The Flame

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

 Props: large candle with tight lid, lighter

 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6

             (Light candle).  As 2 Timothy 1:6 says, the Bible compares the gifts God gives us to a flame.  God has given each of us special gifts.  Those gifts may start out small, like this flame is small right now.  Maybe you love music but don’t know how to play an instrument yet.  Your love of music may be a gift that God wants you to use for Him.  It might be that you enjoy writing or painting or just talking to and encouraging other people.  Those can all be gifts that God wants to use to help others.  And, like our memory verse says, you have to fan those gifts into flame.  You have to work at developing the gifts that God has given you.

            This flame cannot live unless it is fed.  Right now, it is being fed oxygen.  Without the oxygen, it will die.  (Place lid on candle).  It didn’t take long at all for the flame to go out completely.  Unless you feed your spiritual gifts, they will die out too.  If you don’t spend time with God in prayer and don’t read your Bible, if you don’t spend time learning more about, practicing and growing in your gifts, your gifts will die. 

(Relight candle).  Now let’s see what happens when I “fan into flame” this fire.  (Lightly blow on candle until the flame grows).  Feeding it oxygen makes it grow.  In fact, if I kept feeding this flame, it would grow into a huge fire and could even burn forever.  You could make your gifts that strong, too.  There are a number of things you can do to feed your spiritual gifts and make them grow.  Your spiritual gifts must be fed by the presence of God and by His Word, the Bible.  When you spend time with God in prayer and in studying the Bible, your gifts will grow stronger.  Your gifts will also grow stronger when you learn from others.  Do you have the gift of teaching?  Learn from good teachers.  Do you enjoy praying with others?  Spend time praying with people who know how to go to God in prayer.  How about acting, serving, singing, dancing, helping others or playing a musical instrument?  Learn from people who are good at those things.  Also, don’t wait until you’re perfect to start using your gifts.  Use them now.

If you spend time with God, learn from others and continue using your gifts, they’ll keep getting stronger and greater.

The Heart of the Matter

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NIV)

 Props: 4 dark balloons, marker, pin, 4 paper hearts—2 dark and 2 white

 Preparation: Stuff 4 dark balloons with paper hearts–2 dark and 2 white.  Blow up the balloons and tie them.  Label each balloon with the name of the corresponding action.  

 Read 1 Corinthians 4:5 aloud and explain as needed.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Oh, no!  I don’t want Jesus to judge everything I’ve done.  I’ve done some pretty bad things.”  The truth is, all of us have messed up.  We’re all human.  The good news is that Jesus looks past what we do, and He sees our heart.  Let me show you what I’m talking about.

(Display balloon labeled “Burned counter”).  Once there was a little girl who loved to help her mother.  One day while she was walking through the kitchen, she noticed that a pot of corn was on the stove and it was about to burn.  Wanting to help, she took the pot off the stove and put it on the countertop.  The pot was still very hot, and it burned the counter.  She didn’t mean to, she was just trying to help.  Jesus sees past the burnt counter, and he looks to the heart.  (Pop balloon and display white heart).  Her heart was pure and right.  That’s what counts.       

            (Display balloon labeled “Cleaned house”).  There was also a little boy who cleaned the whole house for his mother one day.  That seems like a very nice, thoughtful thing to do.  Let’s see how his heart looks.  (Pop balloon and display dark heart).  What?!  His heart is dark—that means that what he did will be judged as bad.  Why would that be?  It seems that the only reason he cleaned the house was to get money out of his mom and to be allowed to go to his friend’s house.  He wasn’t interested in helping at all.  In fact, he had a bad attitude.  So, all of his cleaning will amount to nothing. 

            (Display 2 balloons, each labeled “Read Bible”).  Here we have a boy and a girl who each read their Bible.  Surely they will both be judged the same, right?  They did the same exact thing!  Let’s find out.  (Pop “boy’s” balloon and display white heart).  The boy came out good!  Jesus is pleased with Him.  He read his Bible every day because He wanted to make God happy and learn how to live for Him and do what’s right.  The girl…(pop balloon and display dark heart)…well, she didn’t do so well.  Jesus isn’t pleased with her because the only reason she read her Bible was to get more points than her friends in Sunday school class.  Her actions were good, but her reason for doing them wasn’t. 

            Jesus is our Judge.  He is the one who will look at all we’ve done and decide whether it’s good or bad.  He looks at the heart.       

The Heart/Wallet Connection

…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

 Props: a large heart cut-out, a wallet, small piece of string

 Preparation: tape one side of the string to the heart, the other side to the wallet

 In the Bible we read that Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  To help us understand what Jesus was talking about, I brought a wallet with me.  A wallet holds your money.  Money is like the treasure Jesus was talking about.  Your money goes lots of different places, doesn’t it?  It goes to the toy store (carry wallet across stage, with the heart following behind it), the ice cream truck (carry wallet to the other side of the stage), the video store (carry wallet to the front of the stage), the mall (carry wallet to the back of the stage) and hopefully to church (return to the center of the stage).  That’s quite a few places to take your money and spend it.  Did you notice what followed the wallet everywhere?  (Allow for response).  Right!  The heart.  That’s because Jesus said, “…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 In other words, the things you spend your money on are the things you really love.  If you spend lots of money on clothes, that shows you really love clothes.  If all your birthday money gets spent on video games, you really love video games.  That’s where your heart is.  But if you use and spend your money for God, it shows that you really love Him.

            God never asked anyone to give 100% of their money for Him, because He knows we need homes and clothes and food.  But He did say to give and that when we do, it shows we love Him.  Remember, your heart will follow your wallet.  So if you give your money to God, your heart will be with Him.

The Holy Spirit Will Empower You to Pray

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

Romans 8:26, 27 (NIV)

 Props:  bowling ball and pins  

            When we go bowling our goal is to knock all of the pins down.  What are some things that help us do that? (Throwing the ball with strength, holding your wrist straight, lining up with the arrows, using “Buddy Bumpers” when necessary)  We must do our part and the other instruments (arrows, bumpers) will do their part. 

            When we pray, our main goal is to reach God.  But sometimes, no matter how hard we’re trying, our prayers end up in the “gutter.”  In other words, sometimes our prayers don’t reach God because we don’t pray the things that God wants us to.  We can get “off track” in our prayers without even realizing it, by praying selfish prayers or asking for things that aren’t for our best or the best of others.  The job of the Holy Spirit is to keep us “on track” so that our prayers will reach God.  The Spirit will always pray the things that God wants.  So we need to “line up” our prayers with God’s Word, just like I line up my ball with the arrows when I go bowling.  But we also need to allow the Holy Spirit to pray for us and through us.  He will act like the “Buddy Bumpers” for our prayers.  He will make sure that our prayers line up with God’s will and that they will reach God. 

            We can be our best with God’s Holy Spirit.  He will make our prayer life powerful.

The Holy Spirit Will Empower You to Speak

“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 13:9-11 (NIV)

 Props: Poster board with Mark 13:10, 11 written on it

 Good morning, boys and girls.  As we continue our teaching on the Holy Spirit, there are a few scriptures I would like to share with you.  Mark 13:10, 11 says…um…Mark 13:10, 11 says…well, I can’t remember.  Oh, this is terrible.  I studied it and everything.  Now I can’t even think of the first word.  And I’m supposed to be the teacher!  Now what am I going to do?  I can’t very well continue my lesson if I can’t remember the verse.  (A helper calls your attention to the back of the room where he is holding the poster board).  Whew!  That was just in time.  Thankfully, there was help just when I needed it.  (Read from poster board).  Mark 13:10, 11 says, “The good news has to be preached to all nations before the end comes. You will be arrested and brought to trial. But don’t worry ahead of time about what you will say. Just say what God brings to your mind at the time. It is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”  In other words, Jesus is telling His disciples that they will have to stand up to judges and kings and tell them the truth about Him.  But they’re not supposed to worry about it ahead of time, because the Holy Spirit will speak through them.  He will give them the words to say. 

There will be times when you feel like you are supposed to talk to someone about God, or say something to someone in need.  There may also be times when someone asks you about why you believe in God or about what the Bible says.  Maybe you feel shy about talking to people like that, because you’re not sure what you’re going to say.  It could be that you don’t even want to start a conversation about God because you think you’ll forget everything and sound silly.  But Jesus said don’t worry ahead of time about what you were going to say.  When you are filled with God’s Spirit, He’ll give you the words.  He will be like my helper today, who held up the words for me just in time.  (The Holy Spirit won’t stand in front of you with a poster board, but He will speak the words to your heart if you’re listening for His voice). 

            We can be our best with God’s Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit will speak through you and give you the words to say when you need it most.  Follow after God and His Holy Spirit and let Him work through you in amazing ways.

The Joy of Obedience (Philippians 2:8-11, James 4:4-10)

Props: ladder (or large picture of a ladder)

 The death Jesus died was very shameful.  In Jesus’ time, only criminals were crucified.  So when Jesus was praying in the garden, He knew that He—the King of Kings, God’s Son—was about to die a shameful death and be put in a low position.  The soldiers would mock Him and spit on Him.  The people would laugh at Him and call Him names.  Jesus would be put into the very lowest place there was.  (Point—or step up—to the lowest place on the ladder). 

People talk about moving up the “ladder of success.”  People say you need to try to climb up that ladder to become as powerful and rich as possible.  They say it doesn’t matter what you have to do to get there.  You can hurt other people along the way.  You can lie, cheat, steal…whatever.  Is that true?  Of course not! 

God’s ways are completely different.  He says that true success is obedience to Him and serving others.  In the world’s eyes, that would put you at the bottom of the ladder.  But God says to humble yourself, or make yourself lower, and let Him lift you up to the top.  Obey Him and He will take care of the rest.  

            Today’s lesson is all about obedience, and what Jesus’ obedience means to us.  Let’s look at what the scripture says about Jesus’ obedience to God:

“[Jesus] humbled himself
      and became obedient to death—
            even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
      and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:8-11 (NIV)

 Because of Jesus’ obedience, God moved Him from the lowest place to the highest place.  (Point—or climb—to the top of the ladder).  James 4:10 says: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”  If you obey God—even when it’s difficult—He will take you to the top and make you successful in His Kingdom.  He will turn things around if you obey Him.  

            Obedience always brings blessings.  God will tremendously bless your life and the lives of those around you if you choose to obey Him.  Remember Jesus’ example and obey God!

The Lie of Exaggeration

 Do not lie to each other… Colossians 3:9

 Props: can of soup, large (serving) spoon, gallon of water, six bowls

             When you think about lies, you probably think about things you may say that are completely opposite the truth.  Today, though, we’re going to talk about how a true story can easily become a lie.  One of the ways to change a true story into a lie is by exaggerating.  Exaggerating is adding things to the story to make it more than what it was.  The problem is that if you keep adding to the story, it’s not the truth any more. 

            Let me show you what I mean:  Years ago, there was a great depression in this country.  Many people didn’t have jobs, so they didn’t have enough money to buy food.  Often they would buy just a little food, then add to it to try and make it stretch.  For example, a mother might take a can of soup like this and try to make it feed 6 people.  (Display soup and distribute it among the bowls, adding water as you speak).  She would add water to it.  Then she might have to keep adding water until each bowl was filled.  (Hold up a bowl).  Is this the same as the soup in the can?  (Allow for response).  No!  This is more like flavored water. 

Adding to the truth has the same effect as adding to the soup: in the end, it’s not the same.  And adding to the truth, or exaggerating, is so easy to do.  Think about the times you don’t feel so well at school.  Most of the time you are still well enough to stay in school, but it’s so easy to tell your teacher and the nurse that you feel worse than you really do, just so you can go home.  Maybe your friends ask you how many video games you have.  You want to seem cool, so you tell them that you have boxes full, when really you only have a few.  Saying you were awake all night at your friend’s slumber party, when you know you slept some, is exaggerating, and it’s also a lie. 

            Remember that honesty is being truthful in everything you say and do.  Make up your mind today that you are going to be honest and tell the truth—without adding to it.

The Lie of “Partial” Truth

 Do not lie to each other… Colossians 3:9

 Props:  newspaper, large piece of poster board, scissors and glue

             One way to tell a lie is to add to the truth.  Another way to tell a lie is to take away from the truth, or not tell the whole story.  Let’s say that your mom gives you permission to go to your cousin’s house just down the street, but tells you not to go to Brian’s house.  So you head for your cousin’s house, stop in to say “hi,” stay for five minutes, and then go to Brian’s house for an hour.  When you get home and your mom asks you where you were, you could truthfully say that you went to your cousin’s house.  But if that’s all you tell her, you are lying, because you didn’t tell her the whole truth. 

            (Display newspaper).  Think about it like this: I just read an incredible story in the paper.  (Read a short article from the paper).  But look what happens when I take out some of the story.  (Cut out a few key words and phrases that, when omitted, will change the story).  The whole story is different.  It’s not the truth anymore. 

            The same thing happens when you leave out parts of the story: the story becomes a lie.  Honesty is being truthful in everything you say and do.  Practice being honest by telling the whole truth.        

The “Love” Family (skit)

…love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4         

Props: masking tape, Bible, scissors 

Setting: A family—the “Love” family – comes to the stage. Mr. and Mrs. Love – along with their children, Brother and Sister Love — appear normal except for one thing:  they’re all taped up.  The family members have tape around their wrists and ankles and over their mouths.   

Narrator:  Not too long ago in a town not too far from here there lived a family not too different from some families you might know.  (Enter the Love family, hobbling on stage while taped up).  Mr. and Mrs. Love lived with their children, Brother and Sister Love in a lovely little home.  They were a lovely family with lovely lives.  There was only one problem:  They didn’t know how to show their love for one another. 

 Anytime they tried to say anything to one another… 

Love family: Mmmmmpppphhhhh… (progressively louder and more emphatic).   

Narrator: Things just never quite came out right.  And anytime they tried to do anything for each other or give anything to each other…. 

Love family: Swing hands around and become frustrated to the point of half-accidentally hitting each other.  Meanwhile, make noises of frustration. 

Narrator:  Well, that just didn’t turn out well, either.  And whenever they tried to go anywhere as a family… 

Love family:  Head in the same direction, but fall all over the floor as a result of your ankles being tied together.   

Narrator:  This went on for years until one day… “Love Man” appeared. 

“Love Man,” an ordinary boy, enters.   

Narrator: Wait a minute… you don’t look like a Superhero. 

Love Man: I’m not.  I’m just an ordinary kid. 

Narrator: Then what are you going to do to help this family in distress, in dire circumstances and desperate conditions…? 

Love Man: I’m going to tell them about the love of God, and He will teach them how to love each other. 

Narrator:  Hmm…

 Love Man: (Holds up Bible and speak to family) The Bible says that love is kind.  God has been kind to you and it’s time for you to be kind to one another. 

 (Family mumbles in response).

 Love Man: First you must accept God’s kindness.  Are you ready to do that?

(Family mumbles yes and nods).

 Love Man: (cutting the tape from each of them) God’s love will make you free to love others.

 Love family: (embracing and speaking to one another simultaneously) “I love you!”

 Narrator: From that day on the Love family really did live a life full of love for each other, a love that they showed to each other in their kind words and actions. 

(Love family exits, doting all over each other).

The Main Thing (Christmas)

“…a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”  Luke 2:11 (NIV)

             Begin with a Christmas morning scene.  A young boy is unwrapping presents.  He begins to unwrap, one by one, accessories of a gaming system (controllers, games, etc.)  With each gift he gets more excited.  He proceeds to open the final gift—a box about the size of a console.  Much to his dismay, the box is empty.  He is terribly upset and concludes that all the other gifts are meaningless without the console. 

             How would you feel if this happened to you on Christmas morning?  What if you got everything to go with the gift you really wanted except the main gift itself—a helmet without a bicycle, a toy stroller and little clothes but no doll, a keyboard and mouse but not the new computer you asked for?  You’d probably be pretty upset.  You might feel sad, or like you got cheated.  That would be because you didn’t get the main thing—the BIG gift. 

            Right after Christmas, lots of people in our country get depressed.  They may even have received the gift they asked for, but they still get depressed.  They feel very sad because all the lights are gone, the tree is put away, the parties are over and they still feel like they missed something.  They feel like they got everything except what they were really looking for—real joy. 

            Christmas is a time when we choose to celebrate Jesus’ birth.  We choose to celebrate the fact that He came to earth to be born as a baby, live a perfect life and die for our sins.  We rejoice that He is our savior and we can have eternal life because of Him.  That is the greatest gift of all.  And everything else that comes with Christmas—the lights, songs, decorations and even the gifts—it’s all meaningless without Jesus.  Without Him it’s as empty as this box (hold up box from skit).  Without Him it’s just a celebration of winter snow (in Florida?!) and a made up jolly old man.  Jesus is the reason for the season.  He gives us a real reason to celebrate.

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