Allen Jackson - Establish a Legacy of Faith (Part 1)

November 25, 2025 | 28:35

Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

#Legacy #Faith #Purpose #Preparation #Hope #Missions #LightoftheWorld #Witness/Witnessing #Leaders #Leadership #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Establish a Legacy of Faith (Part 1) | November 25, 2025

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Allen jackson: god is moving in the earth.
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We established allen jackson ministries to
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Strengthen the church.
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Jesus said he would build his church
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And hell wouldn't stop it.
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We intend to be part of that in this nation and beyond.
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With your help, we have done a lot of things
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In the media with television and radio.
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We have created small group curriculum, we've hosted a
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Culture and christianity conference.
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We have criss-crossed this nation in more than two dozen
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Cities doing pastor's conferences
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With pastors and church leaders.
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Now we have strategic partners in israel and the ukraine
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Asking for that same kind of help and resources as we
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Look at the year ahead.
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I wanna ask you to prayerfully consider making an investment
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In this ministry as we look towards this new year.
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We intend to strengthen the church in this nation and beyond
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As never before.
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God is moving, we want to be a part of that.
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I thank you for your partnership, for your
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Generosity, and for your faithfulness
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In standing with us.
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Together, we'll make a difference
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For the kingdom of god.
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Allen: hey, this is pastor allen.
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I wanted to wish you a happy thanksgiving.
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It's a uniquely american holiday.
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You know, my friends around the world, the one holiday they
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Wanna be in america for more than any other is thanksgiving.
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They know about our holiday foods, they've heard about pecan
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Pie or whatever, and they wanna be here to be a part of that
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American celebration.
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Well, i hope it's a very special day for you.
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But i wanna add to that at least an invitation.
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You know, i have--i've come to understand something in my own
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Life, and i suspect yours is similar.
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I've got some places where i still need god's help.
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I've got problems that i'd like his assistance on or challenges,
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Whatever it may be.
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One of the most powerful ways to invite god into your life is to
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Be thankful, not because everything's perfect, not
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Because it's the way i want it, but i will use my voice to say
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Thank you to the lord because he's been so good to me.
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He's shown me grace and mercy.
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So, this thanksgiving, let's turn our face, let's use our
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Voice.
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In giving thanks to the lord for his goodness to us, i believe we
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Will see his deliverance in the months ahead.
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It's thanksgiving. let's give thanks.
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Allen jackson: i started a theme in a previous session back to
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"leading with faith," but it's the holiday edition.
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We've talked a lot this year about leading with our faith and
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Stepping out of the crowd, but i wanna have that conversation in
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Light of the holidays.
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It's a special time of year for us.
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Our calendars are different.
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Our social patterns change, our work schedules change,
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School schedules are different, there are some family traditions
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That get interlaced with that, there are some religious themes
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That are a part of that.
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It creates a set of opportunities in this window of
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Time that are not the same 90 days from now.
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Not greater or lesser, it's just with the holidays,
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There comes some opportunities.
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And i wanna specifically talk to you about intentionally,
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Purposefully establishing a legacy of faith.
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I know you will gather in the next few weeks,
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I pray, with family and friends, people that you care about,
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People that you have done some life with and hope
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To continue to do life with.
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And one of the questions is what is it that
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You're gonna be celebrated for?
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Is it because you have the finest christmas decorations?
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You have more trees?
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Your christmas table is more elegant?
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Your family recipes are better than mine?
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You know, there's a whole host-- and none of those are inherently
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Wrong or wicked or evil, they're just temporary because
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Fashions will change and styles will change
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And traditions will change.
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So i wanna ask you to think with me about establishing
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A legacy of faith.
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Now, we're living in a troubled season.
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If you're paying any attention whatsoever,
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You have noticed that.
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They're mutilating our children, the teacher's unions,
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And the government think they have a greater right over
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Educating our children than parents do.
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They declare big segments of our culture non-essential
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And tell us we have to close.
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The new york times editorial this weekend.
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Big news.
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It's on the editorial page of the times.
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Apparently school closures during covid
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Were not good for education.
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Woo, i'm glad you were seated when i made that announcement
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'cause you had no clue.
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But i assure you, god is moving in the earth.
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The question that's available to us is to what extent are we
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Going to be involved?
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Now, tragically in the church world, and i've spent my life in
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The church, so i'll put myself--we have coached
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People to be observers.
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And i would love to just put that portfolio in the shredder.
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Jesus didn't die on the cross so you could watch god do
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Something, he offered himself as a sacrifice so that you and i
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Might participate in his eternal kingdom.
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And so this is very much an invitation in this session.
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I'll start with just a bit of a refresher.
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It's the beatitudes of the holidays.
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There's some attitudes that i would suggest that will change
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Your holiday and change your faith
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In the midst of the holiday.
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And i'm not gonna dwell on 'em, but i'll
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Hand them to you quickly.
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It begins by being prepared.
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Be prepared to make a difference.
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Decide that the next few weeks is a season where you could be a
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Difference maker in the lives of someone.
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It may be the place where you purchase gas.
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It may be the server at waffle house.
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You'd be amazed what a generous tip would do and a kind word.
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It isn't that showing the love of god is beyond us,
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We just haven't been prepared to do it.
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And we've imagined that when we walked in these buildings that
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Had some ecclesiastical architecture and there was a
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Little music that played, that that's when we get spiritual.
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Folks, the evaluation of your spiritual life,
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The evaluation of your faith isn't how you do in church.
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We can all wing it in here 'cause if you'll just watch the
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Rest of the group, they'll let you know when to sit and stand
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And when you can leave, and you're supposed to look
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Excited when you leave.
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Coming in is kinda somber...but leaving,
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You can be happy about that.
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So first of all, be prepared to make a difference.
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Second, be flexible.
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This is not the most flexible season of the year 'cause
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We make our plans.
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We extend invitations, we're gonna sit at the same space in
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The tables, we have our menu already prepared.
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This is how i want my holiday to go.
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And then life starts to happen and the kids get a better
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Invitation than yours.
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And i can't believe it.
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Or somebody gets sick or there's a flight canceled
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Or there's traffic.
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You know, we can make our plans, but when reality starts
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To unfold, they have to be adjusted.
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So if you'll allow me, let's be a little flexible.
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"well, that's not the way."
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Okay, the fact that you had a plan has been duly noted.
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Now, let's offer it to the lord.
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Abraham had a plan, and it was not kids where he paid for
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Nursery furniture with a social security check,
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But it worked out okay.
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David had a plan when samuel anointed him to be king, and
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It didn't include drooling and pretending to be insane
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In front of a philistine king, but it worked out okay.
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Be flexible.
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Number three, be purposeful.
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I'm gonna talk to you about some things to do on purpose.
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You need the intent to let your faith into your holiday.
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If you don't have the intent, it's not going to happen.
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One of the things i have learned about the spirit of god is he
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Seldom intrudes where he's not invited.
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Now, evil will intrude.
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It will kick the door in and move in.
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The spirit of god comes where he's invited.
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Let's be intentional. number four, let's be helpful.
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So you think, "well, i'm just not a spiritual person,
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I'm kind of an introvert, i'm not gonna use my words,
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I'm not gonna do something overtly--"
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Okay, just be helpful.
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Be the best dishwasher.
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Be kind.
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Just pretend.
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Maybe you're not kind.
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Just see if you could bluff it for like 90 minutes.
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Practice.
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"well, i don't feel authentic."
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I had this meeting with someone.
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I was coaching a group of people on some spiritual leadership,
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And i said, "you need to respond to the people that you're
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Serving as if you care about them."
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Somebody raised their hand and said, "well,
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What if it's not sincere?"
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Out loud.
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I said, "well, just fake it."
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Be prepared, be flexible, be helpful.
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Number five, be available primarily to the lord.
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So it's a busy time--uh-huh.
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Be available. and finally, be grateful.
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Here's the challenge i think with the holidays.
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Life isn't perfect, and at the end of the year, we often
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Reflect on the things that have happened
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That have been most painful.
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In some years, it's significant.
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We've had losses or setbacks or challenges, and it's easy to
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Get to this season of the year and to be
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Overwhelmed with what's not.
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It's a year theoretically where there's the greatest expressions
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Of hope and joy, and it's also the season of the year with the
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Highest incident of depression and discouragement.
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And i've already suggested to you that one of the greatest
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Ways to overcome that is to be grateful.
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Maybe you start a good news list,
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And then you purposely make a list of things for which you
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Could be thankful in your life.
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And if you really wanna get a little weird with it,
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Flip it over and make it things that you could be thankful for
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That have happened in our nation or in the world.
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I know there's things you're not grateful for,
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But there's surely something you could be grateful for.
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Allen: god is moving in the earth.
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A few years ago we understood god inviting us beyond
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Just the local congregation that i serve, and we began
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Allen jackson ministries so we could serve the church
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Across our nation and beyond.
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With pastor's conferences, with print material, with small group
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Curriculum, god has opened remarkable doors
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In radio and television.
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Your partnership, your generosity, your
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Faithfulness has made that possible.
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Now we have strategic partners asking for help in israel
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And the ukraine, those wartorn countries.
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Together we're strengthening the church
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In this nation and beyond.
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Thank you for your generosity.
00:11:10.719 --> 00:11:12.854
Female announcer: in a culture filled with deception, our
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Strongest defence is god's word.
00:11:14.923 --> 00:11:17.325
Our leap of faith journalling bible gives you space
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To capture those lessons and carry them forward.
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It's an esv bible that's custom embossed and designed
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To help you engage with scripture.
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You can request this bible when you donate $75 or more today.
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Request your journalling bible now at allenjackson.com
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Or by calling ...
00:11:35.076 --> 00:11:38.980
Allen: 1 peter chapter 3 and verse 15 says,
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"in your hearts set apart christ as lord,
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And always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
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You to give the reason for the hope that you have."
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That's really my agenda with this particular session.
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To help you be prepared, to always be prepared to give an
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Answer for the hope that you have.
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We're going public with our jesus stories.
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We're gonna break out of the church world and stop just
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Having our traditions and our favorite menus,
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And this is how we celebrate and we're actually gonna bring our
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Faith to bear this year.
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I'm gonna give you a handful of ideas,
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But i wanna start with jesus' ministry.
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I always think that's a good idea when we can.
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In luke 19, we're nearing the end of his public ministry.
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He's on his way to jerusalem and it's gonna be a very
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Difficult time in jerusalem.
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In fact, it's horrific.
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And jericho's the last major city he's going to pass en route
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To jerusalem, and it says, "he entered jericho
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And he's passing through.
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And a man was there by the name of zacchaeus;
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He was a chief tax collector and he was wealthy."
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The most hated people amongst the jewish
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Population were not the romans.
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The romans are an occupying army,
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They do what occupying armies do.
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But the romans discovered that the most efficient and effective
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Way to collect taxes for rome was not to bring an outsider
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Into the community, but to recruit a local.
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Because the local people knew who had the resources,
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Whose businesses were most effective.
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And if they could get a local to be the tax collector,
00:13:06.534 --> 00:13:08.970
They would give them the authority of the roman soldiers.
00:13:08.970 --> 00:13:12.207
They could stand behind the sword and shield of the
00:13:12.207 --> 00:13:14.509
Soldiers, but they would be the ones that put the finger on the
00:13:14.509 --> 00:13:16.544
People in the community that had the resources.
00:13:16.544 --> 00:13:20.148
And then because of roman authority,
00:13:20.148 --> 00:13:21.482
They could exact taxes that wasn't going to rome,
00:13:21.482 --> 00:13:24.152
They would make themselves wealthy.
00:13:24.152 --> 00:13:26.855
So the most hated part of the population were the tax
00:13:26.855 --> 00:13:29.257
Collectors, they're traitors.
00:13:29.257 --> 00:13:33.461
Under the idea of doing public good,
00:13:33.461 --> 00:13:36.631
They're stealing from the people.
00:13:36.631 --> 00:13:39.200
Gee, that would never happen today.
00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:43.571
"zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and he was wealthy."
00:13:43.571 --> 00:13:48.042
Luke points that out at the beginning
00:13:48.042 --> 00:13:49.377
Of this little narrative.
00:13:49.377 --> 00:13:50.712
"he wanted to see who jesus was, but he was a short man and he
00:13:50.712 --> 00:13:53.882
Couldn't because of the crowd.
00:13:53.882 --> 00:13:55.216
So he ran ahead and he climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him,
00:13:55.216 --> 00:13:58.486
Jesus was coming that way.
00:13:58.486 --> 00:14:00.421
And when jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him,
00:14:00.421 --> 00:14:04.926
'zacchaeus, come down immediately.
00:14:04.926 --> 00:14:06.461
I must stay at your house today.'
00:14:06.461 --> 00:14:11.833
So he came down at once and he welcomed him gladly.
00:14:11.833 --> 00:14:14.035
And the people saw this and they began to mutter,
00:14:14.035 --> 00:14:16.671
'he is gone to be the guest of a sinner.'"
00:14:16.671 --> 00:14:20.675
A lot of unhappy people.
00:14:20.675 --> 00:14:23.044
"he's no prophet.
00:14:23.044 --> 00:14:24.379
Look who he said he was having lunch with.
00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:27.348
I knew he was a fraud.
00:14:27.348 --> 00:14:30.318
If he was really spiritual, he wouldn't spend
00:14:30.318 --> 00:14:32.287
Any time with him."
00:14:32.287 --> 00:14:33.888
You've got some holiday appointments with people
00:14:33.888 --> 00:14:36.190
Who are pretty public sinners.
00:14:36.190 --> 00:14:39.460
Some of them are gonna join you at your family table.
00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:45.333
I didn't put your picture on the screen,
00:14:45.333 --> 00:14:46.901
I'm just acknowledging a reality.
00:14:46.901 --> 00:14:51.806
What are we gonna do?
00:14:51.806 --> 00:14:53.308
How do we respond?
00:14:53.308 --> 00:14:55.109
I don't wanna use my voice to encourage ungodliness because
00:14:55.109 --> 00:14:58.346
That means i get the reward of the ungodly,
00:14:58.346 --> 00:15:00.415
And i don't want that.
00:15:00.415 --> 00:15:03.751
I don't necessarily have to show up in anger or resentment and
00:15:03.751 --> 00:15:07.588
Bitterness, it's a real thing.
00:15:07.588 --> 00:15:09.023
What are we gonna do?
00:15:09.023 --> 00:15:11.759
Well, it's a part of my objective, but let's follow
00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:13.561
Jesus through this, it works.
00:15:13.561 --> 00:15:15.797
"the people saw this and they began the mutter,
00:15:15.797 --> 00:15:17.732
'he is gone to be the guest of a sinner.'
00:15:17.732 --> 00:15:19.200
But zacchaeus stood up and he said to the lord, 'look,
00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:22.670
Here and now i give half of my possessions to the poor, and if
00:15:22.670 --> 00:15:25.540
I have cheated anybody,'" if i have cheated anybody, can you
00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:28.276
See the side eyes all through the crowd?
00:15:28.276 --> 00:15:31.846
If i've cheated--you cheated everybody.
00:15:31.846 --> 00:15:36.818
You greedy, dishonest, self-absorbed--
00:15:36.818 --> 00:15:43.958
"i've cheated anybody out of anything,
00:15:43.958 --> 00:15:45.393
I'll pay back four times the amount.'
00:15:45.393 --> 00:15:48.763
And jesus said to him, 'today, salvation has come to this
00:15:48.763 --> 00:15:50.898
House, because this man, too, is the son of abraham.
00:15:50.898 --> 00:15:55.703
For the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.'"
00:15:55.703 --> 00:15:59.407
I think it's a helpful little narrative.
00:15:59.407 --> 00:16:02.643
Jesus did accept zacchaeus's hospitality.
00:16:02.643 --> 00:16:06.180
Jesus knew exactly who he was and what he was.
00:16:06.180 --> 00:16:10.051
He understood the prominent role he played in the community, and
00:16:10.051 --> 00:16:13.654
Jesus accepted his hospitality.
00:16:13.654 --> 00:16:16.624
There were many people who complained.
00:16:16.624 --> 00:16:20.261
Luke tells us that.
00:16:20.261 --> 00:16:21.729
I mean, luke first tells us that zacchaeus was really rich.
00:16:21.729 --> 00:16:24.799
And then he said a lot of people muttered and complained because
00:16:24.799 --> 00:16:27.635
Jesus chose him as a friend on that day.
00:16:27.635 --> 00:16:30.571
Don't you know the church bazaar had prepared lunch.
00:16:30.571 --> 00:16:33.708
They had tuna and jello.
00:16:33.708 --> 00:16:43.117
I've been to that lunch. so have you.
00:16:43.117 --> 00:16:48.122
I would also point out jesus didn't ask for a donation.
00:16:48.122 --> 00:16:53.694
He didn't just use as an opportunity to further his
00:16:53.694 --> 00:16:55.997
Agenda and pretend like he didn't know the ungodliness
00:16:55.997 --> 00:16:58.199
That was going on.
00:16:58.199 --> 00:17:01.502
The outcome of jesus's presence with zacchaeus was a public
00:17:01.502 --> 00:17:05.940
Expression of repentance.
00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:09.444
Listen, if i've been stealing, i will stop
00:17:09.444 --> 00:17:12.680
And i will make restitution.
00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.015
That is the portrayal of what repentance is.
00:17:14.015 --> 00:17:19.253
So if we want a little guidebook for our holidays,
00:17:19.253 --> 00:17:23.224
We're gonna interact with all kinds of people,
00:17:23.224 --> 00:17:25.760
Some of them beyond our families.
00:17:25.760 --> 00:17:27.528
Some people wouldn't know god if you gave them a g and an o
00:17:27.528 --> 00:17:29.831
And ask them to spell it.
00:17:29.831 --> 00:17:32.934
I have great compassion on those people,
00:17:32.934 --> 00:17:34.402
They're stumbling in the darkness.
00:17:34.402 --> 00:17:36.771
And perhaps you can be just a little bit of light in their
00:17:36.771 --> 00:17:39.907
Lives and help them meet a person of faith that would cause
00:17:39.907 --> 00:17:42.777
Them to consider it for their lives.
00:17:42.777 --> 00:17:44.178
There's other people you'll gather with that hide amongst
00:17:44.178 --> 00:17:47.014
The christians but they're living an ungodly life.
00:17:47.014 --> 00:17:49.317
That's a different response altogether because they're
00:17:49.317 --> 00:17:51.786
Deceived, they think they're getting away with it.
00:17:51.786 --> 00:17:53.521
They don't understand that the god that created heaven
00:17:53.521 --> 00:17:55.957
And earth isn't fooled.
00:17:55.957 --> 00:18:01.295
And in those lives, our responses are different,
00:18:01.295 --> 00:18:03.464
We need more wisdom.
00:18:03.464 --> 00:18:05.733
Sometimes your presence and your willingness to express your
00:18:05.733 --> 00:18:07.935
Faith and to acknowledge your faith in a public place is
00:18:07.935 --> 00:18:10.538
Enough to call them to make a change.
00:18:10.538 --> 00:18:14.075
I'm not suggesting you be the voice of judgment at every
00:18:14.075 --> 00:18:16.244
Holiday gathering.
00:18:16.244 --> 00:18:18.079
I am suggesting you go in the name of the lord.
00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:22.650
And that we don't use our voice to affirm,
00:18:22.650 --> 00:18:24.452
Encourage, cheer for, advocate for ungodliness.
00:18:24.452 --> 00:18:28.256
If you do that, understand biblically you
00:18:28.256 --> 00:18:31.626
Get the reward for that.
00:18:31.626 --> 00:18:35.163
That's the whole notion of a watchman.
00:18:35.163 --> 00:18:38.099
It's a part of our assignment.
00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:40.868
Jericho was different after jesus left.
00:18:40.868 --> 00:18:44.438
The most notorious thief in the community has had
00:18:44.438 --> 00:18:47.375
A change of heart.
00:18:47.375 --> 00:18:50.144
Makes public expression of that, it's a different place.
00:18:50.144 --> 00:18:52.980
My prayer for you and me this holiday season is by the time we
00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:55.616
Get to the beginning of a new year and back to our routines
00:18:55.616 --> 00:18:58.953
And settled in again, the kids are in school and we're finished
00:18:58.953 --> 00:19:02.356
With all the erratic part of the holidays,
00:19:02.356 --> 00:19:05.826
That we'll say the lord met us, we're in a new place.
00:19:05.826 --> 00:19:09.931
I think that's a legitimate goal.
00:19:09.931 --> 00:19:12.166
So i wanna spend the balance of our time and give you a little
00:19:12.166 --> 00:19:14.235
Bit of a ministry toolkit, some things that you could think
00:19:14.235 --> 00:19:16.571
About, just some practical expressions of faith that
00:19:16.571 --> 00:19:19.440
You could take with you to all these varied opportunities that
00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:23.044
We'll present over these next few weeks.
00:19:23.044 --> 00:19:26.547
It's important.
00:19:26.547 --> 00:19:27.982
We wanna make inviting god into our lives normal.
00:19:27.982 --> 00:19:33.487
We wanna make inviting god into our lives normal,
00:19:33.487 --> 00:19:37.892
As normal as watching a ball game, as normal as
00:19:37.892 --> 00:19:41.629
A conversation around our favorite holiday food.
00:19:41.629 --> 00:19:45.866
In fact, let's determine that our intent is to honor god and
00:19:45.866 --> 00:19:49.036
His word in our lives, period.
00:19:49.036 --> 00:19:54.208
That's my objective.
00:19:54.208 --> 00:19:56.143
Wherever i go, and whatever i'm invited to,
00:19:56.143 --> 00:19:58.446
And whatever i'm included, my objective is to honor god and
00:19:58.446 --> 00:20:01.749
His word in my life.
00:20:01.749 --> 00:20:03.684
Doesn't mean i don't talk about what's happening in the world,
00:20:03.684 --> 00:20:06.020
Doesn't mean i may not watch a ball game or enjoy a good meal,
00:20:06.020 --> 00:20:10.458
But my objective in all of those things is to honor
00:20:10.458 --> 00:20:12.893
God and his word.
00:20:12.893 --> 00:20:14.495
You see, if you don't have the intent, you won't do it.
00:20:14.495 --> 00:20:20.568
And the reason we've found ourselves in this fine mess,
00:20:20.568 --> 00:20:23.070
Ollie, is we have lacked the intent.
00:20:23.070 --> 00:20:28.009
We've wanted somebody else to do that.
00:20:28.009 --> 00:20:34.915
Wherever we go, i wanna suggest we should intend to represent
00:20:34.915 --> 00:20:39.120
Our lord and his people, period.
00:20:39.120 --> 00:20:44.959
That's how you establish a legacy of faith.
00:20:44.959 --> 00:20:48.696
"so, you know, i really haven't done that.
00:20:48.696 --> 00:20:51.432
I've been focused on other things, accomplishing
00:20:51.432 --> 00:20:53.401
Or achieving or becoming or accumulating,"
00:20:53.401 --> 00:20:55.503
Or whatever it may, it's okay, let's begin this year.
00:20:55.503 --> 00:20:59.674
It'll take god to help us do that anyway,
00:20:59.674 --> 00:21:01.442
We can't do it on our own.
00:21:01.442 --> 00:21:03.878
But why not determine to do that this year?
00:21:03.878 --> 00:21:05.713
We're gonna pray before we go today,
00:21:05.713 --> 00:21:07.048
Make a commitment to the lord, if you're up for that.
00:21:07.048 --> 00:21:10.584
So the first part of your toolkit i'm gonna suggest is
00:21:10.584 --> 00:21:14.088
There's some prayers that we wanna pray
00:21:14.088 --> 00:21:15.556
In preparing ourselves.
00:21:15.556 --> 00:21:16.957
These aren't about the other people, these aren't
00:21:16.957 --> 00:21:18.492
The ones with whom we're gonna gather or
00:21:18.492 --> 00:21:20.328
Interact or the server at the restaurant, this is about us.
00:21:20.328 --> 00:21:24.165
In mark 11, jesus said, "when you stand praying,
00:21:24.165 --> 00:21:26.334
If you hold anything against anyone forgive him."
00:21:26.334 --> 00:21:29.637
Apparently it's possible as human beings that we could hold
00:21:29.637 --> 00:21:32.573
Something against someone else.
00:21:32.573 --> 00:21:34.508
Who knew?
00:21:34.508 --> 00:21:36.310
I mean, i know that's not you, but there could be somebody in
00:21:36.310 --> 00:21:39.680
This wide world that holds something,
00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:42.817
Something that is unhelpful, like unforgiveness
00:21:42.817 --> 00:21:45.019
Or anger or resentment or bitterness or hatred.
00:21:45.019 --> 00:21:49.223
We can hold hatred generationally.
00:21:49.223 --> 00:21:51.859
It's amazing.
00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:54.028
If you don't believe it, watch the headlines.
00:21:54.028 --> 00:21:56.263
We have wars being fought in our world over things that happened
00:21:56.263 --> 00:21:58.599
Hundreds of years ago.
00:21:58.599 --> 00:22:03.104
Before you get to any of these gatherings,
00:22:03.104 --> 00:22:04.905
There's some prayers you and i wanna pray.
00:22:04.905 --> 00:22:06.807
Hebrews 12 reminds us to not let any bitter roots grow up.
00:22:06.807 --> 00:22:13.347
In fact, the phrase before that intrigues me.
00:22:13.347 --> 00:22:15.182
It says, "see to it that no one misses the grace of god."
00:22:15.182 --> 00:22:17.852
Grace is unmerited, unearned, how could you mess something up
00:22:17.852 --> 00:22:21.889
That you didn't earn and you don't deserve?
00:22:21.889 --> 00:22:25.793
You can nullify the grace of god by holding onto bitterness.
00:22:25.793 --> 00:22:30.064
Please don't do that.
00:22:30.064 --> 00:22:31.999
Forgiveness is a decision, it's not a feeling.
00:22:31.999 --> 00:22:34.769
It's not earned or merited.
00:22:34.769 --> 00:22:36.804
We don't forgive people because they deserve it,
00:22:36.804 --> 00:22:38.406
We forgive them because we desperately need to be forgiven,
00:22:38.406 --> 00:22:40.841
And i cannot afford the weight of resentment 'cause my anger
00:22:40.841 --> 00:22:45.746
Puts me in bondage.
00:22:45.746 --> 00:22:48.182
And i will forgive so that i can get on with what god has for me.
00:22:48.182 --> 00:22:51.819
I will release you, i will cancel the marker.
00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:55.589
I'm not saying that what you did was appropriate,
00:22:55.589 --> 00:22:57.291
I'm not endorsing the evil or the pain that may have been
00:22:57.291 --> 00:23:00.161
Caused, i'm not even willing to get back in line for further
00:23:00.161 --> 00:23:04.331
Mistreatment, but i will cancel the marker.
00:23:04.331 --> 00:23:07.802
It's a decision i've made. my emotions will catch up.
00:23:07.802 --> 00:23:12.306
So i wanna encourage you as a part of your preparation for the
00:23:12.306 --> 00:23:16.510
Holiday, don't carry the junk into the season.
00:23:16.510 --> 00:23:21.415
Just don't do it.
00:23:21.415 --> 00:23:22.750
Some of you even mad at people in your
00:23:22.750 --> 00:23:24.084
Family for--long time.
00:23:24.084 --> 00:23:27.154
They don't even remember why you're mad,
00:23:27.154 --> 00:23:28.489
They just know you are.
00:23:28.489 --> 00:23:31.492
You know, there are very few things that are more frustrating
00:23:31.492 --> 00:23:33.594
Than being angry and somebody doesn't notice.
00:23:33.594 --> 00:23:39.433
Come on, you've been there.
00:23:39.433 --> 00:23:40.835
'cause now you have to kind of send signals.
00:23:40.835 --> 00:23:44.071
You have to snort a little bit, you have to scowl some.
00:23:44.071 --> 00:23:49.043
"what's wrong?" "i don't know."
00:23:49.043 --> 00:23:54.048
So your preparation is perhaps the most important
00:23:54.048 --> 00:23:56.584
Part on this list.
00:23:56.584 --> 00:23:58.319
And then now there's an invitation in james 1
00:23:58.319 --> 00:24:00.154
And verse 5, it says, "if any of you lacks wisdom,
00:24:00.154 --> 00:24:02.556
He should ask god, who gives generously to all without
00:24:02.556 --> 00:24:04.959
Finding fault, and it'll be given to him."
00:24:04.959 --> 00:24:06.994
You can ask god for his wisdom for your preparation.
00:24:06.994 --> 00:24:10.898
That's a wonderful--we have permission from scripture.
00:24:10.898 --> 00:24:13.067
"lord, give me the wisdom i need to be prepared
00:24:13.067 --> 00:24:14.768
For this gathering."
00:24:14.768 --> 00:24:16.604
I pray that prayer frequently when i'm headed to places and
00:24:16.604 --> 00:24:19.640
Opportunities and for whatever role i'm playing or not playing.
00:24:19.640 --> 00:24:22.977
If i'm just going, "lord help me,
00:24:22.977 --> 00:24:24.311
I don't wanna just waste this time.
00:24:24.311 --> 00:24:27.915
I'm not going just for relaxation,
00:24:27.915 --> 00:24:29.617
Lord, i want to go on your behalf.
00:24:29.617 --> 00:24:31.685
Give me wisdom to know what to say or when to be quiet."
00:24:31.685 --> 00:24:37.258
The lord will help you.
00:24:37.258 --> 00:24:39.727
So the first piece in the toolkit is your preparation.
00:24:39.727 --> 00:24:43.864
Not gonna carry that stuff.
00:24:43.864 --> 00:24:45.199
Some of you have carried anger and resentment
00:24:45.199 --> 00:24:46.667
And bitterness and hatred for so long,
00:24:46.667 --> 00:24:48.369
You think it's a part of you, you're proud of it,
00:24:48.369 --> 00:24:52.473
You boast about it.
00:24:52.473 --> 00:24:54.775
It's a part of your armor, and it's keeping you
00:24:54.775 --> 00:24:58.345
From the best of god.
00:24:58.345 --> 00:25:01.982
I would encourage you to lay it down.
00:25:01.982 --> 00:25:04.718
I know you feel justified.
00:25:04.718 --> 00:25:06.053
Some of you're mad at god because the circumstances of
00:25:06.053 --> 00:25:09.490
Your life have been disappointing.
00:25:09.490 --> 00:25:12.593
The narrative you had, the plan that you held unraveled and
00:25:12.593 --> 00:25:17.898
You're mad about it, and you're making life choices based on
00:25:17.898 --> 00:25:21.201
Anger and resentment and hatred, and you're
00:25:21.201 --> 00:25:23.771
Compounding the frustrations.
00:25:23.771 --> 00:25:27.675
Some of us need to forgive god.
00:25:27.675 --> 00:25:30.477
Some of us need to forgive people that
00:25:30.477 --> 00:25:31.812
Aren't even alive anymore.
00:25:31.812 --> 00:25:34.148
You can do that.
00:25:34.148 --> 00:25:37.384
You know their name, you know the circumstance because when
00:25:37.384 --> 00:25:39.186
You see the circumstance again, you get all the adrenaline back.
00:25:39.186 --> 00:25:44.491
"lord, i forgive whomever of whatever, i release them."
00:25:44.491 --> 00:25:51.031
And i'll tell you why that is so important is
00:25:51.031 --> 00:25:52.499
I need god's forgiveness.
00:25:52.499 --> 00:25:55.603
And the promise that god gave about forgiving us all our sins
00:25:55.603 --> 00:25:58.806
Is a conditional promise.
00:25:58.806 --> 00:26:00.574
The good news is the only condition,
00:26:00.574 --> 00:26:02.443
It's not about education or iq or wealth or the ability to run
00:26:02.443 --> 00:26:06.680
A mile in less than six minutes, the only qualification is that
00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:10.184
I'm willing to forgive.
00:26:10.184 --> 00:26:11.919
Allen: god is moving in the earth.
00:26:15.589 --> 00:26:17.257
You know, i gave my professional life
00:26:17.257 --> 00:26:18.959
To strengthening the local church.
00:26:18.959 --> 00:26:21.195
It's been the most remarkable journey.
00:26:21.195 --> 00:26:23.097
And then god led us to begin allen jackson ministries
00:26:23.097 --> 00:26:26.033
To strengthen the church beyond the local community where
00:26:26.033 --> 00:26:28.469
I've served, across our nation and around the earth, and
00:26:28.469 --> 00:26:31.171
Your partnership has written a whole new future for what
00:26:31.171 --> 00:26:33.874
We see god doing.
00:26:33.874 --> 00:26:35.576
We have been able to broadcast messages on television
00:26:35.576 --> 00:26:39.279
And radio, we have created print materials, we published books,
00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:42.950
Small group curriculum, we're hosting a culture and
00:26:42.950 --> 00:26:45.152
Christianty conference for people across the nation.
00:26:45.152 --> 00:26:48.389
Now god's giving us strategic partners in israel and ukraine
00:26:48.389 --> 00:26:51.558
To help strengthen the church in those wartorn nations.
00:26:51.558 --> 00:26:54.995
There's a tremendous opportunity.
00:26:54.995 --> 00:26:56.964
You know, all of that is birthed out of what god put in my
00:26:56.964 --> 00:26:59.166
Heart decades ago when jesus said, "i'll build my church,
00:26:59.166 --> 00:27:02.670
And hell won't be able to stop it."
00:27:02.670 --> 00:27:04.471
And then he said, "those who will gather with me."
00:27:04.471 --> 00:27:06.573
If you don't gather, you're a scattering.
00:27:06.573 --> 00:27:08.342
Well, we wanna join the lord in what he's doing in the earth
00:27:08.342 --> 00:27:10.711
In this strategic time.
00:27:10.711 --> 00:27:12.279
It's driven my life, and i wanna invite you to be a partner
00:27:12.279 --> 00:27:14.748
With allen jackson ministries.
00:27:14.748 --> 00:27:16.183
Together, we'll fulfill the purposes of god.
00:27:16.183 --> 00:27:18.552
♪♪♪
00:27:18.552 --> 00:27:18.552

Allen Jackson - Establish a Legacy of Faith (Part 1)

November 25, 2025 | 28:35

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