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Allen Jackson Ministries

Allen Jackson - Step Out of the Crowd

November 22, 2025 | 28:35

Allen Jackson - Step Out of the Crowd
Pastor Allen Jackson's mission is to help people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
#Jesus #Ministry #Disciples #TrustGod #Submission #Obedience #Serving #ServantofGod #Church #BodyofChrist #LightoftheWorld #Fear #Persecution #Boldness #Faith #AllenJackson

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Allen Jackson Ministries | Allen Jackson - Step Out of the Crowd | November 22, 2025
  • ...
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  • Allen jackson: you know, when i was a child, i thought christmas
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  • Came every four years, now i feel like it comes about
  • 00:00:08.924 --> 00:00:11.727
  • Every four weeks.
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  • Well, christmas is just around the corner.
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  • It's a season of tremendous opportunity for those of us who
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  • Are people of faith to remember what god has done for us and
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  • What we're inviting him into in the midst of this
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  • Holiday season.
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  • We've created a tool, a resource for you to lead with your faith
  • 00:00:24.606 --> 00:00:28.010
  • At christmas.
  • 00:00:28.010 --> 00:00:29.344
  • It's a 25-day devotional along with some ideas about from
  • 00:00:29.344 --> 00:00:33.348
  • Recipes to activities for your friends or your families.
  • 00:00:33.348 --> 00:00:36.852
  • It's just a fun way so that you can shape your faith into
  • 00:00:36.852 --> 00:00:40.155
  • The holiday.
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  • I think all of us have a desire to see christmas have jesus in
  • 00:00:41.523 --> 00:00:44.893
  • The midst of it a bit more.
  • 00:00:44.893 --> 00:00:46.395
  • There's so many secular voices that speak, and sometimes i
  • 00:00:46.395 --> 00:00:48.730
  • Think we feel powerless to do something other than put up
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  • A tree or hang some lights.
  • 00:00:51.400 --> 00:00:53.035
  • Well, "lead with faith at christmas" is a tool we created
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  • So you can share your faith with your family, with your friends,
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  • With coworkers.
  • 00:00:58.607 --> 00:00:59.942
  • I think it'll make this christmas season truly a way to
  • 00:00:59.942 --> 00:01:02.911
  • Honor the lord in your life.
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  • In fact, i'm quite confident it'll be a blessing to you.
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  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:01:07.249 --> 00:01:14.189
  • Allen: do you understand the degree to which we've been
  • 00:01:14.189 --> 00:01:15.724
  • Co-opted into social services?
  • 00:01:15.724 --> 00:01:19.461
  • We've spent a long time coaching the church to be little more
  • 00:01:19.461 --> 00:01:22.998
  • Than a civic organization that does nice things for people.
  • 00:01:22.998 --> 00:01:27.803
  • I believe we have an assignment to care for those less fortunate
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  • Than ourselves.
  • 00:01:30.472 --> 00:01:31.807
  • I'm not in any way denying that or stepping away from it, but
  • 00:01:31.807 --> 00:01:34.710
  • That is not our primary expression of being god's people
  • 00:01:34.710 --> 00:01:39.181
  • In the earth.
  • 00:01:39.181 --> 00:01:41.950
  • We represent a kingdom, and the parameters of the kingdom
  • 00:01:41.950 --> 00:01:46.321
  • Are different.
  • 00:01:46.321 --> 00:01:47.656
  • We would rather have a seminar on whether or not god still
  • 00:01:47.656 --> 00:01:49.291
  • Does miracles than get into the sloppy business of stepping
  • 00:01:49.291 --> 00:01:55.164
  • Away from the crowd and say let's pray.
  • 00:01:55.164 --> 00:02:02.137
  • You know the narratives.
  • 00:02:02.137 --> 00:02:06.175
  • Are we willing to step away from the crowd to follow jesus?
  • 00:02:06.175 --> 00:02:10.879
  • It's really important stuff these days, all sorts
  • 00:02:10.879 --> 00:02:14.516
  • Of realignments.
  • 00:02:14.516 --> 00:02:15.851
  • We've seen almost a third of the people in the united states that
  • 00:02:15.851 --> 00:02:18.954
  • Were worshiping in churches four years ago are not.
  • 00:02:18.954 --> 00:02:23.692
  • There's been a lot of stepping away from some crowds.
  • 00:02:23.692 --> 00:02:28.397
  • Are you willing to step towards the lord?
  • 00:02:28.397 --> 00:02:32.134
  • Matthew 27, there's another event.
  • 00:02:32.134 --> 00:02:36.705
  • You know this one as well.
  • 00:02:36.705 --> 00:02:38.340
  • It's nearing the end of jesus's life this time, not so much
  • 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:41.843
  • Centered on his friends but centered with his antagonist.
  • 00:02:41.843 --> 00:02:46.215
  • It's one of the great opportunities ever presented to
  • 00:02:46.215 --> 00:02:48.550
  • A human being.
  • 00:02:48.550 --> 00:02:49.885
  • Jesus is on trial, his condemnation, or his freedom is
  • 00:02:49.885 --> 00:02:54.590
  • Hanging in the balance, and we see one of the most cowardly
  • 00:02:54.590 --> 00:02:58.627
  • Responses that we have in all of scripture.
  • 00:02:58.627 --> 00:03:03.765
  • It's not from a lack of awareness, it's not from a lack
  • 00:03:03.765 --> 00:03:07.102
  • Of reputation.
  • 00:03:07.102 --> 00:03:08.437
  • Jesus's miracles by this point, he's had three years of public
  • 00:03:08.437 --> 00:03:10.606
  • Ministry, and thousands and tens of thousands of people have been
  • 00:03:10.606 --> 00:03:15.644
  • Affected by that.
  • 00:03:15.644 --> 00:03:17.012
  • Enormous crowds have followed him.
  • 00:03:17.012 --> 00:03:18.981
  • He's captured the attention of the nation and the religious
  • 00:03:18.981 --> 00:03:21.950
  • Leaders to the point that they're fully committed, fully
  • 00:03:21.950 --> 00:03:24.853
  • On board to his destruction.
  • 00:03:24.853 --> 00:03:28.557
  • And he's finally gotten them, they've orchestrated an audience
  • 00:03:28.557 --> 00:03:31.593
  • With the man who has the political power to
  • 00:03:31.593 --> 00:03:33.729
  • Condemn jesus.
  • 00:03:33.729 --> 00:03:35.964
  • And he's aware enough and astute enough to understand that the
  • 00:03:35.964 --> 00:03:38.867
  • Charges are false.
  • 00:03:38.867 --> 00:03:41.069
  • He understands the jealousy and the hatred of those that are
  • 00:03:41.069 --> 00:03:43.772
  • Demanding that he sign the execution order, and he gets
  • 00:03:43.772 --> 00:03:48.810
  • A personal private audience with jesus.
  • 00:03:48.810 --> 00:03:53.749
  • And it's not included in our narrative, but he's even gonna
  • 00:03:53.749 --> 00:03:56.018
  • Get supernatural intervention from god.
  • 00:03:56.018 --> 00:03:57.786
  • His wife is warned in a dream, and she comes and finds him.
  • 00:03:57.786 --> 00:04:03.592
  • It's a fascinating story.
  • 00:04:03.592 --> 00:04:05.861
  • It's matthew 27.
  • 00:04:05.861 --> 00:04:07.396
  • "it was the governor's custom at the feast to release a prisoner
  • 00:04:07.396 --> 00:04:10.065
  • Chosen by the crowd.
  • 00:04:10.065 --> 00:04:13.502
  • At that time they had a notorious prisoner,
  • 00:04:13.502 --> 00:04:15.704
  • Called barabbas.
  • 00:04:15.704 --> 00:04:17.039
  • So when the crowd had gathered, pilate asked them."
  • 00:04:17.039 --> 00:04:19.474
  • We're gonna get to listen in to a dialogue between the roman
  • 00:04:19.474 --> 00:04:22.377
  • Governor of judea and a large crowd gathered in jerusalem from
  • 00:04:22.377 --> 00:04:27.115
  • The population of the city.
  • 00:04:27.115 --> 00:04:30.552
  • The governor and the crowd, and there's a little back and forth.
  • 00:04:30.552 --> 00:04:35.057
  • "pilate asked them, 'which do you want me to release to you:
  • 00:04:35.057 --> 00:04:37.559
  • Barabbas, or jesus who's called the messiah?'
  • 00:04:37.559 --> 00:04:41.730
  • For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed jesus
  • 00:04:41.730 --> 00:04:44.666
  • Over to him."
  • 00:04:44.666 --> 00:04:46.835
  • So matthew slips in a little backstory for us.
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  • Verse 19, "while pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his
  • 00:04:52.874 --> 00:04:56.978
  • Wife sent him this message: 'don't have anything to do with
  • 00:04:56.978 --> 00:04:59.314
  • That innocent man.
  • 00:04:59.314 --> 00:05:00.849
  • I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because
  • 00:05:00.849 --> 00:05:03.251
  • Of him.'
  • 00:05:03.251 --> 00:05:05.721
  • But the chief priest and the elders persuaded the crowd to
  • 00:05:05.721 --> 00:05:09.024
  • Ask for barabbas, to have jesus executed."
  • 00:05:09.024 --> 00:05:15.163
  • "so, the governor asked again, 'which of the two do you want me
  • 00:05:15.163 --> 00:05:18.033
  • To release to you?'
  • 00:05:18.033 --> 00:05:20.001
  • And they answered, 'barabbas.'"
  • 00:05:20.001 --> 00:05:21.603
  • Can you imagine his shock?
  • 00:05:21.603 --> 00:05:23.872
  • He took the most notorious prisoner he had, the most
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  • Violent, the least likely to be embraced by the people, charles
  • 00:05:28.243 --> 00:05:35.817
  • Manson-esque, and he's got a bible teacher, a miracle worker,
  • 00:05:35.817 --> 00:05:42.858
  • A healer.
  • 00:05:42.858 --> 00:05:44.693
  • In pilate's imagination, it's not even close.
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  • This one's easy.
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  • I'll be home for dinner with a clear conscience.
  • 00:05:49.664 --> 00:05:55.170
  • And the people said barabbas.
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  • You can hear the confusion.
  • 00:05:58.507 --> 00:06:01.009
  • "'what shall i do, then, with jesus who's called
  • 00:06:01.009 --> 00:06:03.378
  • Your messiah?'
  • 00:06:03.378 --> 00:06:04.846
  • And they answered, 'crucify him!'
  • 00:06:04.846 --> 00:06:07.315
  • 'why?
  • 00:06:07.315 --> 00:06:08.683
  • What crime has he committed?'
  • 00:06:08.683 --> 00:06:10.419
  • And they shouted all the louder, 'crucify him!'"
  • 00:06:10.419 --> 00:06:15.757
  • "when pilate saw he was getting nowhere, but that instead an
  • 00:06:15.757 --> 00:06:19.194
  • Uproar was starting, and he took water and washed his hands in
  • 00:06:19.194 --> 00:06:22.164
  • Front of the crowd.
  • 00:06:22.164 --> 00:06:23.498
  • 'i'm innocent of this man's blood,' he said.
  • 00:06:23.498 --> 00:06:25.634
  • 'it's your responsibility!'"
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  • May i ask you a question?
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  • How do you think that played in heaven?
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  • You think gabriel looked over at michael and go, "oh, he washed
  • 00:06:32.874 --> 00:06:36.711
  • His hands.
  • 00:06:36.711 --> 00:06:40.215
  • He's golden."?
  • 00:06:40.215 --> 00:06:46.188
  • We have an incredible ability to rationalize our opposition
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  • To god.
  • 00:06:51.760 --> 00:06:56.765
  • We could do a--we could spend a good deal of time listing all
  • 00:06:56.765 --> 00:07:00.068
  • The reasons why pilate would make that decision, all the
  • 00:07:00.068 --> 00:07:04.139
  • Pressure points, all the opportunities that were before
  • 00:07:04.139 --> 00:07:08.176
  • Him, the point in his career trajectory, that if he were to
  • 00:07:08.176 --> 00:07:12.113
  • Stand up and rebellion broke out in jerusalem, he might get
  • 00:07:12.113 --> 00:07:15.584
  • Busted down to dogcatcher in rome, forfeit his retirement.
  • 00:07:15.584 --> 00:07:21.456
  • I mean, it's just--there's a whole litany of things we
  • 00:07:21.456 --> 00:07:23.825
  • Could say.
  • 00:07:23.825 --> 00:07:27.062
  • But what's very clear is pilate understands he's innocent.
  • 00:07:27.062 --> 00:07:30.198
  • He says it himself, "'i'm innocent of this man's blood.
  • 00:07:30.198 --> 00:07:37.272
  • It's your responsibility.'
  • 00:07:37.272 --> 00:07:38.640
  • And the people answered, 'let his blood be on us and on
  • 00:07:38.640 --> 00:07:40.575
  • Our children!'
  • 00:07:40.575 --> 00:07:42.444
  • Then he released barabbas to them, and he had jesus beaten
  • 00:07:42.444 --> 00:07:46.214
  • And handed over to be crucified."
  • 00:07:46.214 --> 00:07:49.818
  • The best description i know is cowardice.
  • 00:07:49.818 --> 00:07:51.853
  • He's a coward.
  • 00:07:51.853 --> 00:07:55.056
  • Well, you can give your reasons, but if you condemn somebody you
  • 00:07:55.056 --> 00:07:58.360
  • Know is innocent because you don't want to take the heat,
  • 00:07:58.360 --> 00:08:02.163
  • Coward is the appropriate word.
  • 00:08:02.163 --> 00:08:05.166
  • It's not political expediency, it's not maintaining your
  • 00:08:05.166 --> 00:08:09.738
  • Authority so you're in a position to make a greater
  • 00:08:09.738 --> 00:08:12.641
  • Difference on another day.
  • 00:08:12.641 --> 00:08:18.980
  • Crowds are typically filled with cowards.
  • 00:08:18.980 --> 00:08:22.884
  • Individuals who would not act on their own, they hide in a group.
  • 00:08:22.884 --> 00:08:27.355
  • Like, i don't think it's unfair to say that cowards and--
  • 00:08:27.355 --> 00:08:30.892
  • Cowardice and crowds are frequent partners.
  • 00:08:30.892 --> 00:08:35.230
  • Crowds and cowards are easily manipulated.
  • 00:08:35.230 --> 00:08:37.165
  • It's why authoritarian thugs like to gather crowds.
  • 00:08:37.165 --> 00:08:42.604
  • They bait them with things that they think they would want in
  • 00:08:42.604 --> 00:08:45.073
  • The moment so they can manipulate them.
  • 00:08:45.073 --> 00:08:49.277
  • To step away from the crowd means you lead from the front,
  • 00:08:49.277 --> 00:08:52.981
  • You set a pace, you give a response that's not anticipated.
  • 00:08:52.981 --> 00:08:57.085
  • You take a risk that others aren't willing to take, but you
  • 00:08:57.085 --> 00:08:59.754
  • Hopefully will inspire others to step away from the crowd
  • 00:08:59.754 --> 00:09:02.257
  • With you.
  • 00:09:02.257 --> 00:09:04.859
  • We've got this nonsensical idea, it's been echoed by some very
  • 00:09:04.859 --> 00:09:07.529
  • Powerful people, that we can lead from behind.
  • 00:09:07.529 --> 00:09:09.998
  • For clarity's sake, the definition of that
  • 00:09:09.998 --> 00:09:12.067
  • Is manipulation.
  • 00:09:12.067 --> 00:09:18.940
  • Leadership is being willing to walk away, walk in a way that
  • 00:09:18.940 --> 00:09:23.244
  • Gives other people the courage and the willingness to walk that
  • 00:09:23.244 --> 00:09:25.981
  • Way as well.
  • 00:09:25.981 --> 00:09:28.516
  • Pilate forfeited the opportunity of his life.
  • 00:09:28.516 --> 00:09:31.119
  • Imagine the difference in his journey through time and
  • 00:09:31.119 --> 00:09:34.656
  • Eternity if he would say, you know, if it cost me the
  • 00:09:34.656 --> 00:09:37.592
  • Governorship, i'll protect you.
  • 00:09:37.592 --> 00:09:42.864
  • Now, i understand the narrative, i know jesus's mission, i'm not
  • 00:09:42.864 --> 00:09:47.302
  • Confused, but this is pilate's life.
  • 00:09:47.302 --> 00:09:52.407
  • Just imagine.
  • 00:09:52.407 --> 00:09:55.610
  • Which would you rather have on your resume, politically astute
  • 00:09:55.610 --> 00:10:02.250
  • Enough to recognize the will of the people, or courageous enough
  • 00:10:02.250 --> 00:10:08.657
  • Not to betray an innocent man?
  • 00:10:08.657 --> 00:10:12.193
  • You see, if there is a just god, that's not an easy decision, but
  • 00:10:12.193 --> 00:10:17.265
  • You have enough information to have an imagination of the way
  • 00:10:17.265 --> 00:10:21.336
  • You wanna go.
  • 00:10:21.336 --> 00:10:24.739
  • Step out of the crowd.
  • 00:10:24.739 --> 00:10:28.476
  • Doesn't mean we always do the easy thing, doesn't mean we
  • 00:10:28.476 --> 00:10:32.113
  • Always do what's just comfortable, it means that we
  • 00:10:32.113 --> 00:10:35.917
  • Have the courage to say a prayer when the opportunity
  • 00:10:35.917 --> 00:10:39.487
  • Presents itself.
  • 00:10:39.487 --> 00:10:41.523
  • We've talked about let's pray.
  • 00:10:41.523 --> 00:10:43.925
  • Folks, it's not rocket science, it's just a sentence prayer.
  • 00:10:43.925 --> 00:10:47.896
  • But i meet people all the time.
  • 00:10:47.896 --> 00:10:49.264
  • I've met people for a long, long time, that whole idea came out
  • 00:10:49.264 --> 00:10:52.801
  • Of the difficulty we have in praying in public places.
  • 00:10:52.801 --> 00:10:57.005
  • How easy it is to leave our faith on the church campus or in
  • 00:10:57.005 --> 00:11:00.442
  • A sanctuary or with our small group or with the bible study
  • 00:11:00.442 --> 00:11:04.012
  • Where we go, and then we go out into the world and we act as if
  • 00:11:04.012 --> 00:11:07.015
  • Our faith is something and part of our life, it's important, but
  • 00:11:07.015 --> 00:11:09.484
  • As long as we're not being grossly immoral, now we're just
  • 00:11:09.484 --> 00:11:12.620
  • Doing business.
  • 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:16.291
  • Or now we're just creating opportunities for something,
  • 00:11:16.291 --> 00:11:19.661
  • Or it's better for our kids if we don't stand up right now or
  • 00:11:19.661 --> 00:11:22.297
  • Whatever, and so we step back into the crowd.
  • 00:11:22.297 --> 00:11:29.137
  • So i don't think it's a lack of awareness, i think what's really
  • 00:11:29.137 --> 00:11:36.411
  • In question is the realization that it's gonna take a new
  • 00:11:36.411 --> 00:11:39.948
  • Response from us.
  • 00:11:39.948 --> 00:11:41.316
  • We've been so indoctrinated, we've been so coached up on the
  • 00:11:41.316 --> 00:11:45.286
  • Fact that if you're born again, if you're saved, you know,
  • 00:11:45.286 --> 00:11:49.457
  • You're good to go.
  • 00:11:49.457 --> 00:11:51.593
  • Now, i'm an advocate for conversion and salvation, and if
  • 00:11:51.593 --> 00:11:54.262
  • You've never made that decision and reoriented your life to give
  • 00:11:54.262 --> 00:11:58.099
  • Jesus first place in your life, by all means do that.
  • 00:11:58.099 --> 00:12:03.238
  • If you've never been baptized, get in the pool.
  • 00:12:03.238 --> 00:12:09.644
  • I mean, what will--who cares?
  • 00:12:09.644 --> 00:12:12.947
  • Step out of the crowd.
  • 00:12:12.947 --> 00:12:17.585
  • But that's not really being bold.
  • 00:12:17.585 --> 00:12:22.357
  • You see, being birthed into the kingdom is a beginning, but now
  • 00:12:22.357 --> 00:12:25.493
  • We've got to be disciples.
  • 00:12:25.493 --> 00:12:26.861
  • Now we gotta follow jesus.
  • 00:12:26.861 --> 00:12:29.731
  • Now we gotta begin to live out that truth, and that's messy
  • 00:12:29.731 --> 00:12:32.634
  • Business, because we're broken, we're the cracked pots, and
  • 00:12:32.634 --> 00:12:39.574
  • We're living in a world full of them.
  • 00:12:39.574 --> 00:12:43.745
  • And so how do we do that?
  • 00:12:43.745 --> 00:12:45.113
  • How do we begin to do the simple things that you know?
  • 00:12:45.113 --> 00:12:48.149
  • We've been talking about this for to or three weeks.
  • 00:12:48.149 --> 00:12:50.151
  • Take your faith home with you.
  • 00:12:50.151 --> 00:12:52.687
  • Pray for your kids.
  • 00:12:52.687 --> 00:12:54.189
  • What if i pray wrong?
  • 00:12:54.189 --> 00:12:55.790
  • Keep praying until you get it better.
  • 00:12:55.790 --> 00:12:59.394
  • One of the men in the church, i was in a group with him for
  • 00:12:59.394 --> 00:13:02.230
  • A while, he told the story that one of his--he tried to take
  • 00:13:02.230 --> 00:13:07.602
  • His boys to school in the morning.
  • 00:13:07.602 --> 00:13:09.671
  • They were still early elementary age, and it's a busy time and
  • 00:13:09.671 --> 00:13:14.075
  • A hectic time, and he said i got the habit--
  • 00:13:14.075 --> 00:13:15.944
  • We gave out anointing oil one service around here, and he said
  • 00:13:15.944 --> 00:13:18.413
  • I got the idea that i'd just anoint him every morning.
  • 00:13:18.413 --> 00:13:22.617
  • And you know, you ride in tennessee, you ride in the car
  • 00:13:22.617 --> 00:13:24.352
  • Seat until you're old enough to drive.
  • 00:13:24.352 --> 00:13:28.623
  • Kind of how that goes, right?
  • 00:13:28.623 --> 00:13:31.059
  • I mean, the seats change, but that's pretty much the rule.
  • 00:13:31.059 --> 00:13:36.698
  • So the kids are strapped in the back seat, and he said i'm
  • 00:13:36.698 --> 00:13:38.933
  • Driving, you know, through school, and he said i got the
  • 00:13:38.933 --> 00:13:41.035
  • Little oil, and i'm reaching over the back seat, going,
  • 00:13:41.035 --> 00:13:42.604
  • You know?
  • 00:13:42.604 --> 00:13:45.139
  • And he said one morning in all the busyness, and it was hectic,
  • 00:13:45.139 --> 00:13:47.742
  • He said i forgot, and i pulled into the line of school, and i
  • 00:13:47.742 --> 00:13:51.779
  • Dropped them out.
  • 00:13:51.779 --> 00:13:53.114
  • He said i was getting ready to pull into traffic, and
  • 00:13:53.114 --> 00:13:54.582
  • I heard somebody knocking on the window, and he said
  • 00:13:54.582 --> 00:13:55.917
  • I looked over, it was my little boy.
  • 00:13:55.917 --> 00:13:57.285
  • He said i put the window down, and he said, "dad, you forgot."
  • 00:13:57.285 --> 00:14:04.926
  • Step out of the crowd.
  • 00:14:04.926 --> 00:14:08.096
  • It's not about talking to powerful people or being some
  • 00:14:08.096 --> 00:14:12.567
  • Sophisticated theological--no.
  • 00:14:12.567 --> 00:14:16.738
  • Pray at your home.
  • 00:14:16.738 --> 00:14:18.973
  • Take jesus to work with you.
  • 00:14:18.973 --> 00:14:23.211
  • Stop compromising in those places where you know you've
  • 00:14:23.211 --> 00:14:27.115
  • Been willingly, willfully compromising.
  • 00:14:27.115 --> 00:14:30.485
  • Stop standing up for wickedness.
  • 00:14:30.485 --> 00:14:34.689
  • Again, this isn't beyond us, give.
  • 00:14:34.689 --> 00:14:38.359
  • I know you're generous, but if that hasn't been into your
  • 00:14:38.359 --> 00:14:40.495
  • Portfolio, yes, it's biblical.
  • 00:14:40.495 --> 00:14:44.032
  • You just want all my money.
  • 00:14:44.032 --> 00:14:45.366
  • No, i don't want all of it.
  • 00:14:45.366 --> 00:14:49.237
  • I'm kidding.
  • 00:14:49.237 --> 00:14:50.872
  • I want your blood too.
  • 00:14:50.872 --> 00:14:53.675
  • We have blood drives.
  • 00:14:53.675 --> 00:14:56.744
  • Practice what you know.
  • 00:14:56.744 --> 00:14:58.446
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:14:58.446 --> 00:15:04.986
  • Allen: have you ever said that christmas is too secular,
  • 00:15:04.986 --> 00:15:07.355
  • And you're tired of it?
  • 00:15:07.355 --> 00:15:08.690
  • Well, we've got a solution, or at least something that
  • 00:15:08.690 --> 00:15:10.425
  • Can help.
  • 00:15:10.425 --> 00:15:11.793
  • We've written a book, it's called "how to lead with faith
  • 00:15:11.793 --> 00:15:13.695
  • At christmas."
  • 00:15:13.695 --> 00:15:15.063
  • It's 25 days of devotionals that you can read, you can share them
  • 00:15:15.063 --> 00:15:17.365
  • With family, your friends, coworkers.
  • 00:15:17.365 --> 00:15:19.434
  • Then there's some ideas, even recipes, activities.
  • 00:15:19.434 --> 00:15:22.337
  • It's a fun, it's like a starter kit for bringing your faith to
  • 00:15:22.337 --> 00:15:25.707
  • Bear this christmas season.
  • 00:15:25.707 --> 00:15:27.575
  • Don't stand on the sidelines and complain.
  • 00:15:27.575 --> 00:15:29.811
  • Let's lead with our faith this christmas season.
  • 00:15:29.811 --> 00:15:31.946
  • Let's honor the lord and see the blessings that he brings to all
  • 00:15:31.946 --> 00:15:35.149
  • Of our lives.
  • 00:15:35.149 --> 00:15:36.484
  • Female announcer: christmas comes quickly, and it's easy to
  • 00:15:36.484 --> 00:15:38.453
  • Let the season slip by without focusing on what matters most.
  • 00:15:38.453 --> 00:15:42.390
  • Pastor allen's new book "lead with faith at christmas" is a
  • 00:15:42.390 --> 00:15:45.760
  • 25-day advent devotional that will help you bring jesus more
  • 00:15:45.760 --> 00:15:49.397
  • Fully into the season.
  • 00:15:49.397 --> 00:15:51.099
  • Inside you'll find scriptures, devotionals, prayers, recipes,
  • 00:15:51.099 --> 00:15:55.903
  • And practical things you can do to make the holidays
  • 00:15:55.903 --> 00:15:58.706
  • More meaningful.
  • 00:15:58.706 --> 00:16:00.041
  • It also makes a fantastic gift.
  • 00:16:00.041 --> 00:16:02.610
  • It's time to stop repeating the same stale traditions and get
  • 00:16:02.610 --> 00:16:05.847
  • Ready to put your faith into action in new ways
  • 00:16:05.847 --> 00:16:08.549
  • This christmas.
  • 00:16:08.549 --> 00:16:09.984
  • Request your copy when you donate $30 or more today at
  • 00:16:09.984 --> 00:16:13.354
  • Allenjackson.com, or by calling...
  • 00:16:13.354 --> 00:16:19.660
  • Announcer: we are committed to helping you grow in your faith
  • 00:16:19.660 --> 00:16:21.662
  • And have tools for your journey no matter your schedule.
  • 00:16:21.662 --> 00:16:24.365
  • Get daily encouragement and insight with pastor allen's
  • 00:16:24.365 --> 00:16:27.101
  • Daily devotion right in your inbox.
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  • Just sign up on the website.
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  • Join us on one of our live stream services right from your
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  • Tv using the allen jackson ministries app.
  • 00:16:33.107 --> 00:16:35.943
  • Listen to a powerful message through your favorite podcast
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  • App, perfect for a commute.
  • 00:16:38.679 --> 00:16:40.281
  • And make sure to follow pastor allen on social media to stay up
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  • To date with everything happening here with allen
  • 00:16:43.384 --> 00:16:45.920
  • Jackson ministries.
  • 00:16:45.920 --> 00:16:48.523
  • Allen: you know, we are relational creatures, even the
  • 00:16:50.491 --> 00:16:54.228
  • Introverts among us.
  • 00:16:54.228 --> 00:16:56.664
  • You may not talk to strangers easily, but you talk to your
  • 00:16:56.664 --> 00:16:59.801
  • Friends or, and if you'll listen, if you'll just listen
  • 00:16:59.801 --> 00:17:02.870
  • The tiniest little bit, people will tell you so much.
  • 00:17:02.870 --> 00:17:06.140
  • How are you doing?
  • 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:08.009
  • Well, not great.
  • 00:17:08.009 --> 00:17:10.878
  • They may not say any more than that, or they may say, you know,
  • 00:17:10.878 --> 00:17:13.281
  • My back hurts or work's been awful, or the economy's down or
  • 00:17:13.281 --> 00:17:19.620
  • Interest rates are high or my kids are sick or getting the
  • 00:17:19.620 --> 00:17:23.391
  • Kids back in school is so expensive or my kids are
  • 00:17:23.391 --> 00:17:28.729
  • Teenagers, and i don't speak that language anymore.
  • 00:17:28.729 --> 00:17:32.100
  • But if you'll listen, they'll-- it'll just come out of people.
  • 00:17:32.100 --> 00:17:35.837
  • And now you've got a decision to make, were you really listening?
  • 00:17:35.837 --> 00:17:39.006
  • If you're from the south, we don't listen, we ask how you
  • 00:17:39.006 --> 00:17:41.075
  • Are, but we don't care.
  • 00:17:41.075 --> 00:17:47.014
  • If you're one of those people that are clogging our roads that
  • 00:17:47.014 --> 00:17:49.283
  • Have moved here from up north or from california, because you
  • 00:17:49.283 --> 00:17:53.187
  • Think we're polite and we're so sweet and caring, bless
  • 00:17:53.187 --> 00:17:58.025
  • Your hearts.
  • 00:17:58.025 --> 00:17:59.827
  • [congregation laughing]
  • 00:17:59.827 --> 00:18:08.336
  • We say that because when we were little, if we didn't, we
  • 00:18:08.336 --> 00:18:10.671
  • Got smacked.
  • 00:18:10.671 --> 00:18:15.977
  • But with god's help, we're learning to say it with
  • 00:18:15.977 --> 00:18:18.112
  • Some sincerity.
  • 00:18:18.112 --> 00:18:20.481
  • And if you will listen just a little bit when somebody says
  • 00:18:20.481 --> 00:18:25.153
  • That, you have a window now.
  • 00:18:25.153 --> 00:18:28.322
  • So here's the suggestion.
  • 00:18:28.322 --> 00:18:31.759
  • Don't say to them, may i pray for you?
  • 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:35.296
  • Because the minute you say may i pray for you?
  • 00:18:35.296 --> 00:18:37.832
  • You've given them all the authority they say, oh, i've
  • 00:18:37.832 --> 00:18:42.036
  • Heard about people like you.
  • 00:18:42.036 --> 00:18:44.205
  • [congregation laughing]
  • 00:18:44.205 --> 00:18:48.809
  • Okay, you know, i believe in prayer.
  • 00:18:48.809 --> 00:18:54.715
  • I have oil in my pocket.
  • 00:18:54.715 --> 00:18:57.985
  • My pastor speaks in tongues, and he has prepared me for you.
  • 00:18:57.985 --> 00:19:07.395
  • None of that will help you.
  • 00:19:07.395 --> 00:19:11.799
  • But if you will say let's pray, now here's your opportunity.
  • 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:17.505
  • When you say that, close your eyes.
  • 00:19:17.505 --> 00:19:20.007
  • Because they're not gonna close theirs.
  • 00:19:20.007 --> 00:19:23.211
  • They think you just morphed into something they've never
  • 00:19:23.211 --> 00:19:25.346
  • Met before.
  • 00:19:25.346 --> 00:19:27.782
  • And when you--this is so important, when you say let's
  • 00:19:27.782 --> 00:19:29.850
  • Pray, you only get one sentence.
  • 00:19:29.850 --> 00:19:32.486
  • For some of you this will take supernatural help, okay?
  • 00:19:32.486 --> 00:19:38.192
  • Let's pray.
  • 00:19:38.192 --> 00:19:39.594
  • If they told you their kids were sick, well, i pray the children
  • 00:19:39.594 --> 00:19:42.863
  • Will feel better today in jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:19:42.863 --> 00:19:47.034
  • If they told you business is tough, god, give us the wisdom
  • 00:19:47.034 --> 00:19:51.505
  • We need to accomplish our task in jesus's name, amen.
  • 00:19:51.505 --> 00:19:57.078
  • If their home life, god bring peace to that home in jesus's
  • 00:19:57.078 --> 00:20:00.214
  • Name, amen.
  • 00:20:00.214 --> 00:20:01.782
  • Just one sentence.
  • 00:20:01.782 --> 00:20:04.318
  • Stop while you're ahead.
  • 00:20:04.318 --> 00:20:08.122
  • It doesn't matter how great-- jesus called lazarus out of the
  • 00:20:08.122 --> 00:20:10.758
  • Tomb in three words, lazarus, come forth.
  • 00:20:10.758 --> 00:20:17.565
  • Now, this is important when you're done, when you say amen,
  • 00:20:17.565 --> 00:20:20.601
  • We have a natural instinct, particularly if you're a church
  • 00:20:20.601 --> 00:20:22.803
  • Person, you want them to affirm you.
  • 00:20:22.803 --> 00:20:25.406
  • You want them to say i felt something from the top of my
  • 00:20:25.406 --> 00:20:27.875
  • Head to the bottoms of my feet, it was like something warm was
  • 00:20:27.875 --> 00:20:32.546
  • Running down my head, right?
  • 00:20:32.546 --> 00:20:36.884
  • Because then you think, oh, who's next?
  • 00:20:36.884 --> 00:20:45.493
  • But it isn't about us.
  • 00:20:45.493 --> 00:20:47.828
  • So when you say amen, don't give them that goofy christian look
  • 00:20:47.828 --> 00:20:54.402
  • That is like that invitation for a response.
  • 00:20:54.402 --> 00:20:57.271
  • Do you know what i mean?
  • 00:20:57.271 --> 00:20:58.606
  • It's that nonverbal language that says i need a little
  • 00:20:58.606 --> 00:21:00.641
  • Affirmation, because i'm more afraid than you are.
  • 00:21:00.641 --> 00:21:03.778
  • You with me?
  • 00:21:03.778 --> 00:21:05.446
  • You know that...
  • 00:21:05.446 --> 00:21:15.323
  • When you say amen, you move on as quickly as you can.
  • 00:21:15.323 --> 00:21:21.629
  • Don't you love fall in tennessee?
  • 00:21:21.629 --> 00:21:25.066
  • How about them titans?
  • 00:21:25.066 --> 00:21:28.135
  • Tennessee's gonna hang a hundred on those boys saturday.
  • 00:21:28.135 --> 00:21:32.473
  • Whatever you need to do, you have that line already
  • 00:21:32.473 --> 00:21:35.276
  • In your head.
  • 00:21:35.276 --> 00:21:36.644
  • Now you've done two things.
  • 00:21:36.644 --> 00:21:37.978
  • You've invited god into a circumstance where he wouldn't
  • 00:21:37.978 --> 00:21:39.980
  • Have been invited if you hadn't done that, and you have given
  • 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:44.919
  • Somebody an awareness that there's a person in their realm
  • 00:21:44.919 --> 00:21:47.855
  • Of influence that would pray.
  • 00:21:47.855 --> 00:21:51.859
  • If you'll do that a few times, your life will get busy
  • 00:21:51.859 --> 00:21:54.595
  • Praying prayers.
  • 00:21:54.595 --> 00:21:58.165
  • Step out of the crowd.
  • 00:21:58.165 --> 00:22:02.803
  • Have the courage to begin to honor the lord in your life in
  • 00:22:02.803 --> 00:22:07.108
  • A new way.
  • 00:22:07.108 --> 00:22:09.076
  • Folks, it will change everything about the world we live in.
  • 00:22:09.076 --> 00:22:12.980
  • It truly will.
  • 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:14.648
  • The people jesus recruited were as messed up as we are.
  • 00:22:14.648 --> 00:22:18.452
  • They argued about who was the greatest.
  • 00:22:18.452 --> 00:22:21.389
  • Jesus looked at them on multiple occasions and said, "you're
  • 00:22:21.389 --> 00:22:23.324
  • Really slow.
  • 00:22:23.324 --> 00:22:26.060
  • Don't you understand anything?"
  • 00:22:26.060 --> 00:22:29.730
  • He rebuked them for their leadership style.
  • 00:22:29.730 --> 00:22:32.533
  • One of them was a thief.
  • 00:22:32.533 --> 00:22:35.102
  • I mean, they were messed up, and they changed their world.
  • 00:22:35.102 --> 00:22:40.074
  • So can we, if we'll be willing just to step out of that crowd
  • 00:22:40.074 --> 00:22:45.346
  • A little bit.
  • 00:22:45.346 --> 00:22:47.648
  • I understand it makes you feel vulnerable.
  • 00:22:47.648 --> 00:22:50.451
  • Not everybody will cheer.
  • 00:22:50.451 --> 00:22:55.322
  • You'll be put on some lists, you'll be excluded
  • 00:22:55.322 --> 00:22:57.925
  • In some places.
  • 00:22:57.925 --> 00:22:59.894
  • You'll go back and talk to the lord and say that wasn't how
  • 00:22:59.894 --> 00:23:02.329
  • I expected it to work.
  • 00:23:02.329 --> 00:23:06.367
  • But i don't believe you will ever regret it if you honor the
  • 00:23:06.367 --> 00:23:10.037
  • Lord with your life and your words and your actions.
  • 00:23:10.037 --> 00:23:14.742
  • I brought you a prayer.
  • 00:23:14.742 --> 00:23:17.344
  • I took this from acts chapter 4.
  • 00:23:17.344 --> 00:23:20.648
  • Jesus's friends, after he went back
  • 00:23:20.648 --> 00:23:22.183
  • To heaven in acts chapter 1, are trying to figure it
  • 00:23:22.183 --> 00:23:24.218
  • Out, and there's a lot of antagonism, and there's some
  • 00:23:24.218 --> 00:23:28.756
  • Threats that have been offered, and they've been arrested
  • 00:23:28.756 --> 00:23:30.991
  • Already, and when they're released, they go back and find
  • 00:23:30.991 --> 00:23:34.195
  • Their friends in acts 4, and they offer a prayer.
  • 00:23:34.195 --> 00:23:40.501
  • And god honors their prayer.
  • 00:23:40.501 --> 00:23:41.836
  • It's at the beginning of the book of acts.
  • 00:23:41.836 --> 00:23:43.637
  • So one way of understanding it is that prayer ignites
  • 00:23:43.637 --> 00:23:47.007
  • What's coming.
  • 00:23:47.007 --> 00:23:48.375
  • It's not the only component, but it's an important component.
  • 00:23:48.375 --> 00:23:51.879
  • And so i adapted a prayer from acts chapter 4:27 to 30.
  • 00:23:51.879 --> 00:23:55.749
  • I gave you the references, but i didn't--
  • 00:23:55.749 --> 00:23:57.685
  • I think i gave you the scripture, too, didn't i?
  • 00:23:57.685 --> 00:24:00.454
  • I forgot, i found more room.
  • 00:24:00.454 --> 00:24:03.090
  • That tiny print, that's a wonderful thing.
  • 00:24:03.090 --> 00:24:06.627
  • But i want us to pray that prayer together, but i wanted
  • 00:24:06.627 --> 00:24:08.729
  • You to know it didn't come from me, i just took what the
  • 00:24:08.729 --> 00:24:12.199
  • Believers in jerusalem prayed in acts 4 and gave it to the
  • 00:24:12.199 --> 00:24:15.603
  • Believers in tennessee and beyond to pray in the
  • 00:24:15.603 --> 00:24:18.672
  • 21st century.
  • 00:24:18.672 --> 00:24:20.508
  • So why don't you stand together, and we'll pray this together.
  • 00:24:20.508 --> 00:24:30.251
  • You ready?
  • 00:24:31.018 --> 00:24:32.486
  • If you're at home, you can say it with us.
  • 00:24:32.486 --> 00:24:34.522
  • Almighty god, our rulers have conspired against your purposes
  • 00:24:34.522 --> 00:24:39.627
  • And the lordship of jesus.
  • 00:24:39.627 --> 00:24:41.795
  • They have acted under your watchfulness.
  • 00:24:41.795 --> 00:24:44.698
  • Now, lord, consider their threats and enable your servants
  • 00:24:44.698 --> 00:24:48.836
  • To speak your word with great boldness.
  • 00:24:48.836 --> 00:24:52.106
  • Stretch out your hand to heal and to perform miraculous signs
  • 00:24:52.106 --> 00:24:56.844
  • And wonders through the name of your holy servant jesus.
  • 00:24:56.844 --> 00:25:01.482
  • May his name be exalted throughout the earth.
  • 00:25:01.482 --> 00:25:04.885
  • Amen.
  • 00:25:04.885 --> 00:25:06.453
  • Hallelujah.
  • 00:25:06.453 --> 00:25:07.821
  • God bless you.
  • 00:25:07.821 --> 00:25:10.524
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:25:10.524 --> 00:25:16.597
  • Allen: you know, i'm a pastor, and i have the privilege of
  • 00:25:16.664 --> 00:25:18.599
  • Serving god's people.
  • 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:20.034
  • I can tell you from experience, one of the most difficult things
  • 00:25:20.034 --> 00:25:22.369
  • To do is introduce change.
  • 00:25:22.369 --> 00:25:24.238
  • Most of us don't like it, and i think that's particularly true
  • 00:25:24.238 --> 00:25:27.841
  • Around holiday seasons.
  • 00:25:27.841 --> 00:25:29.343
  • We have traditions, we have patterns, we have habits,
  • 00:25:29.343 --> 00:25:32.613
  • They're comforting to us, comfortable to us.
  • 00:25:32.613 --> 00:25:36.116
  • Well, i wanna suggest something, we have created a tool for you
  • 00:25:36.116 --> 00:25:39.119
  • This christmas, it's called "leading with faith
  • 00:25:39.119 --> 00:25:41.121
  • At christmas."
  • 00:25:41.121 --> 00:25:42.456
  • It's a little book with a 25-day devotional that you can do
  • 00:25:42.456 --> 00:25:44.858
  • Personally, you can do with your family, you can do it
  • 00:25:44.858 --> 00:25:46.460
  • With coworkers.
  • 00:25:46.460 --> 00:25:47.828
  • There's some recipes, there's activities, it's really a guide
  • 00:25:47.828 --> 00:25:51.098
  • For you to shape christmas with your faith, but it means i'm
  • 00:25:51.098 --> 00:25:55.402
  • Asking you to do something different, to introduce change,
  • 00:25:55.402 --> 00:25:58.839
  • And i know that's not easy.
  • 00:25:58.839 --> 00:26:00.474
  • But it's time for us to stop raging against the darkness.
  • 00:26:00.474 --> 00:26:03.177
  • Folks, let's turn up the light.
  • 00:26:03.177 --> 00:26:05.045
  • I believe "leading with faith at christmas" is a tool that will
  • 00:26:05.045 --> 00:26:08.182
  • Help you be a better light for jesus in the midst of this
  • 00:26:08.182 --> 00:26:11.452
  • Christmas season, and that's worthwhile.
  • 00:26:11.452 --> 00:26:14.221
  • Enjoy the book, and merry christmas.
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  • Allen: hey, i wanna give you a personal invitation to join my
  • 00:26:17.257 --> 00:26:20.494
  • Podcast, "culture and christianity."
  • 00:26:20.494 --> 00:26:23.497
  • John amanchukwu: for a person to think that the bible is not
  • 00:26:23.497 --> 00:26:25.132
  • Political, you don't know the bible.
  • 00:26:25.132 --> 00:26:27.167
  • Allen: we're trying to understand how to take our faith
  • 00:26:27.167 --> 00:26:29.503
  • Outside the walls of the church and live it out in
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  • The marketplace.
  • 00:26:31.572 --> 00:26:32.906
  • David eubank: he will show you what to do, whether it's in our
  • 00:26:32.906 --> 00:26:35.342
  • Communities and our country or other places in the world.
  • 00:26:35.342 --> 00:26:38.846
  • Allen: so i brought in some friends, some people that are
  • 00:26:38.846 --> 00:26:40.481
  • Trying to do this.
  • 00:26:40.481 --> 00:26:41.849
  • Jennifer o'neill: how could anyone call themselves christian
  • 00:26:41.849 --> 00:26:43.717
  • And be pro-choice is beyond my comprehension.
  • 00:26:43.717 --> 00:26:47.855
  • Dallas jenkins: but i think he wanted them open and in need of
  • 00:26:47.855 --> 00:26:52.192
  • Him every day.
  • 00:26:52.192 --> 00:26:53.560
  • Allen: we've been living through a season of unprecedented
  • 00:26:53.560 --> 00:26:55.062
  • Deception, propaganda, manipulation.
  • 00:26:55.062 --> 00:26:57.665
  • Yair pinto: everybody says, "oh, israel is attacking schools in
  • 00:26:57.665 --> 00:27:01.168
  • The gaza strip."
  • 00:27:01.168 --> 00:27:02.569
  • Allen: i wanna be a part of seeing culture and
  • 00:27:02.569 --> 00:27:04.204
  • Christianity intersect.
  • 00:27:04.204 --> 00:27:05.906
  • Hope you enjoy the podcast.
  • 00:27:05.906 --> 00:27:07.307
  • ♪♪♪
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