SIX33

So what do I do?

2012-01-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Here’s a brief summary of my message from this past Wednesday night. We have, for the past few weeks, been emphasizing Bible Input and how necessary it is (see the blog post below this one). One of your main goals in the Christian life is your own sanctification (a theological way of talking about your spiritual growth). One of the primary elements of your Sanctification Strategy must be Scripture. (click here for the 2012 Scripture Stuff)
Hearing God’s Word (being at church)
Reading God’s Word (have a Bible reading plan)
Studying God’s Word (click here)
Memorizing God’s Word (so many reasons to do this)

Now, we’re looking at part 2 of this Sanctification Strategy.

Serving the Church.

This past week, we looked at Ephesians 4:12-16 and what it teaches us about all this.

There is a Plan/Sequence in the Bible for all of this.
1. Pastors & Teachers Teach
• God has equipped certain people in the church to teach His Word.
• They should teach it.

2. Everyone does Ministry (Serving)
Pastor’s & Teachers teach (“to equip the saints”) God’s Word so that you can learn, apply, and do it. We should all be serving the church together. Pastors also teach by example. We don’t just sit back and watch you go do the work. We should all be striving together to put God’s Word into action, serve, and be out there sharing the Gospel with others.

3. The Church is Built Up
So what does this look like? It’s a really cool picture!
• Unity of the Faith – we all learn, we’re on the same page. We are drawn together in unity. Read Philippians 2:2)
• Knowledge of the Son of God – This is the deep, experiential knowledge of Christ. It’s the head knowledge and heart knowledge working together. Becoming His hands and feet through serving really makes a difference in your spiritual growth (it’s vital)
• GrowING – the emphasis is on the “ING” It’s active. You’re being intentional about your spritual growth (planning how to grow. Having a Bible reading plan. Planning to serve. Making church a priority)
• Un-fool-able – you have good, solid theology. You aren’t easily led astray by someone with something that might sound like Christianity, but isn’t. The more you grow, the more you know, the harder you will be to be led astray.
• Love – the foundation of love grows. The more we are growing spiritually, the more we have a love for others and the more passionately we’ll be sharing the Gospel (God’s love for us, right?) with them.

We all need to be committed to Christ and His Word. We need the Bible’s input and message in our lives. We have no shortage of secular input (TV, movies, magazines, internet.... the list goes on). What we need is more Bible.
We all need to be committed to the Body of Christ and be serving.
Click here to see how you can serve through the HSM at Immanuel.

These are two very important, vital elements to your Christian life. Remember - the goal is your sanctification. Become more like Jesus. Follow Him. Seek Him. Serve Him. Then, we’ll see SIX33 and Immanuel built up and growing!

Ephesians 4:15b-16 – we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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So what's the plan??

2011-12-26T22:53:00.000-08:00

The Year 2012
An intentional focus on Scripture

Now that Christmas is over, we should start looking toward the new year. I’m sure you did some planning for Christmas. Maybe you made a list of who to buy Christmas presents for. Maybe you planned some things to do. Maybe it was as simple as a packing list. We all did at least some planning for Christmas.

With all the planning and preparation we do for things, we shouldn’t neglect our spiritual lives. I want to encourage you to do some planning for your spiritual life in 2012. (click here for Rob’s sermon on “Getting Ready for 2012”)

There are many passages about holiness and sanctification. Here are a few to get things started:

1 Thessalonians 4:3a – For this is the will of God, your sanctification:
Hebrews 10:14 – For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Romans 6:22 – But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

What we all need for 2012 is a “Sanctification Strategy”
Scripture Input is 100% necessary to your life
(you should write this down somewhere)

Sanctification means: Holy - consecrated - dedicated to the service of God. The word indicates the process of sanctification. It’s something you are actively doing – something you are striving toward.

Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord

We were saved for holiness, not just so that we have “fire insurance,” show up at church a couple of times a week, then do whatever the rest of the week.

Ephesians 1:4 & 2:10 – he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Colossians 1:22 – says that God saved us, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.

You can’t expect to be holy and growing spiritually just because you show up at church. Just stopping in to the gym a few times a week won’t make you healthy and buff. You need to work at it. You need a plan.

Here’s my suggestion for a plan. This is the plan that I’m encouraging all of the high school students at Immanuel to put into place so that together we can grow in Christlikeness and encourage each other and “stir up one another to love and good works.”

My encouragement is to be intentional about these four things this year:

1. Hear the Bible
You need to regularly show up where you’ll hear the Bible read and taught. For high school students at Immanuel, this means SIX33, and Sunday mornings (both Bible Study and “Big Church”)
Romans 10:17 – So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13 – Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Paul instructed Pastors to read and teach God’s Word. If it’s important for Pastors to read and teach, then it’s important for Christians to hear and be taught God’s Word.

Practical steps to Hearing God’s Word:
- Show up ready to listen - Remove distractions
Think through and Remove distractions - is someone going to talk to
me? (sit somewhere else), turn off your cell phone, anything else?
- Engage your mind.
Come prepared - bring your Bible, a notebook, and a pen
Take notes. Ask “where is this going?” Follow the flow.
- Apply
Ask: What are you going to do with this? How are you going to apply
this? Don’t just sit, listen, then move on. Do something with what you
learned.

2. Read the Bible
Practical suggestions for consistent Bible Reading
- Make it an appointment
Schedule a time, and keep it. Consider it a vital appointment (because
it is) I’m convinced that in the morning is the best time.
- Find a plan
There are many good plans available.
--> Click here for our reading plan this year.

- Think deeply about one word, phrase, or verse
Really think it through. Think deeper.
A journal helps here - write your thoughts down.

Scripture is: Sharp. Penetrating. Dividing. Discerning
Allow it to be that in your life.

3. Study the Bible
Reading gives you the big picture. Studying gives you the details and the real depth of Scripture.

Acts 17:11 – they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
This is studying Scripture. These guys listened to the teaching, went home, and studied the Bible themselves.
The next verse says - Many of them therefore believed
People are studying Scripture - people are getting saved.
What a great pattern, right?

R.C. Sproul says that the reason we neglect studying God’s Word isn’t because it’s hard to understand or because it’s boring, but because we’re lazy & it takes work. It’s not that we’re not smart enough or not passionate about it - we’re just lazy.

The difference between reading and studying is a journal. Pen and paper.

--> Click here for a guide to studying Scripture.

4. Memorize the Bible
There are so many benefits to Scripture memory.
Proverbs 22:17-19 – Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
If you were to memorize just one verse each week, by the end of the year, you’d have 52 verses memorized.
There are so many benefits to Scripture memory.

--> For our Scripture memory plan, click here
To hear what John Piper says about Scripture memory, click here.

A Final Question: If your spiritual growth were measured by the quality and quantity of your Bible intake, what would your “score” be?

If you’re thinking, or have ever thought, “Honestly, I’m really not growing spiritually like I know I should be and want to be...”
It’s very likely that it’s due to lack of Bible Input into your life. You have no shortage of worldly input into your life. TV, Movies, Magazines, internet, school, radio, iPod, spending time with people, shopping, billboards, etc.

Remember - our goal is sanctification holiness. How does that happen? In John 17:17, Jesus prayed: Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

John MacArthur says: True believers who make up the true church hunger for the Word of God
Pray and ask the Lord to place in you a hunger for His Word.
Then - put a plan into place.

Click here for Rob’s full sermon on “Getting Ready for 2012.”

A Spiritual Grenade?

2011-12-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

Like a grenade, it doesn’t matter who pulls the pin and lobs it into a conversation—whether a Marine or a 14 year old girl—when the gospel is explained in a clear, compelling way, its inherent power has impact.

  That’s why it’s so important that we know how to explain the full message of the gospel. A clear presentation of the gospel will penetrate into the soul, mind, and conscience of the listener by revealing who God is and what He has done. As believers, we must be ready to engage in honest, authentic conversations about the gospel with our friends who need to know Jesus.

  Asking Searching Questions 
Most teens are really good at asking questions. Have you ever considered that part of the gospel’s power is that it answers some of the key questions about the meaning and purpose of life?
• Why are we here?
• Why is the world so messed up?
• What is the meaning of life?
• What happens in the end?

In the HSM at Immanuel we use what we call “The GOSPEL Journey”
God created everything for His glory
Our sin separates us from Him
Sins cannot be removed by good deeds
Paying the price for sin, Jesus died on the cross
Everyone who believes in Him alone will be saved
Life that’s eternal means we will be with Jesus in Heaven forever!

Is it scary to think about talking about the gospel with others? Here are a few ideas that might help you in your efforts to share the gospel with others in your daily life:
• Start by praying!
• Get others talking. Ask them questions, like:
~ What are your spiritual beliefs?
~ Is there a God?
~ Why are we here?
~ Have you ever heard Christianity presented as a relationship
instead of a religion?
~ How can I pray for you?
~ Where do you turn when you’re hurting?
~ What do you think happens when we die?
~ What do you think it takes for someone to get to heaven?
~ Do you think you’re a good person (check back for “Candy Bar” next week)

Explain the full message of the gospel in a clear way, using Scripture.

Follow up with questions like:
• Does that make sense?
• Are you willing to repent and put your faith and trust in Christ right now?

Don’t be consumed by worrying about what other people think about you. How foolish in the eyes of the world did Jesus look when He was dying on the cross?
Don’t think that discussions about the gospel are just a debate among many equally valid belief systems. The gospel is not just another idea. It is the greatest story ever told. The power of its message is not philosophical speculation or another religion. It is far from either. It is the truth.

So always be ready to share this message in humble confidence knowing that it is the truth. In Romans 1:16 Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

Let’s help our friends understand that truth. Just pull the pin on your spiritual grenade. Then get ready to see some spiritual impact as you share that truth with others!

Soli Deo Gloria! 
Rob Signs

P.S. Check back in a week for the “Candy Bar Intro” that some of our eTeams used in San Francisco.

Adapted from “The Gospel as Spiritual Grenade” by Greg Stier. www.dare2share.org
Dare 2 Share has a free weekly Soul Fuel articles designed to help you relate the gospel to current events in our world.

Should You Go?

2011-10-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

(This is adapted from what Charles Spurgeon says about missions...)

We get to hear the Gospel preached pretty much all the time. But there are many who won’t hear the Gospel, who will go?
Do we really think about the lost? There are so many who have never heard the Name of Jesus or heard the Good News about Him. We need people who will go and share the Gospel. There are so many out there who may have seen a missionary once or twice, but know nothing of the Gospel. Should we just sit around when we could go do something about it? 
(I’m writing specifically today about our upcoming trip to San Francisco. Our plan is to head up on Friday, then go out into the city in teams to share the Gospel with those we meet. We’ll certainly do some fun “touristy” things, but our main purpose is to share the Gospel with those who might otherwise not hear it. I’ll go on with what Spurgeon said, tweaked a little for our context)

Can we really just lay down and sleep while they go on, not hearing the Gospel, and heading for hell? Does their need to hear the Gospel mean nothing to us?
Here’s how you should be thinking about it:
NOT - “should I go?” (this is the wrong question to ask)
ASK THIS - “why should I not go?”

If you can honestly prove that you should NOT go, then you shouldn’t go, but if not, then you must go. This is a great opportunity to be equipped to share the Gospel, spend time sharing it with people who desperately need to hear the message of Christ, and minister to others. Unless you can prove that there’s a reason NOT to go, then you should be signing up and going with us. It’s that simple.

I close with a direct quote from our friend Spurgeon: “I shall never feel, brethren, that we, as a band of men, have done our duty until we see our comrades fighting for Jesus in every land in the van of the conflict. I believe that, if God moves you to go, you will be among the best of missionaries, because you will make the preaching of the gospel the great feature of your work, and that is God’s sure way of power.”

Click here for more info on the trip.

I'll make a man out of you!

2011-07-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Words fail me

2011-07-01T19:45:00.003-07:00

Disney Cleanup

2011-07-01T19:45:00.002-07:00

This must be experienced to be understood.

Flannel Friday

2011-07-01T19:45:00.001-07:00

Group Initiative

2011-06-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

The GI is an exercise where the entire team must work together to solve a "puzzle" of sorts. It takes teamwork, thinking, focus, and commitment. It's all about working together.
Our team did The Ruins. As in each daily activity, at the end, we discuss what we learned about ourselves, each other, and God. And as always, there was definitely a lot to be learned.

The GI

2011-06-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger #3

2011-06-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Thursday morning. Yesterday we had a work day, I'm not gonna lie I wasn't excited, it was raining, freezing, and honestly it didn't sound fun. But as we started working God was just reminding me to be an encouraging force in my team, and as I tried to encourage others slowly I myself was encouraged. As we all worked together thanks to our good attitudes we got done quicker than groups before us, and by the time we were done it was a beautiful bright shining day. Moral of the story, be positive, and remember even when your doing something that is honestly not fun, Gods right there helping you out. (^_^)

Andrew Bingaman

Scripture memory

2011-06-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Wildwood is emphasis on Scripture and Scripture memory. Students are encouraged to memorize large passages of Scripture. Brent is memorizing all of 1 Corinthians 15. Look it up. It's quite long and not easy to memorize it. He's spent much of his free time memorizing the passage. As of last night, he had it all down!

And the winner is...

2011-06-30T06:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, you guessed it. Justin, in the center. He won. Not sure what he's supposed to be, but I heard something about being a Tostada...

They feed us well here at Wildwood

2011-06-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

They didn't win but...

2011-06-30T06:29:00.003-07:00

They did come in third place. Can you guess who these two are dressed as?

Wierded Out Wednesday contestants

2011-06-30T06:29:00.001-07:00

Quite a few contestants in the "just dress as weird as you can" night.

Hi Mom!

2011-06-30T06:28:00.002-07:00

Chicken Dance

2011-06-30T06:28:00.001-07:00

Somehow, Andrew lost track of his plunger and as a consequence, got to do the macarena for us. Yes, he GOT to do it. :--)

Ben passing on the plunger

2011-06-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ben was given the plunger yesterday and handed it off to the new servant of the day at the daily "Plunger Ceremony"

The Lion King

2011-06-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

So our speaker last night gave us a great illustration of one of our biggest problems.
He's spoken to us two nights in a row and is a dynamic and engaging speaker. Definitely memorable. Many students were talking about how great it was. I'll let your student fill you in on the details. And for those of you who were wondering, yes, there was a monkey prominently featured in the illustration. :--)

Farmer Caleb

2011-06-29T14:56:00.001-07:00

Fun at camp

2011-06-29T14:55:00.001-07:00

The Shema

2011-06-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Shema Israel. Adonai Elohenu. Adonai Echad!
See Deuteronomy 6:4

Testimony

2011-06-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

Before each meal, we gather not only to pray, but also to hear someone share how they came to know Christ. Bader shared this morning and not only shared his story, but also clearly proclaimed the Gospel!

Patriotism

2011-06-29T14:49:00.001-07:00

At Wildwood, there's an acknowledgment that we are very blessed to live in a country where we can openly express our faith. Each morning we raise the flag, say the pledge of allegiance, and pray for our country.

Three Sisters

2011-06-28T19:20:00.000-07:00

We Biked up (and by "up" I mean an hour and a half of climbing - we probably climbed close to 1000 vertical feet overall) to a beautiful giant sequoia grove where the "Three Sisters" are at. Such an incredible place to see.

The Epic Bike Ride

2011-06-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

View from the Library Tent

2011-06-28T19:18:00.001-07:00

What an awesome place to study God's Word!

Cleaning up around camp

2011-06-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Library Tent

2011-06-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

In-depth study of God's Word at the Library Tent

Work Day

2011-06-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

Every team gets a chance to help out around camp doing a variety of things from cleanup after meals in the kitchen to building fire pits, to whatever needs to be done.

Cleaning the big fryer

2011-06-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

This thing will fry up about 40 pounds of bacon at one time!

Ready for the ropes course

2011-06-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

The 80s are back!

2011-06-28T14:17:00.001-07:00

Hi Mom!

2011-06-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Um... Awkward

2011-06-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

Nothing like an awkward "oh - you want to take my picture? Um... Ok..."

Free Time Zipline

2011-06-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

There's a zip line open during free time. Notice the helmet -- safety first at Wildwood!

More solo time

2011-06-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Solo Time

2011-06-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Wildwood is the emphasis on Scripture. Many years back, when several staff members were discussing the formation of a new discipleship camp (I don't think they'd come up with the name yet), it was decided that one non-negotiable element of the new camp would be an emphasis on personal Bible study and prayer. This continues today each morning at camp when we head out with our "Bible-Book-Pen" for our Solo Time.
As a youth pastor, it's so great to see my students sitting down and studying scripture for an hour or more every day here at camp. Every year we've come here, I've had many students tell me that one of the most significant times for them at camp was when they sat down each morning to spend time un God's Word.

Kiss a llama on the llama....

2011-06-28T14:05:00.002-07:00

Now THAT'S a Moustache!

2011-06-28T14:05:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking Hollister Model!

2011-06-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Not just a couple of them...

2011-06-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Moustache Monday

2011-06-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

It's Monday. Time for a Moustache. Need I say more?

Day 2

2011-06-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

The week is off to a great start. Great breakfast! I got to make about 20 pounds of apples on a giant griddle with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It was great fun.
We're headed out to our activities for the day now.
I'll post some pictures after lunch.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><

Guest Blogger #2

2011-06-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

Tonight, one of our recently graduated seniors wrote a blog about being back at Wildwood...

Hey, this is B.K. Bader :) this is my third time at Wildwood. My first year I came in a cast and that was... A difficult yet ultimately amazing and inspiring experience; that was four years ago. Now, this is my last year as a camper, still Wildwood hits my heart in a very special place, close to home. So many factors: the amazing staff, the quiet stillness of nature around me, the purely fresh air, the echo of Evan's voice through the valley, the majestic scenery, and not to mention the feeling that God is evermore close behind me, breathing on my neck and watching my heart and soul, all have a combined effect that makes Wildwood so great. My first year was a special year because my cast gave me the privilege of hanging out with the previous camp director Rich Ferreira and my pawn at the time Evan Griffin, now the new camp director, and not to mention the beautiful lifeguard Katie and the rest of the staff, which actually, to my greatest amazement, remembered me the next year, I conquered the ropes course with a cast on my foot and hike Wildwood's epic hill countless times and rode shotgun with Evan during the late night special events.
Not just me, but the rest of my youth group had epic memories and experiences of godly encounters and unforgettable new relationships. I love Wildwood deeply and so do my brothers and sisters in Christ, it is a special and sacred place that I could never forget and coming back my third and final year (as a camper) I can't help but feel sentimental and already in love with my pawns, David and Aveinne, who are fantastic and hecka chill (Totes-my-goats), I am privileged to write this blog, both as a thank you from the bottom of my heart to Wildwood and as my last sincere farewell.
Wildwood has helped bring my heart and mind closer and closer to God every year, there is something spiritually special about Wildwood, that you must experience for yourself.

Thank you, Wildwood and staff. Thank you IBC. And thank you God.
Bader signing off.

What Is the Gospel?

2011-06-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Those who know me, or have been around a little while know that my favorite question to ask people is "What Is the Gospel?" Of course, if someone asks me that question, all the better! Camp is off to a great start. One of our students just asked me the question and I had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them. What better thing for the first day of camp than to get to share the Gospel with one of our students!
I'll keep you posted as the week progresses!

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><

P.S. - if you want to join us in our devotion times, go to the SIX33 website and you can download PDFs of the devotion guides we're going through up here this weekl

Yes - we'll be safe up there.

2011-06-27T16:15:00.001-07:00

The Wobbly-Woozy

2011-06-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

The Ropes Course!

2011-06-27T16:14:00.001-07:00

Posing 40 feet up! (some would describe it as "waiting for the terror")

Getting helmeted for ropes

2011-06-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Teaching our passages

2011-06-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Library Time

2011-06-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

There are four activities that we do each day. Today, my team had "Library Day" which is essentially, studying a passage of Scripture. The Library Tent has concordances, Bible dictionaries, and other Bible study resources. We're given an assignment, walk through it in groups, then take turns teaching through our passages.
It's so great to see our students studying Scripture and learning how to use a variety of study resources. The end result is that they are better equipped to study God's Word on their own. I like that!

Yes! Breakfast!!!

2011-06-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Breakfast!

2011-06-27T08:57:00.001-07:00

More breakfast

2011-06-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

The food here at Wildwood is quite good!

Raising the flag

2011-06-27T08:56:00.001-07:00

Our "dining hall"

2011-06-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

2011-06-27T08:55:00.000-07:00

Perfect Morning

2011-06-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite times at camp is early mornings. I love getting up before everyone else does and reading with a cup of coffee. The still of the mornings up here in the woods is amazing. Being here at Wildwood really does remind you of the beauty of God's creation. I mean, how can you not be reminded of it when you're outside in it literally all week.

I've loved camping for a while, but being up here ih the woods with my students and spending a week really focusing on God first, and having fun together makes for a truly great week. Additionally, now that we've been up here several times and everyone knows what to expect makes for a great, smooth, quick transition into this kind of week.

Be in prayer for us as we begin our week that God truly moves in the lives of our students and adults.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
<><

Guest Blog #1

2011-06-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

Throughout the week, I'll be posting pictures, some thoughts, and inviting some of the others here at camp to write a little about their experience here at Wildwood. So here's...

Guest Blog #1 - Kevin Mascaro

Day 1 - For the past two years I've heard about the experience of Wildwood and observed it from a distance (at home, reading the latest postings on the blog just as you are doing now) . . . This time I'm here in person and it's as amazing as hoped for! EVERYTHING done at Wildwood is intentional with the sole purpose of knowing God - not just knowing information about Him (which in itself is still worthy of praise), but truly knowing Him as Creator, Sustainer and Savior. Delighting in Him and determining that all is to be done in light of His will and good pleasure.

The surroundings are beautiful, the camp is rustic, the staff are friendly and servant-hearted, our Country is honored as we start and end the day at the flag pole, the Shema is quoted (see Duet. 6:4-5), God is worshiped at the fire pit through song and scripture, and soon we will be asleep in the tents. Evan, the camp Director, introduced the theme for this week (knowing God) during the evening session, and introduced us to Acts 13:22 where the reason God raised up David was because he was a man after God's own heart. How did he please God so? Because he was one who "will do all my will". Is this how God would describe me? You? I want more than anything else to be described this way. I'm trusting that God will grow me closer to this goal as a result of this week. Please pray for all of us here that we will humbly seek His face at Wildwood. (P.S. When not thinking of God, my mind dwells on you, Apriella.)

A random picture from camp last year.

2011-06-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping that Robbie has another CD out this year. He signed one for me last year!!!

We're here!

2011-06-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hiking into camp

2011-06-26T21:51:00.001-07:00

We arrived safely!

2011-06-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Stopping for lunch

2011-06-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

When I was in college, I used to go to Sonic for a cherry-limeade almost every day during the Summer. It was always a great break from the Summer heat. Now, I don't get Sonic quite as often. I only eat at Sonic twice a year now. Once on the way up to camp and once on the way back down. While it's not the highlight of the week, it sure is tasty delicious.

We've got our Bibles and we're loading up!

2011-06-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Camp!

2011-06-25T22:39:00.001-07:00

So we head out to camp in the morning. I'm all packed and ready to go. Only a couple of things I couldn't find and get packed (but I'm sure I'll manage, so don't fret on my behalf).

Camp is always a great time. One of the things I love about Wildwood is the "no watch" rule. There are quite a few things to love about Wildwood, but the removal of schedule is one of my favorite things. Our culture is so "GO-GO-GO!!!" all the time and we're so schedule-oriented, it's refreshing to be removed from that.

And no cell phones!!!! It's so great to not have to worry about any of that. Now - I will have some limited internet access so that I can post pictures and some reports from our students (at least we usually do...) but not being online and connected for a week is always a treat.

I'm especially excited about this year's theme: "Ginosko Theos," which is Greek for "know God." This afternoon in a message at Resolved, John MacArthur pointed out that worship is theological. It is induced by truth, not emotion. Our worship will rise to the level of our knowledge of God. The more we know about God, the more we are able to worship Him.

Since Wildwood is all about knowing God and spending time in His Word, it really reminded me how important things like camp are in the lives of our young adults. We can never force or coerce one of our students into becoming spiritual, but we can provide opportunities for them to get into God's Word and truly focus on Him. This year's theme is about doctrine. We'll be looking at some of the major doctrines of the Bible at camp and how they impact our lives.

What we know and believe about the Bible, about God, about ourselves, and about Jesus really does matter. That will be our focus this week. Pray that we all come back changed as a result of our encounter with Him. We'll be spending time in His Word daily. Each morning we head out into the woods to spend time reading His Word and praying. If you would like to come alongside us and do the same devotions that we're doing at camp, check out the SIX33 Website. The devotion guides we're using each day at camp are posted there.

In the meantime - watch this video.
Dug Down Deep

Oh - and check back often for pictures and updates from both me and our students through the week.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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Jesus, our Redeemer

2011-06-18T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is from Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" devotion book. It's this morning's devotion and I just thought I'd share it.

“Thy Redeemer.”

— Isaiah 54:5

Jesus, the Redeemer, is altogether ours and ours for ever. All the offices of Christ are held on our behalf. He is king for us, priest for us, and prophet for us. Whenever we read a new title of the Redeemer, let us appropriate him as ours under that name as much as under any other. The shepherd’s staff, the father’s rod, the captain’s sword, the priest’s mitre, the prince’s sceptre, the prophet’s mantle, all are ours. Jesus hath no dignity which he will not employ for our exaltation, and no prerogative which he will not exercise for our defence. His fulness of Godhead is our unfailing, inexhaustible treasure-house.

His manhood also, which he took upon him for us, is ours in all its perfection. To us our gracious Lord communicates the spotless virtue of a stainless character; to us he gives the meritorious efficacy of a devoted life; on us he bestows the reward procured by obedient submission and incessant service. He makes the unsullied garment of his life our covering beauty; the glittering virtues of his character our ornaments and jewels; and the superhuman meekness of his death our boast and glory. He bequeaths us his manger, from which to learn how God came down to man; and his Cross to teach us how man may go up to God. All his thoughts, emotions, actions, utterances, miracles, and intercessions, were for us. He trod the road of sorrow on our behalf, and hath made over to us as his heavenly legacy the full results of all the labours of his life. He is now as much ours as heretofore; and he blushes not to acknowledge himself “our Lord Jesus Christ,” though he is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Christ everywhere and every way is our Christ, for ever and ever most richly to enjoy. O my soul, by the power of the Holy Spirit! call him this morning, “thy Redeemer.”

Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

The Gospel

2011-05-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

As you know, the Gospel is the thing that we should all be about. As I peruse the interWeb, I occasionally come across something Gospel-Oriented. I came across this on the website of Kevin DeYoung's church and thought it was worth posting:

The Gospel
From the beginning, we have rebelled against God and sought satisfaction in everything but Him, ultimately separating us from him and earning us a death that is both physical and spiritual. Therefore, the One True God had set forth a plan to reconcile our relationship to himself. And so God came in the form of a man and lived a perfect life, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose again in victory over death. This was so that when our hearts turn to God and we repent, God will view us as if we had lived that perfect life, will free us from the punishment for our sin, and eventually bring us home to Him in a place that is much better than now.

Well said.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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Tonight - Free show at Immanuel

2011-05-06T09:48:00.001-07:00

Please email everyone in your address book, post on Facebook, etc... Help us get the word out about The Question Musical TONIGHT at Immanuel. Everyone in attendance will have the chance to register to win one of nearly 2 dozen prizes including an iPad2, XBox 360 w/ Kinect, Flip Video Camera, and much more.

This musical answers many of life's questions through scripture. Bring your friends and join us TONIGHT at 7pm at Immanuel for The Question!

Copy and paste the following link: http://www.vimeo.com/22859889

Thanks for your help,

Jeff Bumgardner

Who Is This Jesus?

2011-04-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

Rick Holland opened up the Resolved conference last Summer with this:

If we could summon an Angel and set them here on this stage - they would talk about Jesus
If we were to bring any of the saints - OT people who are in Heaven - and put them here on this stage - they would talk about Jesus
If you pulled someone up from hell - put them here on this stage - they would talk about Jesus
If the Holy Spirit Materialized here on this stage - He would talk about Jesus
If God Himself condescended from His heavenly throne and came here and stood on this stage - He would talk about Jesus.
...however...
If the Devil Himself or any of His demons were to come here - they would talk about anything but Jesus.
Or better yet - they would talk about Jesus in an inaccurate way.
They would talk about a Jesus who isn’t what the Bible describes.

Christianity is about Jesus
There should be nothing more interesting to a Christian than Jesus.

To that end - we're spending several weeks talking about, and looking at what history and (more importantly) what the Bible says about Jesus.

Our Scripture memorization right now is all about Jesus. Not that it's not always about Him, because it is. But right now, we're specifically focusing on the person and work of Christ.

This week's verse is Colossians 3:1-2
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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February 16 - Psalm 34:4-5

2011-02-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

Psalm 34:4-5
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Some thoughts on Psalm 34
Those who are believers have an instinct to turn to God in times of trouble. Initially, it is God who seeks us and calls us to Himself, but typically, it’s later in the life of the Christian when we see this. As we are growing in sanctification however, we learn to seek God more and more. Matthew 6:33 says “Seek first the kingdom of God...” We must know that when we seek God, we will find Him. Verse five shows us the joy of salvation. 1 Peter 1:8 “...you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”

So remember that you need to discipline and train yourself to always look first to God in every situation. Seek to hear Him through His Word. Memorizing this week’s Scripture will be so helpful in that. It will help you to remember to seek Him. It will help you remember that He will deliver you from your fears. Most significantly is the fear of death and hell and punishment. This passage helps you to understand the “inexpressible joy” that we have in Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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Verse for February 9

2011-02-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

Psalm 34:1-3
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

We're memorizing three short verses together this week. This is the start of memorizing the entire Psalm. We'll be memorizing it just a few verses at a time. In just a few short weeks, you can have all of Psalm 34 memorized!

Verse for February 2

2011-02-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

This is such a great Gospel verse! As you well know, I’m kind of obsessed with the Gospel (it’s ok, this one really IS a healthy obsession) and verses that are clearly Gospel centered always jump out at me when I’m reading and studying God’s Word.
At the beginning of this verse, we see the phrase “bore your sin.” We must understand that Jesus wasn’t just giving us an example to follow, by being a martyr. He was actually suffering in our place. He was actually punished for the sins of all who would believe in Him when He died on the cross.He took our punishment and satisfied the wrath of a holy God toward sin. The idea of Christ dying in our place, on our behalf is at the heart of the Gospel.

The next phrase of note is “die to sin.” The idea here is that you were in Christ when He died on the cross, so you have died to sin. You no longer have to sin. The verse goes on to say “live to righteousness” meaning that you now have the power to live a righteous life. In fact, Christ died so that you could actually live a righteous life. Ephesians 2:10 says you were “created in Christ Jesus for good works...”

The verse concludes with “by his wounds you have been healed.” This obviously talks about the spiritual wounds you have as a result of your sinful acts. Romans 8:1 says that there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” referring to the penalty of sin. You were a slave to sin. When you are saved, you are a slave to righteousness. There is no threat of punishment for a believer.

Memorize this verse. Meditate on it and live in the reality that spiritually, you have been healed. You can live the righteous life you should live because of what Christ did for you on the cross.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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Verse for January 25

2011-01-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

I Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to give him some practical instruction about his role in the church at Ephesus. Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most beloved disciples. Paul was Timothy’s spiritual father and Timothy was one of his “proteges.”

In the culture of the day, there was a great emphasis on age and experience. Even though Timothy was in his 30s, he would have still been considered “young” by many. This verse is telling him that he needs to earn the respect of others by being diligent to be the example of maturity in five specific areas. His example would, most certainly, earn him the respect of others and as a result, his ability to minister to and serve others would be far greater.

While we are not all pastors, we should be disciplined to be an example to all in these areas as well.
The areas are:
• Word - this is his speech. All of his words, in every conversation should be in alignment with Ephesians 4:29, which says that we should speak ONLY words of encouragement and grace.
• Conduct - This is the holy, righteous living spoken of in Titus 2:10 and 1 Peter 1:15, which says “be holy in all your conduct.”
• Love - Read John 15:13. Our love for others should be sacrificial.
• Faith - this is not talking about the faith we have leading to salvation, but being faithful and committed to Christ and the glory of God. See 1 Corinthians 4:2
• Purity - Purity in all areas, especially sexual purity. Ephesians 5:3 says that there shouldn’t even be a hint of sexual immorality in a Christian.

As you memorize this verse this week, think through what an example in each of these areas should be and try studying each of the sections one day during the week.
For example: on Thursday, study “Word.” How important are your words. Look up words like mouth, tongue, lips, speech, word(s) in a concordance or Bible search and see what the Bible has to say about our words and what we communicate.
On Friday, do the same thing with “Conduct” then again on Saturday, etc. This way, you’re really living out the verse that you’re memorizing.

Check back on the blog and you might find some helps with that throughout the week.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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Verse for Jan. 19

2011-01-18T14:47:00.001-08:00

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

So what about now? We’re not in heaven yet, right? This verse applies to everyone who is a believer in Christ (the “we” at the beginning). This is true for all believers. It’s a certainty. We must always remember that God is sovereign and in control of everything, yet we are still responsible for all of our actions.

God is in control of every event in our lives. Whether it be great things like a new car or an A on a test, or horrible things like an illness or injury. Even temptations are part of that.
Every event in our lives is part of God’s plan to make us more like Jesus. We should view the positive events in our lives as gifts from God (James 1:17). We should view the negative events as platforms upon which greater humility can be produced in our lives (James 4:6).

The passage concludes with “according to his purpose.” I can’t help but think of Ephesians 2:8-10. Many people know verses eight and nine, which say “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” but we sometimes forget about verse 10, which says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
We were created to do good works. A genuine believer in Christ will live a life that honors Him and do good works. It’s not the works that save, or add to anything, but they are the result of having been saved.

God brings us to the point of doing good works and being sanctified (1 Peter 1:15) through the events and circumstances in our lives. We must always remember that everything that happens to us, as believers, is for our good and His glory.

This Week's Memory Verse

2011-01-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

Everything begins with the glory of God. That’s why we started with 1 Corinthians 10:31 last week. Since one of our central things this year is Scripture memory, we move next to a powerful verse about the Bible.
This week’s verse is Hebrews 4:12, which says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
It’s hard to boil this verse down to something short, but here are seven quick statements about things we see in this verse.

1. The Bible is the Divine Word
The Bible is the Word of God. God’s very words to us. God doesn’t speak anywhere else. He has spoken.

2. The Bible is the Living Word
It’s not a natural book. It’s a supernatural book.Every other book in the world is a dead book
This book alone has life in it, it living, is active.

3. The Bible is the Powerful Word
This is from the word the word we get “energy” from. It’s energetic, dynamic, powerful
The book has power. Power to both save us and change us.

4. The Bible is the Razor Sharp Word
When you really study Scripture, it will cut deeply right where it needs to.
This two-edged sword cuts both ways.
It convicts and converts, damns and saved, exposes sin and forgives it.

5. The Bible is the Piercing Word
The Bible penetrates the outward mask and shield you have on.
Know why a lot of people don’t really listen when the Bible is taught? They don’t like it.
They don’t like the conviction of God’s Word, so it’s easier to just kind of casually listen and be more interested in the text message that just came in than in What’s being preached.

6. The Bible is the Judging Word
What is exposed by the piercing and cutting is then judged.
Once the Word of God opens us up and strips us down, we’re “exposed”
You stand -stripped naked and uncovered.
You understand that you stand guilty before a holy God.
You can only come to Him in repentance and belief.

7. The Bible is the Saving Word
It judges to bring us to Christ that we might receive forgiveness and mercy.
3:7 - 4:11 is a call to repentance - God is speaking through His Word
God is calling. God is pleading.
4:12 & 13 is the final plea.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob
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* This post is a summary of a fantastic sermon by Steve Lawson on Hebrews 4:12.

Scripture Memory 2011

2011-01-04T11:52:00.000-08:00

So for this year, we're going to be emphasizing Scripture memorization. The goal is to memorize one verse each week. We'll be handing out verse cards at SIX33 each week, along with some thoughts on the verse here on the blog. Check back at least weekly to see what's going on and keep up with the passages.

First - scroll down to a couple blogs back and watch the John Piper video. It's only a couple of minutes and very worth watching.

We'll be handing out memory cards each week at SIX33, so our weeks will start on Wednesdays. I'll be posting some thoughts and commentary on the verses each week here to help you with your understanding of the verse(s) that week. Remember our Bible study process:
• Observation (what does it say? We're memorizing this)
• Interpretation (what does it mean? This will be here on the blog)
• Application (how am I changed by this Scripture?)

There will also be some Scripture Memory aids and hints both here and on the website (SIX33 Website)

This week's verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Many of us have memorized this verse to use sharing the Gospel. Remember, everything starts with the Glory of God. John MacArthur says, "Even in the most mundane, routine, nonspiritual things of life, like ordinary eating and drinking, God is to be glorified. his glory is to be our life commitment. it is the purpose of our whole life."

We are memorizing (or meditating on it if you already have it memorized) this verse as a reminder that we should always be about honoring God in everything that we do. There should be no part of your life that is exempt from this. This is Paul's central message to everyone. Christ has set the believer free from sin and punishment. We are to use that freedom to bring glory to God in every detail of our life.

Soli Deo Glori!
Rob
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Alaska!

2010-12-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

It's quite cold here in Alaska. Today's high is MINUS 20!!! It is definitely beautiful here though. How could anyone think that all this beauty just happened by accident?

Scripture Memorization

2010-09-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

So a buddy of mine sent me a link to a YouTube video earlier today.
It's a video of John Piper talking about Scripture memorization.
It's short (about 3 minutes) and really good.
Here's the video and the eight principles are below:
May you be encouraged to memorize Scripture as a result of this.

The Value of Memorizing Scripture
by John Piper
1. Memorizing Scripture makes meditation possible at times when you can’t be reading the Bible and meditation is the pathway to deeper understanding.
If you’re going to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night, you need to have some of it in your head.

2. Memorizing Scripture strengthens my faith.
Faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of God. That happens when I am hearing the Word in my head.

3. Memorizing Scripture shapes the way I view the world.
It conforms my mind to God’s viewpoint on everything.

4. Memorizing Scripture makes God’s word more readily accessible in overcoming temptation to sin.
God’s warnings and promises are the way we conquer the deceitful lies of the devil.

5. Memorizing Scripture guards my mind, making it easier for me to detect error.
The world is filled with error because the god of this world is a liar.

6. Memorizing Scripture enables me to hit the devil in the face with a force he cannot resist to protect myself (and my family) from his assaults.
What are you hitting him with? He is millions of times stronger than you and he hates you and your family and your marriage and your church and God. How can you walk through this devil-ruled world without a sword in your hand?

7. Memorizing Scripture provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to others in need.
Ever been caught off guard when you meet someone in need? You don’t need to be.

8. Memorizing Scripture provides the matrix because He talks to me here and nowhere else.
But oh sweetly, powerfully, authentically, really speaks to me here.
I speak back to Him in prayer. If the words of Scripture are in your mind, you can talk with Him anywhere!

Last Flight

2010-07-23T12:51:00.001-07:00

So we made it to the airport, through security, and to our gate with a little over an hour to spare. The students are off grabbing some food and then we'll board the plane and be on our way to California. John Powell was gracious to drive the bus, so he'll be picking us up at LAX in just a little while. It really has been a good trip. The students had a good time, did an AMAZING job not only singing, but planning and executing a VBS pretty much all on their own.
Our flight is scheduled to land at 6:20 pacific time.

I was chatting with several of our students last night asking them what the highlight of the trip was and got some great responses. Some really enjoyed the significant ministry with the children and some pointed to singing live on the radio (scroll down for a previous post). I think every student learned something, was stretched, and has grown as a result of being a part of this mission project.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Rob

Last Train Ride

2010-07-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

So we're on the Orange Line headed to Midway Airport. Our last train ride of the trip. So far, it's all smooth. We all made it on the train pretty smoothly and we're on schedule! All is well!

Tyler Closing in Prayer

2010-07-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

Tyler finished things out reminding the children of all we had taught them about the Gospel and then prayed for them.

Concluding VBS

2010-07-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Even in the midst of being pretty tired, the students did an amazing job today of concluding our time with the kids here. It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to serve with our High School Students. I had no doubt they could pull off this VBS and this week and it was great to watch them plan and carry out an amazing VBS with only some basic structure to build on.
Be very proud of our students. I know I sure am!

Alex & friend

2010-07-22T19:18:00.001-07:00

Snack Time

2010-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

Two more of the children from the week.

2010-07-22T19:17:00.001-07:00

Just a glimpse of the faces of the kids we had the privilege of ministering to this week.

This is my kind of VBS

2010-07-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

In Chicago, the VBS snack is pizza! Doing VBS Chicago style!

Two of the girls in VBS with us this week.

2010-07-22T19:15:00.001-07:00

We had quite a few children this week and everyone had a great time.

Rob, Ciara, Erin

2010-07-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

The real question is, "why is Rob wearing a shirt from that little state up in the Northwest?"

Amy & Friend

2010-07-22T19:09:00.001-07:00

Casey!

2010-07-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Krystyl & Friend

2010-07-22T19:08:00.001-07:00

Sara & Friend

2010-07-22T19:08:00.000-07:00

Transfer Point

2010-07-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Every day's travel included a trip on the Orange Line to Western where we transferred to a bus for the rest of the trip. Using public transportation is distinctly different than what we're used to, but kind of fun too.

More snacking

2010-07-22T19:06:00.001-07:00

Bus Station Snack Time

2010-07-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Jarrett Payton

2010-07-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

The SWC with Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton's son right after meeting him and singing live on his radio show tonight. We were just walking down the street, saw the show through a window, waved and cheered, got invited in, 10 minutes later, we're singing live on his radio show!

The Voice of Immanuel

2010-07-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Larry introducing us live on Jarrett Payton's radio show.