Truth

aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. aim at earth and you get neither. - CS Lewis

JAM Winter Camp

So as most of you know, Kasey and I are on Jr. High Staff at our church.  This past weekend, we went up to Forest Home Christian Camp for Winter camp with over 80 Jr. High kids.  Needless to say, we are just now recovering, 5 days later...  =)  We had such a blast hanging out with the kids, worshiping, praying with the kids, playing fun games, and falling deeper in love with Jesus.  Our theme was "The Wedding Feast."  

We talked about the parable in Matthew chapter 22 where the King throws a wedding feast.  All are invited to this feast; but not all are welcomed in.  The main point of this story is that the guests MUST be wearing the special wedding clothes; the Host's clothe.  In this story, Nate (the youth pastor) described the King as God.  God invites everyone to "the feast" (Heaven), but you have to be wearing the "host's clothes" (the righteousness of God).  

We explained to the kids that the GREAT EXCHANGE was when Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins.  Jesus took on ALL our sin (past, present, and future) and exchanged our "filthy rags/ filthy lives" with "pure robes" (the clothes of righteousness).  By this example of amazing love and forgiveness, we are JUSTIFIED through Christ.  This means we "move from guilty to guilt free."  

When we are justified, we must CONFESS our sin.  This means we must admit we are wrong.  Second, we must REPENT of our sin.  This means we must turn away from our sin.  Last, we must have faith.  Faith that Jesus Christ loves and forgives us.  When we are justified through Christ, we can have a HOPE THAT IS GREATER THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD.  We can have hope that we will spend ETERNITY with our Lord in heaven.  Heaven is a perfect place filled with joy and happiness.  There will be no more pain, tears, anger, stress, anxiety, hurt, disease, burdens. Instead, there will be pure and unconditional LOVE. 

 I think the best part about this is it does not matter what you have done.  It does not matter how unworthy of love you feel you are.  GOD LOVES YOU and He WILL FORGIVE YOU.  No matter what.  No matter what.   If you have any questions about this idea of perfect love... please talk to me or Kasey.  We would love to take you out and chat about it!  =)

here are some awesome pictures from our weekend.

Kasey and I led "TEAM BLACK" (and won)

All the Kids and Staff...note the passion and commitment to the team colors.

Our "awkward Prom" photo at the dress up "Wedding Feast" on Saturday night  =)

Voyagers- Junior High Ministry