Allen Jackson - Establishing A Legacy of Faith (Part 2)

November 25, 2025 | 28:35

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 - Establishing A Legacy of Faith (Part 2) | November 25, 2025
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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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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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen jackson: it's an honor to be with you today.
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  • We're working through a little study on leading with our faith,
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  • But in this session we're going to talk about a legacy of faith.
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  • Now, what will you be remembered for when your days under the sun
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  • Are done, the wealth you accumulated,
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  • The power you managed to gather, the education you accumulated?
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  • All those things are legitimate and they're a part of the
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  • Journey, but i would submit that most importantly is our legacy
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  • Of faith.
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  • Will the people who know you, that have done life with you,
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  • Who've shared holidays with you, will they understand the
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  • Significance of the role of faith in your life
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  • And your heart?
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  • I pray so.
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  • We're going to look at that little more closely.
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  • Grab your bible and a notepad, but most importantly, open your
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  • Heart to god's invitations for you.
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  • Allen: okay, there's a second component of your toolkit.
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  • And i'm going to--i can't do this when--just this in a single
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  • Session, but i wanted to introduce it anyway.
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  • It's the opportunities for prayers with other people.
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  • How many of you have ever heard us talk about,
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  • "let's pray?"
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  • A one-sentence prayer that you can just kind of,
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  • Like, drop and run.
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  • It's kind of the equivalent of a spiritual hit and run.
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  • You have a spiritual moment with somebody and you're gone before,
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  • "what happened?"
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  • "well, that person i didn't know just said a prayer for me,
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  • And they're gone."
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  • And yes, they are.
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  • Well, this is a little different season.
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  • You're going to gather with friends and family members,
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  • And the settings will be different and the lines of
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  • Authority will be different.
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  • If it's your home, you have some intent in that place.
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  • It's your home, it's your table, it's your invitation.
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  • You get to set the tone for that.
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  • If it isn't your home and you're a guest to somebody else,
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  • It's a little bit of a different response.
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  • But there are prayers for others that can be prayed in all of
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  • These settings.
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  • And oftentimes, we come from different backgrounds,
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  • Different denominations, different churches,
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  • All sorts of things that, you know, we--
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  • Our approach to faith is different.
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  • But the suggestion is we're going to lead with our faith in
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  • This holiday season.
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  • The opportunity before us, if we're willing to accept it,
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  • Is to establish a legacy of faith that where we go we come
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  • To honor the lord and honor his word.
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  • I want to be known for that. it's important to me.
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  • It's more important to me than being an advocate
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  • For a sports team.
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  • It's more important to me than being perceived
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  • As any other thing.
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  • I want to be known as a person that wanted to honor the lord
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  • And the authority of his word in my life.
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  • You can do that.
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  • You don't have to be a professional christian.
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  • It's harder to do that as a professional christian.
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  • People think i get paid to talk about jesus.
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  • So we can pray for others.
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  • One of the simplest ways i know to do that,
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  • One of those that's more difficult to resist is to simply
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  • Use the prayer that the lord taught us to pray.
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  • Some of you know it as the lord's prayer.
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  • Some of you learned it as the our father.
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  • I don't really care the label you use.
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  • You're at least in general terms familiar with the prayer.
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  • You can use it as a blessing for the food.
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  • You could use it as a prayer with the people
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  • With whom you gather.
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  • If it's a family holiday, it's the most appropriate
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  • Prayer to pray.
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  • It's a way of letting the younger generations who gather
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  • With you hear a bit of your heart.
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  • Let them know it's important to you.
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  • I understand some of the objections.
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  • "that they've seen me do everything but pray.
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  • They don't consider my expertise to be praying."
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  • I've been in that place.
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  • It's embarrassing the first time you take that step.
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  • It is.
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  • If your reputation is built on other things,
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  • The first time that someone hears you pray they'll think,
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  • "i didn't know they had that in them."
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  • It's happened to me.
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  • Once upon a time--i grew up in this community,
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  • And i liked to play basketball, and i really wasn't that gifted.
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  • Couldn't really run that fast or jump that high.
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  • I was just mean.
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  • That was my primary qualification
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  • For making the team.
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  • I was mean. you push me, i'd knock you down.
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  • If you were bigger than me, you'd knock me down.
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  • I'd get back up.
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  • And you knew even if you were ultimately going to win, it was
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  • Going to be a long, hard fight,
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  • So it was probably easier to negotiate.
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  • And it will not get you a scholarship and it certainly
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  • Will not get you to professional sports and it will leave you
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  • With scars, but i liked to play ball.
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  • The last game i played-- i went to riverdale.
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  • Back then we used to pray before games in the locker
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  • Room before we went out.
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  • I'd never prayed before a game.
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  • Somebody said i was supposed to pray.
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  • So i said a prayer.
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  • And i'll never--one of the guys that i played ball with for
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  • Years, when i said amen, he started with some
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  • Colorful language and then he said,
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  • "jackson, we had no idea you knew how to pray."
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  • And i was embarrassed.
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  • They knew i'd hit them in the mouth,
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  • They knew i was stubborn, they knew i could get mad enough my
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  • Whole face would turn beet red, but they didn't know i knew how
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  • To pray.
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  • Some of you, your holiday, you might have to start with that.
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  • "well, we didn't expect you to pray."
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  • You could even do it covertly and recruit somebody else,
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  • But you'd be doing it under your authority.
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  • But i would encourage you go ahead and take the step.
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  • "before we start our meal, before we unwrap packages,
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  • Before we do whatever we've gathered here to do,
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  • I wonder if we could say a prayer together."
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  • And you can give them the lord's prayer.
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  • It's in your notes.
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  • Why don't we just read it together?
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  • We'll practice. this is practice for your debut.
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  • And if somebody makes fun of you,
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  • When you have your prayer debut, you just get in line with me.
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  • I've gotten a little better at public praying,
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  • But i still get frightened.
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  • Let's just say it together.
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  • "our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name,
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  • Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth
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  • As it is in heaven.
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  • Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as
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  • We forgive those who trespass against us.
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  • Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
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  • For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and
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  • Ever, amen."
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  • Now, when you say amen, just keep going.
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  • Don't wait for them to tell you how meaningful it was.
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  • You've already got a little adrenaline mump,
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  • You're anxious.
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  • They've never heard you pray before.
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  • "what will they think about me?"
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  • You can do it if it's with a group of co-workers.
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  • You know, we spend our days together and we work on projects
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  • Together and we do our best to succeed in a whole host of
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  • Things together.
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  • While we're gathering for the holiday,
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  • I just like to take a minute with all of you to invite god
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  • Into the midst of our lives because i know we all
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  • Need his help.
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  • I'm not a great prayer.
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  • Maybe we could just say the lord's prayer together.
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  • There's a number of ways you could introduce that.
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  • I'll give you one other way to pray for others.
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  • We could work on this list, and we may come back and work on it
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  • Some more.
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  • But one way, if it's a family gathering or it's a family where
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  • The families are gathering, where the families are together
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  • And there's kids that are there, pray for the kids.
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  • Pray for them.
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  • Say, "well, i've never done that."
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  • I know.
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  • We haven't led with our faith, folks.
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  • We've been sitting on our good intentions thinking the next
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  • Election was going to change us or an economic upturn would make
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  • Things better.
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  • We've thought this was going to happen apart from us.
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  • We are the people of god. we're light and salt.
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  • And if the light is dim and the salt is absent,
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  • It's on us.
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  • They are mutilating our kids and putting pornography
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  • In the libraries.
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  • And we're so addled we don't know what to say.
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  • Let's just perhaps, when we have a holiday gathering,
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  • What if we prayed for the kids?
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  • Just what if?
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  • [congregation applauding]
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  • You can pray for them as a group.
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  • You can pray for them individually.
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  • You can do it covertly and just quietly have a little prayer
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  • With them through the day.
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  • I'm not telling you there's a single formula.
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  • I'm telling you go on purpose.
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  • "i'm not leaving till i've prayed for these kids."
  • 00:09:39.928 --> 00:09:44.065
  • [congregation applauding]
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  • And if you really--i'll tell you how to practice.
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  • Start to pray for them before you get there.
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  • And here's just a wild notion. this is really bizarre, i know.
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  • It's biblical. it's in your notes.
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  • It's matthew 19.
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  • The little children were brought to jesus for him
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  • To give them a package.
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  • No, he placed his hands on them and he prayed for them.
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  • But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
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  • Can you imagine?
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  • There's people bringing kids to jesus,
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  • And here's the disciples: peter, james,
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  • John, the heavy hitters, the spiritual ones,
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  • The apostles, "will you stop bringing those kids around?
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  • What are you doing? get those kids away from here."
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  • Can you see jesus's face?
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  • It's not recorded, but it had to be one of those times when he
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  • Said, "are you really that dull?"
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  • I mean, he says it to them a lot.
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  • Says he rebuked them.
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  • "let the kids come. i'd like to pray for them."
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  • You want to lead with your faith?
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  • They're not waiting for us to make a speech in congress or
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  • Open some political convention.
  • 00:11:01.943 --> 00:11:04.179
  • That's more about show and lights anyway.
  • 00:11:04.179 --> 00:11:08.149
  • How about a legacy of faith?
  • 00:11:08.149 --> 00:11:09.751
  • "i don't ever remember being with that person without them
  • 00:11:09.751 --> 00:11:13.021
  • Having a prayer for me.
  • 00:11:13.021 --> 00:11:16.424
  • I don't know what it was about them,
  • 00:11:16.424 --> 00:11:17.792
  • But i always enjoyed the opportunity to be with them at a
  • 00:11:17.792 --> 00:11:19.794
  • Holiday season."
  • 00:11:19.794 --> 00:11:22.731
  • How about that being your legacy?
  • 00:11:22.731 --> 00:11:25.433
  • Whatever you leave them, they'll spend.
  • 00:11:25.433 --> 00:11:28.002
  • Whatever you give them, they'll think it should have been more.
  • 00:11:28.002 --> 00:11:31.506
  • The gifts you sacrifice to give them,
  • 00:11:31.506 --> 00:11:33.074
  • They'll enjoy them, but they'll move on to the next one.
  • 00:11:33.074 --> 00:11:34.843
  • It's the nature of life.
  • 00:11:34.843 --> 00:11:36.177
  • It doesn't mean they're inherently wrong.
  • 00:11:36.177 --> 00:11:38.213
  • I'm telling you, we've leaned the ladder
  • 00:11:38.213 --> 00:11:39.681
  • Against the wrong wall.
  • 00:11:39.681 --> 00:11:42.717
  • We haven't given our hearts and ourselves to a legacy of faith
  • 00:11:42.717 --> 00:11:46.588
  • In the way that we could.
  • 00:11:46.588 --> 00:11:48.923
  • Allen: god is moving in the earth.
  • 00:11:52.727 --> 00:11:54.329
  • A few years ago we understood god inviting us beyond
  • 00:11:54.329 --> 00:11:56.598
  • Just the local congregation that i serve, and we began
  • 00:11:56.598 --> 00:11:59.234
  • Allen jackson ministries so we could serve the church
  • 00:11:59.234 --> 00:12:02.003
  • Across our nation and beyond.
  • 00:12:02.003 --> 00:12:04.239
  • With pastor's conferences, with print material, with small group
  • 00:12:04.239 --> 00:12:07.175
  • Curriculum, god has opened remarkable doors
  • 00:12:07.175 --> 00:12:09.577
  • In radio and television.
  • 00:12:09.577 --> 00:12:11.279
  • Your partnership, your generosity, your
  • 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:13.314
  • Faithfulness has made that possible.
  • 00:12:13.314 --> 00:12:15.316
  • Now we have strategic partners asking for help in israel
  • 00:12:15.316 --> 00:12:17.952
  • And the ukraine, those wartorn countries.
  • 00:12:17.952 --> 00:12:20.021
  • Together we're strengthening the church
  • 00:12:20.021 --> 00:12:21.756
  • In this nation and beyond.
  • 00:12:21.756 --> 00:12:23.358
  • Thank you for your generosity.
  • 00:12:23.358 --> 00:12:25.493
  • Female announcer: in a culture filled with deception, our
  • 00:12:25.493 --> 00:12:27.562
  • Strongest defence is god's word.
  • 00:12:27.562 --> 00:12:29.964
  • Our leap of faith journalling bible gives you space
  • 00:12:29.964 --> 00:12:32.300
  • To capture those lessons and carry them forward.
  • 00:12:32.300 --> 00:12:35.336
  • It's an esv bible that's custom embossed and designed
  • 00:12:35.336 --> 00:12:37.839
  • To help you engage with scripture.
  • 00:12:37.839 --> 00:12:40.074
  • You can request this bible when you donate $75 or more today. request your journalling bible now at allenjackson.com
  • 00:12:40.074 --> 00:12:44.312
  • Or by calling ...
  • 00:12:47.715 --> 00:12:51.619
  • Allen: i'll give you a third piece for your toolkit.
  • 00:12:53.588 --> 00:12:56.825
  • The degree of difficulty on this one is a little higher.
  • 00:12:56.825 --> 00:13:00.395
  • You could have communion.
  • 00:13:00.395 --> 00:13:03.898
  • Not only driving to the church building and have community in
  • 00:13:03.898 --> 00:13:06.634
  • The--communion in the sanctuary, you could have communion
  • 00:13:06.634 --> 00:13:09.270
  • Wherever you gather.
  • 00:13:09.270 --> 00:13:11.573
  • I'll give you the components 'cause this is
  • 00:13:11.573 --> 00:13:13.174
  • Really, ultimately, doable.
  • 00:13:13.174 --> 00:13:14.609
  • You--how many of have ever had communion?
  • 00:13:14.609 --> 00:13:18.580
  • About two-thirds of you.
  • 00:13:18.580 --> 00:13:21.716
  • Well, you should come more often,
  • 00:13:21.716 --> 00:13:23.218
  • We do it quite frequently here, and we will help you.
  • 00:13:23.218 --> 00:13:26.354
  • But almost every one of us has had communion probably hundreds
  • 00:13:26.354 --> 00:13:30.158
  • Of times and in different settings, in different formats.
  • 00:13:30.158 --> 00:13:33.494
  • And so we understand there's not,
  • 00:13:33.494 --> 00:13:35.630
  • Like, a singular way to do that, but the essence of it.
  • 00:13:35.630 --> 00:13:38.700
  • And i'll give you this as a bit of a pattern.
  • 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:40.535
  • I would read the scripture.
  • 00:13:40.535 --> 00:13:43.338
  • And just to be helpful, i brought you a scripture.
  • 00:13:43.338 --> 00:13:45.240
  • It's 1 corinthians 11.
  • 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:46.741
  • Paul's writing to the church at corinth to help them,
  • 00:13:46.741 --> 00:13:49.077
  • Get this, celebrate communion.
  • 00:13:49.077 --> 00:13:53.047
  • "what i received from the lord i passed on to you:
  • 00:13:53.047 --> 00:13:55.149
  • That the lord jesus on the night he was betrayed took bread,
  • 00:13:55.149 --> 00:13:58.353
  • And when he'd given thanks, he broke it and said,
  • 00:13:58.353 --> 00:14:00.088
  • 'this is my body, which is for you.
  • 00:14:00.088 --> 00:14:01.489
  • Do this in remembrance of me.'
  • 00:14:01.489 --> 00:14:03.157
  • In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,
  • 00:14:03.157 --> 00:14:05.226
  • 'the cup is a new covenant in my blood.
  • 00:14:05.226 --> 00:14:06.928
  • Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me.'"
  • 00:14:06.928 --> 00:14:12.233
  • So if i were going to have communion with a group of people
  • 00:14:12.233 --> 00:14:14.569
  • Outside of a church setting, i might read that scripture.
  • 00:14:14.569 --> 00:14:19.107
  • You don't have to preach.
  • 00:14:19.107 --> 00:14:20.441
  • In fact, you don't have to say anything else.
  • 00:14:20.441 --> 00:14:21.776
  • It's probably better if you don't.
  • 00:14:21.776 --> 00:14:25.380
  • And then you've got the juice, the bread, and the cup.
  • 00:14:25.380 --> 00:14:29.784
  • Now, we have those little, handy-dandy,
  • 00:14:29.784 --> 00:14:31.219
  • Portable communion packs at church,
  • 00:14:31.219 --> 00:14:34.188
  • Which actually are available to you in the bookstore.
  • 00:14:34.188 --> 00:14:37.892
  • It's not a for-a-profit motive. i'm sure it's a loss leader.
  • 00:14:37.892 --> 00:14:43.932
  • But if you'd like to look like you're professional,
  • 00:14:43.932 --> 00:14:45.400
  • You could take those.
  • 00:14:45.400 --> 00:14:48.102
  • You can use a cup of grape juice and a saltine cracker.
  • 00:14:48.102 --> 00:14:54.342
  • You can use a glass of water and a piece of cornbread broken up.
  • 00:14:54.342 --> 00:14:59.814
  • I don't mean to be disrespectful.
  • 00:14:59.814 --> 00:15:02.150
  • Don't confuse the expression of this with the meaning behind it.
  • 00:15:02.150 --> 00:15:08.856
  • It's an acknowledgement of the redemptive work of jesus.
  • 00:15:08.856 --> 00:15:12.593
  • And what you're saying to anyone who would share the lord's table
  • 00:15:12.593 --> 00:15:15.330
  • With you is, "this is of extraordinary importance to me."
  • 00:15:15.330 --> 00:15:21.836
  • It's really intended to be for believers.
  • 00:15:21.836 --> 00:15:25.273
  • And if you're gathering with friends and family and you have
  • 00:15:25.273 --> 00:15:27.508
  • Questions about whether there are people in your family that
  • 00:15:27.508 --> 00:15:29.310
  • Are believers or not, that would become a matter for prayer.
  • 00:15:29.310 --> 00:15:33.481
  • "god, i don't want anybody that knows me to spend holidays with
  • 00:15:33.481 --> 00:15:35.917
  • Me or have celebratory times with me,
  • 00:15:35.917 --> 00:15:38.786
  • And i never made any effort to share my faith with them."
  • 00:15:38.786 --> 00:15:43.257
  • At the very least you want to talk about how much you
  • 00:15:43.257 --> 00:15:44.993
  • Appreciate the lord, the good things he's done in your life,
  • 00:15:44.993 --> 00:15:47.161
  • Why you're excited about him.
  • 00:15:47.161 --> 00:15:51.599
  • Communion.
  • 00:15:51.599 --> 00:15:55.069
  • You can have a group of co-workers
  • 00:15:55.069 --> 00:15:57.238
  • Who are christ followers.
  • 00:15:57.238 --> 00:15:58.840
  • Maybe you do it before you--if you're having some sort of
  • 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:00.808
  • Holiday gathering and there's three or four of you that work
  • 00:16:00.808 --> 00:16:02.910
  • Together that are christians, maybe you have communion
  • 00:16:02.910 --> 00:16:05.013
  • Together and pray for your workplace.
  • 00:16:05.013 --> 00:16:08.716
  • Maybe you have a group of friends over
  • 00:16:08.716 --> 00:16:10.251
  • During the holidays.
  • 00:16:10.251 --> 00:16:11.819
  • And those celebrations have not typically been faith-centered.
  • 00:16:11.819 --> 00:16:16.391
  • And before you begin all the other activities,
  • 00:16:16.391 --> 00:16:18.426
  • You took communion together and said,
  • 00:16:18.426 --> 00:16:20.061
  • "i just wanted you all to know my faith is really
  • 00:16:20.061 --> 00:16:21.929
  • Important to me.
  • 00:16:21.929 --> 00:16:23.731
  • That i pray for you."
  • 00:16:23.731 --> 00:16:28.703
  • Maybe if it's a family,
  • 00:16:28.703 --> 00:16:30.038
  • And maybe the whole family is not on board,
  • 00:16:30.038 --> 00:16:31.606
  • But you gather with whatever members of the family are
  • 00:16:31.606 --> 00:16:33.875
  • Available before the larger groups arrives and say,
  • 00:16:33.875 --> 00:16:37.645
  • "we're going to minister to the rest of these folks today.
  • 00:16:37.645 --> 00:16:41.115
  • And i wanted us to begin by inviting god into the midst of
  • 00:16:41.115 --> 00:16:43.451
  • Our holiday."
  • 00:16:43.451 --> 00:16:47.355
  • Maybe your holiday is not populated with lots of people.
  • 00:16:47.355 --> 00:16:51.359
  • Maybe you'll face the holiday and you'll be alone.
  • 00:16:51.359 --> 00:16:54.128
  • That's a wonderful time to get out communion and say,
  • 00:16:54.128 --> 00:16:57.965
  • "lord, you said you would never leave me nor forsake me.
  • 00:16:57.965 --> 00:17:01.569
  • That my holiday doesn't look like a norman rockwell painting,
  • 00:17:01.569 --> 00:17:05.540
  • But i know that the creator of heaven and earth is with me
  • 00:17:05.540 --> 00:17:07.542
  • Today, and i want to thank you for what you've done for me."
  • 00:17:07.542 --> 00:17:13.714
  • We have a culture that tries to convince us we are mistreated.
  • 00:17:13.714 --> 00:17:19.120
  • I'm so weary with the voices that try to divide us with anger
  • 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:22.490
  • And resentment and bitterness, that we deserve what someone
  • 00:17:22.490 --> 00:17:25.460
  • Else has and that whatever.
  • 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:31.365
  • Don't succumb to that. here's the reality.
  • 00:17:31.365 --> 00:17:35.670
  • There's no perfect life and there's no perfect life season.
  • 00:17:35.670 --> 00:17:39.674
  • If you think someone else has a perfect life,
  • 00:17:39.674 --> 00:17:41.342
  • You just don't know enough about them.
  • 00:17:41.342 --> 00:17:45.179
  • And there's no perfect time in your life.
  • 00:17:45.179 --> 00:17:46.948
  • You're too young or you're too old or you're
  • 00:17:46.948 --> 00:17:49.150
  • Somewhere in between.
  • 00:17:49.150 --> 00:17:52.520
  • That's the truth.
  • 00:17:52.520 --> 00:17:54.388
  • Communion is a wonderful way to invite the lord into a gathering
  • 00:17:54.388 --> 00:17:57.792
  • Of people.
  • 00:17:57.792 --> 00:17:59.227
  • You can do that.
  • 00:17:59.227 --> 00:18:01.329
  • "what if i do it wrong? what if i do it wrong?"
  • 00:18:01.329 --> 00:18:08.569
  • If you do it with--if you serve communion with the intent of
  • 00:18:08.569 --> 00:18:11.139
  • Honoring the lord, it isn't about us.
  • 00:18:11.139 --> 00:18:16.210
  • We're not pretending--we didn't offer ourselves as a sacrifice
  • 00:18:16.210 --> 00:18:18.713
  • To save anybody.
  • 00:18:18.713 --> 00:18:20.982
  • What i want is anybody that knows me to know that what jesus
  • 00:18:20.982 --> 00:18:23.684
  • Did for me is so important that before i celebrate or have a
  • 00:18:23.684 --> 00:18:26.954
  • Party or gather with people, "that this is really a deal.
  • 00:18:26.954 --> 00:18:29.157
  • I don't want you to miss it.
  • 00:18:29.157 --> 00:18:30.625
  • This matters to me."
  • 00:18:30.625 --> 00:18:35.429
  • "where did this come from? what if i do it wrong?"
  • 00:18:35.429 --> 00:18:38.132
  • You mean if you stumble over the verse or you read it from the
  • 00:18:38.132 --> 00:18:40.268
  • Wrong translation?
  • 00:18:40.268 --> 00:18:42.069
  • Take a picture and put it in your phone.
  • 00:18:42.069 --> 00:18:49.510
  • Communion.
  • 00:18:49.510 --> 00:18:50.845
  • I even brought you a prayer you can pray.
  • 00:18:50.845 --> 00:18:53.748
  • After you've taken the bread and the cup and you--if you--
  • 00:18:53.748 --> 00:18:57.351
  • Like, if praying out loud is not your deal,
  • 00:18:57.351 --> 00:18:58.686
  • You can just read that prayer.
  • 00:18:58.686 --> 00:19:00.021
  • You can let them read it with you.
  • 00:19:00.021 --> 00:19:03.291
  • If you got it on your phone, you can share it with them all.
  • 00:19:03.291 --> 00:19:05.993
  • They can have a prayer when they leave.
  • 00:19:05.993 --> 00:19:09.530
  • Now, you're really getting weird.
  • 00:19:09.530 --> 00:19:13.434
  • There's a fourth piece. i got a couple of minutes.
  • 00:19:13.434 --> 00:19:15.169
  • I'm going to give it to you. oh, i got two more.
  • 00:19:15.169 --> 00:19:18.406
  • I don't have enough time for that.
  • 00:19:18.406 --> 00:19:25.346
  • We used to--years ago we did easter services at murphy
  • 00:19:25.346 --> 00:19:26.881
  • Center, mtsu.
  • 00:19:26.881 --> 00:19:30.051
  • And one of my dear friends brought his mother.
  • 00:19:30.051 --> 00:19:32.386
  • She'd never been to church before.
  • 00:19:32.386 --> 00:19:34.889
  • She lived on the other side of nashville.
  • 00:19:34.889 --> 00:19:36.257
  • And i'll never forget. he brought her up to me.
  • 00:19:36.257 --> 00:19:37.592
  • It was kind of a intense thing. she was a little intense.
  • 00:19:37.592 --> 00:19:40.161
  • She said, "preacher, i got a ham in the oven.
  • 00:19:40.161 --> 00:19:41.829
  • Don't you burn it."
  • 00:19:41.829 --> 00:19:48.970
  • I didn't have the courage to say,
  • 00:19:48.970 --> 00:19:50.304
  • "well, i hope you've got it on about 25 degrees."
  • 00:19:50.304 --> 00:19:52.139
  • But i didn't.
  • 00:19:52.139 --> 00:19:55.409
  • I'm not going to burn the hams today,
  • 00:19:55.409 --> 00:19:57.144
  • I promise, but i do want to give you one more tool for the
  • 00:19:57.144 --> 00:20:00.748
  • Toolkit 'cause the holidays are starting,
  • 00:20:00.748 --> 00:20:02.883
  • And it has to do with this heritage of faith idea.
  • 00:20:02.883 --> 00:20:06.988
  • You know, there's a lot of people with whom you'll gather
  • 00:20:06.988 --> 00:20:09.724
  • That you may not have the privilege of attending church
  • 00:20:09.724 --> 00:20:11.492
  • Together, but you want them to know that faith is an important
  • 00:20:11.492 --> 00:20:15.930
  • Part of your life.
  • 00:20:15.930 --> 00:20:19.667
  • You want them to know that you pray for them.
  • 00:20:19.667 --> 00:20:23.404
  • You want them to know that faith in jesus has changed your life.
  • 00:20:23.404 --> 00:20:28.409
  • And maybe the most important thing you can share with them
  • 00:20:28.409 --> 00:20:30.411
  • Isn't investment advice or holiday recipes.
  • 00:20:30.411 --> 00:20:35.483
  • I could submit to you that the most important thing you could
  • 00:20:35.483 --> 00:20:37.652
  • Share with them is your belief in jesus of nazareth.
  • 00:20:37.652 --> 00:20:41.589
  • So i'm going to give you a little activity that would help
  • 00:20:41.589 --> 00:20:43.557
  • With that, and i borrowed this when i heard the other man
  • 00:20:43.557 --> 00:20:46.827
  • Share that he and his wife had made it a part of their
  • 00:20:46.827 --> 00:20:49.463
  • Gatherings with their family because he wanted his
  • 00:20:49.463 --> 00:20:51.565
  • Grandchildren to know what he believed.
  • 00:20:51.565 --> 00:20:54.702
  • And he said they lived in different cities and different
  • 00:20:54.702 --> 00:20:56.237
  • Places in the world.
  • 00:20:56.237 --> 00:20:57.571
  • And while they've been close as a family,
  • 00:20:57.571 --> 00:20:58.973
  • He said, "when i'm no longer with them at the holidays," he
  • 00:20:58.973 --> 00:21:01.809
  • Said, "i wanted them to know what i believed."
  • 00:21:01.809 --> 00:21:05.880
  • And one of the best ways that he knew to do that was to share the
  • 00:21:05.880 --> 00:21:08.482
  • Apostles' creed with them.
  • 00:21:08.482 --> 00:21:10.184
  • Now, some of you grew up saying that as a part of your worship,
  • 00:21:10.184 --> 00:21:12.053
  • Some of you didn't.
  • 00:21:12.053 --> 00:21:13.521
  • It doesn't change the validity of it if the tradition in which
  • 00:21:13.521 --> 00:21:15.890
  • You worshiped didn't use it.
  • 00:21:15.890 --> 00:21:18.192
  • It's one of the oldest creedal statements
  • 00:21:18.192 --> 00:21:19.527
  • In the christian church.
  • 00:21:19.527 --> 00:21:20.861
  • Some scholars have suggested it could have been the baptism
  • 00:21:20.861 --> 00:21:23.631
  • Creed for the church in jerusalem in those early years.
  • 00:21:23.631 --> 00:21:27.301
  • I don't know.
  • 00:21:27.301 --> 00:21:28.636
  • Their social media account has been deleted.
  • 00:21:28.636 --> 00:21:31.605
  • Apparently, somebody in california
  • 00:21:31.605 --> 00:21:33.074
  • Thought it was misinformation, so they took it down.
  • 00:21:33.074 --> 00:21:36.143
  • [congregation laughing]
  • 00:21:36.143 --> 00:21:43.651
  • I repent. don't send me a letter.
  • 00:21:43.651 --> 00:21:45.886
  • [congregation laughing and applauding]
  • 00:21:45.886 --> 00:21:51.092
  • But as i thought about what he shared,
  • 00:21:51.092 --> 00:21:52.493
  • There's a lot of ways you could do that.
  • 00:21:52.493 --> 00:21:53.828
  • It'll be more impactful if everybody has a copy.
  • 00:21:53.828 --> 00:21:56.897
  • You can do it digitally.
  • 00:21:56.897 --> 00:21:58.499
  • You can share it with them that way.
  • 00:21:58.499 --> 00:22:00.801
  • You could print it out and give them a paper copy to read.
  • 00:22:00.801 --> 00:22:05.506
  • You could write it in your longhand and sign it and give it
  • 00:22:05.506 --> 00:22:09.577
  • To them.
  • 00:22:09.577 --> 00:22:11.278
  • You do it in a way that suits you and your circumstance.
  • 00:22:11.278 --> 00:22:15.416
  • But we're talking about a heritage of faith.
  • 00:22:15.416 --> 00:22:19.086
  • Not a heritage of perfection, not a heritage that you've never
  • 00:22:19.086 --> 00:22:23.824
  • Lost your temper, not a heritage that every decision you've made
  • 00:22:23.824 --> 00:22:27.895
  • Has been good, but a heritage that they know the things that
  • 00:22:27.895 --> 00:22:32.600
  • Truly matter to you in all the brokenness that you represent.
  • 00:22:32.600 --> 00:22:37.705
  • See, we haven't cared about this very much.
  • 00:22:37.705 --> 00:22:40.374
  • The only thing we've really been coached for is the need to say
  • 00:22:40.374 --> 00:22:42.410
  • The sinner's prayer.
  • 00:22:42.410 --> 00:22:43.744
  • And then if they live like the devil,
  • 00:22:43.744 --> 00:22:45.079
  • It's okay 'cause god's a god of grace.
  • 00:22:45.079 --> 00:22:46.414
  • Folks, that is a false gospel. so the apostles' creed.
  • 00:22:46.414 --> 00:22:52.453
  • If you've never said it, i brought you a copy.
  • 00:22:52.453 --> 00:22:55.956
  • I thought we might say it together.
  • 00:22:55.956 --> 00:23:00.661
  • In fact, why don't we stand together?
  • 00:23:00.661 --> 00:23:02.363
  • We can close with this.
  • 00:23:02.363 --> 00:23:05.766
  • It's a series of statements about what i believe.
  • 00:23:05.766 --> 00:23:09.503
  • It begins with a statement about god:
  • 00:23:09.503 --> 00:23:11.405
  • I believe in god the father almighty.
  • 00:23:11.405 --> 00:23:14.608
  • And then there's a whole paragraph there of statements
  • 00:23:14.608 --> 00:23:16.610
  • About jesus, who he is and what he did for us.
  • 00:23:16.610 --> 00:23:19.680
  • If you don't believe those things,
  • 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:21.148
  • Be certain of this, it isn't christianity.
  • 00:23:21.148 --> 00:23:24.518
  • You can't reject that set of statements and imagine that
  • 00:23:24.518 --> 00:23:26.954
  • You're a christian, at least in the orthodox meaning of that.
  • 00:23:26.954 --> 00:23:30.024
  • In a world where we're changing definitions,
  • 00:23:30.024 --> 00:23:32.827
  • I suppose you could find space in there.
  • 00:23:32.827 --> 00:23:34.395
  • From a biblical perspective, that set of statements about
  • 00:23:34.395 --> 00:23:37.331
  • Jesus are essential.
  • 00:23:37.331 --> 00:23:40.301
  • And then that final paragraph or stanza has to do with some
  • 00:23:40.301 --> 00:23:43.337
  • Statements about the people of god and the spirit of god.
  • 00:23:43.337 --> 00:23:47.541
  • And i would submit that we all want to believe those things.
  • 00:23:47.541 --> 00:23:51.679
  • And perhaps as we read the apostles' creed together this
  • 00:23:51.679 --> 00:23:54.482
  • Morning, we do it as a declaration before god and all
  • 00:23:54.482 --> 00:23:59.954
  • The angels of heaven that our intent is to leave
  • 00:23:59.954 --> 00:24:03.090
  • A legacy of faith.
  • 00:24:03.090 --> 00:24:07.428
  • I really can't think of anything more valuable.
  • 00:24:07.428 --> 00:24:10.731
  • Oh, we can learn, we can get better at it.
  • 00:24:10.731 --> 00:24:12.800
  • We'll have to practice a little bit.
  • 00:24:12.800 --> 00:24:14.134
  • We'll stumble some. somebody will snicker.
  • 00:24:14.134 --> 00:24:15.936
  • They made fun of jesus. they criticized jesus.
  • 00:24:15.936 --> 00:24:20.841
  • The apostles, after jesus left, they were constantly in trouble.
  • 00:24:20.841 --> 00:24:23.878
  • You said the wrong thing in the wrong place.
  • 00:24:23.878 --> 00:24:28.916
  • They were threatened by the political leaders.
  • 00:24:28.916 --> 00:24:30.818
  • They were criticized by the religious leaders.
  • 00:24:30.818 --> 00:24:33.687
  • I mean, it wasn't like it was seamless.
  • 00:24:33.687 --> 00:24:38.692
  • Paul calls peter out and says, "you're a hypocrite.
  • 00:24:38.692 --> 00:24:40.928
  • And i got to go back to jerusalem and duke it out."
  • 00:24:40.928 --> 00:24:44.598
  • And we shouldn't think that leading with our faith is going
  • 00:24:44.598 --> 00:24:47.034
  • To be seamless and easy and fun or--there's times you'll feel
  • 00:24:47.034 --> 00:24:50.204
  • Awkward and--but it's worth it.
  • 00:24:50.204 --> 00:24:54.742
  • Not everybody will cheer. it's okay.
  • 00:24:54.742 --> 00:24:56.377
  • They didn't all cheer jesus.
  • 00:24:56.377 --> 00:25:03.083
  • Folks, we have to have a change.
  • 00:25:06.754 --> 00:25:09.323
  • And god is the change agent.
  • 00:25:09.323 --> 00:25:12.226
  • And far more than he responds to elections,
  • 00:25:12.226 --> 00:25:14.094
  • He responds to the hearts of his people.
  • 00:25:14.094 --> 00:25:17.197
  • Let's decide to be a people that will elicit a response of
  • 00:25:17.197 --> 00:25:21.402
  • Goodness from god, amen.
  • 00:25:21.402 --> 00:25:24.705
  • Have you found your apostles' creed?
  • 00:25:24.705 --> 00:25:27.107
  • Let's read it together.
  • 00:25:27.107 --> 00:25:28.976
  • "i believe in god the father almighty,
  • 00:25:28.976 --> 00:25:31.912
  • The maker of heaven and earth, and in jesus christ his only
  • 00:25:31.912 --> 00:25:35.749
  • Son, our lord, who was conceived by the holy spirit,
  • 00:25:35.749 --> 00:25:40.287
  • Born of the virgin mary, suffered under pontius pilate,
  • 00:25:40.287 --> 00:25:44.625
  • Was crucified, dead, and buried.
  • 00:25:44.625 --> 00:25:47.494
  • He descended into hades.
  • 00:25:47.494 --> 00:25:49.363
  • The third day he rose again from the dead.
  • 00:25:49.363 --> 00:25:52.733
  • He ascended into heaven, and he sits on the right hand of god.
  • 00:25:52.733 --> 00:25:58.872
  • From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
  • 00:25:58.872 --> 00:26:02.776
  • I believe in the holy spirit, the holy christian church,
  • 00:26:02.776 --> 00:26:06.981
  • The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
  • 00:26:06.981 --> 00:26:11.085
  • The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting, amen."
  • 00:26:11.085 --> 00:26:16.557
  • Hallelujah. god bless you.
  • 00:26:16.557 --> 00:26:18.592
  • Go lead with your faith.
  • 00:26:18.592 --> 00:26:20.628
  • Allen: as a young man, i understood the lord inviting me
  • 00:26:24.565 --> 00:26:26.867
  • To serve his church.
  • 00:26:26.867 --> 00:26:28.569
  • I had no imagination what god would do with the congregation
  • 00:26:28.569 --> 00:26:31.238
  • That he invited me to serve.
  • 00:26:31.238 --> 00:26:32.840
  • It's been a remarkable journey together.
  • 00:26:32.840 --> 00:26:35.009
  • That verse in matthew where jesus said, "i'll build my
  • 00:26:35.009 --> 00:26:37.111
  • Church and hell won't stop it" has become a life verse for me.
  • 00:26:37.111 --> 00:26:41.382
  • And then jesus added to that where he said, "those that are
  • 00:26:41.382 --> 00:26:43.651
  • Gathering with me, join me, or else your scattering."
  • 00:26:43.651 --> 00:26:46.387
  • Well, i wanna be gathering with the lord.
  • 00:26:46.387 --> 00:26:48.455
  • That's the reason we began allen jackson ministries
  • 00:26:48.455 --> 00:26:50.658
  • Several years ago.
  • 00:26:50.658 --> 00:26:51.992
  • I understood god inviting us to build the church beyond this
  • 00:26:51.992 --> 00:26:54.495
  • Local community, not buildings or denominations across the
  • 00:26:54.495 --> 00:26:56.964
  • Nation, but to strengthen the people of god.
  • 00:26:56.964 --> 00:26:59.967
  • We've created curriculum, we've criss-crossed this nation,
  • 00:26:59.967 --> 00:27:02.870
  • Meeting with church leaders and pastors, we began broadcasting
  • 00:27:02.870 --> 00:27:05.873
  • With television and radio.
  • 00:27:05.873 --> 00:27:07.508
  • Your partnership has made all of that possible.
  • 00:27:07.508 --> 00:27:09.943
  • Well, now god has opened doors internationally with strategic
  • 00:27:09.943 --> 00:27:12.713
  • Partners in israel and ukraine to strengthen the war-torn
  • 00:27:12.713 --> 00:27:15.749
  • Church in those nations.
  • 00:27:15.749 --> 00:27:17.584
  • I thank you for your partnership, for your
  • 00:27:17.584 --> 00:27:19.386
  • Generosity, for your faithfulness in prayer.
  • 00:27:19.386 --> 00:27:21.755
  • Together, we are gathering the people of god
  • 00:27:21.755 --> 00:27:24.591
  • And strengthening his church.
  • 00:27:24.591 --> 00:27:27.394