1. TBN
  2. Programs
  3. Allen Jackson Ministries
  4. Episodes
  5. Allen Jackson - Learning From The Apostle Paul (Part 2)
Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Learning From The Apostle Paul (Part 2)

January 27, 2026 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Learning From The Apostle Paul (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#WordofGod #Encouragement #Worship #Authority #Apostles #Faithfulness #Blessing #AllenJackson

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Learning From The Apostle Paul (Part 2) | January 27, 2026
  • ...
  • 00:00:00.633 --> 00:00:01.317
  • Allen jackson: you know, around the world,
  • 00:00:01.751 --> 00:00:02.986
  • People are searching for truth, and together we're doing our
  • 00:00:03.086 --> 00:00:05.522
  • Very best to help them find it.
  • 00:00:05.622 --> 00:00:07.590
  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
  • 00:00:07.724 --> 00:00:09.859
  • Ministries, you're joining a growing community of believers
  • 00:00:09.993 --> 00:00:11.027
  • Who are committed to strengthening the church and
  • 00:00:13.196 --> 00:00:15.999
  • Sharing god's word through every available channel--
  • 00:00:15.999 --> 00:00:19.269
  • Television, radio, podcast, books, bible studies,
  • 00:00:19.269 --> 00:00:22.672
  • Digital resources, conferences.
  • 00:00:22.672 --> 00:00:25.542
  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers to reach new
  • 00:00:25.542 --> 00:00:28.711
  • Audiences, to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
  • 00:00:28.711 --> 00:00:32.615
  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
  • 00:00:32.615 --> 00:00:34.717
  • Together, we can stand firm in our faith and make god's truth
  • 00:00:34.717 --> 00:00:38.655
  • Known right here at home and around the earth, wherever
  • 00:00:38.655 --> 00:00:41.791
  • God opens a door.
  • 00:00:41.791 --> 00:00:43.193
  • Let's keep gathering his people and building his church until
  • 00:00:43.193 --> 00:00:46.496
  • The day our king returns.
  • 00:00:46.496 --> 00:00:48.731
  • You can find more about becoming a ministry partner
  • 00:00:48.731 --> 00:00:51.634
  • At allenjackson.com/partner.
  • 00:00:51.634 --> 00:01:04.080
  • Allen: you know, the story of the apostle paul is a
  • 00:01:08.184 --> 00:01:13.623
  • Crushing story.
  • 00:01:13.623 --> 00:01:15.892
  • When we meet saul of tarsus, he's the enforcer for the
  • 00:01:15.892 --> 00:01:19.429
  • Religious establishment in jerusalem, the power brokers.
  • 00:01:19.429 --> 00:01:23.399
  • Short of rome, the religious establishment in jerusalem has
  • 00:01:23.399 --> 00:01:26.336
  • As much power as anybody there.
  • 00:01:26.336 --> 00:01:29.005
  • And from that, over all the jewish world.
  • 00:01:29.005 --> 00:01:32.609
  • I mean, the romans have a secular authority, but it's
  • 00:01:32.609 --> 00:01:35.879
  • Paralleled in a very remarkable way by the scribes and the
  • 00:01:35.879 --> 00:01:38.781
  • Pharisees, the temple authority, and paul is their enforcer.
  • 00:01:38.781 --> 00:01:42.085
  • Saul of tarsus is the enforcer.
  • 00:01:42.085 --> 00:01:44.454
  • He's standing there organizing the group that stoned stephen in
  • 00:01:44.454 --> 00:01:47.924
  • The streets of jerusalem.
  • 00:01:47.924 --> 00:01:50.793
  • And he's so encouraged by the outcome of that, their poll
  • 00:01:50.793 --> 00:01:54.030
  • Numbers all went up, they doubled down on it, he began to
  • 00:01:54.030 --> 00:01:56.466
  • Go into the houses of the believers in jerusalem, the
  • 00:01:56.466 --> 00:01:58.801
  • People who believe jesus of nazareth was the messiah, and
  • 00:01:58.801 --> 00:02:01.538
  • Drag men and women from their homes to be imprisoned.
  • 00:02:01.538 --> 00:02:06.976
  • And the numbers kept going up.
  • 00:02:06.976 --> 00:02:09.179
  • So he got letters from the authorities in jerusalem to go
  • 00:02:09.179 --> 00:02:11.281
  • To damascus.
  • 00:02:11.281 --> 00:02:13.349
  • And he's gonna bring people back from damascus bound in chains.
  • 00:02:13.349 --> 00:02:18.354
  • They're riding the wave.
  • 00:02:18.354 --> 00:02:21.224
  • And on the way to damascus, jesus steps back into time.
  • 00:02:21.224 --> 00:02:27.964
  • "what are you doing?"
  • 00:02:27.964 --> 00:02:29.332
  • We looked at that last week in some detail.
  • 00:02:29.332 --> 00:02:32.168
  • And saul of tarsus begins a transformation to the
  • 00:02:32.168 --> 00:02:34.737
  • Apostle paul.
  • 00:02:34.737 --> 00:02:37.140
  • And his life dramatically changes.
  • 00:02:37.140 --> 00:02:40.376
  • His mission dramatically changes.
  • 00:02:40.376 --> 00:02:41.878
  • He come--he changes from being the enforcer, the one at the
  • 00:02:41.878 --> 00:02:44.881
  • Point of the spear, to being the one who suffers at the hands of
  • 00:02:44.881 --> 00:02:49.619
  • The enforcers.
  • 00:02:49.619 --> 00:02:52.255
  • And the balance of his life reflects that transformation.
  • 00:02:52.255 --> 00:02:57.227
  • And yet it's the most rewarding part of his life.
  • 00:02:57.227 --> 00:03:01.664
  • Unchanged, if he hadn't been interrupted by jesus on the road
  • 00:03:01.664 --> 00:03:05.535
  • To damascus, everything he'd given himself to would have
  • 00:03:05.535 --> 00:03:07.971
  • Evaporated when his heart quit beating.
  • 00:03:07.971 --> 00:03:12.675
  • I believe the apostle paul today is still--has an expanding
  • 00:03:12.675 --> 00:03:16.946
  • Reward because of his faithfulness in the kingdom
  • 00:03:16.946 --> 00:03:19.382
  • Of god.
  • 00:03:19.382 --> 00:03:20.950
  • My life and your life are impacted today by
  • 00:03:20.950 --> 00:03:24.187
  • His faithfulness.
  • 00:03:24.187 --> 00:03:26.956
  • Live your life in such a way that the generations who follow
  • 00:03:26.956 --> 00:03:29.726
  • You are impacted by your faithfulness to god.
  • 00:03:29.726 --> 00:03:34.130
  • Several hundred years after king david was dead, there was
  • 00:03:34.130 --> 00:03:36.666
  • An enemy surrounding the city of jerusalem, and god said to a
  • 00:03:36.666 --> 00:03:40.503
  • Godless king, "i will defend this city because of the
  • 00:03:40.503 --> 00:03:43.773
  • Faithfulness of my servant david."
  • 00:03:43.773 --> 00:03:46.976
  • Live in such a way that a few hundred years after you're
  • 00:03:46.976 --> 00:03:49.112
  • Gone, your great-great-great-whatever are
  • 00:03:49.112 --> 00:03:54.817
  • Enjoying the blessings of god because of your choices.
  • 00:03:54.817 --> 00:04:00.623
  • We've had a very short-sighted imagination of our faith because
  • 00:04:00.623 --> 00:04:03.826
  • We've had such a small imagination of spiritual values
  • 00:04:03.826 --> 00:04:07.096
  • And forces.
  • 00:04:07.096 --> 00:04:08.464
  • I assure you that your spiritual legacy will exceed whatever
  • 00:04:08.464 --> 00:04:13.069
  • Legacy you leave in assets.
  • 00:04:13.069 --> 00:04:16.806
  • No matter how accomplished, you may have generational wealth,
  • 00:04:16.806 --> 00:04:19.609
  • That's a wonderful thing.
  • 00:04:19.609 --> 00:04:20.977
  • I'm not condemning it, but i'm asking you to imagine that you
  • 00:04:20.977 --> 00:04:23.746
  • Have a generational spiritual impact with your life.
  • 00:04:23.746 --> 00:04:32.255
  • The apostle paul did that.
  • 00:04:32.255 --> 00:04:34.524
  • But i'm not telling you it was easy.
  • 00:04:34.524 --> 00:04:37.093
  • There are some components.
  • 00:04:37.093 --> 00:04:38.428
  • One, it involves a continued pursuit of god.
  • 00:04:38.428 --> 00:04:41.931
  • We just read a passage in zephaniah a few weeks ago as we
  • 00:04:41.931 --> 00:04:45.034
  • Were finishing the end of the year, and through the prophet,
  • 00:04:45.034 --> 00:04:48.371
  • God chastised his covenant people.
  • 00:04:48.371 --> 00:04:51.407
  • He said, "i'm gonna stretch out my hand against judah."
  • 00:04:51.407 --> 00:04:53.876
  • Judah is the southern region of the larger nation of israel, the
  • 00:04:53.876 --> 00:04:58.748
  • Region that surrounds jerusalem.
  • 00:04:58.748 --> 00:05:02.385
  • God said, "i'm gonna discipline my covenant people," and he
  • 00:05:02.385 --> 00:05:05.922
  • Tells them why, because they "neither seek the lord nor
  • 00:05:05.922 --> 00:05:08.224
  • Inquire of him."
  • 00:05:08.224 --> 00:05:10.193
  • Well, wait a minute.
  • 00:05:10.193 --> 00:05:11.527
  • They keep kosher.
  • 00:05:11.527 --> 00:05:12.895
  • They eat the right food.
  • 00:05:12.895 --> 00:05:14.230
  • They offer sacrifices in the temple.
  • 00:05:14.230 --> 00:05:15.765
  • They keep the right holidays, passover and sukkot.
  • 00:05:15.765 --> 00:05:19.869
  • They're doing so many of the right things, but they have no
  • 00:05:19.869 --> 00:05:22.605
  • Interest in seeking the lord.
  • 00:05:22.605 --> 00:05:25.775
  • So they're seeking other things to secure their futures, for
  • 00:05:25.775 --> 00:05:28.678
  • Their provision, for their well-being.
  • 00:05:28.678 --> 00:05:31.714
  • They have an expression of religious compliance, but no
  • 00:05:31.714 --> 00:05:35.718
  • Intent that god is actually the one to secure their futures.
  • 00:05:35.718 --> 00:05:40.089
  • And god said, "because of that attitude, you're leaving here."
  • 00:05:40.089 --> 00:05:45.595
  • I want to invite you to this imagination.
  • 00:05:45.595 --> 00:05:47.130
  • It's not new.
  • 00:05:47.130 --> 00:05:48.464
  • We talked about it last week, that we have to continue to seek
  • 00:05:48.464 --> 00:05:50.199
  • The lord.
  • 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:52.335
  • I believe in the conversion and the new birth, but folks, we
  • 00:05:52.335 --> 00:05:55.138
  • Want to adopt a pattern of living that makes us inquirers
  • 00:05:55.138 --> 00:05:59.609
  • Of the lord.
  • 00:05:59.609 --> 00:06:02.211
  • And then when our strength is small, and our strength is small
  • 00:06:02.211 --> 00:06:04.947
  • In the face of the adversaries that we have.
  • 00:06:04.947 --> 00:06:09.385
  • You know, our counsel isn't usually sought in the halls of
  • 00:06:09.385 --> 00:06:12.455
  • Great governments.
  • 00:06:12.455 --> 00:06:14.791
  • Most of our influence seems really small.
  • 00:06:14.791 --> 00:06:18.027
  • Even small in the face of expressions of evil.
  • 00:06:18.027 --> 00:06:22.365
  • But we have this remarkable reminder, it's both in the new
  • 00:06:22.365 --> 00:06:24.600
  • Testament and the old and in corinthians, they're actually
  • 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:26.569
  • Quoting from the prophet jeremiah: "let him who boasts
  • 00:06:26.569 --> 00:06:29.472
  • Boast in the lord."
  • 00:06:29.472 --> 00:06:30.840
  • Jeremiah says it more in detail: "let not the wise man boast of
  • 00:06:30.840 --> 00:06:33.576
  • His wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the
  • 00:06:33.576 --> 00:06:36.512
  • Rich man boast of his riches, but let him boast, boast about
  • 00:06:36.512 --> 00:06:40.316
  • This: that he understands and knows me, that i am the lord,
  • 00:06:40.316 --> 00:06:44.020
  • Who exercises kindness."
  • 00:06:44.020 --> 00:06:47.356
  • If we're gonna boast about something, let's look: "i know
  • 00:06:47.356 --> 00:06:49.292
  • The lord.
  • 00:06:49.292 --> 00:06:50.960
  • There's a lot i don't know, but i know there's a god in heaven.
  • 00:06:50.960 --> 00:06:54.464
  • And i know a bit about him.
  • 00:06:54.464 --> 00:06:57.333
  • I've been introduced to his son.
  • 00:06:57.333 --> 00:06:59.001
  • He's changed my life.
  • 00:06:59.001 --> 00:07:00.336
  • He could change your life."
  • 00:07:00.336 --> 00:07:01.838
  • The most powerful message we have is our personal story of
  • 00:07:01.838 --> 00:07:06.042
  • Transformation through the name of jesus of nazareth.
  • 00:07:06.042 --> 00:07:10.379
  • It can't be overcome in an argument, it can't be
  • 00:07:10.379 --> 00:07:12.682
  • Legislated against.
  • 00:07:12.682 --> 00:07:14.250
  • You have a god story, be certain that it resonates from you on a
  • 00:07:14.250 --> 00:07:19.155
  • Regular basis.
  • 00:07:19.155 --> 00:07:21.591
  • Though it is significant because there are any number of people
  • 00:07:21.591 --> 00:07:24.694
  • In your sphere of influence that would benefit from knowing your
  • 00:07:24.694 --> 00:07:27.497
  • God story.
  • 00:07:27.497 --> 00:07:29.065
  • You're right, our strength is small, but we stand in the power
  • 00:07:29.065 --> 00:07:33.336
  • Of the one who spoke our world into existence.
  • 00:07:33.336 --> 00:07:37.740
  • So in the midst of our small strength we represent a very
  • 00:07:37.740 --> 00:07:41.711
  • Faithful god.
  • 00:07:41.711 --> 00:07:44.080
  • Paul lived that out in 2 corinthians 11.
  • 00:07:44.080 --> 00:07:46.682
  • I told you he began as the enforcer and he ended up
  • 00:07:46.682 --> 00:07:48.985
  • Getting enforced.
  • 00:07:48.985 --> 00:07:52.021
  • I'm not going to read the whole passage to you, you're familiar
  • 00:07:52.021 --> 00:07:54.357
  • With it.
  • 00:07:54.357 --> 00:07:55.691
  • It's a rather lengthy list of things that paul had to endure
  • 00:07:55.691 --> 00:07:57.994
  • And overcome.
  • 00:07:57.994 --> 00:08:00.229
  • He said, "i've worked harder, i've been in prison more
  • 00:08:00.229 --> 00:08:02.298
  • Frequently, i've been flogged more severely and exposed to
  • 00:08:02.298 --> 00:08:05.268
  • Death again and again."
  • 00:08:05.268 --> 00:08:07.169
  • Well, what a happy testimony.
  • 00:08:07.169 --> 00:08:10.439
  • I mean, i told you on the road to damascus, he
  • 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:12.375
  • Encountered jesus.
  • 00:08:12.375 --> 00:08:13.709
  • He goes into damascus, god sends ananias to pray for him.
  • 00:08:13.709 --> 00:08:16.646
  • His sight is restored, but before he gets out of town,
  • 00:08:16.646 --> 00:08:19.448
  • There's a plot to kill him.
  • 00:08:19.448 --> 00:08:22.718
  • The first time he goes to jerusalem to meet with the
  • 00:08:22.718 --> 00:08:24.887
  • Apostles, before he gets out of town, there's a plot to
  • 00:08:24.887 --> 00:08:27.690
  • Kill him.
  • 00:08:27.690 --> 00:08:30.259
  • I mean, there's a tone that follows paul through his life.
  • 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:33.195
  • It's not simple.
  • 00:08:33.195 --> 00:08:35.464
  • He said, i've been in prison more frequently.
  • 00:08:35.464 --> 00:08:37.466
  • I've been beaten more often.
  • 00:08:37.466 --> 00:08:40.603
  • More severely, he said, i've been exposed to death again
  • 00:08:40.603 --> 00:08:44.140
  • And again.
  • 00:08:44.140 --> 00:08:46.475
  • God delivered him.
  • 00:08:46.475 --> 00:08:49.412
  • But he delivered him through his struggles, he didn't deliver him
  • 00:08:49.412 --> 00:08:51.948
  • From his struggles.
  • 00:08:51.948 --> 00:08:54.350
  • Are you ready to follow the lord like that?
  • 00:08:54.350 --> 00:08:57.653
  • See, i want the lord to deliver me from struggles.
  • 00:08:57.653 --> 00:09:01.290
  • I always want a parking place right in front of wherever it is
  • 00:09:01.290 --> 00:09:05.394
  • I'm wanting to walk into.
  • 00:09:05.394 --> 00:09:08.397
  • I want to go to in n-out burger and have the line melt before i
  • 00:09:08.397 --> 00:09:11.133
  • Get there so i can drive right up.
  • 00:09:11.133 --> 00:09:16.372
  • I want two of everything, and i want it to melt fat.
  • 00:09:16.372 --> 00:09:24.981
  • But that hasn't been my experience.
  • 00:09:24.981 --> 00:09:26.782
  • I can tell you god is faithful.
  • 00:09:26.782 --> 00:09:29.552
  • And he will deliver us through.
  • 00:09:29.552 --> 00:09:30.953
  • Folks, some of you have sidelined yourselves because
  • 00:09:30.953 --> 00:09:34.256
  • You're angry or resentful or bitter or disappointed.
  • 00:09:34.256 --> 00:09:38.327
  • Or you're not sure you trust anymore, or you've been hurt.
  • 00:09:38.327 --> 00:09:42.498
  • Hurt is a code word, it's a softer code word for: i'm angry.
  • 00:09:42.498 --> 00:09:49.038
  • Following the lord doesn't mean there's no opposition.
  • 00:09:49.038 --> 00:09:51.273
  • It doesn't mean there's no resistance.
  • 00:09:51.273 --> 00:09:53.676
  • Cue up the jesus story.
  • 00:09:53.676 --> 00:09:56.746
  • Which of our heroes are you gonna pull from scripture that
  • 00:09:56.746 --> 00:09:59.015
  • Didn't face resistance and challenges and difficulties and
  • 00:09:59.015 --> 00:10:02.551
  • Have to overcome?
  • 00:10:02.551 --> 00:10:04.086
  • We have a false gospel that has proliferated in contemporary
  • 00:10:04.086 --> 00:10:07.123
  • American evangelicalism that talks to us about being born
  • 00:10:07.123 --> 00:10:10.459
  • Again and then we think somehow there's a yellow brick road that
  • 00:10:10.459 --> 00:10:13.429
  • We're gonna skip down and we don't have to engage our
  • 00:10:13.429 --> 00:10:15.631
  • World anymore.
  • 00:10:15.631 --> 00:10:18.300
  • We're called to shape culture, not be shaped by it.
  • 00:10:18.300 --> 00:10:22.104
  • And that's a bumpy ride.
  • 00:10:22.104 --> 00:10:25.141
  • It's a bumpy ride.
  • 00:10:25.141 --> 00:10:27.476
  • God will deliver us through our struggles.
  • 00:10:27.476 --> 00:10:32.114
  • Allen: welcome to 2026. happy new year.
  • 00:10:35.951 --> 00:10:39.155
  • We've created a new book to help you.
  • 00:10:39.155 --> 00:10:40.656
  • It's called "turn up the light."
  • 00:10:40.656 --> 00:10:41.991
  • It's a devotional for the whole year.
  • 00:10:41.991 --> 00:10:43.626
  • It's a really simple idea.
  • 00:10:43.626 --> 00:10:44.960
  • I can join you for a cup of coffee in the morning.
  • 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:47.630
  • We'll have a brief conversation with a spiritual principle
  • 00:10:47.630 --> 00:10:50.332
  • To start our day, a scripture verse, a prayer.
  • 00:10:50.332 --> 00:10:53.102
  • And then when you're tired of me,
  • 00:10:53.102 --> 00:10:54.470
  • You can close the book.
  • 00:10:54.470 --> 00:10:55.938
  • It's perfect.
  • 00:10:55.938 --> 00:10:57.573
  • In all seriousness, we do wanna turn up the light.
  • 00:10:57.573 --> 00:11:00.042
  • Let's not rage against the darkness.
  • 00:11:00.042 --> 00:11:01.444
  • Let's invite god into the midst of this year
  • 00:11:01.444 --> 00:11:03.879
  • And then just see what he will do.
  • 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:05.648
  • Female announcer: pastor allen's new devotional,
  • 00:11:05.648 --> 00:11:07.183
  • "turn up the light," is designed to equip you every single day
  • 00:11:07.183 --> 00:11:10.386
  • Of the year.
  • 00:11:10.386 --> 00:11:11.721
  • Inside, you'll find 365 short devotionals,
  • 00:11:11.721 --> 00:11:15.124
  • Each with a scripture, teaching, and a prayer.
  • 00:11:15.124 --> 00:11:18.127
  • As you begin this new year, don't rage against the darkness.
  • 00:11:18.127 --> 00:11:21.397
  • Instead, choose to turn up the light.
  • 00:11:21.397 --> 00:11:23.566
  • You can request this book when you donate $25 or more today
  • 00:11:23.566 --> 00:11:27.570
  • At allenjackson.com or by calling...
  • 00:11:27.570 --> 00:11:32.842
  • Female announcer: we are committed to helping you grow in
  • 00:11:35.945 --> 00:11:37.680
  • Your faith and have tools for your journey,
  • 00:11:37.680 --> 00:11:39.248
  • No matter your schedule.
  • 00:11:39.248 --> 00:11:40.583
  • Get daily encouragement and insight with pastor allen's
  • 00:11:40.583 --> 00:11:43.319
  • Daily devotion right in your inbox.
  • 00:11:43.319 --> 00:11:45.087
  • Just sign up on the website.
  • 00:11:45.087 --> 00:11:46.689
  • Join us on one of our live stream services right from your
  • 00:11:46.689 --> 00:11:49.358
  • Tv using the allen jackson ministries app.
  • 00:11:49.358 --> 00:11:52.228
  • Listen to a powerful message through your favorite podcast
  • 00:11:52.228 --> 00:11:54.930
  • App, perfect for a commute,
  • 00:11:54.930 --> 00:11:56.432
  • And make sure to follow pastor allen
  • 00:11:56.432 --> 00:11:58.134
  • On social media to stay up-to-date with everything
  • 00:11:58.134 --> 00:12:00.636
  • Happening here with allen jackson ministries.
  • 00:12:00.636 --> 00:12:04.807
  • Allen: the future, it's uncertain, it's not always
  • 00:12:05.908 --> 00:12:07.977
  • Clear, it's not always pleasant or fun.
  • 00:12:07.977 --> 00:12:10.346
  • God is faithful, but it's not always fun.
  • 00:12:10.346 --> 00:12:12.214
  • Life's difficult.
  • 00:12:12.214 --> 00:12:14.316
  • Evil exists.
  • 00:12:14.316 --> 00:12:16.118
  • You're gonna face disappointments.
  • 00:12:16.118 --> 00:12:17.520
  • You're gonna have to walk through the people who let you
  • 00:12:17.520 --> 00:12:19.488
  • Down, the organizations who let you down, the churches and the
  • 00:12:19.488 --> 00:12:22.057
  • Pastors that let you down.
  • 00:12:22.057 --> 00:12:23.859
  • They're all filled with people that are all a bunch of
  • 00:12:23.859 --> 00:12:25.494
  • Cracked pots.
  • 00:12:25.494 --> 00:12:27.596
  • Look at 1 corinthians 1:9.
  • 00:12:27.596 --> 00:12:28.964
  • You have it.
  • 00:12:28.964 --> 00:12:30.299
  • It says: "god, who's called you into fellowship with his son
  • 00:12:30.299 --> 00:12:32.735
  • Jesus christ our lord, is faithful."
  • 00:12:32.735 --> 00:12:36.572
  • The essence of that sentence is the three words, the first and
  • 00:12:36.572 --> 00:12:39.408
  • The last two: god is faithful.
  • 00:12:39.408 --> 00:12:42.077
  • Between that there's two commas, there's an insertion, but the
  • 00:12:42.077 --> 00:12:44.847
  • Sentence is really, "god is faithful."
  • 00:12:44.847 --> 00:12:49.151
  • But paul's saying to his friends in corinth, "that same god, he
  • 00:12:49.151 --> 00:12:52.321
  • Called you into fellowship with his son jesus."
  • 00:12:52.321 --> 00:12:55.991
  • But the important point is god is faithful, and he's faithful
  • 00:12:55.991 --> 00:12:58.961
  • Because he called you into fellowship with his son jesus.
  • 00:12:58.961 --> 00:13:03.299
  • He didn't call us out of the world, he's left us in the world
  • 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:06.769
  • To be salt and light, to be difference-makers.
  • 00:13:06.769 --> 00:13:11.073
  • Not to be heavy-handed enforcers, but with a message of
  • 00:13:11.073 --> 00:13:15.177
  • Hope to people.
  • 00:13:15.177 --> 00:13:18.080
  • This really broke into my consciousness in my activities
  • 00:13:18.080 --> 00:13:22.885
  • Around here.
  • 00:13:22.885 --> 00:13:24.253
  • And then i started listening to myself.
  • 00:13:24.253 --> 00:13:25.888
  • I talk to people all the time.
  • 00:13:25.888 --> 00:13:27.356
  • We've laughed about this before.
  • 00:13:27.356 --> 00:13:29.458
  • When they're newer to the church, it's an
  • 00:13:29.458 --> 00:13:30.826
  • Evaluation process.
  • 00:13:30.826 --> 00:13:32.161
  • That's normal, for a while.
  • 00:13:32.161 --> 00:13:36.465
  • But only if, you know, "i've been coming to church for
  • 00:13:36.465 --> 00:13:37.933
  • Three weeks.
  • 00:13:37.933 --> 00:13:39.268
  • My kids love the classes.
  • 00:13:39.268 --> 00:13:40.603
  • We've really enjoyed the service.
  • 00:13:40.603 --> 00:13:41.937
  • The worship's been good, the preaching's been okay.
  • 00:13:41.937 --> 00:13:43.439
  • We really like the church.
  • 00:13:43.439 --> 00:13:45.941
  • So far."
  • 00:13:45.941 --> 00:13:49.411
  • Well, the first time you hear it it's not so bad, but if you do
  • 00:13:49.411 --> 00:13:51.413
  • A newcomers class and there's 100 people, and 70 of them start
  • 00:13:51.413 --> 00:13:55.317
  • With the same line: you know, we came with some friends to
  • 00:13:55.317 --> 00:13:59.388
  • The church.
  • 00:13:59.388 --> 00:14:00.723
  • Our kids really loved it.
  • 00:14:00.723 --> 00:14:02.091
  • We think the children's ministry is great so far."
  • 00:14:02.091 --> 00:14:05.661
  • "you know, the worship really blessed us last week.
  • 00:14:05.661 --> 00:14:07.596
  • We're looking forward-- it's really been good so far."
  • 00:14:07.596 --> 00:14:11.567
  • About the 20th of that, i start to twitch.
  • 00:14:11.567 --> 00:14:15.704
  • I think, "well, you know, you seem reasonably godly to me.
  • 00:14:15.704 --> 00:14:18.574
  • So far."
  • 00:14:18.574 --> 00:14:25.214
  • But then i started hearing my own expressions of faith.
  • 00:14:25.214 --> 00:14:27.783
  • People would say, you know, "allen, how are you doing?"
  • 00:14:27.783 --> 00:14:30.386
  • "well, god's been really good to me.
  • 00:14:30.386 --> 00:14:33.689
  • So far."
  • 00:14:33.689 --> 00:14:37.393
  • "how's the construction project coming?"
  • 00:14:37.393 --> 00:14:38.761
  • "you know, it's amazing.
  • 00:14:38.761 --> 00:14:40.095
  • We've gotten most of the permissions we need.
  • 00:14:40.095 --> 00:14:41.530
  • We're on budget, we're ahead of schedule.
  • 00:14:41.530 --> 00:14:44.667
  • So far."
  • 00:14:44.667 --> 00:14:48.370
  • And i realized that i was giving voice to that uncertainty in a
  • 00:14:48.370 --> 00:14:52.942
  • Very consistent way in my life.
  • 00:14:52.942 --> 00:14:57.012
  • And i wanna come back to that declaration that god made to his
  • 00:14:57.012 --> 00:14:59.415
  • Friends in corinth.
  • 00:14:59.415 --> 00:15:00.749
  • God is faithful.
  • 00:15:00.749 --> 00:15:03.886
  • Hard stop.
  • 00:15:03.886 --> 00:15:05.921
  • [congregation applauding]
  • 00:15:05.921 --> 00:15:10.392
  • I'm pretty sure paul believed that god was faithful the 5th
  • 00:15:10.392 --> 00:15:13.429
  • Time he took 39 lashes.
  • 00:15:13.429 --> 00:15:16.632
  • I'm pretty confident he believed god was faithful after he spent
  • 00:15:16.632 --> 00:15:19.335
  • A day and a night in the open sea.
  • 00:15:19.335 --> 00:15:22.304
  • I believe--i think he believed god was faithful when he found
  • 00:15:22.304 --> 00:15:25.240
  • Himself locked up in the inner prison of a roman jail.
  • 00:15:25.240 --> 00:15:29.078
  • He understood god was faithful.
  • 00:15:29.078 --> 00:15:31.613
  • And i want that established in my life.
  • 00:15:31.613 --> 00:15:34.450
  • So i went back to paul's writings and i thought, what
  • 00:15:34.450 --> 00:15:36.719
  • Were the lessons?
  • 00:15:36.719 --> 00:15:38.187
  • How did he do that?
  • 00:15:38.187 --> 00:15:39.555
  • And i've given you a summary, we're gonna have to blow through
  • 00:15:39.555 --> 00:15:41.724
  • These like, i'm gonna leave them with you, but i'll
  • 00:15:41.724 --> 00:15:44.126
  • Introduce you.
  • 00:15:44.126 --> 00:15:45.794
  • We may come back and work on them in some more detail, but
  • 00:15:45.794 --> 00:15:48.597
  • There's some things we can take that enable you and i to live
  • 00:15:48.597 --> 00:15:51.233
  • Out the faithfulness of god in an inconsistent world at the
  • 00:15:51.233 --> 00:15:54.737
  • Conclusion of an age where jesus told us there's going to be
  • 00:15:54.737 --> 00:15:58.374
  • Escalating tension.
  • 00:15:58.374 --> 00:15:59.708
  • Don't be naive.
  • 00:15:59.708 --> 00:16:01.076
  • Don't be disheartened.
  • 00:16:01.076 --> 00:16:02.411
  • Don't be discouraged.
  • 00:16:02.411 --> 00:16:03.779
  • Jesus told us that's coming, but with it is coming an
  • 00:16:03.779 --> 00:16:06.048
  • Unprecedented opportunity for the proclamation of the gospel.
  • 00:16:06.048 --> 00:16:09.785
  • We're gonna be able to do things in this season that have never
  • 00:16:09.785 --> 00:16:12.688
  • Been possible in human history.
  • 00:16:12.688 --> 00:16:15.057
  • And god called us to this generation.
  • 00:16:15.057 --> 00:16:18.961
  • I don't wanna go back to some other place in time.
  • 00:16:18.961 --> 00:16:21.096
  • I want to step into this season.
  • 00:16:21.096 --> 00:16:22.765
  • God knew.
  • 00:16:22.765 --> 00:16:24.133
  • He called you and me.
  • 00:16:24.133 --> 00:16:30.472
  • Well, paul said he knew the secret of being content.
  • 00:16:30.472 --> 00:16:32.608
  • Look at philippians 4: "i know what it is to be in need, and i
  • 00:16:32.608 --> 00:16:35.210
  • Know what it is to have plenty.
  • 00:16:35.210 --> 00:16:38.147
  • I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
  • 00:16:38.147 --> 00:16:41.116
  • Situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
  • 00:16:41.116 --> 00:16:44.920
  • Or want."
  • 00:16:44.920 --> 00:16:46.255
  • Well, in order to have understood that, he's had to be
  • 00:16:46.255 --> 00:16:47.723
  • In that spectrum.
  • 00:16:47.723 --> 00:16:49.858
  • He's had to have a lot and have a little.
  • 00:16:49.858 --> 00:16:52.594
  • He's been well fed and he's been hungry.
  • 00:16:52.594 --> 00:16:57.132
  • He said, "i've learned something.
  • 00:16:57.132 --> 00:16:58.500
  • I can be content no matter where i find myself on that spectrum."
  • 00:16:58.500 --> 00:17:02.271
  • Not complacent. content.
  • 00:17:02.271 --> 00:17:05.674
  • "i can do everything through him who gives me strength."
  • 00:17:05.674 --> 00:17:09.144
  • There's a strength that comes to us beyond ourselves.
  • 00:17:09.144 --> 00:17:12.781
  • It's not about my mental focus or my physical resilience or my
  • 00:17:12.781 --> 00:17:17.886
  • Remarkable immune system or my incredible genetics.
  • 00:17:17.886 --> 00:17:20.589
  • I believe in all of those things, but there's another
  • 00:17:20.589 --> 00:17:23.425
  • Power at work on our behalf.
  • 00:17:23.425 --> 00:17:27.262
  • He said, "in all of those places i have found i can do whatever
  • 00:17:27.262 --> 00:17:31.400
  • Is required of me because there is one who gives me strength."
  • 00:17:31.400 --> 00:17:37.005
  • And, oh, by the way, he's the one that spoke this world
  • 00:17:37.005 --> 00:17:39.274
  • Into existence.
  • 00:17:39.274 --> 00:17:40.943
  • He parted the red sea and he opens blind eyes.
  • 00:17:40.943 --> 00:17:44.680
  • He can put manna in the desert or bring water out of the rock.
  • 00:17:44.680 --> 00:17:49.218
  • He can bring down pharaoh or lift up nebuchadnezzar.
  • 00:17:49.218 --> 00:17:54.123
  • And he's still engaged in the earth so that my circumstances
  • 00:17:54.123 --> 00:17:59.561
  • Don't dictate the opportunities of my life.
  • 00:17:59.561 --> 00:18:04.032
  • My circumstances, my emotional response, doesn't dictate my
  • 00:18:04.032 --> 00:18:08.270
  • Potential, my future.
  • 00:18:08.270 --> 00:18:10.873
  • I can be content because the creator of heaven and earth will
  • 00:18:10.873 --> 00:18:14.409
  • Give me the strength that is needed to overcome the
  • 00:18:14.409 --> 00:18:17.012
  • Circumstance i face today.
  • 00:18:17.012 --> 00:18:23.685
  • "well, i would rather not do that, pastor.
  • 00:18:23.685 --> 00:18:25.320
  • Isn't there a detour?"
  • 00:18:25.320 --> 00:18:28.290
  • Well, there might be, but you would never know the strength
  • 00:18:28.290 --> 00:18:30.058
  • Of god.
  • 00:18:30.058 --> 00:18:32.361
  • You'd think you've done it.
  • 00:18:32.361 --> 00:18:34.630
  • You think you've done it through hard work or education or
  • 00:18:34.630 --> 00:18:37.366
  • Determination or organization or your gifting.
  • 00:18:37.366 --> 00:18:42.037
  • Or because you're just a little more clever than everybody else
  • 00:18:42.037 --> 00:18:44.473
  • And you could run faster and jump higher.
  • 00:18:44.473 --> 00:18:46.575
  • That's not what paul said.
  • 00:18:46.575 --> 00:18:49.378
  • In philippians chapter 2, same book, same letter.
  • 00:18:49.378 --> 00:18:52.981
  • In fact, he's writing this letter from a roman prison cell.
  • 00:18:52.981 --> 00:18:55.284
  • That's noteworthy, but for another time.
  • 00:18:55.284 --> 00:18:59.121
  • Paul tells us that our attitude matters.
  • 00:18:59.121 --> 00:19:00.856
  • He says, "do nothing--do nothing, don't do anything," he
  • 00:19:00.856 --> 00:19:03.792
  • Said, "out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
  • 00:19:03.792 --> 00:19:08.163
  • Consider others better than yourselves.
  • 00:19:08.163 --> 00:19:09.665
  • Each of you should look not only on your own interest, but also
  • 00:19:09.665 --> 00:19:12.401
  • To the interest of others."
  • 00:19:12.401 --> 00:19:13.802
  • Oh, what a nuisance.
  • 00:19:13.802 --> 00:19:18.941
  • And if it was up to me, i'd just white that out.
  • 00:19:18.941 --> 00:19:22.010
  • "your attitude should be the same as that of christ jesus,"
  • 00:19:22.010 --> 00:19:24.546
  • And then he goes on to list a half a dozen attributes of
  • 00:19:24.546 --> 00:19:26.882
  • Jesus's attitude, where he committed himself to serving god
  • 00:19:26.882 --> 00:19:31.286
  • In obedience, obedience even to the point of death.
  • 00:19:31.286 --> 00:19:34.356
  • Paul's saying, "listen, we gotta have a more
  • 00:19:34.356 --> 00:19:36.225
  • Christ-like attitude.
  • 00:19:36.225 --> 00:19:37.593
  • We have to choose."
  • 00:19:37.593 --> 00:19:38.927
  • See, the most important single fact about your attitude, no
  • 00:19:38.927 --> 00:19:41.763
  • Matter whether it's great or it's lousy, is it's
  • 00:19:41.763 --> 00:19:44.199
  • Your attitude.
  • 00:19:44.199 --> 00:19:46.702
  • Nobody can give you one.
  • 00:19:46.702 --> 00:19:50.172
  • If you've got an attitude, you chose it.
  • 00:19:50.172 --> 00:19:56.111
  • Oh, smile.
  • 00:19:56.111 --> 00:19:58.747
  • 'cause the best news about that is if you chose poorly, you
  • 00:19:58.747 --> 00:20:01.550
  • Can change.
  • 00:20:01.550 --> 00:20:03.518
  • Our attitudes aren't shaped by our circumstances.
  • 00:20:03.518 --> 00:20:07.155
  • They're not shaped by whether we have been dealt with fairly or
  • 00:20:07.155 --> 00:20:10.525
  • Unfairly or unjustly.
  • 00:20:10.525 --> 00:20:13.295
  • Our attitudes are a choice that we make.
  • 00:20:13.295 --> 00:20:17.733
  • You wouldn't have a better attitude if you had more gifts
  • 00:20:17.733 --> 00:20:20.002
  • Or more money.
  • 00:20:20.002 --> 00:20:21.837
  • You wouldn't have a better attitude if you had
  • 00:20:21.837 --> 00:20:23.405
  • More friends.
  • 00:20:23.405 --> 00:20:25.407
  • You might have more friends if you had a better attitude, but
  • 00:20:25.407 --> 00:20:27.376
  • You wouldn't have a better attitude 'cause you had
  • 00:20:27.376 --> 00:20:28.810
  • More friends.
  • 00:20:28.810 --> 00:20:32.047
  • Paul talks to us about our heart condition and our mindset.
  • 00:20:32.047 --> 00:20:34.683
  • In colossians 3, he said, "you've been raised with christ.
  • 00:20:34.683 --> 00:20:37.653
  • Set your hearts on things above, where christ is seated at the
  • 00:20:37.653 --> 00:20:41.590
  • Right hand of god.
  • 00:20:41.590 --> 00:20:42.924
  • Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
  • 00:20:42.924 --> 00:20:46.695
  • You died, and your life is now hidden with christ in god.
  • 00:20:46.695 --> 00:20:50.832
  • When christ, who's your life, appears, you'll also appear with
  • 00:20:50.832 --> 00:20:53.335
  • Him in glory."
  • 00:20:53.335 --> 00:20:55.337
  • This is really plain language.
  • 00:20:55.337 --> 00:20:57.706
  • You don't need a lot of interpretive help on this.
  • 00:20:57.706 --> 00:21:00.642
  • He said, "set your hearts on things above."
  • 00:21:00.642 --> 00:21:03.945
  • So how are we doing with this?
  • 00:21:03.945 --> 00:21:05.280
  • Remember, we want to lead a life that enables us to overcome no
  • 00:21:05.280 --> 00:21:08.550
  • Matter what the obstacle, no matter how unfair the treatment,
  • 00:21:08.550 --> 00:21:11.153
  • How unjust the condemnation that is pointed to us, because paul
  • 00:21:11.153 --> 00:21:15.190
  • Was an overcomer.
  • 00:21:15.190 --> 00:21:17.125
  • He didn't quit, he didn't stop.
  • 00:21:17.125 --> 00:21:18.727
  • We find him at the end of his run in 2 timothy, and he said,
  • 00:21:18.727 --> 00:21:21.496
  • "look, i'm about finished here.
  • 00:21:21.496 --> 00:21:22.831
  • They're planning to execute me, but there's a crown of
  • 00:21:22.831 --> 00:21:25.600
  • Righteousness in store for me.
  • 00:21:25.600 --> 00:21:28.370
  • And timothy, don't you be ashamed of me because i know the
  • 00:21:28.370 --> 00:21:31.239
  • One i've trusted and he's faithful."
  • 00:21:31.239 --> 00:21:34.609
  • He knew that god was faithful.
  • 00:21:34.609 --> 00:21:37.579
  • And he's saying something to you and me that's important: "set
  • 00:21:37.579 --> 00:21:41.183
  • Your mind on things above."
  • 00:21:41.183 --> 00:21:45.854
  • Now, i don't want you to be so heavenly minded you're no
  • 00:21:45.854 --> 00:21:47.689
  • Earthly good.
  • 00:21:47.689 --> 00:21:49.024
  • Folks, if i'm in the car with you, and you got to merge on the
  • 00:21:49.024 --> 00:21:51.460
  • Interstate, don't pray for direction.
  • 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:54.930
  • Look.
  • 00:21:54.930 --> 00:21:58.066
  • Hyper-spiritual people are not spiritual, they're just weird.
  • 00:21:58.066 --> 00:22:04.506
  • And often they're really carnal.
  • 00:22:04.506 --> 00:22:07.075
  • They just use a lot of hyper-spiritual language.
  • 00:22:07.075 --> 00:22:10.112
  • "set your heart on things above."
  • 00:22:10.112 --> 00:22:13.014
  • How many disappointments are you carrying today because you set
  • 00:22:13.014 --> 00:22:16.151
  • Your heart on something that wasn't above?
  • 00:22:16.151 --> 00:22:19.654
  • "well, i really had my heart set on that promotion."
  • 00:22:19.654 --> 00:22:23.325
  • "i really had my heart set on that vacation."
  • 00:22:23.325 --> 00:22:27.162
  • "and my--i was so--my heart was broken because my kid didn't
  • 00:22:27.162 --> 00:22:30.699
  • Make the team i wanted them to make.
  • 00:22:30.699 --> 00:22:33.502
  • I had my heart set on that."
  • 00:22:33.502 --> 00:22:36.671
  • Well, i'm not opposed to dreams and objectives, but the bible
  • 00:22:36.671 --> 00:22:43.345
  • Tells us that the ultimate objectives in our life, the
  • 00:22:43.345 --> 00:22:45.580
  • Thing we set our heart on, have to be things above.
  • 00:22:45.580 --> 00:22:48.583
  • How are you doing with that?
  • 00:22:48.583 --> 00:22:51.353
  • My observation is we live in an almost identical trajectory to
  • 00:22:51.353 --> 00:22:55.323
  • Our secular friends.
  • 00:22:55.323 --> 00:22:57.859
  • We take most of our cues from them.
  • 00:22:57.859 --> 00:23:00.662
  • We have almost identical ambitions with them.
  • 00:23:00.662 --> 00:23:04.599
  • Because the messaging that cascades over them and us comes
  • 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:07.469
  • From secular sources, and we go to churches, we got our god
  • 00:23:07.469 --> 00:23:10.705
  • Business done, we're born again, and so we're not really too
  • 00:23:10.705 --> 00:23:12.974
  • Engaged in all of that anymore, and so now we're gonna try to
  • 00:23:12.974 --> 00:23:15.510
  • Outrun all the rats in the race.
  • 00:23:15.510 --> 00:23:19.681
  • And we've been called to something better.
  • 00:23:19.681 --> 00:23:22.717
  • Paul said, "set your hearts on things above, set your minds on
  • 00:23:22.717 --> 00:23:27.122
  • Things above."
  • 00:23:27.122 --> 00:23:30.192
  • Mm, folks, god's called you.
  • 00:23:30.192 --> 00:23:33.328
  • He's created you.
  • 00:23:33.328 --> 00:23:35.297
  • He's given you everything you need to be an overcomer.
  • 00:23:35.297 --> 00:23:39.901
  • Not because it's easy, not because the evil isn't real, not
  • 00:23:39.901 --> 00:23:45.207
  • Because we don't live in a broken world.
  • 00:23:45.207 --> 00:23:46.575
  • In fact, our lord told us before we get to the end of this age
  • 00:23:46.575 --> 00:23:50.011
  • And his return, the intensity of that conflict is gonna escalate.
  • 00:23:50.011 --> 00:23:54.716
  • But he said in the midst of the escalation you should be
  • 00:23:54.716 --> 00:23:56.952
  • Encouraged because the kingdom assignment is going to go
  • 00:23:56.952 --> 00:23:59.955
  • Forward as never before, hallelujah.
  • 00:23:59.955 --> 00:24:05.193
  • Hotdog, it's a greek word.
  • 00:24:05.193 --> 00:24:08.029
  • It means i'm excited.
  • 00:24:08.029 --> 00:24:12.100
  • I'm gonna stop.
  • 00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:13.435
  • I wanna--i brought you a, for a conclusion, a proclamation.
  • 00:24:13.435 --> 00:24:18.006
  • If you're a bit new around here, it's something we've been saying
  • 00:24:18.006 --> 00:24:20.275
  • Together for a while.
  • 00:24:20.275 --> 00:24:22.177
  • I just brought you one portion of it.
  • 00:24:22.177 --> 00:24:24.513
  • It's a declaration of intent as a community of faith.
  • 00:24:24.513 --> 00:24:28.083
  • It's not limited to your proximity on this campus.
  • 00:24:28.083 --> 00:24:30.619
  • I believe it can be true for your life, for your family.
  • 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:34.155
  • I think it can be true for our congregation.
  • 00:24:34.155 --> 00:24:35.957
  • I think it can be true for the broader church.
  • 00:24:35.957 --> 00:24:37.559
  • They're all statements that come from scripture.
  • 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:40.395
  • Just didn't give you all the references or put the verses
  • 00:24:40.395 --> 00:24:43.498
  • There or it would take all afternoon to say.
  • 00:24:43.498 --> 00:24:46.468
  • Why don't you stand with me and we'll make this
  • 00:24:46.468 --> 00:24:47.969
  • Proclamation together.
  • 00:24:47.969 --> 00:24:52.240
  • Every stanza in this proclamation concludes with, "i
  • 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:54.843
  • Will not stop."
  • 00:24:54.843 --> 00:25:00.882
  • We will not be deterred.
  • 00:25:00.882 --> 00:25:03.919
  • We will not take our eyes off the prize.
  • 00:25:03.919 --> 00:25:07.022
  • We will not forget the one who's called us.
  • 00:25:07.022 --> 00:25:09.858
  • We will set our hearts and our minds on heavenly things.
  • 00:25:09.858 --> 00:25:13.361
  • We will learn to be content whether there's a little or
  • 00:25:13.361 --> 00:25:15.664
  • A lot.
  • 00:25:15.664 --> 00:25:17.799
  • We are forming the attitude of christ in us, amen?
  • 00:25:17.799 --> 00:25:23.405
  • Look at y'all.
  • 00:25:23.405 --> 00:25:25.140
  • You found it?
  • 00:25:25.140 --> 00:25:26.474
  • Let's say it together: "we are not satisfied.
  • 00:25:26.474 --> 00:25:29.477
  • We are not distracted.
  • 00:25:29.477 --> 00:25:31.246
  • We're not weary in doing good.
  • 00:25:31.246 --> 00:25:33.682
  • We're not discouraged.
  • 00:25:33.682 --> 00:25:35.584
  • We have our eyes on the cross and our hearts set on the prize.
  • 00:25:35.584 --> 00:25:39.921
  • We believe the one who has promised is faithful.
  • 00:25:39.921 --> 00:25:43.458
  • We believe the holy spirit is our helper.
  • 00:25:43.458 --> 00:25:46.661
  • We believe that what we ask in jesus's name our
  • 00:25:46.661 --> 00:25:50.065
  • Father provides.
  • 00:25:50.065 --> 00:25:51.800
  • We believe that the king of kings is returning to the earth.
  • 00:25:51.800 --> 00:25:57.806
  • And we intend to be about his business until that moment
  • 00:25:57.806 --> 00:26:01.676
  • In time.
  • 00:26:01.676 --> 00:26:03.044
  • We will not stop," amen.
  • 00:26:03.044 --> 00:26:06.948
  • God bless you.
  • 00:26:06.948 --> 00:26:13.188
  • Allen: hey, how we begin our year, it matters.
  • 00:26:17.192 --> 00:26:20.028
  • So we've created a tool to help you get the year off on the
  • 00:26:20.028 --> 00:26:22.530
  • Right foot.
  • 00:26:22.530 --> 00:26:23.898
  • It's a devotional for this year.
  • 00:26:23.898 --> 00:26:25.233
  • We've taken our email demotionals that you're
  • 00:26:25.233 --> 00:26:27.335
  • Familiar with, and we've edited it into a book, 365-day
  • 00:26:27.335 --> 00:26:31.539
  • Devotional with a little short thought for the day, a scripture
  • 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:34.609
  • Verse, a prayer, just a little momentum for every day.
  • 00:26:34.609 --> 00:26:38.046
  • Let's start this year on purpose, inviting god's best
  • 00:26:38.046 --> 00:26:41.783
  • Into our lives.
  • 00:26:41.783 --> 00:26:43.284
  • Many of you are familiar with those devotionals.
  • 00:26:43.284 --> 00:26:45.086
  • You get them in your inbox.
  • 00:26:45.086 --> 00:26:46.521
  • We want to give you a hard copy.
  • 00:26:46.521 --> 00:26:47.889
  • Maybe you get a second copy, share it with a friend, use it
  • 00:26:47.889 --> 00:26:50.225
  • As a mission project this year, maybe take it to work, recruit
  • 00:26:50.225 --> 00:26:53.628
  • Somebody that you're working with.
  • 00:26:53.628 --> 00:26:55.130
  • It's a simple way to invite god into the beginning of your day
  • 00:26:55.130 --> 00:26:58.967
  • On purpose.
  • 00:26:58.967 --> 00:27:00.335
  • And if we do that, i believe the outcome will be
  • 00:27:00.335 --> 00:27:02.871
  • Truly significant.
  • 00:27:02.871 --> 00:27:04.472
  • God in the midst of whatever we're doing makes the
  • 00:27:04.472 --> 00:27:06.408
  • Outcomes better.
  • 00:27:06.408 --> 00:27:07.876
  • It's an exciting time.
  • 00:27:07.876 --> 00:27:09.210
  • I like the beginning of a new year.
  • 00:27:09.210 --> 00:27:10.545
  • All the promise and the hope that that brings, let's put god
  • 00:27:10.545 --> 00:27:13.048
  • In the center of it.
  • 00:27:13.048 --> 00:27:14.416
  • "turn up the light" is the name of the devotional, and i believe
  • 00:27:14.416 --> 00:27:16.418
  • It'll do just that in your life.
  • 00:27:16.418 --> 00:27:18.153
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:18.153 --> 00:27:18.153