2014 NYC Rally 8 - Matt Reagan

Matt Reagan Morning rally on January 1st, 2015 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

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Rally Recap

Better isn't necessarily easier.

The worlds life is harder because they are without hope and without God in the world. But we have hope for those who are in Christ.

3 ways that it is harder:

  1. We will not be universally liked.

    1. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 ESV)

    2. “and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 ESV)

    3. “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV)

“And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:40–41 ESV)

  1. We fight against ourselves constantly.

    1. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13 ESV)

  2. We are not escapists.

    1. We live in a faith system with its foundation in Christ which means we can look at anything in the face (death, cancer, work) and handle it by His grace.

    2. Because we are not escapists we are sorrowful (2 Cor. 6:10a).

What are we sorrowful about?

  1. Our sin (2 Cor. 7:10)

  2. The pain, hopelessness, helplessness, and brokenness of the world.

    1. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 ESV)

    2. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34 ESV)

    3. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” (Romans 8:22 ESV)

  3. Over the condemnation of the world.

    1. “I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:1–3 ESV)

How is sorrow better?

  1. Because it is real.

  2. Because it makes us like Jesus. Jesus came to be our suffering savior.

    1. “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:10 ESV)

  3. The capacity for sorrow enables the capacity for joy both now and eternal life.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3–9 ESV)

Personal Reflection Question:

  1. What does it mean that “better isn't always easier?” Do you believe it? Why or why not?

 

2014 NYC Rally 6 - Andrew Knight

Andrew Knight Evening rally on December 31st, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Rally Recap

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:18–20 ESV)

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”” (Revelation 7:9–12 ESV)

The mission isn't finished.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV)

The who is you, the what is make disciples, and the where is the nations.

God’s will is world evangelization.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:8–9 ESV)

There is a difference between lost people and unreached people. Lost people have had the opportunity to say no to Jesus, unreached people have not had the opportunity to even hear about Jesus.

“Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1:12–14 ESV)

“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”” (Acts 2:5–11 ESV)

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42–47 ESV)

“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”” (Luke 10:17–20 ESV)

 

Personal Reflection Question:

  1. What will you do to reach the people of the world with the Gospel? Pray? Go? Send?

2014 NYC Rally 5 - Matt Reagan

Matt Reagan Morning rally on December 31st, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Rally Recap

A life given away is a better life.

You who have life, what will you do with it?

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Philippians 3:7-9 ESV)

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” (Philippians 1:21-26 ESV)

To die is to be with Christ. It is far better.

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

Joy is a work of God. A shared joy is a double or completed joy.

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:1-4 ESV)

When others gain, you gain. When Jesus meets your needs, you can just enjoy him and bring others in.

The majority of your life will be spent with Jesus. This is not your life, it is a vapors breath. Your life is with Christ. Do you want to be known for your career on earth?

I’m calling you to die. Make life trajectory decisions that aren’t about taking but giving your life away.

A life given away is better.

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 ESV)

Personal Reflection Questions:

  1. What life trajectory is better?

  2. Considering you have been given everything, what could it look like to give your life away?

  3. Who is one person that doesn’t know Christ, that I will die for (because I’ve already been handed the Kingdom)?

 

2014 NYC Rally 4 - Matt Reagan

Matt Reagan Evening rally on December 30th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Rally Recap

Theme: Better

God is better at fulfilling your desires than anything else in the world is. He made you for him.

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  (Psalm 37:4 ESV)

“You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16 ESV)

The good news of the gospel is better news than I ever thought it was, and better than you think it is. It has nothing to do with you. Jesus is our substitute.

“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” (Romans 4:4-5 ESV)

“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14 ESV)

1.  Community is better than isolation.

Nobody wants to be alone. It is written in your heart that we are not to be alone.

“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”” (Genesis 2:18 ESV)

God is triune. He has never been alone. Father, Son and Spirit have always been together. This is deeper than accountability. You are made to tie your life in deeply with others. You are made to know and be known.

Why do we want to be alone? If people know me, my weaknesses will be exposed. When people know, I won’t be safe or accepted.

2.  Christian community is better than all the other ones.

Reason 1: You are welcome in your weakness.

“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”” (Matthew 9:10-13 ESV)

Reason 2: We’re not done with each other in our weakness.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 ESV)

“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” (Hebrews 3:12-14 ESV)

3.  Community with Jesus is better than Christian community.

The clearest way you’ll see Jesus’ face in this world is through Christian community. You won’t see it all the way, because we’re still broken.

“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24 ESV)

You are made for relationship not isolation. Lean into people’s lives.

Personal Reflection Questions:

  1. Is Christ really better?

  2. When you want to be by yourself and not in someones life, why? Why do you want to be alone?

  3. How can you pursue deeper Christian community?

2014 NYC Rally 3 - John O

John O Evening rally on December 29th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Rally Recap

““And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:7–13 ESV)

Who you really are is who you are when nobody is watching.

Isn't it ironic how the very structure that Jesus gave us to pray to him has turned into a meaningless chant that so many can recite without knowing what it really means! The best way to hide something of spiritual value is to hide it in a spiritual cloak

"Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’” (Matthew 6:9 ESV)

Don’t embrace a routine in a prayer but rather embrace a relationship. Prayer begins with embracing a relationship. (Matt. 6:9).

Christianity is a corporate religion. Individual Christianity does not exist.

Regardless of what your background was, God wants to use it to glorify Him by reminding you that everything we have pales in comparison to who He is.

“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” (Psalms 115:3 ESV)

Here is the mark of the Christian, as Christians we pray for God's presence before we pray for his provision

In heaven, God’s will is done instantaneously and joyfully.

God wants to use you regardless of where you are to be a gospel light in the midst of darkness.

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:1–10 ESV)

 

Personal Reflection Questions:

  1. How is your prayer life?

  2. What does it mean to pray for God's presence vs God’s provision?

  3. If God were a Genie and his aim was to give you anything you wanted, would your prayer life be better or worse than it is right now?

2014 NYC Rally 2 - John O

John O Morning rally on December 29th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Rally Recap

““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23 ESV)

There are those who will spend an eternity in heaven or those who will spend an eternity in hell.

There are 4 types of people at this conference:

  1. Those that are saved (and they know it)

  2. Those that are not saved (and they know it)

  3. Those that are not saved (but they don't know it)

  4. Those that are saved (and we don't know it / we struggle with doubt)

Everyone who is a Christian still sins.”

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 ESV)

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 1:5–2:2 ESV)

Christianity isn't primarily about the presence of sin in our lives, but our posture towards the sin in our lives.

Perfection in this life is a horrible goal because you will never be perfect in this life. Christianity is not about perfection, but direction.

“Its better that your sin should shame you now then to damn you for eternity.” -Charles Spurgeon

Practical application:

  1. Confess

  2. Pray through the Psalms

  3. Challenge others in their pursuit of holiness.

Personal Reflection Questions:

  1. Where will you spend eternity?

  2. Are you pursuing sin and getting tripped up by Jesus or are you pursuing Jesus and getting tripped up by sin?

  3. How do you respond to the sin in your life?

2014 NYC Rally 1 - John O

John O Evening rally on December 28th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

We're sorry!  The audio is not available for this talk.

Rally Recap

“Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.” (Daniel 3:7 ESV)

The bible is a real book about real people and real problems that need a real solution from a real God.

The reality of your faith is not measured in times of peace but rather your faith is tested when times get hard.

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:16–18 ESV)

Faith is confidence in God's ability to deliver.

We serve a God that has actually done the impossible so that when we are faced with the impossible we don’t doubt the power of God to accomplish the impossible.

We serve a God that aims to deliver us out of bondage for those who are faithful to him.

Doubt only grows in isolation but transparency grows in the context of community.

If God is God, and I am not, then that means that He can do whatever He wants and I need to be cool with it because God is not a genie and will not do whatever I want Him to do.

Hard times will come and they will usually come when you least expect them.

“And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”” (Mark 14:36 ESV)

 

Personal Reflection Questions:

  1. Where in your life are you doubting God to deliver you from the impossible

  2. There are many things in this world that we think are owed to us. What good things do you make an idol of and expect God to grant you? What if God chooses to not give these things to you?

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