Participants: Elder Ted Wilson, Pr. Stephen Bohr
Series Code: 14GYC
Program Code: 14GYC000004A
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00:09 Is that your prayer that you catch
00:12 clear glimpses of Jesus tonight at GYC? 00:15 I hope that's all of our prayers 00:16 that our eyes would be open to see Jesus more and more, 00:20 more clearly for who He is, amen. 00:23 Our next hymn is hymn number 326 00:24 "Open my eyes, that I may see." 00:31 Open my eyes, that I may see 00:36 Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me 00:41 Place in my hands the wonderful key 00:46 That shall unclasp and set me free 00:52 Silently now I wait for Thee 00:57 Ready my God, Thy will to see 01:02 Open my eyes, illumine me 01:07 Spirit divine-- 01:09 Only the ladies, 01:11 on this next verse only the ladies. 01:13 Open my ears, that I may hear 01:18 Voices of truth Thou sendest clear 01:24 And while the wavenotes fall on my ear 01:28 Everything false will disappear-- 01:33 Everyone now. 01:34 Silently now I wait for Thee 01:40 Ready, my God Thy will to see 01:45 Open my eyes, illumine me 01:50 Spirit divine! 01:56 Open my mouth, and let me bear 02:01 Gladly the warm truth ev'rywhere 02:06 Open my heart and let me prepare 02:11 Love with Thy children thus to share 02:17 Silently now I wait for Thee 02:22 Ready, my God Thy will to see 02:27 Open my eyes, illumine me 02:32 Spirit divine! 02:41 Our theme song this year is, "At the Cross." 02:45 Our theme is, "At the Cross" and for many of us 02:48 that's, that is where our hearts were broken 02:52 and to be reminded of that this year 02:55 is such a, it's such a hope, a hopeful thought 02:58 that we'll start our salvation, 03:01 we'll kick off that, that redemption plan 03:04 is going to soon be realize with His second coming, amen. 03:09 Why don't we stand together and sing our hymn 03:12 or opening hymn "At the Cross." 03:34 Alas, and did my Savior bleed? 03:40 And did my Sovereign die? 03:47 Would we devote that sacred head 03:54 For someone such as I? 04:00 At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light 04:06 And the burden of my heart rolled away 04:12 It was there by faith I received my sight 04:18 And now I am happy all the day! 04:25 Was it for crimes that I have done 04:31 He suffered on the tree? 04:38 Amazing pity! Grace unknown! 04:44 And love beyond degree! 04:51 At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light 04:57 And the burden of my heart rolled away 05:03 It was there by faith I received my sight 05:10 And now I am happy all the day! 05:16 But drops of grief can ne'er repay 05:23 The debt of love I owe 05:30 Here, Lord, I give myself away 05:37 'Tis all that I can do! 05:41 Sing it out GYC. 05:43 At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light 05:50 And the burden of my heart rolled away 05:56 It was there by faith I received my sight 06:03 And now I am happy all the day! 06:09 At the cross, at the cross Where I first saw the light 06:16 And the burden of my heart rolled away 06:22 It was there by faith I received my sight 06:29 And now I am happy all the day! 06:37 Amen. You may be seated. 06:44 Happy New Year. 06:45 As we continue to hear this wonderful messages 06:48 that come from the throne of grace. 06:51 We would love to invite you to continue to say hearty amens 06:55 and praise God and hallelujah 06:57 as the angels do before the throne of grace. 07:00 Tonight, 07:02 I'd love to welcome all those who are watching online, 07:05 or on the TV's as well as our audience here 07:09 and before we pray, I would love to just recap 07:15 the wonderful message that we had this morning 07:18 from the pastor about surrendering at Gethsemane. 07:23 I really was touched 07:24 by the concept that we can surrender like Christ, 07:27 in his humanity combined with divinity 07:30 he learned how to surrender to the will of God, 07:33 and then later on we heard about a testimony, 07:36 a life of a man who surrendered to God as well, 07:40 and as a result of that how God was able 07:43 and he is continuing to use our brother Christian Berdahl. 07:47 And so I would invite you to join me tonight, 07:49 as we go to the throne of grace 07:52 and talk to our heavenly Father. 07:54 Please kneel with me. 08:03 Our loving Father, we bow before Your presence, 08:07 January 1, 2015 08:11 to thank you for another year of life. 08:14 We rejoice in the work that Christ is doing on our behalf 08:17 in the most holy place. 08:20 We thank You that the work of the Holy Spirit 08:22 has been unceasing in our lives. 08:26 And as we've gathered here together at GYC 2015, 08:31 we desire dear Father 08:32 to surrender our lives like Jesus 08:35 who gave us such a beautiful example 08:38 in Gethsemane, at the wilderness 08:40 and then at the cross. 08:42 Father, teach us how to live a life like Christ 08:46 and we thank You that it is not of our own doing, 08:49 but it is in uniting our wills with His, 08:53 that He is able to work out His perfect will in us. 08:58 Tonight, dear Father, 08:59 we thank You, that we will hear testimonies, 09:02 we will hear a message from the throne of grace. 09:05 We humbly ask dear Father that You may prepare our hearts 09:09 to receive the word of the living God 09:12 and that it may do that transformation, 09:15 for Your word says that it is able to sanctify us. 09:19 Thank you, Father, that you can do this, 09:21 be with a speaker, 09:22 give him the words to say, give him a mind of Christ 09:27 and as he bears the message, 09:29 I pray that You may also minister to his heart, 09:33 this is our humble prayer in Jesus' precious 09:36 and loving name we pray, amen. 09:43 Speaking of His death on the cross 09:45 as the apex manifestation of God's love. 09:51 Jesus said, "And I, 09:52 when I am lifted up from the Earth, 09:55 will draw all people to myself." 09:58 The Apostle Paul himself, 10:01 experiencing the power of God's love 10:05 said emphatically, 10:07 "I have determined to know nothing among you 10:11 except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." 10:15 Ellen White comprehend in the power of the cross 10:19 for the message that we have to give to the world 10:22 stated clearly there is one great central truth 10:26 ever to be kept before the mind 10:29 in the searching of the scriptures. 10:31 Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 10:34 I want you to imagine seeing all Bible truth 10:39 through the illuminating lens of God's love. 10:43 Imagine the cross central to the Sabbath truth, 10:47 to the judgment, 10:48 to the first, second and third angel's messages. 10:52 What I hold in my hands this evening 10:55 is a brand new groundbreaking series of Bible studies 10:59 called Truth Link. 11:00 Twenty seven topics of Bible truth 11:05 configured specifically, deliberately 11:08 in the light of God's love 11:10 and Christ death on Calvary as the central theme. 11:14 These Bible studies, 11:16 we can't even keep them on the shelves. 11:20 They've only been out for four months 11:22 and we're in the fourth printing. 11:24 Conference presidents 11:25 are giving them to every pastor in their conference 11:29 in the hope that they will be utilized for soul winning. 11:32 Churches are ordering them by the case, 11:36 in the coming year Light Bearers Ministry, 11:38 the ministry I represent 11:40 will put into circulation over 10 million 11:44 Truth Link Bible study guides in the mission field 11:48 in developing countries around the world. 11:51 Not only are these Bible study guides 11:54 available in print form, 11:56 but we also have brought forth in the Truth Link package 12:03 of evangelistic witness a website, truthlink.org. 12:08 It's amazing people will be able to click on number one, 12:12 and once they complete it. 12:14 A doorway will open to number two, 12:16 and so on through all 27. 12:18 When they come to strategic points 12:21 where truths need to be made even more clear, 12:24 free offers will be made of key books 12:27 that we hold dear as a people, 12:29 that will be sent to the Bible student 12:31 in the mail. 12:32 When they complete the series, 12:34 they'll receive a certificate of completion 12:37 and an email inviting them to receive a visit 12:40 from a Truth Link representative, 12:43 which we will then send to the local church 12:45 and they will follow up, and go and visit the people 12:50 right in their homes. 12:52 The exciting thing this evening is that through the generosity 12:55 of some of our fellow church members 12:58 4,000 sets of the Truth Link Bible study guides are here, 13:03 for all who are attending GYC. 13:07 This evening they are a gift to you 13:10 and as you exit the meeting, they will be available, 13:14 handed to you at all of the exits. 13:19 Happy New Year, and have a good evening. 13:22 Amen. 13:35 Purpose of literature evangelism 13:36 is really to get a preacher inside the home 13:39 that people don't know is a preacher. 13:42 We're hoping to reach about a 100,000 people 13:46 in about three and half days for the canvassing. 13:49 What an opportunity, 13:50 it's a gift to have young people 13:52 that are excited and on fire knocking on doors 13:55 and getting people ready for Bible studies. 13:57 I found that by sharing I grow the most, 13:59 and I learned the most, 14:01 and that's experience that I want 14:04 my fellow Christians to have 14:05 is to go out and to be challenged 14:08 to defend your faith and win some in loving ways 14:10 and in doing that to, to grow as a Christian 14:14 and pass it to share with others the love of God. 14:17 And it's just the most amazing addicting thing 14:19 when you get to tell someone about Jesus, 14:22 and you get to share who He really is 14:25 with the world. 14:26 Father, I know that there are people today 14:28 who are hurting are searching for some light 14:31 and I just pray like this send us the doors 14:33 at the right time with the right spirit 14:36 and with the right words to say. 14:38 If we're not winning souls for Christ, 14:40 we're not really soul winners. 14:41 And so this is the opportunity to put into practice 14:43 what He's been telling us to do. 14:53 It's just so amazing 14:54 on how these young people are so determined 14:57 on wanting to go door to door 14:59 and just seen over the past couple of days, 15:01 they've been memorizing the canvas which is, 15:04 you know, on what they want to see at the doors. 15:06 And it's been just such an inspiration in my heart 15:09 'cause, I mean, I've been doing this for, 15:10 you know, two plus years, but seeing people 15:14 wanting to do more for God as well, 15:16 has kind of almost unleash this inside warming heart 15:20 happiness in my life 15:22 knowing that it's not just me that's doing it, 15:23 but now this whole army of young people 15:26 are doing something for the Lord. 15:29 The work we do had eternal effects, amen. 15:31 Amen. Got to yell it. 15:36 This really inspired me to give up all for Christ, 15:40 and to really go out there and not care about numbers, 15:43 not care about rejection, but to really go out there 15:46 because we only have a short time 15:48 and that's what GYC Pre-Conference is all about 15:51 is equipping young people, 15:53 because, if we don't do it who is gonna finish this work. 15:58 Each one of us, no matter what our faults may be 16:00 or our social awkwardness or whatever it is, 16:03 God can use each of us to share the gospel 16:06 and it, it lowers your view of yourself 16:09 and helps you to rely more on God. 16:12 The reason I'm here canvassing today, 16:16 is because I really felt a call on my heart 16:20 to come out here and do this. 16:21 Like I feel like, 16:22 I haven't done enough to reach souls for Christ. 16:28 Just people dying everyday that don't know our savior. 16:31 And we need to reach those people 16:33 so that's why I'm here. 16:35 Hello. Hello. 16:37 Well, someone knocked on my door, 16:39 and so, I want to be a light for someone else, 16:42 and so that's really my, I guess inspiration 16:45 and what pushes me to keep going. 16:46 Well, if you're okay with it, 16:47 I would love to pray for you right now. 16:49 Oh, that is good. 16:50 Are you okay? Okay. 16:52 You know, and experiencing the rejection it's hard, 16:55 but someone did it for me 16:56 and I want to be even if it's just one person 16:59 that's it, you know, 17:00 that's one person I was able to make an influence 17:03 on their life for God. 17:04 We can't really communicate to somebody else 17:06 what we've not personally experienced, 17:07 so it's important that we are in touch with a power of God. 17:09 And because of that, 17:11 that he is able to use us as a channel 17:12 through which is love can communicate to everybody. 17:20 Clip from GYC Pre-Conference, 17:24 we have a 180 people who are standing behind me, 17:26 who showed up in Phoenix on Friday. 17:29 Canvassed for three days and by God's grace 17:31 we knocked on about 80,000 doors, 17:33 got thousands of pieces of literature in the homes. 17:37 And this evening, I want to share with you 17:38 some of the experiences that we've had. 17:40 I have Nathan with me, and he wants to share 17:42 what God did in Phoenix this week. 17:45 Well, our leader dropped us off on Alasta street, 17:49 and when as we're going, I was getting a lot of rejections 17:54 and when we were getting trained 17:57 we were instructed to, 17:59 when we get those rejections to run and to pray and to sing. 18:03 So what I did, I started running in between doors 18:06 and I started singing the song, "Heaven is cheap enough." 18:09 And at my, our last door, my last door I met this man, 18:13 and he was interested in the Great Controversy. 18:16 And he asked me quite a few times 18:18 about the Great Controversy 18:19 and so, I was telling him and then my leader came 18:22 and helped me out to finish explaining him 18:24 about the Great Controversy. 18:25 And so, after that 18:28 he was able to get four books and we prayed with him 18:30 and that really touched his heart. 18:32 And I just want to praise the Lord 18:34 that He helped me push through, 18:35 to be able to give these books out to people. 18:37 Now, I want to ask what would have happen 18:39 if Nathan would have given up at rejection 18:42 but by God's grace a 15 year old young man 18:44 was faithful and there is a Great Controversy 18:46 in a home tonight as a result of that. 18:48 Now, Rachel clearly understands 18:50 the impact of literature ministries in her life. 18:53 Rachel, what role has it played for you? 18:56 Literature evangelism 18:57 has played a crucial role in my testimony, 19:00 not only less than two years ago, 19:02 but as a current part. 19:04 On a day I shouldn't have even been home 19:06 someone knocked on my door. 19:08 I was able to receive Bible studies, 19:10 attend an evangelistic series by Souls West, 19:13 and be baptized into the Adventist Church. 19:16 Amen. 19:17 And even after being baptized, 19:19 I continued my job 19:20 as an air traffic control specialist. 19:22 But I had a burning desire in my heart 19:25 to minister to people, 19:26 the way someone reached out to me. 19:29 And so-- 19:32 Praise the Lord. 19:33 So less than a week ago, I left my job 19:38 and the day after, I was here in Phoenix, 19:41 at the Pre-Outreach Conference. 19:43 Being trained to knock on doors and reach souls for Jesus. 19:46 Amen. Praise the Lord, amen. 19:48 She was reached through canvassers 19:51 and by God's grace, comes to GYC Pre-Conference, 19:53 and is now being trained as a canvasser 19:55 to continue in literature ministries. 19:57 If any of you want to hear more stories 19:59 of how canvassing can change the lives 20:01 of people around the world, is this book at the GYC booth, 20:05 published called ''The Open Door'' 20:07 and it shares canvassing experiences 20:09 about how God is working in powerful ways 20:11 to the literature ministries. 20:12 Now, Mike, I have a question for you, 20:14 for the person watching and they're inspired. 20:16 What would you say? 20:17 How is it possible to be involved 20:19 in literature evangelism? 20:20 There are several ways to be involved 20:22 in literature evangelism. 20:23 The first is you can join a canvassing school. 20:26 Souls West, Souls North West; we canvass throughout the year. 20:30 Trains you how to be a canvassing leader 20:32 that maybe you're sitting there 20:33 and saying it's not my calling to be a canvassing leader. 20:36 Can you dedicate 10 weeks of your life during Youth Rush, 20:40 ten weeks knocking doors, getting out Steps to Christ, 20:44 Desire of Ages, Great Controversies, 20:46 getting them for minimal donations? 20:48 Maybe some of you are saying, ''I'm not a sales person. 20:51 I can't ask someone for money." 20:53 Can you knock on someone's door and give them a glow track?' 20:57 Maybe you're terrified to knock on someone's door? 20:59 Can you go to a Starbucks 21:01 and can you just hand them out to people. 21:04 Whatever way you go out, whatever way you're doing it, 21:07 we're just pleading with you 21:08 and making the appeal to get literature out. 21:11 It changed my life, it changed Rachel's life, 21:14 it changed countless number of many people's lives 21:17 and it will change your life. 21:18 You know, by God's grace Ellen White says that, 21:20 "If there's one work important than another 21:22 is that of getting our publications before the people, 21:25 thus leading them to search the Scriptures." 21:27 Colporteur Ministry, page 7. 21:29 I pray by God's grace, 21:30 that each one of us will be engaged 21:32 in this important work for this time. 21:33 Amen. 21:55 Good evening, GYC. Good evening. 21:58 Do you have a wonderful day? Amen, so have I. 22:02 Tonight, we have a very special guest with us, 22:05 and I just have to say, 22:09 this is a pretty exciting time for us 22:11 to have Elder Wilson with us here at GYC. 22:14 And there is something 22:16 that I so tremendously appreciate about Elder Wilson, 22:19 earlier this year, I emailed him. 22:22 Now he spoke actually 22:24 for the Divine Service last year at GYC, 22:26 and I knew he is extremely busy and you know the quinquennium 22:29 the five years between General Conferences 22:32 is coming to an end. 22:34 He is super busy especially now. 22:35 And so, I thought you know, it's real long shot 22:37 that we could get Elder Wilson to come to GYC, 22:40 when he has the whole world church on his plate. 22:42 Through the strength of God obviously, but I thought, 22:46 I want to try, you know, it never hurts to try, 22:49 but that's it's a real long shot. 22:51 So I emailed him and said, ''Elder Wilson, you know, 22:53 I know, this is a long shot, but just so you know, 22:56 we would really love to have you at GYC if you can come.' 22:59 ' And a couple of days later, he said, ''You know, 23:01 I thought about it and I prayed about it 23:04 and I'm gonna come to GYC.' 23:05 Amen. 23:07 And it's a real gift to us. 23:09 Now he's just coming for this evening, 23:12 he flew in today, 23:14 and he is having to fly back out tomorrow morning 23:16 because of other things that he has to do, 23:18 but he took a part this afternoon 23:20 and this evening to be with us. 23:23 And over the past five, 23:28 almost five years about four and half years 23:30 since he became GC President. 23:33 He has come to GYC several times 23:36 and even though and actually his investment in young people 23:41 has meant the world to me personally 23:45 and also to us as GYC, Elder Wilson. 23:48 I remember one of my other favorite memories 23:51 of Elder Wilson in GYC 23:53 is that when we had our first conference in Europe 23:56 in 2012. 23:58 He couldn't come to GYC, Europe. 24:00 But he Skpyed in on Friday afternoon, 24:04 I think or Friday evening or something like that, 24:06 and spoke to the congregation via Skype, 24:09 spoke to the young people and encouraged them 24:11 and invested in them via Skype 24:15 and we got to communicate with him back and forth, 24:17 we standing on the stage, 24:18 he being projected on our screens 24:20 from his living room, I think it was. 24:22 And spent time with us as young people, 24:24 even though he could not be there in person. 24:26 And, Elder Wilson, your investment in young people 24:29 has made all the difference in the world for us, 24:32 and really drawn us to feel plugged into the world church. 24:35 And so tonight, he is going to address us, for a time 24:40 and treasure it, 24:41 because we're only gonna have his presence with us 24:44 this evening and he's flying out tomorrow morning. 24:46 Yet it is such a tremendous gift to us, 24:49 and from all of us here at GYC, Elder Wilson thank you. 24:52 And I want to have a word of prayer with you 24:53 and then we're gonna hear what the word of the Lord, 24:57 that He has given to Elder Wilson 24:58 for us tonight. 25:01 Heavenly Father, we thank You so much 25:05 for godly role models, for godly mentors. 25:09 We thank You so much 25:10 for those that are willing to take the time 25:12 and sacrifice their time 25:14 to come and be a part of this movement 25:17 to young people, to invest in us. 25:19 Lord, I thank You 25:20 for the ministry of Elder Wilson, 25:22 the way that he has been a blessing to all of us, 25:25 the way he's been so down to Earth, 25:26 the way he's gotten an outreach buses 25:29 with young people he's never met before 25:30 and gone door to door with us. 25:32 And I pray that you would just put 25:33 a special blessing back upon him 25:36 for the investment that he has made in us 25:39 as young people, 25:40 I mean the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 25:42 Lord, I pray that You would bless this congregation 25:44 as we hear though the word that You have given 25:47 to Elder Wilson to share with us this evening. 25:49 I pray that we would treasure it, 25:50 and then none of Your words will fall to the ground 25:53 that you would speak through him. 25:54 Let your Holy Spirit would be upon him. 25:56 We thank You for him 25:58 and we pray that You would continue to sustain him 25:59 from now until the end of the quinquennium and beyond 26:03 in Jesus' name, amen. 26:05 Amen. 26:06 Thank you so much. God bless you. 26:11 Thank you so much, Natasha, and good evening GYC. 26:15 Good evening. 26:16 What a great privilege it is to be here in Phoenix with you 26:21 on this very first day of 2015. 26:28 And I want to thank 26:29 the entire leadership team of GYC 26:32 for the tremendous preparation and activities 26:35 they have put in to this very important convention. 26:40 And I'm thrilled to see so many young people up here, 26:43 who were part of a literature evangelistic outreach. 26:47 Praise God for that. 26:49 Amen. 26:50 What a blessing it is 26:51 to be part of this great GYC movement. 26:56 A movement that consistently supports 27:01 the Seventh-day Adventist Church in its outreach program. 27:05 We praise God for the faithfulness 27:10 of young people, the faithfulness of GYC. 27:16 And I just want to testify that GYC has been a great blessing. 27:20 I remember that GYC in Europe that Natasha mentioned 27:25 and somehow in that process 27:27 of trying to connect through Skype. 27:30 There was some technical problem 27:32 and they weren't hearing me and everything, 27:34 so I just stopped and I just waved at them. 27:38 And it was one of those precious moments 27:40 that you could never duplicate again. 27:42 Everybody is waving back. 27:44 You know, when you're in the spirit of the Lord, 27:48 in God's word, 27:50 you really don't even have to say anything sometimes. 27:53 The Holy Spirit says it for you. 27:56 January 1 is usually filled with a lot of promise 28:02 for the New Year. 28:04 People making all kinds of resolutions, 28:08 understanding what it is to improve their lives 28:11 and their opportunities, 28:12 the slate is usually clean for the New Year. 28:17 And much of that continues right here in Phoenix today 28:21 on the very first day of 2015. 28:26 But I want to tell you 28:27 the immediate future is not necessarily rosy. 28:33 From a prophetic perspective 28:36 it will get worse before it gets better. 28:42 But, when it does get better, it will be the best. 28:48 Amen. 28:50 Having just passed through 28:51 the world's celebration of the first Advent, 28:57 it is imperative as Seventh-day Adventist, 29:00 young people and older ones 29:03 with a clear prophetic perspective 29:06 to thrill with a realization 29:09 that the Second Advent of Christ is approaching. 29:14 Jesus is coming soon. Amen. 29:17 Now, observing world events around us, 29:20 we immediately recognize that Matthew 24, 29:23 Revelation 13 are being fulfilled 29:25 even as we sit here tonight. 29:30 So many things are pointing 29:32 to a rapid fulfillment of prophetic understanding 29:37 about Earth's history. 29:40 The minutes of the clock 29:42 counting down to midnight at Times Square, last night 29:48 with a traditional Waterford crystal ball descending 29:55 as it does every year to usher in the New Year 29:59 is nothing compare to the final symbolic minutes 30:04 of this Earth's prophetic clock, 30:07 ticking down to the midnight hour 30:10 of earth's history. 30:12 The end of time is upon us. 30:17 The world is in disarray. 30:20 No one can solve the insurmountable problems 30:25 facing countries and people groups. 30:29 Unrest, butchery, treachery is all around us. 30:36 We better understand Luke 21:26 when it recounts, 30:41 "Men's heart failing them from fear and the expectation 30:48 of those things which are coming on the Earth." 30:52 Even though our very recent poll in the United States 30:55 indicated more optimism for 2015 than for 2014. 31:02 There are signs of uncertainty all around us. 31:08 Social trends continue to defy biblical truth 31:13 and heavenly principles. 31:15 For those who are carefully observant 31:18 and I hope all of you here at GYC 31:20 are in that understanding. 31:24 Even the very recent ecumenical trends 31:27 are astounding 31:29 and point to the fulfillment of Revelation 13:3. 31:35 The King James Version eloquently puts it, 31:38 "All the world wondered after the beast." 31:44 So although our report last week indicated 31:47 that the economy is improving, 31:49 that there is a hiring boom, that stocks our surging, 31:53 that oil prices are plunging, that auto sales are up 31:58 and that interest rates are dropping even more, 32:01 one has to ask the question 32:04 on what solid economic foundation 32:09 is any of this built? 32:11 And how long will it last? 32:14 Now I'm generally an eternal optimist. 32:18 But I have concluded, 32:20 we are entering the final scenario of Earth's history 32:27 with unusual events occurring on every hand 32:32 and developments that will take place 32:35 that will defy human logic. 32:39 So on this first day of 2015, 32:44 God is calling each of us here at GYC 32:48 and all God's remnant people around this globe 32:52 to be faithful to Him in every way, 32:57 through our connection 32:58 and our communion with Christ every moment. 33:03 Being revived and reformed in Him at the cross. 33:10 It's only through connecting to the vibe, 33:13 that we can be fruitful 33:16 and faithful in this age of faithlessness. 33:22 We're called to be faithful, 33:25 faithful to Christ, to His word, 33:28 to the church and prophetic movement 33:32 as the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 33:35 Faithful to the biblical plan for the family, 33:38 to His sanctuary message, 33:40 to public and personal witnessing for Him, 33:44 to belief in and use of the Spirit of Prophecy, 33:48 to proclaim the Three Angels' messages 33:52 to the wonderful subject of Christian stewardship. 33:56 Faithful to living the Christian life, 33:59 faithful to Christian humanitarian service 34:02 and to sharing the promise of Christ's soon return. 34:09 God is looking for faithfulness in us. 34:14 At the cross and in our daily lives, 34:18 for He is faithful to us. 34:22 He is our role model and our Savior. 34:25 Through Christ's righteousness and grace, 34:29 we can be faithful because He is faithful. 34:35 David declared in Psalm 40:10, 34:40 "I have not hidden your righteousness 34:42 within my heart. 34:44 I have declared Your faithfulness 34:46 and Your salvation." 34:48 David also verified in Psalm 119:86, 34:55 "That all of God's commandments are faithful." 35:00 Jeremiah testified in Lamentations 3:22 to 23. 35:06 One of the most marvelous passages in scripture. 35:09 "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, 35:12 because His compassions fail not. 35:16 They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness." 35:23 Paul proclaimed in Hebrews 10:23, 35:27 "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope 35:30 without wavering, 35:31 for He who promised is faithful." 35:37 John declared the Word of God to be faithful 35:42 in Revelation 21:5 saying, 35:44 "Then He who sat on the throne said, 35:47 'Behold I make all things new.' 35:50 And He said to me, 35:51 'Write, for these words are true and faithful." 35:57 What a privilege, 35:59 the first day of 2015 36:03 to place ourselves in the hands of One who is faithful 36:08 knowing that whatever may happen to us 36:11 that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins 36:16 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 36:19 as 1 John 1:9 declares. 36:22 Whatever we face in 2015, whatever you as a young person, 36:28 or as a young adult face in this coming year, 36:31 we can rely on God's faithfulness 36:35 to ultimately bring us home to His eternal kingdom 36:40 when Christ returns. 36:43 By God's grace, 36:45 I hope that many of us through the grace of Jesus 36:49 and the faithfulness of each of us to Him 36:53 will see Him coming in the clouds of glory 36:57 without seeing death. 37:00 Be faithful because He is faithful. 37:05 Your faithfulness is essential 37:08 to God's proclamation to the universe. 37:11 Because of His faithfulness, 37:13 He has followers who are faithful, 37:17 His ambassadors to the world. 37:20 Solomon declared 37:25 that "A faithful ambassador brings health." 37:30 Be an ambassador for Christ in 2015 as you bring physical, 37:36 mental, social, spiritual health. 37:41 Share Christ's righteousness 37:42 and His comprehensive health ministry 37:45 as you engage in His plans for mission to the cities 37:50 and every place on this Earth in 2015. 37:55 God promises in Proverbs 28:20 37:59 that "A faithful man shall abound with blessings." 38:05 Luke 16:10 declares that 38:08 "He that is faithful in that which is least 38:11 is faithful also in much." 38:16 Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 4:2, 38:20 "Moreover it is required 38:23 that a man be found faithful. 38:27 Men and women who are faithful to God." 38:33 One of the most poignant examples of faithfulness 38:36 in the line of duty is that of Nehemiah, 38:41 a faithful man of God serving in the palace 38:45 of a Persian king. 38:46 In fact, Nehemiah is one of those listed 38:51 in the GYC mission statement. 38:55 As it goes through there, Nehemiah leadership, 38:58 Daniel's integrity, Mary's humility, 39:00 Paul's passion for evangelism 39:02 and Christ love for God and humanity. 39:05 Let me share just a little bit about Nehemiah. 39:10 Nehemiah 1:4, this marvelous story 39:15 in this beautiful rendition of scripture. 39:18 It records that when Nehemiah heard 39:20 about the broken-down wall of Jerusalem 39:22 he sat down and wept. 39:24 That's what the Bible says. 39:26 He then turned his pleading heart 39:29 to the Lord in prayer. 39:31 As you face the challenges of 2015, young people. 39:36 Be fervent in prayer, pleading with the Lord 39:39 for the latter rain of the Holy Spirit 39:42 so that we can figuratively repair God's wall today 39:48 with Holy Spirit power. 39:50 Verse 11 of that chapter records Nehemiah as saying, 39:57 "O Lord, I pray, please let Your ear 40:01 be attentive to the prayer of Your servant." 40:06 Nehemiah received permission to return to Jerusalem 40:09 and to build the wall. 40:11 Three days after arriving in Jerusalem, 40:14 Nehemiah finally challenge 40:15 those who are there in Jerusalem 40:18 and the Jewish nation saying in 2:17, 40:22 "Come, and let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem 40:26 that we may no longer be a reproach. 40:31 Their response was, 40:33 and let that be the response of all of us here, 40:36 "Let us rise up and build." 40:40 But I want to tell you, 40:42 beware of the downers in life. 40:47 Represented by Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, 40:51 who laughed and despised Nehemiah. 40:55 Take courage from God GYC attendees, 40:58 and join with Nehemiah in saying, 41:02 "The Lord or the God of heaven himself 41:06 will prosper us, 41:07 therefore we his servants will arise and build. 41:14 The construction began 41:16 and came up to half the height of the intended wall 41:20 because as 4:6 says, 41:24 "The Lord had a mind 41:26 or the people had a mind to work. 41:30 However, when Sanballat, Tobiah 41:34 and the enemies of God heard of the progress, 41:37 they made plans to attack. 41:40 Nehemiah pled with the Lord through prayer 41:43 and then positioned the people saying, 41:47 "Remember the Lord, great and awesome, 41:52 and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, 41:56 your wives and your houses." 42:00 They divided the task of defense and construction 42:03 so that all participated. 42:05 In fact, 4:17 indicates 42:11 that "Those who built on the wall 42:14 and those who carried burdens loaded themselves 42:17 so that with one hand they worked at construction 42:21 and with the other held a weapon." 42:26 In your faithfulness to God in 2015 42:33 with one hand do the work of God 42:36 and in the other hand hold the Word of God 42:39 your weaponry of heavenly authority. 42:43 Amen. 42:44 Lean completely on the Lord in your faithful service, 42:50 saying along with those 42:51 who worked on the wall in Jerusalem. 42:54 Our God will fight for us, 43:00 so persistent, undeterred 43:04 and faithful were Nehemiah 43:06 and his colleagues in pursuing God's work 43:10 that they did not even take off their clothes 43:13 except to wash them. 43:16 Well, I'm not quite suggesting that for you, 43:20 but work in the same spirit 43:22 with one mind of faithfulness to God's request 43:25 that we proclaim the Three Angels' messages 43:28 with Holy Spirit power. 43:30 Amen. 43:31 Testimonies for the Church volume 9, page 19 tells us, 43:36 "In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists 43:40 have been set in the world as watchman and light bearers. 43:44 They have been given a work of the most solemn import, 43:48 the proclamation of the first, 43:49 second and third angels' messages. 43:53 There is no other work of so great importance. 43:58 They are to allow nothing else 44:02 to absorb their attention. 44:08 But Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem did not give up. 44:14 Because of those who will try to dissuade you 44:17 of your great tasks 44:19 as Seventh-day Adventist young people on the wall 44:23 in 2015 just before Christ's coming, 44:28 do not succumb to their influence. 44:33 The enemy sent a message to Nehemiah asking them, 44:37 him and others to meet them in the place called, "Ono" 44:44 the plain of Ono. 44:47 Now if Nehemiah, had spoken English 44:50 I can just hear him saying, 44:52 "Oh no, I'm not going to meet on the plain of Ono. 44:56 I know what you're trying to do, 44:58 you're just trying to distract me 44:59 from my heaven born work. 45:03 Nehemiah sent back a powerful message in 6:3 45:09 a message that I hope you will take to heart 45:12 as you leave this great convention 45:16 here in Phoenix. 45:19 It says, "I am doing a great work, 45:24 so that I cannot come down." 45:28 When the Sanballats, 45:30 the Tobiahs and the Geshems of this world 45:32 tempt you to distraction, 45:34 tell them, "We are doing God's work, 45:38 a great work, we will not come down." 45:44 Nehemiah prayed in verse 9. 45:46 "Oh God, strengthen my hands." 45:50 Young people of GYC, ask God to strengthen your hands 45:54 and do His great work in faithfulness to Him. 46:00 God will reward your faithfulness 46:02 as he did Nehemiah. 46:07 Chapter 6:15 and 16 of Chapter 6 record, 46:13 "So the wall was finished and it happened 46:18 when all our enemies heard of it, 46:22 and all the nations around us saw these things, 46:27 that they were very disheartened 46:30 in their own eyes, for they perceived 46:35 that this work was done by our God." 46:41 When God shows His mighty hand in your work of faithfulness, 46:46 give Him all the glory and people will see 46:49 that He is working through you as young people 46:53 of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 46:57 Prophets and Kings, 47:00 page 645 records, Like Nehemiah, 47:06 God's people are neither to fear 47:09 nor to despise their enemies. 47:13 Putting their trust in God, they are to go steadily forward 47:20 doing His work with unselfishness, 47:23 and committing to His providence 47:26 the cause for which they stand." 47:31 So GYC tonight, 47:35 I challenge you as we march into 2015, 47:41 and face the last days of Earth's history 47:45 to stand faithfully for God. 47:50 Accept God's plea in Revelation Chapter 2:10, 47:54 "Be faithful unto death 47:57 and I will give you the crown of life." 48:02 Take Christ's words seriously in Revelation 3:11, 48:08 "Behold, I am coming quickly, hold fast what you have 48:13 that no one may take your crown." 48:18 Realize that you are the inheritors 48:21 of God's great commission 48:24 to proclaim the truth to the final generation 48:28 and that as Revelation 17:14 says, 48:32 "The Lamb will overcome them, 48:36 for He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, 48:41 and those who are with Him 48:43 are called chosen and faithful." 48:49 Young people of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 48:52 you are chosen. 48:56 By God's grace, you will be faithful. 49:02 Stand at the cross 49:05 and then testify to His goodness. 49:09 Stand firm for God's truth and proclaim His precious word. 49:15 Young people, 49:17 as Nehemiah and a host of others were, 49:22 God is calling you to be faithful. 49:27 You are personally important and critical 49:31 to the last proclamation of the Three Angels' messages. 49:36 I am counting on you, your church is counting on you, 49:41 and most of all, God is counting on you. 49:47 Recently I read a marvelous portion 49:51 from Testimonies for the Church, Volume 9, 49:55 pages 101 to 103. 49:59 Relative to our faithfulness to God 50:00 and the task entrusted to us. 50:04 Read that entire section, page 101 to 103 in Volume 9. 50:10 However let me share with you just short portions of it 50:14 before we close tonight. 50:16 Ellen White indicated in that very poignant section, 50:21 "Recently in the night season, 50:25 I was awakened from sleep and given a view 50:30 of the sufferings of Christ for men. 50:33 His sacrifice, the mockery and derision He received 50:36 at the hands of wicked men, 50:38 His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, 50:41 His betrayal and crucifixion, 50:45 all were vividly portrayed before me." 50:50 Can you imagine the scene? 50:53 She goes on to say, 50:55 "I saw Christ in the midst of a large company of people, 50:58 He was seeking to impress their minds with His teachings, 51:01 but He was despised and rejected by them. 51:05 Men were heaping upon Him abuse and shame. 51:09 My distress was very great as I looked upon the scene. 51:13 I pleaded with God, 51:15 "What is to be done with this congregation? 51:18 Will non give up their exalted opinions of self 51:21 and seek the Lord as little children? 51:24 Will none break their hearts before God in repentance 51:28 and confession?" 51:32 She goes on to say, "Three times the Savior prayed, 51:35 'Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." 51:39 ' It was here that the destiny of the lost world 51:43 trembled in the balance 51:44 should he refused to drink the cup, 51:46 the result would be eternal ruin to the human race. 51:51 But an angel from heaven 51:54 strengthened the Son of God to accept the cup 51:58 and drink its bitter woe." 52:04 She goes on to say, "How few there are who realize 52:07 that all this was born for them individually, 52:10 as I have thought of that cup 52:12 trembling in the hands of Christ 52:14 as I have realized 52:15 that He might have refused to drink 52:17 and left the world to perish in its sin. 52:21 I have pledged that every energy of my life 52:24 should be devoted to the work of winning souls to Him." 52:30 What a powerful impact it had on Ellen White. 52:33 Is your relationship at the cross 52:37 impelling you to win souls? 52:41 I had the opportunity of attending 52:44 four different seminars this afternoon. 52:47 Bible study, Soul winning, Evangelism, 52:50 I praise God 52:52 that that such a key element and a heart to GYC. 52:57 But then finishing, finishing up here, 53:01 this incredible scene that Ellen White saw, 53:04 "Christ came to the Earth to suffer and die 53:06 that through the exercise of faith in Him 53:09 and the appropriation of His merits, 53:11 we might become laborers together with God. 53:14 It was the Savior's purpose 53:16 that after He ascended to heaven 53:18 to become man's intercessor, 53:20 His followers should carry on the work 53:22 that He had begun. 53:24 There are some who are willing to go to the ends of the Earth 53:26 in order to carry the light of truth to men. 53:30 But God demands that every soul who knows the truth 53:34 shall seek to win others to the love of the truth. 53:39 If we are not willing to make special sacrifices 53:42 in order to save souls that are ready to perish. 53:47 How can we be counted worthy to enter into the City of God? 53:51 There is an individual work to be done for each one of us. 53:55 I know there are many 53:57 who are placing themselves in right relation to Christ, 54:01 who's one thought is to bring the message of present truth 54:04 before the people of the world, 54:06 they stand continually ready to offer their services." 54:10 This is Ellen White speaking, 54:11 "But my heart aches, when I see so many 54:17 who are satisfied with a cheap experience. 54:23 An experience that costs them but little, 54:29 their lives say that for them 54:32 Christ has died in vain." 54:42 Tonight, my dear friends, my young friends, 54:48 Seventh-day Adventists young people 54:51 on this first day of this New Year, 54:56 don't let Christ have died in vain. 55:00 Amen. 55:03 Are you willing to come to the cross 55:07 and be faithful to Him, 55:11 His word and His advent movement? 55:18 If you are willing to be a faithful steward 55:24 and warrior for the Lord, 55:28 would you stand with me at this moment? 55:41 Our Father in heaven, 55:45 we come to you 55:48 on the very first day of this year, 55:54 asking that You will make us faithful, 55:58 that You will use our talents in an incredible manner 56:04 to warn the world of what is coming, 56:08 to share with the world the love of Christ 56:11 through acts of love and compassion and mercy. 56:16 And also by our daily lives 56:19 to point people to the cross 56:23 where they might find mercy and grace, 56:28 but Lord, you know that people need 56:30 more than just a cheap experience. 56:35 They need to fully understand 56:36 what it means to be at the cross. 56:40 To fully accept the commission that You give to each of us, 56:46 to share with the world, 56:48 the great and wonderful news of those three angels 56:55 who proclaim the righteousness of Christ, 56:58 His power at creation, 57:02 His right to be 57:06 the great Sovereign of the universe. 57:10 And that the churches of today, 57:12 and the religions of today are in confusion 57:14 and they are Babylon, 57:17 and that if we follow 57:22 that which is not according to Your word, 57:26 we will receive the mark of the beast. 57:32 But, Lord, You want to give us the seal of God. 57:37 And so, Lord, we humbly bow before You, 57:42 and I entrust this beautiful group from GYC 57:47 into Your hands as we move forward 57:51 into the last days of Earth's history 57:54 and as we see the climactic events taking place, 57:59 in all of this, Lord, help us to be faithful. 58:06 Thank you for hearing us 58:08 in this plea and accept our commitment to You, 58:13 in the precious and wonderful name 58:16 our Lord and Savior, our coming King 58:21 and our best friend Jesus Christ, amen. 58:27 Please be seated. |
Revised 2016-07-18