Pinwheel Power

I want to know Christ better. I want to know the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings. I want to become like him by sharing in his death. Philippians 3:10 (NIrV)

Props: pinwheel toy

            This is a classic toy.  It’s been around for years.  (Blow on pinwheel to make it spin).  I love the way these things spin around like this. 

            The challenge is that you have to keep blowing on the pinwheel to make it work.  It’s not like most toys now that have batteries to make them work.  You have to put a lot into it.  It doesn’t just happen on its own.

            While we are talking about God’s power today, think about what you are willing to do to have God’s power working in your life.  (Keep blowing pinwheel as you speak).  Paul had to keep going through many hard times.  He had to give up his personal comfort, sacrifice his wants, he constantly had to work and give, pray and keep going even when it got tough.  It’s hard to keep going, but remember that God’s power comes with a price. 

            (Stop blowing on pinwheel).  Most people quit before they ever see God’s power truly work in and through them.  They say, “This is just too hard.  I can’t do this.  I can’t keep going.  I just want to enjoy myself.  I’m tired of always giving.”  But that’s what it takes.  

So which are you going to do?  Are you going to pay the price, make the sacrifice and see God’s power work through you?  Or are you going to give up and settle for life as usual? 

            God’s power comes with a price.  Choose today whether you are willing to pay the price.

Open to the Power

Summon your power, O God;
       show us your strength, O God, as you have done before. Psalm 68:28 (NIV)

Props: outlet, common object powered by electricity (such as a lamp), outlet covers

• Today’s lesson is all about how God’s power works through those who serve Him. 
• Serve: to worship and work for
• Outlet—it is made and wired for electricity to flow through it
• You are made for God’s power to flow through you
• (Show outlet with covers on it).  Now let’s say that this outlet decides it wants to take all the power, but not give any away.  It now has power flowing to it, but not through it.  What’s more, it’s now completely and totally useless. 
• (Try plugging in lamp to covered outlet).  This isn’t working because the outlet refuses to serve its purpose. 
• (Uncover outlet).  Now this is something we can work with.  (Plug in lamp and turn it on).  That’s much better.  The power is working through the outlet and is going to the lamp. 
• God wants to work through you in His power.  He wants to send His power through you, so that when you pray miracles happen.  He wants to give you words to say to others and His power can speak through you and change lives.  If you want God’s power to work through you, you must give yourself to Him.  Serve Him by worshiping Him and working for Him. 
• Remember, God’s power works through those who serve Him.  Be like this outlet is now: open and available for God to use.

No Faking It

…our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NLT)

Props: pair of sneakers with fake Nike symbol, sports jersey with name of athlete, fake money

 Begin with a skit in which a group of helpers is showing off their belongings.  The first has a pair of fake Nike sneakers, of which he is very proud, until the others reveal the hand-drawn logo.  The second shows off his “authentic” jersey, supposedly worn by the player himself.  The others laugh and say “(player’s name on jersey) is 6’4” and weighs 250 pounds.  There’s no way he fit in that jersey!” The third pulls out a wad of cash and brags about how much money he has.  The others show that the money is just copies of dollars and isn’t worth anything.  The three exit, arguing about which one had the worst counterfeit. 

 Teacher follow-up:

• In order for these items to be “real,” they must come from the source.  The sneakers have to come from the Nike factory, the jersey has to come from the team/player and the money has to be issued by the US Department of Treasury. 
• Today’s lesson is all about power: Only God can give you true power.
• Many people try to counterfeit (fake) power: they think power comes from being in charge, or having lots of money.  Others try to get power by being friends with everyone.  And some people even try to get power by worshiping and serving the devil.  These things may give you a little power for a short time, but only God can give you true power. 
• Remember, for something to be real, it has to come from the source.  God is power.  He can give you all the power you will ever need. 
• Don’t go to other things to get power; go to God!

Knocking Down the Obstacles

“…people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.” Luke 4:40

Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man)

Props: 6 buckets, each labeled with one of the following “obstacles”: doubt, unbelief, fear, unconcern, busyness, problems.  One bean bag (or ball) large enough to knock down each bucket. 

Throughout the lesson, set down the buckets in a pyramid as you speak.  (3 on bottom row, 2 on middle row, 1 on top). 

God wants all of us to be like the men in today’s Bible lesson that carried the paralyzed man to Jesus.  Those men cared about the man who was paralyzed and they did whatever it took to get him to Jesus for a miracle.  They even tore through part of the roof!  The crowds may have been in their way and the roof may have been blocking their way to Jesus, but that didn’t stop them. 

            If we’re going to help bring people to Jesus, we will have things that get in our way, too.  The men had to take off part of the roof.  You will have to deal with things in your way.  Let’s look at some of the things that may get in the way. 

• (Hold up bucket that says doubt).  Doubt is thinking that God won’t do a miracle, or that He may not want to do a miracle for you or the person you’re praying for.  (Set down bucket on floor or table).  Doubt gets in the way, because if you believe that God won’t help you, you’re not going to ask. 
• (Hold up bucket that says unbelief).  Unbelief also gets in the way of many miracles.  Unbelief is believing that God can’t help you, even if He wanted to.  It gets in the way because if you don’t believe in God’s power then you’re not going to trust Him to do a miracle for you or anyone else.  (Set “unbelief” bucket beside doubt bucket.  Hold up bucket that says fear). 
• Fear is a huge obstacle for many people.  Have you ever wondered, “What if I pray for my sick friend and he/she doesn’t get well?”  That’s fear.  Fear can keep you from even praying for a miracle or asking someone else if you can pray for him or her.    (Set “fear” bucket beside “unbelief” bucket.  Hold up bucket that says unconcern). 
• Many people let unconcern get in the way of bringing people to Jesus.  It’s easy to forget that people have needs and problems, or to get caught up in your own problems and not care about others’ needs.  (Set down “unconcern” bucket on top of first row of buckets.  Hold up bucket that says busyness). 
• One more thing that you can allow to get in the way of bringing people to Jesus is busyness.  You might get busy with school, homework, chores and friends and not take the time to help people who need a miracle.  Those four men who carried the paralyzed man to Jesus were probably busy, but they set everything else aside and took the time to help him.  (Set down “busyness” bucket beside “unconcern” bucket.  Hold up bucket that says problems). 
• Finally, you may allow yourself to let problems stop you from bringing people to Jesus.  Maybe you have problems of your own and you let that stop you from helping other people find Jesus.  (Set down “problems” bucket on top of the stack.  Pick up bean bag.)    

 The key is to get all of these things out of the way.  The men in today’s Bible lesson tore through the roof to get the paralyzed man to Jesus.  So let’s see how we can take care of these problems.

            When you have problems of your own, remember the verse that says, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).  Care for others and God will take care of you.  (Knock down “problems” bucket).   

            If you are getting too busy to help others, remember that Jesus said to “do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).  If you would want others to stop and help you, then take time to help them.   (Knock down “busyness” bucket).

            There may be times when you don’t care about others and aren’t concerned about their problems.  God’s Word teaches us to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).  That means we should all help each other out and care about bringing people to Jesus when they need a miracle.   (Knock down “unconcern” bucket).

            If fear gets in your way, remember what Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).  (Knock down “fear” bucket).

            When you’re tempted not to believe in God’s power, remember that Jesus taught us “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22).  (Knock down “unbelief” bucket).

            If you’re doubting that God can work a miracle, keep in mind the words of Jesus: “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done” (Matthew 21:21).  In other words, if you believe God to do miracles and don’t doubt, nothing is impossible.  (Knock down “doubt” bucket).

            Remember, you can bring people to Jesus when they need a miracle.  Look at the things that were standing in the way.  Knock them down by using everything God taught us in His Word, the Bible.  Get rid of whatever is keeping you from helping others when they need a miracle.  You can be the blessing that someone is praying for.

Hand Tools vs. Power Tools

Jesus…said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Props: a few hand tools with their corresponding power tools (e.g., screw driver and drill)

            Take a minute and just look around the room.  Now tell me some of the things (not people) you see.  (Allow for response).  We can look around and see walls and a floor, chairs, lights… (Continue to name things in the room).  Almost all of the objects we can see have something in common—they were made using tools.  Tools have been around for thousands of years.  (Hold up some of the hand tools).  People since Adam have been using them to make things.  But only just a few decades ago something wonderful happened—the invention of POWER TOOLS.  (Display and run a power tool.  Whichever tools you are using, give examples of the inefficiency of the hand tool versus the efficiency of the power tool).

            It’s easy to get excited about the power of these tools, just like it’s easy to get excited about the power you have.  I could go on and on about how easy my work is now that I have this tool, just like some people brag about their power.  I could put together a whole house of furniture while someone with a hand tool only has one piece put together.  But there’s something very important I need to keep in mind: while you can do a lot more with power tools, you can also easily destroy things with them and you can very easily hurt yourself or other people with power tools if you’re not careful. 

            The more powerful something is, the easier it is to build things and the easier it is to destroy things.  Power can help or hurt.  The more powerful something is, the more careful you must be when working with it. 

            God has given you power, but He gave it to you with the purpose of helping others.  You must be careful how you use your power.  And the more power you have, the more careful you must be that you use it to build others up and not tear them down. 

            Remember, God gives us power for the purpose of helping others.  Use the power you have to help, not hurt.

God’s Power Works Through Prayer

Mark 9:14-29 (Jesus Heals the Demon Possessed Boy)

After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”  Mark 9:28, 29

Props: large (but light) box, large rock, simple items that can act as a fulcrum and lever

Preparation: Label the box “enemy’s power;” the rock, “God’s power;” the fulcrum, “you;” and the lever, “prayer.”  

 In today’s Bible Lesson, you heard about how our enemy, satan, had control over a boy.  The disciples tried to get rid of the evil spirit inside of him, but they couldn’t.  Satan has power and he was using that power to control the boy and make him do things to hurt himself.  Jesus said that  “The thief (satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) In other words, the devil is only out to hurt you, me and everyone else.  But Jesus came to bring us life.

Like I said, the devil does have some power.  But God’s power is greater.  Look at this box.  It’s like the enemy’s power that controlled that little boy.  The disciples tried to move the enemy out of the way. (Pretend to struggle moving box and be unable to do so).  Then Jesus came along.  He explained why they couldn’t do it. 

(Show rock).  God has amazing and incredible power.  He could zap the devil anytime He wants to.  You have problems with the devil?  God can take care of it!  Do you know someone who is miserable because the enemy is constantly bothering them?  God can bring peace to that person and drive out the enemy.  But remember what Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29)

(Display fulcrum and lever).  God doesn’t just usually barrel over satan.  God chooses to work through the prayers of His saints.  Who are His saints?  You are!  As you go to God in prayer and lift people and problems up in prayer, God’s power begins to work and push the enemy out. 

(Operate fulcrum and lever, lifting box).  Do you see how God’s power is working through the prayer?  You don’t have the power in and of yourself, but God does.  And you can pray and let God’s power work.  What a miracle!

God’s Power is With You

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you…  Deuteronomy 31:6 

Props: piece of wood and electric table saw

            When you live for God, He will sometimes ask you to do things that seem impossible.  He told the Israelites to go in and take over a land that already had people living in it.  They had entire cities built up.  Some of the people were big and strong.  But God told them to go, that He would go in ahead of them and be with them. 

He wants you to trust Him, too, even when things look impossible.  And you can trust Him because His power is with you.  Let me show you what I mean. 

(Display piece of wood).  Let’s say this wood is something that seems impossible.  For you it might mean getting good grades.  Maybe everyone has told you that you’ll never make the honor roll.  But God says to do your best and trust Him.  This piece of wood could mean a bad habit.  There could be something that you try and try to stop doing, but you just can’t.  God says to get rid of the sin in your life.  Or this wood could be like an unanswered prayer.  Maybe you’ve been asking God to heal a loved one or that a friend would find God.  God says keep believing. 

Whatever it is, this wood seems impossible to break through.  I would never attempt to break this wood without the saw; I would break my hand.  And there are things in your life that you can’t do on your own.  But God says, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you…”  (Deuteronomy 31:6).  (Show saw).  See, I can trust the strength of the saw, as I work with it, to get the job done.  It is much more powerful than I am on my own.  So if I rely on its power, it will be easy.

            Trust in God’s power to do what you cannot do.  Rely on His strength.  He said and promised that He would be with you and He will.  Let Him do the work.  You just need to trust in His power.

Get All You Can

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…Acts 1:8 (NIV)

Props: toy or other item that comes with a mail-in offer

            I brought one of my favorite toys today.  It was a gift from (name appropriate person).  (Take a moment to describe the toy and why you enjoy it).    

Salvation is a free gift, like this toy came as a free gift to me.  There is nothing you or I can do to work for our salvation.  God gives it to us freely.  But it gets even better!  Sometimes toys come with “extra” gifts.  This toy has a mail-in offer.  (Read the offer).  So I can get another toy for absolutely free if I send in this card and tell them I want it.  All I have to do is ask.  But if I don’t ask, I’ll never get it.    

            Salvation is the greatest gift you could ever receive.  God has promised you an abundant life on this earth and eternal life with Him in Heaven if you just turn away from your sins and ask Him to forgive you.  But there’s even more waiting for you if you just ask.  The Holy Spirit is an “extra” gift that God wants to give you.  He is waiting to give you His Holy Spirit.  Just ask Him to fill you with His Spirit.  Being filled with the Spirit is a free gift, like salvation; but you have to ask! 

The Holy Spirit will give you the power to live your very best for God.  He will help you to work for God and tell others about His love.  Through the Holy Spirit, God will give you the power to pray for people and see them healed, to talk to people about God’s love and they will listen!  Be empowered by God’s Holy Spirit!  Ask for and receive this special gift from God today!

Flip the Switch

Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. Ephesians 2:18 (NLT)

 

Hook up a light to a switch that can be easily seen by the kids as you present from the stage.  Have a number of helpers come out, all with some kind of exaggerated difference (one with green hair, one noticeably shorter than the others, one wearing a brightly colored shirt, one without shoes, etc.)  Dim the house lights and have the first helper flip the switch to turn on the light.  He comments, “There, that’s better.”  The second helper says, “Wow, that was cool!  Can I try?”  The first helper says “No, you can’t flip that switch.  You [are shorter than me, have green hair…whatever the difference is].”  The two go back and forth until the second one turns the light off and on again.  The first one can’t believe it worked for someone who [is shorter, has green hair…whatever].  The third helper comes along and wants to try, but the first two protest because he [name the difference].  They go back and forth until the third one tries it and it works.  Continue until all the helpers have tried and the switch works for each of them.

 

Teacher follow-up:

• The Bible teaches us that God’s power is for all who believe. 
• Some people think that God doesn’t love other people the same as He loves them.  They think that people in other countries can’t know God the same way, or maybe that poor people can’t love God or people who talk or act differently can’t be filled with God’s power like they can.
• God can and will pour out His love and power on anyone who believes in Him, loves and serves Him. 
• Just like in this skit, the light switch worked for the kid with the green hair and the one with the blonde hair.  It turned on the light for the tall ones and the short ones.  It was just as powerful for the kids with tennis shoes as the ones with sandals. 
• When God gives His power to you, He doesn’t look at your outside, or where you came from or your accent or any of that.  He looks at your heart for Him.  If you love and serve Him, and seek His power, He will give it to you. 
• Remember, God’s power is for all who believe.

Empowered to Shine

God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 (CEV)

Props: picture of a lighted neon sign and the same sign unlit

            (Show picture of lighted sign).

• I’m sure you’ve all seen signs like this.  But have you ever thought about why stores and businesses have signs?  They put signs up because they have a message to tell everyone.  They want to let everyone know that they are open, or that there is a sale.
• You and I have been given the most important message of all to give to people: we are to let them know about God’s love and the salvation that comes through His Son, Jesus.
• When you are filled with God’s power, He will make you bold and you will be like this sign, shining for all to see.  Everyone will be able to see the love of God and his light shining through your life and coming out in your actions and words. 

             (Show unlit sign).

• This sign still has the same message, but it’s much harder to see. 
• Maybe your life is filled with God’s love, but people can’t see it because you’re not plugged into God’s power.  You might have a hard time talking about your faith and love for God.  You might get embarrassed when someone asks you about God, the Bible or church. 
• When you plug into the power of God’s Spirit, you will shine brightly for God.  There will be no missing your message.
• The power of God’s Spirit will make you bold.  Allow His power to fill you and make you shine for Him!

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