Allen Jackson - Seasons of Change (Part 2)

December 18, 2024 | S

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

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Seasons of Change (Part 2) | December 18, 2024
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen jackson: galatians 1, "i'm astonished that you
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  • Are,"--again, this is not unique to us.
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  • It wasn't unique to just one church, it wasn't unique to the
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  • Corinthian church or the church at thessaloniki.
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  • It's a persistent problem against the communities of faith
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  • In our new testament.
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  • There--they have been coached, encouraged, discipled by people
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  • Who knew the lord personally.
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  • They had really good beginnings.
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  • Paul writes in galatians 1, "i'm astonished that you're so
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  • Quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of
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  • Christ and are turning to a different gospel."
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  • We have a world filled with alternative gospels,
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  • Social gospels.
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  • We do good things.
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  • We're kind and generous and benevolent.
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  • We're civic clubs, but we don't judge anybody so we don't bring
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  • Any moral perspectives forward.
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  • We don't talk about things like right and wrong, good or evil.
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  • We study the culture of the first century.
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  • We studiously avoid the culture of the 21st century.
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  • We have liberation theology.
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  • It's a real thing.
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  • It's a real thing in theology schools.
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  • Prevalent, initially in south america with a strong
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  • Marxist orientation.
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  • It's more about class warfare than it is the transformation of
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  • The gospel.
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  • 2 thessalonians 2, "don't let anyone deceive you in any way."
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  • If the bible warns you about deception, understand this, you
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  • Are uniquely vulnerable.
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  • If you don't believe you can be deceived, you already are.
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  • "don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not
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  • Come until the rebellion occurs."
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  • The more literal translation for rebellion would be apostasy,
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  • Apostasy means falling away.
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  • He says, "that day can't come until the (falling away)
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  • Occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed," the
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  • Antichrist, "the man doomed to destruction."
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  • The antichrist won't emerge until there's an enormous change
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  • Amongst the people of faith.
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  • We're watching things we've never seen before.
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  • Our children are targeted without shame or embarrassment.
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  • Targeted for abortion.
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  • They'll pull an abortion ban up in front of a national
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  • Convention asking for leadership rights in our nation.
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  • We see the gender confusion being taught to our children and
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  • Health care professional's institutions saying that they're
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  • A profit stream if we mutilate them.
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  • They're being trafficked on our borders, sold into sexual
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  • Slavery in unprecedented numbers.
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  • And we are so blind or so bold as to say, "it's an expression
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  • Of compassion to leave the border open."
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  • Biblical values are being set aside and perverted.
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  • Values around marriage, sexual morality, gender roles.
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  • You know, we got to the place where men are competing in
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  • Women's sports?
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  • You know, we arrived in a place where culturally we're so blind
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  • To that?
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  • That for years, the church has not had the courage to talk
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  • About biblical perspectives on gender roles.
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  • That's another series, i'm not going there today.
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  • I'll annoy you later.
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  • But truthfully, it's the capitulation of the church on
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  • The things the scripture handed us that allowed the culture to
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  • Arrive at the point of such absurdity that even ungodly
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  • People go, "now, wait a minute, something's wrong."
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  • We've set aside values around the authority of scripture,
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  • Around the gathering with god's people.
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  • Now, we imagine we're in charge of that.
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  • We choose.
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  • The bible says, "don't abandon that.
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  • Don't stop that."
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  • That it's essential that we only reach maturity together.
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  • It's true, you don't have to sit in a church building to be born
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  • Again, but you're gonna need the people of god to grow up.
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  • Matthew 24, jesus gives us a window in the midst of all this
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  • Change and of the cataclysmic sweeping,
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  • Realignment, re-imagination.
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  • There's tremendous opportunities in it.
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  • I've never had the privilege of serving with a more committed
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  • Group of people than i do in these days.
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  • I've never seen a group of people regularly present
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  • Themselves with a heart to do the best they know for god, to
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  • Make an impact for the kingdom of god than the current people
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  • That i have the privilege of serving with in middle tennessee
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  • And many beyond.
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  • It's the greatest privilege of my life.
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  • I've never seen anything quite like it.
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  • I've also never seen the kind of opposition that we face today.
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  • I've never seen the open censorship.
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  • I've never seen the blatant expressions of immorality, the
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  • Brazenness and the boldness in mocking the values that define a
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  • Christian community.
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  • I never imagined american--leading american
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  • Corporations would mock and ridicule the christian faith.
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  • We see both of those things happening at the same time.
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  • I believe those two trends will increase.
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  • You're gonna have to decide where you wanna fit.
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  • Matthew 24, jesus gives us some insight.
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  • He said, "you must be ready, because the son of man will come
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  • In an hour when you don't expect him."
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  • See, people get really heated up.
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  • "you know, i think it's probably january."
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  • And they've got a chart and they're favorite 11 authors.
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  • And i'm like, "yeah, i see that," but jesus said, "i'm
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  • Gonna come when you don't expect me."
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  • Then he asked the question that's very relevant for all
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  • Of us.
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  • He said, "who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom the
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  • Master has put in charge of the servants in his household to
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  • Give them their food at the proper time?"
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  • That's a question every one of us really needs to process
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  • Privately, not publicly, not in a church building.
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  • Who did jesus say a faithful and wise servant is?
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  • I'm gonna give you an opinion, but i really would encourage you
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  • To sort it out for yourself.
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  • Don't accept my opinion.
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  • "it will be good for that servant whose master finds him
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  • Doing so when he returns.
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  • I tell you the truth, he'll put him in charge of all of
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  • His possessions."
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  • That's the cabinet position you want, right there.
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  • You want the king to say, "let me put you in charge of
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  • Something significant."
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  • I really don't care who overlooks me, who bypasses me,
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  • Who diminishes me.
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  • If the king says, "you are esteemed in what i'm doing,"
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  • I'm good.
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  • I didn't get there in a day.
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  • I can't even tell you that on bad days, i can hold
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  • That position.
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  • But that is the determination, that's the intent of my life, is
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  • To build that as deeply into myself as i can.
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  • That the highest honor of my life is serving the lord.
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  • I'm not telling you, i don't waiver.
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  • I'm not telling you there aren't times when the people of god
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  • Will cause me to pray.
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  • I wanna give you one more piece of this.
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  • When god is moving, when there's great change afoot, when there's
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  • A lot happening, it's hard to know the appropriate response.
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  • It takes a moment for the shifting to settle, to
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  • Have clarity.
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  • And often times decisions are remanded and--demanded and
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  • Movement is necessary.
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  • You can't just maintain you, you gotta go.
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  • One of the most powerful responses that i'm aware of when
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  • God is moving, is the power of gratitude.
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  • I know it's thanksgiving week and you expect me to say that,
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  • But i can tell you this, since this most recent election, there
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  • Has been within me, the most deep-seated, genuinely felt,
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  • Persistent, quiet, determined gratitude that i've ever known.
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  • And to be candid, not primarily because of individuals that were
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  • Elected all over the country, but because of the responses i
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  • Saw in the hearts of people from coast to coast, and border to
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  • Border against the messaging they were handed.
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  • They said, "we need a different direction."
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  • I think we would miss it completely to think it's about
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  • An individual or a party.
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  • I choose to believe it was 'cause there was a group of
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  • People that said, "there's a set of values and principles that we
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  • Don't see as broadly as we would like and we need change."
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  • The only thing that i think could have made that possible is
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  • God himself because we've had many elections in my lifetime.
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  • I've had to come to the platform after many elections and say, "i
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  • Don't really have words other than, 'we'll have to trust the
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  • Mercy of god."'
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  • And i think we've seen an expression of mercy but
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  • Politicians aren't gonna fix us, folks.
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  • So, i wanna invite you towards this attitude of being grateful.
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  • Not for politicians and parties.
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  • They're human beings, they will disappoint, they're gonna
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  • Stumble, they're not gonna get it right.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen: i want to take just a moment to say thank you.
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  • In a year of political turmoil and confusion and wars and
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  • Rumors of wars, because of your partnership,
  • 00:09:45.166 --> 00:09:47.769
  • Your generosity, your prayers, your encouragement,
  • 00:09:47.769 --> 00:09:50.939
  • We have done more for the gospel than any year
  • 00:09:50.939 --> 00:09:53.441
  • In our ministry so far.
  • 00:09:53.441 --> 00:09:54.776
  • We started a whole new genre of programing.
  • 00:09:54.776 --> 00:09:57.178
  • "allen jackson now" does a daily review of headlines
  • 00:09:57.178 --> 00:09:59.881
  • From a biblical worldview.
  • 00:09:59.881 --> 00:10:01.683
  • We've started a new podcast, "culture & christianity," to
  • 00:10:01.683 --> 00:10:04.119
  • Help stabilize god's people in the midst of all the confusion.
  • 00:10:04.119 --> 00:10:08.323
  • All of that because of your faithfulness,
  • 00:10:08.323 --> 00:10:10.158
  • Your generosity, your prayers.
  • 00:10:10.158 --> 00:10:11.826
  • Thank you so much.
  • 00:10:11.826 --> 00:10:13.528
  • As we come to the end of this year, i want to ask
  • 00:10:13.528 --> 00:10:15.263
  • You to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial
  • 00:10:15.263 --> 00:10:17.799
  • Investment in what's next.
  • 00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:20.502
  • We want to take those programs, share them in new
  • 00:10:20.502 --> 00:10:22.804
  • Places with more people.
  • 00:10:22.804 --> 00:10:24.939
  • We want to continue to be creative in how we share the
  • 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:27.742
  • Good news of jesus christ.
  • 00:10:27.742 --> 00:10:29.878
  • A generous partner makes it possible.
  • 00:10:29.878 --> 00:10:31.579
  • Every gift you give will be matched.
  • 00:10:31.579 --> 00:10:33.214
  • It doubles your gift between now and the end of the year.
  • 00:10:33.214 --> 00:10:35.984
  • Let me thank you in advance for what we've been doing and what
  • 00:10:35.984 --> 00:10:38.520
  • God's going to do with our lives and our partnership
  • 00:10:38.520 --> 00:10:41.389
  • Together in 2025.
  • 00:10:41.389 --> 00:10:43.658
  • Thank you and god bless you.
  • 00:10:43.658 --> 00:10:46.094
  • Female announcer: god is moving in major ways in the
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  • Ministry and our world.
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  • As we watched the 2024 election unfold,
  • 00:10:50.732 --> 00:10:53.601
  • We witnessed a miracle.
  • 00:10:53.601 --> 00:10:55.637
  • God has heard our prayers.
  • 00:10:55.637 --> 00:10:57.739
  • He has shown us his mercy.
  • 00:10:57.739 --> 00:10:59.974
  • We're entering a new era with new leaders,
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  • But it's not a time to rest.
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  • Our assignment hasn't changed.
  • 00:11:05.246 --> 00:11:07.282
  • In fact, it's as urgent as ever.
  • 00:11:07.282 --> 00:11:10.318
  • You and i have been set apart by god for his purposes,
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  • And there's a lot for us to do.
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  • Allen: i believe when god shows you mercy,
  • 00:11:16.024 --> 00:11:20.328
  • He gives with it an opportunity.
  • 00:11:20.328 --> 00:11:23.098
  • I want us to quietly say to the lord, "here am i.
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  • Let me go.
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  • Let me go back to where i work in the name of jesus.
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  • Let me go back into my neighborhood
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  • In the name of jesus."
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  • God himself has shown us grace, and it will require of us
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  • Greater strength and greater courage than we have ever had to
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  • Attach to our faith before.
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  • Let's go. let's go.
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  • Announcer: let's set our hearts on preparing for what's
  • 00:12:02.737 --> 00:12:04.773
  • Next with pastor allen's brand-new 90-day devotional
  • 00:12:04.773 --> 00:12:08.443
  • Called "set apart for his purposes."
  • 00:12:08.443 --> 00:12:11.646
  • It will help us seek god so we can recognize his voice and
  • 00:12:11.646 --> 00:12:14.682
  • Consistently choose to follow him.
  • 00:12:14.682 --> 00:12:16.885
  • Each day includes scripture, a short teaching,
  • 00:12:16.885 --> 00:12:19.187
  • And a prayer, followed by a journaling prompt and room
  • 00:12:19.187 --> 00:12:22.423
  • To write and reflect.
  • 00:12:22.423 --> 00:12:24.159
  • Let's get ready for the season ahead.
  • 00:12:24.159 --> 00:12:26.427
  • Request your copy of "set apart for his purposes" when you
  • 00:12:26.427 --> 00:12:29.264
  • Donate $50 or more today at allenjackson.com or by calling
  • 00:12:29.264 --> 00:12:33.601
  • ...
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  • Allen: i've got an image inside of me.
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  • My father for many years was a veterinarian.
  • 00:12:40.842 --> 00:12:42.577
  • I know you know that.
  • 00:12:42.577 --> 00:12:43.945
  • So, i've been around a lot of animals.
  • 00:12:43.945 --> 00:12:46.781
  • Horses and then dogs.
  • 00:12:46.781 --> 00:12:49.517
  • And then one of the things i still have this memory of is the
  • 00:12:49.517 --> 00:12:52.720
  • Growl of a dog.
  • 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:55.557
  • You know, when my dad treated horses, you had to go over where
  • 00:12:55.557 --> 00:12:57.992
  • The horses were.
  • 00:12:57.992 --> 00:12:59.360
  • So, we would get out and it was not uncommon that you'd hop out,
  • 00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:01.963
  • Or you'd pull up in some farmer's driveway, or someplace
  • 00:13:01.963 --> 00:13:04.699
  • And their dog would be what would meet you.
  • 00:13:04.699 --> 00:13:07.468
  • And you had to make a decision from the cab of the truck, or
  • 00:13:07.468 --> 00:13:10.071
  • The seat of the car, if he was friend or foe.
  • 00:13:10.071 --> 00:13:15.510
  • Not always easy to tell.
  • 00:13:15.510 --> 00:13:17.812
  • Now, if your primary experience with a dog is on television, you
  • 00:13:17.812 --> 00:13:20.815
  • Don't understand.
  • 00:13:20.815 --> 00:13:24.219
  • And so, you tried to learn to read their--'cause they--most
  • 00:13:24.219 --> 00:13:29.224
  • Dogs don't speak southern.
  • 00:13:29.224 --> 00:13:34.395
  • And one of the markers was when a dog growled.
  • 00:13:34.395 --> 00:13:38.733
  • I don't mean teeth.
  • 00:13:38.733 --> 00:13:40.101
  • If they got their teeth barred and their--but you could have
  • 00:13:40.101 --> 00:13:42.270
  • A clue.
  • 00:13:42.270 --> 00:13:44.572
  • But there's something preliminary to that and it
  • 00:13:44.572 --> 00:13:46.641
  • Starts deep down within 'em.
  • 00:13:46.641 --> 00:13:48.142
  • It's where that thanksgiving in me has been in.
  • 00:13:48.142 --> 00:13:50.945
  • It hasn't been so verbal, it hasn't been loud, it's been a
  • 00:13:50.945 --> 00:13:53.248
  • Very quiet, persistent rumble of, "thank you.
  • 00:13:53.248 --> 00:13:58.519
  • You have been so good to us."
  • 00:13:58.519 --> 00:14:01.522
  • Not because who's going someplace, not because the
  • 00:14:01.522 --> 00:14:04.392
  • Office is going to be filled.
  • 00:14:04.392 --> 00:14:05.860
  • But the people who said, "god, we need to turn to you."
  • 00:14:05.860 --> 00:14:11.132
  • And i'm so grateful for that, that this idea of a growl is
  • 00:14:11.132 --> 00:14:14.836
  • What i've been living with.
  • 00:14:14.836 --> 00:14:16.371
  • You know, when a dog feels threatened or perceives a
  • 00:14:16.371 --> 00:14:18.706
  • Threat, there's an instinctive growl that arises.
  • 00:14:18.706 --> 00:14:23.511
  • You've never ever had that experience?
  • 00:14:23.511 --> 00:14:24.879
  • Let me help you, it's a warning to the unsuspecting.
  • 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:27.715
  • If a dog's growling at you, hesitate.
  • 00:14:27.715 --> 00:14:32.420
  • Unless you're the trainer, then that's a different set
  • 00:14:32.420 --> 00:14:34.522
  • Of instructions.
  • 00:14:34.522 --> 00:14:36.624
  • If a dog's growling at you, it's a signal of life.
  • 00:14:36.624 --> 00:14:40.595
  • "i'm not inert, i'm aware."
  • 00:14:40.595 --> 00:14:43.464
  • It's a response to an approaching adversary.
  • 00:14:43.464 --> 00:14:46.868
  • It's a presentation of awareness.
  • 00:14:46.868 --> 00:14:50.238
  • They may look lethargic, but if you hear that growl, they're
  • 00:14:50.238 --> 00:14:53.207
  • Gonna move.
  • 00:14:53.207 --> 00:14:56.611
  • Here's my suggestion, when we perceive a threat to our well
  • 00:14:56.611 --> 00:15:01.115
  • Being, let's learn to respond with a growl of gratitude.
  • 00:15:01.115 --> 00:15:10.191
  • I'm not suggesting that you're about to bite.
  • 00:15:10.191 --> 00:15:13.661
  • I'm about--i'm suggesting that you're about to break out into
  • 00:15:13.661 --> 00:15:16.364
  • Full-blown thanksgiving.
  • 00:15:16.364 --> 00:15:18.866
  • But that you're gonna start with the deep, heartfelt, quiet sense
  • 00:15:18.866 --> 00:15:23.805
  • Of the lord has been really good to me.
  • 00:15:23.805 --> 00:15:26.274
  • He's blessed us.
  • 00:15:26.274 --> 00:15:28.076
  • The future isn't always crystal clear, but god has been good.
  • 00:15:28.076 --> 00:15:32.613
  • Psalm 31 and verse 19 says, "how great is your goodness, which
  • 00:15:32.613 --> 00:15:36.584
  • You stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the
  • 00:15:36.584 --> 00:15:40.588
  • Sight of men on those who take refuge in you.
  • 00:15:40.588 --> 00:15:44.659
  • In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues
  • 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:47.628
  • Of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from
  • 00:15:47.628 --> 00:15:50.398
  • Accusing tongues."
  • 00:15:50.398 --> 00:15:52.567
  • Remember all those things we said would be necessary to take
  • 00:15:52.567 --> 00:15:55.036
  • A significant role?
  • 00:15:55.036 --> 00:15:57.605
  • This psalm is dressing almost all of them.
  • 00:15:57.605 --> 00:15:59.874
  • "praise be to the lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me
  • 00:15:59.874 --> 00:16:03.244
  • When i was in a besieged city.
  • 00:16:03.244 --> 00:16:05.947
  • In my alarm i said, 'i'm cut off from your sight!'
  • 00:16:05.947 --> 00:16:08.516
  • Yet you heard my cry for mercy when i called to you for help.
  • 00:16:08.516 --> 00:16:12.954
  • Love the lord, all his saints!
  • 00:16:12.954 --> 00:16:15.189
  • The lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back
  • 00:16:15.189 --> 00:16:18.292
  • In full.
  • 00:16:18.292 --> 00:16:19.627
  • Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the lord."
  • 00:16:19.627 --> 00:16:23.731
  • That's a marvelous declaration over your life.
  • 00:16:23.731 --> 00:16:27.402
  • If you're not in the habit of reading those psalms aloud,
  • 00:16:27.402 --> 00:16:29.737
  • You're forfeiting something of significance.
  • 00:16:29.737 --> 00:16:32.774
  • See, i wanna submit to you that gratitude is a warning to all of
  • 00:16:32.774 --> 00:16:35.643
  • God's adversaries.
  • 00:16:35.643 --> 00:16:37.645
  • That i'm aware of god's abiding presence.
  • 00:16:37.645 --> 00:16:41.516
  • Of my dependence upon his strength.
  • 00:16:41.516 --> 00:16:43.284
  • It's a signal of my awareness of the one to whom i belong.
  • 00:16:43.284 --> 00:16:46.988
  • It's a response to any adversary, "i'm not alone.
  • 00:16:46.988 --> 00:16:50.691
  • I'm not confused, i'm not frightened, i am giving thanks
  • 00:16:50.691 --> 00:16:53.694
  • To the one to whom i belong.
  • 00:16:53.694 --> 00:16:55.863
  • I serve in his kingdom."
  • 00:16:55.863 --> 00:16:59.834
  • The ultimate authority is the authority in my life.
  • 00:16:59.834 --> 00:17:03.805
  • And if you challenge me, you challenge him.
  • 00:17:03.805 --> 00:17:07.308
  • You're not confronting me, i'm limited, folks.
  • 00:17:07.308 --> 00:17:10.111
  • In strength, iq, and resource, you can get to the bottom of me
  • 00:17:10.111 --> 00:17:13.214
  • In a hurry.
  • 00:17:13.214 --> 00:17:14.682
  • But the one who backs me up.
  • 00:17:14.682 --> 00:17:21.856
  • I'm grateful to the one who called me out of darkness.
  • 00:17:21.856 --> 00:17:24.292
  • The god who extended to me a gift of righteousness.
  • 00:17:24.292 --> 00:17:27.328
  • He set me free from the law of sin and death and brought me
  • 00:17:27.328 --> 00:17:30.498
  • Into the kingdom of the son he loves.
  • 00:17:30.498 --> 00:17:33.234
  • I've been sanctified, justified, declared righteous.
  • 00:17:33.234 --> 00:17:36.838
  • I may face challenges, difficulties, and even enormous
  • 00:17:36.838 --> 00:17:39.740
  • Threats from adversaries, but the one who called me
  • 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:42.743
  • Is faithful.
  • 00:17:42.743 --> 00:17:44.078
  • "when i walk through a shadowed valley, he is with me.
  • 00:17:44.078 --> 00:17:46.781
  • His rod and the staff, they comfort me and protect me."
  • 00:17:46.781 --> 00:17:50.585
  • I'm not afraid, i'm filled with courage.
  • 00:17:50.585 --> 00:17:53.387
  • I'm determined to keep my attention upon jesus, my lord,
  • 00:17:53.387 --> 00:17:56.691
  • Savior, and king.
  • 00:17:56.691 --> 00:17:58.893
  • He's the author and completer of my story.
  • 00:17:58.893 --> 00:18:01.028
  • He's a defender of the weak and he determines the justice of
  • 00:18:01.028 --> 00:18:04.332
  • My life.
  • 00:18:04.332 --> 00:18:05.766
  • He's my healer.
  • 00:18:05.766 --> 00:18:07.101
  • He's my complete provision.
  • 00:18:07.101 --> 00:18:09.604
  • The holy spirit is my helper, he guides my steps.
  • 00:18:09.604 --> 00:18:12.473
  • He reminds me of what i need to know.
  • 00:18:12.473 --> 00:18:14.108
  • He reveals to me what's hidden in the darkness.
  • 00:18:14.108 --> 00:18:17.311
  • The spirit of god has empowered me, provided direction for my
  • 00:18:17.311 --> 00:18:20.414
  • Journey through time.
  • 00:18:20.414 --> 00:18:22.150
  • I stand as an ambassador for the eternal kingdom of the lord of
  • 00:18:22.150 --> 00:18:25.953
  • All lords, the king of all kings.
  • 00:18:25.953 --> 00:18:28.322
  • The living one who holds the keys of death and hades.
  • 00:18:28.322 --> 00:18:32.894
  • My reward is established in christ jesus.
  • 00:18:32.894 --> 00:18:35.530
  • It is not subject to rust, to deterioration, or devaluation.
  • 00:18:35.530 --> 00:18:40.668
  • It's not mine alone.
  • 00:18:40.668 --> 00:18:42.803
  • It's available for all who are longing for his appearance.
  • 00:18:42.803 --> 00:18:46.607
  • I will persevere, i will overcome, i will complete
  • 00:18:46.607 --> 00:18:49.410
  • My course.
  • 00:18:49.410 --> 00:18:50.745
  • "in the strength of the one who called me, i will stand in the
  • 00:18:50.745 --> 00:18:53.147
  • Day of evil.
  • 00:18:53.147 --> 00:18:54.649
  • And having done everything i know, i will stand."
  • 00:18:54.649 --> 00:18:58.052
  • The decision has been made, my will has been expressed, "as for
  • 00:18:58.052 --> 00:19:01.822
  • Me in my household, we will serve the lord."
  • 00:19:01.822 --> 00:19:06.460
  • All of that is wrapped up in those expressions of gratitude
  • 00:19:06.460 --> 00:19:11.766
  • Within us.
  • 00:19:11.766 --> 00:19:13.267
  • All of them are centered in those expressions of gratitude.
  • 00:19:13.267 --> 00:19:17.338
  • My time is about gone.
  • 00:19:17.338 --> 00:19:18.706
  • I wanna go back in your outlines to revelation 5.
  • 00:19:18.706 --> 00:19:21.475
  • It's a marvelous scene of the throne room of god.
  • 00:19:21.475 --> 00:19:25.012
  • John, the apostle, he's an old man, his friends have been
  • 00:19:25.012 --> 00:19:27.515
  • Martyred, he's alone.
  • 00:19:27.515 --> 00:19:29.984
  • He's been isolated because of his faith, not because he's
  • 00:19:29.984 --> 00:19:32.853
  • A thief.
  • 00:19:32.853 --> 00:19:34.755
  • And it says, "on the lord's day, he was in the spirit and he has
  • 00:19:34.755 --> 00:19:38.526
  • A vision."
  • 00:19:38.526 --> 00:19:39.961
  • God trusted john with a picture of the end of the age.
  • 00:19:39.961 --> 00:19:44.899
  • May i make a suggestion?
  • 00:19:44.899 --> 00:19:47.735
  • Make the ambition of your life to be a person that god would
  • 00:19:47.735 --> 00:19:50.972
  • Trust with significant assignments.
  • 00:19:50.972 --> 00:19:54.675
  • See, when we pick him up, we don't know what's gonna
  • 00:19:54.675 --> 00:19:56.344
  • Be significant.
  • 00:19:56.344 --> 00:19:58.579
  • I've had just about every job in this congregation since
  • 00:19:58.579 --> 00:20:01.182
  • I started.
  • 00:20:01.182 --> 00:20:02.550
  • I've mowed the grass, and cleaned the bathrooms, and
  • 00:20:02.550 --> 00:20:04.585
  • Painted the walls.
  • 00:20:04.585 --> 00:20:06.654
  • I vacuumed carpet and straightened chairs.
  • 00:20:06.654 --> 00:20:09.357
  • And it seemed like that would be my assignment forever.
  • 00:20:09.357 --> 00:20:14.862
  • I do--there wasn't one i said, "i'll wait until there's
  • 00:20:14.862 --> 00:20:17.031
  • Something more significant.
  • 00:20:17.031 --> 00:20:19.100
  • I'll wait until there's a larger crowd.
  • 00:20:19.100 --> 00:20:21.902
  • I'll wait until somebody will listen respectfully."
  • 00:20:21.902 --> 00:20:24.071
  • If i'd waited for all those things, i would have
  • 00:20:24.071 --> 00:20:25.506
  • Never began.
  • 00:20:25.506 --> 00:20:28.009
  • I had to simply begin and say, "you know, if my job is to clean
  • 00:20:28.009 --> 00:20:30.511
  • The bathroom, i'm gonna clean it like the lord's gonna be
  • 00:20:30.511 --> 00:20:32.513
  • The inspector."
  • 00:20:32.513 --> 00:20:35.416
  • Now, i can't tell you, i always got my attitude in the right
  • 00:20:35.416 --> 00:20:37.652
  • Place, but i had enough awareness that i knew i
  • 00:20:37.652 --> 00:20:41.455
  • Needed to.
  • 00:20:41.455 --> 00:20:43.758
  • And i would try to bring correction to it when it got in
  • 00:20:43.758 --> 00:20:45.826
  • The wrong space.
  • 00:20:45.826 --> 00:20:47.762
  • Determined to be a person that god could trust with
  • 00:20:47.762 --> 00:20:51.832
  • Something significant.
  • 00:20:51.832 --> 00:20:53.801
  • And the pathway for that probably begins with something
  • 00:20:53.801 --> 00:20:56.070
  • That doesn't look so significant.
  • 00:20:56.070 --> 00:21:00.007
  • John has this vision of the throne of heaven.
  • 00:21:00.007 --> 00:21:04.312
  • It says, "they sang a song: 'you were worthy to take the scroll
  • 00:21:04.312 --> 00:21:07.048
  • And to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your
  • 00:21:07.048 --> 00:21:09.417
  • Blood you purchased men for god from every tribe and language
  • 00:21:09.417 --> 00:21:12.353
  • And people and nation.'"
  • 00:21:12.353 --> 00:21:13.721
  • Who's he seeing?
  • 00:21:13.721 --> 00:21:15.923
  • Jesus.
  • 00:21:15.923 --> 00:21:18.059
  • "you've made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our
  • 00:21:18.059 --> 00:21:20.394
  • God, and they will reign on the earth."
  • 00:21:20.394 --> 00:21:23.864
  • In verse 11, there's the angels song.
  • 00:21:23.864 --> 00:21:25.633
  • All the angels begin to sing.
  • 00:21:25.633 --> 00:21:27.234
  • "i looked and i heard the voice of many angels, numbering
  • 00:21:27.234 --> 00:21:29.704
  • Thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times
  • 00:21:29.704 --> 00:21:32.139
  • Ten thousand.
  • 00:21:32.139 --> 00:21:33.607
  • They encircled the throne and the living creatures and
  • 00:21:33.607 --> 00:21:35.843
  • The elders.
  • 00:21:35.843 --> 00:21:37.178
  • And in a loud voice they sang: 'worthy is the lamb, who was
  • 00:21:37.178 --> 00:21:40.081
  • Slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
  • 00:21:40.081 --> 00:21:43.818
  • And honor and glory and praise!'"
  • 00:21:43.818 --> 00:21:46.921
  • My imagination is not adequate for that scene.
  • 00:21:46.921 --> 00:21:50.624
  • Ten--it's an enormous gathering of angels, 10,000 times 10,000.
  • 00:21:50.624 --> 00:21:55.129
  • Some of you are good with numbers.
  • 00:21:55.129 --> 00:21:56.464
  • That's a hundred million.
  • 00:21:56.464 --> 00:21:58.399
  • There's more than a hundred million angels gathered.
  • 00:21:58.399 --> 00:22:01.635
  • Folks, there's about seven million people in tennessee.
  • 00:22:01.635 --> 00:22:05.172
  • You couldn't see the whole crowd.
  • 00:22:05.172 --> 00:22:08.075
  • The gathering of angels would either have had to disappear in
  • 00:22:08.075 --> 00:22:12.012
  • The distance or john would have had to been up above them,
  • 00:22:12.012 --> 00:22:15.383
  • Traveling over them.
  • 00:22:15.383 --> 00:22:16.751
  • You couldn't imagine a number of that great.
  • 00:22:16.751 --> 00:22:18.319
  • You can't see all those.
  • 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:19.854
  • It's an innumerable company of angels.
  • 00:22:19.854 --> 00:22:24.625
  • Horizon to horizon.
  • 00:22:24.625 --> 00:22:27.628
  • Imagine them when they begin to sing, it may have started quiet
  • 00:22:27.628 --> 00:22:32.266
  • And gentle but it--what begins as a low rumble is gonna
  • 00:22:32.266 --> 00:22:35.136
  • Become thunderous.
  • 00:22:35.136 --> 00:22:38.572
  • It's an amazing scene.
  • 00:22:38.572 --> 00:22:41.776
  • You know who angels are?
  • 00:22:41.776 --> 00:22:44.412
  • Ministering spirits sent forth to help us.
  • 00:22:44.412 --> 00:22:50.284
  • The bible says, "we entertain angels and we don't know it."
  • 00:22:50.284 --> 00:22:56.524
  • That's another lesson.
  • 00:22:56.524 --> 00:22:59.093
  • Verse 13, "then i heard every creature in heaven on earth and
  • 00:22:59.093 --> 00:23:02.263
  • Under the earth and on the sea, and all that's in
  • 00:23:02.263 --> 00:23:05.132
  • Them, singing."
  • 00:23:05.132 --> 00:23:06.500
  • Every creature, every creature that walks or swims, "to him who
  • 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:12.173
  • Sits on the throne and to the lamb be praise and honor and
  • 00:23:12.173 --> 00:23:16.010
  • Glory and power, forever and ever."
  • 00:23:16.010 --> 00:23:20.848
  • We're in a season of tremendous shaking.
  • 00:23:20.848 --> 00:23:24.685
  • We saw it with covid, we saw it again on october 7, i believe we
  • 00:23:24.685 --> 00:23:28.923
  • Saw another episode last month.
  • 00:23:28.923 --> 00:23:31.959
  • There's a shaking taking place.
  • 00:23:31.959 --> 00:23:35.229
  • Realignment, forcing people to make decisions.
  • 00:23:35.229 --> 00:23:39.767
  • Status quo is under great threat.
  • 00:23:39.767 --> 00:23:42.870
  • The future is not going to be like the past.
  • 00:23:42.870 --> 00:23:45.439
  • We're gonna see things we haven't seen some good, some not
  • 00:23:45.439 --> 00:23:48.075
  • So good.
  • 00:23:48.075 --> 00:23:49.777
  • One of the most profound responses i'm conscious of, is
  • 00:23:49.777 --> 00:23:53.247
  • The determination on our part to be thankful, to practice,
  • 00:23:53.247 --> 00:23:58.519
  • Being grateful.
  • 00:23:58.519 --> 00:24:01.121
  • Doesn't mean i'm always happy, doesn't mean things are always
  • 00:24:01.121 --> 00:24:04.291
  • Going my way.
  • 00:24:04.291 --> 00:24:06.694
  • When we're given these windows into the throne room of god,
  • 00:24:06.694 --> 00:24:09.763
  • They are filled with these expressions of thanks.
  • 00:24:09.763 --> 00:24:13.601
  • When you and i see the lord in all of his glory, i don't
  • 00:24:13.601 --> 00:24:17.238
  • Believe we'll say, "you know, i've got a question for you."
  • 00:24:17.238 --> 00:24:22.243
  • I think we'll be overwhelmed with gratitude.
  • 00:24:22.243 --> 00:24:26.113
  • I want it to grow within me.
  • 00:24:26.113 --> 00:24:28.415
  • I want it to shape my response to my circumstances.
  • 00:24:28.415 --> 00:24:32.319
  • I want it to be a great strength in my life.
  • 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:36.423
  • I wanna close with that little hymn of thanksgiving i gave you.
  • 00:24:36.423 --> 00:24:41.428
  • I took it from revelation 5, if you'll stand with me, we're
  • 00:24:41.428 --> 00:24:44.064
  • Gonna read it together.
  • 00:24:44.064 --> 00:24:47.768
  • It's directed to our king.
  • 00:24:47.768 --> 00:24:51.906
  • The one we serve, the one who sets the priorities of our
  • 00:24:51.906 --> 00:24:56.176
  • Lives, the one we've chosen to yield our will to.
  • 00:24:56.176 --> 00:24:59.980
  • The one we will submit our emotions to.
  • 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:04.118
  • It says to the elders, the most triumphant from among the people
  • 00:25:04.118 --> 00:25:08.055
  • Of god when they saw the lord, they threw their crowns
  • 00:25:08.055 --> 00:25:10.758
  • Before him.
  • 00:25:10.758 --> 00:25:12.092
  • There was nothing they would hold back.
  • 00:25:12.092 --> 00:25:14.795
  • We don't arrive at that place immediately, we hold back a lot.
  • 00:25:14.795 --> 00:25:20.734
  • But we're learning, we're growing, we're gaining strength.
  • 00:25:20.734 --> 00:25:27.775
  • We are salt and light in this generation and we will choose
  • 00:25:27.775 --> 00:25:30.878
  • The lord.
  • 00:25:30.878 --> 00:25:32.713
  • When the history of the church is put together, may this be one
  • 00:25:32.713 --> 00:25:35.649
  • Of the most triumphant seasons of the people of god across the
  • 00:25:35.649 --> 00:25:39.353
  • Span of time.
  • 00:25:39.353 --> 00:25:40.688
  • This is our watch.
  • 00:25:40.688 --> 00:25:43.190
  • In the face of darkness, and evil, and ungodliness, let's
  • 00:25:43.190 --> 00:25:46.193
  • Find our voices.
  • 00:25:46.193 --> 00:25:48.195
  • In a time of great pressure, let's respond with
  • 00:25:48.195 --> 00:25:50.864
  • Great enthusiasm.
  • 00:25:50.864 --> 00:25:53.233
  • Let's not be hesitant, let's not be cowardly.
  • 00:25:53.233 --> 00:25:56.270
  • Let's not turn back, let's not wait for someone else to
  • 00:25:56.270 --> 00:25:58.906
  • Step up.
  • 00:25:58.906 --> 00:26:00.274
  • Let's not say, "it's not our assignment."
  • 00:26:00.274 --> 00:26:03.143
  • Let's respond with isaiah, "here i am!
  • 00:26:03.143 --> 00:26:05.379
  • You can send" me, i'll go.
  • 00:26:05.379 --> 00:26:07.815
  • Let's respond with david's mighty men, if the king wants to
  • 00:26:07.815 --> 00:26:10.718
  • Drink, let's go get it.
  • 00:26:10.718 --> 00:26:13.921
  • We've hidden in the shadows long enough, church.
  • 00:26:13.921 --> 00:26:17.324
  • We've got a hymn and we gotta go.
  • 00:26:17.324 --> 00:26:19.193
  • Let's read it together, "you are worthy to take the scroll and to
  • 00:26:19.193 --> 00:26:23.364
  • Open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood, you
  • 00:26:23.364 --> 00:26:27.968
  • Purchased men for god from every tribe and language and people
  • 00:26:27.968 --> 00:26:33.340
  • And nation.
  • 00:26:33.340 --> 00:26:34.842
  • You have made them to be a kingdom and priest to serve our
  • 00:26:34.842 --> 00:26:39.480
  • God, and they will reign on the earth.
  • 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:43.050
  • Worthy is the lamb, who was slain, to receive power and
  • 00:26:43.050 --> 00:26:47.721
  • Wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!
  • 00:26:47.721 --> 00:26:53.961
  • And to him who sits on the throne and to the lamb...
  • 00:26:53.961 --> 00:27:01.802
  • Forever and ever!"
  • 00:27:01.802 --> 00:27:03.904
  • Amen, god bless you.
  • 00:27:03.904 --> 00:27:06.874
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:27:06.874 --> 00:27:29.897