Summer camp is just a few weeks away. Camp starts July 22-27 at Camp COBEAC. I am looking forward to the week, because Evangelist John Goetsch (one of my favorite preachers) will be preaching that week. I know that summer is a busy time, but I hope you make it a priority to make summer camp. If you do plan to attend with us, I need you to sign up ASAP (that means as soon as possible : ) ). If you click on the photo above it should take you to COBEAC's website, where you can find the register button in the top right hand corner. Summer Camp is a great opportunity for every teen and I hope you'll take advantage of it. If you have any questions please let me know.
As we look to our special meetings, there is a chance that we can miss out on what God has for us! In Mark 6, Jesus desires to do a great work in His hometown of Nazareth. The people there missed out on seeing mighty things done by Christ because of their unbelief! Are we limiting God in your spiritual lives?
Mark 6: 1-6
And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
1. The peope were astonished at His Word, but did not act upon it! Mark 6:2
The citizens of Nazareth were intrigued by the Words of Christ, but they did not want to make a change. They saw the miraculous works of Christ, yet they still would not believe. Many times during revival services or special meetings, The Word of God is eloquently proclaimed and the blessings of the Lord are plainly displayed, but there is no change. Nazareth sat under the preaching of the greatest Preacher that ever lived and enjoyed the preaching,but they were not willing to act on it.
2. They confined Christ to their knowledge of Him.-Mark 6:3a
The people that gathered around assumed they knew everything about Jesus. "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary..." They heard the Word's of Christ, but discredited it because they limited Christ to their knowledge of Him. Many times we miss a mighty work because we limit God. We use phrases like "I've heard this before"or "I don't go that far with it" or "I don't believe I need all that," but we must take God at His word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. We must let the Word of God rule in our hearts and change our lives! Don't confine God's Word to your knowledge, but confine your knowledge to God's Word!
3. The people became offended and opposed His Words! -Mark 6:3b
The final roadblock is offense. The people of Nazareth heard God's Word and became offended. "Who does he think he is?" "It's none of his business how I live my life!" They rejected the One who could help them the most. Sadly, many Christians have fallen by the wayside because they were offended by the Word of God. If God's Word is being preached and you are offended, there is a spiritual issue(s) that need to be addressed! If you desire to see God do a mighty work be tenderhearted towards His Word.
Let it never be said of us "And he could there do no mighty work.." (Mark 6:5a)
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14-17,
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
We have been studying 2 Timothy for a couple of weeks (okay maybe more than a couple), and I hope we are starting to understand the importance of the Word of God. The other day I was looking through the Bible I had when I was a teenager (a long long time ago). I read through verses that I had highlighted and quotes that I had written down. I even laughed at myself for putting Bugs Bunny stickers in the cover! But as I looked through my old Bible, I was hit by the awesome opportunity that I received of learning the Truth of the Word of God early in life. If you have a Christian home, a great church, and a copy of the Scripture, take full advantage of the opportunity God has given you. One day you'll look back with a smile, thanking God for the impact His Word had on your life!
