1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Allen Jackson Ministries
  4. Episodes
  5. Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 1)
Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 1)

July 3, 2025 | S25 E187 | 28:35

Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 1)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#inActive #Church #BodyofChrist #LightoftheWorld #Challenges #Discipleship #Journey #WalkwithGod #Persecution #Perseverance #Endurance

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 1) | July 3, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.316
  • Allen jackson: and i know you know, but we're living in
  • 00:00:06.455 --> 00:00:08.157
  • A chaotic world, things are changing globally.
  • 00:00:08.157 --> 00:00:10.726
  • There's wars, there's threats of war, a lot of stuff happening.
  • 00:00:10.726 --> 00:00:15.197
  • But i wanna make a suggestion, don't focus on the negative,
  • 00:00:15.197 --> 00:00:18.067
  • Don't get caught up in the uncertainty.
  • 00:00:18.067 --> 00:00:20.702
  • That'll bring fear and anxiety and worry.
  • 00:00:20.702 --> 00:00:23.672
  • It's not helpful.
  • 00:00:23.672 --> 00:00:25.007
  • Let's determine to focus our attention on the lord.
  • 00:00:25.007 --> 00:00:28.043
  • We've created a tool that i believe will make a difference.
  • 00:00:28.043 --> 00:00:30.312
  • It's called, "awaken us."
  • 00:00:30.312 --> 00:00:31.947
  • It's a 30 day plan.
  • 00:00:31.947 --> 00:00:33.715
  • Each day is directed at a different topic
  • 00:00:33.715 --> 00:00:36.118
  • That's a part of our current world.
  • 00:00:36.118 --> 00:00:38.253
  • It gives us a verse of scripture, a little devotional
  • 00:00:38.253 --> 00:00:40.255
  • Around that topic.
  • 00:00:40.255 --> 00:00:41.590
  • And then a prayer for that specific thing.
  • 00:00:41.590 --> 00:00:43.959
  • The idea is we're gonna give the holy spirit an invitation
  • 00:00:43.959 --> 00:00:47.162
  • To awaken us to a new place of faith.
  • 00:00:47.162 --> 00:00:50.599
  • You know, we need an awakening in the midst
  • 00:00:50.599 --> 00:00:52.634
  • Of the people of god.
  • 00:00:52.634 --> 00:00:53.969
  • And we wanna say, "well, i am awake."
  • 00:00:53.969 --> 00:00:55.337
  • Well, i get that, but, you know, i was awakened yesterday.
  • 00:00:55.337 --> 00:00:58.507
  • But this morning i was awakened again, and my prayer is
  • 00:00:58.507 --> 00:01:00.843
  • Tomorrow i'll be awakened yet again.
  • 00:01:00.843 --> 00:01:03.412
  • We need a daily awakening by the spirit of god
  • 00:01:03.412 --> 00:01:06.348
  • To find his best for us in this season.
  • 00:01:06.348 --> 00:01:08.984
  • And i believe this book will help you.
  • 00:01:08.984 --> 00:01:11.220
  • Allen jackson: it's a privilege to be with you today.
  • 00:01:12.521 --> 00:01:14.890
  • Our topic is "let's do difficult."
  • 00:01:14.890 --> 00:01:17.326
  • You know, there is an attitude that has taken root in
  • 00:01:17.326 --> 00:01:19.294
  • Contemporary american evangelicalism that our faith is
  • 00:01:19.294 --> 00:01:22.264
  • Intended to make life easy, that the goal of almighty god,
  • 00:01:22.264 --> 00:01:26.468
  • The creator of heaven and earth, is to make us happy
  • 00:01:26.468 --> 00:01:28.871
  • Pretty much 24/7.
  • 00:01:28.871 --> 00:01:30.706
  • You get that notion if you just review the list of top-selling
  • 00:01:30.706 --> 00:01:34.209
  • Books or the top titles for messages that we write.
  • 00:01:34.209 --> 00:01:37.279
  • I'm not opposed to happy and i believe god wants the very best
  • 00:01:37.279 --> 00:01:40.382
  • For us, but i also believe god gives us assignments that will
  • 00:01:40.382 --> 00:01:43.585
  • Take the very best we have, that will require determination,
  • 00:01:43.585 --> 00:01:46.889
  • Perseverance, that will require us to endure.
  • 00:01:46.889 --> 00:01:50.459
  • And that's not always fun.
  • 00:01:50.459 --> 00:01:51.960
  • If we want god's best in our life and we wanna lay up
  • 00:01:51.960 --> 00:01:54.429
  • Treasure in heaven, i believe we're gonna have to do--learn to
  • 00:01:54.429 --> 00:01:57.299
  • Do difficult as a part of the kingdom of god.
  • 00:01:57.299 --> 00:02:00.035
  • Enjoy the lesson.
  • 00:02:00.035 --> 00:02:02.304
  • Allen: i want to continue a theme we began in the previous
  • 00:02:02.371 --> 00:02:05.140
  • Couple of sessions using a conjunction, two little words
  • 00:02:05.140 --> 00:02:10.045
  • "let us."
  • 00:02:10.045 --> 00:02:12.581
  • There's a fun bible study.
  • 00:02:12.581 --> 00:02:13.949
  • If you want to do a little extracurricular reading, do all
  • 00:02:13.949 --> 00:02:15.717
  • The "let us" statements in the book of hebrews.
  • 00:02:15.717 --> 00:02:18.854
  • It's a corporate call to action.
  • 00:02:18.854 --> 00:02:21.990
  • And we looked at a handful of them together in some
  • 00:02:21.990 --> 00:02:24.660
  • Previous sessions.
  • 00:02:24.660 --> 00:02:25.994
  • But i want to take that idea forward with a little
  • 00:02:25.994 --> 00:02:28.330
  • Different direction.
  • 00:02:28.330 --> 00:02:29.698
  • And i want to spend a few sessions talking to you about
  • 00:02:29.698 --> 00:02:31.667
  • "let's do difficult."
  • 00:02:31.667 --> 00:02:35.571
  • Thank you for that overwhelming response.
  • 00:02:35.571 --> 00:02:38.574
  • I can tell you're excited.
  • 00:02:38.574 --> 00:02:41.376
  • You know.
  • 00:02:41.376 --> 00:02:45.614
  • I'll take it.
  • 00:02:45.614 --> 00:02:46.949
  • Let's go.
  • 00:02:46.949 --> 00:02:49.117
  • Preach it, pastor.
  • 00:02:49.117 --> 00:02:50.485
  • If they're not here to say it, i'll just do it for myself.
  • 00:02:50.485 --> 00:02:53.689
  • I like the navy seals motto, not that i had the ability to be
  • 00:02:53.689 --> 00:02:57.859
  • One, but i enjoy it when i see it in others.
  • 00:02:57.859 --> 00:03:00.028
  • It said "the only easy day was yesterday," and it feels to me
  • 00:03:00.028 --> 00:03:04.199
  • That we have an addiction to easy.
  • 00:03:04.199 --> 00:03:06.868
  • There was a whole marketing campaign not too many years ago
  • 00:03:06.868 --> 00:03:09.171
  • Where a major nationwide chains, the campaign was they had
  • 00:03:09.171 --> 00:03:12.975
  • An easy button for you.
  • 00:03:12.975 --> 00:03:14.543
  • Everything was easy.
  • 00:03:14.543 --> 00:03:15.911
  • Shop at our store, it's easy.
  • 00:03:15.911 --> 00:03:19.047
  • And i think we're addicted to easy.
  • 00:03:19.047 --> 00:03:21.917
  • And i think it's just as true in the church that it is outside
  • 00:03:21.917 --> 00:03:24.620
  • Of the church.
  • 00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:25.954
  • And i have an announcement for you.
  • 00:03:25.954 --> 00:03:27.589
  • Between where we are and excellence, we're gonna have to
  • 00:03:27.589 --> 00:03:29.758
  • Get over it being easy.
  • 00:03:29.758 --> 00:03:32.094
  • Difficult is the difference between mediocre and excellence.
  • 00:03:32.094 --> 00:03:37.065
  • And i don't wanna offer to the lord something that's mediocre.
  • 00:03:37.065 --> 00:03:40.636
  • I don't want my discipleship journey being described
  • 00:03:40.636 --> 00:03:42.904
  • That way.
  • 00:03:42.904 --> 00:03:44.239
  • I don't want my commitment to god being described that way.
  • 00:03:44.239 --> 00:03:46.141
  • I don't want to be presumptuous or arrogant or any of those
  • 00:03:46.141 --> 00:03:49.578
  • Things, self righteous, and that's going to require us
  • 00:03:49.578 --> 00:03:52.948
  • To have a change of attitude, folks.
  • 00:03:52.948 --> 00:03:54.349
  • We're presiding, our generation, actually, several generations
  • 00:03:54.349 --> 00:03:59.087
  • Of us now, it's not just mine.
  • 00:03:59.087 --> 00:04:00.589
  • You know, it's much easier for the younger people to point at
  • 00:04:00.589 --> 00:04:02.891
  • The older people and go, "it's your fault."
  • 00:04:02.891 --> 00:04:05.027
  • So make it better.
  • 00:04:05.027 --> 00:04:11.266
  • If the younger people look at the old people and say,
  • 00:04:11.266 --> 00:04:13.135
  • "you've made us ungodly," then you be godly.
  • 00:04:13.135 --> 00:04:16.271
  • Let your righteousness rain down in such a way that it brings
  • 00:04:16.271 --> 00:04:18.740
  • Conviction to the people who are ahead of you.
  • 00:04:18.740 --> 00:04:21.043
  • I can speak to my generation, folks.
  • 00:04:21.043 --> 00:04:22.678
  • We've presided over the most precipitous decline of christian
  • 00:04:22.678 --> 00:04:25.714
  • Influence in the history of the church.
  • 00:04:25.714 --> 00:04:28.650
  • That's our story at the moment.
  • 00:04:28.650 --> 00:04:29.985
  • Now, i'm not content with that.
  • 00:04:29.985 --> 00:04:33.322
  • There's--it's foolish to point at big churches and go, "look at
  • 00:04:33.322 --> 00:04:35.490
  • What we did."
  • 00:04:35.490 --> 00:04:36.825
  • The percentage of people in this community going to church is the
  • 00:04:36.825 --> 00:04:38.527
  • Smallest it's ever been.
  • 00:04:38.527 --> 00:04:39.861
  • There's no place for them.
  • 00:04:39.861 --> 00:04:42.264
  • Look at the neighborhoods we've built, the apartments we've
  • 00:04:42.264 --> 00:04:44.366
  • Built, the grocery stores we've built, the schools
  • 00:04:44.366 --> 00:04:46.435
  • We have built.
  • 00:04:46.435 --> 00:04:47.769
  • We haven't even become close to keeping up with church
  • 00:04:47.769 --> 00:04:49.705
  • Construction, not even remotely so.
  • 00:04:49.705 --> 00:04:53.809
  • The influence of the church is in decline, and we wanna point
  • 00:04:53.809 --> 00:04:57.446
  • At politicians or global changes or post modernity or some
  • 00:04:57.446 --> 00:05:02.517
  • Knucklehead that says we're a post-christian whatever.
  • 00:05:02.517 --> 00:05:04.853
  • Stop it.
  • 00:05:04.853 --> 00:05:06.188
  • God hasn't relinquished his interest in humanity.
  • 00:05:06.188 --> 00:05:09.157
  • So what are we going to say?
  • 00:05:09.157 --> 00:05:11.827
  • Are we gonna continue to surrender?
  • 00:05:11.827 --> 00:05:14.696
  • Will we be like the british prime minister while the nazis
  • 00:05:14.696 --> 00:05:17.199
  • Were occupying more and more of europe?
  • 00:05:17.199 --> 00:05:19.601
  • He boldly announced peace in his time so he could look away from
  • 00:05:19.601 --> 00:05:25.207
  • What was happening on the continent.
  • 00:05:25.207 --> 00:05:28.677
  • Or will we have the courage to engage?
  • 00:05:28.677 --> 00:05:31.646
  • Well, i want to spend a few sessions talking to you about
  • 00:05:31.646 --> 00:05:33.882
  • What i think biblically we're called to do now, and it's gonna
  • 00:05:33.882 --> 00:05:39.554
  • Have the--it's going to be an invitation that we're going to
  • 00:05:39.554 --> 00:05:42.057
  • Look at from a variety of ways.
  • 00:05:42.057 --> 00:05:43.525
  • It's not just doing things that are uncomfortable or awkward
  • 00:05:43.525 --> 00:05:48.029
  • Or we would rather not do.
  • 00:05:48.029 --> 00:05:49.364
  • It's recognizing the difficulties.
  • 00:05:49.364 --> 00:05:51.066
  • The difference between being pregnant with possibility and
  • 00:05:51.066 --> 00:05:53.735
  • Celebrating a new life is doing something difficult.
  • 00:05:53.735 --> 00:05:58.340
  • You don't get that new life without difficult.
  • 00:05:58.340 --> 00:06:02.744
  • And then the church has waffled on this.
  • 00:06:02.744 --> 00:06:05.514
  • We've been waiting for somebody else to do it.
  • 00:06:05.514 --> 00:06:07.215
  • We're in an election cycle again, and we, as like
  • 00:06:07.215 --> 00:06:09.951
  • Idolaters, we think some politicians are gonna fix us.
  • 00:06:09.951 --> 00:06:12.754
  • That's the wrong idea.
  • 00:06:12.754 --> 00:06:14.790
  • I saw steve jobs quote that i liked a lot.
  • 00:06:14.790 --> 00:06:16.958
  • I don't quote steve jobs a lot, but he said, "if you really look
  • 00:06:16.958 --> 00:06:20.662
  • Closely, most overnight successes took a long time."
  • 00:06:20.662 --> 00:06:25.000
  • I believe that's true.
  • 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:26.334
  • We want god to fix our problems.
  • 00:06:26.334 --> 00:06:28.170
  • We want one of those instantaneous red sea
  • 00:06:28.170 --> 00:06:30.005
  • Parting things.
  • 00:06:30.005 --> 00:06:32.240
  • But the preamble for the parting of the red sea was about
  • 00:06:32.240 --> 00:06:34.576
  • 400 years long.
  • 00:06:34.576 --> 00:06:37.746
  • There were a lot of--there was a lot of harsh days of labor at
  • 00:06:37.746 --> 00:06:42.784
  • The end of the whip.
  • 00:06:42.784 --> 00:06:46.521
  • There was a baby being set adrift in a basket.
  • 00:06:46.521 --> 00:06:50.559
  • There was the murder of an egyptian by an overzealous
  • 00:06:50.559 --> 00:06:53.428
  • Hebrew who had grown up in pharaoh's palace.
  • 00:06:53.428 --> 00:06:55.597
  • There's a lot of years on the backside of the desert feeling
  • 00:06:55.597 --> 00:06:57.999
  • Like a failure, filled with rejection.
  • 00:06:57.999 --> 00:07:00.335
  • There's a lot of things that happened before that
  • 00:07:00.335 --> 00:07:02.204
  • Red sea parted.
  • 00:07:02.204 --> 00:07:03.872
  • And that example is true in almost every one of our lives.
  • 00:07:03.872 --> 00:07:07.142
  • If you look carefully and you know the rest of the story,
  • 00:07:07.142 --> 00:07:09.478
  • Overnight successes take a long time.
  • 00:07:09.478 --> 00:07:12.347
  • Are we willing to put in what's necessary so that the
  • 00:07:12.347 --> 00:07:15.417
  • Generations who come behind us will know freedom and liberty
  • 00:07:15.417 --> 00:07:18.787
  • And faith in ways that we haven't known?
  • 00:07:18.787 --> 00:07:20.989
  • It's a very important question, and i wanna explore it with you.
  • 00:07:20.989 --> 00:07:27.028
  • And i think biblically there's some things perhaps
  • 00:07:27.028 --> 00:07:31.299
  • We've overlooked.
  • 00:07:31.299 --> 00:07:32.634
  • I want to just start with mark.
  • 00:07:32.634 --> 00:07:34.002
  • We're reading mark's gospel right now.
  • 00:07:34.002 --> 00:07:35.337
  • If you're doing the bible reading with us, and i hope
  • 00:07:35.337 --> 00:07:36.805
  • You are, we're in mark.
  • 00:07:36.805 --> 00:07:38.139
  • And so the majority of the text i have pulled tonight, i've just
  • 00:07:38.139 --> 00:07:41.610
  • Taken out of our reading.
  • 00:07:41.610 --> 00:07:42.944
  • I thought it might add a little momentum to what you're doing.
  • 00:07:42.944 --> 00:07:44.579
  • But in mark 10, mark is the oldest of the gospels.
  • 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:48.950
  • Most scholars agree that it was written before matthew, luke,
  • 00:07:48.950 --> 00:07:52.254
  • Or john, that matthew and luke certainly would have had
  • 00:07:52.254 --> 00:07:56.124
  • Access to it.
  • 00:07:56.124 --> 00:07:58.360
  • Says, "they were on their way up to jerusalem," this is jesus and
  • 00:07:58.360 --> 00:08:00.862
  • His disciples and the group that travels with them, "with jesus
  • 00:08:00.862 --> 00:08:04.032
  • Leading the way, the disciples were astonished, while those who
  • 00:08:04.032 --> 00:08:08.403
  • Followed were afraid.
  • 00:08:08.403 --> 00:08:10.739
  • And again," meaning he's done this more than once, this is
  • 00:08:10.739 --> 00:08:13.875
  • Repetitious, "again jesus took the twelve aside and he told him
  • 00:08:13.875 --> 00:08:17.212
  • What was going to happen to him.
  • 00:08:17.212 --> 00:08:18.647
  • 'we're going up to jerusalem,' he said, 'and the son of man
  • 00:08:18.647 --> 00:08:21.049
  • Will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of
  • 00:08:21.049 --> 00:08:23.151
  • The law.
  • 00:08:23.151 --> 00:08:24.519
  • They'll condemn him to death and they'll hand him over to the
  • 00:08:24.519 --> 00:08:26.454
  • Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him, and
  • 00:08:26.454 --> 00:08:29.558
  • Kill him.
  • 00:08:29.558 --> 00:08:31.593
  • Three days later, he'll rise.'"
  • 00:08:31.593 --> 00:08:34.796
  • Jesus is leading the way to jerusalem.
  • 00:08:34.796 --> 00:08:37.332
  • This is his last trip, at least on this section of his entry
  • 00:08:37.332 --> 00:08:42.704
  • Into time.
  • 00:08:42.704 --> 00:08:45.473
  • And those that are going with him, his closest friends, can't
  • 00:08:45.473 --> 00:08:47.509
  • Believe he's going back to jerusalem.
  • 00:08:47.509 --> 00:08:48.910
  • He's narrowly escaped the last time he was there.
  • 00:08:48.910 --> 00:08:52.480
  • That's the power center.
  • 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:53.949
  • The ones who hate him the most have all the power in the city
  • 00:08:53.949 --> 00:08:56.952
  • Of jerusalem.
  • 00:08:56.952 --> 00:08:58.320
  • They--and they have declared publicly and privately their
  • 00:08:58.320 --> 00:09:00.555
  • Intent to destroy jesus, and yet he's going back, but he's not
  • 00:09:00.555 --> 00:09:04.926
  • Only going back, he's leading the way.
  • 00:09:04.926 --> 00:09:06.561
  • He's leading the parade.
  • 00:09:06.561 --> 00:09:08.697
  • So his closest friends, they just can't believe it.
  • 00:09:08.697 --> 00:09:10.465
  • Can you believe he's going again?
  • 00:09:10.465 --> 00:09:12.200
  • We gotta go with him but they're gonna--what are we gonna do?
  • 00:09:12.200 --> 00:09:16.671
  • And those that are following, but a little further out in
  • 00:09:16.671 --> 00:09:19.808
  • The--from the epicenter of that group, they're just afraid.
  • 00:09:19.808 --> 00:09:23.378
  • Mark just says that the rest of them who were following were
  • 00:09:23.378 --> 00:09:25.614
  • Just flat out afraid.
  • 00:09:25.614 --> 00:09:28.116
  • What's gonna happen?
  • 00:09:28.116 --> 00:09:29.451
  • Are you prepared for the people that knew jesus the best, that
  • 00:09:29.451 --> 00:09:32.787
  • Ate with him, walked with him, helped him do miracles, were in
  • 00:09:32.787 --> 00:09:35.590
  • The boat when he walked on--all the stuff.
  • 00:09:35.590 --> 00:09:38.493
  • They're frightened with jesus next to them.
  • 00:09:38.493 --> 00:09:44.833
  • And it says jesus then repeated to them what he's already told
  • 00:09:44.833 --> 00:09:49.004
  • Them, "when we get to jerusalem, i'm gonna be betrayed.
  • 00:09:49.004 --> 00:09:54.709
  • And the religious leaders, the people you would expect to be
  • 00:09:54.709 --> 00:09:57.212
  • Our allies and our advocates, they're gonna condemn me
  • 00:09:57.212 --> 00:10:00.582
  • To death.
  • 00:10:00.582 --> 00:10:02.417
  • They're gonna hand me over to the gentiles.”
  • 00:10:02.417 --> 00:10:05.987
  • There's very few things you could say that would be
  • 00:10:05.987 --> 00:10:08.790
  • More distressing to somebody in the jewish community than "we're
  • 00:10:08.790 --> 00:10:10.959
  • Gonna hand you over to the non-jews."
  • 00:10:10.959 --> 00:10:14.529
  • We're gonna hand you over to somebody that has no concern
  • 00:10:14.529 --> 00:10:17.198
  • Whatsoever for your traditions, no respect for what you say
  • 00:10:17.198 --> 00:10:21.036
  • You believe.
  • 00:10:21.036 --> 00:10:23.104
  • We're gonna abandon you.
  • 00:10:23.104 --> 00:10:25.974
  • It's very difficult for us to imagine the magnitude of
  • 00:10:25.974 --> 00:10:30.512
  • That statement.
  • 00:10:30.512 --> 00:10:31.880
  • "they're gonna hand me over to the gentiles, and they'll mock
  • 00:10:31.880 --> 00:10:34.449
  • Me, spit on me.
  • 00:10:34.449 --> 00:10:37.819
  • They'll flog me," it's an old english word.
  • 00:10:37.819 --> 00:10:39.454
  • "they're gonna beat me, and they'll kill me."
  • 00:10:39.454 --> 00:10:45.193
  • The followers are afraid.
  • 00:10:45.193 --> 00:10:46.528
  • The disciples are astonished that jesus is thinking about it.
  • 00:10:46.528 --> 00:10:49.831
  • Jesus is fully aware of what awaits him in jerusalem.
  • 00:10:49.831 --> 00:10:52.634
  • He's told his friends repeatedly.
  • 00:10:52.634 --> 00:10:55.003
  • He's trying to tell them.
  • 00:10:55.003 --> 00:10:56.371
  • They can't believe it.
  • 00:10:56.371 --> 00:10:57.706
  • They can't hear him.
  • 00:10:57.706 --> 00:10:59.174
  • In a very different way, but in a very similar way, we're
  • 00:10:59.174 --> 00:11:02.043
  • Struggling with that these days.
  • 00:11:02.043 --> 00:11:03.378
  • We're watching things happen that, even though when they're
  • 00:11:03.378 --> 00:11:06.147
  • Acknowledged before us, they're verified, they're fact-checked,
  • 00:11:06.147 --> 00:11:10.585
  • It's difficult to believe.
  • 00:11:10.585 --> 00:11:12.687
  • It's difficult to believe that our government is currently
  • 00:11:12.687 --> 00:11:15.223
  • Monitoring people who purchase bibles, but they are.
  • 00:11:15.223 --> 00:11:22.464
  • That's wrong.
  • 00:11:22.464 --> 00:11:23.832
  • No kidding!
  • 00:11:23.832 --> 00:11:27.068
  • No kidding.
  • 00:11:27.068 --> 00:11:29.270
  • They're brazenly saying we're the greatest threat to the
  • 00:11:29.270 --> 00:11:31.773
  • Freedom and the liberty of this nation.
  • 00:11:31.773 --> 00:11:35.276
  • It's hard to process.
  • 00:11:35.276 --> 00:11:36.644
  • You think, "oh, it couldn't be.
  • 00:11:36.644 --> 00:11:39.013
  • You're being po”-- i'm not being political at all.
  • 00:11:39.013 --> 00:11:40.949
  • I'm just observing what's being reported.
  • 00:11:40.949 --> 00:11:49.357
  • We're watching things which are difficult to believe.
  • 00:11:49.357 --> 00:11:52.961
  • Is it safe to say that that passage we just read from mark
  • 00:11:52.961 --> 00:11:55.430
  • Is not an easy assignment?
  • 00:11:55.430 --> 00:11:58.099
  • To be betrayed.
  • 00:11:58.099 --> 00:12:00.502
  • You'll be scourged.
  • 00:12:00.502 --> 00:12:02.771
  • You'll be spit upon.
  • 00:12:02.771 --> 00:12:05.306
  • They're gonna torture you to death.
  • 00:12:05.306 --> 00:12:08.176
  • I'm not overstating that, right?
  • 00:12:08.176 --> 00:12:09.577
  • Is that difficult?
  • 00:12:09.577 --> 00:12:13.982
  • Allen: hey we have a tool that i think will help you
  • 00:12:18.019 --> 00:12:19.721
  • Overcome some of the chaos in the world
  • 00:12:19.721 --> 00:12:21.456
  • And stay focused on the good things that god is doing.
  • 00:12:21.456 --> 00:12:24.893
  • It's called, "awaken us."
  • 00:12:24.893 --> 00:12:26.327
  • It's a 30 day plan.
  • 00:12:26.327 --> 00:12:28.229
  • Each day's got a scripture, a little devotional,
  • 00:12:28.229 --> 00:12:30.865
  • A prayer that goes with a specific topic
  • 00:12:30.865 --> 00:12:33.368
  • To awaken us to god's promise and provision in this season.
  • 00:12:33.368 --> 00:12:38.406
  • God's moving in the earth, i wanna move with him.
  • 00:12:38.406 --> 00:12:40.875
  • And i believe this tool will help you be prepared
  • 00:12:40.875 --> 00:12:43.511
  • To capitalize on god's invitations in your life.
  • 00:12:43.511 --> 00:12:47.348
  • Female announcer: "awaken us" delivers 30 days
  • 00:12:47.415 --> 00:12:49.284
  • Of prayer, scripture and insight from pastor allen
  • 00:12:49.284 --> 00:12:52.320
  • On relevant topics.
  • 00:12:52.320 --> 00:12:53.988
  • Each day is designed to sharpen your focus
  • 00:12:53.988 --> 00:12:56.257
  • As you ask god to show you his heart
  • 00:12:56.257 --> 00:12:58.426
  • And his truth in a new way.
  • 00:12:58.426 --> 00:13:00.695
  • With the holy spirit's help, this book will awaken you
  • 00:13:00.695 --> 00:13:03.565
  • To the impact your life has on the world
  • 00:13:03.565 --> 00:13:05.800
  • And those around you.
  • 00:13:05.800 --> 00:13:07.368
  • Start your journey today by requesting "awaken us,"
  • 00:13:07.368 --> 00:13:10.004
  • When you donate any amount at allenjackson.com
  • 00:13:10.004 --> 00:13:13.174
  • Or by calling ...
  • 00:13:13.174 --> 00:13:17.912
  • Allen: what i wanna begin in this session and i'm gonna
  • 00:13:17.979 --> 00:13:20.248
  • Repeat it and we'll approach it from several different vantage
  • 00:13:20.248 --> 00:13:23.184
  • Points but is a perspective on our faith that is discussed
  • 00:13:23.184 --> 00:13:26.554
  • Less frequently.
  • 00:13:26.554 --> 00:13:28.790
  • It's not the most common title in the christian bookstores.
  • 00:13:28.790 --> 00:13:32.493
  • If you go scan contemporary sermons on youtube,
  • 00:13:32.493 --> 00:13:36.164
  • This probably won't be in the top ten list.
  • 00:13:36.164 --> 00:13:38.967
  • For clarity's sake, i'm not introducing something new, not
  • 00:13:38.967 --> 00:13:44.539
  • Something that's been previously hidden, hasn't been considered.
  • 00:13:44.539 --> 00:13:49.777
  • There's no new gospel here.
  • 00:13:49.777 --> 00:13:51.112
  • Nothing like that.
  • 00:13:51.112 --> 00:13:52.480
  • In fact, it's old news.
  • 00:13:52.480 --> 00:13:54.515
  • What i would like to do is turn the light on in the room of our
  • 00:13:54.515 --> 00:13:57.685
  • Greatest accomplishments.
  • 00:13:57.685 --> 00:13:59.587
  • I'm gonna remind you some of the most heroic stories that are
  • 00:13:59.587 --> 00:14:02.724
  • A part of our story, our most unexpected triumphs.
  • 00:14:02.724 --> 00:14:08.296
  • However, with the help of the holy spirit, i want to help
  • 00:14:08.296 --> 00:14:10.465
  • Focus our attention not on the end result but on the things
  • 00:14:10.465 --> 00:14:13.868
  • Which preceded that wonderful moment, that wonderful moment
  • 00:14:13.868 --> 00:14:17.472
  • When the enemy was vanquished, when the threat has been
  • 00:14:17.472 --> 00:14:20.441
  • Eliminated, when the fear has been routed and helplessness
  • 00:14:20.441 --> 00:14:23.711
  • Is dissipated.
  • 00:14:23.711 --> 00:14:25.546
  • Our bible is filled with those.
  • 00:14:25.546 --> 00:14:26.881
  • We can have testimonies in this place, almost in an unending
  • 00:14:26.881 --> 00:14:31.419
  • Stream of times and places where god has intervened.
  • 00:14:31.419 --> 00:14:36.491
  • I want to do that because, quite candidly, i believe that we have
  • 00:14:36.491 --> 00:14:39.394
  • Lived for too long on the sacrifices of others, the effort
  • 00:14:39.394 --> 00:14:44.198
  • Of love that has been borne by our predecessors.
  • 00:14:44.198 --> 00:14:47.669
  • Too much of our success has been birthed by the labor pains
  • 00:14:47.669 --> 00:14:50.605
  • Of others.
  • 00:14:50.605 --> 00:14:53.041
  • We have a great deal, a great deal of freedom and a great deal
  • 00:14:53.041 --> 00:14:55.710
  • Of liberty and a great deal of access to the word of god.
  • 00:14:55.710 --> 00:14:58.546
  • And we have churches, particularly in the part of
  • 00:14:58.546 --> 00:15:00.548
  • The world where we live, in abundance and options
  • 00:15:00.548 --> 00:15:03.618
  • And opportunities.
  • 00:15:03.618 --> 00:15:04.986
  • It's a wonderful thing.
  • 00:15:04.986 --> 00:15:07.789
  • But very candidly, we have not sacrificed greatly nor suffered
  • 00:15:07.789 --> 00:15:11.092
  • Deeply to have those things, the overwhelming majority of us.
  • 00:15:11.092 --> 00:15:15.897
  • We live in comfortable homes, often with kitchens and
  • 00:15:15.897 --> 00:15:18.833
  • Bathrooms that are large enough to be efficiency apartments in
  • 00:15:18.833 --> 00:15:21.602
  • Most places in the world.
  • 00:15:21.602 --> 00:15:23.805
  • We have access to global communications tools,
  • 00:15:23.805 --> 00:15:26.407
  • Which were once reserved for leaders of nations.
  • 00:15:26.407 --> 00:15:29.310
  • We expect to travel frequently and to accumulate experiences
  • 00:15:29.310 --> 00:15:35.216
  • For ourselves and for our children.
  • 00:15:35.216 --> 00:15:38.753
  • For many years now, interest rates were low, energy was
  • 00:15:38.753 --> 00:15:43.157
  • Abundant, opportunities were frequent.
  • 00:15:43.157 --> 00:15:45.093
  • Good character has not been required for quite a season.
  • 00:15:45.093 --> 00:15:49.430
  • Moral boundaries or limits, they have been for deconstructing.
  • 00:15:49.430 --> 00:15:54.802
  • We have been told so frequently.
  • 00:15:54.802 --> 00:15:56.604
  • We expect it.
  • 00:15:56.604 --> 00:15:57.939
  • We've heard it so often.
  • 00:15:57.939 --> 00:15:59.307
  • It's been ingrained in us: we are amazing.
  • 00:15:59.307 --> 00:16:02.543
  • There are no limits.
  • 00:16:02.543 --> 00:16:03.878
  • We can do anything we want to do.
  • 00:16:03.878 --> 00:16:07.682
  • And we've heard it as much in the church as any place else.
  • 00:16:07.682 --> 00:16:12.587
  • And we believe we deserve all of these things and more.
  • 00:16:12.587 --> 00:16:17.859
  • We deserve more.
  • 00:16:17.859 --> 00:16:19.193
  • You should find more words and more language to tell me how
  • 00:16:19.193 --> 00:16:21.362
  • Remarkable i am and what i should expect someone
  • 00:16:21.362 --> 00:16:23.564
  • To give me.
  • 00:16:23.564 --> 00:16:26.868
  • Well, spoiler alert, we need to consider more than the
  • 00:16:26.868 --> 00:16:30.171
  • Advertisements of greatness and self-satisfaction.
  • 00:16:30.171 --> 00:16:34.308
  • Let's pause for just a moment for a bit of adjustment on some
  • 00:16:34.308 --> 00:16:39.113
  • Situational awareness.
  • 00:16:39.113 --> 00:16:40.915
  • Where are we really?
  • 00:16:40.915 --> 00:16:43.251
  • And what's happening?
  • 00:16:43.251 --> 00:16:45.520
  • A glance at our personal communicational tools and turn
  • 00:16:45.520 --> 00:16:51.025
  • Our focus to our location finders.
  • 00:16:51.025 --> 00:16:52.827
  • Can we do that?
  • 00:16:52.827 --> 00:16:55.797
  • I'm sure i'm not the most adept with my phones or my pads
  • 00:16:55.797 --> 00:17:00.068
  • Or my computers.
  • 00:17:00.068 --> 00:17:01.436
  • There are those of you in the room far ahead of me.
  • 00:17:01.436 --> 00:17:04.806
  • But i get those constant queries, you know.
  • 00:17:04.806 --> 00:17:06.340
  • Turn on your location.
  • 00:17:06.340 --> 00:17:08.743
  • Go to your settings and adjust this because if the devices
  • 00:17:08.743 --> 00:17:12.413
  • Don't know where you are, they're not gonna give you
  • 00:17:12.413 --> 00:17:14.015
  • Any direction.
  • 00:17:14.015 --> 00:17:16.350
  • And you can glance at all kinds of facts and all kinds of
  • 00:17:16.350 --> 00:17:18.786
  • Information, but until you know where you are, you have no--you
  • 00:17:18.786 --> 00:17:22.190
  • Have no perspective, no adjustment to make in relation
  • 00:17:22.190 --> 00:17:25.393
  • To everything else.
  • 00:17:25.393 --> 00:17:26.761
  • Well, in the christian church, we've been busy gathering
  • 00:17:26.761 --> 00:17:28.396
  • Information, and we can spout facts and quote verses and say
  • 00:17:28.396 --> 00:17:31.833
  • What we know and what we believe.
  • 00:17:31.833 --> 00:17:33.301
  • But until we understand where we are, and that takes a bit of the
  • 00:17:33.301 --> 00:17:37.572
  • Holy spirit's help, i believe he has to awaken us from the
  • 00:17:37.572 --> 00:17:41.442
  • Slumber of self-centeredness.
  • 00:17:41.442 --> 00:17:45.813
  • But i believe he's willing to do that if we'll raise our hands.
  • 00:17:45.813 --> 00:17:50.184
  • It's what jesus was doing with the disciples.
  • 00:17:50.184 --> 00:17:51.919
  • We're going to jerusalem.
  • 00:17:51.919 --> 00:17:53.254
  • Duh, we can't believe you're going to jerusalem.
  • 00:17:53.254 --> 00:17:56.958
  • And when we get there, bad things are going to--that's
  • 00:17:56.958 --> 00:17:58.993
  • Why we're afraid!
  • 00:17:58.993 --> 00:18:02.096
  • But then he spelled it out to them in detail, and they were
  • 00:18:02.096 --> 00:18:04.432
  • Going, "uh, i don't hear him," because when those things
  • 00:18:04.432 --> 00:18:09.237
  • Started happening, they were completely unprepared, caught
  • 00:18:09.237 --> 00:18:11.639
  • Totally off guard.
  • 00:18:11.639 --> 00:18:13.007
  • If we had known this was gonna happen.
  • 00:18:13.007 --> 00:18:15.843
  • I've been telling you for months.
  • 00:18:15.843 --> 00:18:18.946
  • A little situational awareness is helpful.
  • 00:18:18.946 --> 00:18:21.182
  • There's some things you should know.
  • 00:18:21.182 --> 00:18:23.084
  • They're not necessarily good things.
  • 00:18:23.084 --> 00:18:25.219
  • They're not necessarily bad things.
  • 00:18:25.219 --> 00:18:26.554
  • They just describe the world we live in right now in our nation
  • 00:18:26.554 --> 00:18:29.190
  • As a people.
  • 00:18:29.190 --> 00:18:30.558
  • As citizens of this nation, if you have passports, we are
  • 00:18:30.558 --> 00:18:34.362
  • Currently more than $34 trillion in debt, and that's one of the
  • 00:18:34.362 --> 00:18:37.198
  • Lowest possible numbers.
  • 00:18:37.198 --> 00:18:39.100
  • It could easily be three times that.
  • 00:18:39.100 --> 00:18:42.937
  • That's an almost unimaginable amount of money.
  • 00:18:42.937 --> 00:18:47.074
  • Now, i understand we don't really care.
  • 00:18:47.074 --> 00:18:50.411
  • I get it, folks.
  • 00:18:50.411 --> 00:18:51.746
  • If we don't care, it doesn't matter to us because we don't
  • 00:18:51.746 --> 00:18:55.483
  • Intend to pay it back.
  • 00:18:55.483 --> 00:18:58.319
  • Because we've now become a people who don't think we have
  • 00:18:58.319 --> 00:19:00.555
  • To pay our debts.
  • 00:19:00.555 --> 00:19:02.957
  • Well, i was tricked into it.
  • 00:19:02.957 --> 00:19:05.259
  • I didn't understand what i signed.
  • 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:08.162
  • Well, i expected to make more money than i currently make.
  • 00:19:08.162 --> 00:19:10.831
  • Therefore, i don't want to pay it.
  • 00:19:10.831 --> 00:19:12.166
  • We got a whole litany of things.
  • 00:19:12.166 --> 00:19:13.568
  • But the fund--the reason $34 trillion does not unsettle us is
  • 00:19:13.568 --> 00:19:20.141
  • We don't think it's our responsibility.
  • 00:19:20.141 --> 00:19:25.813
  • This is not some fantasy we're living.
  • 00:19:25.813 --> 00:19:31.886
  • The global community is not filled with hugs and high fives.
  • 00:19:31.886 --> 00:19:40.061
  • A little perspective on what a trillion dollar is.
  • 00:19:40.061 --> 00:19:43.864
  • A million seconds is was about 12 days, a billion seconds
  • 00:19:43.864 --> 00:19:53.741
  • About half a lifetime, somewhere like 32 years.
  • 00:19:53.741 --> 00:19:58.813
  • A trillion seconds is more than all of recorded history,
  • 00:19:58.813 --> 00:20:03.251
  • More than 32,000 years.
  • 00:20:03.251 --> 00:20:06.387
  • There's a big difference in a million and a trillion.
  • 00:20:06.387 --> 00:20:10.558
  • We are $34 trillion, the lowest possible evaluation,
  • 00:20:10.558 --> 00:20:17.231
  • Trillion dollars in debt.
  • 00:20:17.231 --> 00:20:19.867
  • Some people remember ross perot, a little business guy from
  • 00:20:19.867 --> 00:20:22.103
  • Texas, had kind of a squeaky voice and charts,
  • 00:20:22.103 --> 00:20:26.741
  • Before karl rove.
  • 00:20:26.741 --> 00:20:30.144
  • He talked to us about jobs leaving north america, leaving
  • 00:20:30.144 --> 00:20:33.080
  • The united states, and the perilous debt we'd--when ross
  • 00:20:33.080 --> 00:20:37.418
  • Perot was squeaking at us on television, our national debt
  • 00:20:37.418 --> 00:20:41.422
  • Was about a trillion dollars.
  • 00:20:41.422 --> 00:20:44.191
  • He'd stroke out. it's a problem.
  • 00:20:44.191 --> 00:20:49.130
  • If that window--if that glance through that window isn't of
  • 00:20:49.130 --> 00:20:51.332
  • Appeal to you, well, let's take a look at a different way.
  • 00:20:51.332 --> 00:20:53.734
  • We're having a struggle right now keeping pornographic
  • 00:20:53.734 --> 00:20:55.836
  • Material out of our schools.
  • 00:20:55.836 --> 00:20:59.206
  • We're having a hard time doing that in our own community.
  • 00:20:59.206 --> 00:21:01.442
  • Forget the larger cities or the places that you think are
  • 00:21:01.442 --> 00:21:03.811
  • The epicenters of evil.
  • 00:21:03.811 --> 00:21:05.313
  • We're having a hard time here.
  • 00:21:05.313 --> 00:21:06.647
  • And the language that's being used is, "i'm not
  • 00:21:06.647 --> 00:21:07.982
  • For banning books."
  • 00:21:07.982 --> 00:21:09.317
  • Duh. who is?
  • 00:21:09.317 --> 00:21:11.819
  • That's nothing to do with banning books.
  • 00:21:11.819 --> 00:21:13.521
  • It's a manipulation of language.
  • 00:21:13.521 --> 00:21:14.855
  • It's deceptive, and it's dishonest.
  • 00:21:14.855 --> 00:21:17.525
  • Pay attention.
  • 00:21:17.525 --> 00:21:19.427
  • Think.
  • 00:21:19.427 --> 00:21:21.662
  • What it is about is age-appropriate information.
  • 00:21:21.662 --> 00:21:24.632
  • We don't teach nine- and ten-year-olds to drive.
  • 00:21:24.632 --> 00:21:29.170
  • It's not because they won't be brilliant one day or highly
  • 00:21:29.170 --> 00:21:31.872
  • Coordinated, but they don't yet have either the emotional
  • 00:21:31.872 --> 00:21:34.342
  • Maturity or the physical dexterity to entrust the kind of
  • 00:21:34.342 --> 00:21:38.813
  • Decisions that are required to drive and maintain
  • 00:21:38.813 --> 00:21:41.682
  • Public safety.
  • 00:21:41.682 --> 00:21:43.551
  • It's not a lack of love for them.
  • 00:21:43.551 --> 00:21:45.152
  • It's not questioning their ability to mature into that.
  • 00:21:45.152 --> 00:21:47.621
  • We understand it's not age-appropriate.
  • 00:21:47.621 --> 00:21:49.957
  • You have to be 21 years old to buy alcohol.
  • 00:21:49.957 --> 00:21:54.328
  • And yet we're doing our best.
  • 00:21:54.328 --> 00:21:55.796
  • There are forces amongst us very determined, and i don't mean
  • 00:21:55.796 --> 00:21:59.233
  • Someplace else, in our own community, to sexualize seven-,
  • 00:21:59.233 --> 00:22:03.104
  • Eight-, nine-, and ten-year-olds.
  • 00:22:03.104 --> 00:22:08.676
  • And we don't like to think about that.
  • 00:22:08.676 --> 00:22:10.544
  • What can we do?
  • 00:22:10.544 --> 00:22:11.912
  • What should we do?
  • 00:22:11.912 --> 00:22:13.247
  • Well, you should talk to your friends about it.
  • 00:22:13.247 --> 00:22:14.582
  • You should be certain it doesn't happen in your schools.
  • 00:22:14.582 --> 00:22:16.450
  • You should know who's an advocate for that.
  • 00:22:16.450 --> 00:22:19.954
  • Just exactly why do you think that's a good idea?
  • 00:22:19.954 --> 00:22:22.289
  • I'm not for a book banning--doesn't have anything
  • 00:22:22.289 --> 00:22:23.624
  • To do with banning books.
  • 00:22:23.624 --> 00:22:25.760
  • Let's give nine-year-olds driver's licenses.
  • 00:22:25.760 --> 00:22:28.696
  • Let's give them all mastercards.
  • 00:22:28.696 --> 00:22:32.433
  • Well, they've already got yours.
  • 00:22:32.433 --> 00:22:33.768
  • I forgot.
  • 00:22:33.768 --> 00:22:35.136
  • I'm sorry.
  • 00:22:35.136 --> 00:22:36.470
  • Maybe the best window into this, the most startling, the most
  • 00:22:36.470 --> 00:22:38.038
  • Uncomfortable window into this is the jeffrey epstein debacle.
  • 00:22:38.038 --> 00:22:43.978
  • He and his friends are a rather uncomfortable reminder to the
  • 00:22:43.978 --> 00:22:46.814
  • Rest of us that presidents and princes and celebrities and
  • 00:22:46.814 --> 00:22:49.617
  • Musicians and thought leaders and hundreds of others that we
  • 00:22:49.617 --> 00:22:54.622
  • Have revered in the public square, we've celebrated them.
  • 00:22:54.622 --> 00:22:59.994
  • We've heaped honors upon them.
  • 00:22:59.994 --> 00:23:01.429
  • We've seen the kennedy center honor to them.
  • 00:23:01.429 --> 00:23:04.331
  • We've given them awards in hollywood.
  • 00:23:04.331 --> 00:23:06.400
  • We have held them up as the most revered people amongst us, and
  • 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:12.273
  • They've been leering at our children and teenagers with
  • 00:23:12.273 --> 00:23:14.708
  • Predatory glee.
  • 00:23:14.708 --> 00:23:17.211
  • This isn't imagination.
  • 00:23:17.211 --> 00:23:18.546
  • It's not some frivolous accusation.
  • 00:23:18.546 --> 00:23:22.583
  • It's our reality giving full expression to their
  • 00:23:22.583 --> 00:23:27.021
  • Perverted desires.
  • 00:23:27.021 --> 00:23:29.690
  • Now, the tragedy in that isn't their immoral, ungodly,
  • 00:23:29.690 --> 00:23:32.927
  • Perverse behavior.
  • 00:23:32.927 --> 00:23:34.261
  • The real tragedy in that is neither the media, nor law
  • 00:23:34.261 --> 00:23:36.864
  • Enforcement, nor the general public have seemed
  • 00:23:36.864 --> 00:23:39.233
  • Overly concerned.
  • 00:23:39.233 --> 00:23:45.606
  • That's what we see through the window.
  • 00:23:45.606 --> 00:23:49.543
  • Now, i'm of the opinion that the church is the front line of the
  • 00:23:49.543 --> 00:23:52.012
  • Future and that our choices regarding god, ourselves,
  • 00:23:52.012 --> 00:23:57.151
  • And obedience to him will determine the kind of future
  • 00:23:57.151 --> 00:23:59.720
  • That we experience.
  • 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:02.223
  • People of faith are a more accurate indicator of what is
  • 00:24:02.223 --> 00:24:05.059
  • Next than emerging defense spending, political elections,
  • 00:24:05.059 --> 00:24:09.630
  • Or leading economic indicators.
  • 00:24:09.630 --> 00:24:11.732
  • Now, i know i can be accused of some self-delusion because i'm
  • 00:24:11.732 --> 00:24:16.604
  • A professional christian and why wouldn't we believe that?
  • 00:24:16.604 --> 00:24:19.006
  • But the people of god understand, if you've read the
  • 00:24:19.006 --> 00:24:21.308
  • Book, you understand that those are all important components for
  • 00:24:21.308 --> 00:24:24.512
  • Understanding what is happening.
  • 00:24:24.512 --> 00:24:25.980
  • But almighty god is the one who directs the course of nations,
  • 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:29.783
  • And he responds to the conditions of the hearts
  • 00:24:29.783 --> 00:24:32.453
  • Of his people.
  • 00:24:32.453 --> 00:24:34.522
  • And if our hearts are right before him, there is no
  • 00:24:34.522 --> 00:24:36.824
  • Adversary that will overcome us, no economic problem that he
  • 00:24:36.824 --> 00:24:39.660
  • Won't shepherd us through.
  • 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:41.729
  • But if our hearts are turned away from him and we've plunged
  • 00:24:41.729 --> 00:24:45.032
  • Into ungodliness and indulgence and immorality and we're living
  • 00:24:45.032 --> 00:24:48.802
  • Presumptively and arrogantly, there is no defense or economic
  • 00:24:48.802 --> 00:24:51.972
  • Uptick that will protect us from his judgment.
  • 00:24:51.972 --> 00:24:57.578
  • We're the leading indicators.
  • 00:24:57.578 --> 00:25:00.948
  • I didn't come to give you that analysis today.
  • 00:25:00.948 --> 00:25:03.050
  • You can make your own.
  • 00:25:03.050 --> 00:25:05.085
  • What is the trend?
  • 00:25:05.085 --> 00:25:07.021
  • There were times in our nations where the most beautiful
  • 00:25:07.021 --> 00:25:08.989
  • Buildings in the cities were the churches are being constructed,
  • 00:25:08.989 --> 00:25:12.359
  • The tallest, the most expansive, the most elaborate.
  • 00:25:12.359 --> 00:25:16.030
  • I'm not arguing for more elaborate church buildings.
  • 00:25:16.030 --> 00:25:18.032
  • I'm simply saying there have been times and seasons in our
  • 00:25:18.032 --> 00:25:20.501
  • Own history when there was a very prominent public display of
  • 00:25:20.501 --> 00:25:25.639
  • The value we attach to our faith, and it seems to me that
  • 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:28.509
  • We've spent decades removing it from the public squares, from
  • 00:25:28.509 --> 00:25:32.546
  • Our universities, from our hospitals.
  • 00:25:32.546 --> 00:25:34.148
  • You can't take the name of jesus to our college campuses, but you
  • 00:25:34.148 --> 00:25:37.017
  • Can go demonstrate and be in favor of terrorists.
  • 00:25:37.017 --> 00:25:45.292
  • And we struggle to have the courage to say jesus belongs
  • 00:25:45.292 --> 00:25:47.962
  • In a corporate boardroom.
  • 00:25:47.962 --> 00:25:49.330
  • Allen: before we go, we want to pray.
  • 00:25:50.664 --> 00:25:52.800
  • Heavenly father, i pray you'll give us the boldness to stand
  • 00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:56.203
  • For you in the midst of this most significant season.
  • 00:25:56.203 --> 00:25:59.440
  • I thank you that through the blood of jesus, you have
  • 00:25:59.440 --> 00:26:01.442
  • Delivered us out of the hand of the enemy, that you've given us
  • 00:26:01.442 --> 00:26:04.678
  • Everything we need for life and godliness.
  • 00:26:04.678 --> 00:26:07.147
  • May we live in such a way that you're pleased with us and your
  • 00:26:07.147 --> 00:26:10.217
  • Purposes break forth in the earth, in jesus's name.
  • 00:26:10.217 --> 00:26:13.120
  • Amen.
  • 00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:15.055
  • Allen: you know, no matter what source of news you turn to, it's
  • 00:26:19.293 --> 00:26:22.763
  • Hard some days not to be overwhelmed with despair.
  • 00:26:22.763 --> 00:26:26.166
  • The deception, the conflict in the earth, the suffering that's
  • 00:26:26.166 --> 00:26:30.104
  • Taking place in so many places, the struggling church in our own
  • 00:26:30.104 --> 00:26:34.108
  • Nation, but there are reasons for hope.
  • 00:26:34.108 --> 00:26:36.477
  • God is moving in the most remarkable ways, but we need to
  • 00:26:36.477 --> 00:26:40.381
  • Have a plan, a method, even a tool to help us keep our
  • 00:26:40.381 --> 00:26:43.951
  • Thoughts and our hearts focused on god.
  • 00:26:43.951 --> 00:26:46.286
  • Well, i have a suggestion.
  • 00:26:46.286 --> 00:26:47.621
  • It's a little booklet we put together.
  • 00:26:47.621 --> 00:26:48.956
  • It's called, "awaken us." it's a 30-day plan.
  • 00:26:48.956 --> 00:26:51.291
  • It's built by topic each day with a scripture, a little
  • 00:26:51.291 --> 00:26:54.595
  • Devotional, and a prayer, topically directed to help focus
  • 00:26:54.595 --> 00:26:58.399
  • Our thoughts and awakening to god's invitation to us around
  • 00:26:58.399 --> 00:27:02.636
  • That specific theme.
  • 00:27:02.636 --> 00:27:04.338
  • We're awakened every day for the challenges of that day.
  • 00:27:04.338 --> 00:27:06.907
  • Well, let's ask the spirit of god to awaken us consistently to
  • 00:27:06.907 --> 00:27:10.811
  • What he would have us doing in this most unique season.
  • 00:27:10.811 --> 00:27:14.081
  • God is moving.
  • 00:27:14.081 --> 00:27:15.416
  • I wanna move with him, and i believe you do too, and
  • 00:27:15.416 --> 00:27:17.951
  • I believe "awaken us" will be a help.
  • 00:27:17.951 --> 00:27:27.394