2011 Youth Conference

The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires a profound understanding of grace, which does not mean lowering God's standards. He draws heavily from Matthew 11 to teach that possessing the Kingdom of Heaven (the Church) requires an internal 'violence' against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Believers must be outwardly peaceful while inwardly fighting for spiritual things, remembering that Jesus stated His kingdom is not of this world.

The central message emphasizes that true wisdom begins with reverence for God, which is the prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit's guidance. The speaker contrasts mere knowledge (which is like filling a room with furniture) with wisdom (which builds the house), arguing that reverence for God allows the Spirit to bring necessary truths to mind at the right time. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of fellowship, noting that Christianity is defined by deep community rather than the size of a building.

The central message is that the Kingdom of God means seeking God's government to rule one's life, not just engaging in missionary work. True participation in God's body requires a willingness to be broken down, much like mud being molded, to become part of the unified body of Christ. This process of being broken is necessary for spiritual growth, mirroring Christ's own life of yielding to the Father's will.

The speaker encourages the audience to focus on God's presence when facing life's biggest problems, reminding them that looking upon God's majesty diminishes earthly concerns. He emphasizes that seeking God with all of our heart leads to finding Him, and this calling to build the church is not limited by age, citing the early apostles as examples. Ultimately, the message calls for a passionate dedication to Christ, mirroring Peter's commitment after receiving the Holy Spirit.

The speaker emphasizes that fearing God means removing all idols from one's life, citing Deuteronomy 6:13 as the commandment to fear only the Lord. He also advises the audience to pursue spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, while always prioritizing love, which he calls the greatest fruit. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of studying scripture, especially Deuteronomy, as it contains the spiritual 'sword' needed to resist temptation.

The central message emphasizes that God's help comes to those who are brokenhearted and contrite, not those who think they have everything figured out. The speaker urges listeners to embrace brokenness, recognizing that this state allows God to work in their lives, much like crushing hard rock into dust to build the body of Christ. He concludes by urging people to move from living by old covenants or rules to entering the new covenant relationship with Christ.