Participants:
Series Code: 16GYC
Program Code: 16GYC000014A
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00:34 We want to welcome you to the evening program.
00:36 Have you been blessed today? 00:37 Amen. I know I have. 00:40 This evening we want to begin with God's Word 00:44 and then continue with a prayer. 00:46 If you have your Bibles, would you open them with me 00:48 to 1 John 4:16-19? 00:53 1 John 4:16-19. 00:59 It reads, "So we have come to know and to believe 01:03 the love that God has for us. 01:06 God is love, whoever abides in love abides in God, 01:10 and God abides in him. 01:12 By this is love perfected with us, 01:15 so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, 01:18 because as He is so also are we in this world. 01:23 There is no fear in love, 01:25 but perfect love casts out fear. 01:27 For fear has to do with punishment, 01:30 and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 01:33 We love because He first loved us." 01:36 Would you bow your heads with me as we pray? 01:40 Father in heaven, Lord, we come before You tonight. 01:43 And, Lord, we have had a high Sabbath, 01:45 this last Sabbath of 2016. 01:48 And as we come together, Lord, we expect great things 01:51 not only in the year ahead but even now tonight. 01:54 Lord, I pray that You would be with the rest of the program, 01:56 be with the speaker, and be with every element. 01:59 And, Lord, may all our hearts 02:00 unite in glorifying and praising You. 02:03 Speak to us and Your Spirit ahead 02:05 and we thank You for You will do. 02:07 In Jesus' name, amen. 02:15 So how many of you went on outreach yesterday? 02:18 Amen. 02:20 Was it a blessing? 02:21 It was. 02:22 You know, in just two and half hours of door knocking, 02:24 over 1,600 attendees 02:27 passed out over 30,000 pieces of literature. 02:30 There were over 600 Desire of Ages handed out, 02:34 there were 20,769 doors 02:37 who was counting that were knocked on, amen? 02:40 And there were over 1,700 Bible studies 02:43 collected in just two and half hours of your time 02:46 given to the service of the Lord, amen? 02:49 During those hours of door knocking, 02:50 we have a few powerful testimonies 02:52 that we wanna share with you. 02:54 So we'll start here with Kay. 02:55 Kay, tell us your testimony, 02:57 and what happened yesterday as you were on Friday outreach? 03:00 We met an Imam, 03:01 which is a Muslim priest at a mosque 03:03 and they were getting ready to pray. 03:04 Just before they started their prayer 03:06 we did a quick survey. 03:07 And at the end of the survey, 03:08 by God's grace the Imam signed up 03:10 for free Bible studies. 03:11 Amen. 03:13 And he even gave us his cell phone number 03:14 and invited us to host health seminars at his mosque. 03:17 Now, Lisa, this is the crazy thing. 03:20 On Thursday morning the Lord led me to go to the Islam class 03:24 to reach out to our Islam brothers and sisters. 03:26 Thursday night he led me 03:28 to one of the most passionate missionaries 03:30 in the Muslim ministry booth. 03:32 And God told me to buy all of the books, 03:34 I bought the Quran 03:35 and the literature in his booth. 03:37 And the next day he led me to a mosque 03:39 to meet an Imam who would sign up for Bible studies. 03:41 I believe brothers and sisters, this was a divine set up. 03:45 Amen. Kay, thank you so much. 03:47 You know, one of the important things 03:49 to glean from that testimony 03:50 is the fact that as she was learning 03:52 and she was growing her toolbox of how to reach people, 03:55 God immediately used it, amen? 03:57 So be ready when you learn how to cheer for the Lord, 03:59 He'll bring the testimonies your way. 04:01 Nathan, tell us what happened 04:03 as you were a bus leader yesterday? 04:05 All right, so I was bus leading with my sister 04:07 and we got on the bus. 04:09 The guy asked us, "So, who are you guys?" 04:10 We said, "We're Seventh-day Adventist youth 04:12 going out doing outreach." 04:13 He said, "That's awesome." 04:15 So we got on the bus, we talked to more, 04:16 then he started to ask us religious questions. 04:19 He said, "So, who is the antichrist?" 04:21 And, you know, that's kind of an interesting question, 04:23 just right off the top of the head, he's like, 04:24 "I have all sorts of churches and people on these busses, 04:27 I hear all sorts of things." 04:28 And so I started into Daniel 2, 04:31 trying to get to the antichrist, 04:32 we didn't have time to finish the whole thing 04:34 but we were able to leave him with the Desire of Ages, 04:36 he has my number and we're gonna keep in contact 04:39 and just amazing to see how God led in that 04:41 and able to share some with him. 04:43 We also really enjoyed the singing on the bus. 04:46 He said, "Out of my 16 years here being a bus driver, 04:50 this is one of my favorites, 04:51 to hear you all sing God's praises." 04:52 He really enjoyed it. 04:54 You know, Nathan, thank you for that testimony. 04:56 One important that I can having you transition out. 04:59 One of the most important things from that testimony is, 05:02 friends, he knew how to give a Daniel 2 Bible study. 05:04 Amen? 05:05 Learning how to share your faith 05:07 and being able to do it 05:08 as well as the fact that this bus driver said 05:10 in his 15 years of bus driving, 05:12 this has been one of his favorite groups. 05:13 Amen? 05:15 Let the love of Christ shine through. 05:16 Tell us now, this is Keri and Debbie, 05:18 you had an interesting experience, 05:20 please explain to us what happened yesterday? 05:21 We did. 05:23 Debbie and I went door-to-door together 05:24 and we decided we were gonna introduce ourselves as doctors 05:26 and see if I open more doors as we're both... 05:27 They are actually doctors. 05:30 So we went to the first door and I said, 05:31 "I'm doctor Genstler, and this is doctor Beihl, 05:33 and we are physicians doing a local health survey." 05:35 And he said, "That's really interesting, 05:37 it's not every day you have doctors in your doorstep 05:38 and I actually have a lot of genetic problems." 05:41 And we were able to really connect with him 05:42 because we understood what he was going through. 05:45 Because of that connection, 05:46 we were able to go more into a trusted relationship with him 05:50 and we found out he had a background in Judaism. 05:53 He said, "You know, I've actually 05:55 also have a background in Christianity. 05:56 I've been going to the synagogue 05:58 and I feel like it's rather legalistic, 06:00 not always as open 06:02 to just come in whenever you need something. 06:04 And I was planning to go to church this weekend." 06:07 He noticed the Desire of Ages we were carrying 06:09 and asked to flip through it 06:10 and came to the chapter on the Sabbath. 06:12 And he's like, "You know, I have a Jewish background. 06:13 What do you guys think about the Sabbath, 06:15 because most of the Christianity 06:16 doesn't have the right idea?" 06:18 And I said, "It's funny you've asked. 06:19 We're Seventh-day Adventist Christians 06:20 and we believe in keeping the Sabbath 06:22 from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday." 06:24 Needless to say we were able to pray with him. 06:26 He signed up for Bible studies. 06:28 He also said, "Where is your local church?" 06:31 One thing that really touched me that he said, he said, 06:33 "You know, there has been people here before 06:35 that have said they would come back 06:37 and study the Bible with me 06:38 but you guys have got to come back." 06:40 Amen. 06:41 Thank you so much for sharing that. 06:43 Here is Pastor Dan, he is the evangelist, 06:47 evangelism coordinator for the Texas Conference. 06:50 And so we're so grateful you're here 06:52 and for teaming up with us this year with GYC. 06:54 Oh, and thank you GYC. 06:55 Thank you for giving us 06:57 lots more work to do in our territory 06:59 following up 1000 plus Bible study interest. 07:03 You know, when you go back to your churches, 07:05 there are four things that every one of you can do, 07:08 no matter what your spiritual gifts are. 07:10 All of you can be prayer warriors for Jesus, 07:13 and keep praying for the people you met at the doors. 07:16 Second, all of you can be GLOW missionaries 07:19 wherever you go. 07:21 And if you're afraid to do it publicly, 07:22 just leave them in public bathrooms. 07:24 Amen. 07:25 Everyone can be a baptism coach 07:27 and ask your church 07:28 to put your baptismal study guides in bulk, in the lobby 07:32 so everybody who wants to get Bible studies 07:34 can find them there and start going to town. 07:36 And everyone can be a home of hope. 07:39 Wherever you live, 07:40 you can determine to let your life shine 07:42 and to pray for your neighbors 07:44 and reach out in kindness 07:45 to connect with those who are most open. 07:48 Thank you so much you guys. 07:49 Please the appeal from GYC's evangelism, 07:52 our goal is just to be missionaries year around. 07:54 Amen? 07:56 This is something that you can get on our website. 07:57 There are many different opportunities 07:59 for you to be involved in. 08:00 But thank you so much for going on outreach yesterday. 08:02 As an account of yesterday, 08:04 we know the population of heaven has increased. 08:12 There's an incredible story in the Bible about a time 08:14 Peter, James, and John went up on a mountain top with Jesus. 08:17 And Jesus was transfigured. 08:19 He appeared in glory alongside Moses and Elijah. 08:22 It was amazing. 08:23 The disciples hardly knew what they are thinking. 08:25 Peter said, "This is so great. 08:27 Why don't we make tabernacles or booths 08:30 so we can all stay here. 08:31 We'll fix a place for Moses and for Elijah. 08:34 It was a ridiculous suggestion really. 08:36 But Peter wanted the experience to last 08:39 and who can blame him. 08:41 As a matter of fact, 08:42 when they came back down off that mountaintop, 08:43 first thing they saw 08:45 was a dad whose child was demon possessed. 08:48 So there they were up on the mountain 08:50 in the presence of Jesus, and Moses, and Elijah 08:54 and now a demonic confrontation. 09:01 When you come to GYC, 09:02 it's a whole lot like being on top of that mountain. 09:04 It's awesome, it should be. 09:06 It's a holy convocation. 09:08 People coming together, 09:09 gathering around the Bible in the presence of God 09:12 because the Spirit of God is poured out in great measure. 09:15 You want it to last but you know what, 09:16 you got to come back down off that mountain 09:18 and you can go home and be confronted. 09:22 Literally maybe with demonic activity, 09:26 that is we get back into the world, 09:28 and the grime, and the glitter and dust, 09:30 and the dirt of regular life gets on top of us. 09:34 What do you do to keep that experience? 09:35 I'll tell you what. 09:37 In Livermore, California, 09:39 there is a light bulb that has been burning for 115 years. 09:42 You heard that right? You may think, impossible. 09:44 No, no, planned obsolescence made it impossible. 09:47 Light bulbs initially were built to last a long time 09:51 until light bulbs seller said, we won't sell many 09:53 if they keep burning for 115 years 09:55 so now they burn as long as they do. 09:58 That light bulb continues to burn 10:00 because A, it was made to 10:02 and B, it's connected to the source of power. 10:05 Now you were made to burn brightly for God. 10:08 But you got to be connected to the source of the power. 10:10 Christianity is a simple business. 10:13 Yours can be a mountaintop experience 10:15 day after day, after day. 10:16 I want to encourage you, 10:18 pay little attention to what you see 10:19 that is appearances sake, live by faith. 10:22 You're gonna go from a place like GYC 10:25 believing that you are a child of God. 10:26 That does not change. 10:28 Believing that God is good, that Jesus is your savior. 10:30 But what you want to do is continue to be plugged in. 10:33 Take time to spend time with God in His word. 10:36 Take time to spend time with God in prayer. 10:38 Those things as simple as they are, are the key. 10:42 And share your faith, and believe, 10:46 and stay on that mountain in the presence of Jesus. 10:50 Who soon will be back for you to take you home. 11:00 How can you stay connected with Jesus 11:04 after the GYC Conference? 11:06 How many of you have read this book before? 11:09 How many of you know somebody that needs to read this book? 11:13 Raise your hand. 11:14 I expect each one of you to come to the GYC booth 11:17 and pick up a copy that you can get there for your friend. 11:21 Another resource that we want to make available to you 11:23 is this CD right here 11:25 with wonderful music from our past conference 11:28 that you can share with others as well. 11:31 After the conference, you will also be able to access 11:33 the seminars that you've missed, right? 11:36 There are so many to choose from 11:38 and you will be able to listen to them 11:40 via audio and video. 11:42 Thank you. 11:46 Good evening, GYC. 11:49 Amen. 11:50 GYC small groups has had the awesome opportunity 11:53 to work with Coming Out Ministries this year. 11:56 And we have an opportunity tonight 11:58 that I think you are going to enjoy. 12:00 They have created a documentary 12:02 that I fully believe is for this generation 12:04 that we are living in 12:06 and for the world that we are living in now. 12:08 And they're here to tell us a little about it. 12:10 Thank you, Mackenzie. 12:11 I'm Michael Carducci with Coming Out Ministries 12:14 and these are my colleagues that have had the honor 12:16 and the privilege of working with for the last five years. 12:19 We have Wayne Blakely, Ron Woolsey, 12:22 and of course, our newest member Danielle Harrison, 12:24 but it doesn't seem that new 12:25 since you've been with us for over two years. 12:27 We're so excited, Mackenzie, 12:29 because tonight in less than two hours 12:32 we're going to be showing our documentary 12:34 that we worked on for the last three years. 12:36 And because of the demand that we've heard 12:39 and being able to be a part of GYC for the last four years, 12:42 it's our honor and privilege to invite you to come. 12:45 It's gonna be in the ballroom on the third floor 12:47 at 8 o'clock tonight 12:49 and we're so excited to share with you our documentary. 12:53 Now there is limited capacity, 12:54 so if you're interested in seeing this documentary, 12:57 you gonna wanna make sure you're there right at 8 pm 12:59 so you can make sure you get a seat. 13:00 Absolutely. 13:02 As a matter of fact let me entice you just a little bit. 13:04 We have a cliffhanger if you would in our film 13:07 and we're desperate for you to come. 13:09 And as a matter of fact, after the film we're gonna have 13:11 a very lively Q and A I hope. 13:14 And so we want to invite you to come, 13:15 bring your questions, bring a friend, 13:17 and of course bring an open mind. 13:19 Thank you so much, Michael. Thank you, Mackenzie. 13:21 See you later. 13:22 We have another exciting opportunity for you all 13:24 that will be happening tomorrow morning. 13:26 And this opportunity goes to support the missions 13:29 that GYC goes on year round. 13:32 Here to explain it to you is my friend Tom. 13:34 Good evening everyone. 13:36 I know I'm pretty active, 13:37 I like to get out and do lots of different types of races 13:40 and my favorite race of all is the 5K. 13:43 And the 5K that GYC puts on 13:45 is a fund raiser for the mission projects 13:47 that GYC does throughout the year. 13:49 Now, the most important thing that you need to know 13:51 is that tonight is the last night 13:53 to register for the 5K. 13:55 So stop by the booth that we have 13:57 just to the right of the GYC booth 13:59 in the exhibit hall 14:00 and register, pick up your race speed in your t-shirt 14:03 and then also the race starts at 6:30 tomorrow morning. 14:06 Now I want you to know 14:07 that last year the race started at 6 am 14:09 and it was 20 degrees outside 14:11 so it's a tropical paradise, you're in Houston, right? 14:13 This one should be a piece of cake compared to that. 14:14 Exactly. It's a beautiful scenery. 14:17 We're gonna have a group leading from the Hilton 14:19 first for lobby leaving at 5:45 am. 14:22 If you want someone to walk out with, 14:24 so that's good to know. 14:25 And also if you want to help out, 14:27 you don't want to run, 14:28 and you want to do something fun like hand out race medals 14:30 to finishers who look like they just did something hard 14:32 and you're all fresh and everything, 14:34 stop by, talk to me and I can really use your help. 14:36 Thank you very much. All right. 14:37 So if you have any questions about the 5K, 14:39 make sure you stop by the booth tonight. 14:42 It is right next to the GYC booth. 14:43 Thank you so much. 14:48 Good evening. 14:50 It's so good to see all of your faces 14:53 beaming with the love of God. 14:57 Amen. Ah, that was really weak. 14:59 Shawn, I heard you, 15:00 but the rest I didn't hear you. 15:02 Amen? Amen! 15:03 Amen. 15:05 Now how many of you here 15:07 have heard of the sacrificial giving initiative? 15:13 Raise your hand if you've heard about it. 15:16 Okay, well, I hope you'll be more excited about it. 15:23 So what is the sacrificial giving by GYC, 15:26 what is this all about? 15:27 How many of you have seen the hashtag 15:29 when you go to the GYC website, 15:31 you see this hashtag that says sacrifice? 15:36 All right, some of you. 15:37 All right, that's okay. 15:40 Now the sacrificial giving initiative is this. 15:44 It is giving our money as young people 15:47 to help other young people spread the gospel 15:51 in unreached areas around the world. 15:54 It is giving for a mission. 15:59 This sacrificial giving initiative 16:02 as a matter of fact is not just a GYC thing. 16:05 It has existed 16:07 since the beginnings of our church, 16:10 the need to give for a mission. 16:13 I want to talk to your heart here. 16:16 Ellen G. White in the General Conference Bulletin, 16:18 April 1, 1899, wrote these words. 16:23 This is specifically to young people. 16:26 "I have a request to make: 16:29 Let all that love the Lord who gave his life for them, 16:32 make returns to Him who has bought them with a price. 16:37 Through your own self-denial and self-sacrifice 16:40 return to God your offerings, 16:43 to be used in opening new fields 16:45 and planting the standard of truth 16:48 in places that have never been worked. 16:52 Economize in your expenditure of means upon yourself. 16:55 The first step of self-denial 16:58 is generally the most difficult, 17:00 but begin without delay." 17:05 Furthermore, she says in Gospel Workers, page 210, 17:10 "When the youth give their hearts to God, 17:13 our responsibility for them does not cease. 17:16 They must be interested in the Lord's work 17:19 and led to see that He expects of them to do something 17:23 to advance His cause. 17:26 It is not enough to show how much needs to be done 17:29 and to urge the youth to act apart. 17:32 They must be taught how to labor for the master, 17:36 they must be trained, disciplined, 17:39 drilled in the most best methods 17:41 of winning source to Christ. 17:44 Teach them to try in a quiet, 17:47 unpretending way to help their young companions. 17:53 Let different branches of missionary effort 17:55 be systematically laid out 17:57 in which they may take part 18:00 and let them be given instruction and help, 18:03 this thus they will learn to work for God. 18:08 Giving for mission." 18:14 When we started this sacrificial giving initiative 18:19 GYC by God's grace, 18:22 young people like you raise this year 18:25 alone $18,000 for a mission to unreached areas. 18:30 You got to say amen. 18:31 Amen. 18:34 And these $18,000 went through 18:38 seven specific areas in Vietnam, 18:42 reaching 250 souls for Christ, 18:48 for eternity. 18:50 I want to give you a picture of 250 souls for Christ, 18:54 how does that look like. 18:55 So my brothers and my sisters in these front two rows, 19:00 if you could stand up for me. 19:08 If you could stand up in this front two rows right here, 19:12 if you could just stand up for me. 19:18 I want to give the crowd 19:19 a picture of what 250 souls looks like. 19:22 Don't be shy, just stand up. 19:24 I want to give the picture, 19:26 just this front two rows right here. 19:30 Sections, sorry. 19:32 Excuse me for my French. 19:35 These two sections, 19:37 you know, sometimes man was not meant to be alone, 19:40 my wife was here... 19:41 If she was here, she would correct me. 19:43 Sections, thank you. 19:45 These are 250, 19:49 about 250 souls won to the gospel. 19:52 This is a picture of how many people were reached 19:55 because of your giving for eternity. 20:00 One soul Christ would have died for 250. 20:05 Thank you. You may now be seated. 20:08 This is my point, friends, 20:10 sacrificial giving 20:15 can be something each and every one of us 20:18 participate in. 20:22 Did you know that if we gave $5 a week, 20:27 every attendee that's in this convention right here, 20:32 guess how much we would raise 20:34 if we gave just $5 a week, less than a dollar a day, 20:38 we would raise almost a million dollars 20:40 in a year for missions. 20:44 Just $5 a week, 20:47 less than $1 a day 20:49 that means that if I decide 20:51 I am being very honest with you. 20:53 I'm a pastor, I eat out about three times a week. 20:57 If I decided for one of those times to say, 20:59 "Well, Moise, I'm gonna pack something for lunch 21:03 when I do my visits," 21:05 I could save even more than $5 a week 21:10 and give that to mission. 21:13 Maybe for those of you ladies who like to save money, 21:16 maybe it's using coupons 21:18 and using the difference to give to mission. 21:22 Maybe for somebody 21:24 who will be instead of buying a pop you could buy... 21:28 you could just get water. 21:31 Maybe for somebody it'll be 21:33 that instead of ordering dessert one day in a week 21:38 after you're done eating 21:40 saving that money and giving it to mission, 21:42 can we do that? 21:44 Yes. 21:45 Five dollars. 21:47 Every attendee here could raise one... 21:51 or all of us together could raise almost $1 million 21:56 in a year for mission. 22:01 This is my appeal to you, friends, 22:02 we're not going to just, 22:04 we're not going to aim for $1 million, 22:08 we're just 22:12 for a mission in this coming year. 22:16 My time is running out 22:18 but I'm pleading with you, friend, 22:20 it is easy to give for a mission 22:23 and the amount of money you give 22:25 can literally change the lives of thousands for Christ. 22:30 But this is GYC 22:31 and I know that we can reach the $75,000 goal in one month. 22:36 Do you believe we could do that? 22:38 Yes. 22:39 Raise your hand if we believe we could do that together. 22:44 So here are the ways you can give really quickly. 22:47 One of the ways is just to text a simple number 31... 22:53 It's on the screen, 3131 GOGIVE, no spaces, 22:58 and the amount you're willing to give to mission, 23:01 this is a pledge. 23:03 You don't have to put any dollar sign, 23:05 so just 313131 text that number 23:10 and in your text put GOGIVE, no spaces 23:14 and the number you're willing to give, 23:17 if you have a US number. 23:19 There's also another way you can give. 23:23 If you have one of these little papers with you, 23:27 you could write in there your pledge 23:29 of how much you'll be willing to give. 23:31 Let us do something 23:32 for the unreached areas in the world. 23:35 Young people supporting young people for mission. 23:38 Can we do that, friends? 23:39 Amen. 23:41 Oh, that was weak. Can we do that, friends? 23:43 Amen! Amen. 23:44 Seventy-five thousand dollars 23:46 we can reach it in the month of January, 23:48 just sacrifice that soda pop, 23:51 or that Starbucks, or whatever it is 23:54 and give it to mission. 23:57 This time I want to also invite two of my friends Jonathan 24:02 and the ushers are gonna come shortly 24:03 to pick up your commitment. 24:05 We also have booths at site 24:08 to make sure that you have an opportunity to give. 24:11 One of my friend, invite Jonathan. 24:13 Jonathan, if you can come here. 24:14 And my good friend Ingo, if you can come here. 24:18 Jonathan, why are we standing up here? 24:20 What are we doing here? 24:23 Well, tonight we want to share with you a little bit about 24:27 our theme for next year. 24:29 As you know, the world every year 24:32 around December 31 is hoping, and believing, 24:35 and thinking that the next year will be better. 24:39 But every year we are disappointed in humanity. 24:43 In fact, we're just tumbling and falling 24:46 into deeper and deeper darkness in this world. 24:50 As we come to the close of time, 24:52 we know that the darkness will increase and increase 24:55 confusion and the power of the devil 25:01 will take over. 25:03 And that is our calling as Seventh-day Adventists 25:06 who have the truth to uplift that truth, 25:11 to bring the light of God, the life of God, 25:15 and the peace and love of God, His truth into this world. 25:19 We have a calling to arise, and stand, and shine, 25:23 and let the glory of God shine through us. 25:27 Amen. 25:29 Now I want to... 25:30 We're here to announce to you our theme for next year. 25:34 As Jonathan has just told you 25:36 about the gravity of the situation 25:38 in which we are found today, 25:41 we want to find an answer in the Word of God 25:45 and our theme for next year... 25:49 Go to your Bibles with me to Isaiah 25:52 60:1-3. 25:56 Isaiah 60: 26:01 1-3, 26:06 if you're there you could say amen. 26:09 Praise the Lord. 26:11 Isaiah 60:1-3, 26:14 and it reads, "Arise and shine, 26:19 for your light has come, 26:21 and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 26:24 For behold the darkness shall cover the earth 26:27 and deep darkness the people, 26:30 but the Lord will arise over you 26:35 and His glory will be seen upon you. 26:38 The gentiles shall come to the light 26:41 and the kings to the brightness of your rising." 26:45 Our theme for next year is going to be arise, 26:50 arise for truly Jesus. 26:55 The glory of our savior has risen upon us. 27:00 This is a time my friend to stand up for the truth. 27:05 GYC next year is gonna be held in Phoenix, Arizona. 27:09 I expect to see you by God's grace and arise. 27:12 But we have something more, how can we prepare to arise 27:17 as we prepare for our next convention 27:21 in Phoenix, Arizona. 27:22 My friend, Ingo, why don't you share with us 27:25 something that we can all do to prepare 27:28 for this exciting event. 27:30 Have you noticed that every evening 27:33 there's a German on the stage? 27:36 Right now, you have two Germans at the same time. 27:41 Austria. 27:42 Same language, different country. 27:43 Different country. 27:46 Speaking of Europe, the year 2017 will mark 27:51 the 500 year anniversary of Martin Luther, 27:55 nailing the 95 Theses to the Wittenberg door. 27:59 And it would be well for us to study the history 28:03 and dynamics of the Reformation. 28:05 Great Controversy, page 166, 28:09 "The influence of this one man who dared to think and act 28:14 for himself in religious matters 28:17 was to affect the church and the world, 28:20 not only in his own time but in all future generations." 28:25 Why read the Great Controversy? 28:29 Why read the Great Controversy 28:31 in the year 2017? 28:35 Because Luther massively influenced language 28:39 especially German, translated the Bible, 28:43 reintroduced righteousness by faith 28:45 and correctly identified the nature of Rome. 28:49 According to early writings, Luther was called of God. 28:53 Luther's works was attended by angels. 28:57 Luther is a role model in the study of scripture, 29:00 listen to Great Controversy, page 122, 29:03 "With mingled awe and wonder he turned the sacred pages, 29:08 with quickened pulse and throbbing heart 29:10 he read for himself the words of life 29:12 pausing now and then to exclaim, 29:15 'Oh, that God would give me such a book for myself.'" 29:19 Luther is also a transparent example 29:23 of the struggle of our soul with salvation and self. 29:28 "Angels of heaven were by his side, 29:30 rays of light from the throne of God 29:33 revealed the treasures of truth to his understanding." 29:36 Great Controversy concludes, 29:38 "He had ever feared to offend God 29:41 but now the deep conviction of his condition as a sinner 29:44 took hold upon him as never before." 29:49 Luther refused to compromise with Rome. 29:52 And looking at the current Protestant ecumenical movement 29:58 and convergence, this is more urgent 30:01 and highly relevant to us as ever before. 30:05 Luther once said, "Where God build a church, 30:09 the devil also builds a chapel." 30:14 But Luther didn't go far enough. 30:16 God put a green light in front of Martin Luther 30:21 and he stopped at a green light. 30:24 We are now in the same position, 30:26 let us not make the same mistake, 30:29 we need to carry the truth all the way 30:33 and the truth is unfolded 30:35 in the book of Great Controversy 30:37 in an understandable manner. 30:39 For better or for worse, we have to learn from Luther 30:43 including the pitfalls or blind spots, 30:46 political distractions, and personal biases. 30:50 Why read the Great Controversy? 30:53 Because we have right now a green light before us 30:57 that at any moment can turn red. 31:00 That means at some point an enemy will declare 31:06 that it is not okay to be SDA. 31:12 "We must either deny the Word of God or be burned," 31:16 Great Controversy 201, "Might as well be prepared, 31:21 might as well solidify your faith 31:24 where you too can arise and say, 31:28 'Here I stand, I can do no different.'" 31:33 How many of you have never read the Great Controversy before, 31:36 don't be ashamed. 31:38 How many of you have never read it before? 31:39 We at GYC would like to encourage you, 31:42 this upcoming year to read the book, 31:44 the Great Controversy 31:46 as preparation for our next year's conference. 31:49 How many of you want to say, 31:50 "I want to read it for the first time, 31:52 I want to read it again or for the tenth time," 31:54 raise your hand today. 31:56 Amen. 31:57 We want to challenge you, encourage you, 31:59 you will be blessed and we will encourage to arise 32:02 and let God shine through you His glory and for His glory. 32:07 We're encouraged by your courage 32:10 and we're praying for all of you 32:11 that you will be able to surrender 32:14 and let God shine through you. 32:15 God bless you. 32:21 Good evening, GYC. 32:22 Amen. 32:28 I've always been fascinated by the movement of people, 32:32 whether people are moving in masses, 32:34 in small groups, or individuals. 32:37 People are constantly on the move 32:39 from given places to other places. 32:41 Whether they are ex-patriots or walkers 32:43 moving to different countries, 32:45 whether they are students changing states 32:47 to different universities, 32:48 whether they are moving for tourism, for sports, 32:51 intentional missionaries going to other countries, 32:54 and lately we've even seen the movement of refugees. 32:57 Whenever people move, they easily adapt to culture, 33:01 language, food, 33:05 sometimes they even adapt to religion. 33:08 You see God is not oblivious to movements of people. 33:11 In fact, He uses it for the furtherance of His gospel, 33:15 to the glory of His name. 33:17 This has led me to believe that God allows us 33:19 to be in different places 33:21 that we can share the gospel within our spheres. 33:23 Or He allows us to be in those different places 33:26 so that people can share the gospel with us. 33:29 Talking about movements, I want us to look at 33:33 a very interesting movement in the Book of Acts. 33:37 In the Book of Acts 1:8, 33:42 the Bible says something very interesting. 33:44 Jesus says, "And ye shall receive power 33:46 after the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 33:48 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, 33:51 in all Judaea, in Samaria, 33:53 and to the outermost parts of the world." 33:55 The fulfillment of what Jesus is talking about is in Acts, 33:58 the very Acts 8:1, 34:01 a great persecution breaks out in Jerusalem 34:04 and the disciples and other believers 34:06 are moving out of Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. 34:11 As they move, they carry the gospel with them. 34:14 The movement of people impacting other people. 34:17 The lands where they settled in, 34:19 they carry the gospel message. 34:23 Now if you look in your Bibles in the Book of Matthew 24:14, 34:28 the Bible says, "And this gospel of the kingdom 34:31 shall be preached to all the world 34:33 as a witness to all nations, and then the end shall come." 34:37 That is a gospel message to all the nations 34:39 before the end of time. 34:41 In fact, this message is so important, 34:44 it's a contributing factor to the close of probation. 34:47 GYC I believe in the three angels' message. 34:52 The Gospel of Matthew 24:14 34:54 is the three angels' message of Revelation 14:6-11. 34:59 This three angels' message calls the world 35:02 back to the worship of the true God, 35:04 the only God, the creator. 35:06 It is an appeal to all walks of life 35:08 depicted by every nation, kindred, tongue, 35:11 nation, and people to reveal God as 35:14 and give Him praise and honor Him as He deserves. 35:17 It is a timely appeal to a fallen ones 35:20 will wake from spiritual stupor and false worship. 35:25 It is a final warning, a final warning 35:27 to appeal to those who have not had the fame of Jesus 35:30 near and afar to make decisions for Him. 35:35 But the three angels' message is not just a passive message 35:38 for our understanding, 35:39 it is a practical message for our participation. 35:43 For this global message to reach all nations, 35:46 it will take the involvement of every Seventh-day Adventist 35:50 great or small, young or old. 35:54 God has allowed us to be in different parts of the globe 35:56 to be an influence within our sphere. 35:58 The children constantly sing, 36:00 "Brighten the corner where you are." 36:05 You see, the three angels' message 36:06 is not only for church leaders, pastors, 36:09 and you don't even have to have a ministry, 36:11 an organized ministry. 36:13 You just have to get involved. 36:16 I believe in the three angels' message 36:18 because I believe it will equip the world, 36:21 it will prepare the world. 36:22 And because of the effectiveness 36:24 of the three angels' message, with all our participation 36:27 it will bring out the greatest harvest. 36:32 The three angels will prepare a world 36:34 ready to receive its Messiah. 36:37 Now, the effectiveness of the three angels' message 36:40 does not depend on the messenger 36:41 that is depicted as the angel. 36:44 Sometimes we slack back in time because we are not... 36:48 We feel we are not fully equipped to be the messenger. 36:51 I want to give you a story in the Book of John 4. 36:55 You see there was a woman of Samaria. 36:59 She was a broken person, so many of you can say, 37:01 I'm not equipped to go and affect people 37:03 within my sphere. 37:05 But the woman of Samaria went to the well 37:07 not wanting to speak to the people of Samaria, 37:09 she went at the drink time. 37:11 But then she had an experience with Jesus. 37:14 The minute she had an experience with Jesus, 37:16 she went back to the very same people 37:18 she did not want to associate with. 37:20 She said, "Come, see a man who told me everything 37:22 I ever did." 37:23 You see the effectiveness of the messenger 37:26 is a connection with Jesus. 37:28 So are you broken today, maybe disabled, 37:31 you feel you are not adequate for this message, 37:34 all you need is a connection with Jesus. 37:41 In Abraham's prayer, he said something very important, 37:44 quoting the book Patriarchs and Prophets, 37:45 The Test of Faith. 37:47 Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. 37:50 And where are the voices of warning and entreaty 37:53 to bid the sinner to flee from this fearful doom? 37:55 Where are the hands stretched out to draw him back 37:57 from death? 37:58 And where are those who with humility persevering faith 38:01 and pleading with God for him?" 38:04 I believe in the three angels' message, 38:06 you believe in the three angels' message, 38:08 most Seventh-day Adventist will even memorize this verse. 38:13 So if we all believe in the three angels' message, 38:16 why are there very few people doing the work? 38:19 This global work that should involve 38:21 every Seventh-day Adventist member, 38:23 why are there just a few handfuls? 38:26 This global work that is equipping the world 38:28 and preparing the world to be a great harvest 38:30 before the return of Jesus, why is there just a handful? 38:34 You see, to believe is not important, 38:37 to believe is to lead you to go to work. 38:39 To say we believe in the three angels' message 38:42 is to say we believe to be messengers. 38:45 The power of the messengers as depicted by angels 38:48 is because angels are constantly 38:50 in the presence of God. 38:51 It is the presence of God that makes angels 38:54 effective in their work. 38:56 GYC, I want to challenge you, 38:58 when you go back to your homes after GYC is over, 39:02 you have had an experience with Jesus, 39:04 you believe in the Three Angels' Message, 39:07 it is now time to go and put it in practice. 39:10 Amen. 39:11 In his call Isaiah saw the Lord lofty, 39:14 and high, and lifted up and the Lord said, 39:16 "Who will go for us? 39:17 Whom shall we send?" 39:19 Isaiah's answer was very solemn, he said, 39:22 "Here I am Lord, send me." 39:25 And today I want to ask you a question, 39:27 how many in the audience can say, 39:28 "Here I am Lord, send me." 39:32 May the Lord bless you. 39:36 Amen. 39:39 I can't believe that Sabbath is already over. 39:44 These are just one of the Sabbaths 39:45 that you don't want to end. 39:47 Amen. Amen. 39:49 And it's not just the Sabbath is over, 2016 is over. 39:55 The sun is already set, so Happy New Year. 39:58 Happy New Year. 39:59 And speaking about Happy New Year, 40:01 we will have a consecration program 40:03 tonight at 10 pm. 40:04 It will be behind the prayer room, 40:07 general assembly A, and for those people 40:09 who are planning to go to the prayer room, 40:11 go to the general assembly A instead 40:13 because we'll be having thanksgiving 40:15 and prayer as well. 40:17 So we will be meeting the New Year 40:19 with thanksgiving and prayer. 40:21 Tonight, I'd like to introduce to you 40:24 to three wonderful young people that I have met last June 40:27 when I went to Vancouver, Canada. 40:30 And I went there for a very surprised visit, 40:34 I was even surprised. 40:36 And God is just so good that He has a lot of surprises 40:39 if we obey His will. 40:41 Amen. Amen. 40:42 And these are the three examples 40:44 of young people who obey the Lord's will, 40:46 who could not just sit down, relax, and soak in 40:51 and now they took action. 40:52 So, Chermilyn, tell me what happened? 40:56 So two years ago we started a church plant 41:00 and because most of our church members 41:03 are not familiar with growing a church, 41:05 we decided to just dedicate it all to God. 41:08 So every Sabbath before we start Sabbath school, 41:12 we gather all the early church members, 41:15 heads of the pulpit and just conduct united prayer. 41:20 And through all of this we have experienced 41:23 so many blessings 41:25 and has truly been such a blessing to us. 41:26 Amen. 41:28 Also recently, I think, last week actually, 41:31 we had divine service that was focused on prayer. 41:36 Wow. 41:37 We had youth come up 41:38 and just share their personal testimonies 41:40 of how God answered all their prayers 41:43 and we also decide to end by having united prayer 41:47 with all the church members. 41:48 By the time we finished praying it was already 2 pm, 41:52 but instead of complaining over hunger, 41:54 we just praised God that He filled us up spiritually. 41:57 Amen. 41:59 Young people not complaining of hunger, 42:01 that is the Holy Spirit. 42:04 Abby, tell us about your testimony? 42:07 So all started when Castor Gem visited us at Vancouver 42:11 like he said and he was actually the one 42:14 who introduced united prayer to our youth group 42:17 and after hearing about that, we were all so inspired 42:20 because we never knew that like, 42:22 there was such a beautiful method 42:24 of just communicating with God. 42:26 And since the three of us were all involved 42:29 with leadership positions 42:30 and our student council at school, 42:33 we all felt very impressed to incorporate united prayer 42:37 with our teachers as well as the other members 42:41 that were in our student council. 42:43 Praying with the teachers 42:44 created such an atmosphere of unity 42:47 and we all felt comfortable enough 42:50 to really pour out our hearts and by doing that 42:53 we were able to understand the burdens 42:55 that everyone was going through. 42:57 And I believe that this was such a blessing 43:00 because we were able to become aware of the burdens 43:05 that the teachers were going through 43:06 and they were also aware to know the burdens 43:10 that we were going through as well. 43:12 The students and the teachers gave all positive feedback 43:16 after the united prayer, and I really believe 43:19 that everyone was truly blessed. 43:21 And our main focus and goal for our school 43:24 is to really bring back the presence of the Holy Spirit 43:27 into the atmosphere. 43:29 And rather than beholding worldly things in our hearts, 43:33 we aim to have Jesus' heart and by doing that 43:37 His character will be able to shine evidently 43:39 throughout our entire school. 43:41 Amen. 43:42 Such a wonderful testimony. 43:45 Thank you so much, Abby. 43:46 Now, Lyla, tell us? 43:48 It started when two youth leaders 43:51 inspired us to pray early in the morning. 43:55 They shared a testimony where they prayed 43:57 at like 5 or 6 am and they started saying 44:00 how happy and blessed their day was. 44:02 So as youth we wanted to see that experience too. 44:06 And so we started having prayer partners 44:09 and we started praying at 5, 6 am 44:12 and we noticed how blessed and happy our days were too. 44:15 And as soon as we knew it, 44:17 almost all our youth group had a prayer partner. 44:21 And personally for my prayer partner experience, 44:24 we usually start by flipping to a devotional, 44:27 and I noticed how the devotional 44:30 matches with our day, 44:31 and praying in the united prayer 44:33 with my prayer partner, it makes me realize 44:37 overcoming the challenges of the sinful world 44:39 and it really blesses me and my prayer partner. 44:43 And I encourage everyone here that you have a prayer partner 44:48 and when you pray fervently on that prayer partner, 44:53 you will find that person. 44:56 And I pray that miracles will be shown. 45:00 Amen. And you know what? 45:02 Their prayer partner was stopped 45:03 with a lot of prayer requests. 45:04 And one prayer request was for a person 45:07 who has brain aneurysm. 45:09 And before the doctor 45:10 could even operate the prayer groups, 45:13 the prayer partners prayed and they even fasted, 45:16 make long story short, operation was done, 45:19 doctor opened up the skull, 45:22 checked the aneurysm, it was not there. 45:25 This is the power of prayer, my dear friends. 45:27 And I'd like to read this beautiful quote 45:30 before we get on our knees. 45:32 Ministry of Healing, page 159 it says, 45:35 "To everyone who offers himself to the Lord for service, 45:40 withholding nothing, is given the power 45:43 for the attainment of measureless results." 45:46 These are just young high school students 45:49 but they decided to give their lives to the Lord. 45:51 How about you? 45:53 Do not let GYC stay here in Houston, 45:56 bring it back home, bring it in your churches, 45:59 bring it in your schools, bring it in your home. 46:02 Let us kneel down and let us spend one minute 46:06 and let us pray for that commitment 46:08 that we have made in our hearts 46:09 that the conviction of the Lord that we will respond. 46:16 Let us start praying. 46:23 I have decided to follow Jesus 46:30 I have decided 46:35 To follow Jesus 46:39 I have decided to follow Jesus 46:46 No turning back, no turning back 46:52 Dear Father, by Your grace and by Your Spirit, 46:56 help us, Lord, to follow You and this time, no turning back. 47:01 For we pray this in the loving name 47:02 of Your Son Jesus, all your children say, Amen. 47:19 In this world 47:22 I walk alone 47:27 With no place 47:30 To call my home 47:35 But there's one 47:39 Who holds my hand 47:43 The rugged road 47:47 Through barren lands 47:56 The way is dark 48:00 The road is steep 48:04 But He's become 48:08 My eyes to see 48:12 The strength to climb 48:16 And my grief's to bear 48:21 The Savior lives 48:25 Inside me there 48:29 In your love 48:33 I find release 48:37 A haven from 48:41 My unbelief 48:46 Take my life 48:50 And let me be 48:54 A living prayer 48:58 My God to thee 49:19 In these trials 49:23 Of life I find 49:27 Another voice 49:31 Inside my mind 49:35 He comforts me 49:39 And He bids me live 49:44 Inside the love 49:48 The Father gives 49:52 In your love 49:56 I find release 50:00 A haven from 50:04 My unbelief 50:08 And take my life 50:12 And let me be 50:16 A living prayer 50:20 My God to thee 50:25 And take my life 50:29 And let me be 50:33 A living prayer 50:37 My God to thee |
Revised 2017-09-05