LIVE/GIVE/LOVE

LIVE/GIVE/LOVE: I AM YOURS GOD

Accepting the cultural value FOMO, might we miss out on the one thing that matters? By “playing all our options,” might we have settled into a casual, non-committal relationship with GOD? Join Younger Generation Church​ in their new series, LIVE/GIVE/LOVE, Saturdays, 10:00AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #IAmYG #ygchurch

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ARE YOU A FAN OR A FOLLOWER?

There comes a point with Jesus that we are compelled to “define the relationship.” Are we just enthusiastic admirers of Him or are we destined to be something more.

Then he said to all of them, “Whoever wants to follow me must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross every day and follow me.” –Luke 9:23 [NIrV]

To follow Pastor Allan’s inaugural sermon launching our new series, LIVE/GIVE/LOVE, you’re invited to a self-guided reflection to contemplate your relationship with Christ Jesus. You are welcome to do this on your own or with a few select people you wish to spiritually journey with. Click the below video to be introduced to our “not a fan” reflection.

Reflection Resources via RightNow Media
In addition to this blog, you can find a miniseries of compelling episodes for Not A Fan in our online video library, RightNow Media. If you have yet to get your free access to our online library email Pastor Allan, and he will grant you access. Click here or the above icon to play the videos.

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NOT A FAN:
SELF-GUIDED REFLECTIONS

Begin the reflections below. The button in each section will direct you to a Not A Fan mini-series episode to augment your reflections. If you don’t already have access to our RightNow Media library, contact Pastor Allan and he will provide you an access code email.

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DEFINE THE RELATIONSHIP

A "fan" is an enthusiastic admirer. Someone typically in the crowd, who admires from afar.

Consider the story of the affluent young leader:

17 As he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?” 18-19 Jesus said, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, honor your father and mother.” 20 He said, “Teacher, I have—from my youth—kept them all!” 21 Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.” 22 The man’s face clouded over. This was the last thing he expected to hear, and he walked off with a heavy heart. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and not about to let go. 23-25 Looking at his disciples, Jesus said, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is for people who ‘have it all’ to enter God’s kingdom?” The disciples couldn’t believe what they were hearing, but Jesus kept on: “You can’t imagine how difficult. I’d say it’s easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for the rich to get into God’s kingdom.” 26 That set the disciples back on their heels. “Then who has any chance at all?” they asked. 27 Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.” –Mark 10:17-27 [Message]

We all come to a point where we need to define our relationship with Christ Jesus. So are you a fan or a follower?

Here's what it takes to be a follower...

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. –Luke 9:23 [NLT]

One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. --Luke 14:25-27 [Message]

We all come to a crossroads in our relationship with Christ Jesus, where we determine the status of our relationship. Some of us are comfortable with the convenience of a casual acquaintance with Him. Or we speak with great bravado that lacks substance, so we flake when the relationship becomes costly and calls for commitment. You can likely relate with a Biblical character or two who was mostly big talk and compelling promises. In the very last moments of Jesus’ life, the difference between and fans and followers was quite stark.

So where are you?
Are you among the fans in the stands?
Or are you among the followers at the foot of the cross?

Are you a fan or a follower?

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STAIN

Jesus wants to remove the stain of sin from everyone and anyone.

Then he said to all of them, “If anyone wants to follow me, he must say no to himself. He must pick up his cross every day and follow me.” –Luke 9:23 [NIrV]

Come on now, let’s walk and talk; let’s work this out. Your wrongdoings are bloodred, But they can turn as white as snow. Your sins are red like crimson, But they can be made clean again like new wool. --Isaiah 1:18 [Voice]

Does anyone really mean anyone?

Consider the story of Matthew:

9 Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, “Come along with me.” Matthew stood up and followed him. 10-11 Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew’s house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus’ followers. “What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?” 12-13 Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: ‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” --Matthew 9:9-13 [Message]

Your sin is never greater than GOD's grace. No matter how far you may feel from GOD, His forgiveness is greater.

8 The Lord is tender and kind. He is gracious. He is slow to get angry. He is full of love. 9 He won’t keep bringing charges against us. He won’t stay angry with us forever. 10 He doesn’t punish us for our sins as much as we should be punished. He doesn’t pay us back in keeping with the evil things we’ve done. 11 He loves those who have respect for him. His love is as high as the heavens are above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins from us. He has removed them as far as the east is from the west. --Psalm 103:8-12 [NIrV]

Will you surrender your stains to Him?
Will you allow Jesus to wash you white as snow?

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WHAT MUST I DO?

17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22 At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. 25 In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

26 The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

27 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” —Mark 10:17-27 [NLT]

What are you holding on to? What is difficult to let go?
What might be preventing you from making a complete commitment to Christ Jesus?

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THE COST

Everything within us looks to comfort and ease; However if we are to follow Jesus, there is a cost. It will involve sacrifice.

57 On the road someone asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said. 58 Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.” Jesus said to another, “Follow me.” 59 He said, “Certainly, but first excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father’s funeral.” 60 Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God’s kingdom!” 61 Then another said, “I’m ready to follow you, Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at home.” 62 Jesus said, “No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.” --Luke 9:57-62 [Message]

By holding onto our lives so tightly, might we actually lose what matters most?

23 If any of you want to walk My path, you’re going to have to deny yourself. You’ll have to take up your cross every day and follow Me. 24 If you try to avoid danger and risk, then you’ll lose everything. If you let go of your life and risk all for My sake, then your life will be rescued, healed, made whole and full. 25 Listen, what good does it do you if you gain everything—if the whole world is in your pocket—but then your own life slips through your fingers and is lost to you? --Luke 9:23-25 [The Voice]

20 I am full of hope and feel sure I will not have any reason to be ashamed. I am certain I will continue to have the same boldness to speak freely that I always have. I will let God use my life to bring more honor to Christ. It doesn’t matter whether I live or die. 21 To me, the only important thing about living is Christ. And even death would be for my benefit. --Philippians 1:20-21 [ERV]

In what ways has comfort kept you from fully committing to Christ Jesus?
What do you see as the cost of the cross for you?
Would you wish to follow Christ if it cost you everything?

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DID YOU MAKE A DECISION? #IAMYOURSGOD

If the answer is yes, we want to support you in your desire to be a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ. Send us an email [info@ygchurch.com] to let us know of your decision and what help you may need for your next steps. Congratulations and courage as you live fully as a Christ follower!

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For All My Days, First Love, God I Look To You, Available, O Come To The Altar #WorshipSet #Aug8 10:00AM CDT fb.com/ygchurch #IAmYG #ygchurch

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YG LIFE • SATURDAYS 11:00AM
A new broadcast follows @ygchurch intending to interact and engage with our online worshipers and build community virtually. Saturdays at 11AM CDT, YG LIFE will feature special guest interviews, questions and answers with the YG speaker, and a live interactive prayer time taking praises and petitions from our Facebook LIVE simulcast [fb.com/ygchurch].

YG LIFE HOST: JULIAN HUMPHRIES-DAVIS
Our host is Julian Humphries-Davis, M.Ed. He currently serves as the Student Development Specialist of the Follett Student Leadership Center at the University of Texas at Arlington. He serves as the advisor for the Alternative Breaks Program as well as the Leadership Honors Program. A proud Tennessean, Julian earned his B.A. in English at The University of the South: Sewanee and his M.Ed. in Community Development and Action at Vanderbilt University. "Jewlz" loves being active, traveling, and working with youth and young adults. Be sure to catch him at YG LIFE immediately following @ygchurch worship experience.

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This Is Amazing Grace, Christ Is Enough, Build My Life, Broken Vessels, The Stand #WorshipSet #Aug1 10:00AM CDT fb.com/ygchurch #IAmYG #ygchurch

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NOT A FAN
Twenty times in the New Testament, Jesus Christ issued a compelling and challenging invitation: "Follow Me." Jesus is not interested in mere fans. He doesn't want enthusiastic admirers. He wants completely committed followers. Find via RightNow Media a compelling multi-episode miniseries by Kyle Idleman to compliment Pastor Allan's sermon, "Fan or Follower." Click here or the above banner to access the miniseries. If have yet to get your access codes to RightNow, contact Pastor Allan.

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ZOOM HOPE LIVE: MEDIA MINISTRIES
What do media ministries entail? How important Is my personal and church's social media ministry in today's context? Should I invest my time, effort, and resources on social media right now? Join in Saturday, August 1, 3:00PM CDT, as Larry L. Green Lg (host) and D London Anderson (Co-host) of Zoom Hope Live engage this week's panelists (Krysten Thomas, Ashley Gentles, A Allan Martin, and Tim Kosaka) in an enlightening and informative discussion on "Media Ministries."

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ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BIBLE STUDY // WEEKNIGHTS 7PM CDT
A great way to dive deeply into the Scriptures and foster relationships with other young adults, Adventist Young Professionals Bible Study is a great place to meet others while being inspired and challenged. We’d love to have you join in. Register at AdventistYoungProfessionals.org/devotionals

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DO WOMEN MATTER TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Jesus was surrounded by both men and women during his ministry on earth. He saw, valued, and cared for women, and he still does today. Each one of us has a significant role.

Through this six-session study, you will discover who Jesus is through the unique perspective of women in the Bible. As you study the lives of Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, and others, you will learn from their faith and failures and be reminded that Jesus cared for and valued the women he was surrounded by. He equipped them, listened to them, walked with them, healed them, and empowered them. And he does the same for you now. Study guide by Sadie Robertson Huff.

Join Alex and Chrissy as we dive deeper into this study together, Wednesdays at 7PM via Zoom. Email info@ygchurch.com for more information.

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TEXAS ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: 2020 FALL KICK-OFF
Adventist Christian Fellowship is the Seventh-day Adventist organization for collegians going to public universities and colleges. You are invited to the Fall Kick-Off Vespers, August 14th, at 7:00PM CDT. Contact Texas ACF for the Zoom link and more information.

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WHAT HAS THE PANDEMIC REVEALED?
For @ygchurch the pandemic has revealed in us a passion to deepen our devotion to Christ Jesus. Here are some of the faces that best illustrate us "Being Jesus, Being YG." Click here or the icon above for more.

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ATTENTION COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS!
If you're heading to one of these nine campuses [noted above] this Fall, and would like to connect with a mentor and/or an Adventist community, please contact Texas Young Adults!

If you're going out of state and would like information about an Adventist community near where you'll be, send Texas Young Adults an email as well.

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OUR VOLUNTEERS ROCK!
We have great volunteers who have a heart for service and a deep love for Jesus. Join us! Sign up at volunteer.ygchurch.com

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GREAT NEWS FROM SWAU
First we offer dual credit classes for high school juniors and seniors. Second, we also have our online programs available for all ages. For more information please contact us at admissions@swau.edu or 817-202-6794.

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WHEN YOU GIVE, YG GROWS AND GOES
When you give specifically to YG, it fosters growth in our young adult ministry and bears fruit. Click the above icon or here to find out more of how your generosity is making a difference.

Your generosity makes YG not only possible, it makes Younger Generation Church one of the premier Adventist young adult ministries in the world. Thank you. Click here or the above icon for means by which to give to YG

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LIVE/GIVE/LOVE: FEATURED PRESENTERS

Peter Casillas is the campus pastor for Canyon Creek Project. Living in two places; first, in that place where ministry and ordinary life take shape, hoping that someone will find the joy of living in Jesus. Second, in the joy of being married to Allison Casillas where the Gospel takes place every day.

He is the last of eight children born to Rosa & Pablo Casillas. After his B.S. in Theology, Master in Divinity and eight units in Clinical Pastoral Education, Peter has specialized in reaching people within their context and world of influence.

Peter has been a lead and teaching pastor in the Rocky Mountain Conference, Director for Evangelism and Church Planting in Potomac Conference and guest speaker for countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and the United States.

His joy is making friends and his hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, travel, and recently added softball and golfing (Allison’s family tradition).

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Helvis C. Moody currently serves the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as the Young Adult/Youth Director and Prayer Coordinator. A graduate of Andrews University Theological Seminary, he holds a Masters of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry and is happily married to April Watkins Moody. His favorite Biblical passage is Philippians 4:13, which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This text has been foundational to his ministerial career as he credits Christ’s strength in helping to grow each church he has pastored, either through baptisms or church facility growth. He began his ministry as a pastor for the Baton Rouge and Slidell, La. district in 1999 through 2004. He then served as a pastor at the Fondren Seventh-day Adventist Church until 2012, when he was called to the Southwest Region Conference to serve as its Youth and Young Adult Director. He joined the Southwestern Union in 2014. A believer in the power of prayer, he solicits your prayers as he continues to serve in ministry and prepares for the Second Coming of Christ.

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Paulo Tenorio is Texas Conference Youth Ministries Director. He loves Jesus more than anything. He is a family man, he is married to the most beautiful girl on earth: Ana (sorry guys) and they have a two year old named Micaela who is an extrovert by nature. And, let’s not forget about Lola, their little pug.

Paulo was born in Paraguay to missionary parents. They moved to Washington, D.C., in 2000. After graduating from high school, he served as a missionary in South Korea. That’s when he felt God’s call to ministry. He graduated from Southern Adventist University and completed his Master of Divinity at Andrews University. He served as a chaplain at South Texas Christian Academy for two years. He then worked as an associate pastor for Austin Spanish First and Kyle Seventh-day Adventist Churches as well as being the Central Texas Youth Area Coordinator. His favorite hobby is to travel.

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Mike Tucker is the Speaker Emeritus of Faith for Today Television, and host of the award-winning television program, Lifestyle Magazine. He conducts seminars like Mad About Marriage, Good Grief, and The Choice, and serves as a Teaching Pastor for Canyon Creek Project, a church plant in Richardson, Texas. Mike has served as a Pastor, Counselor, Christian High School Bible Teacher, Youth Pastor, Ministerial Secretary, and Senior Chaplain for medical and psychiatric facilities.

Mike has authored several books, including Meeting Jesus in the Book of Revelation; Journal of a Lonely God; Jesus, Your Heart’s Desire; Every Good Thing; Ten Keys to a Happy Marriage, Mad About Marriage and more. His most recent book is entitled Tears to Joy, shares his own journey of grief after losing his wife and ministry partner of 40 years.

Mike has remarried and lives with his wife, Pam, in the Dallas, Texas area. He enjoys spending time with his daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

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Seth Wallack is a junior at Burton Adventist Academy [BAA]. He was among the over 60 BAA missionaries who nearly got stranded in Peru as the worldwide pandemic had governments shutting down their borders. With literally minutes to spare, he and his classmates saw GOD work a miracle on their behalf. But Seth's service for GOD transcends short term mission trips as important as those may be.

When the pandemic hit the United States, many of our churches closed their in-person worship services with no other means to meet the ministry needs of their members. Thanks to our media ministry which has been serving Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church for over a decade, we easily and swiftly shifted to exclusively online ministries. Seth is among a great group of volunteers have have faithfully served throughout the pandemic affording thousands of viewers around the world access to our worship. Pandemic? No problem.

But Seth's pursuits to serve don't stop with being behind the scenes of our worship services. He's been willing and faithful to participate as a guitarist in not only @ygchurch, but also in our Mosaic worship experiences. His passion to serve GOD is hard to contain, and his being a high school student hasn't impeded his influence. He is BAA Student Association Public Relations and serves as part of LEADteam for Younger Generation Church. In his free time, he likes to play guitar and golf.

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GOD OF MIRACLES

Even before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the Burton Adventist Academy mission trip to Peru was on our prayer list as an endeavor of personal and communal interest. Little did we know the odyssey that was ahead and the close encounters in store. I think it best for the missionaries to tell the GOD-story not fully shared by the headlines. But first, let’s set the scene…

In March our Burton Adventist Academy students arrived in Peru along with adult sponsors, volunteers, and medical professionals to be involved in evangelistic childrens’ programming, building a church facility, and providing community health care services.

They completed a very successful missionary endeavor in Peru, and were ready to head home. . .

As COVID-19 evolved into a pandemic, the Peruvian President announced that the country would be shutting down it’s borders, giving all visiting foreigners merely hours to evacuate the country.

One of thousands of examples of Americans who were attempting to leave Peru before the border closures…

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Our Burton Adventist Academy missionaries share their experiences and how they saw GOD in the midst of their adventures.

Dr. Josh Long was among the medical volunteers who were part of the BAA Mission Trip. He shares, in powerful detail, the miracle-filled adventure of returning home.

Pick up Dr. Long’s testimony at timemark 8:28

U.S. State Department reported over 50,000 Americans were stranded abroad because of border closures and canceled flights related to COVID-19. INSIDER shares some of their stories…

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Unabridged: Burton Adventist Academy students share their experience as part of UG Talks, an online podcast of UG Youth.

Check out Emli’s story at timemark 51:16

Pick up the action at timemark 10:18

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LOCKDOWN
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: The GOD Who Won't Comply with Distancing
Whatever the form of bondage, imprisonment, or lockdown, GOD is your Deliverer, He will rescue you.

But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; –Isaiah 43:1-3a [NIV]

Throughout Scriptures, people have lived in the tension of not knowing exactly GOD’s proximity to their lives and/or circumstances. Some have wished to run from Him, others have wanted to experience Him up close and personal. In this day and age, where have you encountered GOD, and what has it revealed to you about Who He is?

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” --Matthew 28:20b [NLT]

Join Younger Generation Church​ in their Spring series, Close Encounters, Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #YGclose #ygchurch

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WORSHIP ON DEMAND

Looking for moving worship services, inspirational speakers, exceptional sermon series? Here’s some suggestions for your consideration.

YOUNGER GENERATION CHURCH VIMEO CHANNEL
Available on-demand just about every YG Church sermon and service for the past decade and beyond.
Click here or the above icon for access to YG’s Vimeo channel.

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DEVOTIONAL & LIFEGROUP RESOURCES

Beyond the great options already in play for doing life together, you may feel inclined to start a new LIFEgroup online, Bible study or other community-building digital gathering. Or maybe you’re looking for resources to deepen your own devotion to Jesus. We have a great array of online options to support you.

FINDING PEACE AMIDST THE STORM
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by stress, fear, and anxiety, especially with the challenges in today’s culture and world. We want to help you find peace in the midst of the current storms, and hope these resources might be of help. Click here or the above icon for the resource page.

THOUSANDS OF DIGITAL BIBLE STUDIES & RESOURCES
Our digital ministry library offers over 20,000 video-based Bible studies at your finger tips. Contact Pastor Tom [tom@arlingtonadventist.com] to gain access to our RightNow digital Bible study library.

iBELIEVE BIBLE
Using young voices, online videos and blogs, iBELIEVE BIBLE wants the Bible to be accessible, enjoyable, and appreciated by a new generation. They want you to be able to engage the Bible for yourself.

iBELIEVE BIBLE publishes videos with an article and Bible study questions. You can use them in your small group, for preaching guides, or your own personal study. Their goal is to keep the conversation about the Bible going, and to help people think through the big questions.

Website: http://www.ibelievebible.com
Twitter: @iBelieveBible (https://twitter.com/iBelieveBible)
Instagram: @iBelieveBible (https://www.instagram.com/ibelievebible/)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_cMryHiC3LOiJ6YyHYSNA

DIVE DEEPER
Want to explore further the Biblical principles that are foundational to our faith as Seventh-day Adventists? [truth]LINK provides great insights as you study your Bible and apply Scriptural truths to your life. Click the above icon to begin the online studies, or stop by the church office for a printed set to study.

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WHEN YOU GIVE, YG GROWS
Thank you so much for your generosity to Younger Generation Church! We are committed to deepening the devotion of next generations to Christ Jesus, and we’re not waiting until they are young adults to help them foster identity, belonging, and purpose as the Church. Your financial support, volunteer service, and active involvement make our ministry thrive. We encourage you to automate your tax-deductible contributions at give.ygchurch.com

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SERVE WITH US
A great way to build community is through volunteering! All ages. As a family. With your friends. In areas you love. In new ways. On stage. Off stage. — ALL are invited to volunteer at Younger Generation Church. It’s not only a wonderful way to serve in ministry, it’s also one of the best ways to foster relationships. Sign up today, volunteer.ygchurch.com

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