[Summer Camp Edition] One

What We Want Students to Learn: That regardless of what the world may say, there is only one God, and that believing this is essential to life.

Main Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-8 

Supporting Scripture: Isaiah 42:8, John 17:3

Session Snapshot: There’s nothing new about a world that rejects the notion of “one God.” In ancient times, the Israelites were subject to ridicule for their monotheistic ways. Today is no different. Our culture laughs at absolute truth statements. The idea of there being one God is either seen as overly simplistic or threateningly intolerant. But God’s declaration in Deuteronomy 6, and throughout Scripture, flies in the face of such claims. The Bible is clear: there is one true God. Only one. He has a name. He has a history. He has a character, or a nature. He won’t be threatened, diminished, or otherwise moved by the objections of those who refuse to call on Him as Lord. However, He stands lovingly ready to accept all who will come to Him in faith and willing submission. He is the One. And in this session your students will grasp this important truth.

What We Want Students to Learn: The absolute truth that eternal life in heaven and meaningful life on earth is available to all who confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

Main Scripture: John 14:2-7 

Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:18-20, John 3:16 

Session Snapshot: It’s considered offensive today to subscribe to the belief that there’s only one way to eternal life. In our world of political correctness and “tolerance,” it’s difficult to navigate the absolute truth of the Gospel. But the Bible is 100% clear on the subject: Jesus Himself says no one can come to the Father except through Him. The way that Jesus lays this out during His time on earth is so simple, yet even as adults we struggle with it. God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to die and defeat death, that we might be reunited with Him in eternal life. This is a life-changing, universe-altering message for anyone, and your students will encounter what it means that Jesus wants to take our burdens and share eternal life with us.

What We Want Students to Learn: That they are united with every other Christ-follower−one Body, one family−and are called to embrace this unity in how they interact with other believers. 

Main Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-7

Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Colossians 1:18; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:14-17

Session Snapshot: When you profess faith in Christ and enter into a saving relationship with Him, you immediately become a part of a global family. The Church is made up of all believers in Christ, united under the banner of one body and one Spirit, together looking to one hope in Christ. It’s easy for students to feel isolated in the world. But real, authentic community is one of the blessings we receive when we become a Christ-follower. The Church isn’t perfect. But when we live as a unified body, we show the world the difference Christ makes in a person’s life, and reflect God’s grace and goodness in a world in dire need of it.

What We Want Students to Learn: That God desires for all Christ-followers to be about His mission of sharing the truth of the Gospel with all people.

Main Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Supporting Scripture: Romans 10:13-15, Acts 9:14-15

Session Snapshot: The Gospel is the good news that Jesus has come to rescue humankind from their sins. And when you’ve got news this good, it’s almost impossible to keep it in. Jesus calls His followers to share their gift of eternal life with others, to be a city on a hill. We’ve been given this mission so that others may know. How will they know unless, like someone did for us, they are told? God has placed your students within this specific time and place that His name might be glorified, and His love might be shared − whether that’s across the globe or across the street. Your students will be challenged to commit to being messengers of the Gospel in the world they live in.