MONTHLY ARCHIVES: June 2014

God’s Patience

Posted by Karah

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Let the wonder of God’s patience toward sinners overwhelm you today by contemplating this quote:

“How wondrous is God’s patience with the world today. On every side people are sinning with a high hand . . . It is truly amazing that He does not instantly strike dead those who so brazenly defy Him.”  —A.W. Pink

God’s patience is part of His character. But like everything in God’s economy, that patience has a purpose. Pore over Romans 2:1-4 in your Bible looking for that purpose. Underline it when you find it.

“Do you really think—anyone of you who judges those who do such things yet do the same—that you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

—Romans 2:3-4

Paul was writing to Jews who condemned the Gentiles for their wickedness while overlooking their own. His point was that everyone of us have gone our own way and will face judgment. Why would this have been vital news to the Jews? Why is it important to you?

God isn’t just patient and tolerant with the Gentiles; He is patient with all people. This isn’t careless oversight. He is patient in order to lead people to repentance. What does this reveal about God’s character? Explain.

Respond

When has God’s kindness led you to repentance? Journal your thoughts and thank Him for showing you such kindness.

For further study, listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Kindness” on The Noise We Make.

Behind the Story

Many scholars see Romans 2 as a warning to the Jews not to assume that their national identity was enough to give them right standing before God. Many Jews believed that because they had historically been God’s people, had the Law and supposedly kept it, that God would regard them as righteous. But Paul said everyone has fallen short of God’s standard. It is only a relationship with Christ that brings salvation, not your family’s faith or how good or moral you are.

The Point

In God’s kindness, He gives ample opportunity for repentance, but judgment is coming. Don’t mistake His patience for approval of sin!


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World Cup Bedlam Ball!

Posted by phil

This is what happens when you have 325 friends who are excited about the World Cup on a field with close to 100 over-sized inflatable balls! We have 12 “countries” represented here having tons of fun! Enjoy Camp Ridgecrest Bedlam Ball…


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The Largest Water Balloon Fight of their Lives!

Posted by phil

Look at what happens when you combine 20,000 water balloons and 265 campers! It’s something that they will never forget! Watch this short video, and enjoy the view!


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Happy Father’s Day from Camp Ridgecrest

Posted by phil

Just because your boys are here having a blast at Camp Ridgecrest, doesn’t mean that they forgot about this day that recognizes the dads who have played such an important role in their lives. They love you, and we thank you!


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Sockwar: The Last Sock

Posted by phil

Pretend with me for a moment. The power goes out. And it’s a fight for survival… This Sockwar has Camp Ridgecrest a safe haven for all… Watch these clips of one of the greatest Camp Ridgecrest Games ever invented…. Enjoy…


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Be Like God

Posted by Karah

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Spend a few minutes reviewing what you’ve learned about God’s character this week. Thank Him for being a God who loves to show compassion to His children!

Do people often comment that you’re “just like” one of your parents or another family member? Think about physical similarities, attitudes, or actions you often display that resemble that family member. Jot down a few of the things that come to mind.

Read Ephesians 4:32–5:1. As God’s children, our character should reflect that of our Father. Underline the character traits that should be on display in believers’ lives.

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.”

—Ephesians 4:32-5:1

Ask yourself:

• Believers should be kind and compassionate to others because that is the example God has shown us. Does that describe you? Why or why not?

• We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us in Christ—who paid a great price so that our sin could be forgiven. Who in your life do you find it hard to forgive? Why?

Respond

• Look over the list of people you find it hard to forgive. Pray over the names one by one, asking God to help you to become more like Him and forgive so that the people on your list can come to know more about Him and His character through your obedience.

• Mull over this question: If the only way people had to learn about God’s compassion was your life, what would your life teach them? Would the way you live accurately represent God’s character?

Behind the Story

Chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians were written to help believers understand how their lives should be different after salvation. In Ephesians 4:17-24, Paul described putting off the old self and putting on the new. Then, in Ephesians 4:25-31, he outlined particular sins that should no longer characterize a believer’s life. Ephesians 4:32–5:1 should be read in conjunction with these verses. If we are in Christ, then we should begin to exhibit His characteristics.

The Point

As dearly loved children of God, we should want to be like Him, showing compassion and extending forgiveness to others.


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