Back from camp...

Hey guys, just wanted to share a few of my thoughts with you.

I just returned (along with Mark and Lindsay W) from counselling at Galilee Bible Camp near Renfrew. It was time well spent (10 days for one camp, longer than usual). We ended up there because my brother in law was the program director for boys camp and needed counsellors.

Many great memories were made but I would like to share more of what it made me think about in my own life, what the Lord put on my heart.

Some of you will recall a while ago in YA we were talking about how Bethany measures up in certain areas, and we felt that as a church we were on the right track at least in a number of areas. I certainly feel the same way, but I was convicted this week in an area where we could be doing much better.

Galilee is a camp run by the Brethren Assemblies, and while I do not wish to get into the demoninational pros and cons, I truly admire their emphasis on knowing Scripture. To clarify, I do not believe we at Bethany lack knowledge or sound teaching of the Scriptures at the leadership level. However, I think as members of the church we could be doing much better.

I'm not just talking about knowing what the Bible has to say about this or that issue. I'm talking about a comprehensive knowledge of how the Scriptures fit together, the harmony between the Old and New Testaments and how God's redemptive plan has been established from the beginning. In Hebrews 5 Paul vents his frustration with believers who continue to feed on spiritual "milk" and not "solid food". Let us also desire to consume solid spiritual food.

Another truth that we all know but perhaps dont always experience was evident to me today. I was back up at Brock and I was going through a bit of the post-camp crash. I know it is common for us to talk about spiritual highs when we go away, etc, and I believe these can be worrisome when professions of faith are based upon these. However, as a believer it is wonderful to spend time with the people of God. Praying together, laughing together, facing difficulties together... etc. Community. And back at school, few people share my beliefs, few people can I really talk to about the things on my heart. And I was struggling with this feeling until I realized...it's because I'm not at home. The Bible says that as a believer I am "not of this world". This was very real to me this afternoon, and as difficult as it can be sometimes, I hope I don't lose this feeling.