Hello Up There… (skit—God’s grace)

Teacher: Imagine someone trapped in a pit…

Offstage voices 1, 2 and 3: Hello up there…Can anyone hear us?  We’re trapped down here in this pit.  Yoo-hoo… (etc.)

Teacher: That’s like we are before we ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins and He comes into our lives.  We are trapped in the devil’s pit–sin.  There’s no way to get out without God’s help.  And there’s no way for these people to get out of this pit without someone helping them.

Offstage voices: (pitifully) Help.  Anyone… We don’t want to be in this pit forever.  Someone please help. 

Offstage voice 4: I hear you need help. 

Voices: Yes! Yes! Yes!  Oh, yes! Right here.  Please help.

Teacher: When God comes he offers His forgiveness because His son Jesus already took your punishment.  He can rescue you from the devil’s trap of sin.  All you have to do is trust in Him to save you.  These people only need to accept the help of the one who is trying to rescue them.

Voice 4: Okay.  I’ll lower this rope and pull you out one at a time.  Ready?

Voice 1:  Uh…This isn’t the type of rescue I had in mind.  I think I’ll just stay in the pit.

Voices 2 and 3: You’re crazy… What?!

Voice 4: Have it your way.

Voice 2: I’m ready.  Lower the rope.

Voice 4:  You don’t have to do anything.  I’ll pull you up.

(Sounds of pulling)

 Voice 2: Thank you so much!  You really did do it all.  You saved my life.  Thank you.

Voice 4: You ready down there?

Voice 3: Yep.

Voice 4: Okay.  Here we go.

(Sounds of pulling)

 Voice 3: Look at me!  I’m safe and sound on the ground.  And just think.  If I hadn’t pulled myself up on the rope, I would still be down there.

Voice 2: But you didn’t do anything! He did all the work!  Some people just don’t get it.

Teacher: Some people won’t take the free gift of God.  He offers to rescue all people who will trust in Him and accept His forgiveness.  But some people won’t do it.  Other people are like that last person we saw.  They let God rescue them, but they think that they did it by being good enough.  The ones who know the truth know that God is the only one who can save and rescue us.  We are saved because He did it all.  It was because He was good to us, and nothing else.  We can’t be good enough on our own.  God does it just because He loves us.

For All He Does (skit)

“Our Lord and our God,

            we praise you

and kneel down to worship you,

            the God of holiness!”    Psalm 99:5

Props: bag of M-n-Ms

 

Begin with the following skit in which two friends, Jenna and Sarah, meet after school one day.  Sarah has a bag of candy.

Jenna: Hey, Sarah.  How’s it goin’?

Sarah:  Fine.  What’s up?

Jenna: Oh, not much.  Hey, you have candy.  It looks pretty good.

Sarah: It is.  Do you want some?

Jenna: Oh, I couldn’t possibly…but if you insist. 

(Sarah pours a few candies into Jenna’s hand.  Jenna begins eating them and doesn’t pay attention to anything else.)

Sarah: Did I tell you that my family went on vacation to Universal?

Jenna: No.  Tell me about it.  (Jenna holds out her hand for more.)

Sarah:  Well, we stayed in a great hotel for two nights and it had a really big swimming pool.

Jenna: Uh, huh. (Jenna holds out her hand for more, not listening to Sarah.)

Sarah: And we rode all the rides on the first day and then on the second day…(Jenna reaches over and takes the bag of candy)…we went to…(Sarah notices that Jenna is not really listening and she tries to get her attention.)  Jenna, you’re standing in an ant bed.

Jenna: Uh, huh.

Sarah: Um, I think your house is on fire.

Jenna:  (Eats the last piece).  Well, I gotta go.  See you later.  (Jenna hands the empty bag to Sarah and exits). 

Sarah: Thanks for eating all of my candy.  (Sarah exits).

Teacher follow-up:  Boys and girls, how would you feel if this were your friend?  (Allow for response).  Did Jenna really care about Sarah?  (Allow for response).  All she wanted was the candy.  She didn’t care about Sarah’s life or family.  She wasn’t interested in being her friend.  She only stayed around Sarah because she had candy.

            One of the reasons we praise and worship God is for all He does for us.  If all we do is ask God for things, and we never thank, praise and worship Him, that’s not right.  God wants to give us something far better than all of the things we ask Him for—He wants to give us His love and friendship, and that can only come when we spend time with Him in praise and worship. 

            Remember: We worship God for Who He is and for all He does.  Let’s be sure to worship God for the many things He has done for us. 

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.

Fire Next Door (skit/lesson)

Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Jude 1:23

 

Two friends are hanging out when the one smells smoke and looks out the window to see smoke coming from the neighbor’s second story window.  He panics and calls for the other to go warn the neighbors.  The second friend calmly lists reasons why he cannot. (“I don’t know them very well,” “I’m not sure if they will believe me,” “I’m not a firefighter,” “I don’t do well in emergencies.”)  The first friend is appalled and runs out to warn the neighbors.

Skit follow-up: Today we’re talking about the power that you have as a person.  You may not feel very powerful:  maybe you don’t have big muscles or you’re not the best player on the ball team.  But God’s Word says that you have tremendous power because if you are a child of God you have God’s Spirit living inside of you (Romans 8).  You can make a difference in others by sharing God’s salvation with them.  You can make a difference in others by warning them about the danger of sin in their lives.  You can make a difference by introducing people to Jesus.

            You don’t have to be an expert.  You don’t have to know all the right words.  Even if you’re shy, you can tell someone about Jesus.  You can make a difference and save a life for eternity.  Don’t let excuses get in your way:  Make a difference by sharing God’s love today.

Finish the Race (Skit)

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now

there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous

Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have

longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7,8 (NIV)

 

Have three helpers come out and begin jogging in place, as if running a race. 

 

            Teacher: Well, here we are at the Annual Cross-Country Race.  We have our three runners here, and they’re running strong.

            (Runner one falls to the ground.)

            Teacher: What happened?

            Runner One:  I just couldn’t take it anymore.  This race is too hard.  I quit. (Exits).  

            Teacher:  Well, it looks like it’s down to our final two runners.  They’re running fast and hard. 

            (Runner two stops running and bends over, breathing with exaggerated difficulty). 

            Teacher: Come on, the race is almost over.  Don’t stop now. 

            Runner Two:  I’m too tired.  I can’t go on.  I’ve got to drop out.  (Exits).

            Teacher (to Runner Three, who is still running):  It looks like you’re going to make it.  What keeps you going so strong?

            Runner Three:  It’s not easy, but I stay in training all the time.  I exercise and eat right.  I also know in my heart that I can’t quit, no matter what.  And when things get really hard I think about the prize.  If I can just make it, I’ll win the prize.  That helps to keep me going, too. 

            Teacher:  You’re doing great.  Keep it up.

            Runner Three: Thanks.  (Runner Three jogs off the stage).

 

            Teacher:  Today we’re learning about how important it is to keep going strong in God until the end.  (Have the kids repeat after you).  2 Timothy 4:7,8 talks about finishing the race.  We’re not talking about a real race, we’re talking about life.  Life is like a race because it can be long and hard; there will be easy times and hard times.  There will be times when you don’t want to keep going for God, to keep living right.  That’s why it is so important to make up your mind that you’re going to “keep running”—to keep going in the tough times.  Make the decision today that you’re going all the way with God, to keep going strong until the end. 

Faith Means Getting Involved

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  James 2:17

 

Skit: Siamese Twins

(Siamese Twins enter, walking together as though they are attached.  They are each wearing a T-shirt or nametag, one printed “Faith” and the other “Works.”)

Faith: Hi, I’m Faith.

Works: And I’m Works.  And we’re…

Faith and Works:  Siamese Twins.

Faith:  That means we’re joined together.

Works:  Yep, can’t be separated.

Faith:  Nope.  But it sure would make my life easier.

Works:  What do you mean, make your life easier?  You wouldn’t have a life if it weren’t for me.

Faith:  Don’t remind me.  If we could be separated, I could just rest and go on believing for the best.  All you do is work, work, work. 

Works:  All you do is believe, believe, believe.  You never do anything.

Faith:  Without me, you could never dream big things. You wouldn’t have anything to do. 

Works:  Well, without me, you’d never do all the things you dream about. 

Faith:  I guess neither one of us could survive without the other. 

Works:  You’re right.  What do you say we work together and do great things? 

Faith:  I couldn’t agree more.  Let’s go!  (Both exit.) 

Teacher follow-up:  (Have an office chair with wheels set up before the lesson.  Place beside it two planks of wood to use as oars.)

            As we’ve just seen in the skit, faith and works have to go together.  It’s not just enough to believe.  Faith means getting involved. 

            I’ve often seen people in rowboats, rowing peacefully down a river.  I thought I might try it, but it’s probably safer to try on land first.  If I can get the hang of it on land, it will be easier once I do try it in the water.  Okay, let’s see.  (Sit down in chair).  First things first:  I have to get in the boat.  (Pick up the “oars.”)  Now I have to pick up the oars and get ready to (sing) row, row, row my boat, gently down the stream.  Oh, nevermind.  Okay, here I go.  (Begin “rowing.”) 

            Wow, this is harder than I thought.  I think I’ll just give one of my arms a break.  (“Row” with just one “oar.”)  What’s wrong?  Why am I going in circles?  I guess I need to row with both oars.  Otherwise, I’m not going to get anywhere. 

            The Bible says that faith without good works is dead.  That means faith is just part of the process.  You have to get involved.  It’s not always enough to just believe.  You have to do something.  (Demonstrate moving forward with both “oars” and going in circles with just one “oar.”)  When you’re praying in faith for something, God will do His part.  But you also have to do your part.  If you don’t, you’re going to go in circles in your walk with the Lord. 

            You can’t row a boat with one oar; you’d go in circles.  And you can’t have faith without good works.  Today’s power point says:  Faith means getting involved.  Get involved by doing good works for the Lord!

Enter through the Narrow Door (“City of Gold” Airlines Skit)

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13, 14

Props: narrow and wide gates or door frames, several pieces of luggage

Characters: airline attendant, traveler

The following is a skit to illustrate the importance of coming to God through the narrow door, without all of the baggage of life.  

 Airline attendant stands by the gates.

 Traveler: (enters carrying several heavy bags, approaches attendant) Excuse me, I’m here for the next flight out to the City of Gold.

Attendant: Do you have your ticket?

Traveler: Oh, yes.  (hands over ticket)

Attendant: Looks like your ready, just one final thing.

Traveler: What’s that?

Attendant: You can’t go through the gate with those bags.

Traveler:  What do you mean?

Attendant: In the City of Gold, the King won’t allow any extra bags.  Passengers only.  Don’t worry, though.  He gives everyone all they could ever hope for and then some.  So you really won’t need all of those things anyway.

Traveler:  But you don’t understand.  I have to take these bags.

Attendant:  If I might ask, what is so important that you can’t let go of?

Traveler:  Well, this bag right here has lots of broken toys and things in it.  The broken things remind me of who broke them and how much they hurt me. 

Attendant:  So you carry unforgiveness?

Traveler:  Not exactly, I mean I just carry the things around so I don’ t forget…Well… I guess you could say…Yeah, it’s unforgiveness.

Attendant: What’s in this bag?

Traveler:  These are all the things that make me cool.  CDs, videos, magazines…

Attendant:  Things you’re not supposed to have?

Traveler:  Uhhh…yeah.

Attendant:  And what about the backpack?

Traveler:  These are things that remind me of all my problems and things I have to worry about.

Attendant:  You know you can’t take that in either.  Wouldn’t you feel much better if you just let those bags go?  Your back must hurt.

Traveler:  I’ve been carrying them around so long I’m used to them.  Now there must be some way to get through without having to get rid of my things.

Attendant:  There is another gate, but it doesn’t lead to the same place.

Traveler:  Well, I’ll just have to take that gate.  (Moving through the gate)  I’ll see you there.

Attendant: I don’t think so. (exits)

Follow up:  Jesus said that if you want to get to Heaven, you have to take the narrow gate.  To get through a narrow gate, you can’t carry loads of “stuff” with you.  If you have bad things in your life (fighting, bad language, disobedience), you have to let them go.  You’ll never make it into Heaven with sin in your life.  You must be willing to take the narrow gate to find God and get rid of whatever you have to in order to see Him.  In the end it’s all worth it.

Don’t Miss the Bus!

So watch! You do not know what day or what hour the Son of Man is coming. Matthew 25:13 (NLV)

Scene: A boy and a girl are waiting at a bus stop.

Boy: Are you going to the big carnival today? 

Girl: I didn’t know there was a carnival.

Boy: You didn’t hear about it?!  It’s going to be great—rides, games, food and I even heard there’s going to be a big concert. 

Girl: Where is it?

Boy: Downtown at East Park.  

Girl:  Oh, yeah.  My mom told me about it.  She said I could go if I wanted to.  But I don’t have any money.

Boy: But everything is free!  The bus is coming soon, are you going? 

Girl: I can’t even buy a bus ticket.

Boy: If you’re going to the carnival, the ticket is free.  But you have to go to the counter and pick it up. 

Girl: That’s great!  Sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.  

Boy: You better go get your ticket.

Girl: Yeah, I’ll get it before the bus comes.  So tell me what kind of rides there are. 

Boy: I’ll tell you all about it later.  The bus is coming around the corner any minute.  You better go get your ticket. 

Girl: I’ve got plenty of time.  Do you know if they’re going to have cotton candy there?  I love cotton candy. 

Boy: Would you stop wasting time?  Go get your ticket!  It’s free…just go pick it up. 

Girl: Yeah, yeah, yeah…

(Sound effects: bus approaching, stopping). 

Boy: I told you.  Why didn’t you just get your ticket? 

Girl: Wait!  Hold the bus!  I’m going to get my ticket now…

Boy: Sorry…the bus won’t wait.  (Boards bus and leaves). 

Girl exits, crying. 

 

Teacher follow-up: Jesus told us that one day He’d return to take us back to the Father.  We will go with Him to Heaven one day if we are ready.  He already paid the price for us to go to Heaven: He died to take the punishment for our sins.  His death on the cross made it possible for us to receive forgiveness for all the bad things we’ve done and go to Heaven forever.  But we must accept His love and forgiveness, turn from our sins and choose to live for God.  He made it possible, but it’s still our choice.  The boy in the skit chose to take his ticket and get on the bus.  The girl thought she had plenty of time.  She wasn’t ready.  She missed the bus and the carnival.  One day Jesus will return.  If we are living for Him, we’ll be ready.  If not, it will be too late.  Now is the time to make the decision to follow Him.  Remember: Jesus is coming back, so stay on track.

Don’t Drift Away

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

 Props: two small chairs, ocean waves (cut from cardboard), paddles, life vests, small cooler

             Two helpers enter wearing life vests and carrying a small cooler with food.  They are preparing to take their rowboat out for a day on the lake.  They enter and sit on the chairs (rowboat). 

            They discuss the importance of keeping their eye on the marker:  it is their only way of finding land again, they will be lost if they don’t keep a careful watch on it, etc.  They engage in small talk while still intently eyeing the marker.  After a minute or two they break for lunch.  They become preoccupied with preparing and enjoying their meal.  Soon they discover that they have lost the marker.  After a few moments of panic, the coast guard comes to the rescue.  The three exit in his imaginary boat.

 Teacher follow-up:  The Bible says that one reason it is so important to pay attention to God’s teachings is because it’s easy to drift away.  People will try to tell you all kinds of things and tell you what they think is right.  They will give you their own ideas, and many times those ideas are different than God’s ideas.  If you’re not paying careful attention, you’ll drift away from the truth.  You will lose sight of what the Bible says and start believing lies. 

Paying attention is not always easy.  You have to constantly listen to God and read the Bible often in order to stay with what is true.  You have to pay close attention and listen to what we, your church teachers, are telling you.  Attentiveness is watching closely and listening carefully to God and others.  Make up your mind to pay close attention to the truth today.

Don’t Add to the Truth (Lemonade Stand skit)

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.  Exodus 20:16

             Begin with a skit in which two girls are selling lemonade.  When the lemonade starts to run low, they decide that in order to continue making money, they should simply add water to the little lemonade that is left.  With more water and less lemonade in each glass, the customers begin to complain.  The girls try to justify their actions by stating that there is still lemonade in each glass.  The customers finally leave in disgust. 

 Teacher Follow-up:  Today we are talking about the ninth commandment:  be truthful.  As we talk about what it means to be truthful, think about what happened to the girls and their lemonade stand.  They tried to add water to the lemonade so they could sell more.  When they added water, people began to notice that it wasn’t true lemonade anymore.  Yes, there was still lemonade in it.  But that didn’t make it the real glass of lemonade that the girls claimed it was.     

Some people try to add to the truth.  There’s no such thing.  Adding to the truth changes it, which means it’s not truth any more.  You can say something that is completely true, but if you add lies or made-up ideas to the story, it’s not true anymore.  For example, let’s say you go fishing and catch a fish that is 9 inches long.  Then you go tell your friends you caught a fish that was 18 inches long and you had to wrestle him into the boat.  That’s adding to the truth, which makes the story a lie! 

            The ninth commandment teaches us to be honest in everything we say, especially when we’re talking about others.  Truth must be left alone; you can’t add to it or take away from it.  So choose today to be truthful in everything you say and do. 

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