  • 00:10:31.981 --> 00:10:35.251
  • American story forward.
  • 00:10:35.251 --> 00:10:36.719
  • Our nation is more than politics or republicans and democrats.
  • 00:10:36.719 --> 00:10:40.156
  • It's god working in the lives of people to shape a nation that
  • 00:10:40.156 --> 00:10:43.726
  • Had brought forth his purposes in the world.
  • 00:10:43.726 --> 00:10:45.995
  • I believe it's an important part of our faith journey this year,
  • 00:10:45.995 --> 00:10:48.964
  • And i believe the books will be a blessing to you.
  • 00:10:48.964 --> 00:10:51.333
  • Announcer: the 250th anniversary of our nation is an important
  • 00:10:51.333 --> 00:10:54.804
  • Milestone we shouldn't rush past, because history matters.
  • 00:10:54.804 --> 00:10:59.341
  • "the american story" is a two-volume book series that
  • 00:10:59.341 --> 00:11:02.178
  • Explores how faith, courage, and conviction helped shape the
  • 00:11:02.178 --> 00:11:05.815
  • United states from the very beginning.
  • 00:11:05.815 --> 00:11:08.250
  • Gain a greater understanding of where we've been so you can
  • 00:11:08.250 --> 00:11:11.320
  • Protect and defend our nation's biblical foundations as we
  • 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:14.323
  • Move forward.
  • 00:11:14.323 --> 00:11:15.658
  • Request "the american story" with your gift of $50 or more at
  • 00:11:15.658 --> 00:11:19.061
  • Allenjackson.com or call...
  • 00:11:19.061 --> 00:11:24.500
  • Allen: verse 46, "an argument started among the disciples as
  • 00:11:27.169 --> 00:11:36.212
  • To which of them would be the greatest."
  • 00:11:36.212 --> 00:11:39.915
  • Are you kidding me?
  • 00:11:39.915 --> 00:11:42.752
  • Jesus just said, "when we get to jerusalem, they're gonna nail me
  • 00:11:42.752 --> 00:11:46.455
  • To a cross."
  • 00:11:46.455 --> 00:11:49.658
  • And luke says, rather politely, "well, the disciples
  • 00:11:49.658 --> 00:11:52.895
  • Didn't understand."
  • 00:11:52.895 --> 00:11:55.831
  • But then he gives us a little narrow window into maybe why
  • 00:11:55.831 --> 00:11:58.601
  • They were a bit confused, because the very next sentences
  • 00:11:58.601 --> 00:12:03.205
  • They were arguing about which one of them was the greatest.
  • 00:12:03.205 --> 00:12:08.711
  • Your boss, the guy that fed a multitude a few verses ago with
  • 00:12:08.711 --> 00:12:13.349
  • A happy meal, the one that gave you authority over demons and
  • 00:12:13.349 --> 00:12:18.654
  • Sickness and disease, just told you he's gonna be betrayed and
  • 00:12:18.654 --> 00:12:25.161
  • All you heard was, "i think i'm better than you."
  • 00:12:25.161 --> 00:12:30.065
  • And jesus doesn't hesitate.
  • 00:12:30.065 --> 00:12:31.400
  • He doesn't flinch.
  • 00:12:31.400 --> 00:12:32.735
  • I'd have probably fired the whole crew.
  • 00:12:32.735 --> 00:12:37.173
  • "jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him
  • 00:12:37.173 --> 00:12:41.977
  • Stand in the midst of them.
  • 00:12:41.977 --> 00:12:44.647
  • Said, 'unless you change and become like a little child,'"
  • 00:12:44.647 --> 00:12:48.184
  • Unless you become a learner, unless you learn how to develop
  • 00:12:48.184 --> 00:12:52.254
  • Trust, unless you learn how to accept authority, "you will
  • 00:12:52.254 --> 00:12:58.527
  • Never see the kingdom of god."
  • 00:12:58.527 --> 00:13:01.330
  • That's not the invitation we give to people that we're
  • 00:13:01.330 --> 00:13:03.465
  • Inviting towards the kingdom of god.
  • 00:13:03.465 --> 00:13:04.834
  • We tell them other things.
  • 00:13:04.834 --> 00:13:07.570
  • Jesus gave them some pretty clear instructions.
  • 00:13:07.570 --> 00:13:09.505
  • He's speaking about his crucifixion and the disciples
  • 00:13:09.505 --> 00:13:11.674
  • Are arguing about who's the greatest.
  • 00:13:11.674 --> 00:13:13.375
  • Is it safe to say they missed the moment?
  • 00:13:13.375 --> 00:13:17.880
  • So may i make a suggestion?
  • 00:13:17.880 --> 00:13:19.715
  • If you sign off to help people get to know the lord, you're
  • 00:13:19.715 --> 00:13:23.118
  • Gonna lead a small group, you'll teach a class, you'll volunteer
  • 00:13:23.118 --> 00:13:26.055
  • With teenagers.
  • 00:13:26.055 --> 00:13:27.423
  • You go to your neighbors, you invite them to come to the
  • 00:13:27.423 --> 00:13:29.391
  • Fall festival.
  • 00:13:29.391 --> 00:13:31.660
  • You decide you're gonna get engaged.
  • 00:13:31.660 --> 00:13:33.662
  • If we use the bible as our pattern, there's some things we
  • 00:13:33.662 --> 00:13:38.033
  • Could--we should be prepared for.
  • 00:13:38.033 --> 00:13:39.368
  • We should be prepared for some opposition.
  • 00:13:39.368 --> 00:13:40.703
  • We should be prepared for some people that say yes and some
  • 00:13:40.703 --> 00:13:43.138
  • People that say never.
  • 00:13:43.138 --> 00:13:46.175
  • We should be prepared for some pushback from authorities.
  • 00:13:46.175 --> 00:13:50.079
  • It could be at work, it could be an hoa, it could be whatever.
  • 00:13:50.079 --> 00:13:52.882
  • We should expect--that seems to be a part of the deal.
  • 00:13:52.882 --> 00:14:01.924
  • And we should expect that we're not always gonna just
  • 00:14:03.225 --> 00:14:04.960
  • Understand fully.
  • 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:09.865
  • Luke's not done.
  • 00:14:09.865 --> 00:14:11.500
  • Verse 51, "as the time approached for him to be taken
  • 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:15.971
  • Up to heaven," this is luke chapter 9.
  • 00:14:15.971 --> 00:14:19.575
  • We got lots of chapters to go.
  • 00:14:19.575 --> 00:14:21.911
  • This is the third time in chapter 9 he's talked about
  • 00:14:21.911 --> 00:14:24.880
  • Jesus and the fate that awaits him in jerusalem.
  • 00:14:24.880 --> 00:14:28.851
  • See, by this point in the narrative, the disciples
  • 00:14:28.851 --> 00:14:31.253
  • Aren't beginners.
  • 00:14:31.253 --> 00:14:32.588
  • This isn't like month one or month two.
  • 00:14:32.588 --> 00:14:33.956
  • They've been with jesus for months and months now.
  • 00:14:33.956 --> 00:14:37.026
  • In three years of public ministry, they're in the final
  • 00:14:37.026 --> 00:14:39.561
  • Lap, the home stretch.
  • 00:14:39.561 --> 00:14:42.765
  • "and as the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven,
  • 00:14:42.765 --> 00:14:45.067
  • Jesus resolutely set out for jerusalem.
  • 00:14:45.067 --> 00:14:48.404
  • And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a samaritan
  • 00:14:48.404 --> 00:14:50.806
  • Village to get things ready for him; but the people there didn't
  • 00:14:50.806 --> 00:14:55.544
  • Welcome him, because he was heading for jerusalem."
  • 00:14:55.544 --> 00:14:58.013
  • Galilee is in the north, jerusalem is in the south.
  • 00:14:58.013 --> 00:15:01.383
  • If you take the most direct route over the mountains of
  • 00:15:01.383 --> 00:15:04.086
  • Israel, that's where the samaritans lived.
  • 00:15:04.086 --> 00:15:08.057
  • And jesus has taken the most direct route this time, so they
  • 00:15:08.057 --> 00:15:10.626
  • Stop at a samaritan village.
  • 00:15:10.626 --> 00:15:12.561
  • He's done it before, you know, the parable of the
  • 00:15:12.561 --> 00:15:14.630
  • Good samaritan.
  • 00:15:14.630 --> 00:15:15.965
  • There's a number of places, but in this instance, the samaritan
  • 00:15:15.965 --> 00:15:19.435
  • Village didn't welcome him.
  • 00:15:19.435 --> 00:15:21.804
  • The woman at the well that jesus told had been married multiple
  • 00:15:21.804 --> 00:15:24.640
  • Times was a samaritan village, and that village did welcome him
  • 00:15:24.640 --> 00:15:28.444
  • That day, but not this day.
  • 00:15:28.444 --> 00:15:31.347
  • Again, luke doesn't let us get very far away from the rejection
  • 00:15:31.347 --> 00:15:34.216
  • That jesus has to process.
  • 00:15:34.216 --> 00:15:36.151
  • "jesus, you healed on the wrong day.
  • 00:15:36.151 --> 00:15:40.689
  • We don't like your message.
  • 00:15:40.689 --> 00:15:43.058
  • We're afraid of who you are and your message is too disruptive.
  • 00:15:43.058 --> 00:15:46.028
  • You go away."
  • 00:15:46.028 --> 00:15:47.463
  • This time, it's a samaritan village and they don't want him
  • 00:15:47.463 --> 00:15:49.665
  • To stay.
  • 00:15:49.665 --> 00:15:51.000
  • "when the disciples james and john saw this, they asked the
  • 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:52.668
  • Lord, 'do you want us to call fire down from heaven to
  • 00:15:52.668 --> 00:15:55.504
  • Destroy them?"
  • 00:15:55.504 --> 00:15:57.206
  • What a happy lot they are.
  • 00:15:57.206 --> 00:16:00.542
  • "but jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to
  • 00:16:00.542 --> 00:16:02.511
  • Another village."
  • 00:16:02.511 --> 00:16:04.780
  • Now, again, i think it's significant.
  • 00:16:04.780 --> 00:16:06.115
  • This is the third time in luke chapter 9 that there's been
  • 00:16:06.115 --> 00:16:09.251
  • Mention made of jesus ending his time on earth as time approached
  • 00:16:09.251 --> 00:16:15.991
  • For him to be taken up to heaven.
  • 00:16:15.991 --> 00:16:18.894
  • It doesn't describe that jesus's life was almost over.
  • 00:16:18.894 --> 00:16:23.465
  • It isn't described as if his existence is about to stop.
  • 00:16:23.465 --> 00:16:28.404
  • It's very clearly being presented that jesus has
  • 00:16:28.404 --> 00:16:31.407
  • A certain amount of time, a finite amount of time, for his
  • 00:16:31.407 --> 00:16:35.010
  • Journey with his--under the sun.
  • 00:16:35.010 --> 00:16:37.112
  • But when that's done, he's transitioning back to where he
  • 00:16:37.112 --> 00:16:39.915
  • Had come from.
  • 00:16:39.915 --> 00:16:42.184
  • We've been talking all through the gospel of luke about his
  • 00:16:42.184 --> 00:16:44.820
  • Presentation of these more than one dimension.
  • 00:16:44.820 --> 00:16:49.425
  • We live pretty flat lives.
  • 00:16:49.425 --> 00:16:51.193
  • We get so caught up in here and now, and luke says, "he's just
  • 00:16:51.193 --> 00:16:58.801
  • About done here."
  • 00:16:58.801 --> 00:17:01.570
  • And they're hurrying to jerusalem where he's got this
  • 00:17:01.570 --> 00:17:03.772
  • Horrific fate.
  • 00:17:03.772 --> 00:17:06.975
  • And the disciples have this kind of bad experience with the folks
  • 00:17:06.975 --> 00:17:09.912
  • In samaria.
  • 00:17:09.912 --> 00:17:11.447
  • What intrigues me is they understand judgment by
  • 00:17:11.447 --> 00:17:13.615
  • This point.
  • 00:17:13.615 --> 00:17:15.384
  • They've listened to jesus pronounce judgment on towns
  • 00:17:15.384 --> 00:17:18.120
  • And communities.
  • 00:17:18.120 --> 00:17:20.556
  • They've seen his judgment come up on people and they've been
  • 00:17:20.556 --> 00:17:23.725
  • Given, at the beginning of this chapter, power and authority and
  • 00:17:23.725 --> 00:17:27.629
  • They've been praying for the sick and casting out demons and
  • 00:17:27.629 --> 00:17:30.065
  • They turned to jesus and said, "should we call some fire down?"
  • 00:17:30.065 --> 00:17:36.105
  • Wow.
  • 00:17:36.105 --> 00:17:40.275
  • And jesus said no.
  • 00:17:40.275 --> 00:17:44.313
  • They're changing verse 57, very next verse, "as they're walking
  • 00:17:44.313 --> 00:17:52.988
  • Along the road, a man said to him," to jesus, "'i'll follow
  • 00:17:52.988 --> 00:17:56.625
  • You wherever you go.'"
  • 00:17:56.625 --> 00:17:58.193
  • We're about to be introduced to three individuals.
  • 00:17:58.193 --> 00:18:01.063
  • Either asked to follow jesus, or are given an invitation to
  • 00:18:01.063 --> 00:18:04.032
  • Follow jesus.
  • 00:18:04.032 --> 00:18:06.768
  • The man approached jesus in this case.
  • 00:18:06.768 --> 00:18:08.470
  • "'i'll follow you wherever you go.'
  • 00:18:08.470 --> 00:18:09.872
  • And jesus replied, 'foxes have holes and birds of the air have
  • 00:18:09.872 --> 00:18:12.541
  • Nests, but the son of man has no place to lay his head.'
  • 00:18:12.541 --> 00:18:18.881
  • It isn't stated directly, but it seems to me that the implication
  • 00:18:18.881 --> 00:18:21.884
  • Is this man didn't choose to follow.
  • 00:18:21.884 --> 00:18:27.656
  • Jesus said, "it's more difficult than you know.
  • 00:18:27.656 --> 00:18:30.659
  • It's not simple."
  • 00:18:30.659 --> 00:18:32.961
  • Please don't give the gospel away as if it's something
  • 00:18:32.961 --> 00:18:35.063
  • That's simple.
  • 00:18:35.063 --> 00:18:37.466
  • If you're gonna follow jesus with your life, it will take all
  • 00:18:37.466 --> 00:18:39.868
  • You have.
  • 00:18:39.868 --> 00:18:41.737
  • It'll take the best you have.
  • 00:18:41.737 --> 00:18:44.006
  • It's free, but it's not cheap.
  • 00:18:44.006 --> 00:18:46.942
  • It's available to everybody.
  • 00:18:46.942 --> 00:18:48.310
  • It's not about your iq or your bank account or your education
  • 00:18:48.310 --> 00:18:50.979
  • Or your social status, how sophisticated you may be or may
  • 00:18:50.979 --> 00:18:54.583
  • Not be.
  • 00:18:54.583 --> 00:18:56.351
  • But if you choose to follow jesus, there's no half measures.
  • 00:18:56.351 --> 00:19:01.056
  • There's no lukewarm.
  • 00:19:01.056 --> 00:19:02.391
  • That's the book of revelation.
  • 00:19:02.391 --> 00:19:06.595
  • Jesus just says it flat out in luke.
  • 00:19:06.595 --> 00:19:08.697
  • He said, "if you're gonna follow me, you have to take up
  • 00:19:08.697 --> 00:19:10.332
  • Your cross every day.
  • 00:19:10.332 --> 00:19:12.067
  • My disciples are cross carriers."
  • 00:19:12.067 --> 00:19:15.637
  • And he's reiterating that theme here in chapter 9.
  • 00:19:15.637 --> 00:19:18.040
  • He says, "listen, you can follow me if you want to, but it's not
  • 00:19:18.040 --> 00:19:20.842
  • A stable thing."
  • 00:19:20.842 --> 00:19:22.544
  • But he's not done.
  • 00:19:22.544 --> 00:19:24.613
  • "he said to another man, 'follow me.'"
  • 00:19:24.613 --> 00:19:26.181
  • This time, jesus extends an invitation.
  • 00:19:26.181 --> 00:19:29.218
  • "and the man replied, 'lord, first let me go and bury
  • 00:19:29.218 --> 00:19:31.420
  • My father.'
  • 00:19:31.420 --> 00:19:32.788
  • And jesus said, 'let the dead bury their own dead, but you go
  • 00:19:32.788 --> 00:19:36.158
  • And proclaim the kingdom of god.'"
  • 00:19:36.158 --> 00:19:37.526
  • Gee, that wasn't very nice.
  • 00:19:37.526 --> 00:19:42.097
  • "would you teach a small group for me?"
  • 00:19:42.097 --> 00:19:43.465
  • "well, i've gotta do my father's funeral."
  • 00:19:43.465 --> 00:19:45.467
  • "no, skip your father's funeral and come to my group."
  • 00:19:45.467 --> 00:19:49.004
  • "oh, pastor's is a little intense."
  • 00:19:49.004 --> 00:19:52.975
  • Not exactly what's happening here, but the message is very
  • 00:19:52.975 --> 00:19:55.944
  • Similar to that.
  • 00:19:55.944 --> 00:19:58.447
  • Again, it isn't stated explicitly, but it seems to me,
  • 00:19:58.447 --> 00:20:00.849
  • At least my opinion, it's not clear if this man followed, but
  • 00:20:00.849 --> 00:20:04.052
  • It doesn't seem that he did.
  • 00:20:04.052 --> 00:20:06.989
  • Too engaged, too enmeshed in the things that were happening.
  • 00:20:06.989 --> 00:20:12.995
  • Verse 61, "still another said, 'i'll follow you, lord; but
  • 00:20:12.995 --> 00:20:17.132
  • First let me go back and say good-by to my family.'
  • 00:20:17.132 --> 00:20:21.870
  • And jesus said, 'no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks
  • 00:20:21.870 --> 00:20:24.406
  • Back is fit for the service in the kingdom of god.'"
  • 00:20:24.406 --> 00:20:29.278
  • Again, it isn't stated explicitly, but it isn't clear,
  • 00:20:29.278 --> 00:20:33.348
  • But in my opinion, doesn't seem this person followed either.
  • 00:20:33.348 --> 00:20:39.154
  • Three different sets of reasons, somewhat slightly different
  • 00:20:39.154 --> 00:20:43.058
  • Circumstances, some initiate the request, others are invited.
  • 00:20:43.058 --> 00:20:48.196
  • Clearly, no one's being rejected.
  • 00:20:48.196 --> 00:20:49.998
  • They're just being--it's being acknowledged to them it isn't
  • 00:20:49.998 --> 00:20:52.234
  • Simple and you don't follow the lord on your terms.
  • 00:20:52.234 --> 00:20:56.972
  • You can't choose commandment one, three, and eight.
  • 00:20:56.972 --> 00:21:00.442
  • We either submit to his lordship in full, or he's not lord
  • 00:21:00.442 --> 00:21:04.713
  • At all.
  • 00:21:04.713 --> 00:21:06.081
  • Now, we grow up into that.
  • 00:21:06.081 --> 00:21:07.883
  • Again, luke is telling us the story.
  • 00:21:07.883 --> 00:21:09.651
  • There are many interested, many may be even invited, but often
  • 00:21:09.651 --> 00:21:14.890
  • They're unwilling to fulfill the commitment.
  • 00:21:14.890 --> 00:21:19.094
  • When we get to luke 10, it's gonna begin to change again.
  • 00:21:19.094 --> 00:21:22.497
  • This time, the lord appoints 72 and they're off to the races.
  • 00:21:22.497 --> 00:21:27.135
  • They're gonna come back, excited and rejoicing.
  • 00:21:27.135 --> 00:21:29.738
  • He said, "even the demons submit to us in your name."
  • 00:21:29.738 --> 00:21:33.075
  • Yeah, that's why i gave you power and authority back there.
  • 00:21:33.075 --> 00:21:39.214
  • The 72 seemed to get some outcomes that the 12
  • 00:21:39.214 --> 00:21:41.616
  • Struggled with.
  • 00:21:41.616 --> 00:21:44.619
  • This grand adventure we're on, being the people of god, is not
  • 00:21:44.619 --> 00:21:47.522
  • About sitting in church to fulfill a religious obligation
  • 00:21:47.522 --> 00:21:50.759
  • So we can get on with the important things of our life,
  • 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:53.128
  • The things that we wanna do, the things that we look forward to.
  • 00:21:53.128 --> 00:21:56.264
  • What we're being invited to is to participate in an eternal
  • 00:21:56.264 --> 00:21:59.101
  • Kingdom that transforms our journey through time.
  • 00:21:59.101 --> 00:22:06.041
  • And i think it begins by us--our willingness to say, "lord, i
  • 00:22:06.041 --> 00:22:08.343
  • Wanna--i'm in," to raise our hands, "i'm willing to
  • 00:22:08.343 --> 00:22:12.147
  • Be changed.
  • 00:22:12.147 --> 00:22:13.515
  • I'm willing to be different.
  • 00:22:13.515 --> 00:22:14.850
  • I'm willing to walk a new path.
  • 00:22:14.850 --> 00:22:16.184
  • I know everybody won't do this.
  • 00:22:16.184 --> 00:22:19.421
  • Everybody won't go with us."
  • 00:22:19.421 --> 00:22:22.090
  • It's very clear in the gospel of luke everybody's not going and
  • 00:22:22.090 --> 00:22:28.697
  • It's very clear there are consequences when you question
  • 00:22:28.697 --> 00:22:31.133
  • God and withdraw.
  • 00:22:31.133 --> 00:22:32.501
  • Zechariah said, "how can this be?"
  • 00:22:32.501 --> 00:22:33.835
  • And gabriel says, "you just hush," for nine months.
  • 00:22:33.835 --> 00:22:42.310
  • So i wanna close with an invitation.
  • 00:22:42.310 --> 00:22:45.414
  • What if we took seriously the beginning of chapter 9 where
  • 00:22:45.414 --> 00:22:49.851
  • Jesus called his disciples and he gave them power and authority
  • 00:22:49.851 --> 00:22:55.257
  • To do the business of the kingdom?
  • 00:22:55.257 --> 00:23:00.095
  • No, it's not given to the casual inquirer, or the occasional
  • 00:23:00.095 --> 00:23:04.933
  • Visitor, but if you're willing to be a disciple, there is
  • 00:23:04.933 --> 00:23:11.540
  • Authority and power available to you.
  • 00:23:11.540 --> 00:23:15.811
  • But i think we've got--we should begin by saying, "we're not
  • 00:23:15.811 --> 00:23:18.213
  • Really sure we've been that interested, we just wanna go
  • 00:23:18.213 --> 00:23:20.749
  • To heaven."
  • 00:23:20.749 --> 00:23:24.052
  • Because if you accept the authority and the power, then
  • 00:23:24.052 --> 00:23:26.855
  • You've got to be willing to take that message to the people.
  • 00:23:26.855 --> 00:23:30.525
  • It's very clear the disciples don't understand.
  • 00:23:30.525 --> 00:23:34.095
  • Jesus didn't say, you know, "i'll give you authority and
  • 00:23:34.095 --> 00:23:36.364
  • Power when you can pass the 600 question test."
  • 00:23:36.364 --> 00:23:40.936
  • It's very clear they're having trouble processing what
  • 00:23:40.936 --> 00:23:43.004
  • He's saying.
  • 00:23:43.004 --> 00:23:44.573
  • They're in the midst of it, very much learning as they go.
  • 00:23:44.573 --> 00:23:49.077
  • It's how adults learn.
  • 00:23:49.077 --> 00:23:51.646
  • I'd like to pray for you.
  • 00:23:51.646 --> 00:23:53.915
  • If you'd be willing to follow jesus in a new way with a little
  • 00:23:53.915 --> 00:23:58.153
  • Different cadence, if you'd be willing to say, "i'll receive
  • 00:23:58.153 --> 00:24:02.224
  • Your authority and power into my life, not on my terms,
  • 00:24:02.224 --> 00:24:07.963
  • On yours," for some, there will be some leaving behind required.
  • 00:24:07.963 --> 00:24:12.667
  • Some of us have stayed engaged in some things that we don't
  • 00:24:12.667 --> 00:24:15.670
  • Need to stay engaged in.
  • 00:24:15.670 --> 00:24:19.708
  • But if you're willing, i'd like--if you'd be willing to
  • 00:24:19.708 --> 00:24:21.343
  • Say, "i'm in for that," well, just stand with me.
  • 00:24:21.343 --> 00:24:24.145
  • We're not gonna put the cameras on.
  • 00:24:24.145 --> 00:24:25.480
  • You don't stand if you don't want to because i believe
  • 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:27.048
  • The lord takes you at your word.
  • 00:24:27.048 --> 00:24:32.787
  • Those 12 changed the world.
  • 00:24:32.787 --> 00:24:35.991
  • Imagine what would happen if the few 100 of us that are here
  • 00:24:35.991 --> 00:24:38.059
  • Tonight did?
  • 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:40.362
  • Wow.
  • 00:24:40.362 --> 00:24:46.101
  • Let's use that little quaker prayer.
  • 00:24:46.101 --> 00:24:48.803
  • With our palms down to give to the lord the things we need to
  • 00:24:48.803 --> 00:24:51.006
  • Give him, and then we'll turn them up to receive what he has
  • 00:24:51.006 --> 00:24:53.074
  • For us.
  • 00:24:53.074 --> 00:24:54.576
  • Father, thank you for your word, for its truth and power
  • 00:24:54.576 --> 00:24:57.379
  • And authority.
  • 00:24:57.379 --> 00:24:59.381
  • Lord, forgive us tonight.
  • 00:24:59.381 --> 00:25:00.715
  • We come to lay down the pride and the arrogance, lord, the
  • 00:25:00.715 --> 00:25:04.653
  • Self-righteousness, the ambivalence, the indifference.
  • 00:25:04.653 --> 00:25:09.624
  • Lord, forgive us.
  • 00:25:09.624 --> 00:25:11.259
  • We've had so much we haven't really had to depend on you.
  • 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:16.965
  • And, lord, we come tonight to acknowledge it, but we want to
  • 00:25:16.965 --> 00:25:19.701
  • Be different.
  • 00:25:19.701 --> 00:25:21.436
  • We wanna give you a place in our lives you've never held before,
  • 00:25:21.436 --> 00:25:24.072
  • You--a place to your word and your authority, to your spirit
  • 00:25:24.072 --> 00:25:27.008
  • And our hearts.
  • 00:25:27.008 --> 00:25:28.843
  • And we turn our hearts to you and our hands to you to receive
  • 00:25:28.843 --> 00:25:31.680
  • The power and authority you said you would give as your
  • 00:25:31.680 --> 00:25:35.617
  • Disciples, as your followers, lord.
  • 00:25:35.617 --> 00:25:38.954
  • To not minister in our wisdom or our strength or our
  • 00:25:38.954 --> 00:25:41.256
  • Understanding or our insight, but to minister in the authority
  • 00:25:41.256 --> 00:25:44.826
  • And the power of the living kingdom of god.
  • 00:25:44.826 --> 00:25:48.129
  • May it be made evident in our hearts, in our homes, and
  • 00:25:48.129 --> 00:25:50.565
  • Our lives.
  • 00:25:50.565 --> 00:25:51.933
  • Give us discernment and boldness, courage and wisdom.
  • 00:25:51.933 --> 00:25:57.238
  • Lord, may we see expressions of your power in our generation.
  • 00:25:57.238 --> 00:26:03.845
  • May you be glorified.
  • 00:26:03.845 --> 00:26:06.314
  • May your name be exalted.
  • 00:26:06.314 --> 00:26:07.749
  • May your kingdom be extended.
  • 00:26:07.749 --> 00:26:10.318
  • Give us understanding beyond ourselves.
  • 00:26:10.318 --> 00:26:13.588
  • We thank you for it.
  • 00:26:13.588 --> 00:26:14.956
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:26:14.956 --> 00:26:18.159
  • Hallelujah, god bless you.
  • 00:26:18.159 --> 00:26:23.732
  • Allen: this is the 250th anniversary of our nation.
  • 00:26:27.802 --> 00:26:30.572
  • It's a big deal.
  • 00:26:30.572 --> 00:26:31.906
  • Now, i know a lot of us don't care a whole lot about history.
  • 00:26:31.906 --> 00:26:34.542
  • We didn't have great experiences in school.
  • 00:26:34.542 --> 00:26:36.311
  • I understand that, but here's the reality.
  • 00:26:36.311 --> 00:26:38.747
  • If they can steal our history, they'll rob us of our future.
  • 00:26:38.747 --> 00:26:41.950
  • So history really does matter.
  • 00:26:41.950 --> 00:26:43.952
  • Well, because of that, we have partnered with some good friends
  • 00:26:43.952 --> 00:26:46.354
  • Of our ministries, wallbuilders david and tim barton.
  • 00:26:46.354 --> 00:26:49.758
  • They have the best of the best on this topic.
  • 00:26:49.758 --> 00:26:51.826
  • It's a two-volume set on "the american story," and it helps us
  • 00:26:51.826 --> 00:26:55.397
  • Learn american history with a faith component, with a god
  • 00:26:55.397 --> 00:26:58.967
  • Perspective--how god has been engaged in the unfolding
  • 00:26:58.967 --> 00:27:02.037
  • Narrative of our american story.
  • 00:27:02.037 --> 00:27:04.673
  • That matters because we need god to be involved in the future of
  • 00:27:04.673 --> 00:27:07.876
  • The american story.
  • 00:27:07.876 --> 00:27:09.244
  • That affects our lives, our families, our communities, and
  • 00:27:09.244 --> 00:27:12.013
  • Ultimately our nation.
  • 00:27:12.013 --> 00:27:13.682
  • The books will be a blessing to you, but more than that, i
  • 00:27:13.682 --> 00:27:16.117
  • Believe they'll open your life to the imagination that god is
  • 00:27:16.117 --> 00:27:18.620
  • Moving in the earth, and we can participate with him in the next
  • 00:27:18.620 --> 00:27:21.923
  • Chapters of american history.
  • 00:27:21.923 --> 00:27:27.395