The Whole Package

God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished … Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

 One of the kids receives a remote control in the mail.  He seems very confused until he reads the instructions that a larger package is waiting for him at the Post Office.  He then realizes that the package must be a remote control car. He is very excited and runs to the PO.  He returns home with the large package.  The gift is now complete. 

             God does some miracles a little bit at a time.  When you give your life to God, He begins working on you, changing you and making you more like Him.  As you allow Him to (He will never force you to change), He will take the areas in your life that need to change and work on them.  He will take out the mean self and replace it with His love.  He will take out the selfish areas and give you a servant’s heart that wants to help and serve others.  God will help you get rid of the bad attitudes and He will give you His love, joy and peace. 

            There is another way that God works a little at a time: sometimes He will heal you or work other miracles for you a little at a time.  This boy could have just shrugged his shoulders when he received a remote control, but he kept looking for the rest of the gift.  Sometimes when you pray to God, you might get part of an answer from Him and then stop praying.  You might get a little better or see a little change in your family.  But that doesn’t mean God is done working.  Keep praying and asking for the complete miracle.  He will do it. 

Don’t be satisfied with just part of a miracle.  Trust God to finish the work He started in your life.

Praying for Rain (skit)

We walk by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7

           Teacher: As we learn about faith today, it is important to understand that faith is more than believing: faith means taking action. 

           Narrator: There is a story about a small town that went weeks without rain.  The weeks went on and became months.  There was still no rain.  The ground began to dry up.  The crops were dying.  The water sources were getting lower.  There wasn’t a cloud in the sky.  Finally, someone suggested that the people of the town get together and pray, asking God to send rain.   

            (Man and woman enter.)

            Man: Good afternoon.

            Woman: Good afternoon.  Are you here to pray? 

            Man: Oh, yes.  And just look, here come others to join us.  It’s so good to be in a community where people believe in God.

            Woman: Yes, it is.  I do believe.  Do you believe?

            Man: Absolutely.  God is the creator of the universe.  He can do anything. 

            Woman: I believe He can make it rain. 

            (Pastor enters). 

            Pastor: Good afternoon.

            Man and Woman: Good afternoon, Pastor.

            Pastor: We have gathered here to pray for rain.  Do you believe God can send the rain?

            Man and Woman: We believe.

            (Girl enters wearing rain coat and holding umbrella).

            Woman: (to girl) Little girl, why are you wearing a raincoat and holding an umbrella?

            Girl: We are praying for rain, so I though I’d better come prepared. 

            Pastor: We may have believed, but this little girl has real faith. 

            (All exit). 

            Teacher: Faith is more than just believing in God.  Faith means taking action.  If you really believe what God says is true, you will live by it.  You will obey Him and His Word.  2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” Choose to walk by faith and put your faith to action.

Pray for Them

“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” Matthew 5:44

Props: unsweetened powdered drink and sugar jar labeled “prayer”

            Did you know that you can pray to God to change your enemies?  We don’t have any power to change anyone, but we serve a God who does have that power. 

            (Call forward a volunteer and have her to sample the unsweetened drink.   Ask her how it tastes.)  Our enemies can seem pretty sour sometimes.  Usually that’s because they have someone very important missing in their lives—God.  When you pray, God can come in and change them.  He brings in His love—and sweetness—to their lives.  (Add sugar).  That makes them seem a whole lot nicer to you.  (Have volunteer sample drink again.) 

             Prayer does make a difference.  So instead of just hoping your enemies will go away or get better, pray for them.  Pray that God’s love will fill their lives.    

Make the Call (by Casey Debrowski)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

Skit: 2 guys get together for pizza…they wait and wait…the one asks the other if he called yet…he answers, “No, I was afraid to call.  I mean, they’re busy and I don’t want to bother them.  Besides, if I call, how do I know they’ll come?  I just don’t want to do it.”  The other guy gets upset and calls himself.  Sure enough the pizza comes.

Kid 1-(on cell phone) Hey man! … Yeah what’s up? … Why don’t you come on over to my house we’ll get some pizza? … OK … See you soon.  *hangs up*

Kid 2-(enters) Hey, I’m starving when’s the pizza going to get here?

Kid 1- Oh, it should be here soon. 

Kid 2- Awesome! Why don’t we just watch TV while we wait? 

Kid 1- Sounds good.

*kids sit down to watch TV* *someone else runs across the stage with a sign that says “30 min. later”*

Kid 2- Man that pizza really is taking a long time. You said it was coming soon?

Kid 1- Yeah it should be here any minute

Kid 2- Are you sure? You did call before I got here right?

Kid 1- Well, No, I was afraid to call.  I mean, they’re busy and I didn’t want to bother them.  Besides, if I call, how do I know they’ll come?  I just don’t want to do it.

Kid 2- Are you crazy?!?! How could you expect the pizza to be here “soon” if you didn’t even order it?

Kid 1- I don’t know…

Kid 2- Fine, I’ll just order it if you’re going to be lame *calls and orders pizza* Now see? The pizza will really be here any minute.

*someone runs across the stage with a sign that says “15 min. later”*

*Doorbell rings*

Kid 2- See? The pizza’s really here. Now we can go eat.

*both exit*

 *Skit written by intern extraordinaire Casey Debrowski!

Teacher follow up: Many people act like the first kid.  They expect things to happen when they haven’t taken any of the steps needed to make it happen.  This kid expected pizza to be delivered to his house, even though he hadn’t called the pizza place to tell them that he wanted a pizza.  This is a lot like praying.  You need to ask God for the things that you need.  Many people don’t feel like praying because they feel that God won’t answer them if they did.  God will always answer all of your prayers, even if it isn’t the answer we are looking for.  Make sure that you act like the second kid and take charge. Ask God for what you need and believe that He will never let you down.

Magnetic Pull

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Props: 2 large magnets

When we are born, our nature is sinful.  In other words, sin comes natural to us and we automatically want to do things that are bad.  That sin separates us from God.  We cannot get close to God unless he forgives us for our sins.  (Demonstrate how the like poles of the magnets repel each other).  Do you see how it is impossible for these magnets to connect?  I can try and force them together, but it’s not going to happen.  The same is true for you.  When you have sin in your life, it is impossible to get close to God. 

However, God’s Word tells us to repent, to turn away from our sin and to turn to God.  When you do that, God forgives you for your sins and you can be close to Him.  (Turn one magnet around and demonstrate how the magnets are drawn together now).  When you come to God in prayer every day, it is important to take time to ask if there’s anything in your life that is displeasing to Him (Psalm 139:23).  If you have disobeyed God in any way, tell Him you’re sorry.  Ask for His forgiveness.  The Bible promises that He will forgive you (1 John 1:9) and you will be connected and close to Him again just like these magnets are now. 

Remember to turn away from your sin and allow God to change you as you pray!

Who Are You Praying To?

Verse: Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

 Props: picture of Santa Clause, Fairy Godmother and the throne of God (or chair set up like a throne)

 People have all kinds of ideas about prayer.  Some people think that prayer is just like making out a wish-list for God, like kids do for Santa Clause.  (Show picture of Santa Clause).  You know how those prayers go: “Dear God, please give me a new bike and a few new games for my system—maybe you could even throw in an ipod.”  Does God work like that?  No.  The Bible is full of promises that God will meet our needs, but the Bible never says that God will give us everything we want.  That wouldn’t be good for us.  God knows what we need, and when look to Him He will make sure we get it. 

            Others may think that prayer is like having a fairy godmother.  (Show pictures).  You know, you go to God because you need something and He waves his wand and—boom—it’s yours.  Listen: God doesn’t need a wand!  He is all-powerful.  But sometimes He chooses not to give us what we ask for right away.  He knows what we need and when we need it.  He will bring the right answer at the right time. 

            (Show picture of throne or refer to chair as you speak).  God is a loving God who wants to give His children what they need.  But He wants us to trust Him for answers, so we need to go to Him in prayer and never give up.  If you are asking God for something you need, or someone else needs, and it is something God knows is good for you, you can trust Him for the answer.  Don’t give up on God.  Keep praying and believing in Him.

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!

Give It to God

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

Props: large broken toy

            Once there was a little boy who had a favorite toy.  How many of you have a favorite toy?  (Allow for response).  One day as he was playing with his favorite toy, it broke.  He was so sad he almost cried.  All of you have had things go wrong in your life.  It might be that your family has split up, or fights all the time.  Maybe the kids who live around you call you names.  Maybe your parents do things that hurt you, or maybe they’re not even around at all.  Just like the little boy’s toy broke, all of us get a broken heart from time to time.  About that time his grandfather was walking by him and noticed his sadness. 

            “What’s wrong?” asked the grandfather. 

            “My favorite toy broke,” replied the boy.

            The grandfather offered to take it into his shop and fix it, but the little boy refused to leave it with him.  He said that if he left it, he didn’t know if he’d ever see it again. 

            “I promise to fix it and give it back to you,” said the grandfather.

            But the little boy didn’t believe him, and he held on to his broken toy.  God has said that He will take care of our problems if we will give them to Him and trust Him completely to take care of them.  You may be unsure that God will take care of your problems and fix them for you, so you choose to keep worrying about them.  Learn to trust God.  The next day, Grandpa came around again and asked about the toy.

            “It’s still broken,” answered the boy.

            “I’ll take it and fix it for you,” offered Grandpa.

            Finally, the boy agreed to let his grandfather take the toy.  But he had a hard time letting go of the toy and trusting Grandpa.  That night, after Grandpa had left his shop, the boy went in and took his toy back.  He put it on the shelf in his room and went to sleep.  Sometimes when you’ve prayed about things and asked for God’s help, the answer doesn’t come right away.  So you may think that God’s never going to answer.  Don’t give up, though.  Let God take care of the problem and don’t take it back from Him by continuing to worry.

            Early the next morning, Grandpa came into his grandson’s room and gently woke him up. 

            “I noticed your toy was missing from my shop.”

            “I’m sorry Grandpa,” said the little boy, “I didn’t think you’d take care of it.”

            Grandpa gently replied, “I can’t fix your toy until you trust me enough to let me have it.”

            “You’re right, Grandpa.  Take the toy.  If I keep it, it will only stay broken.  I can’t help the problem at all.  You take it and I trust you to fix it.”

            Grandpa did take the toy and sure enough, it was fixed within that very week.

            In the same way, you need to let God handle your problems.  Trust Him and believe that He is working everything out for you.  Know it and be sure in your heart.  God isn’t going to help you with your problems if you won’t let Him.  Give your problems to Him, knowing that He will do it.  Don’t give up!

Don’t Put God in a Box

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Ephesians 3:20 (NIrV)

Props: an air mattress (the bigger, the better), an electric pump and a flimsy paper or cardboard box (you may want to pre-cut a portion of each side before the lesson).  Prepare the following labels to put on the box: little things, small problems, wish lists, nighttime prayers.  You may put them on before the lesson or as you teach.

             We read throughout the Bible about the miracles that Jesus did when He was on this earth.  It’s great to know that God is still working miracles today.  He wants to answer your prayers, help you with your problems, heal you and give you the things you need. 

            Let’s talk about some things you may pray for.  Maybe sometimes you pray for little things.  In God’s mind, there are no “little” prayers if it really comes from your heart.  But to you there are little things.  You may ask God to help you remember how to spell a word for your spelling test or to help your cat feel better.  Who believes that God can answer those prayers? (Allow for response).  Of course He can!  It’s not too hard to believe that.   Now let’s look at some small problems you may pray about.  Again, to God it’s not small but sometimes we think so.  It could be that you and your brother argue over video games, or you could ask God to help you with a kid who annoys you at school.  Can God help you with those things?  (Allow for response).  Absolutely!  Now what about wish lists?  Can God give you things that He knows you want—if those things are best for you?  Yes!  One more thing: we’ll call it “nighttime prayers.”  You know: “Lord please bless Mommy and Daddy and help me to sleep well and not have bad dreams and please help me not to wet the bed.”  Is God powerful enough to answer those prayers?  (Allow for response).  We know He is. 

            It’s not hard to believe God for some of these things we’ve talked about.  But what if I brought in a dead girl and laid her body on the stage and said, “Let’s believe God to bring this girl back to life.”  Could you believe God for that? 

            See, many people who believe in God think that He’s like this air mattress.  (Show deflated air mattress inside of box).  They think His power fits inside these little things and can’t go any farther.  What they don’t understand is that God’s power is so much greater, so much bigger than all these things.  (Inflate air mattress, allowing the box to break).  Yes, He can do these things, but He can do so much more.  He can heal cancer, make blind people see again, bring dead people back to life, change the heart of a terrible, mean person and forgive that person for his or her sins. 

            The Bible says that “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine” Ephesians 3:20 (NIrV).  So don’t put God in a box by thinking that He’s only big or powerful enough to answer certain prayers.  Believe Him for any and every miracle for your life.

Deeper!

Here is what it means to love God. It means that we obey his commands.  1 John 5:3 (NIrV)

Props: picture of ocean and a kiddie pool or bucket of water

             I’m sure most of you have been to the beach, so let me ask you a question.  Why do people like to go to the beach?  (Allow for response).  I’m sure there are a number of reasons, but the number one reason is the ocean.  There’s something so amazing and wonderful about the ocean.  Did you know that there are places so deep in the ocean that no one has ever been able to reach them?  That’s amazing.

            Who has been swimming in the ocean?  It’s a really cool feeling.  [Have a helper interrupt you and claim he’s been swimming in the ocean.  When you ask him to describe it, he talks about how he arrived at the beach, ran excitedly across the sand, anxiously approached the water, and put his big toe in.  (At which point he puts his big toe in the kiddie pool or bucket of water).  When you ask him what happened then, he looks confused and says, “That’s it.  That was my experience swimming in the ocean.”]

            Boys and girls, did he really go swimming in the ocean?  No!  There is more to the ocean than getting your big toe wet!  You can go in to your waist, to your neck, even over your head (provided it’s safe!).  And like I said a moment ago, there are depths of the ocean that haven’t even been explored. 

            Some people think that “getting saved” is the end.  They think if they say a prayer then they are done.  But there is so much more!  There is more of God to experience.  There is more of Him that you can know.  Saying a prayer and beginning your relationship with God is like sticking your toe in the ocean; it’s just the start.  You can go deeper with Jesus.  You can go deeper by talking to God in prayer, by reading His Word, the Bible, by going to church where you will learn about Him and by getting baptized, letting everyone know you are His follower. 

            In all these things just remember, go deeper with Jesus!

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