2012 NYC - Infinite Mercy

Kempton Turner at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

 

In his second message at the conference, Kempton challenges us by asking how we will respond to Jesus. Returning to the text in Isaiah 6, we observe Isaiah’s response to an encounter with God. In the presence of Jesus, Isaiah can no longer focus on the sins of others, but he is utterly broken and devastated at the reality of his own sinfulness in the presence of a holy God. As for Isaiah, the perfect holiness of God exposes our own sinfulness.

Further in Isaiah 6, the beauty and glory of the gospel emerges when one of the seraphim flies to Isaiah to cleanse him and his sin is atoned for. Out of love and mercy, God chooses to fly to us to cleanse us of our sin. Jesus came to this world on a mission fueled by love. He flew to us, died for us, and he alone can make us clean and right before God.

2012 NYC- Infinite Possibilities

Harry Reader at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Harry Reeder’s final message at the conference is focused upon our message and mission as followers of Christ in this world. The message is the gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ. The mission is the Great Commission - to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). This mission must be Christ-centered, gospel-driven, and Spirit-filled in order to fulfill God’s purpose for the world.

Harry uses several examples from the book of Acts as the apostles began building the church of believers by carrying out this mission. A portion of Acts 17:6 “…these men who have turned the world upside down have now come here also” fuels Harry’s plea for us to do the same thing again for the Lord - to shake the world once more through consistent evangelism and discipleship that is centered on Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and driven by the good news of the gospel.

2012 NYC - Infinite Love

Harry Reader at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

Harry Reeder begins his first message of the conference with a thorough explanation of the gospel. Drawing from several verses from the book of Romans, we learn that our sin nature renders us helpless, as our sin record makes us hopeless. Harry emphasizes the key factor that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions - that hope is found in nothing and no one else but God himself through Jesus Christ.

Using a passage from Romans 8, God’s sovereignty in our salvation is clear - it is foreknown by God as he predestines, calls, justifies, and glorifies us through the life, death, and resurrection of his son Jesus Christ. Ultimately, it is God who initiates to us and draws us to himself. Contrary to every other religion, Christianity is rooted in the fact that God came down to us through Jesus, lived and died for us, so that we could have new life in a right relationship with him.

2012 NYC - Labor Off Campus

Jared Wass at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

You are a student now but you will not be a student on the campus more than a few more years at most. As you think about what you want to do after college, come and learn more about what to expect from life off the campus and opportunities for ministry after graduation.

2012 NYC - Life Is Hard

Matt Reagan at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Years Conference

From stable, suburban students to those with bitterly broken backgrounds, we can all relate to some measure of suffering and the questions that ensue. Come hear honest and hopeful perspective on how to mourn, rejoice, and walk through pain in our lives.

2014 NYC Rally 8 - Matt Reagan

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

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

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 Breakout - Decision Making - Choosing the Best

Breakout Seminar, "Decision Making - Choosing the Best " by Mike Jackson on December 29th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Year's Conference

Life is full of decisions, and many of these are going to have giant ramifications on your future. This seminar is not about what decisions you should make; it is more about methods of decision making. It will explore some of the ways we make foolish decisions and then begin to look at ways we can make wise ones.

2014 NYC Breakout - Christianity: Better than You Think

Breakout Seminar, "Christianity: Better than You Think" by Larry Martini on December 29th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Year's Conference

Wondering what Christianity is all about? What does "the Gospel” mean? Why are people so excited about it? If you want to find out the main point of this conference and, really, the whole Christian life, come explore what Christianity is and isn’t. I can guarantee it is better news than you think.

2014 NYC Breakout - Better in Christ

Breakout Seminar, "Better in Christ" by Dan Grano on December 29th, 2014 at the Campus Outreach Milwaukee New Year's Conference

What defines you? Is it your personality? Your achievements? Your sins? What others think about you? How we answer that question has massive implications on how we live our lives. Yet we often forget what God has already told us about who we are. Come hear about the life-transforming shift that happens when we learn to find our identity "in Jesus".

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