Turno Noche - Elegí Creer - Revival Week Contra Corriente

Revival Time: Believing Without Seeing

Introduction to the Revival Event

• The speaker expresses excitement about the ongoing Revival event, highlighting its significance with messages, songs, and prayers that please God.

• Viewers are encouraged to follow the event on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube for live updates and interactions.

The Concept of "Seeing is Believing"

• A discussion arises about whether seeing is necessary to believe, referencing a popular saying that emphasizes needing evidence before accepting something as true.

• A humorous exchange occurs regarding a task submission between two individuals, illustrating how trust can be complicated even among friends.

Interactive Segment: Choosing to Believe

• Students participate in an activity involving two boxes; one claims to contain a prize while the other does not. This serves as a metaphor for belief without physical evidence.

• One student reflects on their choice of box based on misleading clues, emphasizing human tendencies to overthink decisions when faced with uncertainty.

Key Takeaway: Faith Over Evidence

• The narrative shifts towards the idea that while humans often need proof ("seeing"), faith in God requires simply choosing to believe without tangible evidence.

Engagement with Audience

• The host introduces another segment featuring Abigail and Flash, who engage with viewers online and prepare for an interactive quiz segment related to biblical knowledge.

Prize Distribution Activity

• Flash announces prizes for attendees at Villa Unión Temple, including shirts and surprise gifts. This adds excitement and encourages participation from the audience.

• Contestants answer questions about biblical events; Shirley correctly identifies that manna fell only in the Old Testament, showcasing engagement with scriptural knowledge.

Revival Week Highlights

Engaging Questions and Responses

• The session begins with a question about how many books Jesus wrote in the Bible, leading to the realization that none were written by Him directly, but rather by prophets inspired by Him.

• Participants are encouraged to remain calm and attentive as they engage with the questions posed during the event.

• A follow-up question reveals that the serpent did not speak to Adam but rather to Eve regarding the forbidden fruit, emphasizing participation and attentiveness among participants.

Importance of Biblical Knowledge

• The host highlights the significance of young individuals knowing their Bible well, reinforcing that God provides for everyone.

• Prizes are promised for participants who answer correctly, motivating engagement and study among attendees.

Social Media Interaction

• Viewers are reminded to interact via social media platforms (@upu campus liima), encouraging comments and greetings during the live transmission.

• Greetings from various viewers are read aloud, fostering a sense of community among participants.

Challenges and Participation Incentives

• A new challenge is introduced where participants can win prizes by sharing photos on social media with specific hashtags related to their university experience.

• Participants are encouraged to share their experiences using hashtags like #RevivalWeekUPU and #Contracorriente for a chance at rewards.

Personal Testimonies

• Personal stories from attendees reflect on their journeys of faith during Revival Week, highlighting aspirations for spiritual growth.

Welcome to Revival Week

Opening Remarks

• The speaker warmly welcomes everyone to the special program during Revival Week, expressing joy in gathering at Villa Unión Church and acknowledging those joining online.

• Emphasizes the importance of God's word being shared that night, hoping it fills everyone's hearts with positivity.

Worship and Praise

• Introduces the first song titled "Enteramente Fiel," encouraging unity in worship and commitment to God.

• Lyrics reflect a deep personal commitment to Jesus, highlighting themes of love and devotion as participants sing together.

Celebrating God's Goodness

Acknowledging God's Kindness

• The speaker invites attendees to reflect on their experiences of God's goodness, asking for a show of hands from those who have felt His kindness.

• Encourages singing about God’s goodness, emphasizing heartfelt worship throughout daily life.

Song: "La Bondad de Dios"

• Participants are led in a song celebrating God’s faithfulness and guidance through life's challenges.

• Reiterates the message of surrendering oneself to God’s will, reinforcing trust in His goodness.

Embracing Challenges with Faith

Theme: "Contra Corriente" (Against the Current)

• The next song focuses on standing firm in faith despite societal pressures, encouraging energy and enthusiasm among participants.

• Lyrics encourage bravery against judgment from others while pursuing truth through Jesus Christ's teachings.

Call to Action

• Urges individuals not to conform but instead seek genuine peace found in following Jesus' path.

The Power of Prayer

Importance of Prayer

• Cites a passage from "La Oración," emphasizing that prayer is crucial for spiritual strength against adversities posed by evil forces.

A Night of Worship and Reflection

Opening Prayer and Intentions

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering as a family to seek God's presence, not just to listen to a man but to hear God's voice.

• A heartfelt prayer is offered, expressing gratitude for the day and acknowledging the call to come together as brothers and sisters in faith.

• The speaker asks for blessings on everyone present, invoking the Holy Spirit to work in their minds and hearts.

Joyful Anticipation of Christ

• A joyful declaration is made about the happiness of seeing Christ's face one day.

• The lyrics reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, highlighting His love through the marks on His hands.

• An invitation is extended for listeners to live eternally with Jesus, urging them not to delay in accepting Him.

Welcoming Participants

• The speaker warmly welcomes attendees, encouraging them to express their joy despite the cold weather.

• Viewers are invited to comment on their location during the live broadcast, fostering community engagement across different regions.

• Attendees are encouraged to share the transmission with friends so that more people can join in studying God’s word.

Setting Up for Tonight's Message

• A prayer is initiated before starting tonight's message, asking for divine guidance and understanding from God’s word.

• The speaker acknowledges it is already the second night of a series called "Contracorriente," welcoming those who have come out for study.

Themes of Resistance Against Worldly Influences

• The speaker notes that this week has been filled with blessings while discussing how society bombards individuals with various temptations.

• Emphasis is placed on learning how to swim against societal currents rather than succumbing easily to materialism or consumerism.

• It’s highlighted that no amount of material possessions can fill spiritual void; only God’s presence can truly satisfy human needs.

Understanding God's Perfect Plans

• Discussion revolves around the common phrase "God's plans are perfect," often used by singles waiting for relationships as an excuse for delays in life events.

• There’s recognition that while God's plans are indeed perfect, humans often struggle with impatience when they cannot see immediate results or understand these plans fully.

Understanding God's Plans for Our Lives

Acceptance of Divine Plans

• The speaker emphasizes that God's plans are perfect, yet often incomprehensible to us. It's crucial to learn acceptance rather than understanding.

• Even in dark times and amidst problems, accepting God's plan is essential as trials prepare us for greater things He has in store.

• Human logic may fail to grasp the vastness of God's plans; our finite minds cannot fully comprehend His infinite wisdom.

The Nature of Miracles

• God is not concerned with our past mistakes or failures; what matters is our willingness to embrace a new life through Him.

• The greatest miracle Jesus performs is the transformation of the human heart, which occurs daily and often goes unnoticed.

Personal Testimony and Baptism

• Pastor Carlos Castro introduces Roel, who has decided to be baptized, highlighting this moment as a significant demonstration of faith.

• Roel shares his struggle with his past but recognizes that God offers him a fresh start and a new life in Christ through baptism.

Transformation Through Faith

• The pastor baptizes Roel in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, symbolizing forgiveness and renewal.

• Roel's transformation reflects someone who has surrendered their life to Christ, disregarding societal labels or judgments.

Reflection on Personal Journey

• The speaker recalls their own baptism at age eight, illustrating how early encounters with faith can shape one's spiritual journey.

• They recount an emotional experience during a week-long sermon series that led them to commit their life to Jesus despite initial fears from family members.

The Power of Following Jesus

God's Unfailing Support

• The speaker emphasizes that when one decides to follow Jesus, God never abandons His children, regardless of their past mistakes or sins.

• It is highlighted that God offers new opportunities and a renewed purpose in life, irrespective of previous errors.

Biblical Foundation: Luke 5:1-10

• The message from Luke 5:1-10 conveys that God has great plans for individuals, even if they doubt or do not understand them.

• The speaker encourages the audience to read the scripture together, indicating its importance in understanding God's promises.

The Multitude Following Jesus

• Jesus attracted large crowds eager to hear His teachings; people from various backgrounds sought Him out for healing and miracles.

• Among the followers were critics and curious onlookers who often sought to find fault rather than genuinely engage with His message.

Recognizing Personal Miracles

• The speaker challenges listeners to recognize the miracles in their own lives instead of only observing those happening to others.

• Emphasis is placed on personal transformation as the greatest miracle—changing one's heart and life through faith.

Understanding the Hard Work Behind Fishing

• A metaphor about fishermen washing their nets illustrates the hard work involved in achieving results; it reflects on patience and perseverance.

The Struggles of the Fishermen and the Power of Faith

The Frustration of Effort Without Reward

• The fishermen had been washing their nets after a long night of fishing, but they caught nothing. This emphasizes the difficulty and disappointment in their efforts.

• Despite being experienced fishermen familiar with Lake Gennesaret, they faced a frustrating night without any catch, highlighting how expertise does not guarantee success.

• Many people relate to this struggle; despite doing everything right—being faithful and following rules—they still feel unsuccessful or unfulfilled.

• The speaker draws parallels between unrequited love and life struggles, illustrating how effort can lead to heartache when outcomes are disappointing.

• The narrative reflects on the sadness of striving for a good life while feeling like nothing is achieved, resonating with many who face similar challenges.

Turning Point: Jesus Enters the Scene

• After a night of failure, thoughts of giving up may arise; some might even consider drastic measures due to overwhelming problems.

• Life's difficulties serve as preparation for greater things; enduring hardships can lead to personal growth and divine intervention.

• The story shifts as Jesus enters Simon's boat—the same one that symbolizes frustration—indicating hope amidst despair.

• Jesus asks Simon to push out into deeper waters and cast his nets again, suggesting that new opportunities often require stepping out of comfort zones.

• This moment signifies a pivotal change; allowing Jesus into one's life can transform experiences from failure to success.

A Lesson in Trusting Divine Guidance

• Simon did not realize that allowing Jesus into his boat would change his life forever; this act symbolizes faith amid chaos.

• In times of trouble, inviting Jesus into one’s life is presented as the best solution for overcoming challenges and disappointments.

• When Jesus enters one's life, it marks a turning point from failure to fulfillment—a theme central to many spiritual journeys.

• After preaching, Jesus instructs Simon to fish during the day—a time traditionally seen as ineffective—challenging conventional wisdom about timing in life's endeavors.

The Illogical Plans of God

Understanding Simón's Dilemma

• Simón receives an illogical order from Jesus to cast his nets during the day, which contradicts his experience as a fisherman who typically fishes at night.

• Simón could have argued with Jesus about his expertise in fishing, emphasizing that he knows better than a carpenter about fishing techniques.

God's Purpose and Timing

• The speaker reflects on how God's plans often lack human logic and may seem coincidental; however, nothing happens by chance in life.

• Emphasizes that being present in a particular place is part of God's purpose for individuals, even if it seems like a coincidence.

Trusting Beyond Logic

• Despite the apparent illogic of God's plans, they are always perfect for each individual, even when one cannot understand them.

• Fishermen might have doubted the wisdom of casting their nets during the day after failing to catch anything all night.

Faith in Action

• Simón acknowledges their unsuccessful night but decides to trust Jesus' word: "At your command, I will let down the net."

• This decision signifies faith and obedience despite past failures; it shows a willingness to act on Jesus' instructions.

The Power of Obedience

• Simón recalls his previous struggles before meeting Jesus and recognizes that relying solely on human effort yielded no results.

• His statement reflects frustration but also highlights the transformative moment when he chooses to obey Jesus’ command despite prior disappointments.

Letting Go of Past Failures

• Simón’s response indicates a shift from doubt to faith; he must release past failures and embrace new possibilities through obedience.

• Acknowledges that true faith requires letting go of past experiences and trusting God for future outcomes.

Complete Obedience Brings Blessings

• The speaker emphasizes that partial obedience is equivalent to total disobedience; full compliance with God’s commands is essential for receiving blessings.

Faith in Action: The Journey of Trusting God

The Importance of Faith and Obedience

• The speaker emphasizes that faith must translate into action, citing a biblical text where obedience leads to blessings. Trusting God's word is essential for experiencing His blessings.

• A lack of faith prevents individuals from receiving God's blessings, leading to suffering due to not listening or obeying God's voice.

Personal Testimonies: Flor and Pedro's Story

Flor's Background

• Flor shares her upbringing in an Adventist home, where she was active in church activities, including singing during services.

• As a teenager, she moved away from her Christian roots seeking a better life but ended up distancing herself from God while pursuing a music career.

Struggles with Happiness

• Despite achieving success as the lead singer in a major orchestra, Flor felt unfulfilled and heartbroken, haunted by memories of her past worship experiences.

• Her detachment from God led her into a lifestyle filled with alcohol and vices despite having material success.

Pedro's Perspective on Life Without Faith

Initial Beliefs

• Pedro describes his atheistic upbringing, instilled by his parents who taught him that God does not exist. He initially had no belief in divine guidance over the world.

Relationship Dynamics

• After meeting Flor and starting their life together, Pedro prohibited any discussions about the Bible at home. Their relationship faced increasing challenges as they struggled with personal issues.

Escalating Problems in Their Lives

Domestic Violence and Chaos

• Pedro recounts how their once-loving home devolved into violence; he physically abused Flor regularly amidst escalating tensions.

Attempts at Change

• They decided to move back to Tarapoto hoping for a fresh start after realizing their relationship was deteriorating further due to ongoing problems.

Despair and Turning Point

Family Challenges

• Upon returning to Tarapoto, they faced new hardships when their newborn child was born sick, exacerbating existing tensions between them.

Seeking Escape

• Both turned to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. Pedro worked long hours while barely seeing his wife or child during fleeting moments together.

A Moment of Crisis

Contemplation of Suicide

• In despair over his situation, Pedro contemplated ending his life while working security one night. He felt hopelessness overshadowing everything else.

First Prayer

A Journey from Despair to Faith

The Cry for Help

• The speaker expresses a deep sense of hopelessness, contemplating death as the only solution to their suffering. They plead for divine intervention, questioning God's presence and seeking salvation.

Encountering the Bible

• In a moment of desperation, the speaker discovers an unexpected black book in their home—a Bible they had never seen before. This discovery prompts curiosity and a desire to understand its significance.

Divine Communication

• Upon opening the Bible, the speaker is struck by a message that resonates deeply: "Do not fear, my son." Despite initial disbelief, this moment marks a pivotal point in their spiritual journey.

Transformation Through Study

• The realization that God cares for them leads to tears of joy. The speaker dedicates themselves to studying the Bible throughout the day, feeling an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and connection with God.

Documenting Insights

• A mentor shows the speaker a notebook filled with biblical notes. This practice of writing down insights becomes crucial in understanding scripture and developing theological knowledge.

Concealment and Conflict

• As the speaker continues their secret study of the Bible, they hide it from their wife due to previous prohibitions against discussing faith at home. Tension arises when she confronts him about his changed behavior.

Revelation and Reconciliation

• During an emotional confrontation, the speaker reveals that he no longer resorts to violence because he has been transformed by God’s love. This revelation shocks his wife but also opens up possibilities for healing in their relationship.

Testimony of Change

• The couple shares how God's intervention rescued them from darkness. They express gratitude for life as a precious gift and decide to get baptized together as a testament to their newfound faith.

Power of God's Love

• The speaker emphasizes that God's power can transform anyone's heart regardless of past mistakes or sins. He reassures listeners that they are valued by God despite any feelings of unworthiness.

Invitation to Healing

Call to Action for Spiritual Renewal

Invitation to Accept Christ

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call, urging individuals to stand up and commit their hearts to Christ.

• No one is beyond redemption; God can cleanse anyone regardless of their past. The message stresses that obedience leads to blessings.

• Acknowledgment of personal struggles and a plea for those feeling lost or burdened by life's challenges to consider surrendering their lives to Jesus.

Encouragement for Transformation

• The speaker reassures listeners that it’s never too late to return to God, encouraging those who feel distant from Him to take steps back towards faith.

• An appeal is made for individuals wanting transformation in their lives, inviting them to express this desire publicly or through social media.

Prayer and Reflection

• A moment is dedicated for prayer, where the speaker invites attendees and viewers online to share their burdens with God.

• The speaker acknowledges human tendencies to seek fulfillment in material things rather than spiritual connection, emphasizing that only God can fill the void in our hearts.

Seeking Divine Intervention

• A prayer is offered for healing and miracles in the lives of those present and watching online, asking God for wisdom regarding His plans.

• The speaker expresses empathy towards those suffering from emotional pain or illness, reinforcing the belief that God understands each individual's struggles.

Closing Remarks

Event Highlights and Activities

Greetings and Acknowledgments

• Patricia Salazar expresses gratitude for the audience's attention and acknowledges comments from viewers, including greetings from David Choque.

• The event features winners of a photo challenge, with Jeffre López recognized for participating with his small group and tagging @upus campus liima.

Photo Challenge Winners

• Nilton 3316 is also acknowledged as a winner for sharing three photos on Instagram, inviting him to collect his prize at the event.

• Participants are encouraged to take photos in designated areas (not bathrooms), using hashtags #RevivalWithUPU and #Contracorriente.

Interactive Games

• Laurita introduces an interactive game segment, expressing excitement about increased participation in challenges.

• Two students, Efraín Coto and Ander Chiclayo, introduce themselves; both are studying environmental engineering.

Game Instructions

• The game involves tossing hooks into cups without bending or leaning. Each participant must try to score as many points as possible.

• Participants express nervousness but are encouraged by the host to focus on their attempts.

Reflections on Participation

• After the game concludes, participants reflect on its difficulty despite initial appearances suggesting it would be easy.

Discussion on Faith

Insights from Efraín Coto

• Efraín discusses how Abraham's life exemplifies choosing to believe in God's promises through obedience and faith. He emphasizes that obedience aligns with divine plans leading to fulfillment.

Insights from Ander Chiclayo

• Ander shares that trusting God wholeheartedly means placing all actions in His hands rather than relying solely on personal judgment. He highlights the importance of recognizing God's plans for our lives.

Conclusion of Segment

Revival Week Highlights

Gratitude and Community Engagement

• The university expresses gratitude for the breakfast gifts provided to participants, highlighting community support and involvement.

• Emphasis on the continuation of events throughout the week, encouraging participation in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions focused on spiritual growth.

• The speaker reassures attendees that the messages shared during these sessions resonate deeply with individuals' hearts.

Personal Testimonies

• David shares his personal journey since baptism during Revival Week, aiming to embody values as a good Christian, student, and friend.