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Expect the Unexpected - 2008
Summer Bible Talks theme
“Let justice roll down like
waters, and righteousness like an overflowing stream.” – Amos
5:24
This theme shares that God’s sense of justice is completely
different. Jesus introduces us to unexpected characters (Last,
Lost, Least, Little and Lifeless) in the parables that help to
explore God’s justice, which is giving, forgiving, and
life-changing. Campers will learn that we cannot take or earn such
justice, but that God offers Jesus to us in order that we might
understand God’s justice through the gift of grace. As Christians,
we should expect the unexpected when it comes to God’s vision of
justice through grace in our lives.
The theme for the summer is interwoven
through our worships, games, devotions, songs and Bible Talks!
Day 1: Little
Primary Text: Genesis 50:15-21
(Joseph and his brothers)
Catechism Connection: Third
Article of the Apostles’ Creed; Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Focus Points:
•
God’s justice may
come in unexpected ways.
•
God’s justice
overcomes our injustice.
•
We are called to spread God’s justice and love.
Additional Bible References: Luke
18:1-8; Matthew 6:9-10; Mark 2:16-17
Day 2: Last
Primary Text: Matthew 20:1-16
(Laborers in the Vineyard)
Catechism Connection:
Fourth Petition of
the Lord’s Prayer
Focus Points:
•
God’s justice is not
a matter of fairness.
•
God’s justice is not
based on our work but God’s grace.
• We should
appreciate the justice of God’s love & grace & support others who
also receive the gift.
Additional Bible References:
Matthew 6:11; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ephesians 2:8-10
Day 3: Lost
Primary Text:
Luke 15:1-10 (The Lost Sheep & The Lost Coin)
Catechism Connection:
Fifth
Petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Focus Points:
•
God’s justice is all
about forgiveness.
•
Living in God’s
justice, we are called to forgive.
•
Justice is expressed in faithfulness.
Additional Bible References: Matthew 6:12; 1 Corinthians
4:1-2; Colossians 3:12-17
Day 4: Least
Primary Text: Mark 4:30-32 (The
Mustard Seed)
Catechism Connection:
The
Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Focus Points:
•
God’s justice is revealed in the scandal of Jesus’
death on the cross.
•
God’s justice is not a power imposed but a presence
exposed.
•
Justice for us is not simply a matter of what we do
but also who we are.
Additional Bible References: Micah
5:2; Isaiah 53:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:25-31
Day 5: Lifeless
Primary Text: Luke 18:9-14 (The
Pharisee & the Tax Collector)
Catechism Connection:
Second
Petition of the Lord’s Prayer
Focus Points:
•
Justice is
experienced in what God does for sinners.
•
It is
as justified sinners that we participate in the justice of God.
Additional Bible References: Luke
6:37-38; Romans 2:1-4; Matthew 5:23-24
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