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Christine Caine

Christian Cain - The Key to an Abundant Life (Part 1)

January 1, 2025 | S25:E1

Christian Cain - The Key to an Abundant Life (Part 1)
Christine Caine travels the world teaching the Gospel and inspiring her audience to reach their God-given purpose and potential.
#Faith #TrustGod #Abundance #WalkwithGod #RelationshipwithGod #Lifestyle #Christianity #Religion #Encouragement #WordofGod #inActive #ChristineCaine

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Christine Caine | Christian Cain - The Key to an Abundant Life (Part 1) | January 1, 2025
  • I want to remind each and every one of us today
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  • That jesus christ came to give us life and
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  • Life more abundantly.
  • 00:00:06.062 --> 00:00:07.964
  • We read this in john 10:10.
  • 00:00:07.964 --> 00:00:09.532
  • The bible teaches us that every good and perfect
  • 00:00:09.532 --> 00:00:12.435
  • Gift is from above, coming down from the
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  • Father of lights with whom there is no
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  • Variation or shadow due to change.
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  • Hi, it's so good to see you.
  • 00:00:21.811 --> 00:00:23.580
  • I'm chris caine and i want to welcome you to today's
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  • Episode of equip and empower.
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  • A lot has changed since jesus walked on this earth.
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  • For one thing, we've got selfies.
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  • We're a culture that's consumed with taking
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  • Pictures of ourselves, and i'm going to talk
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  • A lot more about that in today's message.
  • 00:00:40.163 --> 00:00:42.298
  • But first, let me point out one thing that hasn't
  • 00:00:42.298 --> 00:00:45.201
  • Changed and that's that we all are following jesus.
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  • It's a daily commitment, not a one and done thing.
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  • It affects every area of our lives and we're going
  • 00:00:53.576 --> 00:00:56.346
  • To discover today the keys god has given us to
  • 00:00:56.346 --> 00:00:59.816
  • Follow him wholeheartedly and to walk out the
  • 00:00:59.816 --> 00:01:02.485
  • Abundant life that jesus died to give us.
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  • I am so excited about this teaching.
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  • Let's dive in and get started right now.
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  • ♪♪
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  • I am so grateful that you have joined me today.
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  • I know that god has a word for you.
  • 00:01:28.878 --> 00:01:31.514
  • I'm believing god that this is going to speak
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  • Straight to your spirit.
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  • Today we are talking about the key to
  • 00:01:34.551 --> 00:01:37.587
  • Abundant life.
  • 00:01:37.587 --> 00:01:38.788
  • In john 10:10, jesus says that the enemy comes to
  • 00:01:38.788 --> 00:01:40.823
  • Steal, kill and destroy, but i have come that you
  • 00:01:40.823 --> 00:01:43.092
  • Might have life, and i love this, and life
  • 00:01:43.092 --> 00:01:46.062
  • More abundantly.
  • 00:01:46.062 --> 00:01:47.964
  • So who doesn't want to know how to live the
  • 00:01:47.964 --> 00:01:51.434
  • Abundant life that jesus has called each and every
  • 00:01:51.434 --> 00:01:53.970
  • One of us to live?
  • 00:01:53.970 --> 00:01:55.572
  • Now, i'm wondering whether there's anyone on
  • 00:01:55.572 --> 00:01:57.807
  • The other side of the screen, anyone else
  • 00:01:57.807 --> 00:01:59.242
  • Beside me that has almost killed yourself taking a
  • 00:01:59.242 --> 00:02:03.446
  • Selfie, literally just standing on a cliff's
  • 00:02:03.446 --> 00:02:06.983
  • Edge, taking a selfie.
  • 00:02:06.983 --> 00:02:10.420
  • I've been doing so much hiking and hiking various
  • 00:02:10.420 --> 00:02:12.388
  • Mountains over this last year of my life and i was
  • 00:02:12.388 --> 00:02:15.892
  • Hiking up bishop pass trail in the
  • 00:02:15.892 --> 00:02:18.061
  • Eastern sierras.
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  • If you've never gone, you've got to go.
  • 00:02:19.429 --> 00:02:21.397
  • It is so beautiful.
  • 00:02:21.397 --> 00:02:22.665
  • But anyway, i stopped on a ledge as we were hiking
  • 00:02:22.665 --> 00:02:26.169
  • Up to the summit as you would, and i was obsessed
  • 00:02:26.169 --> 00:02:30.840
  • With getting the right angle, making sure that i
  • 00:02:30.840 --> 00:02:34.043
  • Had the mountains behind me and having it that
  • 00:02:34.043 --> 00:02:37.146
  • What i didn't realize was literally i almost felt
  • 00:02:37.146 --> 00:02:40.283
  • Off the ledge and just because i was more
  • 00:02:40.283 --> 00:02:43.253
  • Worried about the selfie and they're like grabbing
  • 00:02:43.253 --> 00:02:45.722
  • Me, pulling me in. i am the worst selfie taker
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  • On earth.
  • 00:02:49.826 --> 00:02:50.960
  • It's like i stand there and i'm like, my arms are
  • 00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:53.062
  • So short that nobody can fit in the picture.
  • 00:02:53.062 --> 00:02:56.199
  • And everyone's like, chris is not taking
  • 00:02:56.199 --> 00:02:57.767
  • The selfie.
  • 00:02:57.767 --> 00:02:59.235
  • Anyone with the longest arms is, and i always
  • 00:02:59.235 --> 00:03:01.804
  • Have to ask someone else to take the picture.
  • 00:03:01.804 --> 00:03:04.374
  • My kids are mortified.
  • 00:03:04.374 --> 00:03:06.309
  • They think like, mom, how can you do what you do
  • 00:03:06.309 --> 00:03:08.678
  • And not be able to take selfies?
  • 00:03:08.678 --> 00:03:12.348
  • And there is no doubt that selfies are an
  • 00:03:12.348 --> 00:03:14.117
  • Obsession in our generation.
  • 00:03:14.117 --> 00:03:16.686
  • Truly millions, multiplied millions of selfies are
  • 00:03:16.686 --> 00:03:19.856
  • Uploaded every day on the different social media
  • 00:03:19.856 --> 00:03:22.358
  • Platforms and we're obsessed with it.
  • 00:03:22.358 --> 00:03:25.361
  • We truly are.
  • 00:03:25.361 --> 00:03:26.996
  • And we say, look, i want this to be an authentic,
  • 00:03:26.996 --> 00:03:29.932
  • Spontaneous, just really true selfie, but we've
  • 00:03:29.932 --> 00:03:34.437
  • Got to get outside.
  • 00:03:34.437 --> 00:03:35.672
  • We've got to get the right light angle.
  • 00:03:35.672 --> 00:03:38.141
  • We've got to edit them the right way.
  • 00:03:38.141 --> 00:03:40.209
  • We've got to crop them the right way.
  • 00:03:40.209 --> 00:03:41.744
  • We've got to put the right filter and just go
  • 00:03:41.744 --> 00:03:43.646
  • Hashtag spontaneous most authentic me, and then we
  • 00:03:43.646 --> 00:03:48.184
  • Make sure that it's got enough likes and if it
  • 00:03:48.184 --> 00:03:49.619
  • Doesn't get them quick enough, we get it down
  • 00:03:49.619 --> 00:03:51.254
  • And we put up another one that's even quicker.
  • 00:03:51.254 --> 00:03:53.856
  • So it cracks me up because it's not
  • 00:03:53.856 --> 00:03:55.892
  • Authentic and it's not spontaneous, but the
  • 00:03:55.892 --> 00:03:58.361
  • Reality is that the psychological impact of
  • 00:03:58.361 --> 00:04:01.097
  • Selfies leaves basically selfie users feeling
  • 00:04:01.097 --> 00:04:06.436
  • More anxious. all the studies are out.
  • 00:04:06.436 --> 00:04:08.938
  • It is stunning to me what the studies show more
  • 00:04:08.938 --> 00:04:12.241
  • Anxious and less confident and less
  • 00:04:12.241 --> 00:04:14.110
  • Physically attractive.
  • 00:04:14.110 --> 00:04:15.678
  • Posting selfies actually results in a worsened
  • 00:04:15.678 --> 00:04:20.183
  • Mood and worsened body image.
  • 00:04:20.183 --> 00:04:23.286
  • This kind of obsession with curating a beautiful
  • 00:04:23.286 --> 00:04:26.389
  • Public profile and placing ourselves in the
  • 00:04:26.389 --> 00:04:29.559
  • Middle of everything is actually not really
  • 00:04:29.559 --> 00:04:32.261
  • Working for us.
  • 00:04:32.261 --> 00:04:33.796
  • The data is in and it shows that this doesn't
  • 00:04:33.796 --> 00:04:37.467
  • Lead to greater fulfillment or greater
  • 00:04:37.467 --> 00:04:40.203
  • Peace or greater joy or happiness or
  • 00:04:40.203 --> 00:04:43.239
  • Significance purpose.
  • 00:04:43.239 --> 00:04:45.842
  • We might get a bit of a dopamine rush for a
  • 00:04:45.842 --> 00:04:48.845
  • Second as we see those likes come in, but then
  • 00:04:48.845 --> 00:04:52.648
  • We have to come up with a better selfie than the
  • 00:04:52.648 --> 00:04:55.318
  • Last one so that we can get that rush
  • 00:04:55.318 --> 00:04:57.754
  • All over again.
  • 00:04:57.754 --> 00:04:59.789
  • If we don't get the instant feedback that we
  • 00:04:59.789 --> 00:05:02.458
  • Are desperately craving, we get in and we take
  • 00:05:02.458 --> 00:05:06.596
  • That selfie again and again, and it's said that
  • 00:05:06.596 --> 00:05:10.166
  • This selfie generation is the most prominent
  • 00:05:10.166 --> 00:05:12.668
  • Phenomena of the 21st century.
  • 00:05:12.668 --> 00:05:15.605
  • I was reading an article in the new yorker and
  • 00:05:15.605 --> 00:05:18.074
  • They actually posted an entire series on why
  • 00:05:18.074 --> 00:05:21.110
  • Millennials especially are drawn to the
  • 00:05:21.110 --> 00:05:23.713
  • Selfie culture.
  • 00:05:23.713 --> 00:05:25.181
  • So this obsession with trying to prove that
  • 00:05:25.181 --> 00:05:27.116
  • We're awesome, that we're special, that we're
  • 00:05:27.116 --> 00:05:30.720
  • Perfect, it's literally leading to
  • 00:05:30.720 --> 00:05:35.191
  • Mental health issues.
  • 00:05:35.191 --> 00:05:36.893
  • There is something that is not working, the
  • 00:05:36.893 --> 00:05:40.229
  • Selfie is not delivering in the 21st century, and
  • 00:05:40.229 --> 00:05:45.435
  • Today we're going to turn to the most important
  • 00:05:45.435 --> 00:05:47.970
  • Scripture i believe, on discipleship in the whole
  • 00:05:47.970 --> 00:05:52.141
  • Of the new testament. at a time in our world when we
  • 00:05:52.141 --> 00:05:55.578
  • Are encouraged to find ourselves, to be
  • 00:05:55.578 --> 00:05:58.714
  • Self-fulfilled, to be self-actualized, to
  • 00:05:58.714 --> 00:06:02.385
  • Protect our self-image, to boost our self-esteem,
  • 00:06:02.385 --> 00:06:07.457
  • To be self-assured, to be self-confident, to be
  • 00:06:07.457 --> 00:06:10.460
  • Self-determined,
  • 00:06:10.460 --> 00:06:13.196
  • I am actually going to speak about the benefits
  • 00:06:13.196 --> 00:06:17.166
  • Of dying to self. in mark chapter eight,
  • 00:06:17.166 --> 00:06:22.104
  • I love this,
  • 00:06:22.104 --> 00:06:23.673
  • In verse 34 to 38, this is literally a turning
  • 00:06:23.673 --> 00:06:28.444
  • Point of jesus's story.
  • 00:06:28.444 --> 00:06:31.047
  • In this chapter, jesus has been so busy, he's
  • 00:06:31.047 --> 00:06:33.616
  • Fed 4,000 people.
  • 00:06:33.616 --> 00:06:35.218
  • He had a confrontation with the pharisees.
  • 00:06:35.218 --> 00:06:38.054
  • He healed a blind man at bethsaida.
  • 00:06:38.054 --> 00:06:40.756
  • He listened to peter confess him as the
  • 00:06:40.756 --> 00:06:42.925
  • Messiah, and then peter actually rebukes jesus
  • 00:06:42.925 --> 00:06:47.129
  • After jesus tells them about the suffering and
  • 00:06:47.129 --> 00:06:49.198
  • Death that he must go through, and jesus tells
  • 00:06:49.198 --> 00:06:51.601
  • Peter to get behind me, satan.
  • 00:06:51.601 --> 00:06:53.769
  • I mean, it is all happening.
  • 00:06:53.769 --> 00:06:55.671
  • And now jesus teaches what it really, really
  • 00:06:55.671 --> 00:07:00.109
  • Means to follow him and to be his disciples.
  • 00:07:00.109 --> 00:07:05.681
  • He says...
  • 00:07:05.681 --> 00:08:08.644
  • Powerful. in this passage, jesus says that
  • 00:08:08.644 --> 00:08:10.680
  • If anyone is going to follow him, there's a
  • 00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:12.582
  • Particular way to follow him.
  • 00:08:12.582 --> 00:08:15.251
  • The term follow
  • 00:08:15.251 --> 00:08:17.553
  • I know is very skewed in our world today,
  • 00:08:17.553 --> 00:08:20.022
  • Mostly because i think of what associations we draw
  • 00:08:20.022 --> 00:08:23.859
  • With it because of social media.
  • 00:08:23.859 --> 00:08:25.394
  • We just follow and unfollow people with one
  • 00:08:25.394 --> 00:08:27.763
  • Click all the time.
  • 00:08:27.763 --> 00:08:30.299
  • And the fact of the matter is to follow
  • 00:08:30.299 --> 00:08:33.269
  • Someone in biblical times,
  • 00:08:33.269 --> 00:08:35.972
  • To be a disciple was actually to be a learner.
  • 00:08:35.972 --> 00:08:40.076
  • It meant a life of commitment, a life of
  • 00:08:40.076 --> 00:08:43.412
  • Dedication and a life of devotion.
  • 00:08:43.412 --> 00:08:46.182
  • You were all in, you had skin in the game.
  • 00:08:46.182 --> 00:08:50.186
  • You didn't just unfollow.
  • 00:08:50.186 --> 00:08:52.054
  • Jesus says that there are two things that we must
  • 00:08:52.054 --> 00:08:56.125
  • Do if we're going to follow him.
  • 00:08:56.125 --> 00:08:58.861
  • Firstly, we must deny ourselves, and secondly,
  • 00:08:58.861 --> 00:09:02.565
  • We must take up our cross.
  • 00:09:02.565 --> 00:09:04.734
  • Now, the order is really important here.
  • 00:09:04.734 --> 00:09:07.436
  • First, we must empty ourselves of something.
  • 00:09:07.436 --> 00:09:10.873
  • That's self. and then once we've emptied
  • 00:09:10.873 --> 00:09:13.109
  • Ourselves, we must put on something else
  • 00:09:13.109 --> 00:09:15.945
  • And that's the cross.
  • 00:09:15.945 --> 00:09:18.047
  • You see, you cannot carry both the cross
  • 00:09:18.047 --> 00:09:20.750
  • And the self.
  • 00:09:20.750 --> 00:09:22.018
  • In fact, in the original greek, these steps are
  • 00:09:22.018 --> 00:09:24.620
  • Stated in the present continuous tense.
  • 00:09:24.620 --> 00:09:27.623
  • That means keep on denying yourself and keep
  • 00:09:27.623 --> 00:09:30.660
  • On taking up your cross and keep on following me.
  • 00:09:30.660 --> 00:09:34.897
  • This is not the decision of a moment follow,
  • 00:09:34.897 --> 00:09:37.733
  • Unfollow, but for a lifetime to be repeated
  • 00:09:37.733 --> 00:09:41.370
  • Again and again and again.
  • 00:09:41.370 --> 00:09:43.606
  • I'm not sure there could be a more
  • 00:09:43.606 --> 00:09:45.775
  • Counter-cultural message to our generation than
  • 00:09:45.775 --> 00:09:49.011
  • This one right here in the gospel of mark, but
  • 00:09:49.011 --> 00:09:52.248
  • The truth is this actually would've been
  • 00:09:52.248 --> 00:09:55.084
  • Just as challenging to these followers of jesus
  • 00:09:55.084 --> 00:09:58.654
  • As it is to us today.
  • 00:09:58.654 --> 00:10:00.756
  • Every single jesus follower comes to a place
  • 00:10:00.756 --> 00:10:03.759
  • Where we must decide to step over the threshold
  • 00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:07.163
  • From being a spectator at christian events, to
  • 00:10:07.163 --> 00:10:11.367
  • Becoming a participator in the journey where we
  • 00:10:11.367 --> 00:10:13.936
  • Go from being a part of the crowd to becoming a
  • 00:10:13.936 --> 00:10:17.506
  • True disciple of jesus.
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  • Connect with you.
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  • I'm getting blessed. to every woman everywhere,
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  • We are here for you. to equip you and empower you.
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  • With the word of god.
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  • ♪♪
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  • Love is the most important thing
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  • In the world.
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  • Now abides faith, hope and
  • 00:11:23.439 --> 00:11:25.174
  • Love, and the greatest of these is love.
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  • Jesus didn't say, i come that you might
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  • Have church.
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  • He said, i come that you might have life.
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  • Tbn+ has the largest collection of teaching
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  • And sermons you can watch anytime, anywhere
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  • 00:12:11.754 --> 00:12:13.923
  • God has given me a love for you that
  • 00:12:13.923 --> 00:12:15.858
  • I have never had before.
  • 00:12:15.858 --> 00:12:20.029
  • ♪♪
  • 00:12:20.329 --> 00:12:22.431
  • You see, we all realize that in order to
  • 00:12:22.431 --> 00:12:25.434
  • Accomplish anything, anything significant in
  • 00:12:25.434 --> 00:12:28.938
  • Any sphere of life, we have to exercise a degree
  • 00:12:28.938 --> 00:12:34.443
  • Of self denial.
  • 00:12:34.443 --> 00:12:36.145
  • I remember back in the year 2000, nick and i had
  • 00:12:36.145 --> 00:12:39.215
  • The opportunity to go to some events at the
  • 00:12:39.215 --> 00:12:41.517
  • Sydney olympics.
  • 00:12:41.517 --> 00:12:42.985
  • Now, standing in that sydney olympic stadium
  • 00:12:42.985 --> 00:12:45.020
  • Was amazing.
  • 00:12:45.020 --> 00:12:45.921
  • There were 116,000 spectators in the
  • 00:12:45.921 --> 00:12:49.692
  • Stunning purpose-built grandstand, but as we
  • 00:12:49.692 --> 00:12:54.864
  • Were there for the a hundred meter final,
  • 00:12:54.864 --> 00:12:56.332
  • There were only eight runners in the the
  • 00:12:56.332 --> 00:12:58.934
  • Hundred meter final.
  • 00:12:58.934 --> 00:13:00.536
  • Now, everyone could watch the race, but only those
  • 00:13:00.536 --> 00:13:03.873
  • That had paid a price in training could actually
  • 00:13:03.873 --> 00:13:08.577
  • Run in that race.
  • 00:13:08.577 --> 00:13:11.347
  • We know that those athletes, those eight
  • 00:13:11.347 --> 00:13:13.349
  • Athletes, man, they made enormous sacrifices to even
  • 00:13:13.349 --> 00:13:17.086
  • Just get to the olympics, let alone to win a medal.
  • 00:13:17.086 --> 00:13:20.856
  • We know that they denied themselves a normal life
  • 00:13:20.856 --> 00:13:24.860
  • Because they decided something mattered
  • 00:13:24.860 --> 00:13:27.329
  • More to them.
  • 00:13:27.329 --> 00:13:28.831
  • We expect people to deny themselves certain things.
  • 00:13:28.831 --> 00:13:33.235
  • When it comes to excelling in sports or in
  • 00:13:33.235 --> 00:13:35.638
  • Academic study or in pursuing a career or in
  • 00:13:35.638 --> 00:13:40.109
  • Establishing a business, we know that in order to
  • 00:13:40.109 --> 00:13:43.045
  • Choose one thing that is most important to us, we
  • 00:13:43.045 --> 00:13:47.750
  • Have to not choose a whole lot of other
  • 00:13:47.750 --> 00:13:51.186
  • Things, and jesus says that to follow him, we
  • 00:13:51.186 --> 00:13:56.659
  • Must deny ourselves.
  • 00:13:56.659 --> 00:13:59.929
  • The question is, what does it really mean to
  • 00:13:59.929 --> 00:14:03.265
  • Deny yourself in the 21st century?
  • 00:14:03.265 --> 00:14:07.136
  • What does this mean?
  • 00:14:07.136 --> 00:14:08.804
  • I grew up in a very strict kind of greek
  • 00:14:08.804 --> 00:14:11.807
  • Orthodox culture, so when i hear that phrase like
  • 00:14:11.807 --> 00:14:15.144
  • Deny yourself, i get triggered.
  • 00:14:15.144 --> 00:14:17.680
  • I can break out in hives because i'm immediately
  • 00:14:17.680 --> 00:14:20.950
  • Imagining a particular form of asceticism.
  • 00:14:20.950 --> 00:14:25.387
  • I'm thinking of the monks on mount athos or maybe
  • 00:14:25.387 --> 00:14:28.490
  • Gandhi or mother teresa and i ask myself, look,
  • 00:14:28.490 --> 00:14:32.695
  • Are we supposed to give up all earthly
  • 00:14:32.695 --> 00:14:35.164
  • Possessions, disconnect from the internet, don't
  • 00:14:35.164 --> 00:14:38.834
  • Eat certain foods, don't do anything that we
  • 00:14:38.834 --> 00:14:42.271
  • Enjoy, wear clothes that are not in fashion, live
  • 00:14:42.271 --> 00:14:46.275
  • In some sort of extreme simplicity and basically
  • 00:14:46.275 --> 00:14:50.112
  • Ignore the world into which jesus has sent us
  • 00:14:50.112 --> 00:14:54.516
  • To go and make disciples?
  • 00:14:54.516 --> 00:14:57.553
  • You see, it could be so confusing and profoundly
  • 00:14:57.553 --> 00:15:00.589
  • Guilt inducing, especially if we've got
  • 00:15:00.589 --> 00:15:03.826
  • Families that would be drastically affected by
  • 00:15:03.826 --> 00:15:07.162
  • This kind of self denial.
  • 00:15:07.162 --> 00:15:09.098
  • After all, most of us have got bills and most
  • 00:15:09.098 --> 00:15:11.500
  • Of us have got mortgages and student loans, and
  • 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:14.203
  • People would probably come after us if we
  • 00:15:14.203 --> 00:15:16.438
  • Moved to a commune.
  • 00:15:16.438 --> 00:15:18.140
  • See, this concept of self denial can be
  • 00:15:18.140 --> 00:15:21.944
  • Profoundly daunting.
  • 00:15:21.944 --> 00:15:24.179
  • So i want to say up front in this series that i
  • 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:27.616
  • Don't believe jesus is asking us to ever, ever
  • 00:15:27.616 --> 00:15:33.355
  • Deny our humanity or our personhood when he
  • 00:15:33.355 --> 00:15:37.593
  • Invites us to deny ourselves.
  • 00:15:37.593 --> 00:15:41.096
  • Denying yourself is not hating yourself.
  • 00:15:41.096 --> 00:15:46.602
  • It's not minimizing yourself.
  • 00:15:46.602 --> 00:15:49.004
  • It's not rejecting yourself or
  • 00:15:49.004 --> 00:15:50.706
  • Neglecting yourself.
  • 00:15:50.706 --> 00:15:53.042
  • What we must deny is our self-trust and our
  • 00:15:53.042 --> 00:15:56.478
  • Self-sufficiency and our self will because it's by
  • 00:15:56.478 --> 00:16:00.949
  • Doing that, that we will actually actually have
  • 00:16:00.949 --> 00:16:04.286
  • The life that we are so deeply longing for.
  • 00:16:04.286 --> 00:16:08.657
  • Jesus has so much more for us than what our self
  • 00:16:08.657 --> 00:16:13.495
  • Promises to give us.
  • 00:16:13.495 --> 00:16:16.198
  • I think what jesus is saying in this text is
  • 00:16:16.198 --> 00:16:20.035
  • That if we are going to follow him, we must learn
  • 00:16:20.035 --> 00:16:23.105
  • To say no to ourselves and yes to god, mostly
  • 00:16:23.105 --> 00:16:29.211
  • Within the context of our normal everyday lives,
  • 00:16:29.211 --> 00:16:32.047
  • Our normal everyday choices, and our normal
  • 00:16:32.047 --> 00:16:34.850
  • Everyday decisions within the sphere of influence
  • 00:16:34.850 --> 00:16:38.854
  • That he has placed us.
  • 00:16:38.854 --> 00:16:41.056
  • When it comes to what we do with our time and will
  • 00:16:41.056 --> 00:16:46.395
  • We say no to ourselves and yes to god, when it comes
  • 00:16:46.395 --> 00:16:50.566
  • To what we do with our talent, will we say no to
  • 00:16:50.566 --> 00:16:53.202
  • Ourselves and yes to god,
  • 00:16:53.202 --> 00:16:55.838
  • When it comes to what we do with our resources,
  • 00:16:55.838 --> 00:17:00.409
  • Are we willing to say no to ourselves and yes to god?
  • 00:17:00.409 --> 00:17:02.244
  • When it comes to what we do with our desires, are
  • 00:17:02.244 --> 00:17:06.215
  • We willing to sacrifice what is good for us to do
  • 00:17:06.215 --> 00:17:09.451
  • For what is good for all?
  • 00:17:09.451 --> 00:17:13.255
  • Are we willing to prioritize other people
  • 00:17:13.255 --> 00:17:16.125
  • Above ourselves?
  • 00:17:16.125 --> 00:17:17.593
  • Are we willing to deny ourselves some short-term
  • 00:17:17.593 --> 00:17:21.697
  • Gratification in order to honor god?
  • 00:17:21.697 --> 00:17:25.734
  • Are we willing to love others instead of hate?
  • 00:17:25.734 --> 00:17:29.972
  • Are we willing to offer forgiveness instead
  • 00:17:29.972 --> 00:17:32.875
  • Of judgment?
  • 00:17:32.875 --> 00:17:34.276
  • Are we willing to choose generosity over greed or
  • 00:17:34.276 --> 00:17:38.080
  • Peace over chaos?
  • 00:17:38.080 --> 00:17:40.949
  • Are we willing to choose kindness over revenge?
  • 00:17:40.949 --> 00:17:44.219
  • Are we willing to treat our material and
  • 00:17:44.219 --> 00:17:47.055
  • Financial resources as gifts to be shared rather
  • 00:17:47.055 --> 00:17:49.992
  • Than possessions to be hoarded?
  • 00:17:49.992 --> 00:17:52.895
  • Are we willing to give our time to serve others
  • 00:17:52.895 --> 00:17:55.297
  • Rather than ourselves?
  • 00:17:55.297 --> 00:17:57.032
  • Are we willing to see every other human being
  • 00:17:57.032 --> 00:18:00.869
  • As a fellow image bearer and honor them as such?
  • 00:18:00.869 --> 00:18:04.606
  • Are we willing to live our lives for the glory
  • 00:18:04.606 --> 00:18:06.975
  • Of god and not for our own?
  • 00:18:06.975 --> 00:18:09.378
  • Are we willing to fight against injustice and not
  • 00:18:09.378 --> 00:18:12.114
  • To turn a blind eye to what is happening
  • 00:18:12.114 --> 00:18:15.017
  • On the earth?
  • 00:18:15.017 --> 00:18:17.085
  • See, this is not a one time big noble heroic act
  • 00:18:17.085 --> 00:18:23.458
  • That jesus is inviting us into. when he invites us
  • 00:18:23.458 --> 00:18:26.428
  • To deny ourselves,
  • 00:18:26.428 --> 00:18:28.864
  • It's actually in a thousand small ways
  • 00:18:28.864 --> 00:18:31.700
  • Every single day.
  • 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:33.302
  • Sometimes i find it easier to deny myself to
  • 00:18:33.302 --> 00:18:36.205
  • Help rescue the victims of human trafficking
  • 00:18:36.205 --> 00:18:39.208
  • Through all the work we do with a21, that's
  • 00:18:39.208 --> 00:18:41.476
  • Easier than to be patient with my husband or my kids.
  • 00:18:41.476 --> 00:18:46.081
  • The challenge of denying myself and following the
  • 00:18:46.081 --> 00:18:49.952
  • Ways of jesus in my normal everyday life is
  • 00:18:49.952 --> 00:18:53.322
  • Often much harder, and yet this is the
  • 00:18:53.322 --> 00:18:57.426
  • Invitation that jesus offers me.
  • 00:18:57.426 --> 00:18:59.628
  • So the absolute truth is that we will not
  • 00:18:59.628 --> 00:19:05.467
  • Consistently choose to deny ourselves if we
  • 00:19:05.467 --> 00:19:08.737
  • Don't truly believe that what god has for us and
  • 00:19:08.737 --> 00:19:13.041
  • Given to us is not more satisfying and fulfilling
  • 00:19:13.041 --> 00:19:17.746
  • Than what we can get and do for ourselves.
  • 00:19:17.746 --> 00:19:21.550
  • I want to remind each and every one of us today
  • 00:19:21.550 --> 00:19:23.852
  • That jesus christ came to give us life and life
  • 00:19:23.852 --> 00:19:27.155
  • More abundantly.
  • 00:19:27.155 --> 00:19:28.924
  • We read this in john 10:10.
  • 00:19:28.924 --> 00:19:30.559
  • The bible teaches us that every good and perfect
  • 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:33.929
  • Gift is from above coming down from the father of
  • 00:19:33.929 --> 00:19:36.999
  • Lights with whom there is no variation or shadow
  • 00:19:36.999 --> 00:19:39.568
  • Due to change.
  • 00:19:39.568 --> 00:19:41.903
  • James 1:17 in psalm 84:11, we read, the psalmist
  • 00:19:41.903 --> 00:19:45.340
  • Reminds us that no good thing does he withhold
  • 00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:48.744
  • From those who walk uprightly.
  • 00:19:48.744 --> 00:19:51.613
  • We often think we're going to find joy or
  • 00:19:51.613 --> 00:19:53.915
  • Peace or hope or value or significance or security
  • 00:19:53.915 --> 00:19:58.020
  • And fulfillment by doing what we want, how we want
  • 00:19:58.020 --> 00:20:01.623
  • Whenever we want, but our deepest longings are only
  • 00:20:01.623 --> 00:20:06.728
  • Ever going to be ultimately met in jesus.
  • 00:20:06.728 --> 00:20:10.532
  • Psalm 16:11 says, in him is the fullness of joy.
  • 00:20:10.532 --> 00:20:15.270
  • Ephesians 2:14 says, he himself is our peace.
  • 00:20:15.270 --> 00:20:17.773
  • He loves and accepts us in a way that no other person
  • 00:20:17.773 --> 00:20:22.077
  • Ever can and no other person ever will.
  • 00:20:22.077 --> 00:20:25.013
  • Denying ourselves is not so much about restricting
  • 00:20:25.013 --> 00:20:28.617
  • Us, but rather protecting us from following a path
  • 00:20:28.617 --> 00:20:32.754
  • That does not lead to abundant life.
  • 00:20:32.754 --> 00:20:36.725
  • True hope, true significance, true
  • 00:20:36.725 --> 00:20:39.494
  • Security, true purpose, true flourishing, true
  • 00:20:39.494 --> 00:20:43.665
  • Peace and true joy come from jesus alone.
  • 00:20:43.665 --> 00:20:50.072
  • And so when he invites us to deny ourselves, i know
  • 00:20:50.072 --> 00:20:56.044
  • The message sounds so counter-cultural because
  • 00:20:56.044 --> 00:21:01.149
  • Everything in society, everything in culture,
  • 00:21:01.149 --> 00:21:04.553
  • Everything in media is built around this one thing,
  • 00:21:04.553 --> 00:21:09.424
  • Fulfill yourself.
  • 00:21:09.424 --> 00:21:11.059
  • Satisfy yourself, gratify yourself.
  • 00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:14.363
  • Find yourself, know yourself, and the fact of
  • 00:21:14.363 --> 00:21:19.301
  • The matter is jesus says, i'm actually inviting you
  • 00:21:19.301 --> 00:21:23.972
  • Into a higher way of life.
  • 00:21:23.972 --> 00:21:26.141
  • I'm inviting you to greater fulfillment.
  • 00:21:26.141 --> 00:21:28.510
  • I'm inviting you to greater flourishing.
  • 00:21:28.510 --> 00:21:31.113
  • I'm inviting you to greater joy.
  • 00:21:31.113 --> 00:21:33.014
  • I'm inviting you to greater peace.
  • 00:21:33.014 --> 00:21:35.384
  • I'm actually the one that can help you be the best
  • 00:21:35.384 --> 00:21:39.187
  • Version of you.
  • 00:21:39.187 --> 00:21:41.156
  • And the best version of you is the you that
  • 00:21:41.156 --> 00:21:43.358
  • Denies your self.
  • 00:21:43.358 --> 00:21:45.794
  • I know it's not a popular message in our world.
  • 00:21:45.794 --> 00:21:49.431
  • I know it's not the thing that we all want to hear.
  • 00:21:49.431 --> 00:21:53.235
  • In a world of self-actualization and
  • 00:21:53.235 --> 00:21:55.270
  • Self-fulfillment and self gratification, jesus is
  • 00:21:55.270 --> 00:21:59.107
  • Saying actually that's the wrong way to go about
  • 00:21:59.107 --> 00:22:01.910
  • What you think you need. what you think you need
  • 00:22:01.910 --> 00:22:04.212
  • You are only ultimately going to find in me, and
  • 00:22:04.212 --> 00:22:06.348
  • I love you so much and i value you so much,
  • 00:22:06.348 --> 00:22:08.950
  • And you are created in my image and you are
  • 00:22:08.950 --> 00:22:12.788
  • Created for my glory and you created to fulfill
  • 00:22:12.788 --> 00:22:17.125
  • The good works that i put you on this earth
  • 00:22:17.125 --> 00:22:18.860
  • To fulfill.
  • 00:22:18.860 --> 00:22:20.729
  • And the best way that you can do that is to
  • 00:22:20.729 --> 00:22:22.931
  • Deny yourself,
  • 00:22:22.931 --> 00:22:24.366
  • Take up your cross and follow me because if you
  • 00:22:24.366 --> 00:22:28.270
  • Lose your life, you're going to find it.
  • 00:22:28.270 --> 00:22:31.339
  • But if you try to save your life, try to do
  • 00:22:31.339 --> 00:22:33.842
  • Things your own way, try to do things the world's
  • 00:22:33.842 --> 00:22:37.379
  • Way, try to gratify your flesh, it actually is
  • 00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:40.649
  • Going to take you down a road that seems right
  • 00:22:40.649 --> 00:22:44.586
  • Proverb says, but in the end, it leads to death
  • 00:22:44.586 --> 00:22:47.889
  • And destruction.
  • 00:22:47.889 --> 00:22:49.124
  • It will not bring the joy you're looking for.
  • 00:22:49.124 --> 00:22:50.926
  • It will not bring the peace you're looking for.
  • 00:22:50.926 --> 00:22:52.394
  • It will not bring the hope you're looking for.
  • 00:22:52.394 --> 00:22:54.129
  • It will not bring the security you're
  • 00:22:54.129 --> 00:22:55.864
  • Looking for.
  • 00:22:55.864 --> 00:22:56.865
  • It will not bring the significance you're
  • 00:22:56.865 --> 00:22:57.732
  • Looking for.
  • 00:22:57.732 --> 00:22:58.834
  • True life alone can only be found in jesus christ.
  • 00:22:58.834 --> 00:23:02.938
  • You are created by god for a relationship with
  • 00:23:02.938 --> 00:23:04.973
  • God, and it's jesus that connects us to god and
  • 00:23:04.973 --> 00:23:08.143
  • It's jesus that connects us to the grace of god.
  • 00:23:08.143 --> 00:23:12.380
  • If anyone would follow me, let him deny himself,
  • 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:15.650
  • Take up his cross and follow me.
  • 00:23:15.650 --> 00:23:20.589
  • ♪ ohhh, i live for days like these...
  • 00:23:21.556 --> 00:23:25.227
  • Hallelujah. grace is amazing.
  • 00:23:25.227 --> 00:23:27.162
  • We're in prime time.
  • 00:23:27.162 --> 00:23:28.663
  • So good for my ears to hear. and i hope you love it too.
  • 00:23:28.663 --> 00:23:31.600
  • I'm so excited,
  • 00:23:31.600 --> 00:23:32.901
  • I can't hardly hold it back.
  • 00:23:32.901 --> 00:23:34.302
  • ♪♪
  • 00:23:34.302 --> 00:23:37.606
  • God gave us laughter.
  • 00:23:37.606 --> 00:23:39.307
  • Welcome to praise.
  • 00:23:39.307 --> 00:23:40.575
  • There is a revolution happening.
  • 00:23:40.575 --> 00:23:42.811
  • We need another spiritual awakening.
  • 00:23:42.811 --> 00:23:45.947
  • Go into all the world and make disciples.
  • 00:23:45.947 --> 00:23:48.750
  • No one can deny the goodness of god.
  • 00:23:48.750 --> 00:23:51.720
  • My commandment to you is this.
  • 00:23:51.720 --> 00:23:52.954
  • You love one another as i have lived to you.
  • 00:23:52.954 --> 00:23:55.123
  • Be honest and truthful, move forward.
  • 00:23:55.123 --> 00:23:57.726
  • All of his promises are yes and amen.
  • 00:23:57.726 --> 00:23:59.895
  • When it's true, you can go ahead and say.
  • 00:23:59.895 --> 00:24:01.696
  • We bring you live coverage of israel under fire.
  • 00:24:01.696 --> 00:24:05.834
  • I was always heartened by the fact that there's
  • 00:24:05.834 --> 00:24:08.169
  • Something bigger.
  • 00:24:08.169 --> 00:24:09.971
  • Welcome to the klove fan awards.
  • 00:24:09.971 --> 00:24:12.173
  • Jesus christ is lord. best days are ahead.
  • 00:24:12.173 --> 00:24:17.345
  • ♪♪
  • 00:24:17.345 --> 00:24:20.181
  • Do you realize that when we get to heaven, we're
  • 00:24:20.181 --> 00:24:22.417
  • All going to sound like you?
  • 00:24:22.417 --> 00:24:23.852
  • I want to have that scotland accent.
  • 00:24:23.852 --> 00:24:26.521
  • That's going on the highlight reel.
  • 00:24:26.521 --> 00:24:28.957
  • Everyone is called.
  • 00:24:28.957 --> 00:24:30.125
  • Everyone has something that you were born to do.
  • 00:24:30.125 --> 00:24:32.727
  • Belief in jesus yeah, belief. i believe.
  • 00:24:32.727 --> 00:24:35.163
  • I am more excited about what we're
  • 00:24:35.163 --> 00:24:37.532
  • Getting ready to launch.
  • 00:24:37.532 --> 00:24:39.334
  • Welcome to the rosenberg report.
  • 00:24:39.334 --> 00:24:43.505
  • There is a hunger for the gospel.
  • 00:24:44.372 --> 00:24:46.608
  • It was amazing to see how the lord was working.
  • 00:24:46.608 --> 00:24:49.945
  • There's still so much to be thankful for.
  • 00:24:49.945 --> 00:24:53.548
  • How did this happen?
  • 00:24:53.548 --> 00:24:54.783
  • Let's get serious for a minute.
  • 00:24:54.783 --> 00:24:55.717
  • It's god. in christ,
  • 00:24:55.717 --> 00:24:57.419
  • We have all that we need.
  • 00:24:57.419 --> 00:24:59.321
  • I've got some big stories to
  • 00:24:59.321 --> 00:25:00.322
  • Share with you today.
  • 00:25:00.322 --> 00:25:01.823
  • There is a single thread that runs through
  • 00:25:01.823 --> 00:25:04.259
  • All the scripture.
  • 00:25:04.259 --> 00:25:05.160
  • It all points to messiah jesus.
  • 00:25:05.160 --> 00:25:07.629
  • I just want your heart.
  • 00:25:07.629 --> 00:25:09.264
  • God, this is in your hands.
  • 00:25:09.264 --> 00:25:10.899
  • God has got a great future planned for you.
  • 00:25:10.899 --> 00:25:13.969
  • One thing i believe is you got to keep going.
  • 00:25:13.969 --> 00:25:16.905
  • That was an awesome plug.
  • 00:25:16.905 --> 00:25:18.940
  • ♪♪
  • 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:21.076
  • I want to remind you that jesus christ did not come
  • 00:25:21.076 --> 00:25:23.478
  • To earth, die on a cross, be buried and rise again
  • 00:25:23.478 --> 00:25:27.449
  • From the dead, just so that we can simply exist
  • 00:25:27.449 --> 00:25:30.385
  • And tread water on the earth until we die and
  • 00:25:30.385 --> 00:25:33.254
  • Then go to heaven.
  • 00:25:33.254 --> 00:25:34.389
  • He came that we might have life and life
  • 00:25:34.389 --> 00:25:37.158
  • More abundant.
  • 00:25:37.158 --> 00:25:38.860
  • If you'd like to be a part of encouraging
  • 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:40.929
  • Others with good news like this through tbn's
  • 00:25:40.929 --> 00:25:43.898
  • Ministry across the globe, you can partner
  • 00:25:43.898 --> 00:25:46.601
  • With us financially.
  • 00:25:46.601 --> 00:25:47.736
  • Just call the phone number on the screen or
  • 00:25:47.736 --> 00:25:49.838
  • Go online to give securely, and i'll see you
  • 00:25:49.838 --> 00:25:52.040
  • Next time on equip and empower.
  • 00:25:52.040 --> 00:25:54.009
  • ♪♪
  • 00:25:54.009 --> 00:25:54.009