Day 4 at Camp Areté
Pastor Dave is back in action, blessing us with insightful connections between Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 in the Bible. Both chapters describe prophetic visions that outline a sequence of world empires, ending with God’s eternal kingdom. In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a statue made of various materials representing different empires: Babylon (gold head), Medo-Persia (silver chest and arms), Greece (bronze belly and thighs), and Rome (iron legs and feet of iron and clay). This statue is destroyed by a “stone cut without hands,” symbolizing Jesus’s literal, physical return to establish His millennial reign on earth. In Daniel 7, Daniel dreams of four beasts representing the same empires: a lion with eagle’s wings (Babylon), a bear (Medo-Persia), a leopard (Greece), and a terrifying beast (Rome). Despite using different symbols, both visions highlight that human kingdoms are temporary and will be replaced by God’s eternal kingdom. This consistent message assures us of God’s ultimate triumph over all earthly powers. In the end, we win because Jesus is victorious!
Jeff guided us through a theological discussion, delving into the complex topic of Christian eschatology, focusing on three major views: amillennialism, premillennialism, and postmillennialism. These perspectives interpret Revelation 20 differently regarding the “millennium” and also offer distinct views on the stone “cut out without hands” in Daniel 2.
Amillennialism sees the Millennium allegorically, as the current Church Age where Christ reigns spiritually in believers’ hearts, rejecting a literal 1,000-year reign on earth. They interpret the stone in Daniel 2 as symbolizing Christ’s spiritual kingdom that gradually expands through the church.
Postmillennialism suggests a blend of these views, proposing that the Millennium represents a golden age of Christian dominance and peace achieved through the spread of the gospel and moral reform, after which Christ will return. They view the stone as the gradual and inevitable triumph of Christ’s kingdom over the world’s systems.
Premillennialism, on the other hand, takes a literal approach, believing that Christ will return before a literal 1,000-year reign, establishing His physical kingdom on earth after a period of tribulation, which includes the rapture of believers. They see the stone as representing Christ’s return to destroy earthly kingdoms and establish His millennial reign.
After reviewing each view with a focus on allegorical versus literal interpretation, we asked the campers what Camp Areté held. It was unanimous; they said Premillennialism. Our goal was to give the campers a deep understanding of each view and why we hold to premillennialism. Victory! Thank you for your prayers.
Of course, this is camp, and we wouldn’t be doing things right without a fun-filled day. Today was no exception. We had a fantastic day filled with exciting activities. We started with a swimming test to prepare for our upcoming day at the lake. James Spaniel, one of our amazing camp counselors and a lifeguard, along with camper Sam Roseland, also a life guard, did a stellar job evaluating our campers and getting everyone ready for a fun Thursday at the lake.
We also held our annual Areté flag football tournament, where each tribe created jerseys inspired by a Fruit of the Spirit. It was a thrilling competition, full of fun and camaraderie. Additionally, our servant leaders faced their fears and triumphed on the ropes course, with Jeff and Eric providing essential support to help them overcome anxiety. Jeff, Eric, and Ginger have truly stepped up as directors, ensuring the success of our program and reinforcing that Jesus is our rock.
Praise:
- For another great day of solid Bible teaching, enriching our understanding and faith.
- For Sam and James, who stepped up and demonstrated leadership during the swimming test.
- For all of our wonderful campers who stay engaged with us through three separate hours of profound Bible teaching.
- Praise to our Heavenly Father for making us aware of those who are doubting their salvation.
- Praise for highlighting those who are struggling with sin in their lives, providing an opportunity for support and guidance.
Petition:
- Pray for our counselors, whose week is long and hard, typically working 14-16 hour days. They are on the front lines of the spiritual battle we are fighting.
- Pray for all staff to continue in the unity of faith and an attitude of love.
- For Jeff, Ginger, and Dave, who are serving our young adults under difficult external circumstances.
- For Loring Boyden and his management of the camp and its very active and complicated schedule.
So happy to see and learn more about camp this year. Prayers continue!