2015 NYC - Only One Love by Matt Reagan

2 Corinthians 4:4-6 “4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

1. How do we see the glory of God?

• In the face of Christ

• Christ came to demonstrate God and His love

2. What is the gospel?

• Jesus shows himself through it

• 1 Peter 3:18 - Paul is the foremost of sinners

*There is one love, God’s love for us. The gospel is free, His love is free*

3. Why don’t we get giddy when we start talking about the gospel of Jesus?  
 - Because we don’t think of God as a person, we think of God as a concept

     a.  We are meant to know the warm, loving face of our father God

     b. Because we think of Him as a cosmic police officer who is never                      pleased

• His countenance is a frown

• Luke 15:20 “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

• Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

   c. Because we don’t look at the world around us as loving communication

• But everything around us is sending a message from God

• Psalm 19:1-5 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving it's chamber, and, like a strong man runs it's course for joy."
  Because the cross of Jesus has become cliche

    d. Because the cross of Jesus has become cliche

• Use my imagination to see the cross more clearly

2015 NYC - Relationships Talk by Reid and Nikki Jilek

Reid and Nikki share their story and Biblical principles for relationships. 

Five Guidelines Healthy for Dating

1. The point of dating is marriage - are you ready to get married? If not, maybe avoid dating for a while. 

2. The bible calls us to community - dating in isolation can be dangerous

(Hebrews 10:24-25, Proverbs 18:1)

3. Be clear about your attentions - both the guy and the girl

Genesis 3:6 - warns against male passivity.
Genesis 3:16 - warns against desires for control and manipulation

4. How to pace a relationship

The emotional, spiritual and physical parts of the relationship should all slowly grow equally. 
But the bible clearly warns about saving sex for marriage, fight to live in community and in the light with the physical parts of dating. 

5. Both of you must have an understanding of the Gospel
 

2015 NYC - Ministry to College Athletes by Stephen Lawrence

Are you a college athlete or engaged in ministry with athletes?  If so, you know there are unique challenges to walking with God and making Him known on your teams.  This seminar will address helpful tips and perspective for those wanting to make an eternal difference on their athletic teams. 

2015 NYC - Talking about Jesus with People Who Don't Want To by Eric Longergan

Jesus is becoming increasingly unpopular and misunderstood in American culture.  Many people have grown up with little to no familiarity with church, Christianity, or Jesus.  In addition to this, many people are believing that to even disagree about something is to be intolerant.  How do we share the gospel message in what many call a Post-Christian culture?  If that's a question you're asking, come and find out more in this seminar. 

2015 NYC - Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis

Reading, meditating, studying, memorizing, praying, fasting, silence, solitude, evangelism, stewardship-is your head spinning yet?  What if spiritual health and growth weren't about juggling a long list of to-dos, but three simple principles for receiving God's ongoing grace in fresh way s that are life-giving and specific to you?  The Christian life is not about checking boxes, but knowing and enjoying the living Christ through the means He has appointed: hearing His voice, having His ear, and belonging to His body. 

2015 NYC - Knowing is Only One Half by Paul Poteat

Jesus loves me this I know...or do I?  What is it like to experience the love of Christ, to know that you are forgiven, to feel the power of grace?  There are many ideas and truths that you probably attest to, that say you believe, but you don't really live in light of these, you don't experience these things do you?  Well, you're not the only one, I'm in the same boat.  So, let's engage not simply knowing truth, but feeling it. 

2015 NYC - Working Out the Will of God by Mike Polley

What is God's will for my life?  Does He have a specific plan for me and, if so how do I find it?  This seminar will help you navigate some of the clarity and mystery of God's will, so that you may confidently live in His plan. 

2015 NYC - Establishing 101 by Jeff Beckett

So you led someone to Christ.  Now what?  You want to teach them everything, but what things ought to come first and why?  What kind of perspective should you keep?  This seminar will help you understand how to disciple a new or young Christian. 

2015 NYC - Christianity 101: Understanding the Essentials by Nate Frantz

What does it mean to become a Christian?  Why should I give my life to Christ and how do I do that?  What does it mean to believe and trust in Christ?  If you have any questions like this, Christianity 101 will explain some of the foundational aspects of the gospel. 

2015 NYC - You: Redefined by Larry Martini

Do you ever feel like there is some invisible standard that you are always being pressured to live up to?  It can happen in school, family, friendships, or really in any part of your life.  It can feel especially overwhelming if you can never quite reach the standard.  During this seminar, we will learn how the Gospel gives you a new standard that helps you see yourself in a completely different light. 

2015 NYC - Apologetics in Today's World by Nirmal Mekala

The Bible makes many bold claims about the world.  Whether you find yourself skeptical of the Bible and want to learn more or you believe the Bible and want to learn to defend it well, this seminar is for you.  We will look at what the Bible has to say about doubt in general and how to answer some common objections to Christianity.