Powerful Sunday

Yesterday, our church had a one weekend only "Student Takeover" event. Pastor Steven reached out to our students yesterday and the results were amazing! Over 7000 in attendance at all of our locations, and 500 salvations! God is incredible and His glory is displayed at Elevation every Sunday!

Even though Pastor preached to the students, his message was applicable to everyone! I believe one of his greatest gifts is, of course, preaching, but also being able to relate to everyone in the room. He listed the 4 most important questions students/adults would have to answer.

The first question was "What is that in your hand"? This was a question of calling. He used the passage out of Exodus 4:2-5 (read it). God has given you a gift...something that you're passionate about. What's the potential God has put in your hand for you to use to change your generation? You should surrender it and let God's work be shown through your actions.

The second question was "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God"? This is a question of acceptance. I think this is the one I struggle with the most. Pastor said something a couple of weeks ago which made me think of this: "Don't let your need for acceptance interfere with other people's need for Jesus" (I might have said that before on here)...but it's so true! We shouldn't be so selfish-minded and worried over what "man" thinks of us. Salvation is through Christ alone...read this. Pastor commented on the whole VMA incident with Kanye West and Taylor Swift. He said that it wasn't Kanye's award to give, so he should've kept his mouth shut (I added the last part). Basically when it comes down to it, when you face Jesus one day, you'll either accept your award of eternity in Heaven, or the total opposite. Ok, I've talked enough about that one. :)

The third question was "How can a young man keep his way pure"? This is a question of integrity and Pastor used this verse to answer it. It's pretty straight forward in my opinion. Live according to His word. Everyone always says "it's impossible in today's culture to do that"...no it's not. Pastor said that it is very possible to live in a counter-cultural way. Live according to God's design.

The fourth, and last, question was "Who do you say I am"? A question of eternity. Jesus asked this to Simon Peter here. Pastor gave the example of "Facebook Faith" which was very relevant to students as well as adults. If you don't know what facebook is...basically it's a social networking site where you have the option to "accept" people you may know to become your friends. Jesus isn't up in Heaven looking for "friends" down here on earth. It's not like he's lonely. So often, the question comes up..."have you accepted Jesus into your heart?" Jesus doesn't want your acceptance...He wants you to be a fully devoted follower of Him. It's not who your friends say He is, or who your parents say He is...but who do you say He is?

Ok, I know this was a long post and thank you for reading if you got to the end! It was a huge Sunday at our church and something totally worth sharing about! You should really watch the sermon for yourself...Pastor Steven does a lot better job than I do! Go here to watch. Enjoy!

PS: My belly's getting bigger (pics to come)!