Novus Camper

I’m so grateful for Matthew, the first Good News "influencer" in the New Testament of the Bible. 

Out of the four Gospels, two were written for sinners and two for believers. Being a Jew himself, Matthew aimed to help new believers recognize Jesus for who He truly was. 

Matt's book primarily focuses on "The Camp Leader's World" – the Kingdom of God. He blogs about our "Good" Camp Leader, referring to Him as the "King of the Jews," and describes the world where Jesus is both the sole Camp Leader and King. He encourages followers to recognize their new Jewish roots, introducing them to Abraham and David. He reassures new Jewish believers not to shy away from Christian campers and comforts new Christian believers not to fear Jewish campers.

With his deep understanding of our Camp Leader's standards and calling, Matthew wrote the ultimate discipleship manual, showing new believers how to camp – Jesus’ way.

It’s a powerful transformation guide that helps those who have “decided” to follow Christ evolve into true “disciples” and sons and daughters of Christ.

Matthew influences eternal campers to yield to His call and get ready to camp with Jesus, both now and for eternity.

The five guides for new believers are:

1. The Lifestyle - our attitude on the trip (Matt 5 - 6)

2. Their Mission - how to bring in new believers (Matt 9 - 10)

3. The Growth - how we and His kingdom grows (Matt 13)

4. The Community -  how good and evil camping together (Matt 18)

5. The Future - how to waiting on His return (Matt 24-25)

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Then he highlights three fundamental themes for discipleship:

1. Believing – a continue to trust in Him.

2. Righteousness – It’s not about what we say but what we do that concerns our Father. We are not saved by righteousness but for righteousness.

3. Judgment – Matthew warns believers (not unbelievers) not to fear men but God. If we fear God, we will not fear anyone else.

In this book, Matthew emphasizes 44 times that we are not just believers, but sons of the Father. This means it’s not all about rules, but more importantly, about relationship—because legalism is the biggest enemy of the campers."

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Most importantly, Matt didn’t write a five-page discipleship document outlining rules for new believers. Instead, he shared the news of how Jesus lived, loved, and transformed others through relationships.

And that's what Jesus wants to do for all new campers. He knows that if you’re willing to believe in Him, get to know Him, and understand His ways, you too will grow in the desire to spend eternity with Him."  

One of the beautiful oil painting my mum painted before the end of her life.

My Beautiful, only in the arms of the One who loves you first can life be a love song.