1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Allen Jackson Ministries
  4. Episodes
  5. Allen Jackson - Lions and Lambs (Part 2)
Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Lions and Lambs (Part 2)

September 15, 2025 | 28:35

Allen Jackson - Lions and Lambs (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#WordofGod #Earth #Appreciation #Respect #Longsuffering #Suffering #Perseverance #Confidence #Compassion #PoweroftheHolySpirit

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Lions and Lambs (Part 2) | September 15, 2025
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.450
  • Allen jackson: you know, i'm of the opinion that professional
  • 00:00:06.688 --> 00:00:08.791
  • Christians like myself, we tend to make christianity
  • 00:00:08.891 --> 00:00:11.460
  • Too difficult.
  • 00:00:11.593 --> 00:00:12.828
  • We use big words and big concepts.
  • 00:00:12.961 --> 00:00:13.595
  • You know, we'll talk about hermeneutics and homiletics and
  • 00:00:14.763 --> 00:00:17.800
  • Exegetical specificity and reading the koine greek and the
  • 00:00:17.800 --> 00:00:21.804
  • Masoretic hebrew.
  • 00:00:21.804 --> 00:00:23.138
  • And, you know, i've studied a lot, and i understand the words,
  • 00:00:23.138 --> 00:00:25.874
  • And i could probably even come up with some definitions, but in
  • 00:00:25.874 --> 00:00:28.544
  • Reality i don't think our faith is that complicated.
  • 00:00:28.544 --> 00:00:31.313
  • Well, i've written a new book that's really at the heart.
  • 00:00:31.313 --> 00:00:33.215
  • It's a concept that changed my life, and it's changed my
  • 00:00:33.215 --> 00:00:36.151
  • Relationship with the lord.
  • 00:00:36.151 --> 00:00:37.519
  • It's "my friend jesus."
  • 00:00:37.519 --> 00:00:39.421
  • See, i think you and i know how to be a friend.
  • 00:00:39.421 --> 00:00:41.690
  • We know what we want from a friend.
  • 00:00:41.690 --> 00:00:43.158
  • We know what our friends imagine is appropriate for us.
  • 00:00:43.158 --> 00:00:46.361
  • Well, i wanna be jesus's friend.
  • 00:00:46.361 --> 00:00:48.764
  • I wanna do things that make him smile.
  • 00:00:48.764 --> 00:00:50.365
  • I don't wanna be involved with things that make him angry.
  • 00:00:50.365 --> 00:00:53.268
  • When he sees me, i want it to be a pleasant interaction.
  • 00:00:53.268 --> 00:00:56.238
  • I wanna be jesus's friend.
  • 00:00:56.238 --> 00:00:57.873
  • It'll change your faith.
  • 00:00:57.873 --> 00:00:59.475
  • I believe this book will help open a whole new door in your
  • 00:00:59.475 --> 00:01:02.611
  • Relationship with the lord.
  • 00:01:02.611 --> 00:01:03.946
  • It'll be a blessing to you.
  • 00:01:03.946 --> 00:01:06.682
  • Allen: leading godly lives is not easy.
  • 00:01:06.682 --> 00:01:09.318
  • It includes more than attendance at religious services or
  • 00:01:09.318 --> 00:01:11.920
  • Participation in a christian school.
  • 00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:14.857
  • We don't step into our christian role for appointed times and
  • 00:01:14.857 --> 00:01:18.694
  • Then out of our christian persona at others.
  • 00:01:18.694 --> 00:01:22.264
  • There's no such thing.
  • 00:01:22.264 --> 00:01:24.500
  • To be a christ follower is a yielding and an acceptance of an
  • 00:01:24.500 --> 00:01:29.138
  • Assignment of reconciliation in whatever generation god calls
  • 00:01:29.138 --> 00:01:33.308
  • Us to.
  • 00:01:33.308 --> 00:01:35.511
  • God is moving in the earth.
  • 00:01:35.511 --> 00:01:37.913
  • I've never seen the hunger for the truth that i witnessed these
  • 00:01:37.913 --> 00:01:41.450
  • Days and weeks.
  • 00:01:41.450 --> 00:01:43.719
  • At the same time, i've never seen more widespread deception
  • 00:01:43.719 --> 00:01:46.355
  • And manipulation under the umbrellas of faith.
  • 00:01:46.355 --> 00:01:51.426
  • One of the presentation that scripture gives us is "the true
  • 00:01:51.426 --> 00:01:53.695
  • And false will flourish together."
  • 00:01:53.695 --> 00:01:55.764
  • Do you remember the parable that jesus told about the wheat and
  • 00:01:55.764 --> 00:01:57.900
  • The tares?
  • 00:01:57.900 --> 00:02:00.002
  • A field that was planted intentionally with wheat, and
  • 00:02:00.002 --> 00:02:02.304
  • When the crop came up, there was also amongst the wheat
  • 00:02:02.304 --> 00:02:05.307
  • Something unintentional.
  • 00:02:05.307 --> 00:02:08.210
  • And it was weeds, tares, in the field, and the servants came and
  • 00:02:08.210 --> 00:02:11.947
  • Said, "shall we pull them up?"
  • 00:02:11.947 --> 00:02:13.282
  • And the master said, "no, we'll do that at the harvest."
  • 00:02:13.282 --> 00:02:16.185
  • And jesus interpreted it for us.
  • 00:02:16.185 --> 00:02:17.653
  • He didn't leave it to our imagination.
  • 00:02:17.653 --> 00:02:19.688
  • He said the field is the world, and it's the end of the age and
  • 00:02:19.688 --> 00:02:23.091
  • That the angels will do the harvesting, and they'll separate
  • 00:02:23.091 --> 00:02:26.261
  • The wheat from the tares--that the same climactic conditions
  • 00:02:26.261 --> 00:02:28.897
  • That allow the wheat to ripen allow the weeds to ripen so that
  • 00:02:28.897 --> 00:02:33.502
  • What we should anticipate is both at the same time.
  • 00:02:33.502 --> 00:02:36.538
  • True and false are going to flourish.
  • 00:02:36.538 --> 00:02:39.474
  • The biblical presentation provides some clarity for us.
  • 00:02:39.474 --> 00:02:42.211
  • It helps us interpret what we see.
  • 00:02:42.211 --> 00:02:44.713
  • I brought you some samples on this topic because we can't just
  • 00:02:44.713 --> 00:02:48.784
  • Peel a verse out.
  • 00:02:48.784 --> 00:02:50.185
  • We need a bit more of a broader perspective.
  • 00:02:50.185 --> 00:02:52.221
  • In 1 peter 5 and verse 8, peter writes, "be self-controlled
  • 00:02:52.221 --> 00:02:56.525
  • And alert.
  • 00:02:56.525 --> 00:02:57.893
  • Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
  • 00:02:57.893 --> 00:03:00.996
  • Looking for someone to devour."
  • 00:03:00.996 --> 00:03:02.331
  • One of the images attached to satan is he's a roaring lion, or
  • 00:03:02.331 --> 00:03:06.335
  • He's like a roaring lion.
  • 00:03:06.335 --> 00:03:08.537
  • And then peter gives us a battle plan, he says, "resist him,
  • 00:03:08.537 --> 00:03:11.106
  • Stand firm in the faith.
  • 00:03:11.106 --> 00:03:12.808
  • You know that your brothers throughout the world undergo the
  • 00:03:12.808 --> 00:03:15.110
  • Same kind of suffering."
  • 00:03:15.110 --> 00:03:17.079
  • You know, the difference in minor surgery and major surgery?
  • 00:03:17.079 --> 00:03:21.617
  • If it's on me, it's major.
  • 00:03:21.617 --> 00:03:23.051
  • If it's on you, it's minor.
  • 00:03:23.051 --> 00:03:25.854
  • Well, the same is true with suffering of about
  • 00:03:25.854 --> 00:03:27.489
  • Any description.
  • 00:03:27.489 --> 00:03:28.824
  • If it's my suffering, this is a deal.
  • 00:03:28.824 --> 00:03:31.360
  • And if it's your suffering, why don't you just suck it up and
  • 00:03:31.360 --> 00:03:33.962
  • Move along?
  • 00:03:33.962 --> 00:03:35.864
  • And peter's reminding his audience and us that, throughout
  • 00:03:35.864 --> 00:03:40.135
  • The world, there is discomfort and suffering--so that we don't
  • 00:03:40.135 --> 00:03:44.606
  • Capitulate to the self-pity, that we don't sideline ourselves
  • 00:03:44.606 --> 00:03:48.910
  • Because of the obstacles, that we determined to persevere, to
  • 00:03:48.910 --> 00:03:52.547
  • Overcome, to be triumphant in the name of our lord.
  • 00:03:52.547 --> 00:03:57.486
  • And then in verse 10, he said, "the god of all grace, who
  • 00:03:57.486 --> 00:03:59.955
  • Called you to his eternal glory in christ, after you've suffered
  • 00:03:59.955 --> 00:04:03.725
  • A little while, will himself restore you and make you strong,
  • 00:04:03.725 --> 00:04:09.131
  • Firm and steadfast."
  • 00:04:09.131 --> 00:04:11.700
  • Now, when you restore something, you typically make it better
  • 00:04:11.700 --> 00:04:13.735
  • Than the original.
  • 00:04:13.735 --> 00:04:16.038
  • I have some friends that restored an old home,
  • 00:04:16.038 --> 00:04:19.074
  • Historic home.
  • 00:04:19.074 --> 00:04:21.076
  • They took kathy and i for a visit when they purchased it
  • 00:04:21.076 --> 00:04:23.211
  • Prior to the restoration.
  • 00:04:23.211 --> 00:04:24.880
  • It took enormous faith, piles of cash and enormous faith.
  • 00:04:24.880 --> 00:04:31.853
  • The flooring was rotten.
  • 00:04:31.853 --> 00:04:33.989
  • The plumbing and the electrical that had been a part of the home
  • 00:04:33.989 --> 00:04:36.825
  • Was no longer adequate.
  • 00:04:36.825 --> 00:04:38.393
  • It needed a 21st-century makeover, and it got it--
  • 00:04:38.393 --> 00:04:42.431
  • Complete with central heat and air, whole new plumbing systems,
  • 00:04:42.431 --> 00:04:47.269
  • An updated kitchen.
  • 00:04:47.269 --> 00:04:48.637
  • Everything about the home was better than the
  • 00:04:48.637 --> 00:04:50.038
  • Original version.
  • 00:04:50.038 --> 00:04:52.641
  • It wasn't just the house that was there.
  • 00:04:52.641 --> 00:04:54.109
  • It was the house that was there plus all the advantages that
  • 00:04:54.109 --> 00:04:57.512
  • Technology and modern convenience can bring to
  • 00:04:57.512 --> 00:05:00.015
  • Our homes.
  • 00:05:00.015 --> 00:05:01.383
  • But when i read that passage in 1 peter 5, it says that god will
  • 00:05:01.383 --> 00:05:03.919
  • Make us--he will restore us and make us strong, firm,
  • 00:05:03.919 --> 00:05:07.289
  • And steadfast.
  • 00:05:07.289 --> 00:05:08.623
  • We'll be stronger.
  • 00:05:08.623 --> 00:05:09.991
  • We'll be better for the experience.
  • 00:05:09.991 --> 00:05:11.326
  • We'll have more compassion.
  • 00:05:11.326 --> 00:05:12.794
  • We'll have trust in a god in an area where we've walked through
  • 00:05:12.794 --> 00:05:15.163
  • And we've seen his power demonstrated on our behalf.
  • 00:05:15.163 --> 00:05:19.668
  • But, you know, if i get to tell you the truth, i'm not looking
  • 00:05:19.668 --> 00:05:22.037
  • For like some opportunity.
  • 00:05:22.037 --> 00:05:25.340
  • I just would like my way now.
  • 00:05:25.340 --> 00:05:28.176
  • But god, in his mercy and his grace, allows us a journey where
  • 00:05:28.176 --> 00:05:31.580
  • We walk through places where we have to learn to trust him.
  • 00:05:31.580 --> 00:05:35.884
  • But the warning there, if you'll remember, is you've got to be
  • 00:05:35.884 --> 00:05:38.186
  • Sober and alert.
  • 00:05:38.186 --> 00:05:39.554
  • You got to be vigilant because we have an adversary that prowls
  • 00:05:39.554 --> 00:05:42.391
  • Around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
  • 00:05:42.391 --> 00:05:47.929
  • But that's not the only lion message you need.
  • 00:05:47.929 --> 00:05:50.866
  • In revelation chapter 5, john has this majestic vision of
  • 00:05:50.866 --> 00:05:56.138
  • Heaven in the throne room of god, and he said, "i wept and
  • 00:05:56.138 --> 00:05:59.975
  • Wept because no one was found who was worthy to open
  • 00:05:59.975 --> 00:06:03.011
  • The scroll."
  • 00:06:03.011 --> 00:06:04.346
  • There's a scroll that has the story of the end of the age, and
  • 00:06:04.346 --> 00:06:07.082
  • John understands he's been given the opportunity to see this
  • 00:06:07.082 --> 00:06:09.618
  • Narrative, but now the scroll has been presented, but there's
  • 00:06:09.618 --> 00:06:13.021
  • No one in all of heaven deemed worthy to open it, and john
  • 00:06:13.021 --> 00:06:15.524
  • Begins to weep, thinking he's gonna fail on the assignment,
  • 00:06:15.524 --> 00:06:19.161
  • He's not gonna get to hear the narrative.
  • 00:06:19.161 --> 00:06:23.131
  • "then one of the elders said, 'don't weep!
  • 00:06:23.131 --> 00:06:25.634
  • See the lion of the tribe of judah, the root of david,
  • 00:06:25.634 --> 00:06:28.837
  • Has triumphed.
  • 00:06:28.837 --> 00:06:30.439
  • And he is able to open the scroll and it's seven seals.'
  • 00:06:30.439 --> 00:06:34.476
  • Then i saw a lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in
  • 00:06:34.476 --> 00:06:37.112
  • The center of the throne."
  • 00:06:37.112 --> 00:06:40.482
  • Who did he see?
  • 00:06:40.482 --> 00:06:42.751
  • Jesus, the lion of the tribe of judah.
  • 00:06:42.751 --> 00:06:46.621
  • That's revelation chapter 5.
  • 00:06:46.621 --> 00:06:48.356
  • For those of you who are just casual
  • 00:06:48.356 --> 00:06:50.492
  • Readers of the scripture, i would--that's the last book of
  • 00:06:50.492 --> 00:06:52.494
  • The new testament.
  • 00:06:52.494 --> 00:06:54.196
  • And in the last book of the testament--new testament, our
  • 00:06:54.196 --> 00:06:56.798
  • Lord and king, jesus of nazareth, is identified as the
  • 00:06:56.798 --> 00:06:59.901
  • Lion of the tribe of judah.
  • 00:06:59.901 --> 00:07:02.137
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:07:02.137 --> 00:07:05.273
  • He hasn't been separated from those roots.
  • 00:07:05.273 --> 00:07:08.243
  • In fact, when the new jerusalem is established and we visit that
  • 00:07:08.243 --> 00:07:11.680
  • City, which we will, you'll pass through the gates of that city--
  • 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:15.851
  • Will have, inscribed above them, the names of the hebrew man, and
  • 00:07:15.851 --> 00:07:18.620
  • At the center of that city will be a throne, and seated on it is
  • 00:07:18.620 --> 00:07:21.490
  • An observant jewish rabbi, one jesus of nazareth.
  • 00:07:21.490 --> 00:07:25.293
  • It'll be an awkward place if you hate the jews.
  • 00:07:25.293 --> 00:07:29.731
  • The lion of the tribe of judah.
  • 00:07:29.731 --> 00:07:32.634
  • And when john turns to see the lion of the tribe of judah, he
  • 00:07:32.634 --> 00:07:35.470
  • Sees the lamb, looking if he's been slain.
  • 00:07:35.470 --> 00:07:37.906
  • It's the tension, the dynamic tension, the paradox of jesus--
  • 00:07:37.906 --> 00:07:42.844
  • A triumphant lion, but to achieve that place in the
  • 00:07:42.844 --> 00:07:46.014
  • Unfolding purposes of god, he had to offer himself as a
  • 00:07:46.014 --> 00:07:49.417
  • Sacrificial lamb.
  • 00:07:49.417 --> 00:07:52.621
  • I would submit to you there's a tension that exists in scripture
  • 00:07:52.621 --> 00:07:55.090
  • Between the portrayal of these lions.
  • 00:07:55.090 --> 00:07:57.792
  • They're in conflict in the earth.
  • 00:07:57.792 --> 00:08:00.128
  • They were in the 1st century.
  • 00:08:00.128 --> 00:08:02.597
  • Jesus, the incarnate son of god born in bethlehem, and all the
  • 00:08:02.597 --> 00:08:06.902
  • Male children slaughtered.
  • 00:08:06.902 --> 00:08:10.105
  • Jesus of nazareth, the miracle worker, the healer, the teacher
  • 00:08:10.105 --> 00:08:15.310
  • Had a three-year public ministry, and in place after
  • 00:08:15.310 --> 00:08:17.913
  • Place he's reviled, and rejected.
  • 00:08:17.913 --> 00:08:21.216
  • There are multiple attempts made on his life until, ultimately,
  • 00:08:21.216 --> 00:08:23.818
  • He's condemned to death and tortured to death in public as
  • 00:08:23.818 --> 00:08:26.788
  • If he were a common criminal.
  • 00:08:26.788 --> 00:08:29.658
  • And god raises him to life again and the temple--in the temple,
  • 00:08:29.658 --> 00:08:33.595
  • The curtain that separated the holy of holies, the holiest
  • 00:08:33.595 --> 00:08:36.665
  • Place on earth, the temple--the curtain was torn apart so that
  • 00:08:36.665 --> 00:08:41.136
  • All people had access to the presence of god.
  • 00:08:41.136 --> 00:08:44.773
  • There's a tension between the two lions.
  • 00:08:44.773 --> 00:08:47.842
  • I'm not suggesting they're equal in power or equal in strength
  • 00:08:47.842 --> 00:08:50.679
  • Or ability.
  • 00:08:50.679 --> 00:08:52.013
  • I'm suggesting to you that they're both present and they
  • 00:08:52.013 --> 00:08:54.215
  • Have agendas, and you better be aware.
  • 00:08:54.215 --> 00:08:58.820
  • I'm constantly a bit--i'm not amused--befuddled at american
  • 00:08:58.820 --> 00:09:03.825
  • Christians, particularly the guys.
  • 00:09:03.825 --> 00:09:07.028
  • You know, we have a tendency-- and i know it's a blanket
  • 00:09:07.028 --> 00:09:09.764
  • Statement, so forgive me--for the inherent weaknesses, but men
  • 00:09:09.764 --> 00:09:13.902
  • Have approached me on many occasions, "you know, pastor,
  • 00:09:13.902 --> 00:09:15.737
  • I've decided to be a christian.
  • 00:09:15.737 --> 00:09:17.105
  • Tell me the book i need to read.
  • 00:09:17.105 --> 00:09:21.142
  • I'm gonna get focused on this now.
  • 00:09:21.142 --> 00:09:22.544
  • You know, my wife's gone to church.
  • 00:09:22.544 --> 00:09:23.878
  • I never paid much attention, but i've decided i probably need to.
  • 00:09:23.878 --> 00:09:26.948
  • What is it i need to--what do i need to know?"
  • 00:09:26.948 --> 00:09:29.584
  • It's like they picked up a new hobby, like they're gonna learn
  • 00:09:29.584 --> 00:09:31.219
  • To fly fish and they want to know the book on fly--like "fly
  • 00:09:31.219 --> 00:09:35.490
  • Fishing for dummies."
  • 00:09:35.490 --> 00:09:36.825
  • "have you got one of those 'christians for dummies'?
  • 00:09:36.825 --> 00:09:39.628
  • 'cause i wanna read it.
  • 00:09:39.628 --> 00:09:41.529
  • 'cause i wanna get it done, and then i wanna move on.
  • 00:09:41.529 --> 00:09:43.131
  • I wanna get back to my stuff."
  • 00:09:43.131 --> 00:09:47.636
  • And out of that attitude comes this--we're very reluctant to
  • 00:09:47.636 --> 00:09:50.171
  • Acknowledge the role of evil-- that it's personal, that it
  • 00:09:50.171 --> 00:09:55.577
  • Crafts plans for our own destruction.
  • 00:09:55.577 --> 00:09:59.247
  • It's not random.
  • 00:09:59.247 --> 00:10:02.050
  • It's not accidental.
  • 00:10:02.050 --> 00:10:05.320
  • Satan was an archangel.
  • 00:10:05.320 --> 00:10:06.688
  • He fell from his place in the kingdom of god.
  • 00:10:06.688 --> 00:10:09.124
  • What he understands about structure and order, he learned
  • 00:10:09.124 --> 00:10:11.926
  • By observation in the eternal kingdom of almighty god.
  • 00:10:11.926 --> 00:10:17.165
  • And he's put together a kingdom to oppose the purposes of god.
  • 00:10:17.165 --> 00:10:20.735
  • He forfeited his place, and he will do his best to keep you
  • 00:10:20.735 --> 00:10:23.772
  • From your place.
  • 00:10:23.772 --> 00:10:25.607
  • And if you're not living with an awareness of one who prowls the
  • 00:10:25.607 --> 00:10:29.210
  • Earth like a lion seeking whom he can devour and the necessity
  • 00:10:29.210 --> 00:10:34.215
  • You staying close to the lion of the tribe of judah, you are
  • 00:10:34.215 --> 00:10:36.885
  • Incredibly vulnerable.
  • 00:10:36.885 --> 00:10:39.654
  • You lack the situational awareness that's necessary
  • 00:10:39.654 --> 00:10:42.190
  • To flourish.
  • 00:10:42.190 --> 00:10:44.626
  • And then we say uninformed things like "i just don't know
  • 00:10:44.626 --> 00:10:48.096
  • If i believe that"--as if that protected you.
  • 00:10:48.096 --> 00:10:52.934
  • Suppose you just said, "i don't believe my vehicle could run out
  • 00:10:52.934 --> 00:10:55.370
  • Of energy."
  • 00:10:55.370 --> 00:10:57.906
  • Well, i hope you wear walking shoes when you drive.
  • 00:10:57.906 --> 00:11:01.743
  • Because whether you plug it in and recharge it or you put fuel
  • 00:11:01.743 --> 00:11:05.547
  • In it, it's very capable of running out of energy.
  • 00:11:05.547 --> 00:11:10.485
  • And your belief system doesn't change the facts, and spiritual
  • 00:11:10.485 --> 00:11:14.622
  • Reality is a greater fact than any vehicle we ride in.
  • 00:11:14.622 --> 00:11:22.197
  • Allen: hey, i've written a new book.
  • 00:11:25.967 --> 00:11:27.302
  • It's called "my friend jesus."
  • 00:11:27.302 --> 00:11:29.137
  • You know, i'm a pastor.
  • 00:11:29.137 --> 00:11:30.505
  • A lot of ritual tradition, a lot of formality in the way we know
  • 00:11:30.505 --> 00:11:34.242
  • God--it's not bad.
  • 00:11:34.242 --> 00:11:35.577
  • There's some good things in that.
  • 00:11:35.577 --> 00:11:36.978
  • But when i'm in real trouble or i have something i wanna
  • 00:11:36.978 --> 00:11:39.114
  • Celebrate, i call a friend.
  • 00:11:39.114 --> 00:11:41.382
  • Well, i wanna live my life with jesus of nazareth is my friend.
  • 00:11:41.382 --> 00:11:44.886
  • It changes everything in both celebration and when there's
  • 00:11:44.886 --> 00:11:47.956
  • A problem.
  • 00:11:47.956 --> 00:11:49.290
  • I wrote the book to help.
  • 00:11:49.290 --> 00:11:50.658
  • I think it'll open your life to god in a more personal,
  • 00:11:50.658 --> 00:11:52.961
  • Transformational way than ever before.
  • 00:11:52.961 --> 00:11:55.630
  • Enjoy the book.
  • 00:11:55.630 --> 00:11:56.965
  • Female announcer: in his book "my friend jesus," pastor allen
  • 00:11:56.965 --> 00:11:59.300
  • Shares how friendship with jesus brings clarity, strength, and
  • 00:11:59.300 --> 00:12:02.771
  • Peace in every part of life.
  • 00:12:02.771 --> 00:12:04.739
  • This isn't about following a religion or religious rules.
  • 00:12:04.739 --> 00:12:07.976
  • It's about cultivating a cherished relationship that will
  • 00:12:07.976 --> 00:12:10.745
  • Help your faith become more personal, more joyful, and more
  • 00:12:10.745 --> 00:12:14.282
  • Powerful each day.
  • 00:12:14.282 --> 00:12:15.850
  • Request "my friend jesus" with your donation of $25 or more
  • 00:12:15.850 --> 00:12:19.788
  • Today at allenjackson.com or by calling...
  • 00:12:19.788 --> 00:12:25.994
  • Announcer: we are committed to helping you grow in your faith
  • 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:28.029
  • And have tools for your journey no matter your schedule.
  • 00:12:28.029 --> 00:12:30.698
  • Get daily encouragement and insight with pastor allen's
  • 00:12:30.698 --> 00:12:33.468
  • Daily devotion right in your inbox.
  • 00:12:33.468 --> 00:12:35.203
  • Just sign up on the website.
  • 00:12:35.203 --> 00:12:36.805
  • Join us on one of our live stream services right from your
  • 00:12:36.805 --> 00:12:39.507
  • Tv using the allen jackson ministries app.
  • 00:12:39.507 --> 00:12:42.343
  • Listen to a powerful message through your favorite podcast
  • 00:12:42.343 --> 00:12:45.046
  • App--perfect for a commute.
  • 00:12:45.046 --> 00:12:46.614
  • And make sure to follow pastor allen on social media to stay
  • 00:12:46.614 --> 00:12:49.617
  • Up-to-date with everything happening here with allen
  • 00:12:49.617 --> 00:12:52.253
  • Jackson ministries.
  • 00:12:52.253 --> 00:12:57.892
  • Allen: you know, often, we want an oversimplified message so
  • 00:12:57.892 --> 00:12:59.994
  • We're not so required to think or to trust god.
  • 00:12:59.994 --> 00:13:03.198
  • The greatest honor of our lives is learning to trust the lord,
  • 00:13:03.198 --> 00:13:06.835
  • To grow up in him, to learn of his character, to understand his
  • 00:13:06.835 --> 00:13:10.638
  • Nature, to know what he's doing in the earth, to offer ourselves
  • 00:13:10.638 --> 00:13:14.042
  • As participants.
  • 00:13:14.042 --> 00:13:16.044
  • Don't imagine you'll volunteer when the opportunity is
  • 00:13:16.044 --> 00:13:18.413
  • Grandiose or significant or of an appropriate scope for someone
  • 00:13:18.413 --> 00:13:22.584
  • Of your ability.
  • 00:13:22.584 --> 00:13:23.918
  • Start with the simplest possible ways.
  • 00:13:23.918 --> 00:13:26.754
  • Say, "god, could i honor you in the neighborhood where i live?
  • 00:13:26.754 --> 00:13:29.757
  • Can i take a walk through my neighborhood and pray for
  • 00:13:29.757 --> 00:13:31.392
  • The people?
  • 00:13:31.392 --> 00:13:33.995
  • God, what if i just started praying for my neighbors until i
  • 00:13:33.995 --> 00:13:36.064
  • Got an opportunity to be certain that they were prepared to step
  • 00:13:36.064 --> 00:13:39.234
  • Into eternity?
  • 00:13:39.234 --> 00:13:41.536
  • God, i pray for the people that i work with, god, those
  • 00:13:41.536 --> 00:13:43.605
  • Difficult people.
  • 00:13:43.605 --> 00:13:44.973
  • That place this awful.
  • 00:13:44.973 --> 00:13:46.307
  • I'm praying you'll deliver me from.
  • 00:13:46.307 --> 00:13:47.642
  • I'm gonna start to pray for them in that place until the name of
  • 00:13:47.642 --> 00:13:50.011
  • Jesus is honored there."
  • 00:13:50.011 --> 00:13:53.448
  • What else are we doing?
  • 00:13:53.448 --> 00:13:55.550
  • Trying to get a third home?
  • 00:13:55.550 --> 00:13:58.052
  • I'm not opposed to that.
  • 00:13:58.052 --> 00:13:59.654
  • It's just not a worthy ambition for your life.
  • 00:13:59.654 --> 00:14:02.991
  • It's, like, thrown in as a bonus element.
  • 00:14:02.991 --> 00:14:08.096
  • You want to put up with the hassles.
  • 00:14:08.096 --> 00:14:11.366
  • Let's decide to honor the lord.
  • 00:14:11.366 --> 00:14:13.501
  • Look at john 1:29: "the next day john saw jesus coming toward him
  • 00:14:13.501 --> 00:14:17.205
  • And he said, 'look, the lamb of god, who takes away the sin of
  • 00:14:17.205 --> 00:14:20.608
  • The world!'"
  • 00:14:20.608 --> 00:14:21.976
  • A very familiar image to a 1st-century jewish audience.
  • 00:14:21.976 --> 00:14:25.179
  • They have an annual holiday where the whole nation stops, a
  • 00:14:25.179 --> 00:14:27.982
  • Day of fasting, no food available.
  • 00:14:27.982 --> 00:14:30.551
  • Until today it's a part of the practice amongst the jewish
  • 00:14:30.551 --> 00:14:33.021
  • People: to remember the atoning sacrifice of that lamb, the
  • 00:14:33.021 --> 00:14:39.027
  • Passover lamb in egypt.
  • 00:14:39.027 --> 00:14:41.129
  • But it's an annual reminder instructed by god to never
  • 00:14:41.129 --> 00:14:44.632
  • Forget, and john sees jesus and he said, "the lamb of god, who
  • 00:14:44.632 --> 00:14:48.102
  • Will take away the sin of the world," not on an annual basis,
  • 00:14:48.102 --> 00:14:50.939
  • As a covering for sin, but he will remove the sin of
  • 00:14:50.939 --> 00:14:54.442
  • The world.
  • 00:14:54.442 --> 00:14:57.278
  • That's that lamb that john saw in revelation 5, when they said
  • 00:14:57.278 --> 00:15:01.482
  • It's the lion of the tribe of judah.
  • 00:15:01.482 --> 00:15:03.351
  • And he looked to see a lamb that looked as if he'd been slain.
  • 00:15:03.351 --> 00:15:08.756
  • See, the way up in the kingdom of god, the pathway to
  • 00:15:08.756 --> 00:15:11.292
  • Promotion, is by surrendering your rights.
  • 00:15:11.292 --> 00:15:16.764
  • It's not saying you're not valuable.
  • 00:15:16.764 --> 00:15:18.232
  • It's not saying your will doesn't matter.
  • 00:15:18.232 --> 00:15:20.134
  • It's a willing yielding of your will--not easily done.
  • 00:15:20.134 --> 00:15:27.275
  • Then the bible tells us that we're the sheep of
  • 00:15:27.275 --> 00:15:29.510
  • God's pasture.
  • 00:15:29.510 --> 00:15:30.845
  • Look at psalm 100, familiar verse: "know that the lord
  • 00:15:30.845 --> 00:15:32.714
  • Is god.
  • 00:15:32.714 --> 00:15:34.048
  • It's he who made us, and we're the sh--we're are his; we're his
  • 00:15:34.048 --> 00:15:37.251
  • People and the sheep of his pasture."
  • 00:15:37.251 --> 00:15:40.722
  • I don't know if you've spent much time around animals.
  • 00:15:40.722 --> 00:15:43.758
  • I spent a lot of time with sheep, but i spent enough time
  • 00:15:43.758 --> 00:15:46.194
  • With them to know they're not the brightest animals in
  • 00:15:46.194 --> 00:15:48.229
  • The barnyard.
  • 00:15:48.229 --> 00:15:51.532
  • So when god called us sheep, he was not exactly endorsing our
  • 00:15:51.532 --> 00:15:55.436
  • Ability to self-sustain.
  • 00:15:55.436 --> 00:15:58.973
  • In order for sheep to flourish, they have to have a shepherd.
  • 00:15:58.973 --> 00:16:03.244
  • They got zero shot without oversight--for real.
  • 00:16:03.244 --> 00:16:09.283
  • I mean, you can turn horses loose and cattle loose and dogs
  • 00:16:09.283 --> 00:16:11.886
  • Loose and cats loose, but you better not turn the sheep loose.
  • 00:16:11.886 --> 00:16:15.823
  • They need a shepherd.
  • 00:16:15.823 --> 00:16:18.092
  • I'll spare you the details.
  • 00:16:18.092 --> 00:16:19.427
  • Just suffice it to say, it's not exactly complimentary.
  • 00:16:19.427 --> 00:16:23.531
  • Psalm 23 reminds us--you know this passage.
  • 00:16:23.531 --> 00:16:26.067
  • May be the most familiar of all the psalms.
  • 00:16:26.067 --> 00:16:27.735
  • The lord is my...
  • 00:16:27.735 --> 00:16:30.438
  • You need one.
  • 00:16:30.438 --> 00:16:34.208
  • I mean, me too.
  • 00:16:34.208 --> 00:16:38.079
  • "i shall not be in want.
  • 00:16:38.079 --> 00:16:40.515
  • He makes me lie down in green pastures," 'cause if he didn't,
  • 00:16:40.515 --> 00:16:43.785
  • We'd lie down someplace dangerous.
  • 00:16:43.785 --> 00:16:47.522
  • "he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
  • 00:16:47.522 --> 00:16:50.625
  • He guides me in paths of righteousness for his
  • 00:16:50.625 --> 00:16:52.760
  • Name's sake."
  • 00:16:52.760 --> 00:16:54.095
  • 'cause we probably wouldn't choose paths of righteousness.
  • 00:16:54.095 --> 00:16:55.797
  • We'd choose paths of unrighteousness.
  • 00:16:55.797 --> 00:16:58.166
  • Can i get an amen?
  • 00:16:58.166 --> 00:16:59.500
  • Congregation: amen.
  • 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:00.868
  • Allen: aren't you glad we don't have open-mike nights so we
  • 00:17:00.868 --> 00:17:02.470
  • Could all come confess?
  • 00:17:02.470 --> 00:17:04.672
  • He leads me in paths of righteousness 'cause we would
  • 00:17:04.672 --> 00:17:07.108
  • Miss him if he weren't leading us.
  • 00:17:07.108 --> 00:17:08.943
  • "and even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of
  • 00:17:08.943 --> 00:17:11.279
  • Death, i will fear no evil, for you're with me; your rod and
  • 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:17.051
  • Your staff, they comfort me."
  • 00:17:17.051 --> 00:17:19.487
  • Your strength brings comfort to me, not my strength.
  • 00:17:19.487 --> 00:17:23.891
  • I don't wanna walk through shadowed valleys, but he leads
  • 00:17:23.891 --> 00:17:25.960
  • Us through some valleys that are shadowed.
  • 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:29.630
  • "you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."
  • 00:17:29.630 --> 00:17:32.100
  • No thank you.
  • 00:17:32.100 --> 00:17:33.468
  • I'd rather eat with my friends.
  • 00:17:33.468 --> 00:17:36.504
  • But god needs even the enemies of his purposes to hear
  • 00:17:36.504 --> 00:17:39.006
  • The truth.
  • 00:17:39.006 --> 00:17:42.009
  • "you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
  • 00:17:42.009 --> 00:17:44.579
  • Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my
  • 00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:47.148
  • Life, and i will dwell in the house of the lord forever."
  • 00:17:47.148 --> 00:17:52.019
  • The lord is my shepherd.
  • 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:54.388
  • The lord is my shepherd.
  • 00:17:54.455 --> 00:17:55.790
  • "what are you doing here?"
  • 00:17:55.790 --> 00:17:57.125
  • "well, the lord's my shepherd.
  • 00:17:57.125 --> 00:17:58.493
  • I'm not sure yet, but he's probably gonna help
  • 00:17:58.493 --> 00:17:59.827
  • Me understand.
  • 00:17:59.827 --> 00:18:01.162
  • In the meantime, do you know jesus?
  • 00:18:01.162 --> 00:18:04.632
  • In the meantime, while i'm listening to you, i heard you
  • 00:18:04.632 --> 00:18:06.634
  • Say the kids were sick.
  • 00:18:06.634 --> 00:18:07.969
  • Let's pray.
  • 00:18:07.969 --> 00:18:10.571
  • In the meantime, i heard that you're frustrated with what's
  • 00:18:10.571 --> 00:18:12.707
  • Happening in the world.
  • 00:18:12.707 --> 00:18:14.075
  • Let's pray."
  • 00:18:14.075 --> 00:18:15.576
  • Folks, we know a lot of things we can do.
  • 00:18:15.576 --> 00:18:17.345
  • We can be difference makers.
  • 00:18:17.345 --> 00:18:20.148
  • We can be a light in the darkness.
  • 00:18:20.148 --> 00:18:22.483
  • How many conversations do we have to have about spiritual
  • 00:18:22.483 --> 00:18:24.852
  • Conflict before we engage?
  • 00:18:24.852 --> 00:18:28.055
  • "well, i don't know all the answers."
  • 00:18:28.055 --> 00:18:29.657
  • No kidding!
  • 00:18:29.657 --> 00:18:34.295
  • You ever go watch kids play sports?
  • 00:18:34.295 --> 00:18:37.565
  • You ever seen a little fella go, "i don't believe i will
  • 00:18:37.565 --> 00:18:40.468
  • Participate until i fully understand the nature of
  • 00:18:40.468 --> 00:18:42.904
  • The activity"?
  • 00:18:42.904 --> 00:18:45.806
  • Never.
  • 00:18:45.806 --> 00:18:47.475
  • It's like, "put me in, coach!"
  • 00:18:47.475 --> 00:18:50.645
  • Right, if you start with the really little ones, you have to
  • 00:18:50.645 --> 00:18:52.647
  • Point which base to run to, right?
  • 00:18:52.647 --> 00:18:56.617
  • And now we're high tech.
  • 00:18:56.617 --> 00:18:57.952
  • I mean, we're videotaping their games.
  • 00:18:57.952 --> 00:18:59.320
  • We make the kids watch tape.
  • 00:18:59.320 --> 00:19:00.655
  • They're seven years old.
  • 00:19:00.655 --> 00:19:02.023
  • "we're gonna watch the tape."
  • 00:19:02.023 --> 00:19:04.091
  • I'm like, "wow, go for it, okay."
  • 00:19:04.091 --> 00:19:08.162
  • They don't have any reluctance, any reticence.
  • 00:19:08.162 --> 00:19:10.198
  • You see, it isn't that we're so much--we're not interested.
  • 00:19:10.198 --> 00:19:14.969
  • They wanna be participants, they want in.
  • 00:19:14.969 --> 00:19:18.439
  • "me do it."
  • 00:19:18.439 --> 00:19:20.575
  • When it comes to the things of god, we go, "couldn't somebody
  • 00:19:20.575 --> 00:19:22.743
  • Else do it?
  • 00:19:22.743 --> 00:19:24.312
  • Do i have to do it?
  • 00:19:24.312 --> 00:19:25.646
  • How often do--when, how long is it gonna last?
  • 00:19:25.646 --> 00:19:31.452
  • Can't i just live stream?
  • 00:19:31.452 --> 00:19:32.820
  • Isn't there a youtube video?"
  • 00:19:32.820 --> 00:19:40.528
  • Luke 12, it's one of my favorite jesus's passages.
  • 00:19:40.528 --> 00:19:45.199
  • He's talking to his friends.
  • 00:19:45.199 --> 00:19:46.567
  • He said, "don't set your heart on what you'll eat or drink;
  • 00:19:46.567 --> 00:19:48.169
  • Don't worry about it.
  • 00:19:48.169 --> 00:19:49.804
  • For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your
  • 00:19:49.804 --> 00:19:52.073
  • Heavenly father knows that you need them.
  • 00:19:52.073 --> 00:19:54.675
  • But seek first his kingdom, and these things will be given to
  • 00:19:54.675 --> 00:19:56.877
  • You as well.
  • 00:19:56.877 --> 00:19:58.546
  • Do not be afraid, little flock."
  • 00:19:58.546 --> 00:20:04.185
  • I don't know why the imagery that has always resonated so
  • 00:20:04.185 --> 00:20:06.988
  • Powerfully with me, but jesus looking at this group of people
  • 00:20:06.988 --> 00:20:10.024
  • And he said, "you don't have to be afraid, little flock."
  • 00:20:10.024 --> 00:20:15.129
  • Said, "i got this.
  • 00:20:15.129 --> 00:20:17.565
  • You don't have to be afraid.
  • 00:20:17.565 --> 00:20:20.067
  • You don't have to be afraid of what the ungodly people are
  • 00:20:20.067 --> 00:20:22.303
  • Afraid of.
  • 00:20:22.303 --> 00:20:24.438
  • I got this.
  • 00:20:24.438 --> 00:20:25.773
  • I'm your shepherd--
  • 00:20:25.773 --> 00:20:27.408
  • Yeah, there's wolves out there, but we can do this.
  • 00:20:27.408 --> 00:20:31.679
  • You don't have to be afraid."
  • 00:20:31.679 --> 00:20:33.648
  • I get afraid sometimes.
  • 00:20:33.648 --> 00:20:36.384
  • I get anxious.
  • 00:20:36.384 --> 00:20:38.586
  • I get tired or i get emotionally frazzled or, you know, you just
  • 00:20:38.586 --> 00:20:42.923
  • Get tired of it sometimes, and i think, "oh, what am i thinking?"
  • 00:20:42.923 --> 00:20:46.961
  • And i go back, i hear jesus saying, "oh, you don't have to
  • 00:20:46.961 --> 00:20:48.863
  • Be afraid.
  • 00:20:48.863 --> 00:20:50.731
  • I got this."
  • 00:20:50.731 --> 00:20:53.200
  • There's a few places in my life where i'm around people and
  • 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:57.471
  • They'll look at me.
  • 00:20:57.471 --> 00:20:58.806
  • If i'm in israel and i've got one of my israeli friends and
  • 00:20:58.806 --> 00:21:00.675
  • We're going, he said, "you don't have to be afraid, allen.
  • 00:21:00.675 --> 00:21:03.244
  • I got this."
  • 00:21:03.244 --> 00:21:05.046
  • I'm like, "well, good, where can i get an aroma?"
  • 00:21:05.046 --> 00:21:10.484
  • Well, if you're with somebody who's got an expertise or
  • 00:21:10.484 --> 00:21:14.088
  • Experience or confidence in an area where you don't, there's
  • 00:21:14.088 --> 00:21:18.693
  • A freedom.
  • 00:21:18.693 --> 00:21:20.061
  • I got invited--i went this last week.
  • 00:21:20.061 --> 00:21:21.395
  • Kathy and i went to dallas to tape some program, but it wasn't
  • 00:21:21.395 --> 00:21:23.698
  • Our--it wasn't my program.
  • 00:21:23.698 --> 00:21:25.032
  • I wasn't responsible.
  • 00:21:25.032 --> 00:21:26.500
  • I didn't care if the camera worked, i didn't care if they
  • 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:28.736
  • Prepared their--it didn't matter to me.
  • 00:21:28.736 --> 00:21:30.471
  • "show me where to stand. what do you want me to say?
  • 00:21:30.471 --> 00:21:32.039
  • Just point. i'm here."
  • 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:33.908
  • It's like rent a hillbilly. "i'm available."
  • 00:21:33.908 --> 00:21:38.045
  • Except i just volunteered.
  • 00:21:38.045 --> 00:21:39.380
  • But i'm telling you: it was stressless.
  • 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:42.416
  • When the guy said, "what are we gonna talk about?"
  • 00:21:42.416 --> 00:21:43.751
  • I said, "we don't know."
  • 00:21:43.751 --> 00:21:45.086
  • I said, "what's the objective?" "we don't know."
  • 00:21:45.086 --> 00:21:46.420
  • I thought, "glad it's not my problem, because that's
  • 00:21:46.420 --> 00:21:47.755
  • Messed up."
  • 00:21:47.755 --> 00:21:52.827
  • But i hear jesus saying that "you don't have to be afraid,
  • 00:21:52.827 --> 00:21:55.396
  • Little flock."
  • 00:21:55.396 --> 00:21:56.764
  • What are you afraid of?
  • 00:21:56.764 --> 00:21:59.433
  • What are you carrying?
  • 00:21:59.433 --> 00:22:02.303
  • What are you holding back from the lord?
  • 00:22:02.303 --> 00:22:08.976
  • Lions and lambs.
  • 00:22:08.976 --> 00:22:12.113
  • Which lion you standing closest to?
  • 00:22:12.113 --> 00:22:15.816
  • See, if we get really honest about it, we've really wanted to
  • 00:22:15.816 --> 00:22:19.420
  • Play in the devil's den.
  • 00:22:19.420 --> 00:22:23.424
  • We'll ask questions like "well, how far is too far?
  • 00:22:23.424 --> 00:22:26.594
  • How much is too much?"
  • 00:22:26.594 --> 00:22:28.863
  • Wrong question.
  • 00:22:28.863 --> 00:22:31.932
  • I want to stay as close to the lion of the tribe of judah as
  • 00:22:31.932 --> 00:22:34.502
  • I'm physically capable of.
  • 00:22:34.502 --> 00:22:37.905
  • I'm willing to accept the fact that i'm a lamb, and without the
  • 00:22:37.905 --> 00:22:42.443
  • Help of the shepherd, i am lunch meat and that there's an
  • 00:22:42.443 --> 00:22:48.015
  • Enormous amount of deception and manipulation in the world, and i
  • 00:22:48.015 --> 00:22:51.085
  • Don't wanna get caught in it.
  • 00:22:51.085 --> 00:22:53.988
  • See, i don't believe you can ever rest in the mercy and
  • 00:22:53.988 --> 00:22:56.023
  • Kindness of god until you know his great strength and justice.
  • 00:22:56.023 --> 00:23:00.060
  • So i'm gonna invite you.
  • 00:23:00.060 --> 00:23:01.395
  • We're gonna make a little journey together.
  • 00:23:01.395 --> 00:23:02.763
  • We're gonna talk about the strength of god and what it
  • 00:23:02.763 --> 00:23:05.733
  • Means to step close to him.
  • 00:23:05.733 --> 00:23:07.735
  • Let's not exchange the power of god for a program or a formula
  • 00:23:07.735 --> 00:23:11.071
  • Or a process.
  • 00:23:11.071 --> 00:23:12.807
  • They're not the same.
  • 00:23:12.807 --> 00:23:14.175
  • I'm tired of formulas.
  • 00:23:14.175 --> 00:23:16.043
  • I don't want just another published manual on how to be
  • 00:23:16.043 --> 00:23:18.712
  • A--stop.
  • 00:23:18.712 --> 00:23:20.714
  • I wanna see the fruit.
  • 00:23:20.714 --> 00:23:24.084
  • Disciples are transformed people, and they're transformed
  • 00:23:24.084 --> 00:23:26.720
  • By the power of god.
  • 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:29.390
  • We're changing our campus right now.
  • 00:23:29.390 --> 00:23:30.791
  • The whole topography of our campus is in motion.
  • 00:23:30.791 --> 00:23:33.861
  • If you're around here during the week, you hear the horn blast
  • 00:23:33.861 --> 00:23:36.297
  • And the ground shakes and rocks fly in the air.
  • 00:23:36.297 --> 00:23:40.401
  • But i'm telling you: what god does in our lives is more
  • 00:23:40.401 --> 00:23:42.903
  • Dramatic than blasting rock and changing topography.
  • 00:23:42.903 --> 00:23:48.042
  • God's power is available to transform your life if you will
  • 00:23:48.042 --> 00:23:52.179
  • Choose to participate.
  • 00:23:52.179 --> 00:23:53.747
  • And i'm grateful that you have transformation stories from
  • 00:23:53.747 --> 00:23:56.317
  • Your past.
  • 00:23:56.317 --> 00:23:57.651
  • Do you think there's none left?
  • 00:23:57.651 --> 00:24:00.154
  • I've been through multiple projects here where we've
  • 00:24:00.154 --> 00:24:02.122
  • Blasted rock and changed the topography of the campus.
  • 00:24:02.122 --> 00:24:05.893
  • I didn't know i'd have the privilege of getting to be a
  • 00:24:05.893 --> 00:24:07.628
  • Part of it again, but i want that same thing happening
  • 00:24:07.628 --> 00:24:10.231
  • Within me.
  • 00:24:10.231 --> 00:24:12.833
  • I would invite you to that.
  • 00:24:12.833 --> 00:24:14.168
  • Take off the mantle of "i know it all" or "all the important
  • 00:24:14.168 --> 00:24:19.006
  • Stuff is different," really.
  • 00:24:19.006 --> 00:24:27.081
  • We have domesticated our faith.
  • 00:24:27.081 --> 00:24:30.217
  • We've exchanged the power of god for polite little bible studies
  • 00:24:30.217 --> 00:24:33.153
  • And discipleship formulas and lesson plans for righteousness.
  • 00:24:33.153 --> 00:24:36.724
  • And i'm not opposed to those things.
  • 00:24:36.724 --> 00:24:38.158
  • I speak into them sometimes, but i'm far more interested in the
  • 00:24:38.158 --> 00:24:41.262
  • Transforming power of god.
  • 00:24:41.262 --> 00:24:43.097
  • I would submit it's time to unleash the power of the holy
  • 00:24:43.097 --> 00:24:45.499
  • Spirit in our lives, to walk in new ways.
  • 00:24:45.499 --> 00:24:49.036
  • And if i had to give you a simple doorway to that, humble
  • 00:24:49.036 --> 00:24:51.972
  • Yourself and serve the king.
  • 00:24:51.972 --> 00:24:54.942
  • Begin to say, "lord, forgive me.
  • 00:24:54.942 --> 00:24:57.144
  • I've cared more about mine than yours.
  • 00:24:57.144 --> 00:25:00.648
  • I've wanted you to do my bidding more than i've had any interest
  • 00:25:00.648 --> 00:25:02.950
  • In doing yours.
  • 00:25:02.950 --> 00:25:04.952
  • I've pointed to my resume, and i'm showing you all the things
  • 00:25:04.952 --> 00:25:07.254
  • I've done, and i've just thought you'd be so impressed with me
  • 00:25:07.254 --> 00:25:10.491
  • That now i can do my own thing."
  • 00:25:10.491 --> 00:25:13.827
  • Let's decide to serve the lord.
  • 00:25:13.827 --> 00:25:16.664
  • We're gonna keep working on this.
  • 00:25:16.664 --> 00:25:18.032
  • I brought you a prayer. why don't you stand with me?
  • 00:25:18.032 --> 00:25:22.436
  • We're not done.
  • 00:25:22.436 --> 00:25:23.771
  • We've just opened the door: lions and lambs.
  • 00:25:23.771 --> 00:25:27.875
  • The one you stay close to makes a difference.
  • 00:25:27.875 --> 00:25:31.111
  • In fact, it makes all the difference.
  • 00:25:31.111 --> 00:25:35.282
  • Can we read this together?
  • 00:25:35.282 --> 00:25:37.751
  • "almighty god, forgive us for our unbelief and indifference.
  • 00:25:37.751 --> 00:25:42.723
  • We humble ourselves and acknowledge you as the creator
  • 00:25:42.723 --> 00:25:45.793
  • And sustainer of all things.
  • 00:25:45.793 --> 00:25:48.395
  • Now, open our hearts and our eyes that we may have
  • 00:25:48.395 --> 00:25:51.865
  • Understanding and insight from you.
  • 00:25:51.865 --> 00:25:54.768
  • Deliver us from deception.
  • 00:25:54.768 --> 00:25:56.770
  • Holy spirit teach us, we are listening and we will follow.
  • 00:25:56.770 --> 00:26:01.709
  • Give us now a boldness to believe, to serve and to respond
  • 00:26:01.709 --> 00:26:06.280
  • As never before.
  • 00:26:06.280 --> 00:26:08.115
  • May the name of jesus be lifted high and may his people be
  • 00:26:08.115 --> 00:26:12.252
  • Strengthened, in jesus' name, amen."
  • 00:26:12.252 --> 00:26:16.523
  • God bless you.
  • 00:26:16.523 --> 00:26:20.794
  • Allen: thank you for spending a few minutes with us today.
  • 00:26:24.932 --> 00:26:27.001
  • You know, our goal in doing this is to add momentum to your
  • 00:26:27.001 --> 00:26:30.371
  • Spiritual life, to help open the kingdom of god to you in a more
  • 00:26:30.371 --> 00:26:33.941
  • Practical way that you could engage in a relationship with
  • 00:26:33.941 --> 00:26:36.510
  • The lord--not be a more faithful church sitter or a
  • 00:26:36.510 --> 00:26:39.513
  • Bible reader but a person who actually knows the living god.
  • 00:26:39.513 --> 00:26:43.050
  • Well, i've written a new book.
  • 00:26:43.050 --> 00:26:44.385
  • It's called "my friend jesus."
  • 00:26:44.385 --> 00:26:45.753
  • To be candid, it's the culmination of years of my own
  • 00:26:45.753 --> 00:26:49.390
  • Spiritual journey.
  • 00:26:49.390 --> 00:26:50.724
  • I wanted to peel away all the formality of language and
  • 00:26:50.724 --> 00:26:54.228
  • Routine and ritual, and i really wanted to focus on what it means
  • 00:26:54.228 --> 00:26:57.698
  • To be a friend of the lord, and that book is intended to give
  • 00:26:57.698 --> 00:27:01.168
  • You a pathway to imagine your faith in a way that enables it
  • 00:27:01.168 --> 00:27:04.805
  • To be more personal, more transformational.
  • 00:27:04.805 --> 00:27:06.674
  • When i need help, i call my friends.
  • 00:27:06.674 --> 00:27:08.942
  • But when i need real help, i call my friend jesus.
  • 00:27:08.942 --> 00:27:12.012
  • He changes everything.
  • 00:27:12.012 --> 00:27:13.347
  • He's done it many times in my life.
  • 00:27:13.347 --> 00:27:15.249
  • He'll do it in your life.
  • 00:27:15.249 --> 00:27:16.984
  • Read the book, open your heart, there'll be a whole new power
  • 00:27:16.984 --> 00:27:20.254
  • Available to help shape your future.
  • 00:27:20.254 --> 00:27:27.394