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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Jesus' Victory (Part 1)

April 7, 2026 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Jesus' Victory (Part 1)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Jesus #Victory #Perseverance #Endurance #Faith #Trials-HardTimes #Persecution #Challenges #SpiritualWarfare #Courage #WalkwithGod #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Jesus' Victory (Part 1) | April 7, 2026
  • Allen jackson: you know, around the world,
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  • People are searching for truth, and together we're doing our
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  • Very best to help them find it.
  • 00:00:05.622 --> 00:00:07.590
  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
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  • Ministries, you're joining a growing community of believers
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  • Who are committed to strengthening the church and
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  • Sharing god's word through every available channel--
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  • Television, radio, podcast, books, bible studies,
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  • Digital resources, conferences.
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  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers to reach new
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  • Audiences, to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
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  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
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  • Together, we can stand firm in our faith and make god's truth
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  • Known right here at home and around the earth, wherever
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  • God opens a door.
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  • Let's keep gathering his people and building his church until
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  • The day our king returns.
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  • You can find more about becoming a ministry partner
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  • At allenjackson.com/partner.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen: before we get to that lesson, i--we had my--we had a
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  • Call friday from a man we've worked with for a long time,
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  • Armenian actually, but he and a pastor from iran were going to
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  • Be in--passing through yesterday and they asked if we could meet
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  • With them for a bit.
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  • So i got to sit down for--oh, an hour or so with two men that are
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  • Working with pastors in iran.
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  • And we had quite a conversation about what's happening.
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  • Long story short, there are hundreds of
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  • Thousands of believers in iran.
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  • It's been an underground church, obviously.
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  • They were elated about the intervention that's taking
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  • Place, removing the current regime there.
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  • You know, they said, "pastor, you understand the mullahs
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  • Worship demons."
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  • And i mean, they were very distraught about that and the
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  • Oppression that's been over the people.
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  • You know, the people--the iranian people who are 50 and
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  • Younger have never lived with any freedom.
  • 00:02:12.882 --> 00:02:15.285
  • They've--all they've known is the ayatollahs.
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  • So, they have no imagination of that.
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  • You know, last week we showed you a little video of eight and
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  • Nine year olds, we were showing them a phone book and they
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  • Didn't know what it was.
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  • You know, one of them, i thought that one of the kids was
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  • Really clever.
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  • He said it was like a dictionary of names.
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  • I thought, smart fellow.
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  • Well, the iranian people, 50 and younger, they--they've never
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  • Known what it was to be--have any autonomy, any freedom,
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  • Any liberty.
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  • They've been under a cruel and oppressive regime.
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  • So, they had great hope, but they had great concerns for what
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  • Will emerge because it's not a nation bound together by a
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  • Singular thing.
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  • It's a collection of different groups and tribes and people
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  • Groups, and so they were asking us to pray, and then they also
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  • Came and asked us to help with pastors.
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  • And i wasn't sure at the moment, but we've talked about it and
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  • Prayed about it, but i want to give you an invitation.
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  • We actually have two invitations on the table to help with
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  • Pastors in iran.
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  • And they're able to--at the moment, they have some freedom
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  • To move so they can gather in some groups either in iran or in
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  • Some neighboring countries.
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  • And we've had a similar invitation with ukraine for the
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  • Pastors and the churches that have been affected there.
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  • And i want to give you an invitation.
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  • We're only gonna open the door for a week, but if you'd like to
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  • Make an investment in strengthening the church in iran
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  • Or ukraine, we have a couple of direct links with men that we
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  • Have known for a long time and the organizations they
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  • Work with.
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  • And we would like to make a small investment in what god is
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  • Doing in the church in iran and in ukraine.
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  • So, we wanna share that with you.
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  • I don't do that very often. we don't do that very often.
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  • If you're giving, you can just--if you go to the website,
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  • It's not up today.
  • 00:03:54.884 --> 00:03:56.252
  • So, if you're trying to go right now, i'll know you're looking
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  • For a ballgame.
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  • But in the morning on monday, and if you're watching this
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  • Digitally, on monday, those tabs will be open on the website so
  • 00:04:06.763 --> 00:04:11.634
  • That you can give, and there'll be a tab that you can give
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  • Directly to the iran, ukraine.
  • 00:04:13.903 --> 00:04:16.406
  • The funds will go there, we'll help those pastors and
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  • Those churches.
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  • It's not something we're gonna do for months and months.
  • 00:04:19.676 --> 00:04:21.244
  • There's an opportunity right now because of what's unfolding, and
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  • We thought we could step into that breach and perhaps provide
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  • A bit of encouragement so that they wouldn't think they were
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  • Just alone.
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  • Does that seem reasonable?
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  • In fact, i'd like to pray for iran and what's next, for our
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  • Young men and women who are in harm's way.
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  • You know, freedom and liberty require people of courage.
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  • And sometimes, the church is guilty.
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  • I believe that prayer is the foundation of all that we do.
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  • But prayer is not all that we do.
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  • But when the scripture tells us to pray without ceasing, i think
  • 00:04:54.911 --> 00:04:57.647
  • We become living prayers.
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  • You know, if you pray for food and you have the ability to have
  • 00:05:01.351 --> 00:05:04.654
  • A garden and you don't garden, you're asking somebody else to
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  • Do the work.
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  • If you pray for food and you till the soil and you plant the
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  • Seeds and you weed the crops and you water the plants, then
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  • You have a much greater capacity for those prayers
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  • Being realized.
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  • And i'm not saying that we earn the blessings of god, but
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  • Sometimes i think we've been passive.
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  • And so, i thank you for, as a church--you know, whenever we
  • 00:05:28.077 --> 00:05:30.813
  • Extend an invitation for volunteers, we have more.
  • 00:05:30.813 --> 00:05:34.183
  • And we invite you to be generous, you have very
  • 00:05:34.183 --> 00:05:38.254
  • Faithfully responded, but i want us to pray that god will bring
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  • Forth freedom.
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  • It isn't clear what next will be.
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  • And at the end of the day it will be the decision of the
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  • People there.
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  • There's not a great track record in muslim nations of their being
  • 00:05:50.099 --> 00:05:53.636
  • Tolerant, inclusive leadership.
  • 00:05:53.636 --> 00:05:59.976
  • So, we're really asking for something that would be
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  • An aberration.
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  • And i don't have the imagination that our government can cause
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  • That to happen, you know--yeah, i know.
  • 00:06:06.516 --> 00:06:10.153
  • Politics is a symptom.
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  • Spiritual things are causal.
  • 00:06:13.356 --> 00:06:16.159
  • For there to be a different political, for there to be more
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  • Liberty and freedom, there has to be a spiritual change.
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  • That's true in our nation.
  • 00:06:22.098 --> 00:06:23.933
  • Our problem is not politicians and parties, our problem is the
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  • Hearts of the people.
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  • And the same is true in iran or wherever you would put your
  • 00:06:28.838 --> 00:06:32.074
  • Finger on the map, but that country today is under enormous
  • 00:06:32.074 --> 00:06:36.179
  • Stress, enormous spiritual stress.
  • 00:06:36.179 --> 00:06:38.881
  • So, i'd like us to pray for them.
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  • Can we do that?
  • 00:06:40.216 --> 00:06:41.584
  • And then if you want to give, i invite you to it.
  • 00:06:41.584 --> 00:06:43.186
  • So, we'll only open it for a week, that'll be next sunday
  • 00:06:43.186 --> 00:06:44.954
  • Will be the end of that.
  • 00:06:44.954 --> 00:06:46.989
  • But, hallelujah, let's pray.
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  • Father, i thank you.
  • 00:06:49.625 --> 00:06:51.127
  • I thank you that you sent a message.
  • 00:06:51.127 --> 00:06:53.796
  • That you sent leaders from the church to say that you were
  • 00:06:53.796 --> 00:06:56.999
  • Moving, lord, not theoretical, not a concept, lord, with
  • 00:06:56.999 --> 00:07:03.072
  • Expressions of your faithfulness.
  • 00:07:03.072 --> 00:07:05.675
  • And we pause today to pray for the people of iran.
  • 00:07:05.675 --> 00:07:09.278
  • Lord, they have endured greatly, they have suffered much.
  • 00:07:09.278 --> 00:07:12.949
  • They have been subjected to darkness and
  • 00:07:12.949 --> 00:07:16.085
  • Spiritual forces of wickedness from the heavenly places.
  • 00:07:16.085 --> 00:07:19.789
  • And lord, we would ask for new freedoms for them, for new
  • 00:07:19.789 --> 00:07:23.292
  • Opportunities to share their faith that a church that has
  • 00:07:23.292 --> 00:07:25.828
  • Been present would no longer have to be underground.
  • 00:07:25.828 --> 00:07:29.599
  • Lord, i pray you'll raise up voices that will lead and have
  • 00:07:29.599 --> 00:07:32.835
  • The courage and the strength to make decisions that will bring
  • 00:07:32.835 --> 00:07:36.706
  • Greater opportunities to the people there.
  • 00:07:36.706 --> 00:07:39.375
  • I pray for our young men and women who have put themselves in
  • 00:07:39.375 --> 00:07:41.811
  • Harm's way to confront the evil and the wickedness and the
  • 00:07:41.811 --> 00:07:45.715
  • Violence and the hatred.
  • 00:07:45.715 --> 00:07:48.017
  • Lord, give them wisdom beyond themselves, give them
  • 00:07:48.017 --> 00:07:50.286
  • Supernatural protection.
  • 00:07:50.286 --> 00:07:52.855
  • May they be able to neutralize the threats with minimal impact
  • 00:07:52.855 --> 00:07:58.160
  • For the people.
  • 00:07:58.160 --> 00:07:59.562
  • Lord, bring about a solution that the whole world
  • 00:07:59.562 --> 00:08:01.364
  • Will know you've been involved with.
  • 00:08:01.364 --> 00:08:03.599
  • We thank you for it.
  • 00:08:03.599 --> 00:08:05.134
  • We ask for your mercy and your compassion upon those people.
  • 00:08:05.134 --> 00:08:08.371
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:08:08.371 --> 00:08:11.374
  • Hallelujah.
  • 00:08:11.374 --> 00:08:15.378
  • Allen: hey, i have a suggestion.
  • 00:08:19.148 --> 00:08:20.483
  • Let's stop waiting for somebody else to be a better leader.
  • 00:08:20.483 --> 00:08:22.952
  • Let's determine this year to lead with faith.
  • 00:08:22.952 --> 00:08:25.421
  • I've written a book to help.
  • 00:08:25.421 --> 00:08:26.789
  • It's a practical collection of tools that you and i can use the
  • 00:08:26.789 --> 00:08:30.226
  • Influence of our lives, faith first in the marketplace, in our
  • 00:08:30.226 --> 00:08:34.030
  • Homes, with our friends.
  • 00:08:34.030 --> 00:08:35.398
  • Folks, it's time for us to stop waiting for somebody else to
  • 00:08:35.398 --> 00:08:38.134
  • Step forward.
  • 00:08:38.134 --> 00:08:39.502
  • Let's determine to lead with faith.
  • 00:08:39.502 --> 00:08:41.037
  • We can do that and i believe we can change our homes, our
  • 00:08:41.037 --> 00:08:44.140
  • Neighborhoods, our churches, maybe even our nation.
  • 00:08:44.140 --> 00:08:47.243
  • Announcer: choosing to lead with faith starts with a simple
  • 00:08:47.243 --> 00:08:50.179
  • Decision: to be intentional right where you are.
  • 00:08:50.179 --> 00:08:53.115
  • In his new book, "lead with faith," pastor allen shares
  • 00:08:53.115 --> 00:08:56.185
  • Biblical insight and practical tools to help you live out your
  • 00:08:56.185 --> 00:08:59.488
  • Faith in meaningful ways every day.
  • 00:08:59.488 --> 00:09:02.358
  • This book will encourage you to stand for truth with wisdom,
  • 00:09:02.358 --> 00:09:05.561
  • Clarity, and courage, without waiting for someone else to
  • 00:09:05.561 --> 00:09:08.564
  • Go first.
  • 00:09:08.564 --> 00:09:09.899
  • Request "lead with faith" with your gift of $30 or more at
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  • Allenjackson.com or call ...
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  • Announcer: we are committed to helping you grow in your faith
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  • And have tools for your journey no matter your schedule.
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  • Here with allen jackson ministries.
  • 00:09:44.567 --> 00:09:48.604
  • Allen: i started a series.
  • 00:09:50.072 --> 00:09:51.574
  • I want to continue talking about finishing the race.
  • 00:09:51.574 --> 00:09:55.177
  • There's a lot of focus in our christianity about how we began,
  • 00:09:55.177 --> 00:09:58.280
  • And that's appropriate.
  • 00:09:58.280 --> 00:09:59.615
  • There's a beginning point to your christian journey.
  • 00:09:59.615 --> 00:10:02.184
  • It's not something you inherit from your parents or
  • 00:10:02.184 --> 00:10:04.220
  • Your grandparents.
  • 00:10:04.220 --> 00:10:05.588
  • Every individual has to make a decision with regard to the
  • 00:10:05.588 --> 00:10:07.556
  • Person of jesus.
  • 00:10:07.556 --> 00:10:08.891
  • That's how we gain entrance into the kingdom of god.
  • 00:10:08.891 --> 00:10:10.826
  • We believe in our heart and confess with our mouth, the
  • 00:10:10.826 --> 00:10:12.695
  • Scripture says, and we can have a new birth, a--not a physical
  • 00:10:12.695 --> 00:10:15.865
  • Birth, a spiritual birth.
  • 00:10:15.865 --> 00:10:17.466
  • We become a totally new creation from the inside out.
  • 00:10:17.466 --> 00:10:20.936
  • There's no other force known to humanity that can bring change
  • 00:10:20.936 --> 00:10:24.707
  • To the human being like the power of god can.
  • 00:10:24.707 --> 00:10:29.145
  • He brings transformation to us from the inside out.
  • 00:10:29.145 --> 00:10:31.747
  • Christianity is not an outside-in thing.
  • 00:10:31.747 --> 00:10:33.616
  • You can't tell a christian by how we look or our accent or
  • 00:10:33.616 --> 00:10:37.119
  • Our height or our biological sex.
  • 00:10:37.119 --> 00:10:40.656
  • It's a transformation that starts from the inside, and the
  • 00:10:40.656 --> 00:10:43.359
  • Scripture says that we'll know one another by the fruit of our
  • 00:10:43.359 --> 00:10:45.528
  • Lives, not by where we sit on sundays.
  • 00:10:45.528 --> 00:10:49.165
  • I'm not saying it's bad to sit in the church on sunday or
  • 00:10:49.165 --> 00:10:51.600
  • Saturday or wednesday or tuesday or thursday.
  • 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:54.704
  • I'm here a lot.
  • 00:10:54.704 --> 00:10:56.972
  • But the fruit of our lives is the real evidence.
  • 00:10:56.972 --> 00:10:59.575
  • But ultimately, it's how we finish the race.
  • 00:10:59.575 --> 00:11:03.045
  • We gotta finish well.
  • 00:11:03.045 --> 00:11:05.815
  • We have to finish well.
  • 00:11:05.815 --> 00:11:07.183
  • And i think we don't talk about that as much as we might, and i
  • 00:11:07.183 --> 00:11:10.553
  • Want to take this session, hebrews 11:1,
  • 00:11:10.553 --> 00:11:12.588
  • Which is not in your notes.
  • 00:11:12.588 --> 00:11:13.923
  • You got two pages of scriptures and i didn't give you that one.
  • 00:11:13.923 --> 00:11:17.326
  • But it's a pretty familiar verse.
  • 00:11:17.326 --> 00:11:19.328
  • I bet you've heard it if you
  • 00:11:19.328 --> 00:11:20.663
  • Couldn't have quoted the references.
  • 00:11:20.663 --> 00:11:21.997
  • It says: "now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
  • 00:11:21.997 --> 00:11:24.900
  • Certain of what we don't see."
  • 00:11:24.900 --> 00:11:27.036
  • What i'm really talking to you about is like this race for our
  • 00:11:27.036 --> 00:11:29.772
  • Faith, living out our faith all the way to the end.
  • 00:11:29.772 --> 00:11:34.110
  • A certainty of something you don't see is a
  • 00:11:34.110 --> 00:11:35.911
  • Paradoxical statement.
  • 00:11:35.911 --> 00:11:37.279
  • How can you be certain when you can't see it?
  • 00:11:37.279 --> 00:11:39.048
  • Well, that's what faith is about.
  • 00:11:39.048 --> 00:11:41.484
  • We haven't seen the kingdom of god in its fullness, we haven't
  • 00:11:41.484 --> 00:11:43.753
  • Seen jesus in all the glory of his kingdom.
  • 00:11:43.753 --> 00:11:46.789
  • We've seen him as a suffering servant.
  • 00:11:46.789 --> 00:11:48.424
  • We have it recorded in the pages of scripture in the historical
  • 00:11:48.424 --> 00:11:50.993
  • Record, but we haven't seen him in all of his glory, but yet, we
  • 00:11:50.993 --> 00:11:55.464
  • Believe in it.
  • 00:11:55.464 --> 00:11:57.166
  • And the thing of living out our faith and running the race is,
  • 00:11:57.166 --> 00:12:00.603
  • How do we order our lives based on things that we don't see?
  • 00:12:00.603 --> 00:12:03.606
  • It's not simple.
  • 00:12:03.606 --> 00:12:05.474
  • You know, it's easily stated, but it isn't easily lived out.
  • 00:12:05.474 --> 00:12:08.644
  • And i think we have to be candid about that.
  • 00:12:08.644 --> 00:12:11.781
  • Even if you have a strong determination to honor the lord,
  • 00:12:11.781 --> 00:12:14.650
  • It's not easy to live out your faith.
  • 00:12:14.650 --> 00:12:17.887
  • I talked to lots of people who are christians,
  • 00:12:17.887 --> 00:12:20.256
  • I have that privilege.
  • 00:12:20.256 --> 00:12:21.590
  • And, you know, if we state just the obvious, which sometimes in
  • 00:12:21.590 --> 00:12:25.227
  • Church world we don't, following god and seeking his best is not
  • 00:12:25.227 --> 00:12:29.565
  • Simple or easy.
  • 00:12:29.565 --> 00:12:32.201
  • It just isn't because our stories aren't simple and easy.
  • 00:12:32.201 --> 00:12:36.205
  • Our lives aren't, our families aren't.
  • 00:12:36.205 --> 00:12:38.908
  • The circumstances of our lives are not.
  • 00:12:38.908 --> 00:12:42.344
  • There's challenges and unwanted intrusions, and as our families
  • 00:12:42.344 --> 00:12:46.649
  • Grow and mature, you think, "what is going on?"
  • 00:12:46.649 --> 00:12:51.086
  • Well, not in every season, but those seasons come to all of
  • 00:12:51.086 --> 00:12:54.056
  • Our lives.
  • 00:12:54.056 --> 00:12:55.424
  • We're complex persons living in a world that is embroiled in a
  • 00:12:55.424 --> 00:12:58.861
  • Conflict, and i don't mean principally between nation
  • 00:12:58.861 --> 00:13:02.264
  • States or militaries or economic battles.
  • 00:13:02.264 --> 00:13:05.968
  • But conflict between angels and demons, between spiritual rulers
  • 00:13:05.968 --> 00:13:09.271
  • Of darkness in the heavens, almighty god and his angels, his
  • 00:13:09.271 --> 00:13:13.275
  • Church, and his people giving expression to the light of his
  • 00:13:13.275 --> 00:13:15.911
  • Truth in our world.
  • 00:13:15.911 --> 00:13:17.246
  • That conflict describes our journey through time.
  • 00:13:17.246 --> 00:13:22.484
  • And sometimes we go, "well, you know, pastor, i just don't like
  • 00:13:22.484 --> 00:13:24.353
  • To think about that.
  • 00:13:24.353 --> 00:13:26.455
  • I want to go to my happy place."
  • 00:13:26.455 --> 00:13:29.625
  • Well, bless your heart.
  • 00:13:29.625 --> 00:13:32.595
  • I think that's called avoidance, 'cause we live in a world where
  • 00:13:32.595 --> 00:13:36.699
  • There's a conflict.
  • 00:13:36.699 --> 00:13:38.434
  • You're not too sophisticated.
  • 00:13:38.434 --> 00:13:40.202
  • You may imagine yourself too sophisticated to believe in the
  • 00:13:40.202 --> 00:13:42.504
  • Devil, but he believes in you.
  • 00:13:42.504 --> 00:13:45.274
  • You may imagine you have a systematic theology that doesn't
  • 00:13:45.274 --> 00:13:47.576
  • Make room for demonic activity influencing your life, but the
  • 00:13:47.576 --> 00:13:50.646
  • Demons have a different theology.
  • 00:13:50.646 --> 00:13:54.416
  • So, it would be in our best interest to live with this
  • 00:13:54.416 --> 00:13:57.887
  • Spiritual awareness.
  • 00:13:57.887 --> 00:13:59.255
  • And i'm all for conversations around gifts and spiritual
  • 00:13:59.255 --> 00:14:02.191
  • Gifts and anointings.
  • 00:14:02.191 --> 00:14:03.559
  • I believe in those things.
  • 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:04.894
  • We talk about them with some frequency.
  • 00:14:04.894 --> 00:14:06.562
  • But the point of the gifts is to enable us to finish the race.
  • 00:14:06.562 --> 00:14:10.966
  • We need the help in order to finish well.
  • 00:14:10.966 --> 00:14:16.005
  • So, what i'm gonna ask you to do with me is allow the spirit of
  • 00:14:16.005 --> 00:14:19.375
  • God to help us craft, help us to begin to develop a bit of a new
  • 00:14:19.375 --> 00:14:22.144
  • Imagination of faith and faithfulness.
  • 00:14:22.144 --> 00:14:25.314
  • Not to, in any way, diminish the beginning imagination of that,
  • 00:14:25.314 --> 00:14:28.851
  • The significance of that, the value of that.
  • 00:14:28.851 --> 00:14:32.354
  • But to deliver us from a tepid, lukewarm, passive faith, because
  • 00:14:32.354 --> 00:14:38.394
  • I don't believe that's adequate for the opportunities that are
  • 00:14:38.394 --> 00:14:40.896
  • Before us in this generation.
  • 00:14:40.896 --> 00:14:43.065
  • We're gonna need a courageous faith, the faith expressed in
  • 00:14:43.065 --> 00:14:45.534
  • Our homes, a faith expressed through our family systems, a
  • 00:14:45.534 --> 00:14:49.538
  • Faith that changes the course of communities, and schools,
  • 00:14:49.538 --> 00:14:54.109
  • And universities.
  • 00:14:54.109 --> 00:14:56.245
  • We've seen that as a part of our national history.
  • 00:14:56.245 --> 00:14:58.380
  • We're celebrating 250 years as a nation this year.
  • 00:14:58.380 --> 00:15:01.116
  • We've never been an--a uniquely christian nation, but because we
  • 00:15:01.116 --> 00:15:05.487
  • Have been a nation that was founded upon christian
  • 00:15:05.487 --> 00:15:07.690
  • Principles, there's been--it's been--there's been a diversity
  • 00:15:07.690 --> 00:15:10.259
  • Of opinion, a diversity of religions and faith, but the
  • 00:15:10.259 --> 00:15:13.595
  • Values that have shaped our educational system and our
  • 00:15:13.595 --> 00:15:16.198
  • Legal system and the ways we've done business for decades and
  • 00:15:16.198 --> 00:15:20.035
  • Decades and decades were derived from a
  • 00:15:20.035 --> 00:15:21.971
  • Judeo-christian worldview.
  • 00:15:21.971 --> 00:15:24.907
  • But that's been under assault for quite a season, and we've
  • 00:15:24.907 --> 00:15:28.310
  • Seen the diminishment of that.
  • 00:15:28.310 --> 00:15:29.812
  • So, we've got to recalibrate, and to do that--
  • 00:15:29.812 --> 00:15:31.880
  • In the previous session, we looked at the apostle paul,
  • 00:15:31.880 --> 00:15:34.183
  • Just a little narrow window.
  • 00:15:34.183 --> 00:15:35.517
  • It really, all of this came out of
  • 00:15:35.517 --> 00:15:37.453
  • The readings we had this week.
  • 00:15:37.453 --> 00:15:38.787
  • We're finishing up the book of acts and i was reading through
  • 00:15:38.787 --> 00:15:41.223
  • That, and i'd already prepared something, or at least outlined
  • 00:15:41.223 --> 00:15:44.360
  • Something for the weekend that i was pretty content with.
  • 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:47.429
  • And i'm doing the bible reading and i got really discontent.
  • 00:15:47.429 --> 00:15:50.966
  • You know, when the lord reads your outline and he doesn't like
  • 00:15:50.966 --> 00:15:52.568
  • It, that's a little embarrassing.
  • 00:15:52.568 --> 00:15:55.838
  • So i retooled the whole thing.
  • 00:15:55.838 --> 00:15:58.007
  • We looked at the apostle paul in a previous session.
  • 00:15:58.007 --> 00:16:00.175
  • In this one, i wanna look at jesus's life with you
  • 00:16:00.175 --> 00:16:03.312
  • Because it's not what i would expected.
  • 00:16:03.312 --> 00:16:06.015
  • The son of god becoming incarnate, getting an earth
  • 00:16:06.015 --> 00:16:09.184
  • Suit, walking amongst us, doing miracles,
  • 00:16:09.184 --> 00:16:11.920
  • Showing us the kingdom of god.
  • 00:16:11.920 --> 00:16:13.255
  • My imagination, if i didn't have any backstory, i'd think, wow,
  • 00:16:13.255 --> 00:16:17.426
  • Fun stuff.
  • 00:16:17.426 --> 00:16:18.761
  • I went in on that.
  • 00:16:18.761 --> 00:16:20.896
  • But if we look at it with just kind of an honest evaluation,
  • 00:16:20.896 --> 00:16:23.565
  • It's a really remarkable journey.
  • 00:16:23.565 --> 00:16:25.934
  • And that's what i want to take a couple of
  • 00:16:25.934 --> 00:16:27.269
  • Minutes and do with you.
  • 00:16:27.269 --> 00:16:28.604
  • I've got a couple left.
  • 00:16:28.604 --> 00:16:30.272
  • In luke chapter 2, in verse 33, we're introduced to the infant
  • 00:16:30.272 --> 00:16:34.109
  • Jesus, mary and joseph were taking him to the temple.
  • 00:16:34.109 --> 00:16:37.646
  • And there's a man there that's been waiting for a messiah, and
  • 00:16:37.646 --> 00:16:40.883
  • By revelation, there's no other way to explain it.
  • 00:16:40.883 --> 00:16:42.951
  • He understands that this infant that mary and joseph have, this
  • 00:16:42.951 --> 00:16:45.888
  • Very young couple, has a very special role.
  • 00:16:45.888 --> 00:16:49.191
  • That's where--it's luke 2:33: "the child's father and mother
  • 00:16:49.191 --> 00:16:51.693
  • Marveled at what was said about him.
  • 00:16:51.693 --> 00:16:53.996
  • And simeon blessed them and said to mary, his mother: the child
  • 00:16:53.996 --> 00:16:57.032
  • Is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in israel,
  • 00:16:57.032 --> 00:17:02.004
  • And to be a sign that will be spoken again, so that the
  • 00:17:02.004 --> 00:17:04.640
  • Thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
  • 00:17:04.640 --> 00:17:07.076
  • And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
  • 00:17:07.076 --> 00:17:10.212
  • We did a baby dedication here just a few days ago.
  • 00:17:10.212 --> 00:17:13.882
  • Many of you saw that, dozens and dozens of babies.
  • 00:17:13.882 --> 00:17:15.918
  • We do it a lot.
  • 00:17:15.918 --> 00:17:17.586
  • Well, this is kind of the precursor to that.
  • 00:17:17.586 --> 00:17:19.688
  • They're taking the child to the temple for circumcision to
  • 00:17:19.688 --> 00:17:23.092
  • Present him to the lord, and a stranger walks up and says,
  • 00:17:23.092 --> 00:17:26.795
  • "this child is destined to change the course of
  • 00:17:26.795 --> 00:17:31.200
  • This nation.
  • 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:33.202
  • This child has a destiny."
  • 00:17:33.202 --> 00:17:35.037
  • It's a prophetic acknowledgment, a prophetic utterance, but it's
  • 00:17:35.037 --> 00:17:39.108
  • A revelation that god gave to simeon.
  • 00:17:39.108 --> 00:17:43.345
  • You know, what you believe about the bible, what you're looking
  • 00:17:43.345 --> 00:17:45.714
  • For, this man spent his life looking for the messiah.
  • 00:17:45.714 --> 00:17:49.151
  • God had revealed to him that he would see him.
  • 00:17:49.151 --> 00:17:52.254
  • What you're looking for matters.
  • 00:17:52.254 --> 00:17:53.589
  • Somebody sent me a video clip from john rich.
  • 00:17:53.589 --> 00:17:55.190
  • Do you know john rich?
  • 00:17:55.190 --> 00:17:56.925
  • Not gonna admit that in church, are you?
  • 00:17:56.925 --> 00:17:58.260
  • It's okay. i know john, good guy.
  • 00:17:58.260 --> 00:18:01.330
  • Has a very courageous faith.
  • 00:18:01.330 --> 00:18:02.664
  • He's a dangerous christian. he tells the truth to people.
  • 00:18:02.664 --> 00:18:06.235
  • Isn't that good?
  • 00:18:06.235 --> 00:18:09.671
  • Somebody sent me a video of john and he was talking about
  • 00:18:09.671 --> 00:18:11.874
  • Eschatology, what you believe about the end of the age.
  • 00:18:11.874 --> 00:18:15.077
  • And i can't say that i make a habit of, like, asking country
  • 00:18:15.077 --> 00:18:19.381
  • Music singers to interpret scripture for me, but he did
  • 00:18:19.381 --> 00:18:22.851
  • Such a good job, i took notes.
  • 00:18:22.851 --> 00:18:25.654
  • He said he was concerned that what you believe about
  • 00:18:25.654 --> 00:18:28.991
  • The--how the world's gonna wrap up.
  • 00:18:28.991 --> 00:18:30.325
  • He said, "what you believe about the rapture and when it's gonna
  • 00:18:30.325 --> 00:18:32.194
  • Happen can significantly affect what you're looking for."
  • 00:18:32.194 --> 00:18:36.031
  • He said, "if you believe you're going to get raptured out of
  • 00:18:36.031 --> 00:18:37.900
  • Here with no trouble, you won't be prepared for any deception
  • 00:18:37.900 --> 00:18:43.405
  • Or you won't be prepared to overcome."
  • 00:18:43.405 --> 00:18:46.542
  • Now, i didn't come today to have an argument about the--please,
  • 00:18:46.542 --> 00:18:48.810
  • So please don't come after service and ask me whether i
  • 00:18:48.810 --> 00:18:50.646
  • Believe in pre, post, or mid.
  • 00:18:50.646 --> 00:18:53.549
  • And if you don't know what that means, it's okay.
  • 00:18:53.549 --> 00:19:00.022
  • For the record, i want out of here on the first load up.
  • 00:19:00.022 --> 00:19:03.926
  • Okay?
  • 00:19:03.926 --> 00:19:05.260
  • On the other hand, i wanna be prepared to run all the way
  • 00:19:05.260 --> 00:19:07.496
  • Through the tape, and i want you to be as well.
  • 00:19:07.496 --> 00:19:14.903
  • So, i think we have to be prepared.
  • 00:19:14.903 --> 00:19:16.505
  • Simeon happened to be looking for the messiah in a place where
  • 00:19:16.505 --> 00:19:19.508
  • Many children were being presented, and there was dozens
  • 00:19:19.508 --> 00:19:21.777
  • And dozens of families and lots of activity.
  • 00:19:21.777 --> 00:19:24.346
  • Simeon had the discernment, the recognition to see what god was
  • 00:19:24.346 --> 00:19:27.482
  • Doing in a very unique way and to provide a message that gave
  • 00:19:27.482 --> 00:19:30.852
  • Strength to mary and joseph, which they were going to very
  • 00:19:30.852 --> 00:19:33.155
  • Much need in the months and the years ahead.
  • 00:19:33.155 --> 00:19:36.091
  • You and i wanna be those kind of people connected to the lord.
  • 00:19:36.091 --> 00:19:39.494
  • So, what you're looking for matters.
  • 00:19:39.494 --> 00:19:41.430
  • Don't simply take the easy way.
  • 00:19:41.430 --> 00:19:44.600
  • Don't be so confident in your theological construct and your
  • 00:19:44.600 --> 00:19:47.736
  • Systematics that you don't make room to be an overcomer,
  • 00:19:47.736 --> 00:19:51.840
  • To cultivate discernment.
  • 00:19:51.840 --> 00:19:53.842
  • We're all learning and we're all growing.
  • 00:19:53.842 --> 00:19:56.745
  • Fair enough?
  • 00:19:56.745 --> 00:19:58.080
  • But i wanna--i think it's a very
  • 00:19:58.080 --> 00:20:00.382
  • Important point for us to establish that jesus had a
  • 00:20:00.382 --> 00:20:03.018
  • God-designed destiny from birth, actually from the foundation of
  • 00:20:03.018 --> 00:20:06.355
  • The world, but when he got an earth suit, it began to
  • 00:20:06.355 --> 00:20:08.857
  • Be proclaimed in time
  • 00:20:08.857 --> 00:20:11.393
  • That god had a destiny for jesus, do you believe that?
  • 00:20:11.393 --> 00:20:14.329
  • That he wasn't random, accidental, he wasn't just like
  • 00:20:14.329 --> 00:20:16.898
  • A protoplasmic blob that escaped?
  • 00:20:16.898 --> 00:20:20.369
  • The almighty god, the creator of heaven and
  • 00:20:20.369 --> 00:20:22.337
  • Earth, had a plan for jesus.
  • 00:20:22.337 --> 00:20:23.672
  • Now, if you'll believe that, i wanna ask you to believe one
  • 00:20:23.672 --> 00:20:25.874
  • More thing with me, that that same god has a plan for you.
  • 00:20:25.874 --> 00:20:31.913
  • No less specific, no less intentional, no less miraculous,
  • 00:20:31.913 --> 00:20:37.152
  • No less inspired, god has a plan for you.
  • 00:20:37.152 --> 00:20:41.623
  • Say, "i don't know about that now pastor.
  • 00:20:41.623 --> 00:20:44.326
  • That jesus thing, i was with you, but then you turned it
  • 00:20:44.326 --> 00:20:46.395
  • Around on me and i don't know, you know, i just wanna go
  • 00:20:46.395 --> 00:20:48.330
  • To heaven."
  • 00:20:48.330 --> 00:20:49.898
  • I brought you a couple of passages, maybe it will help.
  • 00:20:49.898 --> 00:20:53.201
  • Psalm 139 says: "you created my inmost being; you knit me
  • 00:20:53.201 --> 00:20:56.438
  • Together in my mother's womb."
  • 00:20:56.438 --> 00:20:59.074
  • Your birth was not just the result of human decisions, god
  • 00:20:59.074 --> 00:21:04.112
  • Was involved.
  • 00:21:04.112 --> 00:21:05.714
  • Because you're created in god's image, the spirit within you.
  • 00:21:05.714 --> 00:21:09.518
  • We are the image bearers of almighty god, it's a fundamental
  • 00:21:09.518 --> 00:21:12.054
  • Principle of our faith.
  • 00:21:12.054 --> 00:21:13.822
  • And then in jeremiah 1:6, god says to jeremiah,
  • 00:21:13.822 --> 00:21:16.892
  • Jeremiah's complaining.
  • 00:21:16.892 --> 00:21:18.260
  • God's inviting him to his assignment, and jeremiah is
  • 00:21:18.260 --> 00:21:20.429
  • Trying to take a pass.
  • 00:21:20.429 --> 00:21:21.763
  • I've done that. have you?
  • 00:21:21.763 --> 00:21:24.466
  • You know, the real truth of this, and i changed my--the
  • 00:21:24.466 --> 00:21:27.035
  • Titles are the hardest part of messages for me.
  • 00:21:27.035 --> 00:21:30.605
  • I really put finish the races 'cause i understand my life to
  • 00:21:30.605 --> 00:21:33.375
  • Be a series of races, not just one.
  • 00:21:33.375 --> 00:21:35.077
  • I mean, i understand it's one race with a beginning and an
  • 00:21:35.077 --> 00:21:37.145
  • End, but there's seasons where i have to say yes to the lord.
  • 00:21:37.145 --> 00:21:40.916
  • And i keep coming to new seasons where i have to say yes to the
  • 00:21:40.916 --> 00:21:43.352
  • Lord again.
  • 00:21:43.352 --> 00:21:45.620
  • Does that make sense to you?
  • 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:47.222
  • I remember as a young man when i felt god inviting me to serve
  • 00:21:47.222 --> 00:21:49.524
  • Him, and i didn't wanna do that.
  • 00:21:49.524 --> 00:21:51.059
  • I didn't like church and christians.
  • 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:53.562
  • And i certainly didn't like preachers.
  • 00:21:53.562 --> 00:21:55.197
  • I'd never seen one smile, let alone laugh.
  • 00:21:55.197 --> 00:21:59.167
  • And i thought that's a sure way for career failure.
  • 00:21:59.167 --> 00:22:02.804
  • I didn't wanna do that, and i worked through that and i said
  • 00:22:02.804 --> 00:22:05.440
  • Okay, lord, but all along the way, i didn't wanna do a
  • 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:07.209
  • New building.
  • 00:22:07.209 --> 00:22:09.244
  • What a hassle.
  • 00:22:09.244 --> 00:22:14.049
  • But i--the lord kinda kept--and i said, "yo, i'm in.
  • 00:22:14.049 --> 00:22:16.651
  • Let's go, come on."
  • 00:22:16.651 --> 00:22:18.286
  • Your life is a series of races.
  • 00:22:18.286 --> 00:22:19.821
  • Are you willing to say yes to the lord?
  • 00:22:19.821 --> 00:22:21.690
  • Are you telling that when you said yes to the lord back in
  • 00:22:21.690 --> 00:22:24.426
  • The day?
  • 00:22:24.426 --> 00:22:26.194
  • So, jeremiah is at that--he's up against that same wall and he's
  • 00:22:26.194 --> 00:22:29.231
  • Saying, "well, i don't wanna do this."
  • 00:22:29.231 --> 00:22:31.666
  • "sovereign lord, he said, 'i don't know how to speak; i'm
  • 00:22:31.666 --> 00:22:33.869
  • Only a child.'"
  • 00:22:33.869 --> 00:22:37.472
  • Moses tried that gambit.
  • 00:22:37.472 --> 00:22:40.208
  • "and the lord said to me, 'don't say i'm only a child.'
  • 00:22:40.208 --> 00:22:43.945
  • You must go to everyone i send you to
  • 00:22:43.945 --> 00:22:45.514
  • And say whatever i command you.
  • 00:22:45.514 --> 00:22:46.848
  • 'don't be afraid of them, for i'm with you and you'll
  • 00:22:46.848 --> 00:22:49.117
  • Rescue you.'"
  • 00:22:49.117 --> 00:22:50.585
  • Wait a minute, i don't want a commissioning that says, "don't
  • 00:22:50.585 --> 00:22:53.488
  • Be afraid, i'll rescue you."
  • 00:22:53.488 --> 00:22:56.825
  • I would rather have a commissioning that said, "don't
  • 00:22:56.825 --> 00:22:58.460
  • Be afraid, there won't be any problems."
  • 00:22:58.460 --> 00:23:01.596
  • I mean, they're gonna try to kill jeremiah.
  • 00:23:01.596 --> 00:23:04.499
  • And he was smart.
  • 00:23:04.499 --> 00:23:05.834
  • He was aware, self-aware, culturally aware enough to go,
  • 00:23:05.834 --> 00:23:08.703
  • "lord, if i go represent you in the way i understand to be
  • 00:23:08.703 --> 00:23:11.907
  • Right, there's gonna be significant pushback."
  • 00:23:11.907 --> 00:23:14.209
  • So he says, "you know, like, i'm kind of childish, choose
  • 00:23:14.209 --> 00:23:18.447
  • Somebody better prepared."
  • 00:23:18.447 --> 00:23:20.549
  • And god said, "don't say that."
  • 00:23:20.549 --> 00:23:23.251
  • Some of you are saying that to the lord, "i don't feel adequate
  • 00:23:23.251 --> 00:23:25.487
  • For this.
  • 00:23:25.487 --> 00:23:27.556
  • I don't feel adequate for this.
  • 00:23:27.556 --> 00:23:28.990
  • It's too much for me.
  • 00:23:28.990 --> 00:23:30.659
  • The challenges are too much for me, the demands are too much for
  • 00:23:30.659 --> 00:23:33.094
  • Me, the problems are too much for me.
  • 00:23:33.094 --> 00:23:35.764
  • I don't know what to do."
  • 00:23:35.764 --> 00:23:38.033
  • And i believe what god said to jeremiah is relevant for
  • 00:23:38.033 --> 00:23:41.102
  • Every one of us.
  • 00:23:41.102 --> 00:23:42.871
  • When he said, "i'm with you.
  • 00:23:42.871 --> 00:23:45.173
  • You don't have to be afraid.
  • 00:23:45.173 --> 00:23:47.709
  • I'm a god who rescues and redeems and restores and
  • 00:23:47.709 --> 00:23:50.278
  • Renews and refreshes."
  • 00:23:50.278 --> 00:23:53.181
  • Some of you prefer new testament, so i brought a verse.
  • 00:23:53.181 --> 00:23:56.751
  • Ephesians 2 in verse 10: "we're god's workmanship."
  • 00:23:56.751 --> 00:24:00.055
  • You're god's workmanship.
  • 00:24:00.055 --> 00:24:02.491
  • Why don't you look at the person on your right and say only god
  • 00:24:02.491 --> 00:24:04.359
  • Can make something like you.
  • 00:24:04.359 --> 00:24:09.164
  • You thought i was kidding.
  • 00:24:09.164 --> 00:24:10.532
  • No, i meant that, like, look at the person on your right.
  • 00:24:10.532 --> 00:24:13.468
  • "we're god's workmanship, created in christ jesus to do
  • 00:24:13.468 --> 00:24:16.805
  • Good works, which god has prepared in advance for us
  • 00:24:16.805 --> 00:24:19.708
  • To do."
  • 00:24:19.708 --> 00:24:21.142
  • Did you know god just didn't know you when you were being
  • 00:24:21.142 --> 00:24:23.712
  • Knit together in your mother's womb?
  • 00:24:23.712 --> 00:24:25.680
  • He had a plan for your life and a purpose for your life.
  • 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:30.151
  • And it's not all about pulpits and sermons and things that you
  • 00:24:30.151 --> 00:24:32.888
  • Deem ministry or i deem ministry,
  • 00:24:32.888 --> 00:24:34.723
  • We're to be salt and light.
  • 00:24:34.723 --> 00:24:36.057
  • If you're a teacher, you're to be a teacher in the name of
  • 00:24:36.057 --> 00:24:38.226
  • Jesus or a doctor in the name of jesus or an accountant in
  • 00:24:38.226 --> 00:24:41.296
  • The name of jesus or if you pour concrete, you do it in the
  • 00:24:41.296 --> 00:24:43.565
  • Name of jesus.
  • 00:24:43.565 --> 00:24:46.234
  • We'd go out into the world with a god assignment.
  • 00:24:46.234 --> 00:24:50.038
  • The defining characteristic of our life should be how we've
  • 00:24:50.038 --> 00:24:53.041
  • Done with that god assignment.
  • 00:24:53.041 --> 00:24:57.112
  • The priorities in our lives and in our culture are really messed
  • 00:24:57.112 --> 00:24:59.614
  • Up and they're almost as messed up within the
  • 00:24:59.614 --> 00:25:01.149
  • Christian community.
  • 00:25:01.149 --> 00:25:04.052
  • We have created a hierarchy of needs that's as messed up as
  • 00:25:04.052 --> 00:25:07.155
  • Our food pyramid used to be.
  • 00:25:07.155 --> 00:25:11.026
  • But i wanna ask you a question.
  • 00:25:11.026 --> 00:25:12.360
  • In fact, i wanna give you an invitation.
  • 00:25:12.360 --> 00:25:13.695
  • I know it's not the invitation time of the sermon.
  • 00:25:13.695 --> 00:25:15.163
  • I'm not done yet. don't get excited.
  • 00:25:15.163 --> 00:25:17.899
  • But i want to give you an invitation at this point.
  • 00:25:17.899 --> 00:25:19.601
  • Would you be willing to say to the lord, "i'll accept your
  • 00:25:19.601 --> 00:25:21.536
  • Assignment for me?"
  • 00:25:21.536 --> 00:25:24.272
  • Here's what--'cause i talked to families and i listen to stories
  • 00:25:24.272 --> 00:25:28.076
  • On a regular basis before service and after service, and
  • 00:25:28.076 --> 00:25:31.646
  • Our lives are not easy.
  • 00:25:31.646 --> 00:25:33.982
  • We live in a fallen world and evil touches all of our lives
  • 00:25:33.982 --> 00:25:37.452
  • And circumstances emerge that we didn't imagine, and diagnosis
  • 00:25:37.452 --> 00:25:40.355
  • And heartache and heartbreak, and we have to decide if we're
  • 00:25:40.355 --> 00:25:44.326
  • Gonna overcome those things or be overcome by them.
  • 00:25:44.326 --> 00:25:48.530
  • You see, when difficulties come, we have to decide whether those
  • 00:25:48.530 --> 00:25:51.132
  • Are gonna become the defining moments of our lives, or they'll
  • 00:25:51.132 --> 00:25:54.369
  • Become a part of the god story of our life.
  • 00:25:54.369 --> 00:25:57.906
  • And to do that means we have to take every thought captive.
  • 00:25:57.906 --> 00:26:01.876
  • We have to follow the holy spirit's leading and repent when
  • 00:26:01.876 --> 00:26:04.312
  • It's appropriate, have courage to persevere when
  • 00:26:04.312 --> 00:26:07.148
  • It's appropriate,
  • 00:26:07.148 --> 00:26:08.917
  • To learn new things about god and our--from our bibles.
  • 00:26:08.917 --> 00:26:13.154
  • It's a--it's an--it's a growing experience.
  • 00:26:13.154 --> 00:26:15.056
  • We're running a race.
  • 00:26:15.056 --> 00:26:17.325
  • Allen: i have a question.
  • 00:26:17.325 --> 00:26:18.660
  • Have you ever said, "i wish my pastor would lead with more
  • 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:21.563
  • Courage," or "i wish my pastor would address what's happening
  • 00:26:21.563 --> 00:26:24.499
  • In the world with greater boldness?"
  • 00:26:24.499 --> 00:26:26.968
  • Folks, we can't change other people.
  • 00:26:26.968 --> 00:26:28.436
  • The only person we can ultimately change is ourselves.
  • 00:26:28.436 --> 00:26:30.872
  • I have a suggestion.
  • 00:26:30.872 --> 00:26:32.273
  • What if you and i begin to lead with faith in our own arenas
  • 00:26:32.273 --> 00:26:35.710
  • Of influence?
  • 00:26:35.710 --> 00:26:37.045
  • Well, i've written a book to help with that.
  • 00:26:37.045 --> 00:26:38.413
  • If that seems beyond you or intimidating to you, i believe
  • 00:26:38.413 --> 00:26:41.416
  • This book will help.
  • 00:26:41.416 --> 00:26:42.784
  • It'll give you some practical ways that you and i can begin to
  • 00:26:42.784 --> 00:26:45.420
  • Lead with faith in the marketplace, in our homes, with
  • 00:26:45.420 --> 00:26:48.390
  • Our friends, wherever that may be.
  • 00:26:48.390 --> 00:26:50.825
  • We have help in this.
  • 00:26:50.825 --> 00:26:52.260
  • The spirit of god will help us if we have
  • 00:26:52.260 --> 00:26:54.496
  • The willingness to use our influence for the kingdom
  • 00:26:54.496 --> 00:26:56.798
  • Of god.
  • 00:26:56.798 --> 00:26:58.133
  • You can get a copy of the book at allenjackson.com.
  • 00:26:58.133 --> 00:27:00.168
  • You go get your own today.
  • 00:27:00.168 --> 00:27:01.536
  • But i wanna pray.
  • 00:27:01.536 --> 00:27:02.904
  • I wanna ask the spirit of god to help you and me lead with faith
  • 00:27:02.904 --> 00:27:06.274
  • This year as never before.
  • 00:27:06.274 --> 00:27:08.209
  • Let's pray.
  • 00:27:08.209 --> 00:27:09.577
  • Heavenly father, we ask for your help.
  • 00:27:09.577 --> 00:27:11.613
  • You have given us strengths and abilities and influence, may we
  • 00:27:11.613 --> 00:27:14.282
  • Use it for the glory of your kingdom.
  • 00:27:14.282 --> 00:27:16.451
  • In jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:27:16.451 --> 00:27:18.386
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:18.386 --> 00:27:18.386