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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Finish The Course (Part 1)

April 24, 2025 | S25:E117

Allen Jackson - Finish The Course (Part 1)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Faith #WalkwithGod #Dedication/Devotion #RelationshipwithGod #Religion #Culture #Injustice #Focus #Perseverance #Obedience #Endurance #inActive #AllenJacksonMinistries #AllenJackson #Division #Violence #Boldness #Crime #LightoftheWorld

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Finish The Course (Part 1) | April 24, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:05.430
  • Allen jackson: it's good to be with you again.
  • 00:00:05.563 --> 00:00:07.165
  • You know, we're walking through a season of some pretty
  • 00:00:07.265 --> 00:00:09.734
  • Unprecedented turmoil.
  • 00:00:09.867 --> 00:00:10.234
  • There are cars burning and car dealerships burning and there
  • 00:00:12.103 --> 00:00:15.907
  • Are judges--there's just a lot of stuff.
  • 00:00:15.907 --> 00:00:19.010
  • Well, i'm really excited about our offer this month.
  • 00:00:19.010 --> 00:00:20.812
  • In fact, we chose it because i think it will bring you a
  • 00:00:20.812 --> 00:00:23.648
  • Pathway of stability in the midst of all the turmoil.
  • 00:00:23.648 --> 00:00:26.517
  • It's written by a good friend of mine, rob morgan, "the lord is
  • 00:00:26.517 --> 00:00:29.821
  • My shepherd."
  • 00:00:29.821 --> 00:00:31.155
  • And it seems to me we need to know the tranquility that comes
  • 00:00:31.155 --> 00:00:34.292
  • From a shepherd who is marking a path for us and then standing
  • 00:00:34.292 --> 00:00:37.962
  • Watch over us when we know there's predators about.
  • 00:00:37.962 --> 00:00:41.666
  • We're living in a predatory season, we need to know the lord
  • 00:00:41.666 --> 00:00:44.836
  • Is a shepherd, and i believe this offer can make a real
  • 00:00:44.836 --> 00:00:48.206
  • Difference in your life.
  • 00:00:48.206 --> 00:00:49.540
  • In fact, it's important enough that we'll make it available for
  • 00:00:49.540 --> 00:00:51.642
  • A gift of any amount.
  • 00:00:51.642 --> 00:00:53.478
  • I think it's far more important that you have it in your hand
  • 00:00:53.478 --> 00:00:56.013
  • Than the cost attached to it.
  • 00:00:56.013 --> 00:00:57.715
  • God is moving in the earth and we wanna move with him.
  • 00:00:57.715 --> 00:01:00.251
  • Our shepherd will lead us through.
  • 00:01:00.251 --> 00:01:02.086
  • You'll enjoy the book.
  • 00:01:02.086 --> 00:01:08.025
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:11.362 --> 00:01:15.900
  • Allen: we began a new study in a previous session under the theme
  • 00:01:15.900 --> 00:01:19.770
  • Of "dynamic faith."
  • 00:01:19.770 --> 00:01:21.973
  • A vibrant faith, a vital faith, a faith linked to outcomes and
  • 00:01:21.973 --> 00:01:26.611
  • Activity, as opposed to a static faith, a theoretical faith, a
  • 00:01:26.611 --> 00:01:31.149
  • Faith for discussion or contemplation.
  • 00:01:31.149 --> 00:01:34.285
  • I believe for faith to be real, it has to be expressed.
  • 00:01:34.285 --> 00:01:39.190
  • And i want to lead my life with a dynamic faith.
  • 00:01:39.190 --> 00:01:42.193
  • In this particular session, we wanna talk about finishing
  • 00:01:42.193 --> 00:01:44.395
  • The course.
  • 00:01:44.395 --> 00:01:46.164
  • You know, how you finish is what matters.
  • 00:01:46.164 --> 00:01:49.100
  • Everybody's pretty at the starting line.
  • 00:01:49.100 --> 00:01:52.637
  • We have new shoes.
  • 00:01:52.637 --> 00:01:55.706
  • Cute new little sets and, you know, we stretch and, i mean, we
  • 00:01:55.706 --> 00:02:02.413
  • All look like winners.
  • 00:02:02.413 --> 00:02:04.382
  • The finish line is a whole different thing.
  • 00:02:04.382 --> 00:02:06.684
  • There's not enough oxygen.
  • 00:02:06.684 --> 00:02:08.019
  • Our shirt tail's out.
  • 00:02:08.019 --> 00:02:09.387
  • Our hair's a mess.
  • 00:02:09.387 --> 00:02:10.855
  • We're bent over.
  • 00:02:10.855 --> 00:02:13.257
  • Somebody won and somebody didn't.
  • 00:02:13.257 --> 00:02:14.825
  • There's a lot more emotion, and the emotions are very different.
  • 00:02:14.825 --> 00:02:17.962
  • How you finish matters.
  • 00:02:17.962 --> 00:02:19.697
  • Christians have lost that.
  • 00:02:19.697 --> 00:02:22.099
  • We've had a focus on how we begin.
  • 00:02:22.099 --> 00:02:24.802
  • And i'm here to tell you we have to finish well.
  • 00:02:28.172 --> 00:02:31.075
  • Before we get into those scriptures, i want to take just
  • 00:02:31.075 --> 00:02:33.411
  • A moment.
  • 00:02:33.411 --> 00:02:34.745
  • We've talked a bit over the months about the theater
  • 00:02:34.745 --> 00:02:36.080
  • Of the absurd.
  • 00:02:36.080 --> 00:02:37.882
  • They're still in business.
  • 00:02:37.882 --> 00:02:40.851
  • And some weeks it's just too much to ignore.
  • 00:02:40.851 --> 00:02:45.056
  • We can't make a comprehensive visit to their latest releases
  • 00:02:45.056 --> 00:02:48.526
  • Or we would miss our message.
  • 00:02:48.526 --> 00:02:50.895
  • But we are--we have an assignment to engage
  • 00:02:50.895 --> 00:02:53.064
  • Our culture.
  • 00:02:53.064 --> 00:02:54.865
  • And there's a temptation not to watch.
  • 00:02:54.865 --> 00:02:56.834
  • People say to me frequently, "i just can't watch the news," or
  • 00:02:56.834 --> 00:02:59.203
  • "i don't want to be involved," and i understand it can be very
  • 00:02:59.203 --> 00:03:02.540
  • Upsetting and uncomfortable, but i believe we have to stay aware
  • 00:03:02.540 --> 00:03:07.645
  • Or we can't truly be salt and light.
  • 00:03:07.645 --> 00:03:10.414
  • There are some things happening.
  • 00:03:10.414 --> 00:03:11.782
  • There's a couple of things i, at least, wanted to call to
  • 00:03:11.782 --> 00:03:14.218
  • Your attention.
  • 00:03:14.218 --> 00:03:15.586
  • The teslas and what's happening around that, is really an aside.
  • 00:03:15.586 --> 00:03:18.723
  • I hope you understand, fundamentally, that's wrong.
  • 00:03:18.723 --> 00:03:22.026
  • The burning of cars or car dealerships by a group of people
  • 00:03:22.026 --> 00:03:26.297
  • Who just a few months ago said that electric vehicles were
  • 00:03:26.297 --> 00:03:29.066
  • Mandated, right?
  • 00:03:29.066 --> 00:03:33.004
  • The use of violence to intimidate public discourse is a
  • 00:03:33.004 --> 00:03:36.307
  • Tactic of evil.
  • 00:03:36.307 --> 00:03:39.076
  • Hard stop.
  • 00:03:39.076 --> 00:03:41.112
  • Please don't be confused.
  • 00:03:41.112 --> 00:03:43.014
  • It's a bullying tactic in order to completely stifle
  • 00:03:43.014 --> 00:03:46.684
  • Free speech.
  • 00:03:46.684 --> 00:03:48.519
  • And if we succumb to that and you think it won't be directed
  • 00:03:48.519 --> 00:03:51.022
  • At you, you're confused.
  • 00:03:51.022 --> 00:03:53.591
  • But i--what i really wanted to start was the discussion--we've
  • 00:03:53.591 --> 00:03:56.027
  • Been having a discussion for months and years now around
  • 00:03:56.027 --> 00:04:00.598
  • Immigration and illegal immigration and people who come
  • 00:04:00.598 --> 00:04:04.035
  • Into our country illegally and the operative word in that
  • 00:04:04.035 --> 00:04:06.704
  • Is "illegally."
  • 00:04:06.704 --> 00:04:08.072
  • We're a nation of immigrants.
  • 00:04:08.072 --> 00:04:09.407
  • I'm very pro-immigrant.
  • 00:04:09.407 --> 00:04:11.342
  • We have no nation without immigration, but we have
  • 00:04:11.342 --> 00:04:13.911
  • Typically done that in an orderly way, in a systematic
  • 00:04:13.911 --> 00:04:17.348
  • Way, in a purposeful way.
  • 00:04:17.348 --> 00:04:18.716
  • I have personally helped multiple people immigrate to
  • 00:04:18.716 --> 00:04:21.719
  • This nation.
  • 00:04:21.719 --> 00:04:23.054
  • I've stood in line at our consulates around the world and
  • 00:04:23.054 --> 00:04:25.122
  • Done what i had to do to process paperwork and help people make
  • 00:04:25.122 --> 00:04:29.026
  • That transition, but in recent years we've taken down
  • 00:04:29.026 --> 00:04:31.762
  • Those barriers.
  • 00:04:31.762 --> 00:04:33.464
  • And we have been literally overwhelmed with people who've
  • 00:04:33.464 --> 00:04:36.634
  • Come to our nation illegally.
  • 00:04:36.634 --> 00:04:39.203
  • And in the last election, one of the talking points of the group
  • 00:04:39.203 --> 00:04:41.839
  • That is currently in authority was that they would begin to
  • 00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:45.576
  • Remove people who were here illegally and were
  • 00:04:45.576 --> 00:04:47.678
  • Violent criminals.
  • 00:04:47.678 --> 00:04:49.547
  • And from the inauguration day until now, that's like, that's--
  • 00:04:49.547 --> 00:04:53.217
  • It's like all you hear.
  • 00:04:53.217 --> 00:04:55.686
  • It seems to lead the news every day.
  • 00:04:55.686 --> 00:04:57.421
  • Have you noticed, if you're for it, you get pictures and videos
  • 00:04:57.421 --> 00:05:00.858
  • Of very violent gang members being deported and you see them
  • 00:05:00.858 --> 00:05:05.196
  • With their tattoos, and if you're not in favor of that, you
  • 00:05:05.196 --> 00:05:08.799
  • Hear the federal judges that are trying to oppose it and put
  • 00:05:08.799 --> 00:05:11.268
  • Injunctions in place and to shut it down and turn the planes
  • 00:05:11.268 --> 00:05:14.171
  • Around and i mean it's all, it's like what we hear every day, the
  • 00:05:14.171 --> 00:05:18.576
  • Battle over the deportation of violent illegal immigrants.
  • 00:05:18.576 --> 00:05:24.515
  • And you would think there's an unending--it must be like a--
  • 00:05:24.515 --> 00:05:27.852
  • It's a violent flood of people being deported.
  • 00:05:27.852 --> 00:05:32.089
  • So i stopped to look just a bit.
  • 00:05:32.089 --> 00:05:35.393
  • The number's a little over 30,000, but it's less than
  • 00:05:35.393 --> 00:05:37.795
  • 40,000 people who have been deported.
  • 00:05:37.795 --> 00:05:42.199
  • And if you do the math, and i did the math last night in my
  • 00:05:42.199 --> 00:05:44.502
  • Head, and somebody sent me a text after service and told me i
  • 00:05:44.502 --> 00:05:46.771
  • Messed it up.
  • 00:05:46.771 --> 00:05:50.374
  • Forty thousand illegal immigrants have been deported,
  • 00:05:50.374 --> 00:05:53.811
  • Really just a little over 30,000 is the hard number.
  • 00:05:53.811 --> 00:05:56.914
  • Violent gang members, tda, i mean, people that have horrible
  • 00:05:56.914 --> 00:06:00.851
  • Criminal records, have been deported but it's kind of frozen
  • 00:06:00.851 --> 00:06:05.556
  • At the moment.
  • 00:06:05.556 --> 00:06:06.891
  • It's in legal limbo.
  • 00:06:06.891 --> 00:06:08.259
  • You understand more than 20 million people came into our
  • 00:06:08.259 --> 00:06:11.195
  • Nation in the last handful of years?
  • 00:06:11.195 --> 00:06:13.798
  • Twenty million.
  • 00:06:13.798 --> 00:06:16.033
  • Thirty thousand have been removed.
  • 00:06:16.033 --> 00:06:17.835
  • If you do the math on that, that's less than two-tenths
  • 00:06:17.835 --> 00:06:22.306
  • Of 1%.
  • 00:06:22.306 --> 00:06:25.976
  • It's statistically insignificant.
  • 00:06:25.976 --> 00:06:30.347
  • And think of all the emotion, the drama, the headlines, the
  • 00:06:30.347 --> 00:06:34.185
  • Pictures, the words, the chatter, the angst.
  • 00:06:34.185 --> 00:06:40.257
  • This horrible act.
  • 00:06:40.257 --> 00:06:41.592
  • We've got mayors of major cities opposing it, governments of--
  • 00:06:41.592 --> 00:06:44.595
  • Governors of states opposing it.
  • 00:06:44.595 --> 00:06:46.764
  • Federal judges saying, "this is horrific."
  • 00:06:46.764 --> 00:06:50.501
  • And on the other side we got tom homan.
  • 00:06:50.501 --> 00:06:52.002
  • I've been in a number of settings with him.
  • 00:06:52.002 --> 00:06:53.437
  • I mean, i think he and a whole crew of people are working
  • 00:06:53.437 --> 00:06:55.473
  • Really hard.
  • 00:06:55.473 --> 00:06:56.807
  • I'm not suggesting there's not an effort, but i'm telling you
  • 00:06:56.807 --> 00:06:59.109
  • That the desire to be cheered for, for doing what they said
  • 00:06:59.109 --> 00:07:01.946
  • They would do and the desire to oppose it far exceeds the
  • 00:07:01.946 --> 00:07:05.549
  • Outcome at this point.
  • 00:07:05.549 --> 00:07:07.718
  • It's like a drop in an ocean.
  • 00:07:11.388 --> 00:07:15.092
  • Violent, murderous, hateful people amongst us.
  • 00:07:15.092 --> 00:07:19.663
  • And i think what we have to understand is it's the
  • 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:26.403
  • Expressions of public sentiment in support of or in opposition
  • 00:07:26.403 --> 00:07:30.941
  • To that will determine the outcome.
  • 00:07:30.941 --> 00:07:34.712
  • If we go back to our easy chairs and put our robes on and our
  • 00:07:34.712 --> 00:07:37.248
  • Slippers on and put our feet up and say, "well, i hope they do
  • 00:07:37.248 --> 00:07:39.650
  • Their job," it'll stop.
  • 00:07:39.650 --> 00:07:41.752
  • The people who are opposing what's happening are very happy
  • 00:07:44.722 --> 00:07:47.625
  • To go burn a car.
  • 00:07:47.625 --> 00:07:49.894
  • Or a car dealership.
  • 00:07:49.894 --> 00:07:52.730
  • We have to use our voices in the midst of your friends.
  • 00:07:52.730 --> 00:07:56.300
  • And at your kitchen table and your holiday table.
  • 00:07:56.300 --> 00:07:59.803
  • Because the messaging that's around it, what's being
  • 00:07:59.803 --> 00:08:01.939
  • Reported, is absurd.
  • 00:08:01.939 --> 00:08:03.274
  • It's like a tempest in a teapot.
  • 00:08:03.274 --> 00:08:06.176
  • We had more people on a weekly basis coming across our border
  • 00:08:06.176 --> 00:08:08.846
  • Than had been removed from our nation since the inauguration.
  • 00:08:08.846 --> 00:08:13.684
  • There's no comparison and we were told at that time
  • 00:08:13.684 --> 00:08:16.120
  • That the border was secure.
  • 00:08:16.120 --> 00:08:17.454
  • There was nothing to see here, you shouldn't worry about it.
  • 00:08:17.454 --> 00:08:19.089
  • Everything's golden.
  • 00:08:19.089 --> 00:08:21.258
  • So i'm grateful for the efforts that people are making to remove
  • 00:08:21.258 --> 00:08:23.894
  • Those violent criminals from our midst that have no right to
  • 00:08:23.894 --> 00:08:26.297
  • Be here.
  • 00:08:26.297 --> 00:08:27.932
  • See, i think we lose sight a little bit of the whole concept
  • 00:08:27.932 --> 00:08:30.868
  • Of citizens and our concern for citizens.
  • 00:08:30.868 --> 00:08:33.103
  • We have concerns for those who have come here illegally.
  • 00:08:33.103 --> 00:08:37.641
  • But i hope we have concern for the citizens of this country and
  • 00:08:37.641 --> 00:08:40.277
  • The children of this country, for educational systems and
  • 00:08:40.277 --> 00:08:43.147
  • Healthcare systems that are overburdened.
  • 00:08:43.147 --> 00:08:47.451
  • Citizenship truly does matter.
  • 00:08:47.451 --> 00:08:49.753
  • It truly does matter.
  • 00:08:49.753 --> 00:08:52.289
  • And with citizenships come rights and there
  • 00:08:52.289 --> 00:08:54.558
  • Come responsibilities.
  • 00:08:54.558 --> 00:08:56.827
  • If you reject the responsibilities, you cannot
  • 00:08:56.827 --> 00:08:58.862
  • Have the rights.
  • 00:08:58.862 --> 00:09:01.332
  • That's the nature of a civilized system.
  • 00:09:01.332 --> 00:09:04.802
  • And so as you're watching this and you're praying about this,
  • 00:09:04.802 --> 00:09:07.671
  • Please don't let the tempest in the teapot confuse you.
  • 00:09:07.671 --> 00:09:12.242
  • You know, something more appropriate would be like a
  • 00:09:12.242 --> 00:09:14.044
  • Steady stream of buses, like a constant parade.
  • 00:09:14.044 --> 00:09:18.115
  • We haven't even, we don't even have that imagination.
  • 00:09:18.115 --> 00:09:21.518
  • The resistance is far greater than the affirmation.
  • 00:09:21.518 --> 00:09:25.489
  • The other thing that's happening and this was personal.
  • 00:09:25.489 --> 00:09:27.725
  • There's some conversations i've had in the last few weeks, but
  • 00:09:27.725 --> 00:09:30.961
  • There's a--there's a very-- there's an acceleration of the
  • 00:09:30.961 --> 00:09:35.332
  • Paganization of our health care system.
  • 00:09:35.332 --> 00:09:37.201
  • I'm an advocate for our health care.
  • 00:09:37.201 --> 00:09:39.269
  • I think we've had the best health care in the world.
  • 00:09:39.269 --> 00:09:42.473
  • And if i weren't doing this, i would be in the midst of that.
  • 00:09:42.473 --> 00:09:46.543
  • So i don't mean this as a critique of those who were
  • 00:09:46.543 --> 00:09:49.213
  • Involved, but i think we need to understand what
  • 00:09:49.213 --> 00:09:50.581
  • We're witnessing.
  • 00:09:50.581 --> 00:09:52.449
  • In recent years, not in just the last immediate, but in the last
  • 00:09:52.449 --> 00:09:55.986
  • Decade or so, we've had a national conversation around the
  • 00:09:55.986 --> 00:09:59.323
  • Desire that was expressed for universal health care.
  • 00:09:59.323 --> 00:10:01.792
  • We wanted there to be universal health care.
  • 00:10:01.792 --> 00:10:03.761
  • It was very clear.
  • 00:10:03.761 --> 00:10:05.095
  • The polling was overwhelming.
  • 00:10:05.095 --> 00:10:06.664
  • The national sentiment was expressed, and really the
  • 00:10:06.664 --> 00:10:10.768
  • Expression of that, what was really being asked for, was free
  • 00:10:10.768 --> 00:10:13.203
  • Health care for all.
  • 00:10:13.203 --> 00:10:15.639
  • That was the demand and the way that that could be achieved
  • 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:18.876
  • Reasonably was under the authority of the government.
  • 00:10:18.876 --> 00:10:22.513
  • So we have been, for the most part, silent and complicit as
  • 00:10:22.513 --> 00:10:25.115
  • The government has increasingly exerted influence and authority
  • 00:10:25.115 --> 00:10:28.352
  • Over the health care system: how it's delivered, how it's paid
  • 00:10:28.352 --> 00:10:32.322
  • For, what will be approved and what will be rejected, what
  • 00:10:32.322 --> 00:10:34.925
  • Procedures are acceptable and what aren't, what vaccines will
  • 00:10:34.925 --> 00:10:37.594
  • Be mandated and which ones won't.
  • 00:10:37.594 --> 00:10:40.164
  • All of that has become a part of the fabric of our lives, and the
  • 00:10:40.164 --> 00:10:43.333
  • Outcome of that has been a dramatic paganization, and by
  • 00:10:43.333 --> 00:10:46.603
  • That i mean the removal of a christian worldview from the
  • 00:10:46.603 --> 00:10:50.040
  • Practice of medicine.
  • 00:10:50.040 --> 00:10:52.076
  • Well, there's still many christians in the system.
  • 00:10:52.076 --> 00:10:54.144
  • I'm not arguing against that, but the consequence is the
  • 00:10:54.144 --> 00:10:57.281
  • Systematic removal of a christian worldview from
  • 00:10:57.281 --> 00:10:59.483
  • Health care.
  • 00:10:59.483 --> 00:11:00.851
  • Doctors are more reluctant to pray with their patients
  • 00:11:00.851 --> 00:11:02.686
  • Than ever.
  • 00:11:02.686 --> 00:11:04.054
  • There are doctors who do pray with their patients.
  • 00:11:04.054 --> 00:11:05.389
  • I'm grateful for that, but if they're honest and you can find
  • 00:11:05.389 --> 00:11:08.292
  • Them in a private moment, they're reluctant.
  • 00:11:08.292 --> 00:11:10.060
  • It's not encouraged.
  • 00:11:10.060 --> 00:11:11.962
  • They don't want to bring it to the attention of the system, of
  • 00:11:11.962 --> 00:11:15.632
  • Their corporate overlords.
  • 00:11:15.632 --> 00:11:17.201
  • They're concerned about the legality of it, the lawsuits
  • 00:11:17.201 --> 00:11:19.770
  • Of it.
  • 00:11:19.770 --> 00:11:21.839
  • Doctors who speak out for the protection of children, of
  • 00:11:21.839 --> 00:11:24.541
  • Babies, are frequently censured, disciplined, pressured.
  • 00:11:24.541 --> 00:11:31.782
  • Not unusual.
  • 00:11:31.782 --> 00:11:33.884
  • Not arbitrary, far too frequent.
  • 00:11:33.884 --> 00:11:35.786
  • Doctors who advocate for treatments that are not blessed
  • 00:11:35.786 --> 00:11:38.789
  • By the cdc or the nih or the ama, those governing bodies of
  • 00:11:38.789 --> 00:11:46.497
  • Health and medicine in our nation or the profession, can
  • 00:11:46.497 --> 00:11:52.035
  • Lose their hospital privileges.
  • 00:11:52.035 --> 00:11:53.637
  • They can even have their credentials removed.
  • 00:11:53.637 --> 00:11:55.906
  • Well, once upon a time we thought places like the cdc and
  • 00:11:55.906 --> 00:11:58.542
  • The nih and even the ama, the american medical association,
  • 00:11:58.542 --> 00:12:01.779
  • Were beyond reproach.
  • 00:12:01.779 --> 00:12:04.815
  • We've come to understand in recent years that they're
  • 00:12:04.815 --> 00:12:06.683
  • Very corrupt.
  • 00:12:06.683 --> 00:12:10.220
  • That they don't always follow the science, that they have an
  • 00:12:10.220 --> 00:12:12.689
  • Ideology and a worldview, and they oppose a
  • 00:12:12.689 --> 00:12:15.058
  • Biblical worldview.
  • 00:12:15.058 --> 00:12:17.795
  • And so the men and women who've trained to work in the
  • 00:12:17.795 --> 00:12:21.098
  • Healthcare system face enormous pressures not to advocate for
  • 00:12:21.098 --> 00:12:26.036
  • Their biblical worldview.
  • 00:12:26.036 --> 00:12:29.273
  • Those are just the facts on the ground.
  • 00:12:29.273 --> 00:12:30.974
  • Now there are good things.
  • 00:12:30.974 --> 00:12:32.309
  • I still think we have the best healthcare system in the world,
  • 00:12:32.309 --> 00:12:34.645
  • But the quality of outcome will continue to deteriorate as it
  • 00:12:34.645 --> 00:12:37.648
  • Becomes increasingly pagan.
  • 00:12:37.648 --> 00:12:40.617
  • If we don't protect the unborn, we won't protect the elderly.
  • 00:12:40.617 --> 00:12:44.321
  • That's not a theory, folks.
  • 00:12:44.321 --> 00:12:47.691
  • So i have a suggestion.
  • 00:12:47.691 --> 00:12:49.026
  • I've prayed about it.
  • 00:12:49.026 --> 00:12:50.394
  • I've thought about it.
  • 00:12:50.394 --> 00:12:51.728
  • What's the answer to that?
  • 00:12:51.728 --> 00:12:53.096
  • Well, i would submit to you that a return to
  • 00:12:53.096 --> 00:12:54.431
  • Christian healthcare.
  • 00:12:54.431 --> 00:12:55.799
  • You know, for many, many years, one of the ways that the
  • 00:12:55.799 --> 00:13:01.471
  • Christian church made an impact in civilization and society was
  • 00:13:01.471 --> 00:13:07.711
  • The extension of healthcare.
  • 00:13:07.711 --> 00:13:10.214
  • We know that true from our own experiences in middle tennessee.
  • 00:13:10.214 --> 00:13:12.482
  • For many, many years, the most celebrated opportunities came
  • 00:13:12.482 --> 00:13:15.619
  • From places like baptist hospital and saint
  • 00:13:15.619 --> 00:13:17.754
  • Thomas hospital.
  • 00:13:17.754 --> 00:13:19.523
  • We live in tennessee.
  • 00:13:19.523 --> 00:13:20.891
  • Most of us are very familiar with saint jude's hospital and
  • 00:13:20.891 --> 00:13:22.726
  • The work they've done for children in memphis.
  • 00:13:22.726 --> 00:13:24.862
  • Most of those hospitals have been caught up in the corporate
  • 00:13:24.862 --> 00:13:28.165
  • Consolidation of healthcare being fueled by the government
  • 00:13:28.165 --> 00:13:31.368
  • Insertion and funding into healthcare.
  • 00:13:31.368 --> 00:13:34.705
  • And while they still have christian roots and christian
  • 00:13:34.705 --> 00:13:36.807
  • Heritages, they don't have the same liberties and freedoms that
  • 00:13:36.807 --> 00:13:39.142
  • They did.
  • 00:13:39.142 --> 00:13:40.477
  • At one time, the christians were a primary provider of healthcare
  • 00:13:40.477 --> 00:13:44.181
  • In our culture.
  • 00:13:44.181 --> 00:13:48.085
  • That's just our history.
  • 00:13:48.085 --> 00:13:50.921
  • When i talk to you about the diminishing christian influence
  • 00:13:50.921 --> 00:13:53.924
  • In our culture, it's not just that we took prayer out of our
  • 00:13:53.924 --> 00:13:57.361
  • Schools or we took the ten commandments off the walls or
  • 00:13:57.361 --> 00:13:59.863
  • Our universities have become, for the most part, opponents of
  • 00:13:59.863 --> 00:14:04.034
  • A biblical worldview, even in the way we imagined healthcare.
  • 00:14:04.034 --> 00:14:08.438
  • They've shaped our thinking.
  • 00:14:08.438 --> 00:14:09.806
  • Now we say, "well, you know, christians really shouldn't have
  • 00:14:09.806 --> 00:14:11.141
  • The kind of resources that would be necessary to provide
  • 00:14:11.141 --> 00:14:13.410
  • Health care."
  • 00:14:13.410 --> 00:14:14.778
  • Why not?
  • 00:14:14.778 --> 00:14:17.381
  • Should only corporate entities, government entities?
  • 00:14:17.381 --> 00:14:19.549
  • It's certainly not because the government does such a good job
  • 00:14:19.549 --> 00:14:21.518
  • Of managing the money we give to them.
  • 00:14:21.518 --> 00:14:23.253
  • You have to watch and listen and think and pray.
  • 00:14:26.523 --> 00:14:32.729
  • What's happening before our eyes does not bode well for the
  • 00:14:32.729 --> 00:14:36.500
  • Generations who are coming behind us, and we had better
  • 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:38.902
  • Have the courage to use our voices.
  • 00:14:38.902 --> 00:14:43.106
  • We don't want to be angry.
  • 00:14:46.710 --> 00:14:48.045
  • We certainly don't intend to be violent or belligerent, but we
  • 00:14:48.045 --> 00:14:51.381
  • Have to be determined in advocating for the cause of our
  • 00:14:51.381 --> 00:14:54.551
  • Lord and the worldview that extends from the gospel.
  • 00:14:54.551 --> 00:14:59.423
  • It starts in genesis 1, and it's carried through the last chapter
  • 00:14:59.423 --> 00:15:03.126
  • Of the book of revelation.
  • 00:15:03.126 --> 00:15:05.395
  • We have been presented with a faulty gospel, a gospel focused
  • 00:15:05.395 --> 00:15:08.699
  • Only on salvation.
  • 00:15:08.699 --> 00:15:10.834
  • And the purpose of the new birth is to enable us to be light and
  • 00:15:10.834 --> 00:15:14.805
  • Salt in our world.
  • 00:15:14.805 --> 00:15:17.741
  • And i'm excited about what's before us.
  • 00:15:17.741 --> 00:15:19.643
  • God has begun an awakening.
  • 00:15:19.643 --> 00:15:21.845
  • And i believe we'll see many of these things changed.
  • 00:15:21.845 --> 00:15:26.950
  • Allen: hey, the question i'm asked most often is, "how do i
  • 00:15:31.154 --> 00:15:33.757
  • Know what god wants me to do?
  • 00:15:33.757 --> 00:15:35.092
  • If i just knew what god wanted me to do, i would do it,
  • 00:15:35.092 --> 00:15:37.427
  • Whatever it is."
  • 00:15:37.427 --> 00:15:39.062
  • Well, our offer this month i think will help.
  • 00:15:39.062 --> 00:15:40.664
  • It's by a good friend of mine, rob morgan: "the lord is
  • 00:15:40.664 --> 00:15:43.133
  • My shepherd."
  • 00:15:43.133 --> 00:15:44.468
  • He's gonna unpack the scripture that tells us how to follow the
  • 00:15:44.468 --> 00:15:47.404
  • Lord's guidance and understand his abiding presence and
  • 00:15:47.404 --> 00:15:50.841
  • His comfort.
  • 00:15:50.841 --> 00:15:52.175
  • It'll help you chart a course and know the path that god has
  • 00:15:52.175 --> 00:15:55.645
  • For you.
  • 00:15:55.645 --> 00:15:56.980
  • Get a copy, it'll make a difference in your life.
  • 00:15:56.980 --> 00:15:58.949
  • Female announcer: life can be overwhelming, but true peace
  • 00:15:58.949 --> 00:16:01.251
  • Is possible.
  • 00:16:01.251 --> 00:16:02.619
  • Pastor robert morgan's book, "the lord is my shepherd,"
  • 00:16:02.619 --> 00:16:05.055
  • Reflects on the specific ways psalm 23 speaks to our
  • 00:16:05.055 --> 00:16:07.758
  • Lives today.
  • 00:16:07.758 --> 00:16:09.092
  • It will help you find rest for your soul and discover the joy,
  • 00:16:09.092 --> 00:16:12.062
  • Inspiration, power, and peace found in psalm 23.
  • 00:16:12.062 --> 00:16:15.732
  • In today's culture, it's essential to know god is leading
  • 00:16:15.732 --> 00:16:18.435
  • Us, charting our path, and watching over us.
  • 00:16:18.435 --> 00:16:21.705
  • Request your copy of "the lord is my shepherd" when you donate
  • 00:16:21.705 --> 00:16:24.207
  • Any amount at allenjackson.com, or by calling...
  • 00:16:24.207 --> 00:16:30.781
  • Announcer: join us at world outreach church in tennessee for
  • 00:16:30.847 --> 00:16:33.450
  • Easter weekend and our spring festival, kicking off saturday,
  • 00:16:33.450 --> 00:16:36.520
  • April 12th, and running through sunday, april 27th.
  • 00:16:36.520 --> 00:16:39.156
  • Come worship with musical guest artists crowder,
  • 00:16:39.156 --> 00:16:41.591
  • Charity gayle, matthew west,
  • 00:16:41.591 --> 00:16:43.160
  • Franni cash, and the katinas.
  • 00:16:43.160 --> 00:16:45.328
  • Hear special messages from pastor allen jackson.
  • 00:16:45.328 --> 00:16:47.731
  • Enjoy family activities,
  • 00:16:47.731 --> 00:16:49.066
  • Food trucks, and more.
  • 00:16:49.066 --> 00:16:50.634
  • It'll be a fantastic spring
  • 00:16:50.634 --> 00:16:51.968
  • At world outreach church.
  • 00:16:51.968 --> 00:16:53.370
  • Find all the details at allenjackson.com/spring.
  • 00:16:53.370 --> 00:16:57.074
  • We can't wait to see you there.
  • 00:16:57.074 --> 00:16:58.408
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:16:58.408 --> 00:17:01.411
  • Allen: "dynamic faith" is the topic.
  • 00:17:01.411 --> 00:17:03.013
  • How we finish the course is the issue of the session.
  • 00:17:03.013 --> 00:17:06.917
  • There are some questions i wanna process with you.
  • 00:17:06.917 --> 00:17:09.553
  • The first has to do with what's trending.
  • 00:17:09.553 --> 00:17:12.856
  • What is the current trend?
  • 00:17:12.856 --> 00:17:14.191
  • What are we becoming, is perhaps another way to ask it.
  • 00:17:14.191 --> 00:17:17.994
  • Last weekend i participated in the new beginnings class, those
  • 00:17:17.994 --> 00:17:20.797
  • Who are newer to the church and trying to help them understand
  • 00:17:20.797 --> 00:17:23.667
  • Our community, and as i prepared for that once again, i was very
  • 00:17:23.667 --> 00:17:27.471
  • Aware that it's very important not simply to try to understand
  • 00:17:27.471 --> 00:17:31.441
  • Our story in terms of our past, but in the context of
  • 00:17:31.441 --> 00:17:34.478
  • Our future.
  • 00:17:34.478 --> 00:17:35.812
  • What is it we're trending towards?
  • 00:17:35.812 --> 00:17:37.180
  • What are we becoming?
  • 00:17:37.180 --> 00:17:39.282
  • That's true for our individual lives.
  • 00:17:39.282 --> 00:17:41.418
  • It's true for our families.
  • 00:17:41.418 --> 00:17:43.086
  • It's true for our community of faith.
  • 00:17:43.086 --> 00:17:45.021
  • It's true for our larger community.
  • 00:17:45.021 --> 00:17:46.723
  • It's true for our nation.
  • 00:17:46.723 --> 00:17:48.792
  • 1 corinthians chapter 9 and verse 24, paul is writing to a
  • 00:17:48.792 --> 00:17:52.562
  • Church, a group of believers that he has shepherded into the
  • 00:17:52.562 --> 00:17:55.165
  • Faith, and he said, "do you not know?"
  • 00:17:55.165 --> 00:17:57.601
  • And when he asks that question, the answer is, "no, we've
  • 00:17:57.601 --> 00:17:59.803
  • Probably forgotten."
  • 00:17:59.803 --> 00:18:01.872
  • "do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only
  • 00:18:01.872 --> 00:18:04.908
  • One gets the prize?
  • 00:18:04.908 --> 00:18:06.977
  • Run in such a way as to get the prize.
  • 00:18:06.977 --> 00:18:10.013
  • Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
  • 00:18:10.013 --> 00:18:13.250
  • They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to
  • 00:18:13.250 --> 00:18:16.153
  • Get a crown that will last forever."
  • 00:18:16.153 --> 00:18:18.588
  • That's speaking to motivation.
  • 00:18:18.588 --> 00:18:20.790
  • What sacrifices will you make in order to achieve something that
  • 00:18:20.790 --> 00:18:23.527
  • Is temporary, that you can't hold permanently, as opposed to
  • 00:18:23.527 --> 00:18:29.299
  • What kind of an investment would you make in something that you
  • 00:18:29.299 --> 00:18:31.768
  • Could never forfeit.
  • 00:18:31.768 --> 00:18:35.572
  • "therefore i do not run like a man running aimlessly; i do not
  • 00:18:35.572 --> 00:18:38.842
  • Fight like a man beating the air."
  • 00:18:38.842 --> 00:18:41.912
  • Paul is reminding his audience that although they have begun
  • 00:18:41.912 --> 00:18:45.348
  • Their christian journey, they should pursue it with the
  • 00:18:45.348 --> 00:18:48.585
  • Attitude that the final evaluation is still before them.
  • 00:18:48.585 --> 00:18:53.390
  • "run in such a way as to get the prize."
  • 00:18:53.390 --> 00:18:56.626
  • So my question to the current generation of christ followers,
  • 00:18:56.626 --> 00:19:01.031
  • I mean, i love to read my bible.
  • 00:19:01.031 --> 00:19:02.399
  • I like to reflect on daniel and his courage, and esther and her
  • 00:19:02.399 --> 00:19:05.368
  • Boldness, and moses and his leadership, and i like the new
  • 00:19:05.368 --> 00:19:09.206
  • Testament with peter and his zeal, and i mean, i like the
  • 00:19:09.206 --> 00:19:12.542
  • Whole crew, but we're the 21st century edition.
  • 00:19:12.542 --> 00:19:17.414
  • Are we running in such a way as to get the prize?
  • 00:19:17.414 --> 00:19:22.118
  • Do we recognize the difference between what's temporary and
  • 00:19:22.118 --> 00:19:24.654
  • What's permanent?
  • 00:19:24.654 --> 00:19:26.022
  • Are we allowing our success to be defined by a culture that is
  • 00:19:26.022 --> 00:19:29.226
  • Temporal, that's passing away, or is the evaluation of our life
  • 00:19:29.226 --> 00:19:33.196
  • And our effort and our thoughts and our dreams and our
  • 00:19:33.196 --> 00:19:36.866
  • Aspirations, is it held up against the measure of
  • 00:19:36.866 --> 00:19:39.703
  • God's eternity?
  • 00:19:39.703 --> 00:19:41.771
  • I know we're in church and the answer is jesus, but i
  • 00:19:41.771 --> 00:19:44.241
  • Mean, really.
  • 00:19:44.241 --> 00:19:46.543
  • I don't want your church answer.
  • 00:19:46.543 --> 00:19:48.979
  • John 19, lest you think i'm overstating it, jesus is on the
  • 00:19:48.979 --> 00:19:52.349
  • Cross, and "when he had received the drink, jesus said,
  • 00:19:52.349 --> 00:19:55.385
  • 'it's finished.'
  • 00:19:55.385 --> 00:19:57.687
  • And with that, he bowed his head and he gave up his spirit."
  • 00:19:57.687 --> 00:20:00.557
  • He'd completed that first part of his assignment.
  • 00:20:00.557 --> 00:20:06.863
  • "it's done now," he said.
  • 00:20:06.863 --> 00:20:09.266
  • "there's nothing left they can do to me.
  • 00:20:09.266 --> 00:20:12.435
  • They have tortured me to death.
  • 00:20:12.435 --> 00:20:14.704
  • I will give up my spirit."
  • 00:20:14.704 --> 00:20:17.741
  • Folks, one day our lives will come to an end.
  • 00:20:17.741 --> 00:20:21.244
  • And i don't believe at that moment, at that crucial juncture
  • 00:20:21.244 --> 00:20:23.913
  • Of transition, that you want to point at your beginning.
  • 00:20:23.913 --> 00:20:26.683
  • I think you want to point at your finish.
  • 00:20:26.683 --> 00:20:28.184
  • I want to invite you to run as if you intend to get the prize.
  • 00:20:31.187 --> 00:20:36.226
  • I'm grateful for your resume and i'll be happy to discuss with
  • 00:20:36.226 --> 00:20:38.962
  • You the circumstances of your new birth and your baptism and
  • 00:20:38.962 --> 00:20:42.232
  • How you've begun that journey, but i'm very interested in how
  • 00:20:42.232 --> 00:20:45.468
  • You're running the race this week.
  • 00:20:45.468 --> 00:20:48.538
  • What are the expressions of your faith?
  • 00:20:48.538 --> 00:20:50.040
  • What's the fruitfulness of your life today?
  • 00:20:50.040 --> 00:20:52.676
  • "run in such a way as to get the prize."
  • 00:20:52.676 --> 00:20:55.011
  • That is dynamic faith.
  • 00:20:55.011 --> 00:20:58.281
  • Every season of life, i've had a few now, and every season of
  • 00:20:58.281 --> 00:21:01.685
  • Life comes with an opportunity to--you can scale back and
  • 00:21:01.685 --> 00:21:04.921
  • Provide for yourself excuses: because it's a busy season and
  • 00:21:04.921 --> 00:21:08.325
  • You've got little people in your life or it's a
  • 00:21:08.325 --> 00:21:11.328
  • Resource-intensive season because you've got teenagers or
  • 00:21:11.328 --> 00:21:14.631
  • It's a self-centered season because you've retired and i
  • 00:21:14.631 --> 00:21:17.167
  • Wanna do what i wanna do.
  • 00:21:17.167 --> 00:21:18.501
  • There's always a reason to push god to the periphery.
  • 00:21:18.501 --> 00:21:23.039
  • They'll never go away.
  • 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:24.407
  • We have to decide that i'm gonna run in this season, against the
  • 00:21:24.407 --> 00:21:29.512
  • Norm, against the curve.
  • 00:21:29.512 --> 00:21:31.548
  • I don't intend to be average.
  • 00:21:31.548 --> 00:21:34.851
  • I want my life to reflect a commitment to the king of kings
  • 00:21:34.851 --> 00:21:37.721
  • And the lord of lords.
  • 00:21:37.721 --> 00:21:39.055
  • I'll use my voice for a biblical worldview.
  • 00:21:39.055 --> 00:21:41.157
  • I'll be an advocate in this season in the circle of
  • 00:21:41.157 --> 00:21:44.027
  • Influence that this season brings to me.
  • 00:21:44.027 --> 00:21:48.698
  • I was encouraged when our school board voted to begin--our
  • 00:21:48.698 --> 00:21:51.301
  • County school board to begin their county meetings
  • 00:21:51.301 --> 00:21:53.370
  • With prayer.
  • 00:21:53.370 --> 00:21:54.871
  • What an idea.
  • 00:21:54.871 --> 00:21:56.206
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:21:56.206 --> 00:21:59.609
  • Allen: it's a very clear reflection of voices from people
  • 00:21:59.609 --> 00:22:02.145
  • Who live in this county.
  • 00:22:02.145 --> 00:22:04.247
  • There's some anxiety around it.
  • 00:22:04.247 --> 00:22:06.716
  • "well, somebody could challenge it."
  • 00:22:06.716 --> 00:22:08.084
  • They very well could, but the people in this community can
  • 00:22:08.084 --> 00:22:10.453
  • Define community standards.
  • 00:22:10.453 --> 00:22:11.921
  • That's a legal principle.
  • 00:22:11.921 --> 00:22:13.857
  • What kind of world do we want to live in?
  • 00:22:13.857 --> 00:22:18.161
  • A dynamic faith.
  • 00:22:18.161 --> 00:22:21.264
  • Let me ask a follow-up question to that one.
  • 00:22:21.264 --> 00:22:23.767
  • When is enough enough?
  • 00:22:23.767 --> 00:22:26.302
  • It's a question for christians.
  • 00:22:26.302 --> 00:22:27.670
  • Do you keep raising the bar?
  • 00:22:27.670 --> 00:22:30.440
  • "i read my bible last year, do i have to read it again?"
  • 00:22:30.440 --> 00:22:35.111
  • People, i mean, i've heard that on many--"pastor, i've
  • 00:22:35.111 --> 00:22:37.647
  • Done that.
  • 00:22:37.647 --> 00:22:38.982
  • I've read it.
  • 00:22:38.982 --> 00:22:40.750
  • I read it twice."
  • 00:22:40.750 --> 00:22:43.820
  • Good, that's very good.
  • 00:22:43.820 --> 00:22:46.723
  • I would cheer for you and applaud you, but we're not
  • 00:22:46.723 --> 00:22:49.826
  • Finished yet.
  • 00:22:49.826 --> 00:22:52.061
  • And in the christian community, we get a little addled on this.
  • 00:22:52.061 --> 00:22:55.665
  • When is enough enough?
  • 00:22:55.665 --> 00:22:58.334
  • It's a very important question.
  • 00:22:58.334 --> 00:22:59.669
  • In numbers 13, it's in--we're gonna step into the midst of the
  • 00:22:59.669 --> 00:23:03.173
  • Former slaves of egypt.
  • 00:23:03.173 --> 00:23:05.108
  • Moses has led them.
  • 00:23:05.108 --> 00:23:06.476
  • They're right on the brink of occupying the promised land.
  • 00:23:06.476 --> 00:23:09.579
  • They send the spies into the land to see what it looks like.
  • 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:12.182
  • They've never been there before.
  • 00:23:12.182 --> 00:23:14.684
  • They have a lot of experience in egypt but no experience with the
  • 00:23:14.684 --> 00:23:17.921
  • Fullness of god's promise.
  • 00:23:17.921 --> 00:23:20.156
  • "and the lord said to moses," you have it, it's numbers 13:1.
  • 00:23:20.156 --> 00:23:22.625
  • "the lord said to moses, 'send some men to explore the land of
  • 00:23:22.625 --> 00:23:25.028
  • Canaan, which i'm giving to the israelites.
  • 00:23:25.028 --> 00:23:27.630
  • From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders.'
  • 00:23:27.630 --> 00:23:30.867
  • And they gave moses this account when they came back.
  • 00:23:30.867 --> 00:23:34.471
  • They said, 'we went into the land to which you sent us, and
  • 00:23:34.471 --> 00:23:36.639
  • It does flow with milk and honey!
  • 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:38.141
  • And here's its fruit.
  • 00:23:38.141 --> 00:23:40.143
  • But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are
  • 00:23:40.143 --> 00:23:43.713
  • Fortified and they're very large.'"
  • 00:23:43.713 --> 00:23:48.117
  • It wasn't long ago that this particular group of people were
  • 00:23:48.117 --> 00:23:51.154
  • Slaves in egypt.
  • 00:23:51.154 --> 00:23:53.623
  • They had no resources to extricate themselves
  • 00:23:53.623 --> 00:23:56.259
  • From bondage.
  • 00:23:56.259 --> 00:23:57.727
  • They had no political power, they had no military might.
  • 00:23:57.727 --> 00:24:00.196
  • They had no economic strength.
  • 00:24:00.196 --> 00:24:01.531
  • They had no opportunity to extricate themselves.
  • 00:24:01.531 --> 00:24:03.800
  • They've been slaves for hundreds of years, and god sends moses
  • 00:24:03.800 --> 00:24:08.104
  • And all the drama around that, the plagues and the
  • 00:24:08.104 --> 00:24:10.240
  • Confrontation with pharaohs and make more bricks and you get
  • 00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:12.976
  • Less resources and the suffering and the complaining and they're
  • 00:24:12.976 --> 00:24:17.547
  • Finally released, and the red sea and the parting of the red--
  • 00:24:17.547 --> 00:24:20.450
  • You know the drama, you know the story.
  • 00:24:20.450 --> 00:24:22.385
  • This group of people, all of that is in their current
  • 00:24:22.385 --> 00:24:26.122
  • Experience portfolio.
  • 00:24:26.122 --> 00:24:27.490
  • This isn't like generational.
  • 00:24:27.490 --> 00:24:28.825
  • This is their story.
  • 00:24:28.825 --> 00:24:30.493
  • They've still got clothing with mud on it from egypt.
  • 00:24:30.493 --> 00:24:35.298
  • And now they're standing on the opposite bank of the jordan
  • 00:24:35.298 --> 00:24:37.634
  • River and go, "that's an amazing place over there.
  • 00:24:37.634 --> 00:24:40.403
  • But it looks really difficult.
  • 00:24:40.403 --> 00:24:44.240
  • There's big people over there."
  • 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:46.809
  • Now, egypt was the most civilized, the most resourceful,
  • 00:24:46.809 --> 00:24:51.147
  • They were the most sophisticated civilization of the day.
  • 00:24:51.147 --> 00:24:55.051
  • So they've already seen god deliver them from the most
  • 00:24:55.051 --> 00:24:57.253
  • Intimidating opponent that is possible.
  • 00:24:57.253 --> 00:25:01.090
  • Whoever is occupying the promised land by comparison is a
  • 00:25:01.090 --> 00:25:05.662
  • Weaker challenge.
  • 00:25:05.662 --> 00:25:07.564
  • But they're eating manna every day.
  • 00:25:07.564 --> 00:25:10.767
  • They're not planting crops.
  • 00:25:10.767 --> 00:25:13.036
  • They've got a tabernacle now.
  • 00:25:13.036 --> 00:25:14.370
  • They've got a place to worship.
  • 00:25:14.370 --> 00:25:15.738
  • They've got a little structure around.
  • 00:25:15.738 --> 00:25:18.007
  • Life is better than it's ever been.
  • 00:25:18.007 --> 00:25:19.642
  • They're not going to the brick pits.
  • 00:25:19.642 --> 00:25:21.010
  • They're not tasting the lash of the whip from their
  • 00:25:21.010 --> 00:25:23.212
  • Egyptian slavemasters.
  • 00:25:23.212 --> 00:25:26.082
  • "and if we cross the river, there's big people over there."
  • 00:25:26.082 --> 00:25:30.887
  • Very next chapter, you have it, numbers 14, verse 1: "that night
  • 00:25:30.887 --> 00:25:33.489
  • All the people of the community raised their voices and they
  • 00:25:33.489 --> 00:25:35.792
  • Wept aloud.
  • 00:25:35.792 --> 00:25:37.627
  • And all the israelites grumbled against moses and aaron, and the
  • 00:25:37.627 --> 00:25:40.263
  • Whole assembly said to them, 'if only we had died in egypt!
  • 00:25:40.263 --> 00:25:44.200
  • Or in this desert!
  • 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.535
  • Why is the lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by
  • 00:25:45.535 --> 00:25:48.538
  • The sword?'"
  • 00:25:48.538 --> 00:25:51.307
  • You know what they're saying?
  • 00:25:51.307 --> 00:25:53.509
  • "enough's enough.
  • 00:25:53.509 --> 00:25:55.678
  • We've been through enough, we've done enough, we've faced enough.
  • 00:25:55.678 --> 00:26:02.218
  • We're being fed.
  • 00:26:02.218 --> 00:26:03.553
  • It's maybe not the best menu, but we get quail now.
  • 00:26:03.553 --> 00:26:05.521
  • We didn't used to get quail, now we get quail.
  • 00:26:05.521 --> 00:26:08.791
  • The manna's there.
  • 00:26:08.791 --> 00:26:10.159
  • It's only there 6 days a week, but it holds over for 7, so 1
  • 00:26:10.159 --> 00:26:12.595
  • Day a week we eat leftovers, but it's just one day.
  • 00:26:12.595 --> 00:26:16.165
  • There's been plenty of water.
  • 00:26:16.165 --> 00:26:17.533
  • Our clothes aren't wearing out.
  • 00:26:17.533 --> 00:26:18.868
  • There's no sick people amongst us.
  • 00:26:18.868 --> 00:26:21.104
  • Life's pretty good."
  • 00:26:21.104 --> 00:26:22.472
  • Allen: you know, i really dislike the idea of a
  • 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:25.341
  • Religious lecture.
  • 00:26:25.341 --> 00:26:26.743
  • I believe the point of ministry or opening the word of god is to
  • 00:26:26.743 --> 00:26:29.579
  • Be transformed by it.
  • 00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:31.280
  • So before we go, i want to give you two invitations.
  • 00:26:31.280 --> 00:26:33.149
  • One's a prayer i'm gonna pray with you, but the other is our
  • 00:26:33.149 --> 00:26:35.218
  • Offer this month.
  • 00:26:35.218 --> 00:26:36.586
  • The book is "the lord is my shepherd" by my friend
  • 00:26:36.586 --> 00:26:38.655
  • Rob morgan.
  • 00:26:38.655 --> 00:26:40.023
  • It's an important word in this season to understand god's
  • 00:26:40.023 --> 00:26:43.993
  • Direction, his abiding presence, his protection.
  • 00:26:43.993 --> 00:26:46.996
  • We all need that.
  • 00:26:46.996 --> 00:26:48.331
  • It'll be a blessing in your life and something i think you'll
  • 00:26:48.331 --> 00:26:50.333
  • Wanna share with some friends, but i wanna pray with you before
  • 00:26:50.333 --> 00:26:52.935
  • We go that we'll know we're not alone.
  • 00:26:52.935 --> 00:26:55.138
  • "heavenly father, i thank you for the resources you give us,
  • 00:26:55.138 --> 00:26:57.907
  • For the voices that you provide in our lives, that in a world of
  • 00:26:57.907 --> 00:27:01.077
  • Turmoil and confusion and, honestly, great fear, that your
  • 00:27:01.077 --> 00:27:04.681
  • Calm assuring voice guides us, and i thank you for it today.
  • 00:27:04.681 --> 00:27:08.818
  • Thank you for your faithfulness, in jesus's name, amen."
  • 00:27:08.818 --> 00:27:12.922
  • Get a copy of "the lord is my shepherd," and you take your
  • 00:27:12.922 --> 00:27:16.059
  • Prayers into your family.
  • 00:27:16.059 --> 00:27:17.393
  • We're a light in this dark world.
  • 00:27:17.393 --> 00:27:19.295
  • God is moving and we wanna move with him.
  • 00:27:19.295 --> 00:27:21.397
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:21.464 --> 00:27:29.005