Table of Contents
Overall Objectives
2
Introduction
3
Discovery Lessons:
A Mask is a Mask (Teens only)
Take Off Your Mask
God Has No Mask
Jesus Played Your Part
The Mask Destroyed
A Heart Revealed (Teens only)
A New Creation
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Ideas For Skits
40
First Night of Camp
41
Devotional Discipline
42
Presenting the Gospel to Children
43
How to Lead a Child to Christ
44
How to Teach a Bible Study
45
Teaching Aids
46
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
6 day
camp
Chapel
Intro
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
Chapel
Rap Up
4 day
camp
Chapel
Intro
#1
#3
#4
Chapel
Rap Up
Discovery Material Acknowledgments
Written by: Rev. Gary Pryzner
First Edition: May 1998
Second Edition: May 2005
This material has been produced by Sagitawa Christian Camps, and is offered to other
ministries for use and reproduction on a donation basis. No portion of this material may
be sold or otherwise used without express permission from Gary Pryzner, Director, Camp
Sagitawa, Box 61, Moberly Lake, BC V0C 1X0. Ph/Fax 250-788-2361
Overall Objectives:
1. To teach the application of biblical Christianity.
2. To instill in each camper the value of knowing truth.
3. To help each camper understand that God exercises lovingkindness, judgment
and righteousness in the earth.
4. To provide an understanding of the problem of sin and its consequences.
5. To provide each camper with an understanding of God's mercy through Christ.
6. To give each camper an opportunity to "cry out" to God for mercy, and to
accept His forgiveness.
7. To give each camper an opportunity to share his/her faith.
8. To show practical ways of how to deal with temptation - how to stand alone.
9. To help each camper understand how to think allegorically.
10. To encourage Cabin Leaders by showing that they can be used as instruments
of God, as they share the Word of God with others.
There is a powerful link between sharing the gospel and learning to stand alone. It is
important for Christians to share their faith. It builds confidence. It forces you to raise
your flag. It makes it necessary for you to rely on God. It makes you verbalize your
faith - an important step in the learning process - forcing you to think it through.
"How shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall
they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear
without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it
is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of
peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'" Rom 10:14-15
Your ministry of the gospel signifies that you have beautiful feet.
Introduction:
What is a lie? How does it affect me? How do I combat it? These are some of the basic
questions that should be answered for every camper. Lies are what causes sin and bondage.
Truth sets us free. Knowing the truth comes only through knowing Christ. We need to spend
time getting to know Him, if we are going to combat the lies that we hear every day.
However, in discussing the facts, we also desire to teach the application of biblical Christianity.
Our approach to application is to ask the following questions. "Having learned this, how should
I then respond to God? To myself? To others?" Your response to God determines how much
you will grow spiritually.
It is important to recognize that one message may have several applications. In other words,
each hearer should have the opportunity to respond in the way God is directing. For the
Christian camper, God may require a public confession, or perhaps a renewal of faith and
repentance. The unbeliever may have the chance to believe, or to reject, or to test God's
faithfulness in some area.
It is easy to think that an application must be tangible. I believe we make this mistake for two
reasons.
i)
We seek tangible evidence of salvation, and mistake works for fruit. But even 'good' things
can be works of the flesh, and the Scripture says that "those who are in the flesh cannot
please God." [Rom 8:8]
ii)
We think that by learning to behave like a Christian someone will begin to think like a
Christian, and want to be a Christian. But the Scripture says that the unbeliever cannot
understand the things of God [1 Cor 2:14], and that it is only through the work of the Spirit
that someone wants to be a Christian [Jn 6:44].
Neil Anderson asks, "Is who you are determined by what you do, or is what you do determined
by who you are?" The answer resounds in Christian circles today, and the point is driven home
by several chapters in Romans. We act because of who we are! But the point must be taken
within the context of Anderson's material. It does not stand alone. We must remember that a
person does things not only because of who he is, but because of what he believes. Choices
are not made outside of belief. Anderson concurs. What we believe determines who we are.
Therefore, do not expect all applications to be tangible. Make room for application within the
heart. Let God give the increase.
_______________________________
Camp is filled with opportunities to teach spiritual truths to campers. Some of the most
profitable discipling times might be while you walk to the dining hall or to archery. Make the
most of these.
Discovery Time provides an excellent opportunity for a concentrated and clear presentation in a
small cabin group. We schedule about one hour each day. It is possible to complete a lesson in
less time, but boredom should not be the determining factor. Remember that kids can get bored
in five minutes, which is hardly enough time for Discovery. So you are very wise to begin
preparing now. Make your studies interesting. Be creative. Be in prayer. These things will go a
long way in assisting you in fascinating lessons.
About Sagitawa Doctrine:
Camp Sagitawa is interdenominational on several levels: historically, on the Board, Member
Churches, and our staff. We draw campers from an even larger group. Diversity can make us
spiritually rich, and is attractive to families. We honour it by concentrating on a clear
presentation of the gospel rather than on denominational issues or preferences. In your
teaching and practice, you will stick to the basics. No personal opinions! If a camper asks you
a potentially controversial question, defer the answer to their home or neighboring church. If
unsure, ask the directors for assistance.
About the Lessons:
Objectives are not for page fillers. A good understanding of the objectives is 90% of making for
a clear, concise and interesting lesson. Each lesson builds on the previous, and has an impact
for the day’s theme.
Background Information is more for your preparation than for use during the lesson. A wise
teacher knows more about the subject matter than he/she actually teaches.
Bible Studies are chosen strategically. Though we expect you to stick to the main passage,
you may use additional passages for illustrative purposes.
The lead up section is not marked, but is only a few lines long. You may vary the method of
introduction as long as it is in keeping with the objective.
We have not provided a complete script for each presentation. Wrestling through the Scriptures
and material will help you internalize it, and broaden your understanding. You will feel more
equipped to handle questions, be more confident in teaching, and have room for creativity in
your presentation. We are available to help as you prepare.
Extra References and Memory Verses are supplied. Be careful not to confuse campers by
bombarding them with too many.
Ideas for Skits is provided as a sample for daily chapel preparation. Kids learn well by skits.
Chapel groups should select daily skits that relate to the theme. Our priorities are that the
message is clear and to the point, and that the skit gives no offense to the person of Christ.
Discovery Lessons…
Lessons 1-5 are on the following pages.
This lesson was
developed for teens
A Mask is a Mask
- the truth about truth -
Objectives:
To help each camper understand that truth is not relative. God’s truth is absolute. Lies therefore
exist also. Having understood that no truth exists apart from God, each camper will begin to test
what values to hold as true. Therefore campers should also be directed to understand why the
Scripture is our authority for truth.
Main Passage:
Memory Verses:
Deuteronomy 5:23 - 6:6
Psalm 53:1
Bonus: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Background Info:
Deuteronomy is a record of Moses’ repeating the law to the Israelites. Ever wonder why he had
to repeat it? Why would Israel have to be reminded of how the mountain shook, and how afraid
they were to listen to God’s voice? It is interesting to see where Moses goes with his thoughts...
“The Lord is one!” This was a Hebrew way of saying that God is. And it is followed with a
command to teach. How could they forget truth so fast? We also prefer to make our own
“truth”. But the fear of God brings us back to a proper focus.
Bible Study:
God Spoke - and it Roared.
Deuteronomy 4:33-35; 5:23-25
Imagine what it would it be like if right now, the whole ground around us started shaking
all the way up the big Sagitawa hill. So we all looked up the hill and we saw all kinds of
lightning flashes, one after another, with loud thunder that made it so hard to hear, and
all we could see was the whole hill covered in a thick smoke. And while we tried to
protect ourselves from whatever might be happening, we heard the thunder stop and a
loud voice, like the voice of God, telling us that all of us must obey Him.
About 3500 years ago, almost 2,000,000 people (the nation of Israel) fled from slavery
in Egypt, and walked across the Red Sea on dry land to freedom. A few days later, they
found themselves at the base of Mt Sinai. The Bible tells us that when Israel
approached Mt Sinai, they saw fire, smoke and lightning. They heard thunder, felt the
earth shake and heard the voice of God. It made them totally afraid.
Why do you think God wanted this to happen? Seek responses, then read Deuteronomy 4:35
It was so that they would know that God is the only true and powerful God.
Searching for truth can be like this in a way.
- Some make up their own gods to worship.
- Some say it is impossible to know if God exists.
-
It doesn’t matter what you think, because what you think does not change what is true.
How did God show truth to Israel?
First he got Israel’s attention. Do you think it worked? Did the miracles and Sinai make
them stop and take notice?
Then God spoke out the truth through the 10 commandments. Read Deuteronomy 5:23-25
[Note that it was after this that Moses went up for the rest of the law.]
Moses believed in God. But he knew that people soon forget. So many years later, he
told them about Sinai again.
What makes you sit up and take notice? How does God get your attention so that He
can show you the truth? Most of us are not very different. We only believe in God when
we see big fancy miracles, and after it doesn’t take us long to forget.
Our first problem is that we have already disobeyed His commandments. In fact the
greatest commandment of all is at least one that all of us have broken.
The Greatest Commandment
Deuteronomy 6:4-6
What do you think is the greatest commandment? The religious leaders asked Jesus
this question once. They were trying to trap Him, but Jesus wisely told them a
commandment that summed up all the others. He said, “You shall love God with all your
heart, soul and strength.”
Does anyone love God that much? Even the Pharisees knew that they couldn’t admit to
having loved God perfectly. Yet the commandment is still true.
The Greatest Truth
Some things in life change. But some things do not change at all. North, for example, is
always north. Two plus two is always four. God was and is our Creator. He has the right
to tell us what to do. These are some of the things that don’t change even if we believe
otherwise.
If there is no absolute truth, then there would be no point of reference. If there is no
north, then which way is east? If there are no facts, then there is no history. If there is
no truth, then there is no standard. If there is no truth, then there is no purpose. And if
there is no God, then there is no way to live.
Truth applies to everyone.
Truth does not change.
Truth is a standard by which we live.
Truth is wisdom by which we choose.
The truth is that God lives. In fact it is the greatest truth – the most important truth that
could ever be told. God Lives! He made us to live!
It only makes sense then that the greatest commandment should be to “Love God.”
Because God is, we have to love and obey Him. If we do not, we would be foolish.
The Greatest Fool
Psalm 53:1
The greatest Truth is that God is. The greatest commandment is to love Him. The
greatest fool then is the one who refuses to believe in God. In fact, let’s consider how
foolish it is to argue that God doesn’t exist.
1. It’s egotistical. Before you can say, “There are no poisonous worms in BC,”
you’d have to know all that is in the ground in all of BC. Before you could
say, “There is no God,” you’d have to know everything in the universe.
2. Design is proof of a designer. Where did your shoes grow? Or did a
bunch of gases explode and form your shoes? Did they just magically
appear? Or did your shoe realize its need to be created and make itself?
Ok, so a shoe cannot think, but its just as foolish to say that we created
ourselves. Everything in nature has greater design than man can even
understand. This proves that it was designed by a master designer.
3. It’s illogical. When establishing an proof, you cannot use reasoning that
you have already decided to be in error. For example, if God does not
exist, then there are no rules and no absolutes. If there are no absolutes,
then truth is relative (everyone decides his or her own truth), and there is
no truth to know. So why would you ask if the Bible is true, unless there is
a truth to know? And how can you establish that God doesn’t exist to be a
truth, unless there is a truth to know? After all, if there is no God, then
there cannot be truth either.
To Think About:
The Scripture says that God created us in His image.
Genesis 1:27
Now we know that we do not look like God because God is spirit and does not have
bones and flesh like we do. So what could it mean be created in His image?
Hint:
What are we able to do that is similar to what God can do?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
He can understand concepts, such as truth and wisdom.
He feels emotions, such as love and care.
He can communicate feelings and desires.
He is able to choose to do right.
He has dominion over the world.
Animals are not created in God’s image.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Animals do not understand concepts, such as truth and wisdom and life.
Animals cannot express emotions, though they do respond to them.
Animals cannot communicate feelings and desires.
Animals act through instinct, not through choice.
Animals do not have dominion.
The point is that if we have the ability to reason, and communicate, then we should also
be wise in what we decide to believe about God. It is foolish to say there is no God. But
it is just as foolish to say that God exists without asking any more questions. If God
does exist, then why should He be afraid of questions?
Perhaps the ones who are really afraid to be fair about this type of research is not God
but us? What if we find out that God is real? Would we want that? Or would we really
be willing to follow Him?
One way to find out if the Scripture is true is to read it and test it. It isn’t fair to just say
the Bible is false without even reading it to see what it says.
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
So how do we test it?
Example:
It says that loving your enemy is better in the long run than fighting
back. Does this hold out? Sure it is against everything you have ever
thought. But does it work? If you are not willing to try it, then you are
not willing to test the truth of the Bible, and then you have no right to
claim that it is not true.
Example:
It says that the one who has a generous eye will be blessed. Does this
happen? Is it true? Are you willing to be generous beyond your present
ability?
If you really do test the word of God, you will find that it does work.
Only two questions will then really remain.
Not whether or not truth exists.
But how to know when you find it.
And what you are going to do about it when you do find it.
If there is a direction, then why not go somewhere?
But how do we love God? What does loving God mean that we do different?
Have different people look up these verses…
John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:10
How do we love God? By obeying what He tells us to do. Obedience to His
commandments. So in other words, He commands us to love Him. Then, he says that if
we love Him we will obey everything He asks us to do. This means that we show our
love by loving others around us… because that is the second greatest commandment.
1 John 3:18; 1 John 4:7, 20
If God loves others, then we also need to love others. The Bible actually says that if we
say that we love God and we hate our brother, then we lie about loving God. Loving
God means loving others, and loving others means doing something to show it. We
cannot love only in what we say, but real love comes out in what we do for each other.
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
Psalm 53:1a
-
The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God."
Fools do not make wise decisions. They make claims without wise thought. They
decide to deny God because they do not want to obey the greatest
commandment. Instead they want to please themselves.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall
love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and
with all your strength.”
-
The greatest commandment is to love God completely. But notice that it shows
us also that there is one true God.
Ideas for pm Devotions:
The really foolish question is whether or not I exist.
But don’t fool yourself. This question is exactly where people who doubt truth end up.
It’s a common question amongst philosophers in our universities. They ask, “Do I really
exist, or am I just a figment of my own imagination.
God did not make us to wonder about ourselves.
He made us to live life abundantly.
He made us to look to Him for answers to life.
He made us to trust His love and care.
He made us to obey Him.
This really is what it means to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your strength.”
Take Off Your Mask”
- the truth about you -
Objectives:
To help each camper understand about our fear to be honest, and that our masks only harm
ourselves. Having understood that God will not reject us if we come as we are (without a mask),
each camper will want to remove parts of his/her mask. Cabin Leaders are to model care and
acceptance as this happens.
Main Passage:
John 13:36-38; John 18
Memory Verse:
Psalm 139:23
Bonus: Proverbs 28:13
Background Info:
Like other Jews, Peter hoped for the Messiah. Peter believed it was Jesus. How exciting to
witness the end of Roman rule. He expected to take part in the fight. He would stand true to
this cause. So when the Roman soldiers tried to arrest Jesus, Peter used his sword in
expectation that Jesus would have resisted arrest. But instead, Jesus allowed them to take him.
So when Peter understood that there would be no fight, he had to hide.
In a way it was like Peter wore a mask. He wanted Jesus to see him as a spiritual giant, an
worthy servant, and a hero. But Jesus knowing Peter’s heart - saw through the mask - and
corrected him.
Bible Study:
Well-meant promises...
John 13:36-38
Peter has met the most important person in his life. The people of Israel had been ruled
by the Romans for many years now, and there was talk of a Messiah, a King who would
come and free Israel to be its own nation again.
This man called Jesus was amazing. He could do things that no one else could ever do.
Peter had watched Jesus heal sick people, and even raise some dead people back to
life. He saw Jesus cast out demons from others and forgive those whom everyone else
hated. Jesus even seemed to know what Peter was thinking. Yet Peter somehow
sensed that Jesus trusted and believed in him. It felt good. Surely Jesus was the
promised King. Maybe Jesus was even God himself.
So Peter decided to follow Jesus. And the longer he followed him the more he figured
that Jesus was going to be the King of Israel. Everybody loved Him, and it was getting
so that there was a lot of secret talk about making Him King soon. Then something
totally unexpected happened!
Read John 13:36-38
Jesus told his disciples about his coming betrayal into the hands of the enemy. Some
asked who it was that would betray Jesus. Who could lack so much loyalty. Peter
decided to settle his commitment right away. “Jesus,” he said, “No matter what, I will
stand by you. I wont leave you or forsake you. You can count on me.” But look what
Jesus said. He told Peter that he would deny knowing him three times that very night.
Peter denied it. He said it would never happen. Yet Jesus was revealing Peter’s heart.
He was really afraid, but he didn’t want anyone to know. But don’t be too hard on Peter,
because most of us would be afraid to die for someone else too.
Peter was adamant. He would show Jesus how strong he really was. It was like he was
hiding his fear… pretending to be something he wasn’t… pretending to be someone
who could stand up for Jesus.
Pretending to be something or someone you are not is like wearing a mask. It is a way
to hide the real you.
Why do we pretend to be someone we aren’t? Why do we try to change our interests so
that our friends will like us?
We all need relationship. So we look for friends and we are usually quite willing to
pretend to be like our friends so that we are able to keep them. We wear the same kinds
of clothes. We do our hair the same way. We even begin to act like and speak like
them. But as a result, we hide the real us. We hide behind a mask and all because we
are afraid to be rejected.
So we pretend to be different. A mask!
Some people also hide behind masks because of things they have done wrong. They
are afraid that others will not love them if they know the truth. So they do not look for
forgiveness.
But if you never reveal your inner fears to anyone, you not only fool them about who you
really are, but you also fool yourself. In fact, its even possible to forget the truth.
A misplaced effort...
John 18:3,10-11,15-16
Peter thought that everything would work out the way he understood them. Jesus was
the one who would be King. He was the Son of God. Surely everything would be fine
and Israel would have freedom forever. So he made his promise to stand by the one
who would be King.
So when the soldiers came for Jesus, Peter struck Malchus with a sword, probably
aiming to kill. But Jesus corrected Peter, and healed Malchus. Now what was Peter to
do? He could not accept this. Jesus was supposed to fight back and win. But instead He
had allowed the arrest, corrected Peter, and gone away with the soldiers to be judged.
Peter didn’t know what to do. So he hid, following a long way off. Listening from a
distance as though he was a bystander.
A promise fails...
John 18:17,25-27
Even though Peter was pretending to be a bystander, he was recognized by some of
the people in the group. One by one they asked him, and each time Peter showed his
true colors. The mask was off. His true heart was revealed.
First he denied following Jesus. Then he denied knowing Jesus. The rooster crowed as
a reminder. Then a while later Peter denied knowing Jesus again, this time with anger.
The rooster crowed again, and Jesus looked at Peter. He realized that he had not kept
his promise to Jesus. So we went away and cried heavily.
Jesus had been right all along. Jesus knew Peter’s heart well.
God is everywhere all the time.
He knows everything.
God sees the true you.
You cannot hide from Him.
God sees through your mask too.
Psalm 139:23
He knows all your thoughts because He made your mind. He knows your abilities
because He gave them to you. He knows your wants and dreams. He also knows all the
times you turn away from what is right. But the greatest news of all is that nothing you
do can stop Him from loving you.
Why does God love you for who you are? He obviously doesn’t love us because of what
we do, because we have all done wrong things. He doesn’t love us because of our
strength. Our strength is but a small bit compared to the power of His word. He doesn’t
love us because of our wisdom, for He is the author of wisdom. Nor does our beauty
have any value compared to His. He chooses to love us, because that is who He is.
So with God there isn’t much point in wearing a mask. He loves you without it, and He
sees through it anyway.
What mask do you wear? Who do you pretend to be in front of your parents? What
about in front of your friends? Which is the real you, and which is the mask? Or are they
both masks?
What is the truth about who you are? Do you let others know who you really are, and
how you feel? Of what are you afraid? If your friends knew the truth, would they really
stop liking you? If so, perhaps its better to find some better friends.
It is easier to deal with how others treat you than it is deal with how you treat yourself!
Which hurts more?
The truth.
OR
The lies we believe.
Illustration:
Young man sees a pretty young lady and wants to know her better. They begin to talk.
He is afraid that she won’t want him, so he answers her questions the way he thinks will
please her the most. She says she loves opera; so he says he does too. But in truth, he
hates opera and knows nothing about it. So in this illustration, do you thinks she really
likes him, or is it the mask he put on that she likes?
Do you think this young man is very smart? Will she ever find out the truth? What will
happen to their relationship then? She might not have minded that he hated opera.
In the same way, you may not like it when someone knows the truth about you. But if
you accept the truth, then you can do something about it.
However, when you believe a lie you are unable to change, because you will see no
reason to do so. A person who wears a mask - pretends to be someone different, does
not accept the truth about himself. And most people who never take off their masks are
very lonely.
There is another kind of mask that people wear. They think they can get to heaven and
have acceptance from God by doing good things. So they pretend to be religious. They
pray and help their neighbors, and basically live very good lives. But we cannot hide our
sin from God, and He is not interested in the mask of our goodness. He wants us to
come before Him and admit the truth about our sinfulness, and our inability to be
perfect. Being good never earns forgiveness from God. But admitting our sin and asking
for His mercy is the only way to find His forgiveness. God knows the truth.
To Think About:
Let’s spend a few moments thinking about what God must know about us. What does
He know about you that you may wish He didn’t know?
Can you hide from God? Psalm 139:1-12
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
The truth about me is that I need God’s help. So there are really only two questions that
I really need to ask.
1. Can I trust God to tell Him about my turning away from Him?
2. Can I admit my fault to those I have hurt, seeking forgiveness?
We can talk to God and tell Him when we disobey any time. There are no special words,
but this is an example of what it might sound like.
God, you know me. Sometimes I pretend to be better than I am. I know now that
this is wrong. Please forgive me and help me be honest when I do wrong. Amen.
What is the right way to ask forgiveness from others? How about this?
I’m sorry for hitting you when you said horrible things to me and made me angry.
Why is this not such a good way to ask forgiveness? Do you see that it blames the other
person and it shows no humility or admission of fault.
The following is much better. The person is not demanding forgiveness, nor groveling.
I was wrong to hit you and I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but it would mean a
lot to me if you could find it in your heart to forgive me.
When we seeking God’s forgiveness, we should ask for it with a similar attitude, with
one exception. The exception is that God cannot forgive without exacting a penalty.
Does that surprise you?
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
Psalm 139:23
-
God knows all us. This is David’s prayer. Do you notice his attitude of humility?
He opens himself to God’s scrutiny, and recognizes that its ok to trust God.
Proverbs 28:13
-
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my
anxieties.
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses
and forsakes them will have mercy.
Confessing means agreeing with God that we have sinned. Forsaking means
turning away from them, and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Ideas for pm Devotions:
Ideas for verses to read as a group.
Psalm 139:13-24
Isaiah 55:8-9
Talk about the power and knowledge of God.
- Discuss the greatness of His creation, and the microscopic detail of everything.
Talk about His omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience.
Talk about His knowledge of every hair, cell, and thought of their being. He doesn’t just
know about you. He knows you completely.
You cannot hide from Him.
But you do need Him.
God has No Mask!
- the truth about God -
Objectives:
To reveal truth about God’s character and attributes, proving that the Almighty has not run away
from us. Having learned about God from His word, each camper has the opportunity to allow
the Spirit of God to create a desire to know Him and to be more like Him.
Main Passage:
Memory Verse:
1 Kings 18:20-40
Isaiah 59:2
Bonus: Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Background Info:
There is something great about knowing God. Jesus came to reveal the Father (John 1:18,
15:15). We now have Scripture as the main source of knowledge. Jeremiah makes it clear that
the knowledge of God is far greater than personal strength, wisdom or wealth. This treasure is
to know that the Lord exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness on the earth Jeremiah 9:23-24. Do not be afraid to share this truth about God. It is the fear of a loving God
that will drive us to our knees before Him.
Bible Study:
Does God play Hide-and-Seek?
Isaiah 59:2
God does not play hide and seek. In other words, God does not wear a mask. He tells
us what He is like, and He does not change. He has no reason to hide from us.
Num 23:19 God is not a man that He should lie.
However, when we hide from God’s judgment because of our sin, the sin also hides His
ear from our cry. This is not because He wears a mask, but because He can’t stand sin
at all. He has to look away from sin. But He longs to share His love with us.
The nation of Israel knew the truth about God, that He was the Creator, and they often
repeated the words, “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” But the people of Israel also
disobeyed God, and now they did not want to seek Him. So they began to pray to idols
made of stone even though God had told them to never bow to idols. God wants to have
first place in our lives, because He made us and knows best how to take care of us.
This isn’t much different than when you disobey your parents. If you do something
wrong, do you run and tell them right away, or do you sometimes try and hide what you
did and hope they don’t find out? And the longer you hide it, the more you don’t want to
let them know… especially if you want an opportunity to do it again.
All of us disobey God, so all of us know what it is like to want to run from God. But did
you know that the Bible says this same thing. It says that “none seek after God.”
Romans 3:10-11. This means that we do not want to let Him be a part of our lives
because we would rather hide our sin from Him.
The Contest...
1 Kings 18:20-39
Many years ago a prophet named Elijah had decided to listen to God. He often told
others about the words of God. This is what a prophet did.
(Read the passage together)
There were a lot of people at that time in Israel, who bowed to idols and looked to idols
for information about how to live and prayed to them for good things to happen in their
lives. God had said that He is the only God and that they were to only look to Him for
help. But they did not want to seek the true God, because they had sinned already and
were hiding from God. So they looked to idols for answers to life instead.
So God wanted to punish these people, because they were teaching lots of other
people to follow idols. He asked Elijah to prepare a contest.
The odds were stacked against Elijah. Only one Elijah against 450 prophets of Baal (the
name of the idol – false god).
The rules were stacked against Elijah, because both could prepare a sacrifice, but Elijah
had to completely soak his with water. And they took their turn first.
Elijah let them cry out and dance and even cut themselves with knives before he finally
said that it was his turn. No god answered the cries of the prophets of Baal, and no fire
fell from heaven.
Elijah then soaked his sacrifice with water, and offered one simple prayer asking God to
send fire to eat up the sacrifice. God sent the fire and it burned up everything including
the stones.
Lessons Learned...
1 Kings 18:40
All of the false prophets were executed. Some people will look at this story and other
similar ones in the Bible and say that God is a murderer and that He is way too harsh.
This is their reason for saying the Bible is not true.
But think about this for a moment. If God made us, then He is the only one who has the
right to end our life. If He is the Creator, then taking life back is not murder for Him. In
fact, He goes further by warning us about our sin. He says that all sin is punished by
death, which is eternal separation from God.
God is very serious about sin!
The punishment for sin is death.
Someday you and I will die because of our sin.
If God did not care about us, do you think He would warn us about our sin? Or would He
just walk away and let us face our punishment when we die?
Because God is holy (completely separate from sin) and righteous (does right), He has
no choice but to demand death as the payment for sin. Death is the opposite of life. Life
was given to allow us to live with Him. If we live with Him after we die, then we will allow
sin in heaven, and destroy heaven. So God cannot allow that to happen.
God is very powerful. He is also supreme and sovereign. Yet He wants to communicate
with us, but He cannot hear because of our sin. He wouldn’t warn us unless there was a
way out. He says that if we admit our sin and turn away from it to God, that He will hear
us again, and forgive us., and help us turn from our sin.
What is Sin?
Exodus 20:1-17
Sin is breaking God’s law (His commandments). It is disobeying God. It is doing what I
want rather than doing what God wants. Here are some of the laws that God has asked
us to obey…
You shall not kill.
- or hate, or call a fool
You shall not commit adultery.
- or lust in your heart
You shall not steal.
- or covet, or envy
You shall not lie.
- or justify yourself
You shall not worship idols.
- or put in place of God
You shall not take God's name in vain
- or think light of God
You shall honour your parents.
- or think little of them
Have you broken any of God’s laws? Have you ever hated someone, or lusted after
something in your heart? Or perhaps you coveted (wanted something that belonged to
someone else). Or have you justified yourself with something untrue, or put anything
else as more important than God? Or did you say God’s name without realizing how
important His name is, or perhaps make a joke of your parents because of something
they said or did? The punishment for breaking His law is eternal death.
Some people think that they can escape the punishment of God. Others think that they
will be able to have more fun in hell than in heaven. But neither of these is true. God
warns that there is nothing good in hell, and that the judgment has already been
declared. No one can escape it on their own.
Does this make God evil?
Not at all! God gave us life when He created us. When we turn our back on God, it is
like plucking ourselves from the source of our life. If a flower is plucked from the source
of its life, it begins to die right away. It is not God’s fault that the death happens. Nor is it
His fault if we take ourselves away from the source of our life and as a result begin to
die. God wants to help us. Its us that don’t want Him to interfere.
Also, since we are all sinners, we cannot help each other. We are helpless on our own.
The only way is if God chooses to help us… and if we let Him.
Not a good time for Masks...
Psalm 53:1
A fool is someone who does not believe in God and who does not listen to advice. A
fool will especially not want to listen to God’s warnings or His advice. It is foolish to
pretend that we are okay without God.
The less we know God, the less we understand about truth.
To Think About:
Remember when we talked about masks? We wear them so we don’t have to honest
about ourselves. We’d rather believe lies about ourselves, then admit the truth.
One of those lies is that we are okay without God. So we run from the only One who
can help. This is very dangerous.
The truth is that we need God. But to admit it means to face God, and admit sin. This
would be safe. Unless you are completely honest with God, about who you are, you
cannot have His help.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
Proverbs 1:7
“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
So take off the mask and tell God about the real you.
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
Have you turned your back on God, and have been going the wrong way lately? What
lies have you believed to turn away from God?
Right now you can turn back to God. He really is able to forgive you and help you. Turn
away from your sin and seek God’s forgiveness. Thank God for His greatness.
Father in Heaven, I have disobeyed you. I deserve
your punishment and I cannot escape it on my own. I am
asking you to please find a way to forgive me, so that I will
not be punished for my sin. Amen.
Prayer:
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
Isaiah 59:2
-
Iniquity is another word for sin. It means we have turned away from God and He
is warning us that as a result, we are no longer able to talk to Him.
John 3:20-21
-
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your
sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.
For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to
the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the
truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that
they have been done in God.
The verse shows us again how everyone who sins runs away from the light that
would show them who they really are. This is not meaning the light of a flashlight
or the sun. It is referring to truth. It is referring to God’s ways. It means that we
hide our sin from others and from God.
Ideas for pm Devotions:
Respect?
Share your testimony as an answer to this question. “Why do you respect God?” Is it
just because of His power? Is it also because He has the right to judge? Is it also
because of His great love?
Your choice to love and obey is an important ingredient of respect.
True respect comes out of four things:
- knowledge of greatness
- fear of judgment
- obedience
- love
All must be present and in order for respect to occur.
Illustration:
To know a king is powerful does not mean I respect him. But put me under his reign,
and let him catch me doing wrong! That will surely force me to respect him.
Still, a wicked king may not earn respect.
Love?
Share why you began to love God.
Hint: 1 John 4:19
If the king is good and loves me, I may choose to obey and love the king. This is
respect, replacing the fear. Love casts out the fear. 1 John 4:18
You cannot love God and live in sin. Therefore confession (admitting sin to God),
repentance (turning around) and obedience has to come first. John 14:15,21; 1 John 4:8
I may have a great awe for the depth of a mighty chasm, but I do not truly respect it until
I obey its edge.
Jesus Played Your Part
- the truth about what Jesus did -
Objectives:
To help each camper understand that Jesus paid their sin debt in full, finally making a way for
forgiveness. Having understood the way for forgiveness, each camper will have the opportunity
to accept it personally. Those who already have will have a renewed appreciation for what God
has done.
Main Passage:
John 19:17-42; 21:15-19
Memory Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:21
Bonus: John 3:16-21
Background Info:
The Jewish people have the greatest ability to understand the concept of salvation. They lived it
historically as a part of their heritage. Freedom from slavery came to them because of the
death of a lamb on their behalf. When the eldest male in each Egyptian family died, the eldest
lamb died in Israel. It brought them freedom from slavery. God did not have to do it. Jesus is
called, “the Lamb of God.” He did not have to do this either. He is the Creator. But because of
love, He became our sacrifice, so that we could live with Him, free of sin.
Bible Study:
Sin Covered Up?
After Peter denied Jesus, he went out and wept bitterly. Scripture says little about him
over the next 3 days.
We assume that he did a lot of weeping.
- So much for standing for Jesus.
- So much for making empty promises.
- And now Jesus is dead!
- How can I ever be forgiven?
- No point in telling how I acted... might as well just keep this covered up.
Why do we cover our sin?
so we will not feel guilty...
so we can play both sides of the fence..
so we do not have fear punishment...
Does God see?
Yes. It is pointless to cover sin.
A Sentence Carried Out...
Jesus was sentenced to death.
- He had done nothing wrong.
John 19:17-18,30
- But he was beaten, and judged as a criminal.
- They released a thief in Jesus place.
He was sentenced to be crucified.
- not the electric chair.
- not to be hung by the neck.
- not to be shot by the firing squad.
but to be crucified.
Crucifixion is a terrible death!
- slow, and torturing.
- demeaning: for criminals only
- depicts the enemies of the world
Jesus was sentenced to death... Twice.
1. By the Jews and Romans - “Crucify Him!”
2. By God - “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”
Gal 3:13; Dt 21:23
A shameful death not only by Jewish and Roman standards, but also by God’s.
- God turned His back on the Son.
- Yet he died not for His own sin, but for ours.
He died for your sin, and for mine.
This means that He paid the penalty of our sin.
Illus: In hockey, the offender sits in the penalty box. But another player may take the
penalty for a goalie.
Everything you did wrong was placed on Him. 1 P 2:24
Jesus died. Jn 19:30
- Death was the final requirement of the law to pay for sin.
Our condemnation (penalty of the law) was nailed to the cross.
Twice Dead...
Col 2:14
John 19:41-42
Notice the first death in verse 30.
Then Jesus is buried... in the tomb. (v 41-42)
But where is His soul? Only the body is buried.
Jesus’ soul went to hell.
God is holy. He demands death as the payment for sin.
He was bearing the sin of the world; could not go to heaven. He had to be
separated from God in hell.
Eph 4:8
Death and Hell is the final enemy.
Jesus was to be punished forever, because of our sin.
Problem: As long as He is held by death, eternal punishment is not complete, and we
still have no hope.
Jesus would have to conquer sin and death.
Forgiven Forever...
John 21:15-19
3 days later... Jesus rose from the dead!
Some women brought spices for Jesus’ body. Lk 24:1-6
But He was not there.
Later they saw Him,
and talked to Him,
and ate with Him.
He is risen!
Victorious over death and hell.
He destroyed our final enemy forever.
But what about Peter now? Could Jesus forgive Peter?
Peter went fishing... John 21:3-7
He had left fishing to follow Jesus.
He was discouraged
Read John 21:15-19
“Peter, do you love Me?” x 3
Why do you suppose He asked 3 times?
Is it love to deny Jesus 3 times? No!
But now Jesus shows trust in Peter
He gives Peter responsibility.
He shows forgiveness.
How could Jesus forgive Peter?
Because Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty of Peter’s sins. The three denials
were included.
To Think About:
Jesus died to pay the penalty of your sin too.
This is why Jesus chose the cross.
- He did not have to do it.
- He wanted to pay our penalty.
God is loving, merciful and gracious.
Every sin you have ever done is paid for already.
God has already judged Jesus for all your sin.
The payment is complete.
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
Would it have been wise for Peter to cover his sin now?
Is it wise for you to do so?
You do not need your mask any more.
The penalty has been paid. Forgiveness is free.
If you do cover your sin, you will not prosper.
You will have to pay your own penalty.
Are you willing to let Jesus play your role and pay the price for your sin?
But if want to be free, than tell God about your sin.
He will forgive.
Some of you may have accepted Christ long ago.
But you have walked away from God.
Don’t hide the sin.
Confess it, and let God forgive you.
Prayer: Dear God, I cannot hide from you. I have disobeyed you, and I deserve to be
punished. Thank-you for sending your Son to pay for my sin. Thank-you for giving me
your new life so that I will be with you forever. Help me follow your way according to the
Bible from now on. Amen.
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
2 Corinthians 5:21
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might
become the righteousness of God in Him.
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For
God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that
the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not
condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because
he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And
this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For
everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light,
lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to
the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in
God.
-
Ideas for pm Devotions:
Jesus plays my part?
But does He understand temptation?
Does He understand our weakness?
Yes, but He does not accept sin.
Heb 4:15
How then can He forgive?
- His forgiveness is not based on your ability to follow Him.
- It is based on the death and resurrection of Christ.
- It is because of His love.
- You can never become good enough for Him to forgive.
His forgiveness is a gift of love. Just take it.
The Mask Destroyed!
- the truth about forgiveness -
Objectives:
To help each camper understand that Jesus paid their sin debt in full, finally making a way for
forgiveness. Having understood the way for forgiveness, each camper will have the opportunity
to accept it personally. Those who already have will have a renewed appreciation for what God
has done.
Objectives:
To teach each camper who we are in Christ, how God sees His children. Having learned how
God sees us, each camper should want to live for God - to play Christ’s part, since He indwells
us and fills us with the desire to serve righteousness.
Main Passage:
Ruth 1:1-17; 4:1-12
Memory Verse:
Romans 8:1
Bonus: Romans 8:38-39
Background Info:
When we are accepted into the family of God through Christ, we do not have to worry about
being forgiven. God forgives because of His Son. God does not wait for us to be better. We
come as we are. If we had to be better, salvation would be hopeless. But Jesus paid the full
price of sin. If God justifies (pronounces you to be righteous, without sin), then who can
condemn. We need to recognize that our salvation is not even partially dependent upon our
own merit. Neither can we keep it on our own merit. It is a free gift.
Bible Study:
No Longer a Criminal!
Romans 8:32-33
Imagine:
- a criminal on the run - from the law!
- has lots of fake ID + changes his appearance often
- he was granted a pardon.
- but he does not know!
- So he still goes on hiding, using fake ID, moving
regularly, and changing his
appearance.
You would say this is stupid.
But could it happen? Yes.
And to many Christians, it happens all the time.
- Christ paid your penalty.
- God granted a full pardon.
- Do you keep pretending in front of God that you are okay? Or have you come
out of hiding to accept that you are forgiven... completely?
Life Without Hope...
Ruth 1:1-17
Three women became widows.
- Naomi’s husband (Elimelech) died. She remains.
- Later her 2 sons died. Their wives remain.
2 customs:
1) A wife felt like a failure if she could not bear a son to take her husband’s
name.
Naomi’s only 2 sons had died.
2) When a husband died before his wife had a son, his closest kin could marry
the widow and the first son would carry the name of the deceased. She was too old to
remarry and have more sons.
What could Naomi do for her daughter’s in law?
What could she do for her husband’s name?
- So she told Orpah and Ruth to go back to their people.
- Orpah left.
- Ruth did not. (v 16-17)
But Naomi did have a next of kin.
- Elimelech had two brothers.
- Boaz decided to look after her and his brother’s inheritance.
- He offered the older brother first choice. He refused. (4:6)
- Boaz bought Elimelech’s land and married Ruth. (4:9-10)
Ruth’s first son, Obed, took the inheritance of Elimelech and his two sons.
Obed became the grandfather of King David, who was in the lineage of Christ.
Now does Naomi have hope? Does Ruth?
How had Ruth’s life changed?
- She decided to follow the true God - left her old life behind.
- She had lost everything - now she had a husband and a son.
- What she now had was a gift from another.
It was like being adopted into the perfect family. A new life - with hope.
Adopted into the Perfect Family
There is a story about a young girl.
- she came from a terrible home... abuse and hatred
- parents were charged - she was taken away
- but most of her foster homes were just as bad.
- one day she was placed in a home where they loved her.
- “won’t be for long” she thought, “never is”
- but then the foster parents decided to adopt her.
- they gave her their last name.
- they was called one of their own children.
It was perfect!
There are 2 ways to belong to a family:
- being born into it...
- being adopted into it...
Adopted into God’s Family
Galatians 4:4-7
Because of what Jesus did to pay for our sin, the Bible says that we are adopted into
God’s family. We become His children, and will receive the inheritance of Christ.
- we belong to God.
- we are given a name after Christ.
“joint-heirs with Christ”
Rom 8:14-17
We cannot lose.
To Think About:
Standing vs State?
Galatians 4:4-7
Christian, you belong to God.
- not because of what you do.
- but because of what Jesus Christ did.
An adopted child may disobey her parents, but she still belongs to them. Her belonging
does not depend on her actions, but on legal matters previously decided.
As Christians we will still disobey God sometimes.
- This doesn’t mean you are no longer belong to His family?
- But it means that we need to confess our sin.
- Sin destroys our fellowship with God.
- The state of our fellowship changes.
But your standing with God does not change!
- Your position as a child of God is based only on what Jesus did for you.
Salvation is decided by the law of God, based on the previous work of Christ. Though
our fellowship with God is hurt by sin, we stand as His children.
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
Are you like the pardoned criminal - still on the run?
- You know that Jesus has forgiven you.
- But you are still hiding from God.
Lie:
You won’t sin, if you’re a Christian.
True: You cannot save yourself. Nor can you become perfect on your own.
You let sin back into your life.
- You have not dealt with it.
- Instead you wear another mask.
- You act as though nothing is wrong.
- But in your heart you know there is.
Lie:
Give up! It’s too hard to be a Christian.
True: Jesus calls you His own. He is able to help you.
You are forgiven! So just confess it, and turn from it.
- You don’t have to run.
- Come back to where you left off.
Lie:
God could not forgive my sin now.
True: Jesus death pays for all your sin.
Perhaps you have still never given you life to Christ.
- He will pardon your sin, if you come to Him.
Give GOD Thanks for His Salvation!
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ
Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-
Ideas for pm Devotions:
Talk about some of the lies that we tend to believe that God says are not true.
Jot them down. Give answers from God’s word.
Help campers to realize that the truth of God sets free, but the deceitfulness of sin will
bring into bondage.
So we need to know the truth.
This lesson was
developed for teens
A Heart Revealed!
- the truth about relationships -
Objectives:
To help each camper understand that God is relational, and made us so in order to relate to
Him. Having understood this each camper will be challenged to make relate properly to God,
and will make commitments to keep their future relationships pure.
Main Passage:
Gen 18:16-33, John 15:9-17
Memory Verse:
John 3:16
Bonus: John 15:9-10
Background Info:
Elohim is a plural and generic term for ‘God’. His name is YHWH. But plural? Think about it.
God said, “Let Us make man in Our image.” Father, Son and Holy Spirit: One God. It’s beyond
understanding, yet more important than one might think. God is relational. He cares, to loves,
and communicates. He did so before creating man: who is the object of His devotion. To be
very relational is to be transparent - no mask! The greatest illustration of God’s transparent
heart is the cross. His own Son paid our price to call us friends.
Bible Study:
One or Three?
Genesis 1:26
How can God say, “Let Us...”
To whom is He talking?
Himself?
The Bible gives three different expressions for God.
1. Mt 6:9 cf Jn 17:1
- The Father is God - separate from Jesus
2. Jn 1:1,12,14 cf Mt 1:23
- Jesus, the Son of God is God
3. John 14:26
- The Holy Spirit is God
Yet He is One God! Deut 6:4
God Talks
Genesis 1:26-29
He communicates to the other members of the Trinity.
He communicated to Adam.
He wants to communicate with us.
Transparency is the openness that reveals your heart desires, fears and thoughts. It is
the bottom line of taking off your mask to let another person see you as you really are.
Communication is more than talking about something.
- It is sharing one’s heart with another.
- It is letting others know who you are.
God Loves
Genesis 2:15-18
He provided all of Adam’s needs.
- food and water
- beauty of creation to appreciate
- a purpose, and work.
Work is very good for us.
It provides us with satisfaction.
It provides motivation.
- a partner
He provides for our needs too.
God Shares
God’s love is far more than just a feeling.
It is a love of action.
- He bared His heart to show the extent of His love.
- He lay down His life and became what He hates so that we might have life with
Him.
Why does it matter to God if we live forever or not?
- Sure He made us.
- But we spurned His love. We despised Him.
- He could just as easily have started over.
Destroy? Start over?
Why not?
We are just His creation, are we not.
But God loves with commitment.
- So when we turned from Him, He paid the price.
Goods: one sinful soul?
Price: His life.
A Friend of God?
Abraham was called the “friend of God.”
Once He came to Abraham in the form of an angel...
v 17 “Shall I keep what I am doing from Abraham?”
v 22ff Abraham pleas for Sodom... God hears.
Jesus calls Christians His friends too. Jn 15:9-17
- What does it say about God’s love for us?
- How should we then love each other?
Genesis 18:16-33
To Think About:
My Relationships?
John 15:12
We have many kinds of relationships.
- siblings, parents
- friends, neighbours
- classmates, teachers
God made us to honour one another.
It is dishonouring to hurt others.
Why? Because a relationship is not one-sided.
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
Protect Your Relationships..
Therefore we ought to protect our relationships!
Most important - protect your future marriage relationship.
How?
1. Build character qualities that produce good marriages.
- honesty & truth
- trust & faithfulness
- thoughtfulness & conscientious
- industrious & confidence
All relationships are either protected or damaged by your response to the other person.
2. Remember that none of your actions are isolated.
- God made sex to bond souls in marriage.
- A bond never works without commitment.
- So you’ll destroy present & future relationships
by playing with sex outside of marriage.
Our relationship with God is the same. We need to spend time with Him, if we want to
cultivate a good relationship.
3. Build personal integrity.
- Integrity is not a thing (not merchandise)
- But it is valuable.
- A thing is present or absent depending choice.
- But integrity can be ruined by a single action.
- Keeping integrity means commitment to truth.
No relationship is one-sided.
Integrity is valuable in any relationship.
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 15:9-10
As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you
keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept
My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
-
Ideas for pm Devotions:
Abide in His Love
John 15:9-17
What does Scripture say about those Jesus calls friends?
Abide? What does it mean?
- no masks.
- “confession” - to agree with God.
- stay close to God...
more than just devotions and prayer
more than worship and song
- can’t abide in His love without obedience v 10
- can’t love God and hate your neighbour
Friends?
- Jesus told us all that the Father had made known.
- Just like God made His plans known to Abraham
- Jesus’ words were recorded for us in the Bible.
Chosen?
- Jesus chose us for a good purpose.
- To share God’s goodness with others, so that they
too will grow to know Him.
A New Creation
- the truth about living by faith -
Objectives:
To help each camper understand that true faith trusts in God, and those who trust are changed
to be like Him. Having understood the principle of faith, each camper will find new ways to live
by faith, and will be challenged to mature in Christ by faith.
Main Passage:
Memory Verse:
Acts 2:14 - 4:29
2 Corinthians 5:17
Bonus: Hebrews 12:1-2
Background Info:
Our hope depends on new life. One of the biggest lies ever believed by Christians is that new
life only happens after we die. If this were true, then we truly would have a miserable life until
we died and went to heaven. But Jesus said that eternal life is to know God. He gave us new
life at salvation. Jesus said that He would give us an abundant life here,a life free of bondage,
and full of joy. This can only happen as we learn how to live by faith. As Paul told the
Galatians, if we have begun by faith, we also mature by faith. (cf Gal 3:2-3)
Bible Study:
What a Change!
Acts 2:14,40-42
Remember Peter?
He had feared for his life, and denied Christ 3 times.
But something had changed.
Peter was the first one to preach a sermon to a large group after Jesus had risen from
the dead.
- Before...
afraid!
- Now...
bold!
Boldness depends on Confidence
How did Peter receive confidence?
hmmm...
He was going to the temple with John.
3:1
going to pray!
hint: good habit
3:2-3 They met a lame man. He was begging.
3:4-8 Peter & John had no money.
So they offered that Jesus would heal him instead.
Peter was confident that God would heal him.
He reached out his hand and helped him to his feet.
Acts 3:1-4:13
3:11-26
Peter preaches sermon #2.
Boldness again.
4:1-3 Peter & John were arrested by the priests.
The same priests who had condemned Jesus to die.
Into Jail for the night!
4:7
They questioned them in the morning.
4:8-12 So Peter preaches a 3rd sermon.
[All three times he is very direct and to the point.]
But this time he has just gotten out of jail.
4:13 Peter is bold and wise - the priests saw a difference.
Where did his confidence come from?
Peter had been with Jesus!
Being with Jesus is life changing.
But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe
that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Heb 11:6.
But Peter was not just confident in himself, to say great things.
He had confidence in God - faith that Jesus would help him, and that Jesus was truly
God. It was this confidence that changed Peter’s life: his faith.
Peter had changed, because he belonged to Jesus.
The Butterfly!
2 Corinthians 5:17
A caterpillar is a ugly creature with no beauty.
It crawls around on the ground, and eats leaves.
Caterpillar
- It does nothing but eat for a long time!
To
Eventually, the caterpillar has had enough to eat.
Butterfly
- So it builds an ugly looking cocoon around itself.
- Then it begins to change.
- The change is not just growth.
- The caterpillar reforms into a new creature. Cells change their order and
structure. The result is totally different.
Is it still a caterpillar?
No! It is a butterfly.
This is just like the Christian?
When you become a Christian, God’s Spirit comes into your life and gives you His new
life.
Unsaved
- He changes you on the inside.
To
- You are new!
Christian
How do I Change?
You don’t do anything.
When you come to Christ, He changes you.
Hebrews 11:6
- just like He changed Peter.
So in the same way you came to Christ...
- believing that He would save you...
- so follow Him.
If you are a Christian, the changes have already begun.
To Think About:
Already Changed?
2 Corinthians 5:17
A butterfly does not have to change itself.
- When it comes out of the cocoon, it behaves differently.
- It will fly to flowers instead of crawling on leaves.
- It is beautiful instead of ugly.
It is the same with a Christian.
God works slowly.
He changes one thing at a time. He is patient.
If you belong to Christ, you are already changed.
- The Spirit of God in you does not want to sin.
- He wants to resist temptations.
- He wants to develop good habits.
Application for Christian & Non-Christian Campers:
Develop Good Habits...
Notice what new Christians did...
- prayer...
spend time talking with God
praise Him, thank Him, ask for His help
- fellowship
spend time with other Christians
encourage them, and be encouraged
- break bread remember Jesus death and promise to return
- doctrine
being taught in the truth from God’s Word
How can you make these things happen?
practical assignments
keep it up daily, form a habit
someone to keep you accountable
Acts 2:40-42
When they did this, they were trusting God to help.
This increased their faith... and helped them change.
4:21 So that when the priests warned them to stop
preaching Jesus, with threats...
4:23 Peter went to the other Christians
4:29 And they prayed together for boldness.
If you want to grow strong, learn to trust God as Peter did.
Wrap-Up: Read and explain Memory Verses
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have
passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily
ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Ideas for pm Devotions:
Jesus had taught Peter to have faith in God.
He taught Peter to help others have faith in God.
If we want to follow Jesus, then we will also want to tell others about Christ.
- Tell someone you are a Christian.
- Find a church that teaches the Bible is God’s Word.
- Ask a good Christian to pray for you.
- Read God’s Word every day. Pray as well.
- Spend time doing what you learn form the Bible.
- Your life will be changed in amazing ways.
Be very practical.
Offer that they keep each other accountable.
OR
Discuss other lies they believe.
Ideas for Skits
A Mask is a Mask
The Scale
A market situation where different people are charged equally for different amounts of
the same thing.
2 Builders
Two builders argue about their project when they are using 2 different rulers with
different scales. They finally prove to each other that they are using the same numbers,
shrug their shoulders, and continue to build. (Scales are obvious to audience.)
How’s the grass? (discussion)
“Grass is blue.”
“Grass is red.”
“Grass is clear.”
“Who’s right?”
“How would we ever know?”
“I think we’re all right.”
“Yeh, so what if we disagree?”
(They repeat 1st 3 lines.)
First Night of Camp
It is important not to spend too much time talking about yourself. Help your campers open up by
asking some caring questions. Listen well. Let your campers know that you are interested in
them.
Jesus showed interest through questions. He asked the Samaritan, "Where is your husband?"
On the Emmaus road he asked, "Where are you going?" Both questions opened up avenues to
share.
Questions can be asked the first night, during an informal chat or during one-on-one times spent
with each camper.
1. How did you hear about camp?
2. Why did you come to camp?
3. What skills did you sign up for?
4. What was the most exciting thing that happened to you so far this year?
5. Tell me about your family?
6. Who is your best friend?
7. What is he or she like?
8. Who is your hero?
9. What do you like to do in your free time?
10. Tell me about your relationship with your dad and/or mom.
First Night Option
Create verbal pictures:
- of God's greatness and power,
- and of His love and care.
Talk about the power of God by asking questions about the greatness of the universe.
Tell them about your awe in one thing. Ask about theirs. Talk about it for a while.
Then drop the thought: "Isn't it amazing that God made it all just by speaking?"
Show His love and care by talking about how He was more concerned for Adam & Eve then for
all the greatness He had just created.
Have them talk about the things God provided.
i.e., taste buds to recognize flavours
Then drop the thought: "And He gave everything He made for us to enjoy."
Devotional Discipline
Morning Devotions
½ hour each am
Our primary objective for this time is to teach campers how to have devotions, and to give them
practice in a daily habit that should last after they leave the camp. Explain why and how we
have devotions. Then model good devotions for them. It is not necessary to learn lots. If we
practice one learned thing each day, we will have done 365 right things in a year! That's good
devotions.
Meet as a group at first. If some are able to do devotions on their own, you may wish to allow it,
under supervision. Others may need help all week.
Evening Devotions
½ hour each pm
Our purpose for the evening devotion is to wrap up the Discovery, chapel and other events of
the day. Avoid a cut-and-dry approach where you simply read a Scripture passage, say a few
things about it and then close in prayer. Allow for spontaneity. Be alert to the mood that may
have been created at the evening campfire or chapel.
These closing moments of the day can be most important. As the pace slows, you can gather
their thoughts and create a feeling of closeness. End the day with a few moments of quiet
conversation, appropriate Scripture and prayer. Anticipate this time eagerly. It is one of the best
opportunities you have to get next to your kids, determine their needs and observe their spiritual
growth.
The setting is important. Gather comfortably in a circle so that you can have good eye contact.
Be sure everyone is ready for bed before you begin. This should be the final event of the day,
not just an interlude between trips outside for a drink. One way to create a quiet mood is to turn
off the overhead lights for the night and to use flashlights instead. Be sure each camper has his
own Bible to use. Keep to the schedule.
Group devotions are a new experience for some, and they may be reluctant to participate. Be
sensitive to this. Teach by example how to pray for specifics and to discourage lengthy prayers.
Plan ahead. Good devotions do not just happen.
Presenting the Gospel to Children
Variety is the spice! Puppets, storytelling, drama, object lessons, games, role plays and many
other methods are used to effectively present the way of salvation to children in many different
settings. It may result in the privilege of leading a child to Christ. The following principles have
proved to be helpful for teachers in guiding children to understand what it means to become a
Christian.
Avoid symbolism. Children talk literally. They often misunderstand a figure of speech that is
meaningful to adults. For example, young children may interpret "letting Jesus into your heart"
as a tiny figure of Christ physically entering their chest. On the other hand it is very good to
teach children how to understand an allegory.
Choose terminology carefully and be consistent in its use. One easily understood concept is that
of becoming part of God's family (see John 1:12). The family relationship is meaningful for most.
Even a child from an unhappy home can be helped to respond to a loving, heavenly Father.
Ask questions to encourage discussion of feelings as well as understandings. For example,
"What is one thing you like about Jesus?" or "How does it make you feel to know that Jesus
loves you?" As a child expresses both thought and feeling, it is possible to guide both
knowledge and attitude.
Talk individually with each child. Avoid asking for responses in a group. Children are easily
pressured into doing what others do, without having made a truly personal commitment. If a
child shows interest in becoming a Christian, arrange a time when (s)he can have your full
attention.
Freedom of choice is of utmost importance. Decisions made to please the counsellor are invalid,
before God and the parents. Avoid enticements or other pressures. Allow God to work in the
heart. Offering a child time to think about this step is a helpful approach.
Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and the child. The Spirit will help you know when is the right time
to invite the child to become part of God's family. As you pray regularly for a child, and get to
know him well, you can depend on the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom in dealing effectively with
that child's need.
What to Do When your Camper Says...
I'm not so bad. Prov 21:2, 10 Commandments
I'm not good enough yet. Lk 5:31-32; 16: 11-31
I can't understand. Jn 7:17
I wouldn't be able to keep going. Heb 7:25
I tried once and failed. Heb 7:25
I don't need a Saviour. Jn 3:18
I'll wait till later. Prov 27:1
I don't believe in Christ. Acts 4:12
I can’t leave my old friends. I Cor 15:33
There's too much to give up. Mk 8:36
There's too many hypocrites. Rom 14:12
What will people think? Jn 5:44
What about other religions? Prov 14:12
What about the heathen? Rom 1:20
There are too many mysteries. Jn 13:7
God won't send anyone to hell. Mt 25:41
God is love, there is no danger. 2 P 2:4
It is too late. Ezek 33:19
How to Lead a Child to Christ
This is the job of the Holy Spirit.
Our part is to teach the Word of God. The Holy Spirit yields faith to those who hear!
“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Rom 10:17
Note: Salvation does not depend on what we do - works.
Neither does it depend on the “sinner’s prayer,” nor on sincerity.
It depends on God’s response to real faith.
Real faith comes as a response to God and His Word.
Therefore we must not just tell kids that God will accept them if they say a prayer of
forgiveness, and they can go to heaven because Jesus died for them.
BUT what part of the Word should I teach?
Two important points to consider:
- All of God’s Word gives life, because it is all true.
- But Scripture teaches a process whereby we come to salvation.
What must I know to be saved?
- That God loves me, but hates my sin.
- That I have disobeyed God, and deserve His punishment: death.
- That I cannot save myself.
- That Jesus, God’s Son, took my punishment: He died.
- That Jesus rose from the dead, and wants to give me new life.
If a child believes this in his heart, then that child is saved.
How to tell them about sin? or about hell?
- Let the Spirit of God tell them about sin. Don’t just use Rom 3:23 - wimp!
- Take them to the law, and explain what God expects of us - His standard.
- Tell them what the law says about judgment: “The soul that sins shall die.”
- Tell them that hell is described as eternal torment. Don’t play on this. Just say it!
Hints:
- Never pressure. Do ask if they want to accept Christ, but remember that your camper
wants to please you. Don’t use this to direct their choices.
- Ask what they want. Don’t assume it is to accept Christ, even if you have just made an
appeal about it. They may have stayed to tell you about their pet canary.
- Ask why they want forgiveness from God. Do they understand punishment? Do they
know that God has the right to judge them, and that they cannot save themselves?
- Ask if they want God’s help. Ask if they want to turn from sin to God. Ask if they believe
that Jesus came to pay the penalty of their sin. Ask if they know that He is risen.
- Ask them to thank God. If they understand these points, then they are really already
saved.
The prayer may be as simple as admitting belief, and asking Jesus to take over as Lord. This is
easily understood by explaining that sin is disobedience, so that He is no longer Lord of your
life.
How to Teach a Discovery Lesson
1. CONCEPT
A. Major Emphasis/ Theme for the day
–
Qualities of a good objective: brief enough to be remembered, clear enough to be
written down and specific enough to be achieved and evaluated
–
The objective determines what is included in the lesson and what is left out.
B. Introduction
–
Examples, illustrations and/or lead up questions to make the emphasis more
understandable
–
Interest and curiosity must be aroused before there will be purposeful Bible
Study. Keep your introduction in line with the aim.
2. CONTENT
Searching Scripture for the answers. Remember that it is DISCOVERY TIME. Much of our
teaching says too much, leaving nothing for the mind of the camper to discover.
A. Get the Facts -- What does it say? Use questions that begin with who, what, when,
where, list, find, and describe. Tell the group what to look for in the Bible section.
Usually a list of two or three questions is useful. This focuses attention on the things
you feel are significant for the lesson. After the passage is read, ask the campers for
the answers to the questions previously asked.
B. Interpret the Facts -- What does it mean? Use questions that begin with why, how,
explain, what is the significance of? Look for words to define. Paraphrase in your own
words.
3. CONDUCT
Apply the facts -- What must I do? This is what it says. What am I going to do about it? Write
down very specific ways in which you are going to do what God says. Do it as part of your
study. Help the campers see how this spiritual truth applies or operates in their normal life
situations. It is important to save ample time for this part of the lesson. Ask the campers to give
situations from their own experience where this truth is involved.
4. CONCLUSION
A. Something to help you communicate the lesson through involvement. It could be an
object lesson, song, puppet play, or skit.
B. Review memory verse.
C. Pray for each other and for the staff at camp.
Sample Study Outline
Objective
Introduction [lead up questions/example/illustration]
Bible Study
Illustration / example(s)
Conclusion
Application - spend time doing what you have been learning about
Review memory verse
Teaching Aids
Acrostic
Taking a word and defining it using each letter in the word itself.
Banners & Posters
Divide your group, give them the topic of the day or an idea and have them draw their own idea
of it. When they are done, they come back to the group and share about their poster or banner
and how it relates to the topic or idea.
Bible Reading
As a child's reading skill increases, more independent Bible Reading may be accomplished. Be
sure to clarify difficult words. Stick to a verse or two at a time.
Case Study
A true or hypothetical situation that the learners can discuss. The situation should usually be a
problem that the kids often face. Have the campers suggest possible solutions to the problem
and carefully evaluate each suggestion and its possible outcome. The purpose of the case
study is not only to analyze a problem, but to apply to the solution the Biblical principles being
discussed.
Chalk drawing and Writing
Use chalk as a visual aid writing down important things the campers say or are to remember.
Use it to draw the idea that you are talking about.
Circle Response
This gets a response from every member of the group. Propose a question or situation to the
group and get every member to express his/her opinion. This method can be used when one or
more people dominate the discussion when you want everyone's response.
Collage
You collect material from magazines that relate to the topic. They then paste this material on a
sheet of construction paper.
Drawings
No artist ability necessary. Drawings are a fun way of expressing feelings.
Graffiti
A phrase such as "Happiness is..." or "Forgiveness Means..." is written at the top of a
chalkboard or large sheet of paper. You then ask the campers to help you fill it in by using as
many definitions as possible.
Imaginary Diary
The camper reads the assigned passage and then tries to put himself/herself in the place of the
suggested character. He or she uses his/her imagination to write a paragraph or more that the
person might have written in their diary that day. There are no right or wrong answers. Allow the
campers to share their work at the end of the session.
Lecture
The lecture method is used to provide background to a certain topic that is to be dealt with. Use
it with discretion. It is probably one of the most overused methods.
Open-ended Sentence / Story
This offers youth an opportunity to think through ways to apply Biblical truths for daily living.
Provide a sentence or a paragraph that is not finished. The learner must finish it in relation to
the day's topic.
Puppets
Puppets may be used in many forms of creative dramatics. Biblical and modern day stories
come to life through puppet characters. Bible stories aid the understanding in applying biblical
truths to modern day life.
Pantomime
Acting out a story, letting your actions express the words and meaning.
Paraphrasing
Campers are asked to put into their own words a certain passage of Scripture.
Personal Experiences
Share some of your own joys and struggles as it pertains to the Bible Study. Ask your campers
to share some as well.
Play Reading
Acting out the Scriptural text.
Question & Answer
The secret to success in discussion is writing good questions, clear questions and avoiding
"yes" and "no" questions. Use factual (who, what, where, when, how) and thought provoking
(why).
Repetition
Don't just talk about the main theme of the lesson once and allow the students to lose sight of
what you are trying to say.
Role Plays
Each group is given a situation that they must act out. The value comes in acting out the
situation along with a discussion of the meaning involved.
Storytelling
Have clearly in your mind a good, vivid description of each character in the story. Look into the
faces of the campers. Show facial expression as you tell the story. Put expression into your
voice as well. Speak slowly, clearly and distinctly.
Student Teach
Allow some of the more mature campers to teach a whole or part of a lesson. Make sure you
help them in the preparation.
Truth & Error!
Discovery 2012
Camp Sagitawa
Cabin Leader: