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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Lessons In Spiritual Authority (Part 2)

February 26, 2026 | 27:29

Allen Jackson - Lessons In Spiritual Authority (Part 2)
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Spirit #Authority #Humble #Humility #Pride #Selfishness #Jesus #LoveofGod #Grace #Faith #Testing #WalkwithGod #TrustGod #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Lessons In Spiritual Authority (Part 2) | February 26, 2026
  • ...
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  • Allen jackson: you know, around the world people are searching
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  • For truth, and together we're doing our very best to help them
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  • Find it.
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  • When you become a ministry partner with allen jackson
  • 00:00:07.990 --> 00:00:09.925
  • 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: television,
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  • Radio, podcast, books, bible studies, digital resources,
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  • Conferences.
  • 00:00:23.238 --> 00:00:25.340
  • Your monthly partnership helps us equip believers to reach new
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  • Audiences and to take the hope of jesus to people who may never
  • 00:00:28.677 --> 00:00:32.548
  • Have heard the gospel otherwise.
  • 00:00:32.548 --> 00:00:34.716
  • 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 god
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  • Opens the 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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  • Allen: i'm not challenging your salvation.
  • 00:01:07.549 --> 00:01:09.284
  • I'm not challenging the legitimacy of your love for
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  • The lord.
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  • I'm simply saying, is there something we could do that would
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  • Say, "god, you are welcome in my home.
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  • I want to engage you in my life more fully.
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  • I don't want to just sit there with a stony silence"?
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  • Jesus healed that man right in front of them in the face of
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  • Their silence.
  • 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:33.909
  • They refused to answer jesus.
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  • They preferred to find fault with him rather than help
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  • That man.
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  • I don't wanna be that way with the lord.
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  • I know i can have that tendency, but i don't wanna be that way.
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  • The man was of very little concern to those
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  • Guests gathered.
  • 00:01:47.856 --> 00:01:49.224
  • They were determined to maintain their position of authority,
  • 00:01:49.224 --> 00:01:53.829
  • Even in the face of the supernatural power of god.
  • 00:01:53.829 --> 00:02:00.502
  • Verse 5, "jesus asked them, 'if one of you has a son or an ox
  • 00:02:00.502 --> 00:02:05.274
  • That falls into a well on the sabbath day, won't you pull
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  • Him out?'"
  • 00:02:08.644 --> 00:02:10.179
  • And the answer is yes, they would.
  • 00:02:10.179 --> 00:02:14.583
  • "and they had nothing to say."
  • 00:02:14.583 --> 00:02:16.985
  • Again, he's at the table with them in a home, highlighting
  • 00:02:16.985 --> 00:02:21.890
  • Their hypocrisy.
  • 00:02:21.890 --> 00:02:25.661
  • Awkward, right?
  • 00:02:25.661 --> 00:02:30.699
  • You're mad at me 'cause i prayed for that man.
  • 00:02:30.699 --> 00:02:34.136
  • You said i've broken the rule, and you'd pull your ox out of
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  • The ditch.
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  • And they're not saying a word, but you don't get the feeling
  • 00:02:42.177 --> 00:02:45.681
  • They're giving him like thumbs up.
  • 00:02:45.681 --> 00:02:51.720
  • But he doesn't stop.
  • 00:02:51.720 --> 00:02:55.624
  • "when he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at
  • 00:02:55.624 --> 00:02:58.093
  • The table, he told them this parable."
  • 00:02:58.093 --> 00:03:01.964
  • See, he's not content to agitate the prominent pharisee.
  • 00:03:01.964 --> 00:03:07.269
  • He's gonna agitate all of his friends.
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  • I've been watching you, and your manners are atrocious.
  • 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:20.816
  • "when someone invites you to a wedding feast, don't take the
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  • Place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may
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  • Have been invited.
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  • And if so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to
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  • You, 'give this man your seat.'
  • 00:03:30.959 --> 00:03:33.729
  • And you'll be humiliated.
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  • You'll have to take a less important place.
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  • But when you're invited, take the lowest place, and when your
  • 00:03:37.532 --> 00:03:39.601
  • Host comes, he'll say to you, 'move up to a better place.'
  • 00:03:39.601 --> 00:03:41.937
  • Then you'll be honored in the presence of all your
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  • Fellow guests."
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  • But then he gives them the punchline.
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  • "for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
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  • Humbles himself will be exalted."
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  • He's been watching them jockey for position to get the
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  • Best spots.
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  • And he says, "i've been noticing something about you."
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  • He said, "you should humble yourself.
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  • If you'll humble yourself, you'll be exalted."
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  • Jesus provided them instructions for kingdom promotion.
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  • They're at the table with messiah.
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  • These are the experts in the rules and the law and
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  • The scriptures.
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  • He's healed somebody in their presence as a part of this
  • 00:04:18.440 --> 00:04:25.914
  • Dining experience, and their hearts are hard enough that
  • 00:04:25.914 --> 00:04:30.585
  • They're just gonna overlook the miracle, but they're picking him
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  • Apart because they don't like the rules he's keeping.
  • 00:04:33.789 --> 00:04:38.060
  • And jesus looks at them and go, "you are a bunch of arrogant,
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  • Self-promoting people filled with selfish ambition."
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  • Living bible.
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  • Humble yourselves.
  • 00:04:52.074 --> 00:04:55.577
  • So i'm reading this, and i'm thinking well, "luke thought it
  • 00:04:55.577 --> 00:04:57.412
  • Was important enough that i should read it."
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  • I don't want to give place in my life to selfish ambition.
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  • See, things like hospitality extended to people who you're
  • 00:05:05.754 --> 00:05:09.624
  • Not using for agendas and objectives.
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  • Creates an opportunity for god to move in your life that--i
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  • Don't know--i mean, it's really an unprecedented, unparalleled
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  • Way of inviting god into the midst of your home and
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  • Your life.
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  • It's important.
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  • I understand all the voices in our heads.
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  • "you know, well, i don't even know how to do it.
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  • I'm not a great hostess.
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  • I'm not a great host.
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  • I wasn't trained. i don't know.
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  • I feel inadequate."
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  • I understand a bit of that, but start in a safe way.
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  • Invite somebody that you have some comfort level with, and
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  • Then maybe together you invite somebody else that you'd like to
  • 00:05:54.403 --> 00:05:57.773
  • Get to know a little bit and do something really simple.
  • 00:05:57.773 --> 00:06:02.210
  • I mean, i laugh about it, but i'm really not trying to
  • 00:06:02.210 --> 00:06:04.413
  • Be facetious.
  • 00:06:04.413 --> 00:06:05.747
  • You can order a pizza and say, "you know, i'm not a great cook,
  • 00:06:05.747 --> 00:06:09.117
  • But i thought you were important, and i wanted to have
  • 00:06:09.117 --> 00:06:12.387
  • A slice of pizza with you."
  • 00:06:12.387 --> 00:06:16.024
  • I don't know too many people that are gonna be offended
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  • By that.
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  • It's transformational.
  • 00:06:23.165 --> 00:06:27.302
  • You know, we get heated.
  • 00:06:27.302 --> 00:06:28.637
  • "well, nobody invites me into their home."
  • 00:06:28.637 --> 00:06:30.005
  • So what?
  • 00:06:30.005 --> 00:06:36.678
  • And for the record, i'm not wrangling for lunch invitations.
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  • I need to be the least of these on the list, okay, please.
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  • There's too much of me already.
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  • I'm amazed at what luke is giving to us, but jesus
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  • Isn't done.
  • 00:06:54.996 --> 00:06:56.364
  • Same table, same meal, same experience.
  • 00:06:56.364 --> 00:06:59.167
  • "then jesus said to his host--" so now he's ticked off all the
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  • Self-righteous, ambitious guests, and he turns back
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  • To his host.
  • 00:07:06.775 --> 00:07:08.109
  • "when you give a luncheon or dinner, don't invite your
  • 00:07:08.109 --> 00:07:09.444
  • Friends, or your brothers or your relatives, or your rich
  • 00:07:09.444 --> 00:07:11.279
  • Neighbors; if you do, they invite you back and so you'll
  • 00:07:11.279 --> 00:07:16.485
  • Be repaid.
  • 00:07:16.485 --> 00:07:17.853
  • But when you give a banquet, invite the poor and the crippled
  • 00:07:17.853 --> 00:07:19.454
  • And the lame and the blind, and you'll be blessed.
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  • Although they can't repay you, you'll be repaid at the
  • 00:07:20.889 --> 00:07:22.858
  • Resurrection of the righteous."
  • 00:07:22.858 --> 00:07:25.961
  • What's jesus's council really about?
  • 00:07:25.961 --> 00:07:27.963
  • He's talking to a prominent pharisee.
  • 00:07:27.963 --> 00:07:31.833
  • There's something far more important than the economic
  • 00:07:31.833 --> 00:07:34.469
  • Standing of the people you're inviting into your home or
  • 00:07:34.469 --> 00:07:37.239
  • You're gonna break bread with.
  • 00:07:37.239 --> 00:07:39.341
  • He's saying that you're gonna make decisions in time that are
  • 00:07:39.341 --> 00:07:42.611
  • Going to determine your reward for all eternity, so maybe you
  • 00:07:42.611 --> 00:07:48.884
  • Ought to care about the man that was at your table or have an
  • 00:07:48.884 --> 00:07:51.853
  • Attitude towards your guest that isn't filled
  • 00:07:51.853 --> 00:07:53.588
  • With self-promotion.
  • 00:07:53.588 --> 00:07:54.923
  • There's some really good lessons being given, but if you're
  • 00:07:54.923 --> 00:07:57.792
  • Seated at that table, this is a bruising dinner.
  • 00:07:57.792 --> 00:08:03.999
  • I mean, he's kinda slapped around the guests, and now he
  • 00:08:03.999 --> 00:08:08.837
  • Looks at the host and said, "you've got some prominent
  • 00:08:08.837 --> 00:08:11.006
  • Friends but very little reward."
  • 00:08:11.006 --> 00:08:16.244
  • I mean, jesus is not really trying to get a
  • 00:08:16.244 --> 00:08:18.280
  • Second invitation.
  • 00:08:18.280 --> 00:08:19.648
  • Look at verse 15.
  • 00:08:19.648 --> 00:08:20.982
  • "when one of those at the table heard this, he said to jesus,
  • 00:08:20.982 --> 00:08:24.586
  • 'well, blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the
  • 00:08:24.586 --> 00:08:29.391
  • Kingdom of god.'"
  • 00:08:29.391 --> 00:08:35.697
  • And jesus replied.
  • 00:08:35.697 --> 00:08:37.065
  • He's gonna give him another parable.
  • 00:08:37.065 --> 00:08:38.934
  • "well, there was a man preparing a great banquet and he invited
  • 00:08:38.934 --> 00:08:41.369
  • Many guests.
  • 00:08:41.369 --> 00:08:43.238
  • At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those
  • 00:08:43.238 --> 00:08:45.340
  • Who'd been invited, 'come, it's ready.'
  • 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:47.842
  • They all began to make excuses.
  • 00:08:47.842 --> 00:08:49.444
  • They said, 'well, i bought a field, and i have to go see it.'
  • 00:08:49.444 --> 00:08:51.646
  • Another said, 'i bought oxen, and i gotta go try them out.'
  • 00:08:51.646 --> 00:08:54.916
  • And another said, 'i just got married.
  • 00:08:54.916 --> 00:08:56.318
  • I'm not coming.'
  • 00:08:56.318 --> 00:08:59.154
  • And the servant went back to his master."
  • 00:08:59.154 --> 00:09:02.290
  • And jesus said, "the owner of the house became very angry."
  • 00:09:02.290 --> 00:09:11.299
  • They didn't value the invitation.
  • 00:09:11.299 --> 00:09:15.070
  • They had many things to do, none of which were immoral or ungodly
  • 00:09:15.070 --> 00:09:18.073
  • Or blatantly wicked.
  • 00:09:18.073 --> 00:09:19.774
  • They just didn't value the invitation, and he was so angry
  • 00:09:19.774 --> 00:09:22.444
  • He ordered a servant, "go out into the streets and alleys and
  • 00:09:22.444 --> 00:09:25.513
  • Bring somebody here.
  • 00:09:25.513 --> 00:09:28.116
  • Bring those that seem to be disqualified.
  • 00:09:28.116 --> 00:09:29.918
  • Bring those that didn't get invitations.
  • 00:09:29.918 --> 00:09:31.653
  • Bring somebody here that will value the invitation."
  • 00:09:31.653 --> 00:09:36.625
  • "and the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but
  • 00:09:36.625 --> 00:09:38.793
  • There's still room.'"
  • 00:09:38.793 --> 00:09:41.529
  • Remember, there's an audience for this.
  • 00:09:41.529 --> 00:09:42.998
  • This isn't some abstract parable that jesus is teaching us 2,000
  • 00:09:42.998 --> 00:09:46.735
  • Years in the future.
  • 00:09:46.735 --> 00:09:48.103
  • He's got a table around him filled with people that he's
  • 00:09:48.103 --> 00:09:50.772
  • Been pulling on their chain.
  • 00:09:50.772 --> 00:09:55.377
  • "and the master told the servant, 'go out into the roads
  • 00:09:55.377 --> 00:09:57.646
  • And the country lanes and make them come in, so that my house
  • 00:09:57.646 --> 00:10:00.181
  • Will be full.
  • 00:10:00.181 --> 00:10:01.950
  • And i'll tell you, not one of those men who were invited will
  • 00:10:01.950 --> 00:10:04.185
  • Get a taste of my banquet.'"
  • 00:10:04.185 --> 00:10:08.790
  • Luke doesn't mention dessert.
  • 00:10:08.790 --> 00:10:10.125
  • I'm not sure jesus was invited to stay for dessert.
  • 00:10:10.125 --> 00:10:15.797
  • I mean, it's a powerful parable.
  • 00:10:15.797 --> 00:10:17.499
  • It's a word picture of highlighting the importance of
  • 00:10:17.499 --> 00:10:21.803
  • Valuing the kingdom of god or god's invitations in our lives,
  • 00:10:21.803 --> 00:10:25.740
  • But it's very pointedly given to the people at this table
  • 00:10:25.740 --> 00:10:29.411
  • Who haven't.
  • 00:10:29.411 --> 00:10:32.981
  • Now, i'm not suggesting that you practice hospitality and be a
  • 00:10:32.981 --> 00:10:35.884
  • Belligerent accuser of all those who gather at your table, but i
  • 00:10:35.884 --> 00:10:42.791
  • Am suggesting that as we gather around the table, if we begin to
  • 00:10:42.791 --> 00:10:46.728
  • Honor god with our lives, it's very much a refining thing.
  • 00:10:46.728 --> 00:10:53.535
  • What i find is you have affinity for people who value the things
  • 00:10:53.535 --> 00:10:58.239
  • That you value.
  • 00:10:58.239 --> 00:11:01.076
  • And having a meal with people who honor the lord
  • 00:11:01.076 --> 00:11:03.011
  • Doesn't seem interesting to you, it's possible that it's because
  • 00:11:03.011 --> 00:11:06.181
  • You don't have a high value for the lord.
  • 00:11:06.181 --> 00:11:10.552
  • If you'd rather spend your discretionary time with people
  • 00:11:10.552 --> 00:11:13.655
  • Who don't celebrate what god is doing, who don't tell the
  • 00:11:13.655 --> 00:11:15.957
  • Truth--i think there's an invitation in this for all
  • 00:11:15.957 --> 00:11:20.495
  • Of us.
  • 00:11:20.495 --> 00:11:21.830
  • I'm stunned at the directness of jesus and how far we have come.
  • 00:11:21.830 --> 00:11:29.304
  • There's an intimacy that comes with a table like that.
  • 00:11:29.304 --> 00:11:34.943
  • And what i find far more frequently is we're very willing
  • 00:11:34.943 --> 00:11:37.712
  • To point out to people that we're not in a relationship with
  • 00:11:37.712 --> 00:11:40.682
  • The weaknesses and the frailties and the fallacies in their
  • 00:11:40.682 --> 00:11:44.018
  • Decision making.
  • 00:11:44.018 --> 00:11:45.620
  • But when it comes to our family, where it comes to our friends,
  • 00:11:45.620 --> 00:11:51.326
  • Well, you know, i'm an advocate for grace.
  • 00:11:51.326 --> 00:11:56.631
  • Well, i believe in the grace of god, but i also believe in the
  • 00:11:56.631 --> 00:12:00.468
  • Freedom that comes from the truth.
  • 00:12:00.468 --> 00:12:03.605
  • And it's not an either/or situation.
  • 00:12:03.605 --> 00:12:08.676
  • Allen: we have partnered with our friends tim and david barton
  • 00:12:12.881 --> 00:12:15.316
  • To make available to you a two-volume set on
  • 00:12:15.316 --> 00:12:18.119
  • American history.
  • 00:12:18.119 --> 00:12:19.454
  • It's "the american story", and it focuses on the part of
  • 00:12:19.454 --> 00:12:22.457
  • American history that's been lost in much of our public
  • 00:12:22.457 --> 00:12:24.192
  • Education these days.
  • 00:12:24.192 --> 00:12:26.194
  • It's god's engagement with this nation and how he brought the
  • 00:12:26.194 --> 00:12:29.097
  • American story forward.
  • 00:12:29.097 --> 00:12:30.598
  • Our nation is more than politics or republicans and democrats.
  • 00:12:30.598 --> 00:12:34.068
  • It's god working in the lives of people to shape a nation that
  • 00:12:34.068 --> 00:12:37.572
  • Had brought forth his purposes in the world.
  • 00:12:37.572 --> 00:12:39.908
  • I believe it's an important part of our faith journey this year,
  • 00:12:39.908 --> 00:12:42.844
  • And i believe the books will be a blessing to you.
  • 00:12:42.844 --> 00:12:45.213
  • Female announcer: the 250th anniversary of our nation is an
  • 00:12:45.213 --> 00:12:48.383
  • Important milestone we shouldn't rush past, because
  • 00:12:48.383 --> 00:12:51.753
  • History matters.
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  • Explores how faith, courage, and conviction helped shape the
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  • United states from the very beginning.
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  • Gain a greater understanding of where we've been so you can
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  • Protect and defend our nation's biblical foundations as we
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  • Move forward.
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  • Request "the american story" with your gift of $50 or more at
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  • Allenjackson.com, or call...
  • 00:13:12.941 --> 00:13:18.980
  • Allen: there's one more table story luke gives us.
  • 00:13:21.616 --> 00:13:23.284
  • All of these come from luke.
  • 00:13:23.284 --> 00:13:25.887
  • Table manners.
  • 00:13:25.887 --> 00:13:27.255
  • Whew.
  • 00:13:27.255 --> 00:13:28.923
  • Luke 22.
  • 00:13:28.923 --> 00:13:31.926
  • Jesus is talking to his friends.
  • 00:13:31.926 --> 00:13:34.896
  • He said, "you are those who stood by me in my trials."
  • 00:13:34.896 --> 00:13:38.733
  • Don't you want that to be said of you?
  • 00:13:38.733 --> 00:13:41.536
  • That in the places where jesus wasn't celebrated,
  • 00:13:41.536 --> 00:13:43.972
  • You represented.
  • 00:13:43.972 --> 00:13:46.374
  • In the times and the seasons where jesus's values maybe
  • 00:13:46.374 --> 00:13:48.843
  • Weren't embraced, they weren't a part of the conventional wisdom
  • 00:13:48.843 --> 00:13:54.215
  • Of the day, that you advocated nonetheless.
  • 00:13:54.215 --> 00:13:58.987
  • "you stood by me in my trials."
  • 00:13:58.987 --> 00:14:00.355
  • So they didn't do it perfectly.
  • 00:14:00.355 --> 00:14:03.758
  • They did it far from perfectly, but, "you stood by me in
  • 00:14:03.758 --> 00:14:07.195
  • My trials.
  • 00:14:07.195 --> 00:14:08.563
  • And i confer on you a kingdom, just as my father conferred one
  • 00:14:08.563 --> 00:14:10.732
  • On me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom
  • 00:14:10.732 --> 00:14:17.338
  • And sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of israel."
  • 00:14:17.338 --> 00:14:22.277
  • Wow.
  • 00:14:22.277 --> 00:14:28.416
  • He hasn't been arrested yet.
  • 00:14:28.416 --> 00:14:30.685
  • They haven't hidden yet.
  • 00:14:30.685 --> 00:14:33.288
  • They haven't sworn they don't know him yet.
  • 00:14:33.288 --> 00:14:36.224
  • He knows all that's coming 'cause he's gonna tell them in
  • 00:14:36.224 --> 00:14:38.226
  • Just a moment.
  • 00:14:38.226 --> 00:14:40.261
  • He said, "you've stood by me in my trials, and i bestow on you
  • 00:14:40.261 --> 00:14:43.898
  • A kingdom.
  • 00:14:43.898 --> 00:14:45.233
  • You can sit with me at my table in my kingdom and eat
  • 00:14:45.233 --> 00:14:48.369
  • And drink."
  • 00:14:48.369 --> 00:14:52.340
  • See, a part of this, to me, is what we're longing for.
  • 00:14:52.340 --> 00:14:55.009
  • I wanna go back to where we started.
  • 00:14:55.009 --> 00:14:57.211
  • Jesus said, "i have really looked forward to having this
  • 00:14:57.211 --> 00:15:01.015
  • Meal with you."
  • 00:15:01.015 --> 00:15:03.751
  • Paul says it a little differently in 2 timothy.
  • 00:15:03.751 --> 00:15:06.020
  • He said, "there's a--the time for my departure is at hand."
  • 00:15:06.020 --> 00:15:10.391
  • But he said, "it's okay with me because i know there's a crown
  • 00:15:10.391 --> 00:15:12.794
  • Of righteousness in store for me."
  • 00:15:12.794 --> 00:15:16.064
  • But he said, "not only for me but for all who have longed for
  • 00:15:16.064 --> 00:15:19.467
  • His appearing."
  • 00:15:19.467 --> 00:15:22.403
  • And i think a part of this dialogue and the reason that we
  • 00:15:22.403 --> 00:15:25.373
  • Would center our homes around our faith and not around the
  • 00:15:25.373 --> 00:15:28.576
  • Guiding principles of a secular culture or the opinions of all
  • 00:15:28.576 --> 00:15:32.280
  • The people who would like to exert authority into our home or
  • 00:15:32.280 --> 00:15:35.950
  • Around the exalted notions of selfishness and self-absorption
  • 00:15:35.950 --> 00:15:39.420
  • That that are so much the characteristics of our--the
  • 00:15:39.420 --> 00:15:43.124
  • Current season, it's because we have a longing for the kingdom
  • 00:15:43.124 --> 00:15:48.329
  • Of god and the things of god.
  • 00:15:48.329 --> 00:15:52.734
  • And i know i'm preaching to the choir, but in my own life, i'm
  • 00:15:52.734 --> 00:15:55.670
  • Looking for ways to give expression to that, practical
  • 00:15:55.670 --> 00:15:59.540
  • Ways to give expression to that, that you may eat and drink at my
  • 00:15:59.540 --> 00:16:05.013
  • Table in my kingdom.
  • 00:16:05.013 --> 00:16:08.716
  • Verse 31, this is all--this is part of one presentation.
  • 00:16:08.716 --> 00:16:11.886
  • It's--they're not separate and then pushed together.
  • 00:16:11.886 --> 00:16:15.957
  • He finishes making that statement, and then he
  • 00:16:15.957 --> 00:16:17.792
  • Says, "simon.
  • 00:16:17.792 --> 00:16:19.560
  • Satan has asked to sift jewish wheat.
  • 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:23.431
  • But i've prayed for you, simon, that your faith may not fail.
  • 00:16:23.431 --> 00:16:27.702
  • And when you've turned back, strengthen your brothers."
  • 00:16:27.702 --> 00:16:32.006
  • Well, this was the lord, and it's his prayer that he tells us
  • 00:16:32.006 --> 00:16:34.876
  • About, but that's not really the prayer i would prefer he pray
  • 00:16:34.876 --> 00:16:37.979
  • For me.
  • 00:16:37.979 --> 00:16:40.248
  • "simon, satan has asked to sift you like wheat."
  • 00:16:40.248 --> 00:16:42.383
  • I want jesus to say, "but i have rebuked him.
  • 00:16:42.383 --> 00:16:47.221
  • Simon, i've prayed a hedge around you.
  • 00:16:47.221 --> 00:16:51.926
  • No problem."
  • 00:16:51.926 --> 00:16:55.496
  • But he doesn't.
  • 00:16:55.496 --> 00:16:58.199
  • "i prayed for you, simon, that your faith may not fail."
  • 00:16:58.199 --> 00:17:03.704
  • You know, i think jesus cares about the faith that
  • 00:17:03.704 --> 00:17:06.707
  • We demonstrate.
  • 00:17:06.707 --> 00:17:10.411
  • I mean, it seems to me that a part of the message is i want
  • 00:17:10.411 --> 00:17:13.948
  • You to--he says the just will live by faith, that faith in how
  • 00:17:13.948 --> 00:17:17.452
  • You express it and what you do with it really matters.
  • 00:17:17.452 --> 00:17:19.754
  • And he said, "simon, i've prayed for you that your faith will
  • 00:17:19.754 --> 00:17:23.858
  • Withstand the test."
  • 00:17:23.858 --> 00:17:34.435
  • I get mad at god when i feel like my faith gets tested.
  • 00:17:34.502 --> 00:17:41.609
  • I don't want tests.
  • 00:17:41.609 --> 00:17:43.978
  • I want open-book exams, and i want it just to be pass/fail,
  • 00:17:43.978 --> 00:17:49.183
  • And through the blood of jesus, i pass.
  • 00:17:49.183 --> 00:17:53.521
  • I don't want all that other stuff, but the lord cares too
  • 00:17:53.521 --> 00:17:57.458
  • Much about me.
  • 00:17:57.458 --> 00:18:00.795
  • I thought the table rules were stupid when i was a kid at home.
  • 00:18:00.795 --> 00:18:04.832
  • Why can't i eat ice?
  • 00:18:04.832 --> 00:18:08.769
  • Why do we need more than one fork?
  • 00:18:08.769 --> 00:18:14.775
  • Particularly if i have to help clean up.
  • 00:18:14.775 --> 00:18:20.548
  • Why do i have to eat whatever i'm served when i'm a guest?
  • 00:18:20.548 --> 00:18:26.254
  • Seems like a dumb rule to me.
  • 00:18:26.254 --> 00:18:30.224
  • I didn't like the rules.
  • 00:18:30.224 --> 00:18:31.559
  • I didn't like the discipline.
  • 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.927
  • I didn't like the yielding.
  • 00:18:32.927 --> 00:18:36.030
  • I didn't understand i was being taught spiritual principles, but
  • 00:18:36.030 --> 00:18:40.701
  • I was learning what it means to be a guest and not to be
  • 00:18:40.701 --> 00:18:42.904
  • In charge.
  • 00:18:42.904 --> 00:18:45.473
  • I didn't understand i was learning something
  • 00:18:45.473 --> 00:18:47.208
  • About humility.
  • 00:18:47.208 --> 00:18:48.709
  • Humility is hard when you're young.
  • 00:18:48.709 --> 00:18:50.077
  • Humility is hard when you're older.
  • 00:18:50.077 --> 00:18:53.181
  • Well, i'm still young, but i'm a more mature young.
  • 00:18:53.181 --> 00:18:59.287
  • But humility is still not easy.
  • 00:18:59.287 --> 00:19:02.723
  • "simon, i've prayed for you."
  • 00:19:02.723 --> 00:19:06.327
  • I believe the lord's praying for us.
  • 00:19:06.327 --> 00:19:07.795
  • He's interceding for us.
  • 00:19:07.795 --> 00:19:09.163
  • The bible says today, and i think there are those of us he's
  • 00:19:09.163 --> 00:19:11.799
  • Praying that our faith will withstand the challenge.
  • 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:18.940
  • Watch what simon has to say.
  • 00:19:18.940 --> 00:19:22.343
  • This is fascinating to me.
  • 00:19:22.343 --> 00:19:23.678
  • These conversations around the table, they feel so much like
  • 00:19:23.678 --> 00:19:26.681
  • The world i live in.
  • 00:19:26.681 --> 00:19:32.320
  • "and when you've turned back, strengthen your
  • 00:19:32.320 --> 00:19:33.955
  • Brothers, simon."
  • 00:19:33.955 --> 00:19:35.690
  • It means you're gonna turn away.
  • 00:19:35.690 --> 00:19:37.058
  • You can't turn back if you didn't turn away.
  • 00:19:37.058 --> 00:19:39.694
  • He just ratted simon out in front of everybody.
  • 00:19:39.694 --> 00:19:44.532
  • "well, no, lord, couldn't we have had that conversation
  • 00:19:44.532 --> 00:19:46.634
  • In private?"
  • 00:19:46.634 --> 00:19:51.105
  • And you gotta love peter.
  • 00:19:51.105 --> 00:19:54.041
  • Peter replies, "lord, i'm ready to go with you to prison and
  • 00:19:54.041 --> 00:20:00.982
  • To death."
  • 00:20:00.982 --> 00:20:05.987
  • And jesus, "well, actually, pete, before sunrise, you'll
  • 00:20:05.987 --> 00:20:12.226
  • Deny three times that you even know me."
  • 00:20:12.226 --> 00:20:16.330
  • Again, in front of their friends.
  • 00:20:16.330 --> 00:20:20.668
  • What is shouting at us is peter's completely unaware.
  • 00:20:20.668 --> 00:20:25.740
  • His self-awareness is whatever small is, it's less than.
  • 00:20:25.740 --> 00:20:32.513
  • He has no clue.
  • 00:20:32.513 --> 00:20:35.249
  • And i think all of us wrestle with that a bit.
  • 00:20:35.249 --> 00:20:39.053
  • Understanding our own hearts is very difficult.
  • 00:20:39.053 --> 00:20:43.391
  • And we don't want to hide behind the pretentiousness of religious
  • 00:20:43.391 --> 00:20:45.893
  • Attitudes and religious behaviors and self-righteousness
  • 00:20:45.893 --> 00:20:49.563
  • And keeping--checking the boxes.
  • 00:20:49.563 --> 00:20:52.199
  • We want to invite the spirit of god.
  • 00:20:52.199 --> 00:20:53.768
  • Lord, help me know my own heart.
  • 00:20:53.768 --> 00:20:56.470
  • Search my heart.
  • 00:20:56.470 --> 00:20:58.706
  • I wanna honor you.
  • 00:20:58.706 --> 00:21:01.075
  • Jesus isn't rebuking peter.
  • 00:21:01.075 --> 00:21:02.410
  • He knows what he's about to do.
  • 00:21:02.410 --> 00:21:05.813
  • He didn't call him a clown or an unfaithful friend.
  • 00:21:05.813 --> 00:21:11.052
  • "pete, when you turn back, help your friends.
  • 00:21:11.052 --> 00:21:14.989
  • Peter, you're about to learn a really difficult lesson, but
  • 00:21:14.989 --> 00:21:19.260
  • I've prayed for you."
  • 00:21:19.260 --> 00:21:21.962
  • You know, most of the places in my life today where i'm able to
  • 00:21:21.962 --> 00:21:24.598
  • Express any semblance of strength have come from the most
  • 00:21:24.598 --> 00:21:28.903
  • Broken places of my life, the places where i have the most
  • 00:21:28.903 --> 00:21:33.674
  • Compassion or the places where i have experienced the
  • 00:21:33.674 --> 00:21:37.411
  • Most vulnerability.
  • 00:21:37.411 --> 00:21:40.815
  • I don't like those places.
  • 00:21:40.815 --> 00:21:43.417
  • I don't like to be desperate.
  • 00:21:43.417 --> 00:21:46.320
  • I don't like to be in those places where unless god helps,
  • 00:21:46.320 --> 00:21:48.889
  • There's just no way through, but those are the most fruitful
  • 00:21:48.889 --> 00:21:53.327
  • Seasons of our lives.
  • 00:21:53.327 --> 00:21:55.996
  • In revelation, it says we overcome satan by the blood of
  • 00:21:55.996 --> 00:21:59.233
  • The lamb and the word of our testimony.
  • 00:21:59.233 --> 00:22:02.036
  • You have no testimony for something you
  • 00:22:02.036 --> 00:22:03.571
  • Haven't experienced.
  • 00:22:03.571 --> 00:22:05.973
  • You have a theory.
  • 00:22:05.973 --> 00:22:09.043
  • I read--and it's a good line-- that truth divorced from
  • 00:22:09.043 --> 00:22:11.846
  • Experience must always dwell in the realm of doubt.
  • 00:22:11.846 --> 00:22:15.583
  • But the place where you have got experience, you know a truth
  • 00:22:15.583 --> 00:22:19.086
  • That can bring freedom not only to you but to other people.
  • 00:22:19.086 --> 00:22:23.324
  • Peter, when you turn back, help your brothers.
  • 00:22:23.324 --> 00:22:27.895
  • Some of us have turned away.
  • 00:22:27.895 --> 00:22:31.098
  • Some of us have had seasons where we haven't taken the
  • 00:22:31.098 --> 00:22:33.634
  • Kitchen table as a ministry tool.
  • 00:22:33.634 --> 00:22:37.738
  • Maybe we--our kids slipped through, and we didn't even know
  • 00:22:37.738 --> 00:22:41.542
  • That we should have been a focus.
  • 00:22:41.542 --> 00:22:44.378
  • I'm not handing out shame and guilt.
  • 00:22:44.378 --> 00:22:45.913
  • I'm telling you, when you see that, let's turn back.
  • 00:22:45.913 --> 00:22:51.185
  • Let's begin to use what god has put at our disposal.
  • 00:22:51.185 --> 00:22:55.556
  • See, i don't think what happens in the white house is nearly as
  • 00:22:55.556 --> 00:22:58.325
  • Important as what happens in my house because enough of us will
  • 00:22:58.325 --> 00:23:02.196
  • Give attention to our houses, god will change the white house.
  • 00:23:02.196 --> 00:23:12.039
  • All right.
  • 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:13.374
  • My time's gone. let's stand.
  • 00:23:13.374 --> 00:23:15.409
  • I didn't bring you a prayer. i wanted to pray for you.
  • 00:23:15.409 --> 00:23:22.283
  • And i'm amazed that--when i read those passages, i--i'm
  • 00:23:22.283 --> 00:23:30.691
  • Invited--i'm not just invited.
  • 00:23:30.691 --> 00:23:34.028
  • I'm responsible to be in a lot of meetings and oftentimes at
  • 00:23:34.028 --> 00:23:37.598
  • Meals and representing this or that or something the other.
  • 00:23:37.598 --> 00:23:42.136
  • It's hard work to go to a meeting and engage the truth.
  • 00:23:42.136 --> 00:23:48.442
  • It's much easier to talk about how good the spaghetti is or
  • 00:23:48.442 --> 00:23:55.683
  • How much i enjoy chocolate in my dessert.
  • 00:23:55.683 --> 00:23:59.687
  • I mean, that's--and when i read those passages that we're given
  • 00:23:59.687 --> 00:24:04.024
  • Right through the gospel of luke, jesus cared enough about
  • 00:24:04.024 --> 00:24:07.595
  • People that even around something as intimate as
  • 00:24:07.595 --> 00:24:11.232
  • A dinner table, he's engaging the truth.
  • 00:24:11.232 --> 00:24:16.804
  • He's extending invitations and opportunities, and some are
  • 00:24:16.804 --> 00:24:20.674
  • Accepting them.
  • 00:24:20.674 --> 00:24:23.444
  • Typically, the people that are perceived as the outsiders are
  • 00:24:23.444 --> 00:24:26.146
  • The ones, the sinful woman or the man that's sick, but those
  • 00:24:26.146 --> 00:24:29.583
  • That seem to be rooted in scripture and right correctness,
  • 00:24:29.583 --> 00:24:33.454
  • They're very resentful and reluctant and resistant.
  • 00:24:33.454 --> 00:24:38.392
  • I don't wanna do that.
  • 00:24:38.392 --> 00:24:42.263
  • I want to cooperate with the lord.
  • 00:24:42.263 --> 00:24:47.001
  • Let's use our tomes.
  • 00:24:47.001 --> 00:24:49.203
  • Let's open our tables.
  • 00:24:49.203 --> 00:24:52.072
  • Let's ground our families.
  • 00:24:52.072 --> 00:24:54.508
  • Let's become a strength as brothers and sisters in christ
  • 00:24:54.508 --> 00:24:57.745
  • In ways that we haven't.
  • 00:24:57.745 --> 00:25:00.681
  • Let's begin to leverage the opportunities that god has
  • 00:25:00.681 --> 00:25:03.017
  • Given us.
  • 00:25:03.017 --> 00:25:05.553
  • Let's pray.
  • 00:25:05.553 --> 00:25:06.921
  • Father, thank you.
  • 00:25:06.921 --> 00:25:08.255
  • Thank you for your word and its truth.
  • 00:25:08.255 --> 00:25:09.990
  • I thank you for your people.
  • 00:25:09.990 --> 00:25:12.593
  • Lord, you've called us out of darkness into the kingdom
  • 00:25:12.593 --> 00:25:14.828
  • Of your son.
  • 00:25:14.828 --> 00:25:16.263
  • I thank you, father, for what jesus has done for us and, lord
  • 00:25:16.263 --> 00:25:20.367
  • Jesus, that you pray for us, that you intercede for us, that
  • 00:25:20.367 --> 00:25:24.572
  • You watch over us, that you've given yourself as a sacrifice
  • 00:25:24.572 --> 00:25:28.342
  • That we might be set free.
  • 00:25:28.342 --> 00:25:31.545
  • And, lord, i pray that not one of us would have faith that
  • 00:25:31.545 --> 00:25:35.482
  • Fails, but that as we walk through shadowed valleys and
  • 00:25:35.482 --> 00:25:39.219
  • Challenging circumstances, that we would cry out to you with
  • 00:25:39.219 --> 00:25:42.556
  • Humility and sincerity of heart and we would know the
  • 00:25:42.556 --> 00:25:46.160
  • Deliverance and the wholeness and the healing and the freedom
  • 00:25:46.160 --> 00:25:48.562
  • That is ours in christ.
  • 00:25:48.562 --> 00:25:51.832
  • And when we've come through those places and we've turned
  • 00:25:51.832 --> 00:25:54.301
  • Back, may we be a strength to one another.
  • 00:25:54.301 --> 00:25:58.639
  • We praise you for it, father.
  • 00:25:58.639 --> 00:26:00.107
  • I thank you, that you will establish our homes in peace,
  • 00:26:00.107 --> 00:26:04.678
  • Our homes in safety and security, that there'll be
  • 00:26:04.678 --> 00:26:07.114
  • Places where the spirit of god reigns and the peace of god
  • 00:26:07.114 --> 00:26:10.718
  • Is abundant.
  • 00:26:10.718 --> 00:26:12.386
  • I thank you for it in jesus's name.
  • 00:26:12.386 --> 00:26:15.322
  • Amen.
  • 00:26:15.322 --> 00:26:16.824
  • Hallelujah.
  • 00:26:16.824 --> 00:26:18.158
  • God bless you.
  • 00:26:18.158 --> 00:26:23.297
  • Allen: this is the 250th anniversary of our nation.
  • 00:26:27.368 --> 00:26:30.104
  • It's a big deal.
  • 00:26:30.104 --> 00:26:31.505
  • Now, i know a lot of us don't care a whole lot about history.
  • 00:26:31.505 --> 00:26:34.074
  • We didn't have great experiences in school.
  • 00:26:34.074 --> 00:26:35.876
  • I understand that, but here's the reality.
  • 00:26:35.876 --> 00:26:38.312
  • If they can steal our history, they'll rob us of our future, so
  • 00:26:38.312 --> 00:26:41.882
  • History really does matter.
  • 00:26:41.882 --> 00:26:43.517
  • Well, because of that, we have partnered with some good friends
  • 00:26:43.517 --> 00:26:45.919
  • Of our ministries, wall builders, david and tim barton.
  • 00:26:45.919 --> 00:26:49.323
  • They have the best of the best on this topic.
  • 00:26:49.323 --> 00:26:51.358
  • It's a two-volume set on the american story, and it helps us
  • 00:26:51.358 --> 00:26:54.962
  • Learn american history with a faith component, with a god
  • 00:26:54.962 --> 00:26:58.532
  • Perspective, how god has been engaged in the unfolding
  • 00:26:58.532 --> 00:27:01.602
  • Narrative of our american story.
  • 00:27:01.602 --> 00:27:04.238
  • That matters because we need god to be involved in the future of
  • 00:27:04.238 --> 00:27:07.441
  • The american story.
  • 00:27:07.441 --> 00:27:08.809
  • That affects our lives, our families, our communities, and
  • 00:27:08.809 --> 00:27:11.578
  • Ultimately our nation.
  • 00:27:11.578 --> 00:27:13.247
  • The books will be a blessing to you, but more than that, i
  • 00:27:13.247 --> 00:27:15.683
  • Believe they'll open your life to the imagination that god is
  • 00:27:15.683 --> 00:27:18.152
  • Moving in the earth, and we can participate with him in the next
  • 00:27:18.152 --> 00:27:21.488
  • Chapters of american history.
  • 00:27:21.488 --> 00:27:27.361