Summer Camp 2020: The greatest story ever told
I'm pretty sure I’ve always had a Bible. Growing up in a Christian home, I had Bible story books as a child. I was given a Youth Bible as a teenager. I have lots of versions of the Bible to hand - NIV, ESV, CSB, NLT, KJV. I have The Message paraphrase. At some point I acquired a Bible For Men. Not sure what makes it a special edition just for men, but I have it.
For all the Bibles I have had, it was only when I was 22 years old that I did something pretty radical with it - I read it. I know.
I mean, I properly read it. I’d read sections of it before; I knew some passages of Scripture because I remembered it from a preach or it was in a worship song I liked. It was only when I was on my gap year that I finally decided to read it from cover to cover and to take what it said seriously.
Before this, whilst at university, my Bible was simply a prop to prove I was a Christian. It sat on my bedside table gathering dust but was strategically placed for anyone passing by. I can’t remember if I actually ever opened it.
It was verses like these that changed my attitude towards the Bible:
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13
I realized I could no longer be apathetic to the Bible. God has said it all - every word of it! As a Christian, I need to know what God has said. Spurgeon said, ‘To me the Bible is not God. But it is God’s voice, and I do not hear it without awe.’
22-year-old Sam was 10 years ago (you do the maths on my age) and I’m so glad my attitude changed. It really is a wonderful book, an amazing book, the greatest book there is and ever will be!
It has taught me, encouraged and challenged me, comforted and disciplined me. Verses have often said exactly what my heart and head has needed to hear. It has revealed the truth of Jesus to me - how else would I know about his life, death and resurrection without it? It has fostered my conviction that the gospel really is good news for everyone and solidified my decision to follow Jesus. What a miraculous gift from God the Bible is!
This all said, the Bible can seem an intimidating read. Matt Smethurst in Before You Open Your Bible helps name some reasons why:
Sometimes we’re intimidated by its size. The thing is massive - a whole library wedged between two covers. Other times we’re intimidated by what we don’t understand. It is an ancient book filled with names and places and customs and conventions from another cultural world. Still other times the Bible intimidates us because of what we do understand. It’s true; Scripture often doesn’t say what we wish it did.
This is why Summer Camp 2020 is all about the Bible. We want to encourage and equip us to grow in our conviction that God’s word is the greatest story ever told.
We want to help with those things that might be intimidating. We want to put on workshops that discuss the questions you have. We want to give you tips and tools to help you read your Bible. We want to explain its history and reveal the amazing drama that runs from beginning to end. We want you to see how it all points to Jesus and learn ways to use the Bible to witness to those who don’t know Jesus.
I am absolutely convinced that this could be a week that significantly changes you. Making God’s word a defining part of your life is one of the best decisions you could make.
Want to join in? Keep reading for the details…
Summer Camp 2020 will be Monday 15th - Friday 19th June. Each day will have morning devotionals, afternoon workshops and evening socials. There will also be a Road Trip to a beautiful location in Kent - ‘tis the summer, after all, and how often do you get to explore the area as a student?!
We have put it right after the end of term and kept it in Canterbury so it’s as easy as possible for any student of City Church to join in. This also keeps the cost super-low - this year it’s a steal at only £15!
If you need help with accommodation we will try and connect you with other students with spare space in their houses or with others in the church if possible. You will need to provide your own food, but with plenty of eating options on Canterbury high street, as well as a BBQ included in the week, you can cater for your diet and budget with ease.
Sign up is open and all done online - again, so simple! Head there now and be a part of a week we believe will change your life.
About the Author
Sam Gardner is City Students leader and ID supervisor at the City Church. He is passionate about seeing young adults come to know Jesus and spend their lives following Him.
Sam loves his wife Andi, exercising, having dinner with friends and a good cup of tea in the morning.
