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