Inside Report September/October 2005
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Inside Report September/October 2005 Page 10 Young Hearts by Anthony Lester very excited about the upcoming ’05 Revive! program in downplaying their innate creativity, curiosity, and intelligence. If we I’m Fort Worth this November. First, the venue is not that far treat them as though they’ll lose interest if the message isn’t framed from where I first heard about Amazing Facts and was baptized into around big productions or isn’t mimicking the latest cultural trends, God’s family. It’s going to be great returning to the place where my won’t they think themselves too shallow to desire for the deeper faith in the God of the Bible began! knowledge of Christ? However, most of my anticipation for ’05 Revive! comes from what One reason advertisers are so anxious to use “worldly” attractions to happened during Oh For Revival! That series touched countless hearts, draw our youth is because they do work so well. But look at what that and I still get letters and e-mails praising God for how it inspired advertising is for! God has something different than what the carnal people to rededicate their lives to the Lord. A friend of mine, Chris, “trendy” world offers, so why advertise His message to young people says Oh For Revival! changed his life. It changed my life too. ’05 like it’s popular culture? Might it send a confusing message? Revive! is only going to be better. This isn’t about worship style or music in church. No, this is about Now I was 27 when evangelist Brian McMahon came to preach how we think of our youth. Why are we ready to discount their in my hometown, the first time Amazing Facts changed my life. ability to perceive God in deeper ways, when God says otherwise? When I walked in the door, I let my skeptical side take front and “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit center, ready to reject anything that was said. I put up a big wall, upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, making fun of everything from the “old people” decorations to the … your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28; see also Acts 2:17). “conservative” music. You merely need to come see the makeup of one of our AFCOE But when Brian picked up his Bible and began to preach, it took less training courses to see how God is already using young people to than 30 minutes for my life to be completely transformed. What is share the gospel in these last-days. remarkable is that I was chin deep in the world, feeding constantly on One of Pastor Doug’s sermons during Oh For Revival! helped me entertainment exploding with sensory overload. A Christian in name to re-evaluate some of the possessions that did little for my spiritual only, my life was covered with a blanket of sin that I didn’t feel com- walk. They might have been entertaining, but I gave them up as a pelled to leave behind. I was young and totally caught up in the world. sacrifice to eternal life. I have no doubt that our youth will do the Then the truth set me free. same, if we trust God enough to give them that opportunity. I can tell you this too: It was nothing but the truth. No special Bring your youth to ’05 Revive! and allow God to speak to their effects, no rhythmic soundtrack, no dimmed lights, nor anything else hearts simply but powerfully. You’ll be amazed how much even your would have added to or aided my life-changing experience that night. youngest will comprehend without the distractions we often think The plain, unaltered, straightforward Word of God was all that it they need to stay awake and involved. took to save my soul. Keep the faith. I bring this up because some people have said that youth, whether they’re 12, 18, or 25, won’t respond to anything if we don’t dress it up for them just so. I disagree, especially when it comes to God’s Word. So long as the subject matter resonates in their lives, they’ll respond enthusiastically to God’s will for them. Think I’m wrong? One of the most poignant moments of Oh For Revival! was when a group of young people gathered around Pastor Doug to ask about their duty to Christ. It was wonderful to see so many youth inspired from sermons presented simply but firmly. And when a pre- teen recently called the ministry about the Final Events DVD, he raved more about the numerous Bible verses used than the special effects. Our young people don’t need something more than the truth to attract them, and we need to avoid INSIDE2 REPORT SEPT/OCT 2005 INSIDE REPORT VOL. 23, NO.5 PRESIDENT/SPEAKER Contents DOUG BATCHELOR EDITOR ANTHONY LESTER ART DESIGN/LAYOUT 22Reviving Dry Bones HALEY TRIMMER s No matter how dried up and worthless your faith can feel, COPYEDITORS ARLENE CLARK GodGod cancan rrestoreestore vibrantvibrant lifelife toto youryour relationshiprelationship withwith Him.Him. LU ANN CREWS STEVEN WINN Find out how in this classic articlearticle fromfrom PastorPastor Doug!Doug! Inside Report is a bimonthly t publication of Amazing Facts, Inc. It is provided free of charge to the Feature friends and supporters of Amazing Facts on request. Contributors to 6’05Revive! the ministry will continue to receive Inside Report for six months from ’05 Revive! Drawing Near is just around the the date of their most recent gift. corner ... are you ready? See what it takes to be P.O. BOX 1058 an effective soldier for the Lord and why the key n ROSEVILLE, CA 95678-8058 PHONE: 916-434-3880 to evangelism and Christ’s return is true revival FAX: 916-434-3889 in His last-day church. The story of Gideon will INTERNET: WWW.AMAZINGFACTS.ORG motivate you and your congregation to receive E-MAIL: [email protected] and be fi lled with God’s Holy Spirit! Amazing Facts is a nonprofi t Christian ministry that utilizes literature, radio, television, the internet, and public evangelism 10The Empowered Church e to bring the saving truths of Jesus Christ to a lost world. For In churches everywhere, God’s light is just barely shining. its operation, Amazing Facts Discover how our new AFCOE program will help churches depends on the gifts and prayers of become soul-winning centers on fi re for the Lord! concerned, likeminded Christians. t FREE FROM 15Bible Answers AMAZING FACTS Amazing Facts offers a free 27-lesson What is acceptable for Christians when it comes to dancing? Bible course. To enroll, log on to www.amazingfacts.org and click on “Bible School.” Or to take the course 9Witnessing Corner free through the mail, just send us your name, address, and phone Learn how others are using Final Events and other n number and specify that you would like to begin the course. (Printed ministry resources to reach people in their commu- lessons are in English and are nities and everywhere else. available only in Canada, the United States, and their territories.) A free, color catalog of materials 20Revival in Indonesia sold by Amazing Facts is available Revival is breaking out all over the world. Heidi on request. It contains information and prices on all books, McMahon reports from Southeast Asia! videotapes, CDs, audiotapes, and o Regular Features other soul-winning materials available through the ministry. 4Mail Bag 30Health Bite For more information, please call 26Meet the Team Amazing Facts Don’t let fall and winter keep Monday through Thursday you from breaking a sweat. 27Evangelism Update 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Pacifi c. Get good reasons why you need 14Behind the Scenes Inside Report is printed at to keep your heart in shape 28Special Recognition Pacifi c Press in Nampa, Idaho. every day. Contents C INSIDE REPORT SEPT3/OCT 2005 Canadian Gratitude Oh For Revival! Worldwide Television Thank you! That is really the best thing This series was a blessing from God! I have I am a regular I can say. I found you by accident one day been listening to it the second time around, listener of your when I asked God for help, and He brought and I want to thank you for bringing truth program through me to you. I am at best a to all the people in the world. I am originally FETV, and I baby Christian right now, from Germany, and my heart is overflowing have learned and your Bible teachings with joy that so many people here and in a lot about are indispensable. I have Germany have a chance to hear the whole Christianity, great respect for your truth as it is written in God’s Word! Hawaii which in turn I abilities as a teacher, and I thought the least have taught others I could do was to drop you a line thanking Revival Makes a Difference whenever possible. you for the enormous gift you have given me. We are thirsty to know I am currently following the Bible study I just have to share with you more about God and the Bible. Tanzania course as well, and I am very grateful for it. the exciting things that have I am always amazed at what He brings into happened since the Oh For I bring you warm greetings in the precious my life when I ask with my heart.