Strong in Spirit

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: bowling ball, “nerf” style ball, small lightweight ball, six or ten 2 liter soda bottles (You may need to fill the bottles with a little water to achieve the effect).

• God has given each of you a job to do: you are to worship and serve Him.  All of us are called to boldly worship God and boldly tell others about His love, speaking the truth into their lives.
• (Show 2 liter bottles, arranged in a triangle as bowling pins would be). When you go bowling, what is your goal?  (Allow for response).  Your goal is to knock down the pins.  These soda bottles represent the job that God has given you.  You are to tell others about his love and be bold in Him. 
• (Show “nerf” style ball). Could you imagine if you used a ball like this to go bowling?  It wouldn’t do anything!  (Try to knock down the pins with the soft ball).  This ball reminds me of the people who are “soft” in their faith when they are around others.  They say they love God, and maybe they really do, but they’re not going to talk about it.  They don’t want to offend anyone or bother anyone by talking about Jesus.  They don’t get anything done like that.  No one’s life is changed.
• (Show small, lightweight ball).  When bowling, you could use a ball like this.  Do you think it would work?  No!   (Try to knock down the pins with the small ball).  There’s no power to this thing.  There’s no weight behind it.  This is like people who try to get the job done on their own.  They try to do good things for God without being filled with His power.  But on our own, we have no power.  So it doesn’t work very well. 
• (Show bowling ball).  Now who thinks this ball will work?  Yeah!  This ball has power.  It’s perfect for the job.  When you are filled with the power of God’s Spirit, He will make you bold.  You will be able to tell others about His love and salvation and speak the truth about sin.  You won’t be afraid of what people will say about you or do to you.  (Use the bowling ball to knock down the pins).      
• The power of God’s Spirit will make you bold.