Revelations

The past two years have been challenging to say the least. Today, more than ever, our teenagers need a sense of security and purpose. As parents, we try to provide those things for our children, but it can be hard navigating through all the messages and influences our children face.

This year, teen camp will be focusing on Matthew 16:13-18. Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Many disciples tried to answer the question but only Peter got it right. He responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” In response, Jesus tells Peter “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Jesus was telling Peter that based on the revelation knowledge of the Holy Spirit, Peter was able to see who Jesus really was. It is this revelation knowledge that the church of God is built upon. Jesus wasn’t referring, necessarily, to a church building, but to us. We are the church! When we receive revelation knowledge from God we are able to go out into the world and impact it for Christ!

There’s a lot of knowledge in the world today and a lot of access to that knowledge. We need to teach this generation to look to God for knowledge. We need to help them hear from the Holy Spirit and walk in the revelation knowledge of who God is in their lives. Once they understand who they are in Christ and who God is to them, the gates of hell will not prevail against them as they grow and face life’s challenges.

Teens today need to identify with the “Son of the living God”. They need a personal encounter with him, not just at camp but everyday of their lives. As parents and youth leaders we can help this generation hear the word of God. We can model to them our our experiences in prayer and help them step out in what God is calling them to do.

This generation of teens are hungry for something more in their lives. They are looking for identity and direction. We need to show them that they can get this from the Holy Spirit if they just take the time to listen. Our intention this year at camp is to allow them to do just that!