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

December 5, 2024 | S24:E4905

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

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Establish A Legacy of Faith (Part 1) | December 5, 2024
  • ...
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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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  • You know, the big revelation of covid was the places that we had
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  • Hoped that were trustworthy proved not to be,
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  • And yet we're left to continue to go forward.
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  • So i would encourage you to stop being agitated about who's in
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  • The white house or in the houses of congress
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  • Or state houses, and let's go to work on our house.
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  • Let's go to work in the places where we have influence.
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  • You can be mad about all--you can imagine that the next
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  • Election's gonna fix us, folks, how many of those processes are
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  • We gonna have to go through?
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  • They just change uniforms and go back and do the same thing.
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  • We have to change.
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  • So that's the point of this little series.
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  • I wanna give you some opportunities to think about it.
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  • You're gonna be with family and school groups
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  • And offices and coworkers and friends.
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  • I promise you, god is moving in the earth,
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  • His plans are coming to a completion.
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  • They are.
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  • You can see the expressions of evil and darkness and
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  • Wickedness, they're unashamed and more
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  • Brazen they've ever been.
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  • Sometimes it's a little more difficult to see what the spirit
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  • Of god is doing because it doesn't typically lead the news,
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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,
  • 00:09:15.637 --> 00:09:17.105
  • 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: i want to take just a moment to say thank you.
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  • In a year of political turmoil and confusion and wars and
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  • Rumors of wars, because of your partnership,
  • 00:09:38.026 --> 00:09:40.595
  • Your generosity, your prayers, your encouragement,
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  • We have done more for the gospel than any year
  • 00:09:43.798 --> 00:09:46.167
  • In our ministry so far.
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  • We started a whole new genre of programing.
  • 00:09:47.636 --> 00:09:50.005
  • Allen jackson now does a daily review of headlines
  • 00:09:50.005 --> 00:09:52.841
  • From a biblical worldview.
  • 00:09:52.841 --> 00:09:54.476
  • We've started a new podcast, "culture & christianity," to
  • 00:09:54.476 --> 00:09:57.145
  • Help stabilize god's people in the midst of all the confusion.
  • 00:09:57.145 --> 00:10:01.216
  • All of that because of your faithfulness,
  • 00:10:01.216 --> 00:10:03.051
  • Your generosity, your prayers.
  • 00:10:03.051 --> 00:10:04.786
  • Thank you so much.
  • 00:10:04.786 --> 00:10:06.354
  • As we come to the end of this year, i want to ask
  • 00:10:06.354 --> 00:10:08.289
  • You to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial
  • 00:10:08.289 --> 00:10:10.792
  • Investment in what's next.
  • 00:10:10.792 --> 00:10:13.328
  • We want to take those programs, share them in new
  • 00:10:13.328 --> 00:10:15.964
  • Places with more people.
  • 00:10:15.964 --> 00:10:17.799
  • We want to continue to be creative in how we share the
  • 00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:20.802
  • Good news of jesus christ.
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  • A generous partner makes it possible.
  • 00:10:22.737 --> 00:10:24.339
  • Every gift you give will be matched.
  • 00:10:24.339 --> 00:10:26.074
  • It doubles your gift between now and the end of the year.
  • 00:10:26.074 --> 00:10:28.777
  • Let me thank you in advance for what we've been doing and what
  • 00:10:28.777 --> 00:10:31.613
  • God's going to do with our lives and our partnership
  • 00:10:31.613 --> 00:10:34.249
  • Together in 2025.
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  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:10:36.685 --> 00:10:39.087
  • Female announcer: god is moving in major ways in the
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  • Ministry and our world.
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  • As we watched the 2024 election unfold,
  • 00:10:43.658 --> 00:10:46.561
  • We witnessed a miracle.
  • 00:10:46.561 --> 00:10:48.463
  • God has heard our prayers.
  • 00:10:48.463 --> 00:10:50.598
  • He has shown us his mercy.
  • 00:10:50.598 --> 00:10:52.834
  • We're entering a new era with new leaders,
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  • But it's not a time to rest.
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  • Our assignment hasn't changed.
  • 00:10:58.073 --> 00:11:00.108
  • In fact, it's as urgent as ever.
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  • You and i have been set apart by god for his purposes,
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  • And there's a lot for us to do.
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  • Allen: i believe when god shows you mercy,
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  • He gives with it an opportunity.
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  • I want us to quietly say to the lord, "here am i.
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  • Let me go.
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  • Let me go back to where i work in the name of jesus.
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  • Let me go back into my neighborhood
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  • In the name of jesus."
  • 00:11:33.575 --> 00:11:36.211
  • God himself has shown us grace, and it will require of us
  • 00:11:36.211 --> 00:11:43.985
  • Greater strength and greater courage than we have ever had to
  • 00:11:43.985 --> 00:11:48.189
  • Attach to our faith before.
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  • Let's go. let's go.
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  • Announcer: let's set our hearts on preparing for what's
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  • Next with pastor allen's brand-new 90-day devotional
  • 00:11:58.199 --> 00:12:01.836
  • Called "set apart for his purposes."
  • 00:12:01.836 --> 00:12:04.506
  • It will help us seek god so we can recognize his voice and
  • 00:12:04.506 --> 00:12:07.876
  • Consistently choose to follow him.
  • 00:12:07.876 --> 00:12:09.778
  • Each day includes scripture, a short teaching,
  • 00:12:09.778 --> 00:12:12.313
  • And a prayer, followed by a journaling prompt and room
  • 00:12:12.313 --> 00:12:15.650
  • To write and reflect.
  • 00:12:15.650 --> 00:12:17.118
  • Let's get ready for the season ahead.
  • 00:12:17.118 --> 00:12:19.254
  • Request your copy of "set apart for his purposes" when you
  • 00:12:19.254 --> 00:12:22.390
  • Donate $50 or more today at allenjackson.com or by calling
  • 00:12:22.390 --> 00:12:26.661
  • ...
  • 00:12:26.661 --> 00:12:30.865
  • Allen: 1 peter chapter 3 and verse 15 says,
  • 00:12:32.667 --> 00:12:34.602
  • "in your hearts set apart christ as lord,
  • 00:12:34.602 --> 00:12:36.771
  • And always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
  • 00:12:36.771 --> 00:12:39.808
  • You to give the reason for the hope that you have."
  • 00:12:39.808 --> 00:12:42.710
  • That's really my agenda with this particular session.
  • 00:12:42.710 --> 00:12:46.247
  • To help you be prepared, to always be prepared to give an
  • 00:12:46.247 --> 00:12:49.684
  • Answer for the hope that you have.
  • 00:12:49.684 --> 00:12:52.453
  • We're going public with our jesus stories.
  • 00:12:52.453 --> 00:12:56.090
  • We're gonna break out of the church world and stop just
  • 00:12:56.090 --> 00:12:58.193
  • Having our traditions and our favorite menus,
  • 00:12:58.193 --> 00:13:00.695
  • And this is how we celebrate and we're actually gonna bring our
  • 00:13:00.695 --> 00:13:04.666
  • Faith to bear this year.
  • 00:13:04.666 --> 00:13:07.202
  • I'm gonna give you a handful of ideas,
  • 00:13:07.202 --> 00:13:09.070
  • But i wanna start with jesus' ministry.
  • 00:13:09.070 --> 00:13:11.339
  • I always think that's a good idea when we can.
  • 00:13:11.339 --> 00:13:14.375
  • In luke 19, we're nearing the end of his public ministry.
  • 00:13:14.375 --> 00:13:17.278
  • He's on his way to jerusalem and it's gonna be a very
  • 00:13:17.278 --> 00:13:19.347
  • Difficult time in jerusalem.
  • 00:13:19.347 --> 00:13:22.183
  • In fact, it's horrific.
  • 00:13:22.183 --> 00:13:24.185
  • And jericho's the last major city he's going to pass en route
  • 00:13:24.185 --> 00:13:28.223
  • To jerusalem, and it says, "he entered jericho
  • 00:13:28.223 --> 00:13:29.691
  • And he's passing through.
  • 00:13:29.691 --> 00:13:31.025
  • And a man was there by the name of zacchaeus;
  • 00:13:31.025 --> 00:13:33.294
  • He was a chief tax collector and he was wealthy."
  • 00:13:33.294 --> 00:13:35.830
  • The most hated people amongst the jewish
  • 00:13:35.830 --> 00:13:37.765
  • Population were not the romans.
  • 00:13:37.765 --> 00:13:40.301
  • The romans are an occupying army,
  • 00:13:40.301 --> 00:13:41.736
  • They do what occupying armies do.
  • 00:13:41.736 --> 00:13:44.706
  • But the romans discovered that the most efficient and effective
  • 00:13:44.706 --> 00:13:47.108
  • Way to collect taxes for rome was not to bring an outsider
  • 00:13:47.108 --> 00:13:50.478
  • Into the community, but to recruit a local.
  • 00:13:50.478 --> 00:13:53.715
  • Because the local people knew who had the resources,
  • 00:13:53.715 --> 00:13:56.017
  • Whose businesses were most effective.
  • 00:13:56.017 --> 00:13:58.119
  • And if they could get a local to be the tax collector,
  • 00:13:58.119 --> 00:14:00.555
  • They would give them the authority of the roman soldiers.
  • 00:14:00.555 --> 00:14:03.791
  • They could stand behind the sword and shield of the
  • 00:14:03.791 --> 00:14:06.094
  • Soldiers, but they would be the ones that put the finger on the
  • 00:14:06.094 --> 00:14:08.129
  • People in the community that had the resources.
  • 00:14:08.129 --> 00:14:11.733
  • And then because of roman authority,
  • 00:14:11.733 --> 00:14:13.067
  • They could exact taxes that wasn't going to rome,
  • 00:14:13.067 --> 00:14:15.737
  • They would make themselves wealthy.
  • 00:14:15.737 --> 00:14:18.439
  • So the most hated part of the population were the tax
  • 00:14:18.439 --> 00:14:20.842
  • Collectors, they're traitors.
  • 00:14:20.842 --> 00:14:25.046
  • Under the idea of doing public good,
  • 00:14:25.046 --> 00:14:28.216
  • They're stealing from the people.
  • 00:14:28.216 --> 00:14:30.785
  • Gee, that would never happen today.
  • 00:14:30.785 --> 00:14:35.156
  • "zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and he was wealthy."
  • 00:14:35.156 --> 00:14:39.627
  • Luke points that out at the beginning
  • 00:14:39.627 --> 00:14:40.962
  • Of this little narrative.
  • 00:14:40.962 --> 00:14:42.297
  • "he wanted to see who jesus was, but he was a short man and he
  • 00:14:42.297 --> 00:14:45.466
  • Couldn't because of the crowd.
  • 00:14:45.466 --> 00:14:46.801
  • So he ran ahead and he climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him,
  • 00:14:46.801 --> 00:14:50.071
  • Jesus was coming that way.
  • 00:14:50.071 --> 00:14:52.006
  • And when jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him,
  • 00:14:52.006 --> 00:14:56.511
  • 'zacchaeus, come down immediately.
  • 00:14:56.511 --> 00:14:58.046
  • I must stay at your house today.'
  • 00:14:58.046 --> 00:15:03.418
  • So he came down at once and he welcomed him gladly.
  • 00:15:03.418 --> 00:15:05.620
  • And the people saw this and they began to mutter,
  • 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:08.256
  • 'he is gone to be the guest of a sinner.'"
  • 00:15:08.256 --> 00:15:12.260
  • A lot of unhappy people.
  • 00:15:12.260 --> 00:15:14.629
  • "he's no prophet.
  • 00:15:14.629 --> 00:15:15.964
  • Look who he said he was having lunch with.
  • 00:15:15.964 --> 00:15:18.933
  • I knew he was a fraud.
  • 00:15:18.933 --> 00:15:21.903
  • If he was really spiritual, he wouldn't spend
  • 00:15:21.903 --> 00:15:23.871
  • Any time with him."
  • 00:15:23.871 --> 00:15:25.473
  • You've got some holiday appointments with people
  • 00:15:25.473 --> 00:15:27.775
  • Who are pretty public sinners.
  • 00:15:27.775 --> 00:15:31.045
  • Some of them are gonna join you at your family table.
  • 00:15:31.045 --> 00:15:36.918
  • I didn't put your picture on the screen,
  • 00:15:36.918 --> 00:15:38.486
  • I'm just acknowledging a reality.
  • 00:15:38.486 --> 00:15:43.391
  • What are we gonna do?
  • 00:15:43.391 --> 00:15:44.892
  • How do we respond?
  • 00:15:44.892 --> 00:15:46.694
  • I don't wanna use my voice to encourage ungodliness because
  • 00:15:46.694 --> 00:15:49.931
  • That means i get the reward of the ungodly,
  • 00:15:49.931 --> 00:15:52.000
  • And i don't want that.
  • 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:55.336
  • I don't necessarily have to show up in anger or resentment and
  • 00:15:55.336 --> 00:15:59.173
  • Bitterness, it's a real thing.
  • 00:15:59.173 --> 00:16:00.608
  • What are we gonna do?
  • 00:16:00.608 --> 00:16:03.344
  • Well, it's a part of my objective, but let's follow
  • 00:16:03.344 --> 00:16:05.146
  • Jesus through this, it works.
  • 00:16:05.146 --> 00:16:07.382
  • "the people saw this and they began the mutter,
  • 00:16:07.382 --> 00:16:09.317
  • 'he is gone to be the guest of a sinner.'
  • 00:16:09.317 --> 00:16:10.785
  • But zacchaeus stood up and he said to the lord, 'look,
  • 00:16:10.785 --> 00:16:14.255
  • Here and now i give half of my possessions to the poor, and if
  • 00:16:14.255 --> 00:16:17.125
  • I have cheated anybody,'" if i have cheated anybody, can you
  • 00:16:17.125 --> 00:16:19.861
  • See the side eyes all through the crowd?
  • 00:16:19.861 --> 00:16:23.431
  • If i've cheated--you cheated everybody.
  • 00:16:23.431 --> 00:16:28.403
  • You greedy, dishonest, self-absorbed--
  • 00:16:28.403 --> 00:16:35.543
  • "i've cheated anybody out of anything,
  • 00:16:35.543 --> 00:16:36.978
  • I'll pay back four times the amount.'
  • 00:16:36.978 --> 00:16:40.348
  • And jesus said to him, 'today, salvation has come to this
  • 00:16:40.348 --> 00:16:42.483
  • House, because this man, too, is the son of abraham.
  • 00:16:42.483 --> 00:16:47.288
  • For the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.'"
  • 00:16:47.288 --> 00:16:50.992
  • I think it's a helpful little narrative.
  • 00:16:50.992 --> 00:16:54.228
  • Jesus did accept zacchaeus's hospitality.
  • 00:16:54.228 --> 00:16:57.765
  • Jesus knew exactly who he was and what he was.
  • 00:16:57.765 --> 00:17:01.636
  • He understood the prominent role he played in the community, and
  • 00:17:01.636 --> 00:17:05.239
  • Jesus accepted his hospitality.
  • 00:17:05.239 --> 00:17:08.209
  • There were many people who complained.
  • 00:17:08.209 --> 00:17:11.846
  • Luke tells us that.
  • 00:17:11.846 --> 00:17:13.314
  • I mean, luke first tells us that zacchaeus was really rich.
  • 00:17:13.314 --> 00:17:16.384
  • And then he said a lot of people muttered and complained because
  • 00:17:16.384 --> 00:17:19.220
  • Jesus chose him as a friend on that day.
  • 00:17:19.220 --> 00:17:22.156
  • Don't you know the church bazaar had prepared lunch.
  • 00:17:22.156 --> 00:17:25.293
  • They had tuna and jello.
  • 00:17:25.293 --> 00:17:34.702
  • I've been to that lunch. so have you.
  • 00:17:34.702 --> 00:17:39.707
  • I would also point out jesus didn't ask for a donation.
  • 00:17:39.707 --> 00:17:45.279
  • He didn't just use as an opportunity to further his
  • 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:47.582
  • Agenda and pretend like he didn't know the ungodliness
  • 00:17:47.582 --> 00:17:49.784
  • That was going on.
  • 00:17:49.784 --> 00:17:53.087
  • The outcome of jesus's presence with zacchaeus was a public
  • 00:17:53.087 --> 00:17:57.525
  • Expression of repentance.
  • 00:17:57.525 --> 00:18:01.028
  • Listen, if i've been stealing, i will stop
  • 00:18:01.028 --> 00:18:04.265
  • And i will make restitution.
  • 00:18:04.265 --> 00:18:05.600
  • That is the portrayal of what repentance is.
  • 00:18:05.600 --> 00:18:10.838
  • So if we want a little guidebook for our holidays,
  • 00:18:10.838 --> 00:18:14.809
  • We're gonna interact with all kinds of people,
  • 00:18:14.809 --> 00:18:17.345
  • Some of them beyond our families.
  • 00:18:17.345 --> 00:18:19.113
  • Some people wouldn't know god if you gave them a g and an o
  • 00:18:19.113 --> 00:18:21.415
  • And ask them to spell it.
  • 00:18:21.415 --> 00:18:24.519
  • I have great compassion on those people,
  • 00:18:24.519 --> 00:18:25.987
  • They're stumbling in the darkness.
  • 00:18:25.987 --> 00:18:28.356
  • And perhaps you can be just a little bit of light in their
  • 00:18:28.356 --> 00:18:31.492
  • Lives and help them meet a person of faith that would cause
  • 00:18:31.492 --> 00:18:34.362
  • Them to consider it for their lives.
  • 00:18:34.362 --> 00:18:35.763
  • There's other people you'll gather with that hide amongst
  • 00:18:35.763 --> 00:18:38.599
  • The christians but they're living an ungodly life.
  • 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:40.902
  • That's a different response altogether because they're
  • 00:18:40.902 --> 00:18:43.371
  • Deceived, they think they're getting away with it.
  • 00:18:43.371 --> 00:18:45.106
  • They don't understand that the god that created heaven
  • 00:18:45.106 --> 00:18:47.542
  • And earth isn't fooled.
  • 00:18:47.542 --> 00:18:52.880
  • And in those lives, our responses are different,
  • 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:55.049
  • We need more wisdom.
  • 00:18:55.049 --> 00:18:57.318
  • Sometimes your presence and your willingness to express your
  • 00:18:57.318 --> 00:18:59.520
  • Faith and to acknowledge your faith in a public place is
  • 00:18:59.520 --> 00:19:02.123
  • Enough to call them to make a change.
  • 00:19:02.123 --> 00:19:05.660
  • I'm not suggesting you be the voice of judgment at every
  • 00:19:05.660 --> 00:19:07.828
  • Holiday gathering.
  • 00:19:07.828 --> 00:19:09.664
  • I am suggesting you go in the name of the lord.
  • 00:19:09.664 --> 00:19:14.235
  • And that we don't use our voice to affirm,
  • 00:19:14.235 --> 00:19:16.037
  • Encourage, cheer for, advocate for ungodliness.
  • 00:19:16.037 --> 00:19:19.840
  • If you do that, understand biblically you
  • 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:23.211
  • Get the reward for that.
  • 00:19:23.211 --> 00:19:26.747
  • That's the whole notion of a watchman.
  • 00:19:26.747 --> 00:19:29.684
  • It's a part of our assignment.
  • 00:19:29.684 --> 00:19:32.453
  • Jericho was different after jesus left.
  • 00:19:32.453 --> 00:19:36.023
  • The most notorious thief in the community has had
  • 00:19:36.023 --> 00:19:38.960
  • A change of heart.
  • 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:41.729
  • Makes public expression of that, it's a different place.
  • 00:19:41.729 --> 00:19:44.565
  • My prayer for you and me this holiday season is by the time we
  • 00:19:44.565 --> 00:19:47.201
  • Get to the beginning of a new year and back to our routines
  • 00:19:47.201 --> 00:19:50.538
  • And settled in again, the kids are in school and we're finished
  • 00:19:50.538 --> 00:19:53.941
  • With all the erratic part of the holidays,
  • 00:19:53.941 --> 00:19:57.411
  • That we'll say the lord met us, we're in a new place.
  • 00:19:57.411 --> 00:20:01.515
  • I think that's a legitimate goal.
  • 00:20:01.515 --> 00:20:03.751
  • So i wanna spend the balance of our time and give you a little
  • 00:20:03.751 --> 00:20:05.820
  • Bit of a ministry toolkit, some things that you could think
  • 00:20:05.820 --> 00:20:08.155
  • About, just some practical expressions of faith that
  • 00:20:08.155 --> 00:20:11.025
  • You could take with you to all these varied opportunities that
  • 00:20:11.025 --> 00:20:14.629
  • We'll present over these next few weeks.
  • 00:20:14.629 --> 00:20:18.132
  • It's important.
  • 00:20:18.132 --> 00:20:19.567
  • We wanna make inviting god into our lives normal.
  • 00:20:19.567 --> 00:20:25.072
  • We wanna make inviting god into our lives normal,
  • 00:20:25.072 --> 00:20:29.477
  • As normal as watching a ball game, as normal as
  • 00:20:29.477 --> 00:20:33.214
  • A conversation around our favorite holiday food.
  • 00:20:33.214 --> 00:20:37.451
  • In fact, let's determine that our intent is to honor god and
  • 00:20:37.451 --> 00:20:40.621
  • His word in our lives, period.
  • 00:20:40.621 --> 00:20:45.793
  • That's my objective.
  • 00:20:45.793 --> 00:20:47.728
  • Wherever i go, and whatever i'm invited to,
  • 00:20:47.728 --> 00:20:50.031
  • And whatever i'm included, my objective is to honor god and
  • 00:20:50.031 --> 00:20:53.334
  • His word in my life.
  • 00:20:53.334 --> 00:20:55.269
  • Doesn't mean i don't talk about what's happening in the world,
  • 00:20:55.269 --> 00:20:57.605
  • Doesn't mean i may not watch a ball game or enjoy a good meal,
  • 00:20:57.605 --> 00:21:02.043
  • But my objective in all of those things is to honor
  • 00:21:02.043 --> 00:21:04.478
  • God and his word.
  • 00:21:04.478 --> 00:21:06.080
  • You see, if you don't have the intent, you won't do it.
  • 00:21:06.080 --> 00:21:12.153
  • And the reason we've found ourselves in this fine mess,
  • 00:21:12.153 --> 00:21:14.655
  • Ollie, is we have lacked the intent.
  • 00:21:14.655 --> 00:21:19.593
  • We've wanted somebody else to do that.
  • 00:21:19.593 --> 00:21:26.500
  • Wherever we go, i wanna suggest we should intend to represent
  • 00:21:26.500 --> 00:21:30.705
  • Our lord and his people, period.
  • 00:21:30.705 --> 00:21:36.544
  • That's how you establish a legacy of faith.
  • 00:21:36.544 --> 00:21:40.281
  • "so, you know, i really haven't done that.
  • 00:21:40.281 --> 00:21:43.017
  • I've been focused on other things, accomplishing
  • 00:21:43.017 --> 00:21:44.985
  • Or achieving or becoming or accumulating,"
  • 00:21:44.985 --> 00:21:47.088
  • Or whatever it may, it's okay, let's begin this year.
  • 00:21:47.088 --> 00:21:51.258
  • It'll take god to help us do that anyway,
  • 00:21:51.258 --> 00:21:53.027
  • We can't do it on our own.
  • 00:21:53.027 --> 00:21:55.463
  • But why not determine to do that this year?
  • 00:21:55.463 --> 00:21:57.298
  • We're gonna pray before we go today,
  • 00:21:57.298 --> 00:21:58.632
  • Make a commitment to the lord, if you're up for that.
  • 00:21:58.632 --> 00:22:02.169
  • So the first part of your toolkit i'm gonna suggest is
  • 00:22:02.169 --> 00:22:05.673
  • There's some prayers that we wanna pray
  • 00:22:05.673 --> 00:22:07.141
  • In preparing ourselves.
  • 00:22:07.141 --> 00:22:08.542
  • These aren't about the other people, these aren't
  • 00:22:08.542 --> 00:22:10.077
  • The ones with whom we're gonna gather or
  • 00:22:10.077 --> 00:22:11.912
  • Interact or the server at the restaurant, this is about us.
  • 00:22:11.912 --> 00:22:15.750
  • In mark 11, jesus said, "when you stand praying,
  • 00:22:15.750 --> 00:22:17.918
  • If you hold anything against anyone forgive him."
  • 00:22:17.918 --> 00:22:21.222
  • Apparently it's possible as human beings that we could hold
  • 00:22:21.222 --> 00:22:24.158
  • Something against someone else.
  • 00:22:24.158 --> 00:22:26.093
  • Who knew?
  • 00:22:26.093 --> 00:22:27.895
  • I mean, i know that's not you, but there could be somebody in
  • 00:22:27.895 --> 00:22:31.265
  • This wide world that holds something,
  • 00:22:31.265 --> 00:22:34.402
  • Something that is unhelpful, like unforgiveness
  • 00:22:34.402 --> 00:22:36.604
  • Or anger or resentment or bitterness or hatred.
  • 00:22:36.604 --> 00:22:40.808
  • We can hold hatred generationally.
  • 00:22:40.808 --> 00:22:43.444
  • It's amazing.
  • 00:22:43.444 --> 00:22:45.613
  • If you don't believe it, watch the headlines.
  • 00:22:45.613 --> 00:22:47.848
  • We have wars being fought in our world over things that happened
  • 00:22:47.848 --> 00:22:50.184
  • Hundreds of years ago.
  • 00:22:50.184 --> 00:22:54.688
  • Before you get to any of these gatherings,
  • 00:22:54.688 --> 00:22:56.490
  • There's some prayers you and i wanna pray.
  • 00:22:56.490 --> 00:22:58.392
  • Hebrews 12 reminds us to not let any bitter roots grow up.
  • 00:22:58.392 --> 00:23:04.932
  • In fact, the phrase before that intrigues me.
  • 00:23:04.932 --> 00:23:06.767
  • It says, "see to it that no one misses the grace of god."
  • 00:23:06.767 --> 00:23:09.437
  • Grace is unmerited, unearned, how could you mess something up
  • 00:23:09.437 --> 00:23:13.474
  • That you didn't earn and you don't deserve?
  • 00:23:13.474 --> 00:23:17.378
  • You can nullify the grace of god by holding onto bitterness.
  • 00:23:17.378 --> 00:23:21.649
  • Please don't do that.
  • 00:23:21.649 --> 00:23:23.584
  • Forgiveness is a decision, it's not a feeling.
  • 00:23:23.584 --> 00:23:26.353
  • It's not earned or merited.
  • 00:23:26.353 --> 00:23:28.389
  • We don't forgive people because they deserve it,
  • 00:23:28.389 --> 00:23:29.990
  • We forgive them because we desperately need to be forgiven,
  • 00:23:29.990 --> 00:23:32.426
  • And i cannot afford the weight of resentment 'cause my anger
  • 00:23:32.426 --> 00:23:37.331
  • Puts me in bondage.
  • 00:23:37.331 --> 00:23:39.767
  • And i will forgive so that i can get on with what god has for me.
  • 00:23:39.767 --> 00:23:43.404
  • I will release you, i will cancel the marker.
  • 00:23:43.404 --> 00:23:47.174
  • I'm not saying that what you did was appropriate,
  • 00:23:47.174 --> 00:23:48.876
  • I'm not endorsing the evil or the pain that may have been
  • 00:23:48.876 --> 00:23:51.745
  • Caused, i'm not even willing to get back in line for further
  • 00:23:51.745 --> 00:23:55.916
  • Mistreatment, but i will cancel the marker.
  • 00:23:55.916 --> 00:23:59.386
  • It's a decision i've made. my emotions will catch up.
  • 00:23:59.386 --> 00:24:03.891
  • So i wanna encourage you as a part of your preparation for the
  • 00:24:03.891 --> 00:24:08.095
  • Holiday, don't carry the junk into the season.
  • 00:24:08.095 --> 00:24:13.000
  • Just don't do it.
  • 00:24:13.000 --> 00:24:14.335
  • Some of you even mad at people in your
  • 00:24:14.335 --> 00:24:15.669
  • Family for--long time.
  • 00:24:15.669 --> 00:24:18.739
  • They don't even remember why you're mad,
  • 00:24:18.739 --> 00:24:20.074
  • They just know you are.
  • 00:24:20.074 --> 00:24:23.077
  • You know, there are very few things that are more frustrating
  • 00:24:23.077 --> 00:24:25.179
  • Than being angry and somebody doesn't notice.
  • 00:24:25.179 --> 00:24:31.018
  • Come on, you've been there.
  • 00:24:31.018 --> 00:24:32.419
  • 'cause now you have to kind of send signals.
  • 00:24:32.419 --> 00:24:35.656
  • You have to snort a little bit, you have to scowl some.
  • 00:24:35.656 --> 00:24:40.628
  • "what's wrong?" "i don't know."
  • 00:24:40.628 --> 00:24:45.633
  • So your preparation is perhaps the most important
  • 00:24:45.633 --> 00:24:48.168
  • Part on this list.
  • 00:24:48.168 --> 00:24:49.904
  • And then now there's an invitation in james 1
  • 00:24:49.904 --> 00:24:51.739
  • And verse 5, it says, "if any of you lacks wisdom,
  • 00:24:51.739 --> 00:24:54.141
  • He should ask god, who gives generously to all without
  • 00:24:54.141 --> 00:24:56.544
  • Finding fault, and it'll be given to him."
  • 00:24:56.544 --> 00:24:58.579
  • You can ask god for his wisdom for your preparation.
  • 00:24:58.579 --> 00:25:02.483
  • That's a wonderful--we have permission from scripture.
  • 00:25:02.483 --> 00:25:04.652
  • "lord, give me the wisdom i need to be prepared
  • 00:25:04.652 --> 00:25:06.353
  • For this gathering."
  • 00:25:06.353 --> 00:25:08.188
  • I pray that prayer frequently when i'm headed to places and
  • 00:25:08.188 --> 00:25:11.225
  • Opportunities and for whatever role i'm playing or not playing.
  • 00:25:11.225 --> 00:25:14.562
  • If i'm just going, "lord help me,
  • 00:25:14.562 --> 00:25:15.896
  • I don't wanna just waste this time.
  • 00:25:15.896 --> 00:25:19.500
  • I'm not going just for relaxation,
  • 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:21.201
  • Lord, i want to go on your behalf.
  • 00:25:21.201 --> 00:25:23.270
  • Give me wisdom to know what to say or when to be quiet."
  • 00:25:23.270 --> 00:25:28.842
  • The lord will help you.
  • 00:25:28.842 --> 00:25:31.312
  • So the first piece in the toolkit is your preparation.
  • 00:25:31.312 --> 00:25:35.449
  • Not gonna carry that stuff.
  • 00:25:35.449 --> 00:25:36.784
  • Some of you have carried anger and resentment
  • 00:25:36.784 --> 00:25:38.252
  • And bitterness and hatred for so long,
  • 00:25:38.252 --> 00:25:39.954
  • You think it's a part of you, you're proud of it,
  • 00:25:39.954 --> 00:25:44.058
  • You boast about it.
  • 00:25:44.058 --> 00:25:46.360
  • It's a part of your armor, and it's keeping you
  • 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:49.930
  • From the best of god.
  • 00:25:49.930 --> 00:25:53.567
  • I would encourage you to lay it down.
  • 00:25:53.567 --> 00:25:56.303
  • I know you feel justified.
  • 00:25:56.303 --> 00:25:57.638
  • Some of you're mad at god because the circumstances of
  • 00:25:57.638 --> 00:26:01.075
  • Your life have been disappointing.
  • 00:26:01.075 --> 00:26:04.178
  • The narrative you had, the plan that you held unraveled and
  • 00:26:04.178 --> 00:26:09.483
  • You're mad about it, and you're making life choices based on
  • 00:26:09.483 --> 00:26:12.786
  • Anger and resentment and hatred, and you're
  • 00:26:12.786 --> 00:26:15.356
  • Compounding the frustrations.
  • 00:26:15.356 --> 00:26:19.259
  • Some of us need to forgive god.
  • 00:26:19.259 --> 00:26:22.062
  • Some of us need to forgive people that
  • 00:26:22.062 --> 00:26:23.397
  • Aren't even alive anymore.
  • 00:26:23.397 --> 00:26:25.733
  • You can do that.
  • 00:26:25.733 --> 00:26:28.969
  • You know their name, you know the circumstance because when
  • 00:26:28.969 --> 00:26:30.771
  • You see the circumstance again, you get all the adrenaline back.
  • 00:26:30.771 --> 00:26:36.076
  • "lord, i forgive whomever of whatever, i release them."
  • 00:26:36.076 --> 00:26:42.616
  • And i'll tell you why that is so important is
  • 00:26:42.616 --> 00:26:44.084
  • I need god's forgiveness.
  • 00:26:44.084 --> 00:26:47.187
  • And the promise that god gave about forgiving us all our sins
  • 00:26:47.187 --> 00:26:50.391
  • Is a conditional promise.
  • 00:26:50.391 --> 00:26:52.159
  • The good news is the only condition,
  • 00:26:52.159 --> 00:26:54.028
  • It's not about education or iq or wealth or the ability to run
  • 00:26:54.028 --> 00:26:58.265
  • A mile in less than six minutes, the only qualification is that
  • 00:26:58.265 --> 00:27:01.769
  • I'm willing to forgive.
  • 00:27:01.769 --> 00:27:03.971
  • Allen: hey, before we go, we wanna pray for god's wisdom,
  • 00:27:03.971 --> 00:27:06.640
  • That we can lead with our faith this holiday season
  • 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:09.910
  • That he would be pleased.
  • 00:27:09.910 --> 00:27:11.612
  • Lord, i thank you that you said if we lacked
  • 00:27:11.612 --> 00:27:13.881
  • Wisdom, we could ask.
  • 00:27:13.881 --> 00:27:15.215
  • And we ask for your wisdom that, as we gather with our friends
  • 00:27:15.215 --> 00:27:18.218
  • And family this holiday season, that you might be honored,
  • 00:27:18.218 --> 00:27:21.221
  • That you would be pleased.
  • 00:27:21.221 --> 00:27:22.556
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:27:22.556 --> 00:27:27.327