Allen Jackson - Victory Over Darkness (Part 2)

September 22, 2025 | 28:35

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 - Victory Over Darkness (Part 2) | September 22, 2025
  • ♪♪♪
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  • Allen jackson: hey, i've got a new book.
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  • I think it'll be a blessing.
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  • It's "my friend jesus."
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  • You know, i've had the privilege of a good education, a lot of
  • 00:00:10.994 --> 00:00:13.229
  • Formal training, years in church world.
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  • I've learned big words and definitions and
  • 00:00:15.732 --> 00:00:17.934
  • Formal dialogues.
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  • I wanna peel all that back.
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  • At the end of the day, i wanna live my life as jesus's friend.
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  • I want to trust him with who i am, with what i'm doing.
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  • I wanna invite him into the circumstances.
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  • I want his opinion.
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  • I want his perspective.
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  • I need his help a lot of times.
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  • I'm not trying to hide anything or compartmentalize anything.
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  • I wanna live my life as jesus's friend.
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  • I've talked about it, i've preached about it, and now i've
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  • Written about it.
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  • And the real goal is to help jesus become your friend in a
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  • New way.
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  • I wanna talk about more than going to heaven or being saved
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  • Or being good or keeping the rules.
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  • I just wanna be jesus's friend.
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  • I believe that's the best lane in life.
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  • I think it's the best opportunities, it's the most
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  • Fulfilling, the most rewarding.
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  • My hope is the book will change your faith and give a new
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  • Momentum to your own spiritual life.
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  • I believe it'll be a blessing.
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  • Allen: if we're gonna be a prevailing church, and we are.
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  • If we're gonna be a triumphant church, and we are, there's no
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  • Other choice in the scripture.
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  • There's no defeated church, there's no failed church.
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  • Jesus is the head of the church.
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  • I like this.
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  • You know, people say it doesn't matter whether you win or lose,
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  • Then i hope you're on the other team.
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  • "well, pastor, you know, i just enjoy playing the game."
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  • "well, i'm happy for you.
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  • I like winning."
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  • You know, christians can be more righteous than god.
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  • Oh, come on.
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  • I mean we say some goofy things.
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  • There, for a few years we went to bridgestone in nashville.
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  • We would go down there and do events and it was a lift.
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  • I mean, we'd charter 28 or 30 buses and load up and go to
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  • Nashville and invite our friends from all over the mid-state and
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  • Turn a hockey rink into a worship place and, i mean, we'd
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  • Do our thing, a little country church.
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  • I remember after all it took us weeks and months and i don't
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  • Know how many meetings, i don't know, all the stuff.
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  • And the weekend after somebody stopped me in the lobby and
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  • Said, "you know, pastor, it was a lovely night at bridgestone.
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  • So thank you.
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  • You know, it was worth it if just one person heard
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  • The gospel."
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  • And i know i should have smiled with a very pastorly attitude
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  • And said, "thank you."
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  • But i didn't.
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  • I said, "are you kidding me?
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  • I could have driven down the streets of the mcdonald's and
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  • One person could have heard the gospel while i was waiting on a
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  • Big mac."
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  • Sometimes we just get weird.
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  • We do.
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  • "well, pastor."
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  • Well, church.
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  • Matthew 16:18, these were jesus's words: "i will build my
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  • Church, and the gates of hades will not overcome it."
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  • Jesus is building a triumphant church.
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  • Now i'll tell you what i've discovered because my
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  • Experiences with church as a young person were not great.
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  • I've discovered that a prevailing church is composed of
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  • Prevailing people.
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  • It's not about denominational affiliation or the buildings or
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  • The architecture or the musical style or the wardrobe of the
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  • Presenter or all those things that factor into our decisions.
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  • A prevailing church is composed of prevailing people.
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  • We have been given authority in the name of the one we call
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  • Lord, spiritual authority, an authority greater than anything
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  • Available in time.
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  • So that our authority is positional, it's linked directly
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  • To who we are in christ.
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  • And it requires an awareness of that authority.
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  • It has to be understood in order to be exercised.
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  • When a police officer's directing traffic and he holds
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  • Up his hand, he don't have the physical strength to stop an
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  • Oncoming car.
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  • He has authority.
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  • And in a similar way, you and i are not engaged in a power
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  • Struggle with evil.
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  • We're not called to wrestle with satan as he prowls around
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  • The earth.
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  • No, we're told to resist him in the authority of the one
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  • We serve.
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  • Spiritual conflict is a truth encounter, not a power struggle.
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  • You know this, john 8:32, it's in your notes as well.
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  • Jesus said, "you'll know the truth, and the truth will
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  • Bring freedom."
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  • The church is in the freedom business.
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  • We have unfortunately settled for just being in the
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  • Salvation business.
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  • We say to people, "you know, you should get saved
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  • So you can go to heaven."
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  • Well, i believe in that.
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  • That's a good thing to do, but you should really find the truth
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  • Of god so that you can live in the freedom that jesus made
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  • Available to us, and that's an entirely different proposition.
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  • It involves engaging the spiritual forces that shape
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  • Our lives.
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  • It involves a desire to please god, to walk uprightly before
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  • Him, to know the authority that's available to us, so that
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  • We can put to death those ungodly desires that percolate
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  • In every one of us, no matter how long you've been
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  • Around church.
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  • You know, i've discovered that tenure in the body of christ
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  • Doesn't remove you from the need to continue to be transformed.
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  • Think of it in terms of athletic ability.
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  • You know, if you've been to a ballgame and watched 4- and
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  • 5-year-olds play, the only people there that know they're
  • 00:05:20.937 --> 00:05:25.274
  • Playing ball are the parents and the coaches.
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  • The little kids think, you know, they get a costume and they're
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  • Gonna go stand on the field.
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  • But if it's time, you know, if they're gonna--if they're at
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  • Bat and they're gonna run to the base, somebody has to point,
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  • "you go run there."
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  • And then when it's their turn to play defense, and they go out
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  • In the field, they're more likely to be doing this...
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  • Or they'll find something down on the ground.
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  • You know, whatever athletic activity is very much secondary
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  • To what's going on.
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  • But if they keep playing and they get better and better and
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  • The level of competition keeps going up, they keep improving,
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  • They keep practicing.
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  • And at every level where you do that, it takes greater focus and
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  • To make any gain takes a greater sacrifice.
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  • You know, when you're 4 or 5, you can make some significant
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  • Improvements by just knowing where first base is.
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  • But if you're gonna do that on a professional level, it takes a
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  • Complete focus of your life, your diet, your exercise, your
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  • Habits, your thoughts, your friends.
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  • Well, the same is true as christ followers.
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  • If we're gonna grow up in the church, folks, it's gonna take a
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  • Different attitude.
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  • We want there to be a triumphant church and we wanna be the same.
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  • I do.
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  • So i brought you some things, simple statements of fact
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  • From scripture.
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  • I just want to introduce them to you.
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  • They'd be wonderful to tuck into your memory.
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  • If you don't memorize scripture, change.
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  • You need to have it.
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  • It will change you from the inside out.
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  • It'll give you something to think about other than the
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  • Favorite melody or the line somebody said to you that you
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  • Can't get out of your head.
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  • Replace it with a statement that god's given you.
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  • Matthew 5:13, jesus was speaking, he said, "you're the
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  • Salt of the earth."
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  • You're the salt of the earth.
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  • Both a preservative and we add flavor.
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  • We bring a distinctiveness.
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  • God's people are at the center of what he's doing in the earth.
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  • You are the salt of the earth.
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  • Can you say that with me?
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  • On three: one, two, three.
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  • "you're the salt of the earth."
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  • Look at you.
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  • Matthew 5:14.
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  • Jesus again: "you're the light of the world.
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  • A city on a hill cannot be hidden."
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  • You see, stop raging against the darkness.
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  • Let's turn up the light.
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  • You know, some people will say to me, you know, "pastor, pray
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  • For me.
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  • I work in a place and there's no christians," and
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  • That's why god sent you.
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  • "yeah, but if they know i'm a christian, it'll be--" yeah, i
  • 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:53.456
  • Know, when you turn on the light, everybody's gonna squint.
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  • It's awkward, you know, and if the light's really dim, we all
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  • Look good.
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  • Turn down the house lights, for real.
  • 00:08:04.500 --> 00:08:07.937
  • There's somebody back there, turn down the house lights.
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  • See, y'all look better.
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  • [congregation laughs]
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  • Allen: turn them back up.
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  • Oh.
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  • We spend all our time being mad at the darkness.
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  • We're the light of the world.
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  • It's bound to bring some awkwardness.
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  • It does, but it's okay, it really is, it's okay.
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  • Can we say that together?
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  • "i'm the light of the world."
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  • The third one, john 1: jesus said, "to all who received him,
  • 00:08:48.177 --> 00:08:51.981
  • To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to
  • 00:08:51.981 --> 00:08:54.050
  • Become children of god-- children born not of natural
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  • Descent, nor of human decision or of a husband's will, but born
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  • Of god."
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  • God's children, god's children.
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  • I like to think about this one.
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  • You know, it changes everything to imagine you belong to the
  • 00:09:09.632 --> 00:09:12.301
  • Family of god.
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  • All of our families, you know, every family has a few fruits
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  • And nuts.
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  • Depending where you are, you're--you know it's not you,
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  • But you know one who fits the definition.
  • 00:09:22.745 --> 00:09:26.916
  • But to imagine that we belong to the family of god, that god
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  • Knows our name.
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  • You know, watch the joy that parents have in their kids or
  • 00:09:34.190 --> 00:09:37.126
  • The ability to recognize their child's voice across a crowded
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  • Lobby of people or how proud they are if their child does
  • 00:09:39.795 --> 00:09:43.232
  • Well in school or athletics or whatever they may be engaged in.
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  • God's kids.
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  • The bible says not a sparrow falls to the ground unless god
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  • Attends a funeral for the bird.
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  • God's kids.
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  • He knows how many hairs you have.
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  • He made you.
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  • He knew you when you were being designed in your mother's womb.
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  • He's written a narrative for you.
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  • He's written a story for you.
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  • Jesus, the bible says, is the author and the completer of
  • 00:10:06.389 --> 00:10:08.457
  • Our story.
  • 00:10:08.457 --> 00:10:10.726
  • You may have come from a family that brought you great pain or
  • 00:10:10.726 --> 00:10:14.930
  • Disappointment or suffering.
  • 00:10:14.930 --> 00:10:17.933
  • But when jesus becomes lord of your life, you become a part of
  • 00:10:17.933 --> 00:10:20.703
  • God's family, god's kids.
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  • You may have been widely rejected multiple times through
  • 00:10:24.006 --> 00:10:27.076
  • Your life.
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  • There may be a whole train of brokenness is--that defines
  • 00:10:28.944 --> 00:10:31.814
  • Your story, but if you're a child of god, you belong to the
  • 00:10:31.814 --> 00:10:35.618
  • Best family in the universe.
  • 00:10:35.618 --> 00:10:38.454
  • We looked at that recently where the bible says we're accepted in
  • 00:10:38.454 --> 00:10:40.856
  • The beloved.
  • 00:10:40.856 --> 00:10:42.224
  • Highly favored is what the word means.
  • 00:10:42.224 --> 00:10:44.427
  • You matter to god. you matter to god.
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  • I'll tell you what, i've kind of worked this out on the inside
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  • Of me, you know, if there are people that don't like me,
  • 00:10:49.532 --> 00:10:51.233
  • But god says i'm good, i'm gonna roll with that.
  • 00:10:51.233 --> 00:10:55.571
  • And i don't mean that in a haughty way or an ungodly way.
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  • So it's extraordinary significance that you understand
  • 00:11:01.177 --> 00:11:05.681
  • To whom you belong.
  • 00:11:05.681 --> 00:11:07.950
  • Because you're under the authority of one of those
  • 00:11:07.950 --> 00:11:09.485
  • Two lions.
  • 00:11:09.485 --> 00:11:11.921
  • Hard stop.
  • 00:11:11.921 --> 00:11:13.255
  • There's no third option.
  • 00:11:13.255 --> 00:11:15.558
  • So just as a declaration of faith based on that simple verse
  • 00:11:15.558 --> 00:11:18.394
  • From john 1:12, let's read that sentence together.
  • 00:11:18.394 --> 00:11:21.397
  • It's in bold in your notes.
  • 00:11:21.397 --> 00:11:22.765
  • Can we do that?
  • 00:11:22.765 --> 00:11:25.468
  • "i receive jesus as lord, i'm a child of god.
  • 00:11:25.468 --> 00:11:29.605
  • He has chosen me."
  • 00:11:29.605 --> 00:11:34.677
  • Allen: hey, i've written a new book.
  • 00:11:38.514 --> 00:11:39.882
  • It's called "my friend jesus."
  • 00:11:39.882 --> 00:11:41.717
  • You know, i'm a pastor, a lot of ritual, tradition, a lot of
  • 00:11:41.717 --> 00:11:45.087
  • Formality in the way we know god.
  • 00:11:45.087 --> 00:11:47.323
  • It's not bad.
  • 00:11:47.323 --> 00:11:48.657
  • There's some good things in that, but when i'm in real
  • 00:11:48.657 --> 00:11:50.493
  • Trouble or i have something i wanna celebrate, i call
  • 00:11:50.493 --> 00:11:52.795
  • A friend.
  • 00:11:52.795 --> 00:11:54.163
  • Well, i wanna live my life with jesus of nazareth as my friend.
  • 00:11:54.163 --> 00:11:57.433
  • It changes everything in both celebration and when there's
  • 00:11:57.433 --> 00:12:00.536
  • A problem.
  • 00:12:00.536 --> 00:12:01.871
  • I wrote the book to help.
  • 00:12:01.871 --> 00:12:03.205
  • I think it'll open your life to god in a more personal,
  • 00:12:03.205 --> 00:12:05.541
  • Transformational way than ever before.
  • 00:12:05.541 --> 00:12:08.244
  • Enjoy the book.
  • 00:12:08.244 --> 00:12:09.612
  • Female announcer: in his book, "my friend jesus," pastor allen
  • 00:12:09.612 --> 00:12:11.881
  • Shares how friendship with jesus brings clarity, strength, and
  • 00:12:11.881 --> 00:12:15.351
  • Peace in every part of life.
  • 00:12:15.351 --> 00:12:17.286
  • This isn't about following a religion or religious rules.
  • 00:12:17.286 --> 00:12:20.589
  • It's about cultivating a cherished relationship that will
  • 00:12:20.589 --> 00:12:23.292
  • Help your faith become more personal, more joyful, and more
  • 00:12:23.292 --> 00:12:26.862
  • Powerful each day.
  • 00:12:26.862 --> 00:12:28.397
  • Request "my friend jesus" with your donation of $25 or more
  • 00:12:28.397 --> 00:12:32.368
  • Today at allenjackson.com or by calling...
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  • Word today.
  • 00:13:30.926 --> 00:13:36.465
  • Allen: romans 8:17: "if we're children, then we're heirs--
  • 00:13:40.669 --> 00:13:43.339
  • Heirs of god and co-heirs with christ, if indeed we share in
  • 00:13:43.339 --> 00:13:47.109
  • His sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
  • 00:13:47.109 --> 00:13:50.679
  • Heirs with christ.
  • 00:13:50.679 --> 00:13:53.582
  • We are joint heirs with jesus.
  • 00:13:53.582 --> 00:13:56.485
  • The inheritance that he deserved has been shared with us.
  • 00:13:56.485 --> 00:14:03.359
  • We've talked about this a lot.
  • 00:14:03.359 --> 00:14:04.727
  • We use some fancier language around it, but we talk about a
  • 00:14:04.727 --> 00:14:06.996
  • Divine exchange where, on the cross, jesus exhausted the curse
  • 00:14:06.996 --> 00:14:10.766
  • Of sin.
  • 00:14:10.766 --> 00:14:12.134
  • He took all of the judgment, the punishment that was due by
  • 00:14:12.134 --> 00:14:13.736
  • Divine justice, my ungodliness and yours, so that in return you
  • 00:14:13.736 --> 00:14:18.974
  • And i might receive all of the blessings that were due his
  • 00:14:18.974 --> 00:14:21.644
  • Perfect obedience.
  • 00:14:21.644 --> 00:14:24.647
  • And we read passages like philippians chapter 2 where it
  • 00:14:24.647 --> 00:14:27.616
  • Talks about what jesus--it says your attitude should be the same
  • 00:14:27.616 --> 00:14:30.019
  • As jesus, even though he was equal with god, didn't consider
  • 00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:33.889
  • Equality to be something to be grasped, so he made
  • 00:14:33.889 --> 00:14:36.125
  • Himself nothing.
  • 00:14:36.125 --> 00:14:39.862
  • Found himself in human likeness, became a servant.
  • 00:14:39.862 --> 00:14:43.966
  • Became obedient, even to death on a cross.
  • 00:14:43.966 --> 00:14:49.338
  • But then there's a turn and it says, "therefore god exalted
  • 00:14:49.338 --> 00:14:52.441
  • Him, gave him the name that's the--it's the highest name
  • 00:14:52.441 --> 00:14:55.444
  • That's above every name, that at the name of jesus every knee
  • 00:14:55.444 --> 00:14:58.047
  • Would bow in heaven, earth, and under the earth.
  • 00:14:58.047 --> 00:15:01.884
  • Didn't we read a passage like this that says we're joint heirs
  • 00:15:01.884 --> 00:15:05.721
  • With christ?
  • 00:15:05.721 --> 00:15:07.856
  • We've been given an exalted place in god's
  • 00:15:07.856 --> 00:15:12.661
  • Unfolding purposes.
  • 00:15:12.661 --> 00:15:13.996
  • In the book of ephesians, it says we've been seated in the
  • 00:15:13.996 --> 00:15:15.864
  • Heavenly places in christ.
  • 00:15:15.864 --> 00:15:18.267
  • Yeah, we're still in this present realm.
  • 00:15:18.267 --> 00:15:19.768
  • We're aliens and strangers here.
  • 00:15:19.768 --> 00:15:22.271
  • I've lived in other places, but my passport was still stamped
  • 00:15:22.271 --> 00:15:24.940
  • Usa, and i'm making a journey through time, but my purpose, my
  • 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:30.179
  • Goal, my future is anchored beyond this present age.
  • 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:34.416
  • And so is yours.
  • 00:15:34.416 --> 00:15:37.386
  • You see, it enables me to deal with some things that i have to
  • 00:15:37.386 --> 00:15:39.888
  • Deal with, some things within me, things around me to overcome
  • 00:15:39.888 --> 00:15:43.559
  • And say, "no, i don't think i will stop.
  • 00:15:43.559 --> 00:15:45.327
  • I think i will persevere.
  • 00:15:45.327 --> 00:15:46.695
  • I think i will bring my best effort."
  • 00:15:46.695 --> 00:15:50.299
  • Can we make that statement together?
  • 00:15:50.299 --> 00:15:52.468
  • "i'm a joint heir with christ, sharing his inheritance
  • 00:15:52.468 --> 00:15:56.372
  • With him."
  • 00:15:56.372 --> 00:15:57.840
  • 2 corinthians 5:17 said, "if anyone is in christ," not if
  • 00:15:57.840 --> 00:16:01.443
  • He's in church or in the denomination or in the building.
  • 00:16:01.443 --> 00:16:03.946
  • If you're in christ.
  • 00:16:03.946 --> 00:16:06.348
  • If you've decided that jesus of nazareth is the messiah, and
  • 00:16:06.348 --> 00:16:10.152
  • You've asked him to be lord of your life, that's how you get
  • 00:16:10.152 --> 00:16:12.421
  • In christ.
  • 00:16:12.421 --> 00:16:13.756
  • You believe in your heart and you confess with your mouth.
  • 00:16:13.756 --> 00:16:15.924
  • "if anyone is in christ, he's a new creation; the old has gone,
  • 00:16:15.924 --> 00:16:19.094
  • The new's come!
  • 00:16:19.094 --> 00:16:20.462
  • And this is from god, who reconciled us to himself through
  • 00:16:20.462 --> 00:16:23.132
  • Christ and gave us," gave us, you better circle that little
  • 00:16:23.132 --> 00:16:27.903
  • Word "us."
  • 00:16:27.903 --> 00:16:29.238
  • Gave us.
  • 00:16:29.238 --> 00:16:31.040
  • What did he give us?
  • 00:16:31.040 --> 00:16:32.975
  • "the ministry of reconciliation."
  • 00:16:32.975 --> 00:16:35.944
  • We have an assignment in this world.
  • 00:16:35.944 --> 00:16:38.847
  • We've got a job to do other than sit in church and wait for a
  • 00:16:38.847 --> 00:16:41.383
  • Trumpet to blow.
  • 00:16:41.383 --> 00:16:44.953
  • You didn't get saved so you could avoid hell and then lead
  • 00:16:44.953 --> 00:16:47.589
  • Life on your terms, folks.
  • 00:16:47.589 --> 00:16:49.124
  • Jesus said, "i will build my church."
  • 00:16:49.124 --> 00:16:52.961
  • What an honor we have to be a part of that.
  • 00:16:52.961 --> 00:16:56.398
  • Can we make that statement together?
  • 00:16:56.398 --> 00:16:58.634
  • "i'm a new creation, reconciled to god."
  • 00:16:58.634 --> 00:17:02.037
  • Ephesians 2:10: "we're god's workmanship, created in christ
  • 00:17:02.037 --> 00:17:05.674
  • Jesus to do good works, which god prepared in advance for us
  • 00:17:05.674 --> 00:17:08.577
  • To do."
  • 00:17:08.577 --> 00:17:10.212
  • We're god's workmanship.
  • 00:17:10.212 --> 00:17:11.547
  • I know other people may not like us, but we're god's workmanship.
  • 00:17:11.547 --> 00:17:15.217
  • Don't let the devil criticize you.
  • 00:17:19.021 --> 00:17:21.223
  • I won't ask for a show of hands, but how many of you know there's
  • 00:17:21.223 --> 00:17:23.225
  • Something about yourself you'd like to change?
  • 00:17:23.225 --> 00:17:26.261
  • I said, "don't raise your hands," you did it anyway.
  • 00:17:26.261 --> 00:17:30.065
  • You really are determined, aren't you?
  • 00:17:30.065 --> 00:17:33.435
  • See, we're so aware of that.
  • 00:17:33.435 --> 00:17:35.604
  • Too much of this, too little of that, too tall, too wide, don't
  • 00:17:35.604 --> 00:17:38.974
  • Like my accent, want something different, whatever.
  • 00:17:38.974 --> 00:17:42.845
  • We're so--we're far more aware because we have an accusing
  • 00:17:42.845 --> 00:17:45.781
  • Voice that is an adversary.
  • 00:17:45.781 --> 00:17:47.749
  • There's a lion prowling around the earth, and one of the titles
  • 00:17:47.749 --> 00:17:50.419
  • He's given is the accuser of the brethren.
  • 00:17:50.419 --> 00:17:53.889
  • I want to give you a response.
  • 00:17:53.889 --> 00:17:55.257
  • The next time you're tempted to say you're not something, would
  • 00:17:55.257 --> 00:17:58.861
  • You say, "i'm god's workmanship, created by god for
  • 00:17:58.861 --> 00:18:01.463
  • His purposes."
  • 00:18:01.463 --> 00:18:03.098
  • Can we say it together?
  • 00:18:03.098 --> 00:18:04.666
  • "i'm god's workmanship, created by god for his purposes."
  • 00:18:04.666 --> 00:18:09.371
  • 2 corinthians 5:20: "we're therefore christ's ambassadors,
  • 00:18:09.371 --> 00:18:12.407
  • As though god were making his appeal through us.
  • 00:18:12.407 --> 00:18:15.144
  • We implore you on christ's behalf: be reconciled to god."
  • 00:18:15.144 --> 00:18:19.748
  • You know, my friend mike huckabee got tagged to be the
  • 00:18:19.748 --> 00:18:21.717
  • Ambassador from the united states of america to the nation
  • 00:18:21.717 --> 00:18:24.953
  • Of israel.
  • 00:18:24.953 --> 00:18:27.389
  • Sounds really fun, doesn't it?
  • 00:18:27.389 --> 00:18:31.193
  • But you know, to accept that assignment, he had to resign
  • 00:18:31.193 --> 00:18:34.062
  • His job.
  • 00:18:34.062 --> 00:18:37.866
  • And he moved his family.
  • 00:18:37.866 --> 00:18:39.234
  • He had a beautiful home in destin, florida, but he'd moved
  • 00:18:39.234 --> 00:18:41.436
  • His family from destin back to little rock, arkansas.
  • 00:18:41.436 --> 00:18:46.408
  • That would give you pause.
  • 00:18:46.408 --> 00:18:48.944
  • But he had a reason: his daughter had been elected
  • 00:18:48.944 --> 00:18:51.680
  • Governor of arkansas.
  • 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:54.016
  • And he wanted to play in the governor's mansion with his
  • 00:18:54.016 --> 00:18:56.618
  • Grandkids where he'd had the privilege of living with his
  • 00:18:56.618 --> 00:18:59.154
  • Own kids.
  • 00:18:59.154 --> 00:19:00.956
  • I mean, life was good.
  • 00:19:00.956 --> 00:19:03.559
  • And then he got a phone call that said, "i need you to go
  • 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:07.963
  • To jerusalem."
  • 00:19:07.963 --> 00:19:10.165
  • Now, i know it sounds like it's fun, but he took an enormous
  • 00:19:10.165 --> 00:19:14.536
  • Pay cut.
  • 00:19:14.536 --> 00:19:16.705
  • And he moved 8000 miles away from his grandkids, which i'm
  • 00:19:16.705 --> 00:19:19.808
  • Sure his wife was thrilled to hear about.
  • 00:19:19.808 --> 00:19:23.345
  • In fact, he happened to tell me that he got the phone call, and
  • 00:19:23.345 --> 00:19:26.615
  • His only request was, would you give me an hour to tell my wife?
  • 00:19:26.615 --> 00:19:32.454
  • And of course, the person who called him, didn't, so she heard
  • 00:19:32.454 --> 00:19:38.827
  • About it on the news.
  • 00:19:38.827 --> 00:19:41.830
  • Yeah, that was the groans of married people right there in
  • 00:19:41.830 --> 00:19:46.134
  • The room.
  • 00:19:46.134 --> 00:19:47.469
  • You heard that.
  • 00:19:47.469 --> 00:19:48.837
  • No, but it's an assignment to be an ambassador and get a
  • 00:19:48.837 --> 00:19:52.641
  • Foreign posting and all the things that went with it and to
  • 00:19:52.641 --> 00:19:55.310
  • Get posted in a country where rockets have been dropping ever
  • 00:19:55.310 --> 00:19:58.780
  • Since you got there.
  • 00:19:58.780 --> 00:20:00.182
  • We are therefore christ's ambassadors.
  • 00:20:03.719 --> 00:20:07.222
  • God's making his appeal through us.
  • 00:20:07.222 --> 00:20:09.524
  • And we happen to live in a place where there's a roaring lion
  • 00:20:13.695 --> 00:20:17.065
  • Looking for someone to devour, and the boss who called us to be
  • 00:20:17.065 --> 00:20:20.969
  • An ambassador said, "i need you to resist it.
  • 00:20:20.969 --> 00:20:25.073
  • To put on the full armor of god.
  • 00:20:25.073 --> 00:20:28.977
  • And having done everything you know to do, you stand there."
  • 00:20:28.977 --> 00:20:34.650
  • God's making his appeal through us.
  • 00:20:34.650 --> 00:20:37.019
  • We're the light of the world, we're the salt of the world.
  • 00:20:37.019 --> 00:20:40.222
  • Remember all those things you've been saying?
  • 00:20:40.222 --> 00:20:42.524
  • Can we make that statement together?
  • 00:20:42.524 --> 00:20:44.459
  • "i'm an ambassador for jesus of nazareth, my lord and king."
  • 00:20:44.459 --> 00:20:50.666
  • I'm really done, but i wanna submit that we can't really
  • 00:20:50.666 --> 00:20:54.169
  • Receive fully the forgiveness and the mercy and the power of
  • 00:20:54.169 --> 00:20:58.373
  • God unless we're willing to participate in his purposes.
  • 00:20:58.373 --> 00:21:03.145
  • I don't believe you can garner all the benefits and then say to
  • 00:21:03.145 --> 00:21:07.015
  • The lord, "you know, i'm not really interested.
  • 00:21:07.015 --> 00:21:10.752
  • I just don't wanna go to hell."
  • 00:21:10.752 --> 00:21:13.755
  • I don't really understand that that's how it works.
  • 00:21:13.755 --> 00:21:16.692
  • Imagine you volunteered to join the army, that you can do
  • 00:21:20.829 --> 00:21:24.666
  • Whatever you want to.
  • 00:21:24.666 --> 00:21:26.001
  • You said, "great, i'd like to drive a tank.
  • 00:21:26.001 --> 00:21:28.904
  • They look really cool.
  • 00:21:28.904 --> 00:21:32.541
  • I wanna be a tank driver."
  • 00:21:32.541 --> 00:21:35.510
  • I can imagine you get to boot camp, you get a drill sergeant,
  • 00:21:35.510 --> 00:21:38.146
  • They put those back in, you know.
  • 00:21:38.146 --> 00:21:42.384
  • They've had therapists.
  • 00:21:42.384 --> 00:21:43.752
  • Now they have drill sergeants again.
  • 00:21:43.752 --> 00:21:45.220
  • [congregation applauds]
  • 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:52.094
  • Allen: we better pray for the new recruits.
  • 00:21:52.094 --> 00:21:54.796
  • But i can imagine, you know, you're there your first week,
  • 00:21:54.796 --> 00:21:58.400
  • You've met your drill sergeant and you say to him, "listen, i'm
  • 00:21:58.400 --> 00:22:01.937
  • A tank driver, but i need you to understand something about me.
  • 00:22:01.937 --> 00:22:04.973
  • I don't really intend to go to battle.
  • 00:22:08.844 --> 00:22:12.047
  • And you know, all this stuff about getting up at reveille,
  • 00:22:12.047 --> 00:22:14.516
  • I'm not really into that.
  • 00:22:14.516 --> 00:22:16.651
  • I'm much better, i'm just a much better person if i can sleep
  • 00:22:16.651 --> 00:22:19.454
  • Till noon.
  • 00:22:19.454 --> 00:22:22.224
  • So i'm just telling you, i enlisted, but i'll be getting up
  • 00:22:22.224 --> 00:22:24.926
  • About noon and i'd like my breakfast then.
  • 00:22:24.926 --> 00:22:27.696
  • And then i'd like to drive the tank around for a little while.
  • 00:22:27.696 --> 00:22:32.000
  • But then at the, you know, at the end of the afternoon,
  • 00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:33.735
  • I'd really like my time in the hot tub to get
  • 00:22:33.735 --> 00:22:35.203
  • The kinks out after the tank."
  • 00:22:35.203 --> 00:22:38.140
  • How many of you think that recruit might have some
  • 00:22:38.140 --> 00:22:41.176
  • Adjustments coming into their worldview?
  • 00:22:41.176 --> 00:22:45.313
  • Well, my sense of the body of christ is that we've kind of
  • 00:22:45.313 --> 00:22:48.750
  • Raised our hands and said, "yeah, i think i'd like
  • 00:22:48.750 --> 00:22:50.652
  • To enlist.
  • 00:22:50.652 --> 00:22:53.121
  • Maybe even drive a tank.
  • 00:22:53.121 --> 00:22:55.757
  • And i'd like a wake-up call about 11:50.
  • 00:22:55.757 --> 00:22:59.494
  • And my eggs poached."
  • 00:22:59.494 --> 00:23:03.465
  • I had breakfast with a friend.
  • 00:23:03.465 --> 00:23:05.600
  • I'm not sure i knew what a poached egg was.
  • 00:23:05.600 --> 00:23:08.336
  • I had breakfast with a friend not too long ago and he ordered
  • 00:23:08.336 --> 00:23:10.806
  • Poached eggs and they delivered them, he said, "you just can't
  • 00:23:10.806 --> 00:23:13.241
  • Get a good poached egg in this town."
  • 00:23:13.241 --> 00:23:15.143
  • And i hated to be as country as i am, so i just said, "yeah, i
  • 00:23:18.713 --> 00:23:22.150
  • Know it's a problem."
  • 00:23:22.150 --> 00:23:23.552
  • [congregation laughs]
  • 00:23:23.618 --> 00:23:33.929
  • Allen: "wise as a servant and harmless as a dove."
  • 00:23:33.995 --> 00:23:37.332
  • So people say things to me like, you know, "it's not our job to
  • 00:23:41.536 --> 00:23:44.306
  • Build the church."
  • 00:23:44.306 --> 00:23:45.674
  • I'm gonna ask you a question, whose is it?
  • 00:23:45.674 --> 00:23:47.642
  • This is the place where god deployed us.
  • 00:23:51.546 --> 00:23:54.349
  • This is the time in the span of human history when he called our
  • 00:23:54.349 --> 00:23:56.852
  • Names, where he sent us in as ambassadors to be voices of
  • 00:23:56.852 --> 00:24:02.290
  • Reconciliation to almighty god, to be salt and light.
  • 00:24:02.290 --> 00:24:06.394
  • He calls us his children.
  • 00:24:06.394 --> 00:24:08.530
  • Are we gonna deny the family?
  • 00:24:08.530 --> 00:24:11.166
  • We've had a really backwards approach.
  • 00:24:11.166 --> 00:24:12.968
  • We've kind of imagined that there was no business, there was
  • 00:24:12.968 --> 00:24:16.071
  • Nothing, there was no real significance.
  • 00:24:16.071 --> 00:24:17.472
  • It didn't require any effort.
  • 00:24:17.472 --> 00:24:18.807
  • Folks, it's a false gospel.
  • 00:24:18.807 --> 00:24:21.409
  • But it isn't something we do, we don't earn it.
  • 00:24:21.409 --> 00:24:23.378
  • It's about understanding who we are in christ, the authority we
  • 00:24:23.378 --> 00:24:26.047
  • Have in him, what he's done for us and because of when receiving
  • 00:24:26.047 --> 00:24:29.684
  • That, then what it means, we have the authority to accomplish
  • 00:24:29.684 --> 00:24:32.654
  • With our lives.
  • 00:24:32.654 --> 00:24:34.856
  • I think our best conclusion for this session is to take those
  • 00:24:34.856 --> 00:24:38.260
  • Seven statements and to say them together again.
  • 00:24:38.260 --> 00:24:43.198
  • I think i put them at the end of your notes, didn't i? look
  • 00:24:43.198 --> 00:24:46.034
  • At me.
  • 00:24:46.034 --> 00:24:47.369
  • Why don't you stand with me?
  • 00:24:47.369 --> 00:24:48.737
  • We're gonna say these together.
  • 00:24:48.737 --> 00:24:51.673
  • This is our declaration of intent.
  • 00:24:51.673 --> 00:24:54.175
  • I wanna be a part of what god's doing in the earth, don't you?
  • 00:24:54.175 --> 00:24:57.946
  • I haven't been tagged to be an ambassador in jerusalem, but
  • 00:24:57.946 --> 00:25:00.081
  • I've been tagged to be one in murfreesboro, hot dog.
  • 00:25:00.081 --> 00:25:03.885
  • I mean you can't get a good poached egg, but you get some
  • 00:25:03.885 --> 00:25:05.921
  • Good country ham, huh?
  • 00:25:05.921 --> 00:25:11.359
  • You ready?
  • 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:12.861
  • "i'm the salt of the earth.
  • 00:25:12.861 --> 00:25:14.996
  • I'm the light of the world.
  • 00:25:14.996 --> 00:25:16.998
  • I receive jesus as lord, i'm a child of god.
  • 00:25:16.998 --> 00:25:21.436
  • He's chosen me.
  • 00:25:21.436 --> 00:25:23.371
  • I'm a joint heir with christ, sharing his inheritance
  • 00:25:23.371 --> 00:25:27.142
  • With him.
  • 00:25:27.142 --> 00:25:28.476
  • I'm a new creation, reconciled to god.
  • 00:25:28.476 --> 00:25:31.880
  • I am god's workmanship, created by god for his purposes.
  • 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:36.851
  • I'm an ambassador for jesus of nazareth, my lord and
  • 00:25:36.851 --> 00:25:41.323
  • King, amen."
  • 00:25:41.323 --> 00:25:43.658
  • God bless you.
  • 00:25:43.658 --> 00:25:46.528
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:25:46.595 --> 00:25:52.667
  • Allen: thank you for spending a few minutes with us today.
  • 00:25:52.667 --> 00:25:54.736
  • You know, our goal in doing this is to add momentum to your
  • 00:25:54.736 --> 00:25:58.106
  • Spiritual life to help open the kingdom of god to you in a more
  • 00:25:58.106 --> 00:26:01.676
  • Practical way that you could engage in a relationship with
  • 00:26:01.676 --> 00:26:04.245
  • The lord, not be a more faithful church sitter or a bible reader,
  • 00:26:04.245 --> 00:26:08.016
  • But a person who actually knows a living god.
  • 00:26:08.016 --> 00:26:10.785
  • Well, i've written a new book.
  • 00:26:10.785 --> 00:26:12.120
  • It's called "my friend jesus."
  • 00:26:12.120 --> 00:26:13.488
  • To be candid, it's the culmination of years of my own
  • 00:26:13.488 --> 00:26:17.125
  • Spiritual journey.
  • 00:26:17.125 --> 00:26:18.460
  • I wanted to peel away all the formality of language and
  • 00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:21.896
  • Routine and ritual, and i really wanted to focus on what it means
  • 00:26:21.896 --> 00:26:25.467
  • To be a friend of the lord.
  • 00:26:25.467 --> 00:26:27.435
  • And that book is intended to give you a pathway to imagine
  • 00:26:27.435 --> 00:26:30.605
  • Your faith in a way that enables it to be more personal,
  • 00:26:30.605 --> 00:26:33.441
  • More transformational.
  • 00:26:33.441 --> 00:26:34.809
  • When i need help, i call my friends.
  • 00:26:34.809 --> 00:26:36.645
  • But when i need real help, i call my friend jesus.
  • 00:26:36.645 --> 00:26:39.714
  • He changes everything.
  • 00:26:39.714 --> 00:26:41.082
  • He's done it many times in my life.
  • 00:26:41.082 --> 00:26:42.984
  • He'll do it in your life.
  • 00:26:42.984 --> 00:26:44.719
  • Read the book, open your heart, there'll be a whole new power
  • 00:26:44.719 --> 00:26:47.956
  • Available to help shape your future.
  • 00:26:47.956 --> 00:26:51.526
  • Announcer: we are committed to helping you grow in your faith
  • 00:26:51.526 --> 00:26:53.561
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