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Speaker: Christopher Hopper [Written by Beth Walrath]

As a Christian there are four things we must do to get things right with God. Sometimes we make those steps harder than they are, but if we rely on Him, they are simple tasks. The first thing we must do is believe and put our faith in Him. Ephesians 2:8-10 says: “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s master- piece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Secondly, we must repent of our sins. Repentance isn’t just confessing our sins; it is a change of mind. Acts 17: 30-31: “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. 31 For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”

Next we must confess Jesus as Lord and Savior to someone. If we have passion for something, then we usually tell the whole world about it. Why not have that passion for the One who died for our sins. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

Finally, get baptized. Baptism is becoming a new person in Christ. It a way of wiping our inner slate clean. Romans 12:1-2 says: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

It has been said before that if you’re not baptized then you will go to Hell. If your heart is right with God, then not being dunked in water won’t stop you from getting into heaven. If you feel in your heart that you will see Jesus when you die, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if the opportunity is given to you and God tells you it is time, and then by all means - get baptized!

1 Peter 3:21 reads: “…and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

I don’t know how to put it into words. Those of you, who know me, know I hate being the center of attention. But tonight, I actually enjoyed it. Because in reality it wasn’t me people were watching. It was Jesus. I got baptized tonight. I finally had the opportunity and thank God it happened now. His timing is so perfect. He knew that it would happen this way. I can’t describe the feeling, it was just - wow. I was really excited to get into the water. As I stood there with Christopher, I just let the sprit of Jesus talk to me. Some of it was through Christopher and some of it was personal. Jesus kept telling me it was going to be ok, and Christopher’s word from Jesus for me was about overcoming obstacles. When I went under, I wasn’t sure what I would feel, but I just felt a huge weight being shedded. I left it in the water, and I still have a sensation in the heart that I can’t describe. It is an amazing feeling and I pray that if you don’t know what I am talking about, you will soon.

Because each person is unique, each experience is different. Even the word God has for us is different, but it is always what we need to hear. It amazes me that for the 15 or so people that were baptized, Jesus was there with each one of us and He was also with those in the room, speaking to them as well. He speaks to you too, everyday. Are you listening?

“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” - Isaiah 26:8

†Beth†

Speaker: Brian Fetzner [Written by Beth Walrath]

You are like the apostles in Mark 3:13 that were appointed to be with Jesus. Jesus is already your friend, so why not be His. The more time you spend with Him and read His word, the easier it is to share the truth. The word of God is the known Will of God. If you are faithful with the known Will of God, then He will reveal the unknown.

Mark 16:15 reads: "And he said unto them ‘Go into the world and preach the Good News to everyone every where.’” He told us to share His word, so what is stopping us from doing it? How hard can it be to share the unconditional love of Jesus Christ? He left us with the tools to share the truth with those around us. He left us His word and His spirit. When you preach the word of God, the Holy Spirit will show up. He is just waiting for an in. You are His way in!! He left His power for you to use. You have the same healing, delivering power as Jesus!! You can’t rely on others to share Jesus’ love with those around you, it has to be you. Tell others that God loves them and that He has a wonderful plan for their life. Do you want your friends, family, neighbors to miss out on the revival that is going on right now throughout the whole world? Don’t wait until you can get your friends to come to church, meet them right where they are. Show them the grace that comes with Christianity, you can show them the way to the cross.

The Gospel is really simple. Read it, live it, and breathe it. Lives will be changed by the promises God has in showed in his Word. He chose us to go into the world and share. Seek first His Kingdom and God will meet all your needs. The best way to seek his kingdom is getting your eyes off yourself and your needs. Have faith that everything in your life will be taken care of as you start caring for those around you. You start winning souls for the Kingdom your life will change fabulously. Seeing the lives of people change around you will be aspiring. Let’s go into the shaking nations and share the truth with everyone everywhere.

2 Corinthians 5:18: "The new life they receive is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did." And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him.

Christ in you the Hope of Glory!

Speaker: Hannah Hayner [Written by Mandee Widrick]

Most of us can look back on our younger years and remember playing with dominos at some point in time. Maybe you stacked them, building a miniature castle, or maybe you lined them up according to the little dots. But the majority of us would stand them individually in a row, until you had so many dominos that they spread long across the length of your table. You had to be careful, because if you weren’t steady and sure-handed, your work would be destroyed before it was finished. If you were successful and didn’t slip up, you would then go back to the first domino, giving it a little shove with just the tip of your finger. That one domino fell upon the one behind it, and all at once the rest would follow suit as they each fell in a quick fashion, one by one. And it all started with just one domino. Just one.

Sin can be like a domino. It starts with one person, then rubs off on another. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus tells his people: “If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a large stone tied around the neck and be drowned in the sea.” Sin is not something He takes lightly, especially when you’re influencing another believer and tempting them into sin. God desires for us to build each other up, not tear others down and lead them away from Himself. 

If you have siblings, then perhaps you can understand this concept. Hopefully, you try your best to keep your siblings from being exposed to things that could be emotionally and spiritually harmful. You peek over their shoulders while they’re on the Internet, you keep an eye on the TV, you ask them what book they’re reading. Why? Because you care about what happens to them. You love them too much to see them ruin their lives, after all, they’re your family.

Other believers are part of God’s family, which means you should be doing the same things for them. I know that we all mess up sometimes, it happens. Yet, if you mess up and choose to continue living in sin, take care not to expose your life to other believers who are susceptible to the same issues. When you plant a seed in a person who struggles with a particular problem, you’re inviting that seed to grow. It then becomes a chain reaction, a domino effect. One domino cannot fall without the next one falling with it.

Satan is trying so hard to devour people nowadays. Sin seems to be clasping on like a leach, and it’s getting harder and harder to shake off. Stand strong with your brothers and sisters in Him, and help them to become all that God has planned for them. It’s hard, but it’s so worth it. Don’t let them fall. †

Revival. Restoration. Revolution. This is what our generation needs in Jefferson County and all over the world.

On April 30th, the very first Operation: Highlife was held at the Thousand Islands High School in Cape Vincent, NY. So what exactly is Operation: Highlife, you might be wondering?

It’s the awakening of souls, an explosion of change that spreads like wildfire throughout the hearts of young people.

It is a revolution.

The high school auditorium was quickly overflowing with young people this past Wednesday night as one by one they filled the seats, anxiously awaiting the start of the night’s events. At 7:00, Chrystelle and Marty from NLCC introduced Out of Hiding, a Christian band from Connecticut previously known as Holyfire. Out of Hiding hit the night off with some upbeat music, stirring up the energy in the room. Powerful skits performed by the 33Live Drama Team followed shortly after with an incredible display of emotion, touching hearts throughout the room.

In conclusion, Christopher Hopper ministered an inspiring message of hope and restoration, reaching out to the lost hearts in the room. Our generation is in the midst of an identity crisis, and God wants to become that new identity to those who are seeking for fulfillment. When young people can begin to see themselves through Christ’s eyes, they can see the world through His eyes, and then they can begin to make a difference in the lives around them. When Christopher finished, he offered prayer for anyone who wanted to commit their hearts to serving God. The floor swarmed with over sixty young people, all with a burning desire to find something different, something other than the life that the world is offering them.

This revolution is just beginning. This was just one school, but before long it will be two schools, ten schools, twenty…get the idea? We can only imagine what big plans God has for this generation. Don’t miss out on what He has in store for you.  ☺

~Mandee~

By Mandee Widrick

On April 5th, rock band legend Third Day came to upstate NY for an amazing night of fun. The house was packed nearly to the doors with devoted fans of all ages, each and every one anticipating the on-stage arrival of Third Day.
The night opened up with the Revive band from Australia, followed by December Radio. Both bands started the audience out with some rock music to put us in the mood. However, we all were awaiting the one band we’d really came to see: Third Day.
Intermission time came, and Third Day had yet to grace the stage. While we took a 15 minute break, the entrance way of the theatre filled up with people as they swarmed the tables, buying CDs, T-Shirts, and much more. It was at this point that an announcement was made: the first 25 people to sign up for Third Day’s fan club would receive Meet & Greet passes to hang out with the band after the show. I had originally planned to stay in my seat during this short intermission, but with this news I leapt up and practically ran to find the sign-up table. I made it in time with 7 passes left available, and 3 of those were quickly sold to myself and two of my brothers.
The show continued on shortly after our addition to the club, and the band we’d all been waiting for came running out. There wasn’t a soul sitting still in the place as they burst into their first song of the night. Third Day sang many of their old favorites, as well as introducing a new song or two that had never yet been performed for an audience, while I ran around the theatre taking pictures that I knew I’d be showing off later on.
But this is not the end! We had our Meet & Greets when the show was finished. We were led around the theatre to a small room where about 35 other people anxiously awaited the band (some of them being previous members of the fan club with passes). A round of applause was given as the four men entered through the door. Third Day! The band I’d wanted to see in concert for so many years was standing there before me, and now I actually got to meet them in person. What a privilege!
My brothers and I were approached by each band member as they circled around the room. The first to greet us was bassist Tai Anderson. He was very friendly, signing our memorabilia and offering to get a picture with us. Next, we met guitarist Mark Lee and drummer David Carr. Once again, we received autographs and pictures while making small talk about random things. I finally made my way to lead man Mac Powell who, of course, was surrounded by multiple fans. After introducing myself, I popped him a random question. “Do you have a guitar pick in your pocket?” (Random, I know. ☺ ) He shook his head and began to apologize. However, upon digging into his pocket, lo and behold, one final guitar pick of the night. After congratulating me on his lucky discovery, he explained that when the lights went out upon the finish of the show, he must have forgotten to throw the pick into the audience and shoved it into his jeans instead. I was thrilled.
So the night ended with a ton of autographs, great memories and even a guitar pick from Mac Powell. I went expecting a fabulous rock concert, and received more than I ever would have anticipated. The time with the band is unforgettable and not something that just happens every day. Third Day will continue to rank high in my opinion, and given the opportunity, I’d do this all over again in a heartbeat. ☺

The Five “C’s” – Pastor Rick Sinclair, March 19, 2008
By Mandee Widrick

Stability is something everyone desires. The world wants answers to their questions and logical reasoning for everything that happens. When the answers aren’t available, sometimes people panic, and look for those answers in all the wrong places. This seeking usually leads downhill and causes further destruction. At that point, the world looks back, even more confused than when they first began their quest of truth.

We’ve been given eyes to see, ears to hear, mouths to speak. We have hands to reach, and feet to go. We have the ability to see those in need and hear their heart’s cry. When we find those people, we can speak hope to the lost and reach out to them. We’ve been equipped by God with all of these abilities…why? To change lives.

1 Peter 3:15 talks about being ready with a defense for our faith, a reason for why we do what we do. I like the translation from the Message: Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are. It’s put plain and simple. Be ready with an answer when you’re asked.

When you do something to someone, whether it be a spoken offense or an act that another person doesn’t agree with, that person may perhaps expect an apology. But what really is an apology? “Apology” originates from the Greek word, “apologia,” meaning, “a speech in one’s own defense.” It’s more than just saying you’re sorry. It’s actually an account of why we behaved or believed in that particular way. Therefore, we become the apologist, answering for our actions.

There are five “C’s” of an effective apologist for Jesus.

1. Converted – You must have completely given your life over to Christ.
2. Character – Be the individual person that God has made you to be.
3. Content – Know God’s words well enough to provide solid answers.
4. Communication – Learn how to get your point across successfully.
5. Conviction – Keep your heart right with God!

In order to be effective, we first have to make the effort. Shrinking back and never trying won’t bring new life to those around us. There are souls depending on us. The saying, You can’t fail if you don’t try, is so true. You certainly can’t fail if you never make an attempt in the first place. But you can’t win either! If you don’t try, then basically, you’ve already failed. THE WORLD CANNOT FIND JESUS IF YOU DON’T SHARE HIM! You never know what small things may make a difference in a person’s life, so don’t be intimidated. Follow God’s calling on your own life, and He’ll take care of the rest.

Sowing and Defending Your Inheritance, Part 3 - March 5, 2008
By Mandee Widrick

God says if we are faithful in few things, He will give us charge over many things. He created us to be responsible for what He sends our way. Whether the task be big or small, God never gives us anything that we can’t handle with His help.

Jesus shares a story with His people in Luke 19:11. He tells of three servants that are each given one mina (three months wages) by a king and instructed to invest the money while he is away. The first servant earned ten minas with the one he was given, and when the king returned, the servant was rewarded charge over 10 cities. The second servant earned five minas, and was given charge over 5 cities. The third servant remained with only one mina. When confronted why he did not invest the money, the servant claimed he was afraid. Oops! Wrong answer. The king took the mina away from the third servant and gave it to one who would be responsible for his valuables.

God is asking us to invest our gifts into the areas where He has called us to. It is my desire to be the servant that handled his king’s gift with wisdom and courage, because that servant received a great reward for his faithfulness. Do not disqualify yourself from your inheritance because you are too preoccupied with sin. Satan is just waiting for us to sit back and say it’s too hard to figure out where God wants us. It is the devil’s intention to make sin look easier than following Christ. Are we called to shrink back and make excuses, or are we called to stand up and fight for what belongs to us?

“It’s too hard.” No it’s not.

“I’m too afraid.” Why are you afraid when you have Christ?

“I don’t have time.” Make time!

“I could never do that.” With God, you can do anything.

WE ARE NOT A GENERATION OF EXCUSES!!

If you believe any of those lies from the enemy, then this is why you’re having such a difficult time receiving what God is trying to give you. The blessings are there! And they’re your’s for the taking! Start believing in what God is going to do in your life and you might be surprised at the changes you’ll begin to see. Get out there and start doing things for other people. Share the love of Jesus that He’s put inside of you. Do you want God to do something for you without having to ask Him? Prove that you can do something for someone else without them having to ask YOU! Invest in people! Start with one, and watch that one person turn into 5, then 10, a whole highschool, an entire county! Don’t let your “mina” sit dormant because you weren’t willing to step out and make a difference. Nehemiah 4:16 says the people worked with a sword in one hand and a trowel (small hand-held tool) in the other. The people built a wall with the trowel and defended their work with the sword. Defend the field God has called you to pour your efforts into. A trowel in one hand, a sword in the other. Build. Then defend.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST!

Being Tricked Out of Your Inheritance, Part 2 - February 27, 2008
By Mandee Widrick

It doesn’t feel good when you find out someone has taken advantage of you. When they step in the way, trick you, belittle you, and all for their own benefit. And what feels even worse, is when you realize you actually allowed that person the authority to have control. It’s an “ouch” when we finally see that it never would have happened in the first place if we’d just stepped up to the plate and said…“No.”

The decisions we make today will be the repercussions of tomorrow. Hold that thought for one second and take a look at the definition of REPERCUSSION: “An unintended consequence occuring some time after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.”

Read the story of Jacob and Esau. In Genesis 25:29 it says: “One day Jacob was boiling a pot of vegetable soup. Esau came in from hunting in the fields, weak from hunger. So Esau said to Jacob, ‘Let me eat some of that soup, because I am weak with hunger.’ But Jacob said, ‘You must first sell me your rights as the firstborn son.’ ” Esau agreed, giving away his rightful inheritance from their father, just for a bowl of soup!! Fast forward to Genesis 27:35 where Isaac and Esau discover that Jacob has fooled them both: “But Isaac said, ‘Your brother came and tricked me. He has taken your blessing.’ Esau said…’He took my share of everything you own, and now he has taken away my blessing.’ ”

Jacob got in the way and took what belonged to Esau. Unfortunately, Esau enabled him to do so, all by his initial act of trading his birthrights away for something as petty as soup.

Don’t trade away your God-given inheritance!

Satan can only succeed in making us miss out on what God has for us when he’s able to partner with someone who gives him authority. Don’t give him that chance! God gives us the authority to say no to the enemy. NO to sin. NO to the lies. NO to giving in. “No” is the key word here! We all have hopes, dreams and ideas that God has put inside of us. Satan is battling to put a stop to every plan God has for you. Satan is the ultimate deceiver, the king of all tricksters. DO NOT BE FOOLED!

2 Samuel 21:1 says, “So David sought the Lord…” Why? Because decisions made without first consulting Him are decisions made by us alone! In other words…decisions made hastily without God could have lasting effects, even on generations to come. Put God first in everything you do, and be part of a generation that simply can’t exist without him. Ask God to show you what He has for you. I promise it will be worth the tough times. Be strong, and don’t trade your inheritance for “a bowl of soup.”

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST!

What Is Your Inheritance? Part One - February 19, 2008
By Mandee Widrick

Do you ever wonder why God has you where you are? What your purpose is? What awaits you in the future? Do you ever feel like your life is headed no where in particular, and you’re just floating around life waiting for something stable and meaningful to pour your heart into? Not knowing where to go next is a tough place to be. So…the question is….

How do we find out?!?!

“Um…we pray…and ask God…”

Ok, great start. HOWEVER! There is so much more to it than just prayer on our part as Christians. The truth is, God has a future for each and every one of us, a future so amazing that we can hardly picture it in our minds. Knowing this, how come we sit around mumbling a whispered prayer here and there while nothing happens?

Because we drag our feet and don’t believe in the inheritance God has placed on our lives.

Why did the people of Israel wander for 40 years, searching for the land that God had promised to them? God gave the Israelites their “Promise Land,” His blessing to those who were faithful to Him. There was only one problem though…His people did not have enough faith to accept that blessing. For 40 years, Moses and the Israelites sat back…intimidated by the people of Jericho who got in the way and scared them off. They did not trust their God to take full control of the situation. God gave them their inheritance and said “I want these good things for you! Take what I have given you!” but they encountered obstacles along the way, and they were not willing to fight for what was rightfully their own. Really, that’s pretty sad.

Fight, fight, fight!! If life was a piece of cake, well, why would we need a God? Fight to receive what God has waiting for you and don’t give up when things start to freak you out. The more you fight, the more results you will see, and the easier it will be to do the hard things. Don’t take the wrong road just because the path looks smooth and like easy travel. God never said it would be easy…but He did say he’d never leave us alone. He wants us to see how simple His plan truly is for us when we just trust…..believe…..and have faith. He’ll come through for us in the tough times. So stick it out and believe in what He is going to do in your life…and don’t forget to look at what He has already done. We are not underdogs to be shoved beneath a rug and tucked away from the world. Stand up for what you believe in and HAVE FAITH.

Let’s get Hell worried.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST!

Attention 33Live!

If you would like to go to Delta Lake next weekend, Frebruary 29th - March 1st, Please contact Hillary at snarph[at]mac[dot]com.

The cost is $90.00

This is a GREAT conference and I dont think you would want to miss it.

-33Live Web Staff-