We are currently trying to think of a design for our theme.  We are having a little trouble so we’d like your help! From now until Friday, February 17th, we will be accepting submissions for the potential theme design.  The person who submits the best design will win $50 to our clothing store this summer.  We may even put that design on our theme shirt!  You can send submissions to rscamps@ridgecrestcamps.com.  Submissions can be drawn by hand, designed on a computer, etc.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Read Romans 6:1-4.

Finally, after two months, the helicopter spotted you and rescued you from the tiny, forsaken island! Relief flooded you from head to toe. Last night was the first night you spent back in your own bed.

When the morning sun flooded the room, you opened your eyes. Laid out on a chair were new jeans and a T-shirt in your favorite colors and brands. You smiled. As you got up to put them on, you saw in the trash can the tatters that had been your clothes as a castaway. You pulled them out, smelly and torn. You stared at them fondly for a minute. Then you put them on and walked downstairs.

Crazy? Yes! But not as crazy as living in death and defeat after you have received new life in Christ.

Christ has rescued us from sin and given us a new set of clothes to put on each day. When we get up each day, we have a decision to make. We can reach for old tatters (like an old attitude that constantly reminds you that you aren’t worth anything)—or we can reach for the attitude of Christ that reassures us we are significant because He loves us and has rescued us.

Do you have a favorite attitude that you put on each day? What is it? Now think about what attitude Christ would have you wear instead. You have been rescued from that! Live like it today!

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Now let me ask you this. What kinds of fruit should a Christian bear?

Read 1 John 3:4-6. Focus on verse 6.

What is the law being referred to in the passage?

How did John define sin?

Who is the sinless One who was revealed to take away your sins?

What did John mean when he wrote that anyone who sins has not seen God?

In what ways has your life changed since you became a Christian?

Do Christians never sin? Is that what John is trying to say in today’s Scripture passage? Not quite. We may belong to God’s family now, but we’re still in this world. Sooner or later, we’re bound to mess up. But we know for certain that when we became God’s children, we were also freed from sin’s tight grip. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can choose to stop sinning and start following Him.

So it is a problem when you can’t (or won’t) stop sinning. Think about it. As God’s child, you’ll genuinely want to leave old, sinful habits behind. Of course that’s not easy—but God knows that. But that’s why He gave you the Holy Spirit. He never expected you to escape from sin in your own strength. Instead, He has provided the way out and the means to stay out. What great love is that!

Think about

Read 1 John 3:1-3 twice, stopping to think about verse 1.

What is the promise found in this passage?

What does it mean to be called a child of God?

Why is it so important that Christians know God loves them unconditionally?

According to these verses, what should your motivation be for becoming pure? Why?

How does being God’s child change the way you look at and treat others?

Nothing beats being God’s child! If you’re a Christian, that’s your identity. Let’s face it, where else can you go to find unconditional love and acceptance but in His arms? He is the Holy God who knows and has made everything. Yet He is willing to take us for His own!

And it doesn’t stop there. In today’s passage, John assured us not only of our identity in God but also of the future that lies waiting for us. And although he doesn’t tell us exactly what it’ll be like, one thing’s for sure: we’re going to be with our Father! That alone should convince you it’s going to be more awesome than anything you can ever imagine!

We all make mistakes.

Maybe you know what I’m talking about.

Read 1 John 1:8-10. Read verse 9 out loud.

According to the passage, how do we deceive ourselves?

What did John mean when he wrote that the truth is not in us?

What does this passage tell you about God’s forgiveness?

Why is it important that you recognize your sin and confess it?

What sins do you need to confess to God today? Seek His forgiveness; He’s willing to give it!

Last week we were reminded that we’re liars. In today’s passage, we’re forced to admit that we make a lot of mistakes. Being honest about ourselves can be difficult. All these confessions get us down and make us feel like failures.

Yet we don’t have to stop there. Defeat isn’t for God’s children. Jesus has overcome, and through Him, forgiveness and fresh starts become ours to claim. The point of these verses is that you are a sinner. If you claimed otherwise, you’d be a liar. But God is a God of forgiveness. And if you sincerely ask for forgiveness, He will forgive you. No doubt about that—He promised, and He always keeps His word. It’s what happens afterward that’s up to you. Changing for the better is the mark of true repentance. It’s one of the best ways you can ever thank Him for all He’s done for you.