Derrick Milner begins by acknowledging a special occasion as it marks the final sendoff for Allen Jackson, their senior pastor who recently retired but remains a valued member of the church. Before Allen speaks, the Derrick leads the student ministry in prayer for him, acknowledging his ongoing battle with cancer and the challenges it presents. Derrick emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeks divine intervention for Allen's healing and strength.

Following the prayer, Allen Jackson transitions to a message rooted in Luke 22, drawing a parallel to a previous Sunday's discussion about "Defining Moments." The speaker highlights the difference between being taught what to think versus how to think, using the study of history as an example. Connecting with the audience, Allen shares a personal anecdote about working alongside Lila's grandfather at the church, illustrating how unforeseen paths can unfold over time. The central theme emerges: learning to think critically and not allowing others to dictate one's defining moments, while remaining aware of the surrounding circumstances. The speaker reflects on personal hardships, like cancer and the loss of a son, emphasizing the search for God's purpose within those trials.

To further illustrate the impact of decisions, Allen shares a captivating story about navigating tugboats on the Mississippi River in New Orleans. The tugboat captain explained that crucial decisions regarding the vessel's course must be made miles upstream from the bridges due to the strong currents. A mistake made too close to the bridges becomes irreversible. This analogy is then directly linked to the biblical account of Simon Peter in Luke 22, who followed Jesus "at a distance" after his arrest. Peter's later denial of Christ stemmed from this initial decision to keep his distance, highlighting how choices made earlier can determine future outcomes. Allen contrasts this with his experience of feeling called to ministry despite initial resistance, emphasizing that even when not fully obedient, remaining close to Jesus allows one to discern and eventually embrace His calling. Allen underscores that following Jesus closely provides strength to manage life's difficulties.

The narrative then shifts to Peter's transformation in Acts chapter four, where he powerfully preaches the gospel after denying Christ just months prior. Allen attributes this change to the encounter Peter had with Jesus after his denial – "the Lord turned and looked at Peter." This moment triggered Peter's memory of Jesus's prophecy and led to deep remorse and repentance. The significance of remembering God's word, even when it doesn't immediately make sense, as it can become vital in moments of realization. Peter's bitter weeping signified his turning back to God, leading to his reinstatement and later powerful ministry. Allen connects this to their own journey in youth ministry and now as a retiring pastor, expressing gratitude for the positive influence they've witnessed in the lives of young people over the years.

In conclusion, Allen Jackson poses a reflective question to the audience: are they currently "five miles up the river," making decisions that will significantly impact their future? This could pertain to various aspects of life, from relationships and academics to considering a call to ministry. Allen poignantly shares the story of their son's passing due to a poor decision, underscoring the eternal consequences of our choices. The challenge is to introspectively consider the decisions being made today and whether they align with God's potential plans for their lives, urging them to seek guidance from pastors and spend time in personal reflection. Allen ends with a direct invitation for those who want to know more about trusting Christ as their Savior or exploring ministry to reach out to their leaders, followed by a final prayer for guidance in making impactful decisions that honor God.