9-1-1

I can't remember where I got the idea for this sermon but you can change it anyway you like the way that I did.  This sermon can be done using technology or just by two people acting out the parts.  If you have access to technology I would definitely go that route.  I would have someone hidden away with a mike playing the part of the operator or record her voice reading the part and have someone play and pause during the sermon.

Well who can tell me what this is?  That's right, it's a toy telephone.  By now most of us have gotten used to the emergency number to call if we need help right away.  Just push the three digits 9-1-1 and we're in touch with the person who can get us the help we need as soon as possible.  This one number has saved many lives and has eased much suffering.

OK, _______________, let's pretend that you were at home and your mother fell and hit her head.  Can you come up here and dial the number that would get you some help?  That's right, 9-1-1.  And then you would hear a ring and a really nice person would answer the phone.

(Telephone rings three times).
What in the world?

This is 911.  What is your emergency?
This is 911.  What is your emergency?

Hello!  I'm sorry but I didn't mean to dial this number.

What is your emergency sir?

Operator, I don't have an emergency.  I was just doing a demonstration for the children here at church about 911.

Sir, what is your number?

Well it's _____________ but I'm not calling from that phone.

Is this Mr. Larry Hewett from __________________ Tabor City?

Yes it is.

What is your emergency Mr. Hewett?

Operator I'm trying to explain that I don't have an emergency.  I'm here at ________________________ Baptist Church doing a children's sermon and I was doing a demonstration about when we need help we should call 911.  I was even using a toy telephone.

Well you must have a awful good connection there Mr. Hewett.  Did you say ___________________ Baptist Church?

Yes.

Is that where Rev. _________________ preaches?

Yes it is.

Is he on the line?

No but he and the whole congregation are listening.

Oh I've met him a couple of times and think the world of him.  Will you tell them all hello for me?

Alright I will.

No, tell them now so I can hear you.

OK.  Everybody the operator says hello to you all.

And my name is Iris.

Oh, OK and her name is Iris.

Well Mr. Larry, you are right by telling the children that 911 is the number to call in case of an emergency.  But did you also tell them that in case of a spiritual emergency, the biblical number 911 can be used for help as well?

Ah no, I didn't.  911 for a spiritual emergency?  I don't exactly understand operator.

And you call yourself a Baptist!!!!!!!!!!  Let me speak to the children a minute, OK?

Sure go ahead.

Boys and girls when we are confronted with a situation that rattles us or threatens us, shattering our peaceful walk of faith, we can dial Psalm 91:1 which says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."  Glory hallelujah.  Talk about instant assurance.  With God as our Protector, we can rest peacefully in the midst of any emergency or trouble.  And hey, God the Father is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Amen to that Iris.  We've got to remember that verse.  Psalms 91:1.

Mr. Larry, here are some other Biblical numbers that all of you can dial when you need help from God.
When you have sinned...Psalm 32:51.
When you are worried...Matthew 6:25-34.
When you're afraid...Psalm 34:7.
When you are lonely...Psalm 23.
When you are fighting Satan...Romans 8:31.
When you feel unloved...Romans 8:38-39.

Hold on, hold on, wait a minute.  That's too many numbers to remember Iris.

Well, I guess it is but you all should be reading your Bibles regularly.  And every time you do, it will speak to you when you open its  pages, not just when you're facing a crisis.

That's so true Iris.  You're quite an operator and you've really helped us.  Do you have any last words for us this morning?

Sure do.  Remember, when emergencies do arise, don't hesitate to call 911.  But when it comes to spiritual emergencies, through the Holy Spirit, the Lord will give you instant help of His Word.  So I hope all of you jump into God's Word head first.  Goodbye everybody.  Take care and have a wonderful service.  And goodbye to Rev. ___________________.

Bye Iris.

Prayer

Devil's Bag of Tricks (Restoration)

   This prop can be easily made using two paper bags of the same size.  Open one bag as wide as possible.  Then cut the front of the other bag out with scissors. 

 

Make sure you cut out the pleat as well which will give your pocket more room.

Glue this front piece inside the first bag forming a pocket.  You may want to cut some off from the top of the piece to be glued on so that it does not show inside the other bag.  Drop the pieces into the pocket rather than inside the bag. 

You can now see the pocket inside the paper bag.

When it comes time to show the clean soul, close the pocket with your fingers closing the pocket.  When you want to show the sins had the person had not accepted Christ, turn the bag completely upside down and shake vigorously making the pieces fall to the floor or table.




    This empty paper bag represents the life of a child.  See that it's empty.  Well the Devil thinks that it is so ugly like this so he starts adding sins into the life represented by these pieces of paper (or cloth).   By the way who can tell me what sins are?  That's right, they are those things that we do that hurt or displease God.  First one, then another, the sins begin to enter into the perfectly clean life. (Drop the pieces of paper or cloth into the pocket inside the bag.)  Let's see, there's lying, stealing, cheating, cursing, drinking, drugs and the list goes on and on.  Oh my, (look into the bag) that life certainly isn't clean anymore.  Over a period of a lifetime this life becomes full of ugly sins and the Devil loves it!!!!!
    Let's say that this person wants to change his life and clean it up.  Can he do it?  NO!  No matter what does there is no way humanly possible for him to clean up his life and get rid of all that sin.  But notice that I said "Humanly Possible."  That means that there is a way but it has to come from a mightier power than us.  There's one and only one way to do this and that's by accepting Jesus Christ into your heart and asking Him to become your personal Lord and Savior.   And once you do a wonderful miracle takes place.  Your life and soul become cleansed from all that ugly sin that had accumulated over a lifetime.  So let's say that this person with all his ugly sins accepted Jesus.  Do you want to take a look at those sins now?  Well we can't.  Do you know why?  (Show the inside of the bag.)  Because they are all gone.  His soul been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  They are now gone forever and ever.
    But what if this person never had accepted Jesus into his heart and soul?  Well the sins would have remained there like this (Pour out the pieces of paper or cloth.)  And more importantly this person would never spend eternity in Heaven.  What an awful, awful, shame.
    So if there's sin in your heart today, why not invite Jesus to come into your heart and soul so that He might cleanse you from all your sins?  You can do it here, today, right now.  All He's waiting for is an invitation.

The Easter Light

I did not write this sermon.  Instead I used portions of text from a beautiful album called "Halleluia, a Praise Gathering for Believers.  I changed the word "song" to "light" and added a candle and an ending.  I would suggest that you have soft music during the reading of this.  Make sure you light and blow out the birthday candle that relights itself at the appropriate time.  Hope you enjoy it.

I believe, I believe.  What a powerful statement.  For thousands of years men have staked their lives on this belief that Jesus Christ is real.  Why?  Because it is this belief that gave their life meaning.  Jesus Christ in a life does make a difference.  He’s the source of a meaningful and purposeful life.  Where there’s darkness he makes light, yeah!  (Light the birthday candle.)  God gave the light.  Yes God gave the light.  It’s always been with us.  The light came into our world through a manger – a manger in Bethlehem.  There was nothing sacred about that manger in Bethlehem.  The light could have been born in the best hotel in the city if it had been left open for Him.  But He wasn’t pushy and still isn’t.  He moves only in the places we vacate for Him.  There was room that night only in the stable so that’s where the light was born.  It was a simple light – a simple lovely light for every man.  But right from the first some tried to ignore it.  They said there is no light.  It simply doesn’t exist.  Others tried to just change the light.  They made laws to put it out.  Armies marched against it.  They killed some who loved the light.  They screamed at it in fury.  They tried to out it.  Finally they nailed that light to a tree.  They said to themselves, “There, that should take care of that. "  (Blow out the candle and in a few seconds it relights itself.)    But it didn’t. 

Boys and girls you’ve just seen what Easter is all about.  It’s about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the light to a dark, sinful and dying world.  Although many have tried to out His light, they can’t because God gave the light.  God gave the light, His Son, for you and for me.  If you don’t know Him as your personal Savior today He so much wants to be.  He’s only waiting for your invitation to enter into your heart.  Won’t you ask Him today?

Three Card Reunion (Restoration)

This is not my original story at all; however, I wanted to include it since I like it so much.  I found this in a small paper back book that I bought named "Gospel Magic: Plain and Simple" by Mr. Paul Everett.  This particular trick takes a while to duplicate; however, if you are sure you want to attempt making it, I'll do my best to help you out.

 

You start with three caards.  Adam is on the first one and God on the third one.  But look at what is on the middle one - Sin.  Ever since Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, Sin has always come between God and man.  So how do we get back into relationship with Him?

 

Well we actually have a fourth card of sorts - a secret card - and on it is a cross with Jesus, Savior, Lord on it.  So let's see how we put the four cards together.

 

Once you remove the sin card we now have God and Adam reunited.  That's what happens when the sin is removed from our heart and soul.

 

But let's look closely at the Sin card.  Well it's actually not a card at all.  It's part of a card that forms a flap in which we can put the Jesus Christ Savior card.  This pseudo card is permanently attached to the Adam card.

 

Now you can see how the Jesus card fits snugly behind the Sin card.  The Jesus card is removed instead of the Sin card.  The person thinks he is holding the Sin card.  Make note of him holding the Sin card tightly. This is the way God sees us holding on tightly to our sins before we give them up.

 

 

So after taking away the Sin card, supposedly, you'll place the God card over the pesudo Sin card.  Finally ask the person to show us his Sin card so that we can see all the sins that are no longer between God and man.  To his and everyone's surprise, there is no Sin card but rather the Jesus card because He has forgiven us of our sins and now He lives inside our heart and soul where the sins once were.  This is an awesome trick with another restoration theme.

 

 

Coloring Book Life

This is not an original trick but I wanted to share it and demonstrate how to do it.  First of all you'll need a Magic Coloring Book.  They can be bought at magic shops for around $10.  I decided to make my own which took some time but it can be done.  So once you purchase your coloring book or make your own the learning how to do the trick is so very easy.  Click on the link below in order to discover how.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKTk9YZtIhc

My story is a simple one and it goes like this.  (I show the book and open it up to the blank pages.)  This represents a person's life that is not saved.  What good is a book with blank pages?  Not very right?  Well let's say that this person felt that he was missing something in his life - something that he knew his friends at church had but he didn't.  Well one day he discovered that he wasn't missing a something but rather a someone.  One morning after preaching he went down to the altar and asked Jesus Christ to come into his life.  And boy oh boy did it ever make a difference.  Look at his life now. ( I open to the black and white drawings.)  Wow, now his life has purpose.  But wait a minute there's more.  He started going to church every Sunday.  He read his Bible and prayed everyday.  He started witnessing to his other friends that weren't saved and the list went on and on.  And you know what, these things just added color and excitement to his life.  So just think how important that one decision was that he made to ask Jesus to come into his heart and soul.  If he had not done it, this would be him - as blank as can be.  (I show the blank pages.)  So which coloring book is your life today?  The blank one, the black and white one or the colored one.  It's not magic.  It's salvation.  Jesus is just waiting for an invitation.  Won't you invite Him into your heart today?

Conversation Starters

Fpr those who know me, I'm not much of a talker.  But in this sermon I really am.  In fact, I just wouldn't shut up!!!!!!!!!!  Once I told everyone good morning I began and the audience probably thought that I'd never quit.  It went something like this:

Good morning everyone.  Hope you're well.  I feel so good this morning.  I think part of it has to do with my breakfast.  Have you tried those Jimmie Dean sausage biscuits?  Oh man are the good with some strawberry jelly on them and a cup of Hazelnut coffee.  But the coffee is so much better if you use the Caramel Macchiato creamer.  You can get it at Food Lion.  What's really good is having one of these cups of coffee while watching TV at night.  I especially like to drink one when I'm watching America's Got Talent.  Do you guys watch that?  It's got to be one of my favorite TV shows.  Did you see it last week?  What about the man who ballances on these tall ladders?  I can't wait to see who wins in the end though.  Speaking of end, summer vacation is over and it's back to school.  You guys got your new clothes yet?  I hear there's a really good sale at Belk but if you want to spend less money go down to, where else, Walmart.  I got these shoes there.  Not bad for $14 huh?  I was in there last Wednesday buying me some more minutes for my Straight Talk phone.  Do you guys use Straight Talk?  Hey I'd rather spend $50 a month than $115 anytime.  But I'll admit the service is not as good a Virizon but at least I'm saving lots of money right?  Do you guys save money or change in a piggy bank?  You know I had a big glass jar about this high and filled it full of change.  It took forever.  But finally one of my friends and I took it down to the State Employees bank in Tabor that used to be Hardies and put it in one of those coin counting machines.  I wonder why Hardies went out of business.  I loved their Cinnamon Raisons biscuits with a cup of milk.  They used to give away these little raisin characters with each biscuit that you bought.  I got the whole set.  Maybe some day they'll be worth some money.  Speaking of money it sure is nice the way the price of gas has gone down isn't it?  Do you guys buy yours at the Hot Spot in Loris?  The bad thing about that place is that it's always busy and you have to wait in line for so long. And speaking of lines, did you all see the line of traffic from Tabor to Loris this summer?  That beach traffic is getting way out of hand don't you think?  Speaking of hands, I think I'm getting some arthritis in mine.  What's the best thing to take for it?  Tylenol or Ibuprofin?.......

 Get the picture.  I was nonstop.  It seemed like I went on and on forever.  But this is the way I finished it.

Wow, I didn't know I could talk so much and what did I say?  Not too much of anything really.  I told you what I liked and disliked.  I gave advice on what to use and not to use.  But isn't it odd that out of all the things I mentioned, I never mentioned Jesus Christ.  I talked about this good deal or that one but I didn't mention that He loved me so much that He died on a cross and shed His blood so that I might be washed clean from all my sins and have an eternal home in Heaven.  I asked if you liked this product or that but never asked if you knew Jesus as your personal Sasvior and if not I'd like to introduce you to Him.  What a shame of this time that I've wasted saying nothing, well nothing that is important.  I hope God can and will forgive us all when we fail to talk about what's really important and that's where we'll spend eternity.  We should be ashamed.  Plese forgive us God when we fail to mention your love, mercy, foregiveness and grace.  And most importantly, your only Son who died for our sins. 

Let's pray.......

BONUS:
Visit the link below to find a game your students can play called Conversation Starters.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LESAYdYSI097gl3WFJXBLkLXI9-6e9xopHd86l-Ldj0/edit?usp=sharing
Use one of my words or choose your own.  Start talking about it and see how you can maneuver the conversation to the topic to Jesus Christ.  We could all use the practice!!!!

A Short Christmas Play

This is a short Christmas play that I wrote years ago.  We actually performed it at Iron Hill.  It was fun to do and we got "rave" reviews as they say.  Hope you like it.

 

 

ANGEL LEROY’S SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT

One angel in high command interviews a very inexperienced and bumbling angel for the assignment of all assignments.

Ms. Beatrice :  (Ms. Beatrice is busy looking through personnel folders of candidates.  She looks at her watch and gets up to see if her next appointment is here.  As she walks to the door to check the waiting room she says…)  “If there is one thing I can’t tolerate it’s got to be angels that are tardy!  When are they going to realize that they are on call twenty-four /seven?”  (She opens the door to see if her next interview has arrived.)  “Mr. Leroy?  Is there an angel Leroy here?”

Leroy:  (Out of breath with his clothes messed up he answers in a Gomer Pyle accent…)  Well golly…yes ma’am, that’s me.  Here I am!

Ms. Beatrice:  (Inspecting him and his attire, she is not pleased and nods her head back and forth.)  Angel Leroy come on into my office.  (As he walks into her office she notices that he is obviously limping.)  Angel Leroy, are you alright?  You look rather, well, “unangelic.”

Leroy:  Oh yes ma’am I’m alright.  I tell you what – there was so many hosts of angels in that waitin’ room, I do declare I think I had some feathers pulled out of my right wing!  Do you see any of ‘em missin’?  (Ms. Beatrice looks at Leroy over the rim of her glasses with a very displeased expression.)  It reminds me of that time back in Jerusalem a century or two ago I had an in flight collision with another angel.  And lo and behold, my right wing got all cramped up.  And all I could do was fly with my left one.  Well sir there I was just a flying in circles – that’s all I could do.  It was the funniest thing!  And dizzy!  Boy I must have been dizzy for about a week!  Worst case of vertigo I’ve ever had….”

Ms. Beatrice:  Angel Leroy…

Leroy:  And you know what, I’ve had a touch of that there rheumatism in my right wing ever since.  Oh I’ve tried ever thing!

Ms. Beatrice:  (A little bit louder…)  Angel Leroy.

Leroy:  Let’s see I’ve tried Ben Gay, Deep Heat, Icee Hot, Asper Crème, Tylenol, Advil, Ibuprofen and none of ‘em worked at all!

Ms. Beatrice:  (Even louder….)  Angel Leroy.

Leroy:  And on these cold mornings or when we’re havin’ a change in weather – man oh man (rubbing his wing and shoulder)…there I go again just flying’ around in circles (moving his left arm and shoulder as a wing!)

Ms. Beatrice:  (Very loudly….)  Angel Leroy, please!.....(Calming down somewhat and taking a deep breath)….Have a seat.

Leroy:  Well it is quite comical.  There I go just a flying….(He looks at Ms. Beatrice and sees she really means business.  He quickly sits and puts his hands between his knees.)  I’m through now.

Ms. Beatrice:  (She looks at him and places her palms together as in prayer, looks up to heaven and back at Leroy.  She remains quite for a few seconds and then continues….)  Angel Leroy, I’ve summoned you here today on behalf of The Almighty Himself (closes hands in praying position and looks up toward heaven.)  He (same position)….has an assignment of utmost importance for a special angel.  That’s why He (same position) asked me to pull all these files of potential candidates.

Leroy:  Well what kind of assignment is it Missy Be-at-trice?  I read my Angelic News Reporter every Monday and Thursday and I’ve not seen any job openings listed.

Ms. Beatrice:  Yes, that’s true and there’s a reason for that.  This will be one of the most important and memorable assignments in all of history.

Leroy:  Well golly what kind of assignment is it and why did you call me in?

Ms. Beatrice:  Well it’s an assignment involving an infant….

Leroy:  Oh, no.  You can just hold it right there!  I ain’t interested in working no “Baby Detail.”  I don’t know nothing ‘bout birthing no babies and to tell you the truth, (he looks around to see if anyone is listening, leans forward to Ms. Beatrice and whispers to her)….I’m kind a scared of ‘em.  You see, I’m so big and clumsy and there’s my bad wing….did I ever tell you about my bad wing?

Ms. Beatrice:  (Quickly….)  Yes, yes you did!  But Angel Leroy this is not “Baby Detail.”

Leroy:  It’s not?

Ms. Beatrice:  No, although it does involve a baby, a very special baby.  You see, the Father… (hand position again) has decided that it is time to send His Son, Jesus, down to Earth so that His plan of salvation might come to pass.

Leroy:  Hot dog!  And I’m gonna be one of them there angels that goes with Him to help Him set up His earthly kingdom!  Oh man I hope there’s gonna be some fightin’.  I love to fight evil for Jesus.   You know, I’ve always thought the world of that young man Jesus.  He’s so easy to talk to.  Oh boy I can’t wait.  You know Earth is a nice to visit but I sure wouldn’t want to live there.  But since we’re going, I hope I get to go to Athens.  Do you think He’ll set up His earth kingdom there?  I’ve always wanted to see Athens.  But please Ms. Beatrice, tell me there’s gonna be some fightin’ evil forces.

Ms. Beatrice:  Angel Leroy, you’ve got it all wrong!

Leroy:  What you talkin’ ‘bout Ms. Beatrice?

Ms. Beatrice:  There’s not going to be an earthly kingdom and Jesus is not going to enter as a king.  That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.  He’s going to enter the world as a little baby.

Leroy:  A baby?  Well how in the world is He gonna do that?

Ms. Beatrice:  “How” is not the important question.  The important question is “Why.”  You see Leroy, it’s hard for us angels to understand the feeling God has for the humans on earth.  He loves them so much.  In fact, you know as well as I that that’s one of our most important reasons for our existence – to help minister to those people in need.  And now in His infinite wisdom, God (hand position) has decided that it’s time for their Savior, Jesus, to be born into the world.  For those that accept His as their personal Savior, their hearts and souls will be cleansed from their sins and transgressions and they will be assured of a place  of eternal rest and happiness here in heaven.

Leroy:  Well what does God want me to do?  I just don’t understand.

Ms. Beatrice:  It’s not important that we understand, but that we believe and trust in God.  (She opens a file folder marked “Special Assignment.”)  Here’s what God wants you to do Leroy.  He wants you to place a brilliant star in the sky so that everyone will see it.  It will shine brightly in the night and light up the way to the Savior who may be found in a small manger in the town of Bethlehem.

Leroy:  I don’t know.  That sounds like a very important job – to put up a star that will point to where Jesus is.  I just don’t know  if I could do that.  I’d probably find some way to mess it up.  (Stuttering…)  And uh besides, I’ve been planning to take a compute course.  I’m still having some problems with that new Windows program that came out a few months ago.   And uh, I’ve put on a few pounds.  (Patting his stomach.)  This ole angel ain’t  as light as he used to be.  I thought I’d start working out on that Belly Buster machine down Heavenly Body’s gym.  You know, I just don’t know if I could work that into my schedule right now.

Ms. Beatrice:  It sounds to me like you’re having doubts about your ability.  Listen to me Leroy.  God sees in us, what we don’t see in ourselves.  He sees our potential.  And the most important ability we can offer God is our availability.  We’ve got to be available when He calls us.  And God is calling you to do this task for Him.  So what do you say?

Leroy:  Well…..I reckon so.  If God wants me to try I guess I’ll do my best.

Ms. Beatrice:  Leroy that’s all He asks of all of us – our best.  (Looking at her watch….)  Oh my look at the time.  Leroy you’d better get going!

Leroy:  Well golly Ms. Beatrice, I guess you’re right.  I don’t want to be late on the job when the “Boss” ( he does hand position) hand  picked me Himself.  (He gets up from his chair and grabs his shoulder…)  Ah oh!

Ms. Beatrice:  What is it?

Leroy:  There goes my rheumatism again.  Did I ever tell you bout my rheumatism?

Ms. Beatrice:   Yes, yes you did Leroy.

Leroy:  Well it all started with an in flight collision with another angel over Jerusalem.  Boy did it ever smart.  You see my right wing got all cramped up and I couldn’t use it “atall.”  Well there I was just a flying in circles!  (Slaps his thigh)  It was one of the funniest things you’ve ever seen!  (They both depart.  Ms. Beatrice has a look of disgust on her face as well as concern.)

(The lights dim.  The song, Away in a Manger, plays softly in the background.  After a few moments Leroy is heard to say….)

Leroy:  Let’s see now, where am I ‘sposed to put this star?  Let me take a look at my map.  OK, Ok, I go straight over Jericho to the Dead Sea and swing a left and it should be right ‘bout there.  Well golly there it is – Bethlehem!  It’s just where the map says it is.  Now for the star.  Ah oh, the star!!!!  Where did I put it?  Oh yea here it ‘tis, here it ‘tis.  Right here all safe in my back pocket.  OK little feller let’s do your stuff.  You’ve got to shine bright enough so’s you can lead everybody to the baby Jesus.  There you go, there you go!  Shine on little buddy shine on!!!!  (The star shines brightly.  Silence for a few seconds…)  I wonder…I wonder if’n I can see the little baby Jesus from here.  Let’s see now, I should look straight down under the star.  And all I see is a little manger with a man and a woman in it.  But wait a minute, there’s something moving in the hay.  Why, it can’t be….can it?  Is that baby Jesus?  Why it’s got to be.  And look at Him, He’s beautiful.  Look at those eyes.  Yep, yep He’s got His Father’s eyes all right!  That’s Him, that’s Jesus!  I tell you one thang Baby Jesus.  I sure do hope that ever human man, woman, boy and girl know just how much You love ‘em to do what You’re doing for ‘em.  Why You’ve got to be the best gift of love in the whole wide world.  Happy birthday baby Jesus.  (He gives a large sigh of relief….)  Well God, I done did my best so I guess I’ll be going now.  But first let me make one little “ajustment” to that star.  (He yells out….)  OUCHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!  There goes my rheumatism again.  God, did I ever tell you ‘bout my rheumatism?  Well, it’s the funniest thang.  It all started a century or so ago when I had a in flight collision with another angel…..

(While Away in a Manger plays throughout this scene, Mary takes place holding baby Jesus.  While Mary is cuddling the baby, the song Heaven’s Child is sung.)

 

Introduction and Welcome

Hello everyone.  My name is Larry Hewett from Tabor City, N.C.  Welcome to this blog pertaining to ideas for those dedicated teachers who do children's church or sermons.  While a member of Iron Hill Baptist Church I did children's sermons for a number of years.  Like everyone else I was constantly searching for resources that I could use.  I went to Christian bookstores and online.  For those sermons that I liked I used them.  If I didn't care for them I tried to tweek them so that I could use them.  Then finally I had the idea of writing my own.  I used object lessons, artwork, music, songs, juggling and even magic.  I became a member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians which gave me lots of ideas.  Being an art teacher for about 25 years also helped.

Now as a member of Clarendon Baptist Church I have been asked to work once again with Children's Church.  Because of this I have started to compile some of what I consider to be my best sermons.  I'm even doing workshops in my area for other local churches as well.  Since you are at my site now, you've either attended one of my workshops where you received the URL or have gotten it from someone else who did attend.

To date, I've included 21 stories and one short Christmas Play.  I hope you enjoy these sermons but if there is something that you don't like about them, you have my permission to change them so that they will fit your needs.  If you do, why not send me an email letting me see how creative you were with your editing?  As you'll notice, there are some that are not completed.  This is so that you might be able to tailor them to exactly what you need or rather to a particular story, event or incident that you know about.  I also did not list any Bible verses to tie in with the sermons because I thought you might like to choose your own.

I've also included at short Christmas play that you might be interested in.

God bless you all and keep on teaching those kids about the saving grace of Jesus Christ who shed His blood to cleanse us all from our sins.

Larry


P.S.
I'll apologize in advance for any typos, misspelled words or grammatical errors.  I'll try to proofread everything more carefully.

Sins Washed Away (Restoration)

Watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BHoQ3tF0hA
This video shows how Slush Powder works.  It can be purchased at magic stores.  I use an empty white styrofoam cup.  Inside it I put about a teaspoon or less of Slush Powder.  I have another cup stacked inside this one.  I take it out and use the bottom one - the one with the Slush Powder in it.  As I tell my story I drop in a couple of dimes representing sins.  They are in the bottom with the powder.  When It comes time to get rid of the sins I quickly pour in the water all at once.  You'll have to practice for a good water/slush proportion.  The key is not to have too much water or the slush may be watery.  The water immediately turns into white slush thus it hides the dimes which are silver.  Even though you show the inside of the cup the dimes appear to be gone.  Put the cup away immediately so that no one will be able to look inside.

I'm not going to give you the story for this particular sermon.  You're going to have to write it your self.  Sorry about that but I assure you it's very easy.  This is what I refer to as a "restoration" sermon which means that it deals with sin coming into a person's heart and soul and then being washed away by he blood of Jesus.  Thus the person has been restored.  Before I start this one though you may need to mention the word symbol.  "What is a symbol?  It is one thing that stands for or represents something else."  Your have three symbols in this story.  First the styrofoam cup represents a person's soul.  Obviously when it's empty is the time that there is no sin inside the soul.  The second symbols are the dimes.  I usually use only two.  You can shake the cup gently so that they can hear them raattle.  They represent sins that people commit.  You may want to go over the definition of sin as well.  Sins are those things that we say or do that hurt or displease God.  As you put the dimes into the cup the person is committing sins and they are in his soul which is now no longer clean.  Finally the water represents the blood of Jesus.  Sorry it can't be red.  If it were the Slush Powder would end up looking like strawberry jello!!!!!!  Once the person who has committed the sins now in his soul accepts Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he is cleansed by His blood that He shed for us on the cross.  Once the water hits the powder, the miracle of salvation takes place.  The powder turns into a whitish opaque jello-like substance.  Since it is opaque, it hides the silver dimes.  It may not hide copper pennies as well so that's why I use dimes.  First thing I do is shake the cup once more but this time there is no rattle because the dimes are now inside the jello.  Then I show that the cup or sould is empty or cleasned free from sin.  I would use no more than two or three dimes.

Restored Relationship With God (Restoration)

This has to be one of my favorite magic tricks of all time and it could not be any easier to do and it's very economical as well.  I found this in a small paper back book that I bought named "Gospel Magic: Plain and Simple" by Mr. Paul Everett.  The trick is restoring a cut piece of paper once you have cut it with scissors.  Sound challenging?  Well it's not at all.  It's quite easy and fun.  Check out the video below. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHaE3Y--A4g
Instead of using strips of newspaper like he did, I use copy paper from my printer.  I cut it into strips about 1.5 to 2 inches wide and the entire length of the paper which is 11 inches.  I also add a comical element to this trick.  I'll go into that once I share the story with you.  The idea for this particular sermon is not my mine; however, I have added the comical element to it which leads into the serious portion dealing with Sin separating us from God.

Good morning.  Who in here is good in math?  Well I have a question for you.  If I take this strip of paper and cut it in half, how many pieces will I have?  Two?  I don't think so.  I thought you guys said you were good in math.  I say I'll have one.  Don't laugh, I'll prove it to you.  (I then take a strip of paper and snap it showing that it is whole.  Then I fold it and cut off about 1/2 inch of it from the fold.  It falls to the table and then I "gently" open it up revealing that it is one piece.  I re-cut it again for the same result - one piece of paper.)  One ole guy went fishing and he said he caught one that was this long.  (I have a strip of paper with a long fish drawn on it.)  Well we all know that hunters lie in wait but fishermen wait and lie.  So instead of his fish being this long, (fold and cut the paper making an extremely short fish when you open the strip) it was actually this short.  You may be wondering how I do this trick.  Well other than extremely well, I do it using magic paper.  And this paper is good to use in school when writing.  Let's say I misspelled by name.  You can see that I put in an extra "R".  All I have to do is fold it and cut it out.  Once I open it up the word is now spelled correctly.

OK enough about the magic paper.  Now I want to get serious and use this trick to illustrate a story.    Who can tell me the first man and woman in the world?  That's right.  It was Adam and Eve.  What did they do that God told them not to do?  Eat the forbidden fruit.  And who convinced them that it was OK to eaat this fruit?  Satan himself in the form of a serpent or snake.  Well from then until now Satan has been playing havoc with our lives and with our relationship with God.  He just always tries to get between us and God and he convinces us to do those things that hurt and displease God.  What do we call them?  That's right - sin.  So let me illustrate it this way.  Here on this end of the paper we have God up in heaven.  And on this end down on earth we have whom?  Man or us to be exact.  Now who always tries to come between us?  That's right.  It's Sin so we'll put it inside our heart right here in the middle.  But you know boys and girls, God didn't like this situation right here so He did something about it.  Who can tell me what God did to get rid of Sin coming between us and Him?  He had His only Son, Jesus Christ to die and awful death on a cross where He shed His own blood for you and me.  So that anyone who has sin or Satan in thier heart they can get back into relationship with God the Father.  So does a person have to buy forgiveness for his sins?  No of course not.  It comes freely.  So what does a person have to do in order to be saved and remove the Sin from between God and us?  It's so simple.  They just have to ask for forgiveness, tell Jesus that they're sorry and ask Him to come into their heart to live forever as Lord and Savior.  And once you do Jesus comes into your heart and takes away the Sin.  Now look what has happened.  God and man have been reunited.  But wait a minute, we're not perfect and sometimes we can still sin.  But Jesus isn't going to hand us back over to him.  So when we ask for forgiveness agian Jesus continues to forgive over and over so that there will be nothing between us and God. 

Everything You'd Like To Know About Chickens

First of all view the following video and learn how to make a chicken out of a tea towell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thgRtzMQzO0

This is a rather humorous sermon to start with but at the end it becomes very serious.  Begin by talking about chickens - anything what soever as long as its about our feathered friends.  Mention types of chickens, colors and sizes of chickens, how many eggs they lay, different breeds of chickens, chicken jokes and the list goes on and on.  The more bizarre the better.  Everyone will be wondering where on earth you're going with all of this chicken facts.  Then finally you say something like, "I know you're wondering why I'm talking so much about chickens this morning.  Well it's because I brought one with me to church and he's right here.  (Show them the tea towell.)  "Oh you don't see him?  Well I guess not, I've got to lay the towell out flat, roll up this end to the middle, roll up the other end to the mddle," and you give a movement by movement commentary as you actually create the chicken.  Finally you pull the ends of the towell apart forming the finished chicken.  Be ready for lots of laughter.

Once the laughter has subsided the conversation goes something like this.  "One thing that I didn't mention about chicken was that it's an expression for being afraid, like you are chicken to jump into the pool.  There's lots of things that we can be afraid of but one of them is not telling others about Jesus Christ and what He means for and has done for you. 
Why would I be chicken to tell others about His saving my soul?
Why would I be chicken to tell how He forgave me for all my sins?
How could I be chicken to proclaim that He is the living Song of Almighty God?
The more personal the better.
Etc.
Etc.
Etc.
You may end this sermon anyway that you like.  You can see the direction that I went.  You just need to get across the point that as much as Jesus has done for us, how or why can we be chicken or afraid to tell others about Him?

BONUS:
Click on the link below for bonus materials pertaining to this particular sermon.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LESAYdYSI097gl3WFJXBLkLXI9-6e9xopHd86l-Ldj0/edit?usp=sharing
You'll find a Chicken card that you can give to the children and small cards, four on a sheet with space for them to write on the back.

What Kind of Detergent Do You Use? (Restoration)

This is a very easy trick to do and its message is very powerful.  Once again, I would classify this one as another restoration story.  I would practice this at least one time to check the disappearing time on different types of cloth that the shirt is made of.  You also have to make a purchase at a magic store.  Buy a bottle of disappearing ink.  The last bottle I bought was about $4.  Alright, once you have your bottle of ink and a shirt, you'll need one more thing and that is a solid red towel or piece of cloth.  Here's the story:

Hey you guys, tell me something.  Have you ever been outside playing in new or clean clothes when you were warned not to?  Of course you have.  Any why were you warned not to play in your good clothes?  That's right, so you wouldn't get them dirty.  And what happened when you got grass stains or mud or some other kind of stain on them?  Well, probably your got a mini sermon from your mother about not following her directions right?  But what eventually happened to the clothes?  That's right, they had to be washed.  And what did your mother put in the washing machine to help get them as clean as new?  Right, detergents or bleach.

Do this look familiar?  This is Clorox.  It's used especially on white clothes.  In fact, it's so powerful that it will take the color out of colored clothes.  So you have to be very careful when using it.  And hopefully after washing your dirty clothes in detergents and bleaches your clothes will look as clean and as bright as they did before you got them dirty.

Now you may be wondering, where is he going with this story?  Well I have a very important question for you today?  Do you know what is the most powerful cleansing agent in the world?  Well it's not a WHAT but rather it's a WHO.  And that Who is Jesus Christ.

Let me explain what I'm talking about.  Let's pretend that this shirt that I have on is a person's soul.  It's all sparkling clean and fresh and new.  But as we grow something happens to it.  It becomes dirty - not with grass stains and grease and grime though.  But it becomes dirty with SIN.  Sins are those things that we do that displease and hurt God.  And boys and girls over a period of a lifetime, a person's soul can become quite filthy - like this.  (POUR DISAPPEARING INK ONTO MY SHIRT.)

(PLACE RED CLOTH OVER ME)

What a mess I've made of my beautiful clean sour and life.
* Hey I've got an idea.  I'm going to clean it up all by myself.
* I'm going to read some self help books and listen to some self improvement tapes and videos.
* I'm going to go to commune with nature.
* I'm going to get involved with yoga.
* I'm going to meditate.
* I may even become a member of a cult.
* Can you think of any other ways that a person can try to get rid of their own sins?
* They may just decide to forget them all together and they'll go away by themselves.
* But guess what?  That won't happen and none of these things I mentioned will get rid of the SIN stains.  They'll only get worse.  There's only one thing that I can do to get rid of these SINS and that's by asking Jesus into my heart as Lord and Savior.  And boys and girls once I do that He covers e with the blood that was shed for me on Calvary when He was hanging on the cross.  He gave His life so that I might be washed of my SINS.  That's why I put on this red cloth.  This represents the blood of Christ that was shed for me.

And an interesting thing happens.  Once Jesus moves into my heart and soul, He moves the SIN out - just like that.  Now I have a new start - a new life and a new beginning.  That's what I call a miracle.
REMOVE THE RED CLOTH.  Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

But you may say, "Wait a minute, I still see a little something."  Well what you see is actually the dampness of the shirt.  The stain is completely gone.  But that makes me think that sometimes even though God has cleansed us of our sins, we are still left with the scars that they have caused.

Let's pray.