Super Christian

Narrator: In a small town near you lives a boy who is born again and has abilities far greater than those found in the average Christian.  He can memorize and quote hundreds of Bible verses and sing every song in the book without missing a note.  Who is this superhero?  What is his name? 

(enter Super Christian)

People (off stage):  It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Super Christian!

Narrator: (SC mimes actions while Narrator speaks).  Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen.  Every Sunday morning a transformation takes place.  Super Christian appears at the church, carrying his 40 pound Bible in the palm of one hand.  His super-smile shines and shows off his pearly-whites.  He greets everyone with a firm handshake.  He never misses a beat when the songs are sung.  And after every closing prayer he adds a loud “amen.” 

            But alas, what is this sudden transformation taking place?  It appears that Super Christian is headed for the nearest phone booth.  He’s…he’s…becoming a normal citizen?  He’s headed off to school; let’s see what will happen there.

Person: Hey!  It’s Super Christian!

Narrator: Super Christian, it seems that you’re being called. 

Person: Perfect!  I could really use some prayer right now.  You see…my family’s having a hard time and…

Super Christian: I think you have me mistaken for someone else.

Person: But you’re Super Christian.  I saw you at church. 

Super Christian: Really, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Person: But…

Super Christian: I gotta go.  (Moves to other side of stage).

Person 2:  Hey!  Aren’t you the one who knows all the Bible verses? 

Super Christian:  What?

Person 2:  Yeah, I saw you quoting verses at church yesterday.  Great!  I could really use some encouragement right now.

Super Christian: Could you keep it down, please?  There are other people listening.  I really don’t have time to quote verses right now. 

Person 2: But I thought…

Super Christian: Sorry, gotta run.  (exits)

(Person 2 exits, shrugging shoulders).

Stuey Sticky Fingers (skit)

Props: duct tape, signs reading “bad reputation,” “guilt,” “sin,” “criminal record”

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (NIV)

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)

            Have a helper come out as Stuey Sticky Fingers, a character covered in inside-out duct tape.  (At least cover both hands past the wrist and place a couple of strips of tape around the chest/back).  As he enters the room, he passes by children and “steals” their things by picking them up with his “sticky” hands.  Interrupt him and ask him to introduce himself, which he proudly does.  When you confront him about stealing things, he insists he isn’t stealing anything; rather, things just “stick” to him.  Inform him that there are other “things” sticking to him as well.  He gets all excited, like he has more stuff.  Take out signs that say BAD REPUTATION, GUILT, SIN, CRIMINAL RECORD.  Place each one on Stuey and discuss how these things will stick to him as well.  He looks more upset with each one and begins to protest and whine/cry, asking you to remove them.  Tell him the only way to get rid of them is to return the items, ask the people for forgiveness and ask God for forgiveness (which he does).  End the skit by removing Stuey’s duct tape.

Soldiers Skit

Put on all of God’s armor. Then you can stand firm against the devil’s evil plans. Ephesians 6:11 (NIrV)

Two helpers enter dressed ordinarily.  A “sergeant” enters and addresses them. 

Sergeant: Soldiers, attent-huh!

Helper 1: Are you talking to us?

Sergeant: Soldiers, stand at attention!

Helper 2: We’re not soldiers, we’re just kids.

Sergeant: You are soldiers.  And not only that, you are soldiers at war!

Helper 1: Soldiers?  War?  What’s going on here?

Sergeant: No one has informed you?  You are soldiers in God’s army.  Your enemy, the devil, is out to attack you.  You must be prepared for war at all times.

Helper 2: Man, I really think you have the wrong guys.  We’re just kids.  And besides, we don’t have an enemy.  I have never seen anyone trying to attack me.  

Sergeant: Your battle is not against people.  You are not fighting a human enemy; you are fighting the devil and his evil spirits.

Helper 1: We don’t know anything about fighting.

Sergeant: Very well, then.  I’ll have to train you.  The first step is to get your battle gear on. 

Helper 2: Alright!  We get to wear camouflage and combat boots!

Sergeant: Again, you are not fighting people.  So your clothes have nothing to do with your battle gear against the enemy.  You don’t need new clothes; you need the armor of God. 

Helper 1: What’s that?

Sergeant: It’s what you use to protect your mind, heart and spirit in the battle.  It’s the belt of truth, the armor of Godliness, the shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit. 

Helper 2: Where do we find this armor?  And how do we put it on?

Sergeant: I can tell we have lots to do, boys.  Come with me.

(The three exit). 

Teacher follow-up: Each one of us is in a battle.  If you’re living for the Lord, you’re in His army.  The devil is your enemy, but God has given you weapons to beat the devil.  God also tells us about special armor, or battle gear, that you can put on to protect yourself against the devil’s attacks.  Today and for the next few weeks we’re going to be talking about the armor of God.  Today’s power point says: Keep God’s battle gear on!  Wear what He gives you and protect yourself from the enemy.

Running In the Right Direction (Skit)

Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

 Props: starting line, finish line banner (one side of the banner says “evil desires;” the other side says righteousness, faith, love and peace), numbers for all the runners to wear  

            A number of runners are preparing for a race.  They are given instructions and pointed toward the finish line (righteousness, faith, love and peace).  They take their marks, the gun is sounded, and the race begins.  Half the runners run toward the finish line, the other half run the opposite direction (toward “evil desires”).  Even though the second half reaches the banner first, they are disqualified.  Everyone who reaches the correct finish line is rewarded.  

Teacher Follow-Up:  The Bible says, “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace…” (2 Timothy 2:22).  To flee means to run away from.  The Bible says run away from evil desires.  Run away from the bad things you want to do.  Go in the opposite direction.  Don’t even hang around those things.  The Bible also says to pursue (run toward) righteousness, faith, love and peace.  Move in God’s direction.  Go toward what is right. Chase what is good. 

            Half of these runners were simply running in the wrong direction.  They were surprised when they reached the end to find out they were disqualified from the prize.  That’s what happens when people run in the wrong direction.  If you’re not going toward God in life, you have nothing to look forward to.  But if you follow after God, you will be rewarded.  The other runners ran away from what was wrong and ran in the right direction.  Running toward God will get you to the right place every time.  Today’s power point says run in the right direction!

The Camping Trip (skit/lesson)

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

 Part 1: Take Time to Prepare

Props: a tent, backpacks for each camper and the leader, various “useless” items (see below) 

The backpack of camper #1 should be filled with items that would be useless for camping. 

The leader calls the campers together and asks them if they are ready to experience the great outdoors.  They all seem excited.  He tells them to strap on their backpacks, which Camper 1 has a hard time doing.  It seems her bag is too heavy and so the leader asks what she packed.  She begins to pull out her items one by one, each one completely useless for a camping trip.  As she explains her need for a hairdryer, a collection of books and magazines, her pet rocks, etc., the leader explains the need to be truly prepared with things that are useful.  He shows her a few of the items he has packed and explains their purpose.  After instructing her to re-pack, the group is off to their camping spot.    

Follow up: Preparing for a camping trip is important; preparing for life is more important. 

If you’re going on a camping trip, you have to take time to prepare.  You also have to know that you are preparing with the things that will be useful, things that will help you.  As we’re talking about taking time for God’s Word every day, you need to understand that taking time for God’s Word means taking time to prepare.  God’s word will prepare you for life.  Listen to what the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17: “God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.”  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Did you get that?  “By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.” 

            Listening to rock music will not prepare you to make good choices.  Going to your friends for advice all the time will not prepare you for a good future.  Reading magazines will not prepare you to help your friends when they are in trouble.  Only God’s Word will prepare you for all of that.  Reading the Bible, listening to good Bible teaching and memorizing scriptures will prepare you for life.  So take time to prepare and take time for God’s Word every day!

 

Part 2: Take Time to Feed Your Spirit

Job 23:12; 1 Peter 2:2 

Props: a tent, backpacks for each camper and the leader 

The campers arrive to the campsite with their gear.  The leader reminds everyone that it is soon dinnertime.  He says they should get a fire going and begin making dinner.  Camper #2 says he is so hungry.  The leader asks what he packed for dinner.  Camper #2 explains that he was so busy packing a tent, his clothes, bug spray, his iPod, etc., that he didn’t have time to pack food.  The leader replies that camping involves plenty of work, and that we need the energy food gives us. 

Follow up:  Does anyone here ever get so busy you forget to eat?  Probably not—at least not for long.  Our bodies are made to remind us when we get hungry.  They need energy and food gives us that energy.  So it doesn’t usually take long before we feel our stomachs growl and we know that we need something to eat.

            Just like you have to take time to feed your body, you have to take time to feed your spirit also.  Your spirit is that part of you that connects to God, and it gets hungry for something from God.  Your spirit can’t be fed with the food you feed your body; it needs food from the Bible.  When you read, listen to and think about scriptures from God’s Word, your spirit is satisfied.  If you don’t take time for God’s Word, your spirit gets weak.  You will have a hard time getting close to God and living life to please Him. 

            The camper we just saw didn’t take time to pack food.  He got too busy with everything else.  Don’t get too busy to feed your spirit—take time for God’s Word every day! 

Part 3: Take Time to Get Directions

Romans 15:4, Psalm 119:98-100 

Props: tent, backpacks and maps 

The campers finish setting up camp.  The leader mentions that the campground is large and wooded and asks if everyone knows their way around.  He tells all the campers to keep a copy of the map with them.  Camper #3 heads out to check out the trails.  Soon after he leaves, the others notice that he left his map behind.  They call out for him but can’t find him anywhere.  He returns itching and scratching all over, complaining that he went down the wrong trail and got into poison ivy.  The leader reminds him of his instructions to keep the map with him.   

Follow up: Taking time for God’s Word is important because God’s Word is where we get our direction for life.  Some people wander through life not knowing how to live or what to do.  They guess and try to make the best choices they can.  But that only leads them nowhere.

            The Bible is filled with directions for life.  God tells us what we should do and how to make good choices in life.  He also tells us things we should stay away from.  If you read the Bible, your journey through life will be much more successful.

            Our friend here didn’t take time to look at a map before he headed out down the trails.  It sure got him in trouble!  Don’t be like that…take time to get directions by taking time for God’s Word!

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 Sheep and the Shepherd (skit)

“I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (NIV) 

Props: Vaseline, cotton balls, shepherd’s staff, club        

Preparation: Have a helper dressed as a “sheep” (wearing a white or gray sweat suit).  

Teacher: Good morning, boys and girls.  This morning we’re going to continue our series on Jesus.  Today’s lesson is about how Jesus is our Shepherd.  

Helper:  So, what’s my part in all of this? 

Teacher: Well, to help the boys and girls understand what it means to be a shepherd, and how Jesus is our Shepherd, I’m going to play the part of a shepherd. 

Helper: And….? 

Teacher:  And you’re going to play the part of one of my sheep. 

Helper:  You’re kidding.

 Teacher:  Nope. (Display Vaseline and cotton balls).   Now if you’ll stand still, I’ll put some wool on your face. 

Helper:  That’s not wool!  It’s Vaseline and cotton balls. 

Teacher:  Oh, well.  Same effect. 

(Teacher begins applying cotton balls.  Continue script during application). 

Helper:  I can’t believe this.           

Teacher:  First of all, sheep are stupid.         

Helper:  Hey!  Who you callin’ stupid?

Teacher:  No offense.  It’s just that you’re always trying to go your own way, and sometimes I have to bring you back.        

Helper: So what’s the problem if I want to go my own way every now and then?        

Teacher:  You might get stuck in the rocky mountains somewhere and die out there.

Helper:  We’re nowhere close to the Rocky Mountains!

 Teacher: No…not the Rocky Mountains, the rocky mountains…you know, mountains that are rocky.  Oh…never mind!  Anyway, if you wander away from me and get lost, you would die out there by yourself.  You wouldn’t have me to take care of you.  So every now and then I have to poke and prod you with my staff to bring you back.

 Helper:  I know, and it hurts! 

 Teacher:  Better than being torn to shreds by a wild animal.

 Helper: Uhh…I suppose.  Those wild animals scare me to death!  Lions and bears….lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  With their big teeth and their sharp claws…just the thought of those claws tearing in to my sensitive skin.  Aaaahhhh!  (Really over-do the fear thing and embrace the teacher, refusing to let go). 

 Teacher:  Get a grip, I’m right here.  You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to you.  I   always watch out for you.

 Helper: (Regains composure).  Yeah, you’re right.  Like the time that lion came into the sheep pen.  You raced down the hill, jumped the fence in two seconds flat, and beat that lion senseless with your club. 

 Teacher:  Always watching out for you. 

 Helper: You know what, shep, you’re not too bad.

 Teacher:  Thanks.  Just stick by me and you’ll be okay.  (to kids)  Jesus takes care of us.  Just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, Jesus takes care of us and watches out for us. 

The Talent Show (skit)

[Love] does not envy… 1 Corinthians 13:4

 Setting: Five students are trying out for the school talent show.  All of the students must vote on each act before it will be allowed into the show.  Each student has a problem with jealousy, not wanting to be outdone in talent. 

 Teacher:  Alright, class.  It’s time for the annual talent show.  You all know how we do this.  Each person who wants to be in the show will come forward to try out.  The rest of you will vote.  Your vote as a class will decide whether or not that act will be allowed into the show.  Okay, first up: Alexander.  Alexander, what will you be doing?

 Alexander: I’m going to spin a basketball on my finger.

 Others: He can’t do that!

 Teacher: Why not?

 Darin: Because we can’t spin a basketball on our finger, and then we won’t look so talented.

 Teacher: Very well.  Barbara, what is your talent show act?

 Barbara: I’m going to draw a picture.

 Others: She can’t do that!

 Teacher: Why not?

 Cecil: Because we can’t draw a picture.  And if she draws one and we don’t, we won’t look so talented!

 Teacher:  Very well.  Cecil, what is your talent for the show?

 Cecil: I’m going to play the drums.

 Others:  He can’t do that! 

 Teacher: Why not?

 Barbara: Because we can’t play the drums.  And if he plays the drums and we can’t, we won’t look so talented.

 Teacher:  Very well.  Darin, what are you doing for the show? 

 Darin: I’m going to curl myself up like a pretzel and roll across the stage.

 Others:  He can’t do that!

 Teacher:  Why not?

 Alexander: Because we can’t curl ourselves up like pretzels and roll across the stage.  And if he curls himself up like a pretzel and rolls across the stage and we can’t, everyone will think he’s more talented than we are.

 Teacher: Very well.

 Narrator:  And so there was no talent show that year because everyone was envious of everyone else’s talent.  And the class sat in silence.  The end.

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.

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!

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