“That Christ may make His home in your 1hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love,” Ephesians 3:17
*It is so exciting to see all the VBS signs, pictures and stories about how this program has worked in your churches. The summer is half gone and I know how busy each of you are. I find the ministry at the conference level is busy too, but I find that God is working with all of us as we minister to the families and children of the churches. It takes and army of workers to get the message out. Foremost you are remembered and prayed for daily. Christ is truly in us, His people.
Christ in Us
Jul 05, 2017 07:00 am
To know the Father we must know the Son, and to know the Son we must know the Spirit. So the Son reveals the Father, and the Spirit reveals the Son. Thus our orphanage ceases. There is no desolation, no loneliness. Men hunger for the personal presence of Christ. And as we yield to the Holy Spirit, we have that transforming presence.
“The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul” (E. G. White, RH, Nov. 29, 1892).
Object Lessons you might find helpful:
“Glowsticks and Christ In Us” Bible Object Lessons
Glow sticks emit a mysterious-looking light, especially in a darkened room. When you crack a stick and get it glowing, you’ll get the attention of everyone in the class. If you have the ability to darken your classroom, you can use this exciting toy as an object lesson for kids’ church. You can use glow sticks a hundred different ways but for the object lesson I chose today, the verse I’m teaching is John 8:12. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Ready?
Preparing for the Glow Stick Lesson
You need a glow stick necklace and a clear, glass of tonic water. If the budget can handle it, have a glow stick necklace or bracelet for every child to take home. You’ll need to cover any windows or door windows with black fabric or garbage bags. By limiting the outside light the glow sticks will glow more. Pour the water in the glass and pop the necklace then place it around your neck. Cover the glass with a towel to hide it. Leave the lights on for the beginning of the lesson.
Teaching This Glow Stick Lesson
Well everyone! Isn’t this cool? I love this necklace. It just glows and glows and glows but I know it’s hard to see that right now. This reminds me of a Bible verse I found in John. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” No matter how dark it is outside, Jesus’ light still glows. You may not be able to see it with your eyes but Jesus’ light glows even when you don’t know it. Our Lord also told us that we, the believers of Jesus will also have this light. We will be lights too. Let me show you something.” (Turn off the lights.)
Look! I am glowing. You couldn’t see it a few minutes ago but now you can. Let me show you something else. (Uncover the glass of tonic water.) Look! It is glowing too. It looks pretty in the glass but what would happen if I were to drink it? Let’s find out. (Drink a few sips of the tonic water.) Now God’s light is inside me! I’m just kidding. You don’t have to drink God’s light to have it inside you. Remember Jesus promised his followers that they would be lights too. Are you a light? When God looks at you do you glow? Let’s be sure! Who wants to pray?
Popcorn Christians
Items needed: Lots of Popped corn and some Unpopped corn ( Show both kinds and draw a lesson from the popcorn)
Popcorn is a seed that is hard and tasteless, until placed in the fire. And then the white goodness on the inside comes out for us to not only smell the aroma, but also to taste. It’s a powerful object lesson and metaphor for Christ working in us and drawing others to himself through as Christians.
Calendar Update:
August 4-6 Single Parent Event @ Camp Kulaqua register at the Camp Kulaqua website under events.
August 19 Basic Leadership Certification @ Community Room, Florida Conference Office (All Day) A Free event, but you must register by contacting Judy Smith by email or phone. (see below for contact inform)
September 1-4 Family Camp @ Camp Kulaqua register at the Camp Kulaqua website under events.
September 16 Advanced Leadership Certification Workshop
Community Room @ Florida Conference Office (All Day) A Free event, but you must register by contacting Judy Smith by email or phone. (see below for contact inform)
October 7 Go Fish Community Outreach Brandon Spanish
October 20-22 Couples Retreat @ Camp Kulaqua register at the Camp Kulaqua website under events.
Looking forward to seeing you at the events listed under Calendar Updates. If you have any questions? Please contact me, I would happy to hear from you.
Keep smiling and looking to your Heavenly Father for direction. Prayers continue to be sent on your behalf.
Enjoy your summer whatever it finds you doing.