Alive Youth Church students, leaders, parents, and friends,
As we enter the midweek, let's take a moment to reflect on our time together on Sunday. One hundred fifty students and leaders gathered for worship, learning, and time in the presence of Jesus together. What a beautiful glimpse of heaven; I can imagine the Lord looking down and smiling as His children joyfully worship Him, have a passion for His teachings, and gather under the banner of Jesus.
Sunday night marked the first week of our brand new start time, 6:30 PM. For our amazing parents who wonder what exactly goes down on Sunday nights, and for any students who couldn’t make it, here’s a little recap: Starting off right away with an embarrassing dancing game. Like David danced before the Lord, except I really don't think David knew what a Nae Nae was. We moved into worship and a message on Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells us we’ll receive power from the Holy Spirit and be His witnesses. We unpacked what it actually means to be a witness in our everyday lives, not just talking about Jesus, but living like Him.
Then it was time for community groups, smaller circles where students got to process, ask questions, and go deeper with their leaders and friends. These groups always wrap up around 8:00 PM, and that’s the official “you can head home now” moment.
BUT... for those who aren’t quite ready to leave, that’s when AYC Late-Nite kicks in. A time for games, food, and a whole lot of fun time together. It’s casual, it’s fun, and it goes until about 8:45 PM. What an amazing night! I can't wait for another one. I've said many times already, Sunday nights are the best nights of the week. We've got great students, we've got great leaders, and oh, do we sure have a great God!
Fires Burning and Races Ran
Something is happening in the hearts of students recently. I hope you see it too. Across our city, nation, and world, students are leading the charge in passion for Jesus. And I am constantly reminded how great our God is. And my prayer is that this ignition that we are witnessing would continue to spark, catch flame, and be a long-lasting fire with an impact that is far beyond what we could ever think or imagine.
Take a minute to pray today. Throughout history, we see examples of revival for Christ, many times with younger generations leading the way. I think of the Azuza Street Revival in the early 1900s and the Jesus People movement in the 1960s. Times when massive numbers of people meet Jesus and begin to live for Him. Revival can simply mean something is increasing in popularity; it often arrives and fades over time, similar to the fashion trends (thank goodness the skinny jeans are out!). But take a moment to pray today, that this would not be a short-lived fire; one that burns hot, but dies quick. We know that life with Jesus is a long-term relationship. One that requires consistency, hard work, and big faith.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
Paul is writing to Timothy, telling him, "I didn't quit, I didn't run out of gas, I finished the race." We will see increased numbers, more and more people coming to Jesus, getting baptized, and beginning their race. Celebrate what God is doing; it is truly amazing. But be careful of distraction and getting caught up in the craziness of it all. The same God that is responsible for this amazing revival is the same God we serve tomorrow and the next day, and ten years down the line. Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Let it be a continued reminder that we aren't sprinting here, even Usain Bolt would have a hard time with this race. This is a lifelong race. Let us fight the good fight, let us keep the faith, and finish the race.
Numbers are easy, depth is harder.
Starting is easy, finishing is harder.
Take Jesus with you this week. Allow Him into your everyday life. Wherever you are in your race... let's finish strong and know you're not running alone. See you Sunday at 6:30pm!
-Isaac Fehlen
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