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

Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 2)

July 4, 2025 | 28:35

Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Culture #Persecution #Challenges #WalkwithGod #Spirit #HolySpirit #Jesus

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Let's Do Difficult (Part 2) | July 4, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.317
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:00:02.485 --> 00:00:06.456
  • Allen jackson: and i know you know, but we're living in
  • 00:00:06.456 --> 00:00:08.158
  • A chaotic world, things are changing globally.
  • 00:00:08.158 --> 00:00:10.727
  • There's wars, there's threats of war, a lot of stuff happening.
  • 00:00:10.727 --> 00:00:15.198
  • But i wanna make a suggestion, don't focus on the negative,
  • 00:00:15.198 --> 00:00:18.068
  • Don't get caught up in the uncertainty.
  • 00:00:18.068 --> 00:00:20.703
  • That'll bring fear and anxiety and worry.
  • 00:00:20.703 --> 00:00:23.673
  • It's not helpful.
  • 00:00:23.673 --> 00:00:25.008
  • Let's determine to focus our attention on the lord.
  • 00:00:25.008 --> 00:00:28.044
  • We've created a tool that i believe will make a difference.
  • 00:00:28.044 --> 00:00:30.313
  • It's called, "awaken us."
  • 00:00:30.313 --> 00:00:31.948
  • It's a 30 day plan.
  • 00:00:31.948 --> 00:00:33.716
  • Each day is directed at a different topic
  • 00:00:33.716 --> 00:00:36.119
  • That's a part of our current world.
  • 00:00:36.119 --> 00:00:38.254
  • It gives us a verse of scripture, a little devotional
  • 00:00:38.254 --> 00:00:40.256
  • Around that topic.
  • 00:00:40.256 --> 00:00:41.591
  • And then a prayer for that specific thing.
  • 00:00:41.591 --> 00:00:43.960
  • The idea is we're gonna give the holy spirit an invitation
  • 00:00:43.960 --> 00:00:47.163
  • To awaken us to a new place of faith.
  • 00:00:47.163 --> 00:00:50.600
  • You know, we need an awakening in the midst
  • 00:00:50.600 --> 00:00:52.635
  • Of the people of god.
  • 00:00:52.635 --> 00:00:53.970
  • And we wanna say, "well, i am awake."
  • 00:00:53.970 --> 00:00:55.338
  • Well, i get that, but, you know, i was awakened yesterday.
  • 00:00:55.338 --> 00:00:58.508
  • But this morning i was awakened again, and my prayer is
  • 00:00:58.508 --> 00:01:00.844
  • Tomorrow i'll be awakened yet again.
  • 00:01:00.844 --> 00:01:03.413
  • We need a daily awakening by the spirit of god
  • 00:01:03.413 --> 00:01:06.349
  • To find his best for us in this season.
  • 00:01:06.349 --> 00:01:08.985
  • And i believe this book will help you.
  • 00:01:08.985 --> 00:01:14.457
  • Allen jackson: well, i wanna go to the gospel of mark since
  • 00:01:18.628 --> 00:01:20.630
  • We're reading it together.
  • 00:01:20.630 --> 00:01:22.098
  • And i thought maybe a simple way was just to simply
  • 00:01:22.098 --> 00:01:24.167
  • Start to move through the gospel of mark, we can't read the whole
  • 00:01:24.167 --> 00:01:26.603
  • Thing, that would take us a bit more time than our
  • 00:01:26.603 --> 00:01:29.038
  • Calendars allow.
  • 00:01:29.038 --> 00:01:31.908
  • But we're gonna move through it starting in the 1 chapter, and i
  • 00:01:31.908 --> 00:01:34.310
  • Want you to help me evaluate this notion of doing
  • 00:01:34.310 --> 00:01:38.248
  • The difficult.
  • 00:01:38.248 --> 00:01:40.350
  • Did jesus choose easy?
  • 00:01:40.350 --> 00:01:42.585
  • Was the assignment that god gave to his friends and to jesus's
  • 00:01:42.585 --> 00:01:45.288
  • Friends easy?
  • 00:01:45.288 --> 00:01:47.223
  • Was the pathway that jesus modeled for us easy?
  • 00:01:47.223 --> 00:01:51.761
  • You see, we have thought of our faith in terms of convenience,
  • 00:01:51.761 --> 00:01:55.165
  • Comfort, and ease.
  • 00:01:55.165 --> 00:01:56.533
  • If it isn't convenient, isn't comfort, somebody's done
  • 00:01:56.533 --> 00:01:58.835
  • It wrong.
  • 00:01:58.835 --> 00:02:00.703
  • It's supposed to be.
  • 00:02:00.703 --> 00:02:02.872
  • We get torqued up if the parking isn't the way we like, or our
  • 00:02:02.872 --> 00:02:05.141
  • Kids can't go in the classroom we want, or whatever.
  • 00:02:05.141 --> 00:02:09.612
  • "i couldn't choose the seat--" we change churches, we get
  • 00:02:09.612 --> 00:02:12.849
  • Aggravated and agitated, because the worship wasn't in the style
  • 00:02:12.849 --> 00:02:15.618
  • We wanted.
  • 00:02:15.618 --> 00:02:16.986
  • Or, "they read from a translation of the bible that
  • 00:02:16.986 --> 00:02:18.321
  • I don't like."
  • 00:02:18.321 --> 00:02:20.223
  • Or, "they intimated something about my pet theological premise
  • 00:02:20.223 --> 00:02:24.294
  • And i don't like that."
  • 00:02:24.294 --> 00:02:26.496
  • And meanwhile, through the windows of our churches, we see
  • 00:02:26.496 --> 00:02:28.998
  • The culture collapsing around us, and we just sing a little
  • 00:02:28.998 --> 00:02:32.468
  • More loudly.
  • 00:02:32.468 --> 00:02:34.070
  • So i have a question, when the jesus we know of in our gospels,
  • 00:02:34.070 --> 00:02:37.607
  • Did he choose easy?
  • 00:02:37.607 --> 00:02:40.276
  • We can decide together.
  • 00:02:40.276 --> 00:02:41.611
  • Mark chapter 1, that's a good place to begin.
  • 00:02:41.611 --> 00:02:43.112
  • Verse 1, that's really close to the beginning of the gospel.
  • 00:02:43.112 --> 00:02:46.916
  • Fact, as is, "the beginning of the gospel about jesus christ,
  • 00:02:46.916 --> 00:02:49.752
  • The son of god.
  • 00:02:49.752 --> 00:02:51.454
  • It is written in isaiah the prophet: 'i will send my
  • 00:02:51.454 --> 00:02:54.757
  • Messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way a voice of one
  • 00:02:54.757 --> 00:02:57.560
  • Calling in the wilderness, "prepare the way of the lord,
  • 00:02:57.560 --> 00:03:00.897
  • Make straight for paths for him.'"
  • 00:03:00.897 --> 00:03:03.032
  • And so john came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching
  • 00:03:03.032 --> 00:03:06.035
  • A baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
  • 00:03:06.035 --> 00:03:09.539
  • Who's that passage about?
  • 00:03:09.539 --> 00:03:13.076
  • It's not a trick question.
  • 00:03:13.076 --> 00:03:15.745
  • It said, "so john came," which john is it?
  • 00:03:15.745 --> 00:03:18.047
  • There's more than one in the new testament.
  • 00:03:18.047 --> 00:03:20.316
  • John the baptist, good, it's okay.
  • 00:03:20.316 --> 00:03:21.884
  • Come on, keep up, we can do this.
  • 00:03:21.884 --> 00:03:24.887
  • You being silent will not make me stop earlier.
  • 00:03:24.887 --> 00:03:29.158
  • It's john the baptist, jesus's cousin.
  • 00:03:29.158 --> 00:03:32.528
  • His ministry preceded jesus's ministry, isaiah prophesied
  • 00:03:32.528 --> 00:03:36.099
  • About him several hundred years before john's birth.
  • 00:03:36.099 --> 00:03:39.002
  • God said, "i will send one ahead of him."
  • 00:03:39.002 --> 00:03:42.105
  • I'm intrigued by the description.
  • 00:03:42.105 --> 00:03:43.740
  • We usually read it and the emphasis is a little different,
  • 00:03:43.740 --> 00:03:46.876
  • "it's the voice of one calling in the desert."
  • 00:03:46.876 --> 00:03:50.413
  • But i wanna read it a little differently, "john was a voice
  • 00:03:50.413 --> 00:03:53.216
  • Of one calling in the desert."
  • 00:03:53.216 --> 00:03:59.289
  • A voice of one.
  • 00:03:59.289 --> 00:04:05.428
  • John talked enough about current events that it
  • 00:04:02.225 --> 00:04:08.798
  • Stirred jerusalem.
  • 00:04:08.798 --> 00:04:11.100
  • He talked enough about current events that had brought him to
  • 00:04:11.100 --> 00:04:13.936
  • The attention of the jewish governor.
  • 00:04:13.936 --> 00:04:16.572
  • He talked enough about current events that he got him arrested.
  • 00:04:16.572 --> 00:04:22.979
  • He talked enough about current events that he was hated.
  • 00:04:22.979 --> 00:04:26.783
  • He told the truth, the uncomfortable truth, the
  • 00:04:26.783 --> 00:04:30.687
  • Awkward truth.
  • 00:04:30.687 --> 00:04:32.055
  • He didn't run for office.
  • 00:04:32.055 --> 00:04:33.389
  • He didn't advocate for candidates.
  • 00:04:33.389 --> 00:04:34.991
  • He wasn't political.
  • 00:04:34.991 --> 00:04:36.326
  • He told the truth.
  • 00:04:36.326 --> 00:04:38.761
  • A voice of one.
  • 00:04:38.761 --> 00:04:43.232
  • When they came to jesus and said, "they've arrested john."
  • 00:04:43.232 --> 00:04:48.004
  • He said, "well, what did you expect?
  • 00:04:48.004 --> 00:04:49.505
  • What did you go into the desert to see?
  • 00:04:49.505 --> 00:04:51.474
  • A reed that was shaken by the wind?"
  • 00:04:51.474 --> 00:04:55.511
  • He said, "no, that's not what john was.
  • 00:04:55.511 --> 00:04:59.048
  • John stood in the face of the wind.
  • 00:04:59.048 --> 00:05:01.484
  • Did you go to see someone dressed in fancy clothes like
  • 00:05:01.484 --> 00:05:04.787
  • A king?
  • 00:05:04.787 --> 00:05:06.656
  • No, that wasn't john, he wore camel hair and a leather belt
  • 00:05:06.656 --> 00:05:13.129
  • And he ate locust," not bugs, something that grows on the
  • 00:05:13.129 --> 00:05:15.565
  • Trees there.
  • 00:05:15.565 --> 00:05:18.101
  • A simple man, a plain man with a simple wardrobe, but a powerful
  • 00:05:18.101 --> 00:05:22.638
  • Message that brought him to the attention of the governor.
  • 00:05:22.638 --> 00:05:29.746
  • And in the midst of a carnal display, indulgent display,
  • 00:05:29.746 --> 00:05:33.383
  • Worthy of epstein's attention, john was condemned to death.
  • 00:05:33.383 --> 00:05:42.291
  • Could we agree it's not an easy assignment?
  • 00:05:42.291 --> 00:05:44.961
  • Jesus said, "of the men born among women, there was no
  • 00:05:44.961 --> 00:05:47.830
  • One greater."
  • 00:05:47.830 --> 00:05:49.899
  • No condemnation, no criticism.
  • 00:05:49.899 --> 00:05:53.169
  • He didn't say, "oh, john was always a hothead.
  • 00:05:53.169 --> 00:05:55.004
  • I wish he'd just shut up."
  • 00:05:55.004 --> 00:05:57.640
  • He said that to the rest of his disciples on more than one
  • 00:05:57.640 --> 00:05:59.876
  • Occasion, "are you really that slow?
  • 00:05:59.876 --> 00:06:01.377
  • Are you really that clumsy?
  • 00:06:01.377 --> 00:06:02.712
  • Do you not understand?
  • 00:06:02.712 --> 00:06:04.080
  • What are you arguing about?
  • 00:06:04.080 --> 00:06:05.415
  • What's wrong with you, you have such little faith."
  • 00:06:05.415 --> 00:06:07.350
  • None of that about john.
  • 00:06:07.350 --> 00:06:13.122
  • Jesus had the highest admiration and respect and praise for john.
  • 00:06:13.122 --> 00:06:17.760
  • Can we agree, john did what was difficult?
  • 00:06:17.760 --> 00:06:25.168
  • Well, let's not stop there, we're in mark 1, let's go to
  • 00:06:25.168 --> 00:06:27.036
  • Verse 9. "at that time jesus came," at what time?
  • 00:06:27.036 --> 00:06:29.739
  • After they dealt with john.
  • 00:06:29.739 --> 00:06:32.442
  • "jesus came from nazareth and galilee, he was baptized by john
  • 00:06:32.442 --> 00:06:35.611
  • In the jordan.
  • 00:06:35.611 --> 00:06:36.979
  • And jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being
  • 00:06:36.979 --> 00:06:39.215
  • Opened and the spirit descending on him like a dove.
  • 00:06:39.215 --> 00:06:41.384
  • And a voice came from heaven saying, 'that's my boy, and i
  • 00:06:41.384 --> 00:06:45.321
  • Like him a lot.'"
  • 00:06:45.321 --> 00:06:46.689
  • It's a great beginning.
  • 00:06:46.689 --> 00:06:48.024
  • This is the beginning of jesus's public ministry, he's baptized,
  • 00:06:48.024 --> 00:06:50.026
  • God speaks and said, "that's my boy."
  • 00:06:50.026 --> 00:06:55.131
  • Very next verse, "at once the spirit sent him into
  • 00:06:55.131 --> 00:06:58.935
  • The desert."
  • 00:06:58.935 --> 00:07:00.436
  • That's-- that translation is a little soft.
  • 00:07:00.436 --> 00:07:02.672
  • The language says, "the spirit drove him into the desert."
  • 00:07:02.672 --> 00:07:07.009
  • It wasn't like he wandered into the desert, or he wanted a
  • 00:07:07.009 --> 00:07:10.480
  • Little quiet time, the spirit that descended upon him and
  • 00:07:10.480 --> 00:07:13.683
  • Baptized drove him into the desert, and he was in the desert
  • 00:07:13.683 --> 00:07:16.919
  • 40 days, being tempted by satan.
  • 00:07:16.919 --> 00:07:20.923
  • He was with the wild animals and angels attended him, and mark
  • 00:07:20.923 --> 00:07:23.459
  • Doesn't reference that he fasted, so we can leave that out
  • 00:07:23.459 --> 00:07:26.762
  • Of this discussion for the moment if you want to.
  • 00:07:26.762 --> 00:07:28.464
  • "for 40 days, the spirit led him into the wilderness to have a
  • 00:07:28.464 --> 00:07:32.368
  • Time of prayer and worship with the lord; a little quiet time."
  • 00:07:32.368 --> 00:07:37.139
  • No, that isn't what it says.
  • 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:39.809
  • "a bit of reflection, so we could do some long range
  • 00:07:39.809 --> 00:07:42.044
  • Planning now that his ministry was going public.
  • 00:07:42.044 --> 00:07:43.746
  • He had a whole section of the desert with white boards.
  • 00:07:43.746 --> 00:07:48.050
  • A little strategic planning time with the--" no, that's not what
  • 00:07:48.050 --> 00:07:50.786
  • It says.
  • 00:07:50.786 --> 00:07:52.321
  • It said, "the spirit drove him into the desert where he was
  • 00:07:52.321 --> 00:07:55.091
  • Tempted by the devil and he was alone."
  • 00:07:55.091 --> 00:08:01.330
  • The only companionship he had was wild animals and the angels.
  • 00:08:01.330 --> 00:08:05.535
  • And the angels are-- it's unspecific.
  • 00:08:05.535 --> 00:08:07.470
  • It's not like zechariah, we don't get to hear the message
  • 00:08:07.470 --> 00:08:10.139
  • That gabriel brought.
  • 00:08:10.139 --> 00:08:12.341
  • We don't know who attended him, other than the angels.
  • 00:08:12.341 --> 00:08:15.845
  • His support group was wild animals and angels.
  • 00:08:15.845 --> 00:08:19.015
  • Some of you wish you had better support.
  • 00:08:19.015 --> 00:08:20.650
  • I wish i had more people to encourage me, more people to
  • 00:08:20.650 --> 00:08:22.652
  • Guide me.
  • 00:08:22.652 --> 00:08:23.986
  • I had more mentors, more something, more voices.
  • 00:08:23.986 --> 00:08:26.989
  • Jesus had wild animals.
  • 00:08:26.989 --> 00:08:29.992
  • Could we agree?
  • 00:08:29.992 --> 00:08:31.861
  • Is it a stretch to say it was not an easy assignment?
  • 00:08:31.861 --> 00:08:36.198
  • And everything being led by the spirit means led to places
  • 00:08:36.198 --> 00:08:39.168
  • Of temptation.
  • 00:08:39.168 --> 00:08:41.370
  • I think that's being led by your carnal nature, your selfish
  • 00:08:41.370 --> 00:08:44.407
  • Nature, your-- jesus was driven by the spirit.
  • 00:08:44.407 --> 00:08:48.377
  • We're not done, verse 14.
  • 00:08:48.377 --> 00:08:51.047
  • "after john was put in prison, jesus went into galilee," so
  • 00:08:51.047 --> 00:08:54.884
  • John's in prison now, he's not preaching repentance anymore.
  • 00:08:54.884 --> 00:08:57.420
  • "jesus goes into galilee, proclaiming the good news
  • 00:08:57.420 --> 00:08:59.722
  • Of god.
  • 00:08:59.722 --> 00:09:01.090
  • 'the time has come,' he said.
  • 00:09:01.090 --> 00:09:02.425
  • 'the kingdom of god is near.
  • 00:09:02.425 --> 00:09:03.793
  • Repent and believe the good news!'"
  • 00:09:03.793 --> 00:09:05.127
  • His cousin is arrested for preaching, so jesus begins his
  • 00:09:05.127 --> 00:09:07.630
  • Preaching season.
  • 00:09:07.630 --> 00:09:09.832
  • Most of us-- i'm thinking, "if they arrested me for what i'm
  • 00:09:09.832 --> 00:09:13.302
  • Doing, anybody want to pick up my notes and go next week?
  • 00:09:13.302 --> 00:09:17.907
  • I thank the general counsel, but, you know, we got to soften
  • 00:09:17.907 --> 00:09:20.176
  • This a little bit, we need another approach.
  • 00:09:20.176 --> 00:09:22.578
  • Let's change our tact."
  • 00:09:22.578 --> 00:09:26.482
  • John's been preaching repentance in the desert, jesus is gonna
  • 00:09:26.482 --> 00:09:29.385
  • Preach repentance in the villages, in the synagogues, and
  • 00:09:29.385 --> 00:09:32.321
  • Ultimately on the temple mount in jerusalem.
  • 00:09:32.321 --> 00:09:37.893
  • He's not unaware, neither are his disciples, they know john's
  • 00:09:37.893 --> 00:09:41.230
  • Disciples, they understand.
  • 00:09:41.230 --> 00:09:44.433
  • His cousin is arrested and jesus picks up the mantle.
  • 00:09:44.433 --> 00:09:48.437
  • A very similar message, a message of repentance, very
  • 00:09:48.437 --> 00:09:50.840
  • Similar to what john was saying.
  • 00:09:50.840 --> 00:09:52.208
  • Could we agree it's not an easy assignment?
  • 00:09:52.208 --> 00:09:54.577
  • There's no reason if you're just reading the text to think it's
  • 00:09:54.577 --> 00:09:56.946
  • Gonna be an easy assignment.
  • 00:09:56.946 --> 00:09:59.548
  • The opposition is already on the record, "we don't like
  • 00:09:59.548 --> 00:10:01.884
  • That message!
  • 00:10:01.884 --> 00:10:03.252
  • Don't say that!
  • 00:10:03.252 --> 00:10:04.587
  • We don't want to hear that, we'll deplatform you.
  • 00:10:04.587 --> 00:10:06.956
  • That's misinformation or disinformation," or maybe worse,
  • 00:10:06.956 --> 00:10:09.492
  • Now we've got malinformation.
  • 00:10:09.492 --> 00:10:11.961
  • You know what malinformation is?
  • 00:10:11.961 --> 00:10:14.263
  • It's when you say something that may be true, but it contradicts
  • 00:10:14.263 --> 00:10:16.899
  • The narrative they're pushing.
  • 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:20.469
  • No, for real.
  • 00:10:20.469 --> 00:10:21.804
  • It's out there.
  • 00:10:21.804 --> 00:10:27.810
  • Same chapter, mark 1. is it easy yet?
  • 00:10:27.810 --> 00:10:30.179
  • This is jesus, the incarnate son of god, anointed by the spirit
  • 00:10:30.179 --> 00:10:34.950
  • Of god.
  • 00:10:34.950 --> 00:10:36.419
  • "they went to capernaum," that's going to be his base of
  • 00:10:36.419 --> 00:10:40.990
  • Operation, "when the sabbath came, jesus went into the
  • 00:10:40.990 --> 00:10:43.459
  • Synagogue and began to teach."
  • 00:10:43.459 --> 00:10:45.127
  • Well, that seems better.
  • 00:10:45.127 --> 00:10:46.462
  • We got a little-- this is his lane now.
  • 00:10:46.462 --> 00:10:48.798
  • We got a synagogue, it's on the sabbath.
  • 00:10:48.798 --> 00:10:51.500
  • He is the lord of the sabbath.
  • 00:10:51.500 --> 00:10:54.704
  • He's gonna teach from the scripture, he's the author of
  • 00:10:54.704 --> 00:10:57.540
  • The scripture, i mean, this is, like-- push the easy button.
  • 00:10:57.540 --> 00:11:02.011
  • We got this.
  • 00:11:02.011 --> 00:11:05.047
  • "the people were amazed at his teaching," yeah, that's it.
  • 00:11:05.047 --> 00:11:09.018
  • Go jesus.
  • 00:11:09.018 --> 00:11:11.320
  • "because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the
  • 00:11:11.320 --> 00:11:13.622
  • Teachers of the law."
  • 00:11:13.622 --> 00:11:14.957
  • Yeah, i knew if i could just get him in here.
  • 00:11:14.957 --> 00:11:17.259
  • "but just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by
  • 00:11:17.259 --> 00:11:19.628
  • An evil spirit cried out," oh jeez.
  • 00:11:19.628 --> 00:11:24.033
  • "'what do you want with us, jesus of nazareth?
  • 00:11:24.033 --> 00:11:26.068
  • Have you come to destroy us?
  • 00:11:26.068 --> 00:11:27.403
  • I know who you are--the holy one of god!'
  • 00:11:27.403 --> 00:11:32.575
  • And jesus said sternly, 'be quiet!
  • 00:11:32.575 --> 00:11:35.745
  • Come out of him!'
  • 00:11:35.745 --> 00:11:37.780
  • The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him
  • 00:11:37.780 --> 00:11:40.382
  • With a shriek."
  • 00:11:40.382 --> 00:11:43.285
  • First time we know of jesus in the synagogue.
  • 00:11:43.285 --> 00:11:46.689
  • He's in a synagogue in the town that's going to be his base of
  • 00:11:46.689 --> 00:11:49.325
  • Ministry, he's building his reputation, establishing his
  • 00:11:49.325 --> 00:11:51.794
  • Friends, looking for support, and a demon begins to scream at
  • 00:11:51.794 --> 00:11:57.733
  • Him in the synagogue.
  • 00:11:57.733 --> 00:12:01.103
  • I think it's a reasonable assumption that the people in
  • 00:12:01.103 --> 00:12:03.105
  • The synagogue know this person.
  • 00:12:03.105 --> 00:12:05.674
  • He's never screamed at the rabbi.
  • 00:12:05.674 --> 00:12:08.778
  • He's been in their homes, they've done life together, and
  • 00:12:08.778 --> 00:12:11.714
  • Now he's screaming at jesus, and jesus says, "come out of him!"
  • 00:12:11.714 --> 00:12:17.686
  • Oh, do you think there might have been a little tension in
  • 00:12:17.686 --> 00:12:20.222
  • The room?
  • 00:12:20.222 --> 00:12:21.924
  • Just a little bit, a little nugget there.
  • 00:12:21.924 --> 00:12:25.427
  • Just maybe.
  • 00:12:25.427 --> 00:12:27.863
  • It's not a great way to begin your ministry
  • 00:12:27.863 --> 00:12:29.565
  • In a new synagogue.
  • 00:12:29.565 --> 00:12:33.903
  • Allen: hey we have a tool that i think will help you
  • 00:12:38.007 --> 00:12:39.708
  • Overcome some of the chaos in the world
  • 00:12:39.708 --> 00:12:41.443
  • And stay focused on the good things that god is doing.
  • 00:12:41.443 --> 00:12:44.880
  • It's called, "awaken us."
  • 00:12:44.880 --> 00:12:46.315
  • It's a 30 day plan.
  • 00:12:46.315 --> 00:12:48.217
  • Each day's got a scripture, a little devotional,
  • 00:12:48.217 --> 00:12:50.853
  • A prayer that goes with a specific topic
  • 00:12:50.853 --> 00:12:53.355
  • To awaken us to god's promise and provision in this season.
  • 00:12:53.355 --> 00:12:58.394
  • God's moving in the earth, i wanna move with him.
  • 00:12:58.394 --> 00:13:00.863
  • And i believe this tool will help you be prepared
  • 00:13:00.863 --> 00:13:03.499
  • To capitalize on god's invitations in your life.
  • 00:13:03.499 --> 00:13:07.336
  • Female announcer: "awaken us" delivers 30 days
  • 00:13:07.403 --> 00:13:09.271
  • Of prayer, scripture and insight from pastor allen
  • 00:13:09.271 --> 00:13:12.308
  • On relevant topics.
  • 00:13:12.308 --> 00:13:13.976
  • Each day is designed to sharpen your focus
  • 00:13:13.976 --> 00:13:16.245
  • As you ask god to show you his heart
  • 00:13:16.245 --> 00:13:18.414
  • And his truth in a new way.
  • 00:13:18.414 --> 00:13:20.683
  • With the holy spirit's help, this book will awaken you
  • 00:13:20.683 --> 00:13:23.552
  • To the impact your life has on the world
  • 00:13:23.552 --> 00:13:25.788
  • And those around you.
  • 00:13:25.788 --> 00:13:27.356
  • Start your journey today by requesting "awaken us,"
  • 00:13:27.356 --> 00:13:29.992
  • When you donate any amount at allenjackson.com
  • 00:13:29.992 --> 00:13:33.162
  • Or by calling ...
  • 00:13:33.162 --> 00:13:37.199
  • Allen: imagine you're gonna lead a small group, and the first
  • 00:13:38.734 --> 00:13:41.837
  • Night your group gets together, and you're gonna meet there
  • 00:13:41.837 --> 00:13:44.740
  • First day, whenever the first time your group gathers, and
  • 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:46.775
  • You're gonna meet the people and you're doing introductions
  • 00:13:46.775 --> 00:13:49.211
  • And somebody begins to speak to you with demonic direction.
  • 00:13:49.211 --> 00:13:53.482
  • Revealing things about your life you don't intend to be revealed.
  • 00:13:53.482 --> 00:13:59.455
  • Then you turn and say, "in jesus's name come out of them."
  • 00:13:59.455 --> 00:14:04.793
  • How many of you think the second gathering in the group might be
  • 00:14:04.793 --> 00:14:06.562
  • A little light?
  • 00:14:06.562 --> 00:14:12.501
  • I get it.
  • 00:14:12.501 --> 00:14:14.270
  • It's not easy.
  • 00:14:14.270 --> 00:14:15.638
  • We're still in mark chapter one, "very early in the morning,"
  • 00:14:15.638 --> 00:14:18.340
  • Verse 35, "while it was still dark, jesus got up, he left the
  • 00:14:18.340 --> 00:14:22.611
  • House and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
  • 00:14:22.611 --> 00:14:25.447
  • Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they
  • 00:14:25.447 --> 00:14:27.816
  • Found him, they exclaimed, 'everyone's looking for you."'
  • 00:14:27.816 --> 00:14:30.552
  • Very different context, but folks, jesus got up when it's
  • 00:14:30.552 --> 00:14:33.188
  • Still dark and went by himself to pray.
  • 00:14:33.188 --> 00:14:36.592
  • That's not easy.
  • 00:14:36.592 --> 00:14:39.561
  • "well, maybe he was an early morning person."
  • 00:14:39.561 --> 00:14:41.297
  • Stop it.
  • 00:14:41.297 --> 00:14:45.768
  • It'd been easier to pray at noon.
  • 00:14:45.768 --> 00:14:49.939
  • It would have been easier to pray later in the morning, after
  • 00:14:49.939 --> 00:14:52.841
  • All, he doesn't have a day job.
  • 00:14:52.841 --> 00:14:54.710
  • He's not working the line at nissan.
  • 00:14:54.710 --> 00:14:59.081
  • He got up while it was still dark, alone.
  • 00:14:59.081 --> 00:15:01.717
  • He needed time with the father to pray.
  • 00:15:01.717 --> 00:15:06.121
  • We have a hard time making time-- space in our lives to
  • 00:15:06.121 --> 00:15:08.657
  • Pray, period.
  • 00:15:08.657 --> 00:15:12.027
  • We say things like, "well, i just don't pray."
  • 00:15:12.027 --> 00:15:13.796
  • Or, "i don't know how to pray.
  • 00:15:13.796 --> 00:15:15.331
  • I've never been one of those praying people."
  • 00:15:15.331 --> 00:15:17.833
  • We got all sorts of things we plug in there.
  • 00:15:17.833 --> 00:15:20.636
  • Is it just fair to say at this point it's not an
  • 00:15:20.636 --> 00:15:23.138
  • Easy assignment?
  • 00:15:23.138 --> 00:15:25.541
  • Jesus, up early, before everybody else is up.
  • 00:15:25.541 --> 00:15:27.943
  • It's dark, he goes off to a solitary place to pray.
  • 00:15:27.943 --> 00:15:30.713
  • It's not an easy assignment.
  • 00:15:30.713 --> 00:15:32.081
  • Same chapter, verse 39, "he traveled throughout galilee,
  • 00:15:32.081 --> 00:15:34.683
  • Preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons."
  • 00:15:34.683 --> 00:15:37.720
  • Apparently, it was required almost every place he went.
  • 00:15:37.720 --> 00:15:40.489
  • "a man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, 'if
  • 00:15:40.489 --> 00:15:43.092
  • You're willing, you can make me clean.'"
  • 00:15:43.092 --> 00:15:44.727
  • Awkward.
  • 00:15:44.727 --> 00:15:49.765
  • "filled with compassion, jesus reached out his hand and touched
  • 00:15:49.765 --> 00:15:52.034
  • The man.
  • 00:15:52.034 --> 00:15:53.369
  • 'i'm willing, be clean!'
  • 00:15:53.369 --> 00:15:54.737
  • Leprosy left him.
  • 00:15:54.737 --> 00:15:56.071
  • Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 'see that you
  • 00:15:56.071 --> 00:15:58.273
  • Don't tell anyone.
  • 00:15:58.273 --> 00:16:00.609
  • This is between us, just don't tell anybody.
  • 00:16:00.609 --> 00:16:04.046
  • Go show yourself to the priest.'
  • 00:16:04.046 --> 00:16:05.881
  • Instead the man went out and began to tell everybody,
  • 00:16:05.881 --> 00:16:08.484
  • Spreading the news."
  • 00:16:08.484 --> 00:16:11.587
  • There's a pattern emerging here, jesus has consistent, persistent
  • 00:16:11.587 --> 00:16:15.257
  • Demonic resistance.
  • 00:16:15.257 --> 00:16:18.360
  • A leper interrupts him with challenging circumstances, in a
  • 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:21.430
  • Very public way.
  • 00:16:21.430 --> 00:16:23.432
  • After the healing he says, "don't tell anybody," and the
  • 00:16:23.432 --> 00:16:26.035
  • Man tells everyone.
  • 00:16:26.035 --> 00:16:29.405
  • I think we could agree, that's disappointing when you help
  • 00:16:29.405 --> 00:16:31.840
  • Someone and they ignore whatever direction you gave them.
  • 00:16:31.840 --> 00:16:35.811
  • "yes, i'll give you $100, just don't buy beer and cigarettes."
  • 00:16:35.811 --> 00:16:41.083
  • When you're standing in the grocery store and they come by
  • 00:16:41.083 --> 00:16:43.318
  • With a cart filled with beer and cigarettes.
  • 00:16:43.318 --> 00:16:49.324
  • How many of you think you'd think, "oh, bless you.
  • 00:16:49.324 --> 00:16:52.261
  • Would you like another $100?"
  • 00:16:52.261 --> 00:16:55.798
  • Why do you think it's different for us than it would have been
  • 00:16:55.798 --> 00:16:57.966
  • In this context?
  • 00:16:57.966 --> 00:17:01.603
  • Again, it's jesus's ministry called by god, anointed by the
  • 00:17:01.603 --> 00:17:05.541
  • Spirit of god.
  • 00:17:05.541 --> 00:17:07.976
  • It's challenging, it isn't comfortable.
  • 00:17:07.976 --> 00:17:11.780
  • "if you're willing, you can make me clean."
  • 00:17:11.780 --> 00:17:14.950
  • "but don't tell anybody."
  • 00:17:14.950 --> 00:17:16.318
  • It's not an easy assignment.
  • 00:17:16.318 --> 00:17:17.653
  • Mark chapter 2, maybe it's gonna get better.
  • 00:17:17.653 --> 00:17:19.922
  • Where's my clock?
  • 00:17:19.922 --> 00:17:21.290
  • Oh, i got three minutes.
  • 00:17:21.290 --> 00:17:24.960
  • I'll stop when the ice thaws.
  • 00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:32.835
  • "some men came, bringing to jesus a paralytic."
  • 00:17:32.835 --> 00:17:36.738
  • Do you wonder if jesus prayed for anybody with the sniffles?
  • 00:17:36.738 --> 00:17:41.276
  • I mean, he's got demonized people and people with uncurable
  • 00:17:41.276 --> 00:17:44.012
  • Skin diseases and paralytics, do you wonder if anybody just ever
  • 00:17:44.012 --> 00:17:46.582
  • Said, "pray for me, my kids are driving me nuts."
  • 00:17:46.582 --> 00:17:54.656
  • So four friends carry him, they couldn't get to jesus because of
  • 00:17:54.656 --> 00:17:57.559
  • The crowds, they made an opening in the roof, you know the story.
  • 00:17:57.559 --> 00:18:00.829
  • "they let the man down in front of jesus from above.
  • 00:18:00.829 --> 00:18:03.465
  • When jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'son,
  • 00:18:03.465 --> 00:18:05.734
  • Your sins are forgiven.'
  • 00:18:05.734 --> 00:18:07.903
  • Now," now is a timing word, it's a change of direction, and this
  • 00:18:07.903 --> 00:18:11.573
  • Is mark chapter 2. it's only the second chapter, but they're
  • 00:18:11.573 --> 00:18:15.043
  • Introducing a new set of antagonists, a new set
  • 00:18:15.043 --> 00:18:17.846
  • Of problems.
  • 00:18:17.846 --> 00:18:19.181
  • We've seen sickness and disease, we've seen the jewish governor
  • 00:18:19.181 --> 00:18:22.751
  • That hated a message of holiness and purity, but now we're being
  • 00:18:22.751 --> 00:18:29.858
  • Introduced to a new antagonist.
  • 00:18:29.858 --> 00:18:31.326
  • Mark says, "now some teachers of the law were sitting there,
  • 00:18:31.326 --> 00:18:36.765
  • Thinking to themselves, 'why does this fellow talk like that?
  • 00:18:36.765 --> 00:18:39.635
  • He's blaspheming!
  • 00:18:39.635 --> 00:18:40.969
  • Who can forgive sins but god alone?'"
  • 00:18:40.969 --> 00:18:44.106
  • So now they're going after his message.
  • 00:18:44.106 --> 00:18:45.574
  • "your message is blasphemy!
  • 00:18:45.574 --> 00:18:48.744
  • We don't care if you heal the lepers, we don't care if you
  • 00:18:48.744 --> 00:18:52.981
  • Cast out demons, but you are so far off track,
  • 00:18:52.981 --> 00:18:57.819
  • You're illegitimate.
  • 00:18:57.819 --> 00:18:59.888
  • You're beyond the pale, you shouldn't be listened to.
  • 00:18:59.888 --> 00:19:02.257
  • You should be shut down, you should be deplatformed, you
  • 00:19:02.257 --> 00:19:07.029
  • Should be canceled.
  • 00:19:07.029 --> 00:19:08.463
  • No one should listen to you.
  • 00:19:08.463 --> 00:19:11.366
  • We're the leaders, we're the experts, we're the
  • 00:19:11.366 --> 00:19:13.635
  • Power brokers."
  • 00:19:13.635 --> 00:19:15.804
  • All of that is contained in this passage.
  • 00:19:15.804 --> 00:19:17.639
  • "why does this fellow talk like this?
  • 00:19:17.639 --> 00:19:19.374
  • He's blaspheming!
  • 00:19:19.374 --> 00:19:20.709
  • Who can forgive sins but god alone?
  • 00:19:20.709 --> 00:19:22.110
  • Immediately jesus knew in his spirit this is what they were
  • 00:19:22.110 --> 00:19:25.113
  • Thinking in their hearts, so he said to them, 'why are you
  • 00:19:25.113 --> 00:19:28.317
  • Thinking these things?'"
  • 00:19:28.317 --> 00:19:29.651
  • That would cause most people to feel a little anxious.
  • 00:19:29.651 --> 00:19:32.321
  • You might hit the pause button.
  • 00:19:32.321 --> 00:19:35.190
  • "'which is easier: to say to the paralytic, "your sins are
  • 00:19:35.190 --> 00:19:37.559
  • Forgiven," or to say, "get up, take your mat and walk"?
  • 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:40.529
  • But that you may know the son of man has authority on earth to
  • 00:19:40.529 --> 00:19:43.031
  • Forgive sins...'
  • 00:19:43.031 --> 00:19:44.366
  • He said to the paralytic, 'get up, take your mat and go home.'
  • 00:19:44.366 --> 00:19:49.805
  • And he got up, he took his mat and he walked out in full view
  • 00:19:49.805 --> 00:19:52.975
  • Of them all.
  • 00:19:52.975 --> 00:19:55.077
  • And they were amazed."
  • 00:19:55.077 --> 00:19:58.347
  • So the response at this point is amazement.
  • 00:19:58.347 --> 00:20:00.949
  • They're startled.
  • 00:20:00.949 --> 00:20:04.119
  • "we questioned his authority, we questioned his legitimacy, we
  • 00:20:04.119 --> 00:20:07.289
  • Questioned his intellect, we questioned his orthodoxy.
  • 00:20:07.289 --> 00:20:11.426
  • He doesn't teach like people we've known before.
  • 00:20:11.426 --> 00:20:13.829
  • He does things we've never seen.
  • 00:20:13.829 --> 00:20:15.230
  • This shouldn't be right, this can't be right, but now this man
  • 00:20:15.230 --> 00:20:18.667
  • Is healed."
  • 00:20:18.667 --> 00:20:20.002
  • He has influential critics looking for reasons to accuse
  • 00:20:20.002 --> 00:20:22.504
  • Him, to discount, diminish, or to silence completely jesus.
  • 00:20:22.504 --> 00:20:29.478
  • Rather than look-- celebrate the good things that he's doing and
  • 00:20:29.478 --> 00:20:32.648
  • The good things that are happening to their constituents,
  • 00:20:32.648 --> 00:20:34.983
  • To the people that they have been trained and prepared and
  • 00:20:34.983 --> 00:20:37.953
  • Have said they will serve, they're looking for flaws in
  • 00:20:37.953 --> 00:20:40.622
  • The messenger.
  • 00:20:40.622 --> 00:20:43.458
  • Can we say it's not an easy assignment?
  • 00:20:43.458 --> 00:20:46.395
  • Is that fair?
  • 00:20:46.395 --> 00:20:54.703
  • Let's skip to your last passage of scripture.
  • 00:20:54.703 --> 00:21:00.676
  • If you write the notes, you have some latitude.
  • 00:21:00.676 --> 00:21:04.613
  • This is mark chapter 3, we're not past the 3rd chapter yet, in
  • 00:21:04.613 --> 00:21:07.215
  • Fact, this is just the beginning of the 3rd chapter, but there's
  • 00:21:07.215 --> 00:21:09.651
  • An escalation in what's happening.
  • 00:21:09.651 --> 00:21:13.055
  • "another time jesus went into the synagogue," by now, we know
  • 00:21:13.055 --> 00:21:15.590
  • This is habit and routine and often there's
  • 00:21:15.590 --> 00:21:17.459
  • Demonic resistance.
  • 00:21:17.459 --> 00:21:18.894
  • "he goes into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand
  • 00:21:18.894 --> 00:21:21.196
  • Was there.
  • 00:21:21.196 --> 00:21:22.531
  • Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse jesus."
  • 00:21:22.531 --> 00:21:23.999
  • Some went actually to worship.
  • 00:21:23.999 --> 00:21:26.568
  • Some went because it was the sabbath.
  • 00:21:26.568 --> 00:21:28.170
  • Some went because they knew jesus was going, and they were
  • 00:21:28.170 --> 00:21:30.706
  • There to watch him to see if he would do anything wrong.
  • 00:21:30.706 --> 00:21:35.444
  • That's a difficult way to do ministry.
  • 00:21:35.444 --> 00:21:38.580
  • That's a difficult way to do anything.
  • 00:21:38.580 --> 00:21:41.616
  • "so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the
  • 00:21:41.616 --> 00:21:44.519
  • Sabbath," because we certainly don't want you doing that on
  • 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:46.355
  • The sabbath.
  • 00:21:46.355 --> 00:21:48.090
  • "and jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, 'stand up in
  • 00:21:48.090 --> 00:21:50.359
  • Front of everyone.'
  • 00:21:50.359 --> 00:21:51.727
  • And jesus asked him, 'which is lawful on the sabbath: to do
  • 00:21:51.727 --> 00:21:53.528
  • Good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?'
  • 00:21:53.528 --> 00:21:56.264
  • But they remained silent."
  • 00:21:56.264 --> 00:21:57.599
  • They knew the answer, but the answer didn't suit them, it
  • 00:21:57.599 --> 00:22:01.503
  • Didn't help their agenda.
  • 00:22:01.503 --> 00:22:02.838
  • We haven't-- we've been spinning the truth for a long time.
  • 00:22:02.838 --> 00:22:06.341
  • But if there was a parallel in that 1st century and there's a
  • 00:22:06.341 --> 00:22:08.710
  • Parallel in the 21st century, it's there was a god opportunity
  • 00:22:08.710 --> 00:22:11.980
  • On the table and the hardness of the hearts of the people, they
  • 00:22:11.980 --> 00:22:14.516
  • Forfeited the god opportunity and they got the judgment
  • 00:22:14.516 --> 00:22:17.285
  • Of god.
  • 00:22:17.285 --> 00:22:18.620
  • I do not want that to be the outcome for this generation.
  • 00:22:18.620 --> 00:22:22.057
  • And so, i believe the message has to be pointed at god's
  • 00:22:22.057 --> 00:22:24.393
  • People, we're the difference makers.
  • 00:22:24.393 --> 00:22:29.464
  • "so he looked around at them in anger," this is jesus, "deeply
  • 00:22:29.464 --> 00:22:32.367
  • Distressed at their stubborn hearts, and he said to the man,
  • 00:22:32.367 --> 00:22:35.203
  • 'stretch out your hand.'
  • 00:22:35.203 --> 00:22:36.571
  • He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored."
  • 00:22:36.571 --> 00:22:39.808
  • You would think at that point there'd be a little
  • 00:22:39.808 --> 00:22:41.143
  • Celebratory something.
  • 00:22:41.143 --> 00:22:43.311
  • "woo!"
  • 00:22:43.311 --> 00:22:44.679
  • Something.
  • 00:22:44.679 --> 00:22:46.448
  • "hallelujah!"
  • 00:22:46.448 --> 00:22:48.383
  • Something.
  • 00:22:48.383 --> 00:22:50.452
  • And mark reports in verse 6, "then the pharisees went out and
  • 00:22:50.452 --> 00:22:53.321
  • Began to plot with the herodians how they might kill jesus."
  • 00:22:53.321 --> 00:22:57.926
  • Between chapter 2 and chapter 3 we escalate from their thoughts
  • 00:22:57.926 --> 00:23:02.531
  • Questioning him saying, "he's a heretic.
  • 00:23:02.531 --> 00:23:04.366
  • We gotta make him be quiet."
  • 00:23:04.366 --> 00:23:05.767
  • By the beginning of the 3rd chapter in mark's gospel,
  • 00:23:05.767 --> 00:23:08.870
  • They're saying, "we gotta kill him.
  • 00:23:08.870 --> 00:23:11.239
  • We will shut him down."
  • 00:23:11.239 --> 00:23:14.443
  • These are the most powerful people in the story.
  • 00:23:14.443 --> 00:23:18.847
  • They're not the lunatic friends, these aren't the crazy people
  • 00:23:18.847 --> 00:23:21.750
  • That are being manipulated by somebody else.
  • 00:23:21.750 --> 00:23:23.752
  • These are powerful, influential, wealthy people, and they're
  • 00:23:23.752 --> 00:23:28.223
  • Saying, "we will kill him."
  • 00:23:28.223 --> 00:23:31.426
  • So now you understand how we get further in the narrative.
  • 00:23:31.426 --> 00:23:35.063
  • We get almost three years into the story, and jesus is headed
  • 00:23:35.063 --> 00:23:37.666
  • Back to jerusalem and his friends are going, "he's crazy.
  • 00:23:37.666 --> 00:23:41.036
  • He has taken leave of his senses.
  • 00:23:41.036 --> 00:23:44.439
  • We're afraid.
  • 00:23:44.439 --> 00:23:46.408
  • We gotta go with him, but we're afraid."
  • 00:23:46.408 --> 00:23:53.515
  • How did we arrive at a gospel that is wrapped in easy
  • 00:23:53.515 --> 00:23:59.321
  • Believism and comfort and convenience?
  • 00:23:59.321 --> 00:24:05.427
  • And if we don't wanna do it, we don't do it.
  • 00:24:05.427 --> 00:24:09.164
  • I have an invitation for you.
  • 00:24:09.164 --> 00:24:11.399
  • We're beginning a new year, it's a year of turmoil.
  • 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:14.870
  • It's a year when there will be tremendous forces of
  • 00:24:14.870 --> 00:24:16.938
  • Confusion unleashed.
  • 00:24:16.938 --> 00:24:19.341
  • It's a year of great change, and i believe it's a year of almost
  • 00:24:19.341 --> 00:24:22.077
  • Unprecedented opportunity.
  • 00:24:22.077 --> 00:24:24.813
  • So here's the invitation, let's decide this year, more than any
  • 00:24:24.813 --> 00:24:28.683
  • Year in our lives, in the context of our faith: let's
  • 00:24:28.683 --> 00:24:32.721
  • Do difficult.
  • 00:24:32.721 --> 00:24:35.624
  • Let's do difficult.
  • 00:24:35.624 --> 00:24:40.929
  • The only easy day, that was yesterday.
  • 00:24:40.929 --> 00:24:45.333
  • We used easy up, now let's go what we need to do.
  • 00:24:45.333 --> 00:24:50.238
  • Let's go be a voice of one who we need to be.
  • 00:24:50.238 --> 00:24:52.874
  • Let's go to jerusalem when we need to.
  • 00:24:52.874 --> 00:24:55.610
  • Let's go to the synagogue when we know our antagonist will
  • 00:24:55.610 --> 00:24:58.179
  • Be there.
  • 00:24:58.179 --> 00:24:59.548
  • Let's take jesus.
  • 00:24:59.548 --> 00:25:01.550
  • I brought you a proclamation.
  • 00:25:01.550 --> 00:25:04.119
  • Each of the statements were taken from scripture, i didn't
  • 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:06.054
  • Bring you all the verses 'cause i was out in space.
  • 00:25:06.054 --> 00:25:09.858
  • You can check me.
  • 00:25:09.858 --> 00:25:11.192
  • Let's stand together.
  • 00:25:11.192 --> 00:25:15.063
  • If you're gonna follow jesus, you can't just follow him to the
  • 00:25:15.063 --> 00:25:17.399
  • Covered dish dinner.
  • 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:21.570
  • You can't just follow him to the worship service.
  • 00:25:21.570 --> 00:25:25.040
  • If you're gonna follow jesus, you gotta follow him
  • 00:25:25.040 --> 00:25:27.075
  • To jerusalem.
  • 00:25:27.075 --> 00:25:32.013
  • Let's make this set of statements together.
  • 00:25:32.013 --> 00:25:33.582
  • Let's begin to put a context to our year.
  • 00:25:33.582 --> 00:25:36.685
  • You ready?
  • 00:25:36.685 --> 00:25:38.053
  • If you're at home, say 'em with us.
  • 00:25:38.053 --> 00:25:40.355
  • "i have decided to follow jesus.
  • 00:25:40.355 --> 00:25:43.124
  • I will take up my cross daily.
  • 00:25:43.124 --> 00:25:45.660
  • I will run with perseverance the race marked out for me.
  • 00:25:45.660 --> 00:25:49.631
  • I intend to run in such a way as to get the prize.
  • 00:25:49.631 --> 00:25:53.234
  • I will throw off every hindrance and any sin which
  • 00:25:53.234 --> 00:25:56.338
  • Might entangle.
  • 00:25:56.338 --> 00:25:57.672
  • I choose to say no to ungodliness and yes
  • 00:25:57.672 --> 00:26:00.909
  • To obedience.
  • 00:26:00.909 --> 00:26:02.310
  • I offer myself as a living sacrifices for the purposes of
  • 00:26:02.310 --> 00:26:06.381
  • Almighty god, amen."
  • 00:26:06.381 --> 00:26:09.084
  • Hallelujah, it's going to be a great year.
  • 00:26:09.084 --> 00:26:11.953
  • Let's go.
  • 00:26:11.953 --> 00:26:13.755
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:26:14.489 --> 00:26:17.859
  • Allen: you know no matter what source of news you turn to
  • 00:26:20.161 --> 00:26:23.531
  • It's hard some days not to be overwhelmed with despair,
  • 00:26:23.531 --> 00:26:27.035
  • The deception, the conflict in the earth,
  • 00:26:27.035 --> 00:26:30.005
  • The suffering that's taking place in so many places,
  • 00:26:30.005 --> 00:26:33.274
  • The struggling church in our own nation.
  • 00:26:33.274 --> 00:26:36.144
  • But there are reasons for hope.
  • 00:26:36.144 --> 00:26:37.646
  • God is moving in the most remarkable ways
  • 00:26:37.646 --> 00:26:40.649
  • But we need to have a plan, a method, even a tool
  • 00:26:40.649 --> 00:26:43.585
  • To help us give our thoughts and our hearts focused on god.
  • 00:26:43.585 --> 00:26:47.322
  • Well, i have a suggestion, it's a little booklet
  • 00:26:47.322 --> 00:26:48.757
  • We put together, it's called "awaken us."
  • 00:26:48.757 --> 00:26:50.925
  • It's a 30-day plan.
  • 00:26:50.925 --> 00:26:52.260
  • It's built by topic each day with a scripture,
  • 00:26:52.260 --> 00:26:55.130
  • A little devotional, and a prayer topically directed
  • 00:26:55.130 --> 00:26:58.366
  • To help focus our thoughts at an awakening
  • 00:26:58.366 --> 00:27:01.202
  • To god's invitations to us around that specific theme.
  • 00:27:01.202 --> 00:27:05.173
  • We're awakened every day for the challenges of that day.
  • 00:27:05.173 --> 00:27:07.742
  • Well let's ask the spirit of god to awaken us
  • 00:27:07.742 --> 00:27:10.745
  • Consistently to what he would have us doing
  • 00:27:10.745 --> 00:27:13.448
  • In this most unique season.
  • 00:27:13.448 --> 00:27:15.350
  • God is moving, i want to move with him,
  • 00:27:15.350 --> 00:27:17.552
  • And i believe you do too.
  • 00:27:17.552 --> 00:27:18.887
  • And i believe "awaken us" will be a help.
  • 00:27:18.887 --> 00:27:20.689
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:22.757 --> 00:27:28.063