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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Growing Our Faith (Part 2)

May 9, 2025 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Growing Our Faith (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Salvation #Faith #SeekGod #Lord #Persecution #Religion #SpiritualGrowth #Perseverance #AllenJackson #KingdomofGod #Eternity

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Growing Our Faith (Part 2) | May 9, 2025
  • Allen jackson: it's good to be with you again.
  • 00:00:06.556 --> 00:00:08.091
  • You know, we're walking through a season of some pretty
  • 00:00:08.091 --> 00:00:10.627
  • Unprecedented turmoil.
  • 00:00:10.627 --> 00:00:12.729
  • There are cars burning and car dealerships burning, and there
  • 00:00:12.729 --> 00:00:16.533
  • Are judges.
  • 00:00:16.533 --> 00:00:17.867
  • There's just a lot of stuff.
  • 00:00:17.867 --> 00:00:19.936
  • Well, i'm really excited about our offer this month.
  • 00:00:19.936 --> 00:00:21.738
  • In fact, we chose it because i think it will bring you a
  • 00:00:21.738 --> 00:00:24.374
  • Pathway of stability in the midst of all the turmoil.
  • 00:00:24.374 --> 00:00:27.977
  • It's written by a good friend of mine, rob morgan, "the lord is
  • 00:00:27.977 --> 00:00:30.480
  • My shepherd."
  • 00:00:30.480 --> 00:00:31.915
  • And it seems to me we need to know the tranquility that comes
  • 00:00:31.915 --> 00:00:35.151
  • From a shepherd who is marking a path for us and then standing
  • 00:00:35.151 --> 00:00:38.588
  • Watch over us when we know there's predators about.
  • 00:00:38.588 --> 00:00:42.625
  • We're living in a predatory season.
  • 00:00:42.625 --> 00:00:44.527
  • We need to know the lord is a shepherd, and i believe this
  • 00:00:44.527 --> 00:00:47.997
  • Offer can make a real difference in your life.
  • 00:00:47.997 --> 00:00:49.799
  • In fact, it's important enough that we'll make it available for
  • 00:00:49.799 --> 00:00:52.535
  • A gift of any amount.
  • 00:00:52.535 --> 00:00:54.370
  • I think it's far more important that you have it in your hand
  • 00:00:54.370 --> 00:00:56.840
  • Than the cost attached to it.
  • 00:00:56.840 --> 00:00:58.541
  • God is moving in the earth, and we wanna move with him.
  • 00:00:58.541 --> 00:01:01.010
  • Our shepherd will lead us through.
  • 00:01:01.010 --> 00:01:03.046
  • You'll enjoy the book.
  • 00:01:03.046 --> 00:01:08.952
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:09.052 --> 00:01:18.928
  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen jackson: it's time for us to change.
  • 00:01:30.039 --> 00:01:33.076
  • Us, not them, us.
  • 00:01:33.076 --> 00:01:36.079
  • If god's people will get our hearts right, god will move
  • 00:01:36.079 --> 00:01:38.414
  • Heaven and earth.
  • 00:01:38.414 --> 00:01:41.951
  • We could tell that story over, and over, and over, it's
  • 00:01:41.951 --> 00:01:44.587
  • The truth.
  • 00:01:44.587 --> 00:01:46.689
  • Personal salvation has been the primary goal.
  • 00:01:46.689 --> 00:01:50.326
  • Our discussions have been centered in how it can
  • 00:01:50.326 --> 00:01:52.061
  • Be achieved.
  • 00:01:52.061 --> 00:01:54.230
  • What, if anything, could imperil our position of sanctification?
  • 00:01:54.230 --> 00:01:59.202
  • And we've got rather elaborate theological systems that say if
  • 00:01:59.202 --> 00:02:01.704
  • You get the beginning right, you're good to go.
  • 00:02:01.704 --> 00:02:03.973
  • What a dangerous idea.
  • 00:02:03.973 --> 00:02:07.544
  • I don't want you to live in fear of your salvation, but i don't
  • 00:02:07.544 --> 00:02:10.013
  • Want you to imagine that it doesn't need your attention.
  • 00:02:10.013 --> 00:02:14.250
  • We've given little attention or effort to biblical concepts like
  • 00:02:14.250 --> 00:02:19.556
  • Holiness, and my bible says without holiness, no one will
  • 00:02:19.556 --> 00:02:24.093
  • See the lord.
  • 00:02:24.093 --> 00:02:27.530
  • So with that in mind, i want to hand you, i think there's seven
  • 00:02:27.530 --> 00:02:31.034
  • Pairs, and i can't take long with them, 'cause there's
  • 00:02:31.034 --> 00:02:33.036
  • Something else i want to do, but i wanna kinda walk with you
  • 00:02:33.036 --> 00:02:37.040
  • Through this notion of your faith and how you understand it.
  • 00:02:37.040 --> 00:02:40.310
  • I want to give you contrasting perspectives.
  • 00:02:40.310 --> 00:02:43.580
  • Maybe you imagine this is for your reflection later.
  • 00:02:43.580 --> 00:02:45.848
  • Maybe on a scale of one to ten, where would you fit on a scale
  • 00:02:45.848 --> 00:02:48.718
  • Between these two extremes?
  • 00:02:48.718 --> 00:02:52.255
  • I've given you some scripture verses, i can't read them all,
  • 00:02:52.255 --> 00:02:54.324
  • We don't have time.
  • 00:02:54.324 --> 00:02:57.060
  • But it seems to me that where i'd begin is there's a group of
  • 00:02:57.060 --> 00:02:59.262
  • People that have a generic christianity.
  • 00:02:59.262 --> 00:03:00.897
  • They haven't declared themselves buddhist, or muslim, or
  • 00:03:00.897 --> 00:03:04.434
  • Agnostic, and then they'll go to a church for a wedding or a
  • 00:03:04.434 --> 00:03:08.104
  • Funeral, or be involved in maybe a holiday celebration, it's just
  • 00:03:08.104 --> 00:03:14.043
  • Kind of a generic christianity.
  • 00:03:14.043 --> 00:03:15.745
  • You haven't declared yourself something else, so since we live
  • 00:03:15.745 --> 00:03:18.214
  • In a nation that has had a predominantly biblical
  • 00:03:18.214 --> 00:03:20.350
  • Worldview, you get colored with a christian brush.
  • 00:03:20.350 --> 00:03:24.387
  • And we're not really offended by that, unless somebody gets too
  • 00:03:24.387 --> 00:03:26.522
  • Personal with it.
  • 00:03:26.522 --> 00:03:30.193
  • On the other end of that spectrum is an
  • 00:03:30.193 --> 00:03:31.561
  • Intentional faith.
  • 00:03:31.561 --> 00:03:33.496
  • It's an on-purpose faith.
  • 00:03:33.496 --> 00:03:35.465
  • You know who jesus is and you've chosen him as lord of your life.
  • 00:03:35.465 --> 00:03:39.636
  • You see, that has implications.
  • 00:03:39.636 --> 00:03:42.005
  • If you say jesus is lord and you don't serve him as lord, you're
  • 00:03:42.005 --> 00:03:44.540
  • Either deceived or dishonest.
  • 00:03:44.540 --> 00:03:48.745
  • He's not just lord when you sit in church, he's lord over
  • 00:03:48.745 --> 00:03:53.516
  • Everything you do and everywhere you go.
  • 00:03:53.516 --> 00:03:55.285
  • And there will be an accounting for that, that's not my threat,
  • 00:03:55.285 --> 00:04:01.658
  • It's a promise.
  • 00:04:01.658 --> 00:04:03.026
  • It's intended to bring a reward with it.
  • 00:04:03.026 --> 00:04:05.762
  • And if you're not living in such a way that you're looking
  • 00:04:05.762 --> 00:04:07.497
  • Forward to the reward, then you need to amend it, thus the sense
  • 00:04:07.497 --> 00:04:12.201
  • Of an evaluation.
  • 00:04:12.201 --> 00:04:13.536
  • It's for you to evaluate, not for me.
  • 00:04:13.536 --> 00:04:16.372
  • Matthew 7, "jesus is speaking, and he said, not everyone who
  • 00:04:16.372 --> 00:04:18.875
  • Says to me, 'lord, lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven."
  • 00:04:18.875 --> 00:04:21.577
  • He's got my attention.
  • 00:04:21.577 --> 00:04:24.480
  • Well, who gets to enter, people with shoes?
  • 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:31.954
  • Who gets to enter, people that can run a seven-minute mile?
  • 00:04:31.954 --> 00:04:36.993
  • People with a three-digit iq?
  • 00:04:36.993 --> 00:04:38.594
  • Who gets to enter?
  • 00:04:38.594 --> 00:04:40.463
  • I want to know, it's important to me.
  • 00:04:40.463 --> 00:04:45.101
  • And please don't sit there with some smug attitude that says i
  • 00:04:45.101 --> 00:04:48.838
  • Said a prayer.
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  • If you're calling him lord, the implication is you've
  • 00:04:53.843 --> 00:04:56.946
  • Been introduced.
  • 00:04:56.946 --> 00:05:01.951
  • We've done something very damaging.
  • 00:05:01.951 --> 00:05:05.755
  • We have bread presumption in our midst.
  • 00:05:05.755 --> 00:05:12.962
  • "not everyone who says to me, 'lord, lord,' will enter the
  • 00:05:12.962 --> 00:05:15.064
  • Kingdom of heaven.
  • 00:05:15.064 --> 00:05:16.799
  • But he who does the will of my father who is in heaven
  • 00:05:16.799 --> 00:05:19.602
  • Will enter.
  • 00:05:19.602 --> 00:05:21.971
  • Many will say to me on that day, 'lord, did we not prophesy in
  • 00:05:21.971 --> 00:05:24.907
  • Your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name
  • 00:05:24.907 --> 00:05:28.378
  • Perform many miracles?'
  • 00:05:28.378 --> 00:05:30.580
  • And i will declare to them, 'i never knew you, depart
  • 00:05:30.580 --> 00:05:35.151
  • From me.'"
  • 00:05:35.151 --> 00:05:37.086
  • I'm not suggesting we earn our way, or we work our way in, i am
  • 00:05:37.086 --> 00:05:41.557
  • Suggesting that the lordship of jesus in your life is reflected
  • 00:05:41.557 --> 00:05:45.695
  • In how you live.
  • 00:05:45.695 --> 00:05:48.431
  • Generic and intentional, there's gonna be some overlap in these
  • 00:05:48.431 --> 00:05:52.201
  • Word pairs.
  • 00:05:52.201 --> 00:05:53.536
  • They're not all unique or separate.
  • 00:05:53.536 --> 00:05:56.239
  • The second i would introduce is about the practice of sin versus
  • 00:05:56.239 --> 00:05:59.375
  • The struggle with sin.
  • 00:05:59.375 --> 00:06:02.145
  • We live in a sin-filled world, sin and the struggle of sin are
  • 00:06:02.145 --> 00:06:07.049
  • A part of our journey through time.
  • 00:06:07.049 --> 00:06:08.851
  • No one is free of that.
  • 00:06:08.851 --> 00:06:11.921
  • Our lord himself was tempted, yet without sin.
  • 00:06:11.921 --> 00:06:15.191
  • The rest of us can't make that mark.
  • 00:06:15.191 --> 00:06:19.228
  • But the challenge of sin is universal, and it's nonsense to
  • 00:06:19.228 --> 00:06:23.366
  • Pretend it's not.
  • 00:06:23.366 --> 00:06:26.702
  • But there's a difference in the struggle of sin and the practice
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  • Of sin.
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  • The capitulation to sin, to sin becoming your routine.
  • 00:06:32.208 --> 00:06:36.546
  • And by sin, something that god has identified as not helpful
  • 00:06:36.546 --> 00:06:39.749
  • For his people, it's destructive.
  • 00:06:39.749 --> 00:06:43.553
  • It's not my list or yours, you open your bible, you sort
  • 00:06:43.553 --> 00:06:46.088
  • It out.
  • 00:06:46.088 --> 00:06:47.423
  • There's enough clarity in there for you to work that out.
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  • I trust the holy spirit in you.
  • 00:06:51.194 --> 00:06:53.629
  • As you grow and mature, he'll change your definitions.
  • 00:06:53.629 --> 00:06:57.633
  • What's acceptable for a brand new christian is not acceptable
  • 00:06:57.633 --> 00:07:00.670
  • For someone more mature, so you have to guard your own hearts.
  • 00:07:00.670 --> 00:07:09.378
  • The difference in the practice of sin and the struggle of sin.
  • 00:07:09.378 --> 00:07:11.914
  • Hebrews 12 and verse 3, "consider him," speaking of
  • 00:07:11.914 --> 00:07:14.984
  • Jesus, "who endured such opposition from sinful men, that
  • 00:07:14.984 --> 00:07:17.453
  • You will not grow weary and lose heart in your struggle
  • 00:07:17.453 --> 00:07:20.490
  • Against sin."
  • 00:07:20.490 --> 00:07:23.559
  • It's intriguing that the struggle with sin is not just
  • 00:07:23.559 --> 00:07:26.529
  • Internal, we live in a world where sin exists in a part of
  • 00:07:26.529 --> 00:07:30.099
  • Our journey through times.
  • 00:07:30.099 --> 00:07:31.467
  • That means that we have an external struggle with sin.
  • 00:07:31.467 --> 00:07:33.936
  • The sinfulness in other people causes us to struggle.
  • 00:07:33.936 --> 00:07:39.976
  • It's wearisome, it's tiring.
  • 00:07:39.976 --> 00:07:42.879
  • We'd rather abandon the arena and be ungodly and meet them on
  • 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:45.915
  • Their turf.
  • 00:07:45.915 --> 00:07:49.185
  • I mean, i don't have to go much further than the interstate to
  • 00:07:49.185 --> 00:07:51.387
  • Let that roll out of me.
  • 00:07:51.387 --> 00:07:58.661
  • Romans 7, "i find this law at work.
  • 00:08:02.498 --> 00:08:04.400
  • When i want to do good, evil is right there with me.
  • 00:08:04.400 --> 00:08:07.503
  • For in my inner being i delight in god's law, but i see another
  • 00:08:07.503 --> 00:08:10.640
  • Law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law
  • 00:08:10.640 --> 00:08:13.876
  • Of my mind and making me a prisoner to the law of sin at
  • 00:08:13.876 --> 00:08:16.345
  • Work within my members."
  • 00:08:16.345 --> 00:08:17.813
  • That's the apostle paul.
  • 00:08:17.813 --> 00:08:21.217
  • Again, where are you on that spectrum with the struggle of
  • 00:08:21.217 --> 00:08:26.022
  • Sin versus the practice of sin?
  • 00:08:26.022 --> 00:08:27.857
  • You can't practice sin.
  • 00:08:27.857 --> 00:08:32.728
  • Well, i'm a pretty good person.
  • 00:08:32.728 --> 00:08:34.063
  • That's not the standard.
  • 00:08:34.063 --> 00:08:35.965
  • I'm kind, not the standard.
  • 00:08:35.965 --> 00:08:40.202
  • Allen: hey, the question i'm asked most often is, "how do i
  • 00:08:44.407 --> 00:08:46.642
  • Know what god wants me to do?
  • 00:08:46.642 --> 00:08:48.144
  • If i just knew what god wanted me to do, i would do it,
  • 00:08:48.144 --> 00:08:50.446
  • Whatever it is."
  • 00:08:50.446 --> 00:08:52.181
  • Well, our offer this month i think will help.
  • 00:08:52.181 --> 00:08:53.883
  • It's by a good friend of mine, rob morgan, "the lord is my
  • 00:08:53.883 --> 00:08:56.118
  • Shepherd."
  • 00:08:56.118 --> 00:08:57.453
  • He's gonna unpack the scripture that tells us how to follow the
  • 00:08:57.453 --> 00:09:00.289
  • Lord's guidance and understand his abiding presence and his
  • 00:09:00.289 --> 00:09:03.893
  • Comfort.
  • 00:09:03.893 --> 00:09:05.227
  • It'll help you chart a course and know the path that god has
  • 00:09:05.227 --> 00:09:08.331
  • For you.
  • 00:09:08.331 --> 00:09:09.665
  • Get a copy, it'll make a difference in your life.
  • 00:09:09.665 --> 00:09:11.834
  • Female announcer: life can be overwhelming, but true peace is
  • 00:09:11.834 --> 00:09:14.337
  • Possible.
  • 00:09:14.337 --> 00:09:15.738
  • Pastor robert morgan's book "the lord is my shepherd" reflects on
  • 00:09:15.738 --> 00:09:18.407
  • The specific ways psalm 23 speaks to our lives today.
  • 00:09:18.407 --> 00:09:21.744
  • It will help you find rest for your soul and discover the joy,
  • 00:09:21.744 --> 00:09:25.014
  • Inspiration, power, and peace found in psalm 23.
  • 00:09:25.014 --> 00:09:28.851
  • In today's culture it's essential to know god is leading
  • 00:09:28.851 --> 00:09:31.487
  • Us, charting our path, and watching over us.
  • 00:09:31.487 --> 00:09:34.690
  • Request your copy of "the lord is my shepherd" when you donate
  • 00:09:34.690 --> 00:09:37.193
  • Any amount at allenjackson.com or by calling ...
  • 00:09:37.193 --> 00:09:43.366
  • Allen: here's the third pair, carnal and spiritual.
  • 00:09:44.967 --> 00:09:48.771
  • There's several words used in the new testament, carnal,
  • 00:09:48.771 --> 00:09:51.641
  • Worldly, fleshly, of this present world system.
  • 00:09:51.641 --> 00:09:57.279
  • When you're born again, your spirit is made alive, made new,
  • 00:09:57.279 --> 00:10:00.182
  • You become a new creature in christ.
  • 00:10:00.182 --> 00:10:02.018
  • But you're still in your earth suit, and it is hardwired
  • 00:10:02.018 --> 00:10:05.921
  • For ungodliness.
  • 00:10:05.921 --> 00:10:07.256
  • We don't have to be coached to be dishonest, we know how to do
  • 00:10:07.256 --> 00:10:09.125
  • That by ourselves.
  • 00:10:09.125 --> 00:10:11.193
  • We don't have to be coached on selfishness, all of those things
  • 00:10:11.193 --> 00:10:14.430
  • Are built into us.
  • 00:10:14.430 --> 00:10:16.832
  • And we will feed one and starve the other, and the outcome will
  • 00:10:16.832 --> 00:10:21.203
  • Be evident in the fruit of our lives.
  • 00:10:21.203 --> 00:10:26.175
  • Colossians 3 and verse 2, "set your minds on things above, not
  • 00:10:26.175 --> 00:10:29.445
  • On earthly things."
  • 00:10:29.445 --> 00:10:32.615
  • Whether the pathway to which of those, whether it's your carnal
  • 00:10:32.615 --> 00:10:35.518
  • Self or your spiritual self, is going to gain the ascendency has
  • 00:10:35.518 --> 00:10:38.954
  • Everything to do with what you give your thoughts to.
  • 00:10:38.954 --> 00:10:42.958
  • What do you give your thoughts to?
  • 00:10:42.958 --> 00:10:46.295
  • "set your mind on things above."
  • 00:10:46.295 --> 00:10:49.298
  • You can sit in church and be very carnal, or you can sit in
  • 00:10:49.298 --> 00:10:54.170
  • Some secular place and be very spiritually oriented, and it
  • 00:10:54.170 --> 00:10:59.308
  • Really has little to do with spiritual gifts, and biblical
  • 00:10:59.308 --> 00:11:02.378
  • Knowledge, or professions.
  • 00:11:02.378 --> 00:11:05.147
  • You can be a pastor and be very carnal.
  • 00:11:05.147 --> 00:11:09.151
  • You can pour concrete and be very spiritual.
  • 00:11:09.151 --> 00:11:12.488
  • It has very little to do with your profession.
  • 00:11:12.488 --> 00:11:15.224
  • Romans 8 verse 5, "those who live according to the sinful
  • 00:11:15.224 --> 00:11:17.626
  • Nature have their mind set on one that nature desires.
  • 00:11:17.626 --> 00:11:21.063
  • But those who live in accordance with the spirit have their minds
  • 00:11:21.063 --> 00:11:23.299
  • Set on what the spirit desires."
  • 00:11:23.299 --> 00:11:26.135
  • Carnal or spiritual.
  • 00:11:26.135 --> 00:11:31.874
  • You spend more time with your fantasy leagues than you do with
  • 00:11:31.874 --> 00:11:35.578
  • Your thoughts and ambitions for the kingdom of god and the
  • 00:11:35.578 --> 00:11:37.847
  • Purposes of god?
  • 00:11:37.847 --> 00:11:42.585
  • And if you don't like fantasy leagues, don't sit
  • 00:11:42.585 --> 00:11:45.755
  • Up straighter.
  • 00:11:45.755 --> 00:11:47.890
  • We all know the points of vulnerability in our lives.
  • 00:11:47.890 --> 00:11:50.359
  • It's worth reflecting on.
  • 00:11:50.359 --> 00:11:51.727
  • Ask the holy spirit to help you.
  • 00:11:51.727 --> 00:11:53.062
  • The fourth group has to do with a different categorization,
  • 00:11:53.062 --> 00:11:55.731
  • Immature and mature, and this has very little to do with
  • 00:11:55.731 --> 00:12:00.369
  • Birthdays or chronology.
  • 00:12:00.369 --> 00:12:02.304
  • You could have been born again for 30 years and still be an
  • 00:12:02.304 --> 00:12:04.874
  • Infant, or you could have been born again for two or three
  • 00:12:04.874 --> 00:12:09.178
  • Years and have gained a great deal of maturity.
  • 00:12:09.178 --> 00:12:13.382
  • First corinthians 3, "brothers, i couldn't address you as
  • 00:12:13.382 --> 00:12:15.751
  • Spiritual but as worldly, mere infants in christ."
  • 00:12:15.751 --> 00:12:18.621
  • He's writing to a church, and he calls them dear brothers, so
  • 00:12:18.621 --> 00:12:24.794
  • They're clearly under the umbrella, and he said i would
  • 00:12:24.794 --> 00:12:28.764
  • Like to write to you as mature brothers, but i can't, you're
  • 00:12:28.764 --> 00:12:33.536
  • Infants in christ.
  • 00:12:33.536 --> 00:12:34.870
  • How offended would we be?
  • 00:12:34.870 --> 00:12:37.506
  • Well, "i gave you milk, not solid food.
  • 00:12:37.506 --> 00:12:45.548
  • For you weren't yet ready for it.
  • 00:12:45.548 --> 00:12:47.082
  • Indeed, you're still not ready.
  • 00:12:47.082 --> 00:12:48.617
  • You are still worldly."
  • 00:12:48.617 --> 00:12:51.887
  • You can be worldly and been goin' to church for 30 years.
  • 00:12:51.887 --> 00:12:57.059
  • Do we know more about this present world system than we do
  • 00:12:57.059 --> 00:13:00.296
  • The kingdom of god?
  • 00:13:00.296 --> 00:13:01.664
  • If we do, by definition you're worldly.
  • 00:13:01.664 --> 00:13:06.702
  • "well, i don't agree."
  • 00:13:06.702 --> 00:13:08.037
  • Well, okay, ephesians 4 talks about preparing god's people,
  • 00:13:08.037 --> 00:13:16.779
  • "for works of service, so that the body of christ can be built
  • 00:13:16.779 --> 00:13:19.114
  • Up until we reach unity in the faith, becoming mature, and will
  • 00:13:19.114 --> 00:13:24.420
  • No longer be infants tossed back and forth by the waves, and
  • 00:13:24.420 --> 00:13:29.158
  • Blown here and there by every wind of teaching and the cunning
  • 00:13:29.158 --> 00:13:33.395
  • Craftiness of men."
  • 00:13:33.395 --> 00:13:34.730
  • If we're adrift by manipulation and deception, it's because
  • 00:13:34.730 --> 00:13:38.567
  • We're not grounded well enough.
  • 00:13:38.567 --> 00:13:41.437
  • What have we been talking about for two years?
  • 00:13:41.437 --> 00:13:43.239
  • How to get our foundations in place, because we were knocked
  • 00:13:43.239 --> 00:13:46.475
  • Off our moorings.
  • 00:13:46.475 --> 00:13:49.478
  • We have struggled to get our habits of faith back.
  • 00:13:49.478 --> 00:13:53.182
  • They were so fragile, they were anchored to times, and places,
  • 00:13:53.182 --> 00:13:56.952
  • And specific groups.
  • 00:13:56.952 --> 00:14:04.226
  • Let me introduce a bit more uncomfortable word pair,
  • 00:14:04.226 --> 00:14:07.496
  • Apostate, fallen away, versus orthodox, or within the
  • 00:14:07.496 --> 00:14:12.801
  • Understood tradition or teaching of christianity.
  • 00:14:12.801 --> 00:14:16.472
  • This is not a new thing.
  • 00:14:16.472 --> 00:14:17.840
  • Christianity didn't start with the united states.
  • 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:21.777
  • It didn't start in cane creek, kentucky, or with the
  • 00:14:21.777 --> 00:14:23.946
  • Wesley brothers.
  • 00:14:23.946 --> 00:14:26.148
  • It didn't begin with luther or calvin.
  • 00:14:26.148 --> 00:14:29.785
  • It didn't begin in rome.
  • 00:14:29.785 --> 00:14:35.024
  • The story of our faith begins in the opening chapters of genesis,
  • 00:14:35.024 --> 00:14:41.864
  • So that the values that we hold and the worldview we're
  • 00:14:41.864 --> 00:14:44.433
  • Advocating for is not about whim.
  • 00:14:44.433 --> 00:14:49.038
  • God is not evolving in how he thinks about human beings.
  • 00:14:49.038 --> 00:14:55.477
  • Thou shalt not is not up for review at his annual convention
  • 00:14:55.477 --> 00:14:59.048
  • In heaven.
  • 00:14:59.048 --> 00:15:03.118
  • Now, i understand that it's popular these days for our
  • 00:15:03.118 --> 00:15:05.688
  • Religious bodies and organizations to review all of
  • 00:15:05.688 --> 00:15:08.357
  • These things.
  • 00:15:08.357 --> 00:15:10.025
  • Jesus told us it would happen.
  • 00:15:10.025 --> 00:15:11.593
  • He said, "you'll be handed over to be persecuted and put to
  • 00:15:11.593 --> 00:15:13.862
  • Death, and you'll be hated by all nations because of me.
  • 00:15:13.862 --> 00:15:16.765
  • And at that time, many will turn away from the faith."
  • 00:15:16.765 --> 00:15:20.669
  • He told us that many would turn away.
  • 00:15:20.669 --> 00:15:25.708
  • In 2 thessalonians, he said the lord won't return unless the
  • 00:15:25.708 --> 00:15:28.577
  • Apostasy comes first.
  • 00:15:28.577 --> 00:15:30.879
  • They're not gonna reject christianity, they'll sit in
  • 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:32.848
  • Religious buildings, and have religious services, and carry
  • 00:15:32.848 --> 00:15:35.818
  • Religious books, but they won't yield to its authority.
  • 00:15:35.818 --> 00:15:42.124
  • It's happening on a daily basis.
  • 00:15:42.124 --> 00:15:43.659
  • I get a report from some significant block of
  • 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:46.662
  • Christianity almost on a weekly basis that has rejected some
  • 00:15:46.662 --> 00:15:50.866
  • Orthodox perspective on scripture.
  • 00:15:50.866 --> 00:15:52.701
  • I don't mean some subtle point about the frequency of
  • 00:15:52.701 --> 00:15:56.505
  • Communion, but about how we define marriage.
  • 00:15:56.505 --> 00:16:06.448
  • We're struggling with this, and we're struggling around us with
  • 00:16:06.448 --> 00:16:11.120
  • It because we've been struggling within us.
  • 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:14.256
  • Where are you?
  • 00:16:14.256 --> 00:16:15.624
  • Are you willing to allow the word of god to inform
  • 00:16:15.624 --> 00:16:17.359
  • Your faith?
  • 00:16:17.359 --> 00:16:18.994
  • Jesus said there'll be persecution, and executions, and
  • 00:16:18.994 --> 00:16:22.131
  • Much hatred, and the outcome of that is he said there'll be
  • 00:16:22.131 --> 00:16:27.302
  • Widespread betrayal, and there'll be many false prophets.
  • 00:16:27.302 --> 00:16:36.545
  • You know why there's false prophets?
  • 00:16:36.545 --> 00:16:38.847
  • Because it's profitable.
  • 00:16:38.847 --> 00:16:41.984
  • Two words, there are false prophets because the p-r-o-f-i-t
  • 00:16:41.984 --> 00:16:48.023
  • Is significant, not just in dollars and cents, but in public
  • 00:16:48.023 --> 00:16:54.329
  • Support, and affirmation, and welcome.
  • 00:16:54.329 --> 00:16:59.701
  • Jeremiah stood for the most part alone, and there were dozens,
  • 00:16:59.701 --> 00:17:03.605
  • And dozens, and dozens of other voices, saying, "oh, don't
  • 00:17:03.605 --> 00:17:05.974
  • Listen to him, he's always in a bad mood he's just grumpy."
  • 00:17:05.974 --> 00:17:14.650
  • Apostate and orthodox.
  • 00:17:14.650 --> 00:17:16.151
  • There's another pairing, deceived and aware.
  • 00:17:16.151 --> 00:17:20.656
  • When you're deceived, you believe something to be true
  • 00:17:20.656 --> 00:17:22.624
  • That is not.
  • 00:17:22.624 --> 00:17:25.627
  • It's not that you're not sincere, it's not that you don't
  • 00:17:25.627 --> 00:17:27.963
  • Have great passion.
  • 00:17:27.963 --> 00:17:32.534
  • In 1 timothy 4 it says, "the spirit clearly says that in
  • 00:17:32.534 --> 00:17:35.404
  • Later times, some will abandon the faith and follow
  • 00:17:35.404 --> 00:17:38.073
  • Deceiving spirits."
  • 00:17:38.073 --> 00:17:40.642
  • Jesus warned us in matthew 24, repeatedly, multiple times,
  • 00:17:40.642 --> 00:17:44.746
  • "watch out that no one deceives you."
  • 00:17:44.746 --> 00:17:46.415
  • He's warning peter, and james, and john, his closest friends.
  • 00:17:46.415 --> 00:17:49.451
  • They've spent three years with them, he says watch out.
  • 00:17:49.451 --> 00:17:54.189
  • I think it's safe to say, just from a casual observation, that
  • 00:17:54.189 --> 00:17:57.359
  • Deception is widespread today.
  • 00:17:57.359 --> 00:18:01.797
  • A biblical worldview, a framework for understanding
  • 00:18:01.797 --> 00:18:04.967
  • Our world.
  • 00:18:04.967 --> 00:18:09.705
  • Now, there's one last category i gave you, overlookers
  • 00:18:09.705 --> 00:18:11.940
  • And overcomers.
  • 00:18:11.940 --> 00:18:16.778
  • Where are you on this scale?
  • 00:18:16.778 --> 00:18:20.015
  • Revelation 21, that is very near the end of the book.
  • 00:18:20.015 --> 00:18:24.186
  • It's about time for the banquets and the awards, it's a
  • 00:18:24.186 --> 00:18:29.158
  • Good place.
  • 00:18:29.158 --> 00:18:30.526
  • There'll be no more crying, and no more tears, and no more
  • 00:18:30.526 --> 00:18:32.961
  • Death, because the old order of things will have passed away.
  • 00:18:32.961 --> 00:18:38.300
  • And the lord said to write this down, for i'm making all
  • 00:18:38.300 --> 00:18:41.904
  • Things new.
  • 00:18:41.904 --> 00:18:43.906
  • You'll want to be there for that.
  • 00:18:43.906 --> 00:18:47.376
  • But listen to who will be gathered.
  • 00:18:47.376 --> 00:18:49.378
  • "he who overcomes will inherit these things, and i will be his
  • 00:18:49.378 --> 00:18:54.216
  • God, and he'll be my son."
  • 00:18:54.216 --> 00:18:56.885
  • It requires us to overcome evil, not accommodate it, not to
  • 00:18:56.885 --> 00:19:01.423
  • Relabel it, not to conveniently deny it, not to accept the
  • 00:19:01.423 --> 00:19:08.463
  • Deception they hand you when you know it isn't true.
  • 00:19:08.463 --> 00:19:12.501
  • You don't have to be angry, you don't have to be condemning, but
  • 00:19:12.501 --> 00:19:14.870
  • You don't want to be a part of the support for evil.
  • 00:19:14.870 --> 00:19:18.707
  • Use your voice.
  • 00:19:18.707 --> 00:19:20.042
  • Don't advocate for it, don't defend it.
  • 00:19:20.042 --> 00:19:23.545
  • We have to overcome, and how do you overcome evil?
  • 00:19:23.545 --> 00:19:25.480
  • With good, we have to help one another with this.
  • 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:29.284
  • If somebody you care about is struggling with evil, tell them,
  • 00:19:29.284 --> 00:19:31.253
  • "i love you too much to cheer for you while you do that,
  • 00:19:31.253 --> 00:19:33.522
  • Please stop."
  • 00:19:33.522 --> 00:19:36.258
  • Well, they won't like that.
  • 00:19:36.258 --> 00:19:37.626
  • They may not, but they'll love you for it if they repent.
  • 00:19:37.626 --> 00:19:44.933
  • We wouldn't be cautioned in revelation 21 that overcoming
  • 00:19:44.933 --> 00:19:49.271
  • Was necessary if there weren't going to be something
  • 00:19:49.271 --> 00:19:51.206
  • To overcome.
  • 00:19:51.206 --> 00:19:54.376
  • Every one of the seven churches at the beginning of revelation
  • 00:19:54.376 --> 00:19:56.778
  • Is told to overcome.
  • 00:19:56.778 --> 00:19:58.614
  • They have to overcome unique things and different things.
  • 00:19:58.614 --> 00:20:00.616
  • It's not one consistent thing.
  • 00:20:00.616 --> 00:20:03.652
  • Overcoming is a part of the christian journey.
  • 00:20:03.652 --> 00:20:07.322
  • You'll overcome the places where evil encroaches on your life.
  • 00:20:07.322 --> 00:20:11.093
  • Things that are unfair and unjust that come to you, will
  • 00:20:11.093 --> 00:20:13.662
  • You capitulate to hatred and unforgiveness?
  • 00:20:13.662 --> 00:20:19.201
  • Will you allow them to freeze you at one point in your
  • 00:20:19.201 --> 00:20:22.771
  • Development because you're angry with god or you're resentful of
  • 00:20:22.771 --> 00:20:25.240
  • What he's done, or can we overcome?
  • 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:31.280
  • Sometimes evil intrudes because we have invited it in, and we
  • 00:20:31.280 --> 00:20:34.783
  • Participate in ungodliness, or wickedness, or deception, or
  • 00:20:34.783 --> 00:20:37.586
  • Immorality, or whatever it may be, and there's a ready audience
  • 00:20:37.586 --> 00:20:41.990
  • Of people who will never let you forget.
  • 00:20:41.990 --> 00:20:45.994
  • And you'll have to determine that the blood of jesus is
  • 00:20:45.994 --> 00:20:48.030
  • Sufficient, that we can repent of our sins and then resist
  • 00:20:48.030 --> 00:20:53.502
  • The devil.
  • 00:20:53.502 --> 00:20:54.836
  • And you have to resist the devil.
  • 00:20:54.836 --> 00:20:56.204
  • He's an accuser.
  • 00:20:56.204 --> 00:20:58.807
  • And you'll have to resist his temptations that he puts before
  • 00:20:58.807 --> 00:21:01.310
  • You, and you'll have to resist the accusations that he levels
  • 00:21:01.310 --> 00:21:03.712
  • Against you.
  • 00:21:03.712 --> 00:21:06.048
  • You have to overcome it.
  • 00:21:06.048 --> 00:21:09.084
  • We've all failed, it's a broken lot, read 1 corinthians chapter
  • 00:21:09.084 --> 00:21:12.821
  • 1. god recruited from the slow group.
  • 00:21:12.821 --> 00:21:17.025
  • It says we weren't noble, or we just didn't come from the--we
  • 00:21:17.025 --> 00:21:20.896
  • Weren't the people that others would have selected, and god
  • 00:21:20.896 --> 00:21:22.931
  • Took us and said watch what i can do with this group.
  • 00:21:22.931 --> 00:21:27.302
  • It's for his glory.
  • 00:21:27.302 --> 00:21:28.637
  • That's the living bible, the last part of romans, i mean 1
  • 00:21:28.637 --> 00:21:31.340
  • Corinthians chapter 1. it's the power of the cross in us.
  • 00:21:31.340 --> 00:21:37.079
  • That's our story.
  • 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:38.447
  • It's the good news we have to share with the people around us.
  • 00:21:38.447 --> 00:21:42.351
  • He'll do it for you as well.
  • 00:21:42.351 --> 00:21:45.687
  • And where did we come up with all this nonsense?
  • 00:21:45.687 --> 00:21:47.889
  • "well, i don't like to talk to people about my faith," really?
  • 00:21:47.889 --> 00:21:54.196
  • Are we really going to see the lord and have him extend a hand
  • 00:21:54.196 --> 00:21:56.932
  • With the nail print in it, and we're gonna look at him and go,
  • 00:21:56.932 --> 00:21:59.301
  • "well, you know, i just never was comfortable with those
  • 00:21:59.301 --> 00:22:05.640
  • Spiritual conversations."
  • 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:12.214
  • I don't think you wanna do that.
  • 00:22:12.214 --> 00:22:17.386
  • If we will deal with the lord honestly, you don't need my
  • 00:22:17.386 --> 00:22:20.489
  • Opinion, you can take that little list and walk with it,
  • 00:22:20.489 --> 00:22:23.592
  • Live with it, pray about it, ask the holy spirit to help you.
  • 00:22:23.592 --> 00:22:25.827
  • He'll convict you.
  • 00:22:25.827 --> 00:22:28.397
  • Any place where the holy spirit gives you a discomfort with an
  • 00:22:28.397 --> 00:22:31.733
  • Attitude, a behavior, or a habit, it's because he wants to
  • 00:22:31.733 --> 00:22:35.570
  • Open a door of freedom.
  • 00:22:35.570 --> 00:22:38.974
  • Do you understand the difference between conviction
  • 00:22:38.974 --> 00:22:40.675
  • And condemnation?
  • 00:22:40.675 --> 00:22:42.043
  • The holy spirit convicts you.
  • 00:22:42.043 --> 00:22:43.412
  • He'll make you uncomfortable with something you've said,
  • 00:22:43.412 --> 00:22:45.514
  • Something you've done, something you're doing.
  • 00:22:45.514 --> 00:22:48.016
  • You understand the response to that.
  • 00:22:48.016 --> 00:22:49.818
  • If you will repent and then you resist the devil, you can
  • 00:22:49.818 --> 00:22:52.187
  • Be free.
  • 00:22:52.187 --> 00:22:53.789
  • Free of anger, resentment, hatred, a habit, whatever.
  • 00:22:53.789 --> 00:22:57.793
  • Condemnation says you're a failure, and you always fail,
  • 00:22:57.793 --> 00:23:02.764
  • And you're always gonna fail, and who do you think
  • 00:23:02.764 --> 00:23:05.267
  • You're fooling?
  • 00:23:05.267 --> 00:23:08.470
  • The author of condemnation is satan himself, and you don't
  • 00:23:08.470 --> 00:23:12.941
  • Have to yield to that.
  • 00:23:12.941 --> 00:23:17.879
  • We're gonna work for the next several weeks on how we can help
  • 00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:21.116
  • Our faith become more a larger part of our lives, but it begins
  • 00:23:21.116 --> 00:23:26.321
  • By becoming a larger part of us.
  • 00:23:26.321 --> 00:23:29.825
  • You can't give away what you don't have, amen?
  • 00:23:29.825 --> 00:23:35.530
  • Hallelujah, i didn't finish our outline, but i am finished, so
  • 00:23:35.530 --> 00:23:42.771
  • Let's stand.
  • 00:23:42.771 --> 00:23:44.139
  • We'll say a prayer.
  • 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:45.474
  • I'd like to say a prayer for you.
  • 00:23:45.474 --> 00:23:52.747
  • Father, i thank you for your word, for its truth, and power,
  • 00:23:56.918 --> 00:23:59.821
  • And authority, and i thank you for those of us that can be
  • 00:23:59.821 --> 00:24:03.792
  • Together for this session.
  • 00:24:03.792 --> 00:24:06.561
  • Lord, i trust you have gathered us uniquely and prepared us.
  • 00:24:06.561 --> 00:24:11.600
  • If there's anything in us that separates us from your best,
  • 00:24:11.600 --> 00:24:14.269
  • Help us to see it.
  • 00:24:14.269 --> 00:24:16.905
  • If we have accommodated, or looked away, or been reluctant
  • 00:24:16.905 --> 00:24:21.710
  • To acknowledge the uncomfortable, whatever it may
  • 00:24:21.710 --> 00:24:26.047
  • Be, father, i pray that you will give us the courage and the
  • 00:24:26.047 --> 00:24:29.084
  • Boldness, the discernment to choose you, but we need
  • 00:24:29.084 --> 00:24:34.689
  • Your help.
  • 00:24:34.689 --> 00:24:36.691
  • We are weak, and frail, and easily distracted, but we need
  • 00:24:36.691 --> 00:24:40.395
  • Your help.
  • 00:24:40.395 --> 00:24:42.831
  • Father, i thank you for your spirit within us, who leads, and
  • 00:24:42.831 --> 00:24:46.535
  • Guides, and directs, and convicts, and i thank you that
  • 00:24:46.535 --> 00:24:51.573
  • You will put our feet on a path that will bring new strength to
  • 00:24:51.573 --> 00:24:54.276
  • Us, new boldness to us, a new future before us.
  • 00:24:54.276 --> 00:25:00.415
  • Lord, you have blessed us in so many, many ways, and we thank
  • 00:25:00.415 --> 00:25:03.184
  • You for it tonight.
  • 00:25:03.184 --> 00:25:05.353
  • Lord, we want to give you glory, and honor, and praise that
  • 00:25:05.353 --> 00:25:08.557
  • You've called us out of darkness into the kingdom of your son.
  • 00:25:08.557 --> 00:25:12.227
  • That you've made provision.
  • 00:25:12.227 --> 00:25:13.595
  • That we could be justified, and sanctified, and made righteous.
  • 00:25:13.595 --> 00:25:17.766
  • Now we ask you to help us to live in such a way that you are
  • 00:25:17.766 --> 00:25:21.736
  • Pleased with us.
  • 00:25:21.736 --> 00:25:24.039
  • We thank you for what you will do, and that we will see the
  • 00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:27.375
  • Gospel of jesus christ lifted high in this community, and in
  • 00:25:27.375 --> 00:25:32.447
  • Our region, and in this nation, and throughout the nations of
  • 00:25:32.447 --> 00:25:35.216
  • The world.
  • 00:25:35.216 --> 00:25:36.985
  • Lord, may we participate with what you're doing, in jesus's
  • 00:25:36.985 --> 00:25:40.722
  • Name, amen.
  • 00:25:40.722 --> 00:25:43.158
  • Hallelujah, god bless you.
  • 00:25:43.158 --> 00:25:46.061
  • Allen: you know, before our congregation even existed,
  • 00:25:46.127 --> 00:25:48.997
  • My family used to distribute christian literature.
  • 00:25:48.997 --> 00:25:51.333
  • We found that sharing books changed lives,
  • 00:25:51.333 --> 00:25:54.769
  • And so we spent a lot of time and energy and resources,
  • 00:25:54.769 --> 00:25:57.238
  • Honestly, sharing books around our community.
  • 00:25:57.238 --> 00:26:00.408
  • Well, our offer this month is our--is a book by a good
  • 00:26:00.408 --> 00:26:03.445
  • Friend of mine, rob morgan.
  • 00:26:03.445 --> 00:26:04.779
  • The title is "the lord is my shepherd."
  • 00:26:04.779 --> 00:26:07.282
  • It's a book about god's abiding presence,
  • 00:26:07.282 --> 00:26:09.584
  • His guidance in our lives, and the fact that he
  • 00:26:09.584 --> 00:26:12.454
  • Charts a course for us.
  • 00:26:12.454 --> 00:26:13.855
  • It's a book i believe will change your life,
  • 00:26:13.855 --> 00:26:16.324
  • But it's also a really easy book to share with a friend.
  • 00:26:16.324 --> 00:26:19.494
  • So i want to give you an invitation.
  • 00:26:19.494 --> 00:26:20.929
  • Let's not just enjoy the word of god and what god does for us,
  • 00:26:20.929 --> 00:26:24.532
  • Let's decide to be light in our families, in our community,
  • 00:26:24.532 --> 00:26:28.470
  • In your sunday school class, wherever that may be.
  • 00:26:28.470 --> 00:26:30.739
  • I believe this book is a wonderful tool,
  • 00:26:30.739 --> 00:26:33.942
  • Not only for you, but for the people you care about.
  • 00:26:33.942 --> 00:26:36.878
  • "the lord is my shepherd," that's the message we need now.
  • 00:26:36.878 --> 00:26:40.548
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:26:40.548 --> 00:26:46.187
  • Male announcer: join us every week for another exciting
  • 00:26:47.889 --> 00:26:49.958
  • Message from pastor allen jackson.
  • 00:26:49.958 --> 00:26:52.127
  • And until then, visit us online and discover remarkable
  • 00:26:52.127 --> 00:26:55.630
  • Information and resources to help take your christian life to
  • 00:26:55.630 --> 00:26:59.234
  • The next level.
  • 00:26:59.234 --> 00:27:00.735
  • And if you're visiting the nashville area, we'd love to see
  • 00:27:00.735 --> 00:27:03.505
  • You at world outreach church in murfreesboro.
  • 00:27:03.505 --> 00:27:06.341
  • We're easy to find, so look us up when you're
  • 00:27:06.341 --> 00:27:08.143
  • Traveling through.
  • 00:27:08.143 --> 00:27:09.477
  • And don't forget to connect with pastor jackson every day through
  • 00:27:09.477 --> 00:27:12.047
  • Social media.
  • 00:27:12.047 --> 00:27:13.948
  • Thanks so much for joining us and being a part of
  • 00:27:13.948 --> 00:27:16.117
  • This ministry.
  • 00:27:16.117 --> 00:27:17.452
  • We'll see you again next time for another encounter with
  • 00:27:17.452 --> 00:27:19.521
  • Pastor allen jackson.
  • 00:27:19.521 --> 00:27:21.723
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:25.060 --> 00:27:25.060