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Allen Jackson Ministries

Alen Jackson - Determining Our Identity (Part 2)

March 19, 2026 | 27:29

Alen Jackson - Determining Our Identity (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#TrustGod #IdentityinChrist #Determination #Bible #Truth #Pastors #WalkwithGod #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Alen Jackson - Determining Our Identity (Part 2) | March 19, 2026
  • ...
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  • Allen jackson: you know, around the world,
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  • People are searching for truth, and together we're doing our
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  • Very best to help them find it.
  • 00:00:05.622 --> 00:00:07.590
  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
  • 00:00:07.724 --> 00:00:09.859
  • Ministries, you're joining a growing community of believers
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  • Who are committed to strengthening the church and
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  • Sharing god's word through every available channel--
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  • Television, radio, podcast, books, bible studies,
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  • Digital resources, conferences.
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  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers to reach new
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  • Audiences, to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
  • 00:00:28.711 --> 00:00:32.615
  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
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  • Together, we can stand firm in our faith and make god's truth
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  • Known right here at home and around the earth, wherever
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  • God opens a door.
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  • Let's keep gathering his people and building his church until
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  • The day our king returns.
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  • You can find more about becoming a ministry partner
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  • At allenjackson.com/partner.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen: but my time is slipping past.
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  • I want to come to the last question.
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  • It's the most important one.
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  • What determines if you're a christian?
  • 00:01:26.035 --> 00:01:28.238
  • Is it location, where you sit?
  • 00:01:28.238 --> 00:01:30.907
  • Is it descent, because your parents and your
  • 00:01:30.907 --> 00:01:33.143
  • Grandparents were?
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  • What determines that?
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  • Well, the first part of this i suspect will be pretty familiar
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  • To you.
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  • They're often the most quoted verses in the bible and the most
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  • Practiced points of discipleship.
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  • We have a reasonably high participation rate at this entry
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  • Level point.
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  • I'll warn you our participation rate plummets beyond this
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  • Initial session 'cause we've fabricated all sorts of
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  • Elaborate theological schemes that say if we get the first
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  • Part right, nothing else matters.
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  • And we sound a great deal like the 1st century scribes and
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  • Pharisees, when "you should not tell us we have faults or flaws,
  • 00:02:12.415 --> 00:02:17.787
  • That we're not obedient, because we're the children of abraham,"
  • 00:02:17.787 --> 00:02:22.825
  • To which jesus said, "well, just for the record, god can make
  • 00:02:22.825 --> 00:02:25.695
  • Children of abraham out of rocks.
  • 00:02:25.695 --> 00:02:28.665
  • He started with a little dust and got you."
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  • Then we find ourselves in the 21st century, tempted to say,
  • 00:02:32.702 --> 00:02:37.340
  • "we are bulletproof.
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  • We're golden.
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  • It doesn't really matter what we do or how we do it, we can kind
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  • Of sort of say, 'i'm sorry.'"
  • 00:02:43.012 --> 00:02:47.650
  • But the pathway begins in john 3, jesus said, "i tell you
  • 00:02:47.650 --> 00:02:50.820
  • The truth."
  • 00:02:50.820 --> 00:02:52.388
  • You know by now, right, big news coming.
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  • "i tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of god
  • 00:02:55.758 --> 00:02:58.261
  • Unless he's born again."
  • 00:02:58.261 --> 00:03:01.130
  • So it isn't about your genealogical descent.
  • 00:03:01.130 --> 00:03:04.267
  • It's not because you were born into the right family and you're
  • 00:03:04.267 --> 00:03:06.369
  • Not excluded because you were born into the wrong family.
  • 00:03:06.369 --> 00:03:08.571
  • So it does have nothing to do with the tracks and which side
  • 00:03:08.571 --> 00:03:11.140
  • Of them you were born on.
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  • It has to do with the spiritual birth.
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  • Same chapter, verse 5: "i tell you the truth, no one can enter
  • 00:03:15.678 --> 00:03:21.284
  • The kingdom of god unless he's born of water and the spirit.
  • 00:03:21.284 --> 00:03:23.786
  • Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to
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  • The spirit."
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  • Jesus is talking to a leader of the jewish community.
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  • He didn't tell him his descent was sufficient.
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  • He didn't tell him that the religious practices he held
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  • Were sufficient.
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  • He said you have to be born into the kingdom of god.
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  • If it was true for nicodemus, i would humbly submit it's true
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  • For me and it is true for you.
  • 00:03:48.311 --> 00:03:51.547
  • The kingdom--the keys to the kingdom are not the purview of
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  • Any particular denomination or any religious sect.
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  • It's not about protestant or catholic.
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  • It's not about a style of worship or a translation of
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  • The bible.
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  • All of those things have may have--may have some place in
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  • The discussion, but they are not primary.
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  • Your participation in the kingdom of god begins with
  • 00:04:11.601 --> 00:04:14.504
  • A birth.
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  • In the same way your participation in time begins
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  • With a physical birth, your participation in the kingdom of
  • 00:04:18.808 --> 00:04:22.145
  • God begins with a spiritual birth.
  • 00:04:22.145 --> 00:04:25.214
  • Romans 10 amplifies it a bit: "if you confess with your mouth,
  • 00:04:25.214 --> 00:04:28.351
  • 'jesus is lord,' and you believe in your heart that god raised
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  • Him from the dead, you will be saved.
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  • For it's with your heart that you believe and are justified,
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  • And it's with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
  • 00:04:36.392 --> 00:04:41.831
  • So that spiritual birth is triggered, initiated, by a
  • 00:04:41.831 --> 00:04:46.502
  • Physical choice.
  • 00:04:46.502 --> 00:04:48.905
  • We believe in our heart and confess with our mouth.
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  • That's how we enter the kingdom of god.
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  • That initiates the greatest miracle that will ever touch
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  • Your life: a deliverance from the kingdom of darkness and
  • 00:04:58.614 --> 00:05:02.652
  • Being welcomed into the eternal kingdom of almighty god.
  • 00:05:02.652 --> 00:05:06.522
  • It's not dependent upon a college degree or an iq point or
  • 00:05:06.522 --> 00:05:11.861
  • A balance in your bank account or your success or lack thereof
  • 00:05:11.861 --> 00:05:15.865
  • In the marketplace or your physical abilities.
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  • Everyone is welcome.
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  • That's remarkable.
  • 00:05:22.805 --> 00:05:25.842
  • I've studied in too many theological settings where they
  • 00:05:25.842 --> 00:05:28.144
  • Have this deteriorating theology that tries to re-invent god in
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  • Our image.
  • 00:05:32.248 --> 00:05:34.817
  • It's incredibly destructive and, tragically, it's infected the
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  • Church now for decades.
  • 00:05:37.887 --> 00:05:39.722
  • It's not surprising that the church is increasingly apostate.
  • 00:05:39.722 --> 00:05:43.326
  • We've been educating our leaders to ignore the word of god.
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  • We're gonna have to find our voices, church.
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  • Like, i think we ought to just say that prayer together,
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  • Whether you call it a conversion prayer, a profession of faith,
  • 00:05:56.873 --> 00:05:59.909
  • The prayer of salvation, the new birth.
  • 00:05:59.909 --> 00:06:02.512
  • There's a handful of labels that are used frequently.
  • 00:06:02.512 --> 00:06:04.981
  • They're all synonymous.
  • 00:06:04.981 --> 00:06:07.450
  • But if we will acknowledge our need of a savior and be willing
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  • To admit that we are sinners and we will ask for forgiveness, we
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  • Can be forgiven.
  • 00:06:14.290 --> 00:06:16.926
  • But that bargain has a condition.
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  • To be forgiven we have to acknowledge jesus as lord, which
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  • Means now he establishes the priorities.
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  • If you're the priority setter of your life, jesus is not
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  • Your lord.
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  • "but i sit in church."
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  • I'm happy that you do, but it doesn't make you a
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  • Christ follower.
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  • "but i keep some of the rules."
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  • Good for you.
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  • It doesn't make you a christ follower.
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  • Jesus is lord, and that means now we are in process for his
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  • Lordship to fully occupy our lives as we grow up in him.
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  • And then in order to receive that forgiveness, we have to
  • 00:07:03.539 --> 00:07:05.808
  • Forgive those who've sinned against us.
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  • It's not optional.
  • 00:07:07.410 --> 00:07:10.179
  • If you'll do that, you can be a part of the eternal kingdom of
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  • God.
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  • Wow.
  • 00:07:14.584 --> 00:07:17.453
  • Wow, there's an entirely new authority in your life, a
  • 00:07:17.453 --> 00:07:21.524
  • New future.
  • 00:07:21.524 --> 00:07:26.429
  • I think we gotta say that little prayer together.
  • 00:07:26.429 --> 00:07:27.897
  • Why don't you just repeat it after me.
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  • Just close your eyes for a minute, forget who's around you.
  • 00:07:29.265 --> 00:07:31.601
  • You know, it's a problem when you've been in church a while
  • 00:07:31.601 --> 00:07:33.302
  • And maybe jesus really hadn't been lord.
  • 00:07:33.302 --> 00:07:34.837
  • You hate to say that in public.
  • 00:07:34.837 --> 00:07:38.074
  • You know, it's like not knowing english.
  • 00:07:38.074 --> 00:07:40.910
  • I studied english since i started school.
  • 00:07:40.910 --> 00:07:44.380
  • And if i go back, they still work on my english.
  • 00:07:44.380 --> 00:07:48.718
  • I learned more about english when i learned
  • 00:07:48.718 --> 00:07:50.152
  • Foreign languages.
  • 00:07:50.152 --> 00:07:51.521
  • I didn't know there was such a thing as a pluperfect verb tense
  • 00:07:51.521 --> 00:07:55.091
  • Till i got to greek.
  • 00:07:55.091 --> 00:07:57.693
  • But if you've been in church, sometimes you're embarrassed to
  • 00:07:57.693 --> 00:07:59.962
  • Say, "you know, i really haven't served jesus as lord.
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  • I go to church occasionally.
  • 00:08:04.333 --> 00:08:06.402
  • I'm a pretty good person.
  • 00:08:06.402 --> 00:08:08.971
  • I kinda sort of keep the morals that go with the
  • 00:08:08.971 --> 00:08:11.440
  • Christian faith.
  • 00:08:11.440 --> 00:08:12.942
  • But i've never really made jesus lord."
  • 00:08:12.942 --> 00:08:16.412
  • Why don't we do that tonight?
  • 00:08:16.412 --> 00:08:19.148
  • You can do that if you're watching me from someplace else.
  • 00:08:19.148 --> 00:08:21.551
  • You don't have to be on campus for this one.
  • 00:08:21.551 --> 00:08:24.787
  • Just repeat this prayer with me.
  • 00:08:24.787 --> 00:08:26.122
  • "almighty god, i'm a sinner and i need a savior.
  • 00:08:26.122 --> 00:08:32.395
  • I believe jesus is your son, that he died on a cross for my
  • 00:08:32.395 --> 00:08:37.900
  • Sin, and that you raised him to life again, that i might be
  • 00:08:37.900 --> 00:08:44.774
  • Justified, declared non-guilty, just as if i'd never sinned.
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  • Jesus, be lord of my life.
  • 00:08:52.982 --> 00:08:56.586
  • Forgive me of all my sin, and i forgive all those who've sinned
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  • Against me.
  • 00:09:01.424 --> 00:09:04.327
  • I wanna live for your glory with all that i am, all that i have,
  • 00:09:04.327 --> 00:09:10.833
  • All that i'll ever be, in jesus's name, amen," hallelujah.
  • 00:09:10.833 --> 00:09:18.641
  • Pretty amazing stuff.
  • 00:09:18.641 --> 00:09:24.547
  • For all of you unaware people that say you've never seen a
  • 00:09:24.547 --> 00:09:27.283
  • Miracle, yes, you have.
  • 00:09:27.283 --> 00:09:29.952
  • If you're a christ follower, you are a walking miracle because,
  • 00:09:29.952 --> 00:09:33.022
  • Apart from jesus, you were destined for an eternity apart
  • 00:09:33.022 --> 00:09:36.892
  • From god.
  • 00:09:36.892 --> 00:09:41.063
  • And because of jesus, we are participants in the
  • 00:09:41.063 --> 00:09:44.900
  • Eternal kingdom.
  • 00:09:44.900 --> 00:09:47.370
  • Come on now.
  • 00:09:47.370 --> 00:09:56.045
  • Here's the challenge we face.
  • 00:09:56.045 --> 00:09:59.181
  • Most--many, many people are willing to take that step.
  • 00:09:59.181 --> 00:10:04.153
  • Many people.
  • 00:10:04.153 --> 00:10:06.355
  • It seems so wonderful.
  • 00:10:06.355 --> 00:10:10.059
  • But we've had very little conversation and very little
  • 00:10:10.059 --> 00:10:12.561
  • Instruction on what's next.
  • 00:10:12.561 --> 00:10:15.297
  • And there's some very well-formed, very elaborate,
  • 00:10:15.297 --> 00:10:18.434
  • Very well-presented theological systems that says everything
  • 00:10:18.434 --> 00:10:21.570
  • After that is secondary.
  • 00:10:21.570 --> 00:10:23.572
  • Well, i mean, maybe you need to get baptized, probably not a bad
  • 00:10:23.572 --> 00:10:25.741
  • Idea to get baptized, but everything else gets treated
  • 00:10:25.741 --> 00:10:31.881
  • Pretty sloppily, pretty casually, 'cause we're told
  • 00:10:31.881 --> 00:10:36.986
  • That our god is a forgiving god, filled with grace and mercy, and
  • 00:10:36.986 --> 00:10:40.890
  • You can do almost anything you wanna do.
  • 00:10:40.890 --> 00:10:43.893
  • And then if you'll hesitate momentarily and kind of, sort
  • 00:10:43.893 --> 00:10:46.562
  • Of, perhaps a little bit, say, "i probably shouldn't have done
  • 00:10:46.562 --> 00:10:49.532
  • That," that you're good to go again.
  • 00:10:49.532 --> 00:10:53.402
  • You get to go right back to go and get 200 more dollars, and
  • 00:10:53.402 --> 00:10:57.940
  • You get a fresh start.
  • 00:10:57.940 --> 00:10:59.575
  • And it's created a sloppy-- dietrich bonhoeffer called it
  • 00:10:59.575 --> 00:11:04.447
  • Men without chests.
  • 00:11:04.447 --> 00:11:07.650
  • It's not really a biblical presentation.
  • 00:11:07.650 --> 00:11:09.118
  • I don't want you to live in fear of your salvation.
  • 00:11:09.118 --> 00:11:12.088
  • I'm not trying to dangle you by a thread over the pits of hell
  • 00:11:12.088 --> 00:11:16.959
  • As jonathan edwards so famously did.
  • 00:11:16.959 --> 00:11:21.397
  • I'm asking you to consider what the scripture says to us.
  • 00:11:21.397 --> 00:11:23.799
  • 1 peter chapter 1.
  • 00:11:23.799 --> 00:11:25.868
  • This is peter the fisherman.
  • 00:11:25.868 --> 00:11:27.203
  • He said, "you've been born again, not of perishable seed,
  • 00:11:27.203 --> 00:11:29.939
  • But of imperishable."
  • 00:11:29.939 --> 00:11:31.741
  • It's not about your physical descent.
  • 00:11:31.741 --> 00:11:34.143
  • It's about your spiritual descent.
  • 00:11:34.143 --> 00:11:38.347
  • "through the living and enduring word of god.
  • 00:11:38.347 --> 00:11:40.750
  • For, 'all men are like grass, and all their glory is like the
  • 00:11:40.750 --> 00:11:43.486
  • Flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fail,
  • 00:11:43.486 --> 00:11:47.923
  • But the word of the lord stands forever.'
  • 00:11:47.923 --> 00:11:49.792
  • And this is the word that was preached to you.
  • 00:11:49.792 --> 00:11:53.195
  • Therefore," therefore is a summary word.
  • 00:11:53.195 --> 00:11:55.531
  • What i was taught as a young man, "when you read your bible
  • 00:11:55.531 --> 00:11:58.868
  • And when you find a therefore, you better find out what it's
  • 00:11:58.868 --> 00:12:01.704
  • There for."
  • 00:12:01.704 --> 00:12:03.639
  • It's a pretty good principle.
  • 00:12:03.639 --> 00:12:05.941
  • "therefore," because of what he's just said, "rid yourselves
  • 00:12:05.941 --> 00:12:10.613
  • Of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of
  • 00:12:10.613 --> 00:12:15.684
  • Every kind.
  • 00:12:15.684 --> 00:12:17.353
  • Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it
  • 00:12:17.353 --> 00:12:21.023
  • You may grow up in your salvation, now that you have
  • 00:12:21.023 --> 00:12:24.560
  • Tasted that the lord is good."
  • 00:12:24.560 --> 00:12:28.130
  • The language is just as clear as the john passages.
  • 00:12:28.130 --> 00:12:31.867
  • He said because you've been born of imperishable seed, not the
  • 00:12:31.867 --> 00:12:34.937
  • Decision of a human being, because you have something now
  • 00:12:34.937 --> 00:12:38.174
  • That reaches beyond time that's more enduring than your physical
  • 00:12:38.174 --> 00:12:41.877
  • Body or the plants that grow around us.
  • 00:12:41.877 --> 00:12:45.481
  • He said now we've got to make the decision to grow
  • 00:12:45.481 --> 00:12:48.651
  • Up spiritually.
  • 00:12:48.651 --> 00:12:52.321
  • We have to rid ourselves, he says.
  • 00:12:52.321 --> 00:12:54.690
  • It's not something god will do to us.
  • 00:12:54.690 --> 00:12:57.660
  • "rid yourself of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.
  • 00:12:57.660 --> 00:13:04.767
  • Crave pure spiritual milk, so that you can grow up in
  • 00:13:04.767 --> 00:13:09.805
  • Your salvation."
  • 00:13:09.805 --> 00:13:11.173
  • My concern is this has not been a prevalent message.
  • 00:13:11.173 --> 00:13:16.312
  • I don't wanna diminish the invitation to the new birth,
  • 00:13:16.312 --> 00:13:19.148
  • Conversion, salvation.
  • 00:13:19.148 --> 00:13:20.749
  • But i would like to amplify the rest of the assignment to grow
  • 00:13:20.749 --> 00:13:24.653
  • Up as christ followers.
  • 00:13:24.653 --> 00:13:28.624
  • It's a very--it's not some subtle hidden theme.
  • 00:13:28.624 --> 00:13:36.031
  • Allen: hey, i have a suggestion.
  • 00:13:39.802 --> 00:13:41.136
  • Let's stop waiting for somebody else to be a better leader.
  • 00:13:41.136 --> 00:13:43.606
  • Let's determine this year to lead with faith.
  • 00:13:43.606 --> 00:13:46.075
  • I've written a book to help.
  • 00:13:46.075 --> 00:13:47.443
  • It's a practical collection of tools that you and i can use the
  • 00:13:47.443 --> 00:13:50.880
  • Influence of our lives, faith first in the marketplace, in our
  • 00:13:50.880 --> 00:13:54.683
  • Homes, with our friends.
  • 00:13:54.683 --> 00:13:56.051
  • Folks, it's time for us to stop waiting for somebody else to
  • 00:13:56.051 --> 00:13:58.787
  • Step forward.
  • 00:13:58.787 --> 00:14:00.155
  • Let's determine to lead with faith.
  • 00:14:00.155 --> 00:14:01.690
  • We can do that and i believe we can change our homes, our
  • 00:14:01.690 --> 00:14:04.793
  • Neighborhoods, our churches, maybe even our nation.
  • 00:14:04.793 --> 00:14:07.897
  • Announcer: choosing to lead with faith starts with a simple
  • 00:14:07.897 --> 00:14:10.833
  • Decision: to be intentional right where you are.
  • 00:14:10.833 --> 00:14:13.769
  • In his new book "lead with faith," pastor allen shares
  • 00:14:13.769 --> 00:14:16.839
  • Biblical insight and practical tools to help you live out your
  • 00:14:16.839 --> 00:14:20.142
  • Faith in meaningful ways every day.
  • 00:14:20.142 --> 00:14:23.012
  • This book will encourage you to stand for truth with wisdom,
  • 00:14:23.012 --> 00:14:26.215
  • Clarity, and courage without waiting for someone else to
  • 00:14:26.215 --> 00:14:29.218
  • Go first.
  • 00:14:29.218 --> 00:14:30.552
  • Request "lead with faith" with your gift of $30 or more at
  • 00:14:30.552 --> 00:14:33.622
  • Allenjackson.com or call ...
  • 00:14:33.622 --> 00:14:38.928
  • Allen: i'll go to that last section you have.
  • 00:14:42.765 --> 00:14:44.667
  • The question's there: what are we doing?
  • 00:14:44.667 --> 00:14:46.769
  • What are you doing? what are you doing?
  • 00:14:46.769 --> 00:14:52.975
  • You see, what i find and the more broadly i listen, the more
  • 00:14:52.975 --> 00:14:57.913
  • I'm aware, is that we have an imagination as to how christians
  • 00:14:57.913 --> 00:15:01.951
  • Should behave.
  • 00:15:01.951 --> 00:15:03.319
  • Even non-christians know how they think christians
  • 00:15:03.319 --> 00:15:05.220
  • Should behave.
  • 00:15:05.220 --> 00:15:07.189
  • Have you ever bumped into that?
  • 00:15:07.189 --> 00:15:09.358
  • Well, "i know--i thought you were a christian," said to you
  • 00:15:09.358 --> 00:15:12.962
  • By someone who clearly doesn't intend to be.
  • 00:15:12.962 --> 00:15:17.199
  • We have this imagination, but we often do not intend to abide by
  • 00:15:17.199 --> 00:15:21.637
  • The principles.
  • 00:15:21.637 --> 00:15:24.239
  • We say we hold them, but we lack the intent to honor them.
  • 00:15:24.239 --> 00:15:30.279
  • And i think the idea that's given rise to that is we've
  • 00:15:30.279 --> 00:15:34.683
  • Said, "well, i've been born again and i can't earn my way
  • 00:15:34.683 --> 00:15:39.621
  • To heaven.
  • 00:15:39.621 --> 00:15:42.291
  • So why should i try so hard?"
  • 00:15:42.291 --> 00:15:46.662
  • 'cause at the end of the day, it isn't about trying.
  • 00:15:46.662 --> 00:15:49.264
  • It's about training.
  • 00:15:49.264 --> 00:15:50.632
  • We've had that discussion quite a bit.
  • 00:15:50.632 --> 00:15:53.235
  • If the outcomes matter, trying is not enough, folks.
  • 00:15:53.235 --> 00:15:58.640
  • If you've never flown a plane, i don't want you to fly the plane
  • 00:15:58.640 --> 00:16:02.144
  • I'm on, even if you're gonna try really, really hard.
  • 00:16:02.144 --> 00:16:07.883
  • When outcomes matter, trying is not the issue.
  • 00:16:07.883 --> 00:16:15.190
  • The bible tells us we have to submit ourselves to the
  • 00:16:15.190 --> 00:16:18.293
  • Authority of god.
  • 00:16:18.293 --> 00:16:19.762
  • Look at matthew 7. jesus is speaking.
  • 00:16:19.762 --> 00:16:22.264
  • "not everyone who says to me, 'lord, lord,' will enter the
  • 00:16:22.264 --> 00:16:26.068
  • Kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my father
  • 00:16:26.068 --> 00:16:31.240
  • Who's in heaven.
  • 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:32.674
  • Many will say to me on that day, 'lord, didn't we prophesy in
  • 00:16:32.674 --> 00:16:37.446
  • Your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform
  • 00:16:37.446 --> 00:16:39.982
  • Many miracles?'
  • 00:16:39.982 --> 00:16:41.683
  • Then i will tell them plainly, 'i never knew you.
  • 00:16:41.683 --> 00:16:46.055
  • Away from me, you evildoers!'"
  • 00:16:46.055 --> 00:16:51.393
  • I don't know about you.
  • 00:16:51.393 --> 00:16:52.895
  • He has my attention.
  • 00:16:52.895 --> 00:16:56.698
  • You can cast out demons and do miracles and recognize the lord.
  • 00:16:56.698 --> 00:17:03.739
  • And he'll say, "no, no, you're not welcome."
  • 00:17:03.739 --> 00:17:08.644
  • The criteria that he holds out to us is the one who does the
  • 00:17:08.644 --> 00:17:12.347
  • Will of my father.
  • 00:17:12.347 --> 00:17:13.715
  • So here's a suggestion, just an idea.
  • 00:17:13.715 --> 00:17:15.350
  • I'm not bringing you the full--the assignment.
  • 00:17:15.350 --> 00:17:19.955
  • I'm giving you the concept to begin on a very regular basis to
  • 00:17:19.955 --> 00:17:24.293
  • Say, "lord, i would like to do your will today.
  • 00:17:24.293 --> 00:17:31.200
  • I'm going to work today.
  • 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.602
  • I have a family today.
  • 00:17:33.602 --> 00:17:35.637
  • I'm gonna make choices about what i look at on my screens.
  • 00:17:35.637 --> 00:17:39.741
  • I'm gonna make choices about how i interact with people.
  • 00:17:39.741 --> 00:17:43.512
  • I'd like to do your will today."
  • 00:17:43.512 --> 00:17:47.783
  • Will you do it perfectly?
  • 00:17:47.783 --> 00:17:49.118
  • Probably not.
  • 00:17:49.118 --> 00:17:51.220
  • But if you don't intend to do it, tell me again the evidence
  • 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:57.059
  • That you're a christ follower?
  • 00:17:57.059 --> 00:18:03.298
  • Jesus said, "the one who does my father's will."
  • 00:18:03.298 --> 00:18:08.470
  • And this is not some rogue verse that i've ripped out of context.
  • 00:18:08.470 --> 00:18:12.074
  • It is a theme.
  • 00:18:12.074 --> 00:18:15.110
  • I'll give you one more example.
  • 00:18:15.110 --> 00:18:18.380
  • Galatians chapter 5:19.
  • 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:20.315
  • Do you have that one?
  • 00:18:20.315 --> 00:18:22.417
  • Good, okay.
  • 00:18:22.417 --> 00:18:24.386
  • Paul's writing to a church.
  • 00:18:24.386 --> 00:18:25.721
  • He's not writing to pagans or godless people.
  • 00:18:25.721 --> 00:18:28.690
  • He doesn't have an arena filled with a mixed audience.
  • 00:18:28.690 --> 00:18:31.193
  • He's writing to a church, and he says: "the acts of the
  • 00:18:31.193 --> 00:18:34.129
  • Sinful nature are obvious."
  • 00:18:34.129 --> 00:18:35.464
  • Well, they're so obvious, he has to list them for them
  • 00:18:35.464 --> 00:18:37.299
  • Again, right?
  • 00:18:37.299 --> 00:18:40.802
  • It's like, they probably wouldn't, i mean, so, "sexual
  • 00:18:40.802 --> 00:18:44.706
  • Immorality, impurity, debauchery."
  • 00:18:44.706 --> 00:18:46.675
  • Debauchery means excess.
  • 00:18:46.675 --> 00:18:50.145
  • It's kind of a fun word for me.
  • 00:18:50.145 --> 00:18:51.480
  • It's like there's excess letters in debauchery and it just means
  • 00:18:51.480 --> 00:18:53.615
  • Excess, so.
  • 00:18:53.615 --> 00:18:55.317
  • "idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage,
  • 00:18:55.317 --> 00:19:00.289
  • Selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness,
  • 00:19:00.289 --> 00:19:04.059
  • Orgies, and the like."
  • 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:06.728
  • It's not an inclusive list.
  • 00:19:06.728 --> 00:19:08.063
  • He goes, "you know, there's, and you," he said, "you know the
  • 00:19:08.063 --> 00:19:09.665
  • Rest of the stuff."
  • 00:19:09.665 --> 00:19:11.567
  • "i warn you, as i did before, that those who live like this
  • 00:19:11.567 --> 00:19:15.637
  • Will not inherit the kingdom of god."
  • 00:19:15.637 --> 00:19:21.510
  • You can't do that.
  • 00:19:21.510 --> 00:19:23.612
  • That stuff cannot be a part of your practice.
  • 00:19:23.612 --> 00:19:27.883
  • You know, if it only said sexual immorality and fits of rage and
  • 00:19:27.883 --> 00:19:31.486
  • Orgies, we might go, "phew," because i think you kind of look
  • 00:19:31.486 --> 00:19:37.693
  • At the list and you grade them, "really bad; whoa, way, way bad;
  • 00:19:37.693 --> 00:19:43.332
  • Mmm, not so."
  • 00:19:43.332 --> 00:19:47.970
  • But god said those things cannot exist.
  • 00:19:47.970 --> 00:19:49.972
  • You can't be filled with envy and inherit the kingdom of god.
  • 00:19:49.972 --> 00:19:53.108
  • You cannot practice envy.
  • 00:19:53.108 --> 00:19:57.746
  • Now, we have to make a distinction between the struggle
  • 00:19:57.746 --> 00:20:00.749
  • With sin and the practice of sin.
  • 00:20:00.749 --> 00:20:04.753
  • We are carnal creatures.
  • 00:20:04.753 --> 00:20:06.154
  • We still have all those tendencies towards ungodliness.
  • 00:20:06.154 --> 00:20:08.624
  • That's the reason we have to have warnings like this.
  • 00:20:08.624 --> 00:20:13.195
  • But there is a power and authority present to help us
  • 00:20:13.195 --> 00:20:15.697
  • Overcome every expression of our carnal nature.
  • 00:20:15.697 --> 00:20:19.735
  • My time is about gone, but i'll give you this one caveat.
  • 00:20:19.735 --> 00:20:22.738
  • If you--if you choose to give license to your carnal nature,
  • 00:20:22.738 --> 00:20:26.675
  • You will get the support and help of unclean spirits.
  • 00:20:26.675 --> 00:20:30.746
  • And if you do it long enough, you will lose much of your
  • 00:20:30.746 --> 00:20:33.148
  • Own volition.
  • 00:20:33.148 --> 00:20:35.450
  • We call those addictions.
  • 00:20:35.450 --> 00:20:37.352
  • We call those habits that become destructive.
  • 00:20:37.352 --> 00:20:41.189
  • We all have either--we've all had personal experience with
  • 00:20:41.189 --> 00:20:43.992
  • That, directly and indirectly.
  • 00:20:43.992 --> 00:20:47.863
  • So the challenge here is to say, "i will not practice
  • 00:20:47.863 --> 00:20:51.300
  • Those things."
  • 00:20:51.300 --> 00:20:53.068
  • Now, the good news is you're not typically tempted on that whole
  • 00:20:53.068 --> 00:20:55.304
  • List, but there are points that are more of a struggle for you,
  • 00:20:55.304 --> 00:20:58.974
  • And know the places where you're vulnerable and do your very best
  • 00:20:58.974 --> 00:21:02.978
  • Not to give license in those places.
  • 00:21:02.978 --> 00:21:07.549
  • Why?
  • 00:21:07.549 --> 00:21:09.017
  • Because i wanna grow up spiritually.
  • 00:21:09.017 --> 00:21:12.587
  • I don't wanna get to that point of evaluation that awaits me and
  • 00:21:12.587 --> 00:21:15.924
  • Hear the lord say, "no."
  • 00:21:15.924 --> 00:21:19.161
  • "well, i was born again."
  • 00:21:19.161 --> 00:21:20.529
  • "yeah, i know, you called me 'lord.'"
  • 00:21:20.529 --> 00:21:23.498
  • Now, here's the challenge.
  • 00:21:23.498 --> 00:21:24.866
  • You don't get a laminated card in the mail
  • 00:21:24.866 --> 00:21:27.035
  • When you make that profession.
  • 00:21:27.035 --> 00:21:28.370
  • Well, you might get one but it comes from the church or some--
  • 00:21:28.370 --> 00:21:31.273
  • You get a name tag and, i mean, that's not what they'll be
  • 00:21:31.273 --> 00:21:34.376
  • Looking for at the pearly gates.
  • 00:21:34.376 --> 00:21:35.877
  • "do you have a lanyard?"
  • 00:21:35.877 --> 00:21:42.984
  • And so you don't have that kind of license.
  • 00:21:42.984 --> 00:21:47.189
  • The evidence that you are--you have entered the kingdom of god
  • 00:21:47.189 --> 00:21:50.959
  • And you're growing up in your faith is the fruit of your life.
  • 00:21:50.959 --> 00:21:59.301
  • So it makes it relevant when they say there are tens of
  • 00:21:59.301 --> 00:22:02.204
  • Millions of evangelical christians in our culture and
  • 00:22:02.204 --> 00:22:05.640
  • We're losing millions of children.
  • 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:07.809
  • It seems that our fruit is small.
  • 00:22:07.809 --> 00:22:13.882
  • They aren't political issues, they're the fruit of our lives.
  • 00:22:13.882 --> 00:22:18.920
  • And we've got to become the church again.
  • 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:21.823
  • We've got to find our voice and say there's a god and you can
  • 00:22:21.823 --> 00:22:24.760
  • Know him and you can be clean and delivered and set free.
  • 00:22:24.760 --> 00:22:28.830
  • It's not oppressive, it's not limiting.
  • 00:22:28.830 --> 00:22:31.133
  • Let's get busy serving the lord.
  • 00:22:31.133 --> 00:22:33.001
  • Let's focus our attention, set our objectives, prioritize our
  • 00:22:33.001 --> 00:22:36.037
  • Time, direct our resources.
  • 00:22:36.037 --> 00:22:38.640
  • Let's begin to align our hearts as never before with the
  • 00:22:38.640 --> 00:22:41.576
  • Purposes of god.
  • 00:22:41.576 --> 00:22:43.011
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:22:43.011 --> 00:22:48.617
  • Allen: we're not earning our way towards anything.
  • 00:22:48.617 --> 00:22:50.719
  • We're demonstrating our determined affection for our
  • 00:22:50.719 --> 00:22:53.588
  • Lord and his kingdom.
  • 00:22:53.588 --> 00:22:56.291
  • We want it to be the overriding expression of our existence.
  • 00:22:56.291 --> 00:23:00.896
  • I'm happy that you're an advocate for a sports team or
  • 00:23:00.896 --> 00:23:03.598
  • The hobby of your choice.
  • 00:23:03.598 --> 00:23:04.966
  • Oh, it's okay, it's not wrong, but it shouldn't be the defining
  • 00:23:04.966 --> 00:23:08.537
  • Characteristic of your life or it's an idol.
  • 00:23:08.537 --> 00:23:12.441
  • We wanna lead with, "we are ambassadors
  • 00:23:12.441 --> 00:23:15.010
  • For the kingdom of god.
  • 00:23:15.010 --> 00:23:16.344
  • Have i told you about my best friend?
  • 00:23:16.344 --> 00:23:18.580
  • His name is jesus. he came from nazareth.
  • 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:21.783
  • Do you know him? i'd like you to know him.
  • 00:23:21.783 --> 00:23:24.853
  • He's brought good things to my life.
  • 00:23:24.853 --> 00:23:26.588
  • He'll bring good things to your life."
  • 00:23:26.588 --> 00:23:32.928
  • I know you don't feel worthy, neither do i, but i want to
  • 00:23:32.928 --> 00:23:37.098
  • Serve him.
  • 00:23:37.098 --> 00:23:38.733
  • I'm gonna give him my best.
  • 00:23:38.733 --> 00:23:41.336
  • I will not stop under threat or bullying or tirade or censorship
  • 00:23:41.336 --> 00:23:48.043
  • Or whatever else.
  • 00:23:48.043 --> 00:23:49.978
  • We'll be advocates for the king.
  • 00:23:49.978 --> 00:23:51.613
  • Church, we have a role to play.
  • 00:23:51.613 --> 00:23:55.016
  • We have a role to play.
  • 00:23:55.016 --> 00:23:56.351
  • I want to pray for you. may i do that?
  • 00:23:56.351 --> 00:23:57.686
  • Will you stand with me?
  • 00:23:57.686 --> 00:24:04.960
  • Thank you for investing the time to pray over these next 2 days.
  • 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:09.598
  • I know it's a sacrifice.
  • 00:24:09.598 --> 00:24:13.468
  • If you've got a family still at home, it takes the whole family
  • 00:24:13.468 --> 00:24:15.937
  • Making a sacrifice.
  • 00:24:15.937 --> 00:24:17.272
  • Thank you for doing that.
  • 00:24:17.272 --> 00:24:19.541
  • God responds to his people.
  • 00:24:19.541 --> 00:24:22.544
  • He does. he does.
  • 00:24:22.544 --> 00:24:26.781
  • Why don't you join hands with somebody new?
  • 00:24:26.781 --> 00:24:28.517
  • Tell them your name. you know the drill.
  • 00:24:28.517 --> 00:24:31.219
  • They won't talk to you, don't bother.
  • 00:24:31.219 --> 00:24:34.189
  • You know, if you've stood by 'em several times and they've never
  • 00:24:34.189 --> 00:24:36.124
  • Talked to you, move.
  • 00:24:36.124 --> 00:24:40.795
  • I mean, not right now, but.
  • 00:24:40.795 --> 00:24:45.066
  • Father, thank you for your word, for its truth and authority and
  • 00:24:45.066 --> 00:24:48.103
  • Power in our lives.
  • 00:24:48.103 --> 00:24:50.805
  • I thank you that you called us to this very unique point in
  • 00:24:50.805 --> 00:24:53.642
  • History, that you called us out of darkness, and through the
  • 00:24:53.642 --> 00:24:57.679
  • Blood of jesus, we've been forgiven, sanctified, justified,
  • 00:24:57.679 --> 00:25:01.917
  • Delivered, that we might declare the praises of our god in
  • 00:25:01.917 --> 00:25:06.621
  • Our generation.
  • 00:25:06.621 --> 00:25:08.757
  • And i ask you now for a new boldness, for a new courage.
  • 00:25:08.757 --> 00:25:12.894
  • Forgive us for when we've been timid or distracted
  • 00:25:12.894 --> 00:25:15.430
  • Or ambivalent.
  • 00:25:15.430 --> 00:25:17.465
  • But, lord, we offer ourselves tonight as living sacrifices.
  • 00:25:17.465 --> 00:25:22.237
  • We want to conduct ourselves in a way that's pleasing to you,
  • 00:25:22.237 --> 00:25:26.808
  • That you deem trustworthy, that whatever assignments you would
  • 00:25:26.808 --> 00:25:31.513
  • Have fulfilled, that you would consider us trustworthy with
  • 00:25:31.513 --> 00:25:36.217
  • Those assignments.
  • 00:25:36.217 --> 00:25:37.953
  • We praise you for it tonight.
  • 00:25:37.953 --> 00:25:40.388
  • I thank you for the privilege and honor we have of naming
  • 00:25:40.388 --> 00:25:42.791
  • Jesus as lord of our lives, that we can affirm that and declare
  • 00:25:42.791 --> 00:25:46.962
  • That in public.
  • 00:25:46.962 --> 00:25:48.330
  • We praise you for it, lord.
  • 00:25:48.330 --> 00:25:49.664
  • May that freedom grow, may that liberty increase.
  • 00:25:49.664 --> 00:25:52.300
  • May your church grow.
  • 00:25:52.300 --> 00:25:53.835
  • May our voice be strengthened.
  • 00:25:53.835 --> 00:25:55.236
  • May your people be awakened.
  • 00:25:55.236 --> 00:25:57.906
  • Reveal yourself to the children and the young people with a
  • 00:25:57.906 --> 00:26:00.542
  • Clarity beyond anything we've ever seen.
  • 00:26:00.542 --> 00:26:03.345
  • May they know there's a god in heaven and that jesus is
  • 00:26:03.345 --> 00:26:05.647
  • His son.
  • 00:26:05.647 --> 00:26:07.282
  • We thank you for it.
  • 00:26:07.282 --> 00:26:08.617
  • We praise you for it.
  • 00:26:08.617 --> 00:26:10.118
  • For it's in jesus's name that we pray, amen.
  • 00:26:10.118 --> 00:26:13.555
  • Hallelujah, god bless you.
  • 00:26:13.555 --> 00:26:18.960
  • Allen: i suspect we've all heard the line that leadership is
  • 00:26:23.131 --> 00:26:25.367
  • About influence.
  • 00:26:25.367 --> 00:26:26.735
  • Well, i have a question for you.
  • 00:26:26.735 --> 00:26:28.069
  • What do you lead with?
  • 00:26:28.069 --> 00:26:29.437
  • What is the basis of your influence?
  • 00:26:29.437 --> 00:26:31.006
  • Is it your appearance, your education, your professional
  • 00:26:31.006 --> 00:26:33.842
  • Expertise, your professional accomplishments, your athletic
  • 00:26:33.842 --> 00:26:36.778
  • Ability, your family?
  • 00:26:36.778 --> 00:26:38.780
  • What is the point of influence that you use most frequently?
  • 00:26:38.780 --> 00:26:42.917
  • Well, i've written a book.
  • 00:26:42.917 --> 00:26:44.252
  • The title is gonna give away where i'm headed.
  • 00:26:44.252 --> 00:26:46.121
  • It's "lead with faith."
  • 00:26:46.121 --> 00:26:47.656
  • I think it's time that all of us begin to use our faith as an
  • 00:26:47.656 --> 00:26:51.359
  • Influence in the world where we find ourselves.
  • 00:26:51.359 --> 00:26:53.862
  • We're reluctant to do that.
  • 00:26:53.862 --> 00:26:55.196
  • We typically have more confidence in our education or
  • 00:26:55.196 --> 00:26:57.766
  • Our family system or our life experience, we feel a little
  • 00:26:57.766 --> 00:27:00.902
  • Uncertain to lead with faith.
  • 00:27:00.902 --> 00:27:02.904
  • The point of this book is to give you the tools to take your
  • 00:27:02.904 --> 00:27:06.408
  • Faith out of a church setting and bring it into
  • 00:27:06.408 --> 00:27:09.144
  • The marketplace.
  • 00:27:09.144 --> 00:27:10.478
  • If we will lead with faith, i believe god will help us make an
  • 00:27:10.478 --> 00:27:14.182
  • Impact in this generation.
  • 00:27:14.182 --> 00:27:16.017
  • Go to allenjackson.com and get your copy today.
  • 00:27:16.017 --> 00:27:19.654
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:20.522 --> 00:27:29.898