N. New South Wales Campmeeting, Australia
This week I am speaking at the N. New South Wales Big Camp. The event started last Friday night and God has truly blessed.
The first night we took a look about the foundational struggle that every human being on the face of the earth can relate with, the battle between the flesh and the spirit (see Genesis 6:12 and I John 2:16.17).
On Saturday (Sabbath) morning we moved into Romans 8 where Paul spells out further the theology between the flesh and the spirit. He reminds us that when we are in the flesh, our minds are focused on the things of the flesh, and that as result, we feel like death. Conversely when we are lead by the Spirit, our mind is focused on the things of the Spirit and we have life and peace.
Then last night (Sunday evening) I was in a bit of a conundrum. I was supposed to speak on Revelation 1, but I was sensing from some that they were wanting a bit more clarity and something more to stand on scripturally to support what was being said. After some prayer and digging in the Word, I sensed that God was leading us to Romans 7. It is here that Paul uses the analogy of a woman who wants to have an affair on her husband because she has met someone better. Paul uses this analogy to spell out the fact that we are all married to the law. The moment that a child is born into the world, they are born into a universe that is governed by the heavenly principles found in the 10 Commandments. But one day Jesus comes along and we recognize that we are married to the law which condemns us to death, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. So we meet Jesus and unlike the law, because it is stone, Jesus empathizes and sympathizes with us. He is there to encourage us to love on us. Suddenly we desire to be in a love relationship with Him and not our husband (the law). If we go off with Jesus we are an adulterer and the only way to end the marriage we are now in is if someone dies.
Jesus tells us that in order to really live, we must die. Paul says that he dies daily and that he has been crucified with Christ so that it is no longer he who lives, but Christ who lives in him (Galatians 2). When the woman dies to self, she raises to new life in Christ. She is now married to her new husband, Jesus. A guy who sympathizes with her, empathizes with her, cries with her, laughs with her, rejoices in the good times and the bad, and cleans her off when she gets dirty. I praise God for Jesus who delivered me from my body of death!
Hope to see you back out tonight as we continue on!
Posted by matthew gamble on October 07, 2007 at 01:15 PM
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Hey Matthew,
Posted by Tammy on October 07, 2007 at 07:21 PM | #you were absolutely on fire last night! Preachin’ the Word. Just wanted to say thanks for telling it like it is and letting the Passion flow. Jesus C set the scene for you and had the whole place soakin’ it in. I know he will keep bringin it. All love and support for your ministry, Tammy.
Oh hey Matthew,
I forgot that I wanted to ask you a question.
You were preachin’ about being depressed in church and I can totally relate to that. It’s kinda hard to explain but I feel like some times when I’m at church I full on get attacked by Satan. It’s like he makes me suddenly realise I shouldn’t be enjoying worshipping and then I get down on myself. It is most acute when I am testifying through my music - it’s so bad that it makes me want to stay away from church. What’s with that? Tammy.
P.S Here’s my email if you wanna chat -
Posted by tammy on October 07, 2007 at 07:34 PM | #Matt, you are a man inspired! I praise God for you being out there, spreading the Good News! I continue to pray for you and your ministry, Matt! You da man.......God’s man!
Posted by Robin on October 07, 2007 at 09:03 PM | #Thanks guys for the continued support. I praise God that He is showing up and revealing Himself. I am humbled by the way that He is moving and it is my prayer that He continues to show up.
Tammy… I will fire you an email.
Blessings!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on October 08, 2007 at 06:50 PM | #Hey Matthew,
Posted by Paul g on October 09, 2007 at 02:12 AM | #Keep the fire burning. Praying for you this week buddy.
Paul G
Paul G… is that the one from the Gold Coast? Regardless thank you for the continued prayers!
Posted by matthew gamble on October 10, 2007 at 12:41 AM | #Hey Matt,
Love your work. The message the other night from Psalms 46.10 was great! It really hit a chord with me.
“Be still and know that I Am God”
I’m glad you enjoyed the bike as well
God Bless always!
Glenn and Karen Houssenloge
Posted by Glenn on October 10, 2007 at 05:50 PM | #Thanks so much for the chat today Matthew. I really appreciated it. You are crazy, busy man. All blessings for you and your wife tonight, and the rest of the week. God bless.
P.S Now feel fantastic - am riding the high even if it don’t last that long. Praising God for the respite AND the hard times.
Posted by Tammy on October 10, 2007 at 08:02 PM | #Thankyou for your msg’s. I have the worst attention span and you keep me listening the whole time. You are bringing it to our youth and to all who listen with power and authority, which i can see comes from Jesus. I would really like to have a talk with you if i get a chance sometime this camp. I know you are a busy man but i guess we will just have to see if we cross paths. If not God bless and keep doing what your doing.
Posted by grug06 on October 10, 2007 at 10:49 PM | #Tammy it was great meeting with you today. Prayers ascend in your behalf.
grug06, feel free to fire me an email to . That is the best way to keep in touch.
Blessings to you guys. It has been an amazing week in the 18+ tent. I praise God for all the hard work of the leaders to create the environment where we are connecting with God.
Posted by matthew gamble on October 11, 2007 at 06:13 AM | #Matt
Just wanted to say one word that comes to mind from your talks all week.
INTEGRITY
Thanks so much for being vulnerable
With what you shared
It spoke to me
and gave me hope
Elia
Posted by elia crevar on October 13, 2007 at 02:11 AM | #P.S Sweet as
pastor gamble,
Posted by Josh Moses on October 13, 2007 at 07:20 AM | #i just arrived back at avondale college totally missin big camp already. i really appreciated all that ya had to say, and was uplifted. thanks to you for what ya said and thanks to God for using ya as His conduit.....blessings and safe travels back home....i think i’ma have to come up to the northwest next time i’m back in the states and pay ya church a visit. much love..
Hey Mattchewww ... you got that black lingo down pat
Loved your message this past week at Big Camp. Particularly, I’ve loved the no nonsense break it all down strip away the ‘religion’ focus on the gospel things you had to say - keep it up. Didn’t get to say hi in person though I wished I did - you spoke right to my heart mate. Blessing on your ministry there, would love to chat more about how you ‘do’ church 24/7 ...
Rod
Posted by Rod L on October 13, 2007 at 04:59 PM | #Hey Matt, I was so blessed by the message that the Lord gave to us through you at Big Camp. I’m left with so many things to keep unpackiNg from your sermons. Thank you for standing up and being so open and honest. It can be a rare thing sometimes.
God bless you and God bless your church.
Posted by Ben on October 14, 2007 at 02:49 AM | #Dear Matthew,
Posted by Gemma on October 14, 2007 at 05:37 AM | #Thank you so much for your talks this week at Big Camp. Do you know where I could get recordings of your talks from this week? I really felt what you said. Thanks for being so real with us. Your story inspired me, and your perspective brought me closer to God. Thank you so much.
Gemma.
hey, matt
Posted by ashley on October 14, 2007 at 06:22 PM | #thanks so much for spiritually reviving me this past week i believe that Christ is working within u through ur past journey and experiences.
I’d like to reveal with u a special calling i recieved from God on ur Friday night meeting when u did the altar call.
during friday afternoon i was sleeping and i started to deeply thing about the song ‘Jesus Lover Of My Soul’, it touched my heart. and when u called for the altar call that song was playing.
I believe that god was calling me to be a part of him.
thankyou so much, God has used u to change sooo many lives this past week and make me ‘Alive In Christ’
God is sooooo gooood! I truly praise Him for all the blessings that he showered out on your lives this past week. Susan and I had a great time at Big Camp and hope to make it back again someday soon.
ROD - If you have specifics about 24-Seven I would be more than happy to answer them. Fire me an email to and let’s get the dialog going.
ASHLEY - God was really speaking to you heart. That is the important thing is that we remain connected to Jesus. May He continue to lead you every step of the way.
Blessings to you all!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on October 14, 2007 at 10:55 PM | #Hey Matty
I was truly blessed as I was two years ago. Thank you so much for being so real. It gave me hope to know that others go through similar things.
The thing for me that really stood out was Jesus and his unconditional love. Thank you lifting Him high.
It was great to meet your lovely wife, Susan. Hope she was able to cope with us Aussies.
Dave
Posted by Dave on October 15, 2007 at 03:39 AM | #Hey Dave!
It was great seeing you again. God is up to something and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
Keepin’ the hat’s off!
Blessings,
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on October 15, 2007 at 01:55 PM | #Hey Matty. Dude i jus wanna praise the Lord for speaking through u at Big Camp. I got something out of every sermon. My mate came up to u and said they were driving 4 hours to get more drugs. Yeah i was off my face that nite through your sermon but God works miracles and convicted me that same time and so im giving praise to God for making me decide to stop doin ecstaty. I ve been a critic ive been completely away from the church but the past year ive been walking around in circles not knowing who or where God is. But your sermons about relationship with Jesus showed me exactly where i am meant to be. Praise the Lord
Posted by Michael on October 16, 2007 at 04:04 AM | #Sup Michael!
Thank you for your honesty, and if I can translate for our readers from the US:
“Mate” = Friend, not lover.
“Off my face” = wasted on drugs or alcohol.
God is up to something and I praise Him for showing up in your life. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to remain connected to Him throughout the journey of life.
Blessings and courage to you!
mwg
Posted by matthew gamble on October 16, 2007 at 07:30 AM | #Hey Matthew.
i really enjoyed having you back at Big Camp this year. i was thrilled when i heard you were coming back. i was in the highschool tent when you spoke last time.. i must say that God really works through you. it was really inspirational.
i cant remember, but im pretty sure it was you who had talked about relationships.. like dating.. two years ago at camp. if it was i wanna ask you some questions because im needing some help.. i know its all in Gods hands but its useful for some human help too.... its just that my boyfriend isn’t religous.. and he just doesn’t know what he believes.. i want to try to prove God exists.. like actual evidence.. because some people feel that they need the evidence.. but i dont know if thats possible because i know it has alot to do with our faith.. could you help me out?? if that in any way confused you, you can email me .. but email me anyway if you can help.. thank
anyway, i just thank God that you were here this year. my boyfriend came down for camp for the last three meetings and i think he got something out of it which i must say is a blessing because he is not religious.. i want him to see God and i think you’ve helped in some way, so thankyou
it has also helped me.. and challenged me to change some things in my life. so thank you.
God Bless you and your ministries.
Stefanie
p.s. my email is:
Posted by Stefanie B on October 17, 2007 at 10:11 PM | #p.p.s. one more thing.. i remember you talking about that the ministry your in, 24seven, went through the things off the church and decided that many have been broadened and arn’t needed for this day and age and arn’t straight from the Bible.. and have been stretched out of proportion and stuff.. like you kno what i mean?? like i think you gave an example about elders.. anyway, i was wondering.. what is your opinion on relationships in that matter.. you know how parents are all lik ‘dont do this and dont do that’ .. but what do you think GOD actualy means by it all?? what is write and what is wrong and what is too far?? anyway.. its a little off topic.. and im sure if i searched enough i could have found your email to ask you these things.. but yes i must say i forgot it.. although you must have said it one hundred times .. my bad.. so yea, when you get time, if you have anything that could help, could you please get back to me? ... thanks
Peace.
Posted by Stefanie B on October 17, 2007 at 10:20 PM | #God Bless.
Stef
Hey Stefanie! For starters, I praise God that your boyfriend was able to make it to a few of the sessions. I wish that he could have been their earlier in the week to get the background from what we were building on, but I am thankful that he was able to be there when he was.
RE: 24-SEVEN + THE SDA CHURCH - For clarification, what I was saying is that there are a lot of traditions that have crept into our church that have overshadowed Biblical principles. For instance, the position of elder in a church is Biblical, but often it seems that we’ve moved so far away from what a elder was during the early church that I believe that we need to revisit what it means to be an elder, deacon, or pastor from the Biblical perspective, repent and then move forward in a more Bible-honoring approach.
RE: RELATIONSHIPS - I will fire you an email.
Blessings,
mwg
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