​From Our Family Pastor, Dennis Johns:

As I write, I am excitedly preparing for Youth Camp. As
you read, we will be returning from a week of long days and
short nights. As we pack and prepare the boxes of supplies
that accompany us to camp, we are eagerly anticipating the
restoration that our camp theme is promising; “RESTORED.”
We will have spent the week exploring the teachings of Jesus in
Matthew 5-7 and hope that you will be witnessing the fulfillment
of Spiritual Impact.
Jesus spoke words of wisdom in this passage that went
against the grain of modern society at the time and still today
is hard for us to wrap our minds around. In the Beatitudes
Jesus speaks of those who were thought to be unblessed and
unblessable and encourages that there is something about life
in the kingdom of God that makes them blessed. He spoke of
not retaliating when we are wronged, not seeking wealth, and
actually loving our enemies, which were counter to the culture.
Jesus’ teachings reveal the truth of our access to God’s
restored kingdom emphasizing the reality of restoration through
His affirming love. He welcomes all who have been broken,
mistreated, left out, or left behind. He is in the business of
restoring broken lives.
There is so much for us to learn this week! In just these
two chapters Jesus teaches about: the beatitudes, salt and
light, the law, anger, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, love
for enemies, giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, money, worry,
judging others, asking, seeking, knocking, the narrow gate, a
tree and its fruit, hearing and doing- whew, we might have to
stay longer.
As we return from the week of recreation, Bible study, retreat,
camp food, fun, fellowship…I pray that a new understanding of
our purpose in the restored Kingdom will be the fruit that is
witnessed. I pray that we will be salt and light, I pray that we will
be wise in our “doing” the Word. Won’t you join us?