I have no evidence to suggest my ancestors promoted or benefitted from the slave trade, but I also have no evidence to suggest they didn’t—which is statistically more probable as a family, like many others, that had taken English customs and translated them into a new bourgeoning “Southern” way of life.

As I've reflected on my ancestry and the likelihood of its regrettable involvement in one of the most heinous violations of the Imago Dei in the modern era, I was reminded of Jesus’ family tree. Though noteworthy at various points, Jesus’ ancestors made up a colorful list of sinners.

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I’ve met so many people who’ve wrestled with their "moment of salvation.”

For them, the concern isn’t that they can’t remember the exact time. The concern is that if they can’t remember the moment, they worry their salvation isn’t genuine.

Here’s the good news.

You might not remember the moment, but God does.

--

Original music by Matthew Lewis.

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The Mountain of God stands tall in the Bible.

The Mountain is the place where heaven and earth overlap. Visually, it’s where sky and land collide. But more importantly, the mountaintop in the Bible is a place of spiritual intersection.

The Bible presents the mountain motif to connect God’s activity with humanity through history. It’s on the mountaintop that God steps down to grace humanity with His presence, and where He invites us up into relationship with Him. Across the Bible’s many mountains, three stand out above the rest—Eden, Sinai, and Zion.

Original music by Matthew Lewis.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit willjackson.substack.com

Original Music by Matthew Lewis

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit willjackson.substack.com

Intentionality is the aim to be purposeful and thoughtful with our efforts.

By contrast, margin is our available and unassigned bandwidth in life.

Margin speaks to potential, the possibility of opportunity.

Intentionality - Biblically Expected

Margin - Biblically Wise

Zone 1: Low Margin + High Intentionality

Zone 2: High Margin + Low Intentionality

Zone 3: Low Margin + Low Intentionality

Zone 4: High Margin + High Intentionality

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"As Frodo lies on the ground, unable to move forward, in a poignant moment, Sam tells his friend, 'I can’t carry [the ring] for you, but I can carry you!' This is the Christian life expressed in mutual dependence between brothers and sisters in the faith."

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