Where can we learn about God's rules? God's most special "map" for us is the Bible. That's the reason we use it each week to help us "learn the way." And that way is Jesus. Listen carefully today, and you'll hear him tell us so.
We went to the mountain prepared. Look what we took along! First of all, we dressed warmly in slacks and warm sweater, socks and shoes. (Be prepared to pick up each item and hold it so the children can see it, as you talk about the item.) Since, we knew we were going to play in the snow, we put on a heavy jacket, and wrapped a wool scarf around our neck. And, we wore a knitted hat and mittens. Oh and we didn’t forget to bring our snow boots to pull on over our shoes. We were prepared for the cold weather! Sure enough when we got to the mountain, it was very cold. Even with the sun shining on the snow, we were glad that we had all of those garments to keep us warm.
Children's Sermon Exodus 7-9 The Lesson of Consequences Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists Exodus 7-9 The Lesson of Consequences By Lois Parker Edstrom Object suggested: Two inexpensive buckets or other similar containers - a functional one and one that has had holes drilled in bottom. Let's talk [...]
Prayer is a way we can approach a difficult problem. Prayer, like a crowbar, gives us the extra strength we need to complete a difficult task or find the solution to a tough problem. The Bible reminds us to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power." As Christians we find our strength through prayer to God.
We all have days when we feel hurt or discouraged and on those days it is even more important to find beauty and give thanks. The Bible tells us to make "melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The light mentioned in the Bible is God's love. God's love helps us make good choices–– choices we are not ashamed of, activities and behavior we don't mind others seeing. The Bible tells us that when we live in the light of God's love we find all that is good and right and true. Do good work and live in the light.
We all make mistakes. We have done things we wish we hadn’t. We have acted in ways that were not pleasant. God loves us and forgives us for those mistakes we have made. We can use that love to be kind and forgive others. "Live in love."
It is this command that I want to talk with you about today. A command is an order. If you are going to be a follower of Jesus, you have to do this. It’s an order from Jesus. Here is the order. Listen carefully. Jesus said to the disciples: “I’m giving you a new command: you must love one another, just as I have loved you. You also must love one another." That’s it: “Love one another.” Now, I’ll tell you a secret that I’ll bet most of the grownups don’t know. In the New Testament, the words “one another” always means fellow disciples—Jesus’ followers. So Jesus is commanding his disciples to love each other.
You have great value. As you use your talents to share God’s love with others you "lead a life worthy" of that calling. You have an opportunity to share God’s love through the useful and helpful things you do. Whatever you do, think about making your life "worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
Jesus used the chance to set an important example: that we should never act as though we are better than others. Even Jesus was not too great to show love and kindness - and respect - to others. And at the end of the Gospel story he tells the disciples exactly what they can do to let the world know that they are his followers. Can you guess what that is? Jesus tells them to love one another. To love one another in exactly the same way that he has loved them.