Sermons4Kids

[Soldier4Christ]

God Cannot Lie

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)

Has anyone ever lied to you? When someone lies, it becomes harder for us to trust him. If he lied to us once, he might lie again. How can we ever be sure he is telling the truth?

God never lies. In fact, the Bible says in Titus 1:2 that He cannot lie. It goes against His perfect, holy nature to lie. He is absolutely truthful.

What are some things God tells us in His Word?

He says...

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

"Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).

"I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions" (Isaiah 44:22).

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).

"I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:3).

Do you believe these things? Remember, the God who says these things to you cannot lie.

Everything God tells us in His Word is true, because God cannot lie.

[Soldier4Christ]

God's Spirit Helps Us Know God

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." (1 Corinthians 2:12)

Gordon's best friend sometimes keeps secrets that he doesn't want him to know. Gordon can't read his mind, so he will never know those secrets. Nobody can know his friend's mind except the friend himself (and God). Nobody knows God's mind except for God.

So how are we ever supposed to know what God wants?

God has not given us the spirit of the world. If He gave us the spirit of the world we would never know what we need to know. God has given us the Spirit of God so we can know the mind of God. We will never know everything God knows, but we can know the things that are "given to us" from God. We can know everything we need to know.

God has given us knowledge about how to live, how to behave, how to treat our neighbors, and how to love each other. We can know how to help friends in need and how to respect our parents. God has "freely" given us all that knowledge.

God gave us the Spirit so we can know Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

God Picked You for His Team

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." (1 Corinthians 1:27)

If you were picking players for a basketball team, you would probably not pick Evan. Evan is short, slow, and not very smart. He misses most of the shots he takes, and he sometimes actually just drops the basketball. Evan is usually the last person to be picked for any kinds of sports team – if he even gets picked at all.

The Bible tells us that God has chosen "foolish things" and "weak things" to accomplish His work. Evan is not very smart, and he is not very strong, but God has chosen Evan to be His child. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, God has chosen you to shame those who are smart and strong in ways the world values.

God does great things through people who love Him. When He does those great things, He doesn't want His people to say, "Look what I did because I am smart." He wants them to say, "Look what God did." God chooses people who are not necessarily smart or strong so that they will know that God is great, and they are not.

You may not be the smartest or strongest kid in the world, but that makes you the kind of material God can use. When unbelievers see the great things God does through us, they will be ashamed because they will see that even though we were foolish and weak, we were on the winning team the whole time.

God chose you not because you are great, but because He is.

[Soldier4Christ]

Let's Go Fishing

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10b-11 (TNIV)

Do you like to go fishing? If someone were to ask me that question, I guess I would have to say, "No." I like to catch fish, but I don't enjoy fishing unless I am catching fish. I have heard some people say that they don't care whether they catch any fish or not -- they just enjoy going fishing. Not me!

I remember one time when I went fishing with my son. He was about the age of some of you boys and girls -- about seven or eight, I guess. We got up early in the morning and went to the lake. We had been fishing for about five minutes when he turned to me and said, "Dad, when are we going to catch something?" After about thirty minutes, he gave up and went to play with some other children. I sat there and fished all day. I never did catch a fish. Now, that is not my idea of a good time!

As I think about that fishing trip, I am reminded of a story in the Bible about some men who had a fishing experience a lot like mine -- until Jesus came along.

One day Jesus was standing by the sea of Galilee. A large crowd of people started to gather around him. He saw some fishermen nearby who were cleaning and mending their nets so he climbed into one of their boats. He asked one of the men whose name was Peter, to put the boat out a little way from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat teaching the people.

When he had finished teaching, Jesus said to Peter, "Put the boat further out into the deep water and let down your nets to catch some fish."

"We've been fishing all night long and haven't caught a thing, but if you say so, we will let down the nets one more time," Peter answered.

An amazing thing happened! When they started pulling the nets up, there were so many fish that the nets began to break. As they pulled the fish into the boat, there were so many fish that the boat was beginning to sink. When Peter and his fellow fishermen saw this, they were astonished and even a bit frightened.

Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."

The Bible tells us that they pulled their boats up onto the shore, left everything, and followed Jesus. From that day on, Peter and his friends fished for people and brought many into God's kingdom.

Jesus wants you and me to fish for people too. If we will be faithful in telling people about Jesus and his love, we can trust Jesus to bring in the catch!

Dear Jesus, help us to be good fishers for people -- faithful to go, patiently waiting, and trusting you to bring in the catch. Amen.

[Soldier4Christ]

God Is Just To Forgive Us

"...that He [God] might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:26b)

Let's pretend that your brother has done something to hurt you very badly. What if when your parents found out what happened, they said, "Oh, we'll just let that go – it's all right. Just forget about it."

No, you say! You have been hurt. You have been sinned against. Your parents would not be just unless they punished your brother for that sin. Right?

But let's pretend you stepped in and said, "Punish me for what my brother did. I'll take the punishment, and he won't have to." Then your parents would be just to forgive your brother, right? Someone else would be taking the punishment in his place.

This is very much like what God has done for us. We have hurt Him by our sin. Each one of us has gone against His perfect, holy law so many times, in so many ways, that we could never be punished enough to pay for it all. And yet He forgives us. How can He be just to forgive us?

The only way He can be just is to punish someone else in our place. And Jesus, His perfect, holy Son, took God's punishment when He died on the cross. He was our substitute. He took the punishment that we deserved. If we turn to Jesus, trusting Him to free us from sin, God will forgive us for the sake of His Son.

God is just to forgive the sin of those who have believed on His perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Why Dad?

Why can't I go sledding on Hill Street with the other kids? Ken begged at supper one night as he watched the snow coming down and covering the ground. "Everybody else is allowed to go sledding there. I know you think it's dangerous, but I don't see why! There are hardly any cars on that street. Besides, the drivers usually go real slow. Matt's dad says they know kids like to play there."

 Dad leaned back in his chair. "Well, Ken, that may be true," he said, "but when I was a boy I had a bad experience on one of the hilly streets in our town. Didn't I ever tell you about that?" Ken shook his head. "We all would go sledding there," continued Dad. "Halfway between the top and bottom of the hill was a cross-street, and we always had someone watching there to tell us whether or not the 'coast was clear.' One day as I was going down the hill on my sled, the lookout told me no cars were coming. But just as I reached that intersection, a truck reached it, too. I was going fast, and there was no way I could stop. There was no way that truck could stop either, because the streets were slippery. And you know, I slipped right under him, missing the tires by inches. Even now I can remember the fear, knowing how close I was to being killed -- or at least seriously injured. That's why I don't want you sledding on the street. There may not be many cars, but it takes only one for a serious accident to happen."

 "Wow, Dad, I never heard that story!" Ken exclaimed. "I can see now why you made that rule for me."

 Dad smiled. "Parents usually have good reasons for the rules they make," he told Ken. "Sometimes you can understand them, and sometimes you can't. The real test, Ken, is when you don't understand my reason but are still willing to obey me. The Bible says children are to listen to their parents' judgments and respect them. When you obey your parents, you're obeying God, too."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you become angry about the rules your dad and mom make for you?  If you don't understand why they've made a certain rule, ask them nicely to explain it to you.  If you still can't understand, or if you don't agree with their thinking, remember that God says it's your responsibility to respect and obey those rules.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Proverbs 1:8 M)
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother.</i> <i>Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Finding The Way

Good-bye, said Jeremy as he walked toward Rick's back door.  "See you tomorrow."

    "Okay.  'Bye," replied Rick as Jeremy opened the door.  "Hey. . .don't you have a flashlight?"

    "No."  Jeremy stepped outside and looked around.  The night was black; no moon, no stars.  "It's not that far home.  I don't need one," he said confidently.

    "Are you sure?" Rick asked.  "You could borrow mine."

    "Naw, I'll be fine," Jeremy answered.  "See you at school tomorrow."  He started down the steps and headed home.

    Jeremy lived just across the woods from Rick's house.  The path was overgrown and a bit hard to find in the darkness, but he soon found it and began to walk quickly.  Then. . .thunk!  "Owww!"  Jeremy hadn't seen that branch.  As he rubbed his forehead. . ."Zzzzkt!  Zzzzkttt!"  What was that? he wondered.  Usually he wasn't afraid of the dark, but these sounds seemed different. . .threatening.  He forced himself to continue walking.  His head ached and his eyes strained to see ahead.  Where are the lights from my house?  I should be close enough to see them by now! he thought.  What a total dud I was not to borrow Rick's flashlight.  He sighed with relief when he finally saw the lights of his home, warm and welcoming.

    Later, just before climbing into bed, Jeremy opened his devotional book and Bible.  As he read the devotional for the day, a smile spread slowly over his face.  The verses he read proclaimed Jesus as the light of the world.  And we sure need His light, said Jeremy to himself, even when we think we don't!




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you following Jesus, the Light of the world?  God says the world is in darkness because of sin.  The only way to overcome darkness is to turn on a light.  Jesus is the Light that God has provided.  Trust Him as Savior, and then follow Him each day. You can reach a home in heaven only by receiving Him.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (John 8:12  T)
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.</i>  <i>When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows

[Soldier4Christ]

 Back To The Beginning

I can't!  I just can't do it! Diana cried out.  She wadded up the paper and burst into tears.

    "What can't you do?" Dad looked up from his paper.

    "I can't get these figures to balance."  Diana sniffed.  "Tomorrow when I turn in the treasurer's report for our club, everyone will think I'm dumb -- and Natalie will be happy!"

    Dad looked at Diana's report.  "Speaking of Natalie, I haven't seen her lately. I thought she was your best friend.  Why would she be happy if you make a mistake in your report?"

    Diana hesitated.  "Well, we both wanted to be treasurer, and we quarreled.  I got elected, but she still tried to tell me how to do the job.  I finally informed her that I'd do things my own way.  Since then we haven't been speaking," Diana said sadly.

    "I'm sorry to hear that, and I know God must be, too," began Dad as his eyes scanned over Diana's report.  He pointed to some of the figures.  "I think you need to start right back at the beginning and add up your figures one by one.  See what you get."

    "Okay," agreed Diana with a sigh.  She got busy, figuring all over again.  "I found my mistake, Dad!" she exclaimed after only a few minutes.  "In the beginning, I subtracted instead of adding.  Now I bet it will come out right."

    Dad nodded.  "It usually helps to go back to the beginning," he said.  "You know, Diana, I think it would be a good idea to go back to the beginning of your quarrel with Natalie, too."

    "What do you mean?" asked Diana.

    "Think about what happened at the very beginning of your quarrel," said Dad.  "See if there's something you should have done differently.  It sounds to me like both of you selfishly wanted your own way.  Then you hurt each other by using cutting words, right?"

    Diana sighed.   "I guess so," she admitted.

    "That kind of behavior doesn't please God, and it usually doesn't make us feel very good, either," said Dad, as he put an arm around Diana.  "Why don't you go to Natalie and apologize for the way you acted?  Listen to what she has to say.  I'm sure she has some good ideas.  How about it?"  Slowly, Diana nodded.




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone with whom you've had a disagreement?  Are you sure it was all that person's fault?  Ask God to show you what you might have done wrong.  Confess your sin to God; then go to the other person and apologize.  A restored friendship will make you both happy.  Don't carry old grudges into the new year.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (2 Corinthians 2:7 )
Ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Never Too Young

As the Benson family enjoyed their supper, Mom and Dad told Scott and Lisa about their new neighbors.  "We helped them move in, and it was hard work," said Dad.  "I sure am tired tonight.  I know your mom is, too."  But the work was not yet done.  Mom pushed back her chair and began to wash the dishes while Scott helped by wiping them.  Then Scott went out to help Dad wash the car -- even washing the windows!

    When the work was finally finished, Dad read the paper and Mom relaxed in her favorite chair, reading a book.  Scott was sitting at the table drawing an airplane when Lisa came in, needing her shoe tied.  Quickly Scott jumped up to tie it for her.  A little later, Lisa wanted someone to read her favorite story to her.  Noticing how tired Mom looked, Scott volunteered.  Shortly before going to bed, Lisa wanted someone to play dolls.  "Oh, no!" groaned Scott.  "Not dolls!"  But he went with her so that Mom could rest after the long, hard day.

    After Lisa was in bed, Scott got back to his drawing.  He noticed Dad yawning.  "You sure are nice people, Mom and Dad," Scott observed, "helping the neighbors move in and all.  When I grow up, I want to be helpful -- just like you."

    Dad smiled as he answered.  "Oh, you don't have to wait until you're older.  You've accepted Jesus as Savior, and He expects you to begin right away to serve Him.  You serve Him by serving others.  You do that now."

    "I do?" Scott asked.

    "Sure," said Mom.  "Tonight you helped me with the dishes."

    "And you helped me wash the car," Dad chimed in.  "I noticed you did an extra good job on the windows, too."

    "You also took care of Lisa," Mom added.  "You are very helpful, and Dad and I are pleased.  I know the Lord is, too."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think you're too young to help?  You're not.  God uses children as well as adults.  Ask Him to use you this year.  Start serving Him by serving at home.  There are many things you can do to help around the house, such as keeping your room clean, helping with the dishes, running errands, or watching your younger brother or sister.  You're never too young to help!


TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (1 Samuel 2:11  A)
And the child did minister unto the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

 In Shape

Band camp had been hard work!  Oh sure, there had been fun times, like the huge pillow fight the boys had one night, but for the most part, the week had been hard work.  What a way to spend Christmas vacation! thought Drew as he reviewed the events of the week.

    On Monday, Drew had played his trumpet so long and so hard that he'd split his lip, and the nurse had given him ointment to soothe it.  He had to admit, though, that after all the hours of practice he could now hold high notes much longer.

    It wasn't just Drew's lips that had been put to the test.  Every morning the whole group had gotten up and done exercises at six o'clock.  They had also marched two hours each day.  After the first day, Drew's legs had been so sore he felt like he never wanted to walk again!  But they felt really strong and tough now that the week was over.

    The very first day back at school, Drew turned his ankle in gym and had to stay off it for several days.  He was almost glad.  At least he didn't have to march with the band!  They were preparing for a long parade, and Mr. Artz, the band director, was really making them work hard.

    Then, just as Drew was getting ready to rejoin the band, he got the flu.  That worried him.  Missing practice was one thing, but he did want to march in that parade.  He sure hoped nothing else would happen to him!  And nothing did.  On the day of the parade he was feeling fine.

    Mr. Artz wasn't quite sure that Drew was in shape for marching, but Drew was sure he could do it, and off he marched!  He couldn't believe how tired it made him!  He was certainly out of shape -- and he was very glad when he finally reached the end of the parade route.

    At church the next day, Pastor Stewart talked about being spiritually strong.  "Our spiritual lives and our physical lives are alike in some ways," concluded the pastor.  "We don't have to do anything to get out of shape -- but we must exercise daily to stay in shape."

    I sure can relate to that, thought Drew.  I know just what Pastor Stewart means!

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is your "spiritual body" out of shape from lack of exercise?  Doing nothing will get you out of shape very quickly, so discipline yourself to read the Bible, pray, and live for Jesus every day.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE: (Luke 9:23 )

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Tie A Yellow Ribbon

Alex lived in a Christian home, but he hated going to church, hated family devotions, and hated doing chores.  "There's only one way out, and that's to run away," he decided.  Late one night, he crept out of bed, down the hall, and out the back door.  In the morning, his mother found his bed empty.  Alex was gone! His parents tried every means possible to find him, but they were never able to locate him.

    Alex, for his part, found that life away from home was not as wonderful as he had expected it to be.  He went to a big city, did a lot of odd jobs, slept where he could, and got into all kinds of trouble.  Several years later, in poor health and without any money, Alex found himself at a Gospel mission.  There he again heard the Gospel story which his mother and dad had told him so often -- the story of Jesus and His love.  That night, Alex humbly confessed his sins and trusted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

    "Dear Mom and Dad," Alex wrote in a letter to his parents, "It's been years since you've heard from me, and after the way I've treated you, I don't blame you if you never want to see me again.  But I've accepted Jesus as my Savior now, and I want to come home.  I've learned that the bus route still goes right past the house, so next Friday I'll be on the four-thirty bus.  If you can forgive me and want me to come home, tie a yellow ribbon around the trunk of the old maple tree out in front of the house.  If it's there, I'll get off, but if it's not there, I'll stay on the bus and stay out of your lives."

    On the bus the next Friday, Alex was very nervous.  "Sir," he said to the man sitting next to him, "will you do me a favor?"  Alex told the man his story.  "I'm so afraid to look," he concluded.  "Will you look for me, and tell me if there is a ribbon tied around that old maple tree in my front yard?  The house is about a mile down the road."  The man agreed, and Alex buried his face in his hands.

    As the bus rounded a curve, the man watched for the tree.  Suddenly, he grabbed Alex by the arm.  "Look!" he shouted.  "Look!"

    Alex looked.  He saw a yellow ribbon tied around the tree trunk -- and there were ribbons hanging from almost every branch!  In front of the tree stood his parents waving a big sign saying, "Welcome Home, Alex!  We love you!"




HOW ABOUT YOU?
The love of parents is great, isn't it?  The love of God is even greater!  Although you haven't run away from home, you may be a "wayward child" -- a Christian, but one who is living in a way that does not please God.  He loves you just the same.  He wants to forgive you.  Confess your sin, return to God, and He'll welcome you back.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Luk 15:18  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

[Soldier4Christ]

 Noisy Kids Part 1

I heard some sad news at the church board meeting last night, said Gary's father.

    "You did?"  Gary looked up.  "What was it, Dad?"

    "It involves a family who moved into the yellow brick house on Elm Street," Dad told him.  "Their name is Peterson.  Last Sunday they attended our church, and on Monday night Pastor Holt visited them."  That didn't sound sad to Gary.  That sounded happy!  It was neat to see new people come to church.  Gary listened as Dad went on.  "They said they liked Pastor Holt's message, at least what they heard of it.  The sad part is that three boys were sitting behind them -- talking and laughing during the entire service.  The Petersons told Pastor Holt they were going to look for another church."

    "That's too bad," began Gary -- and then he remembered that some new people had been sitting in front of him and his friends this past Sunday!  He suddenly realized why his dad was telling him about the Petersons.  He was one of those who had been talking!

    "Son, we've told you before that it's not only important to listen for what you can get out of a message, but it is just plain bad manners to disturb those around you!" said Dad.  "For the next month you will sit with Mom and me.  If you do sit with your friends again after that, you will sit farther front than Mom and I do -- not behind us."  Gary nodded numbly.  "And there's something else you'll have to do," continued Dad.  "You need to go to the Peterson's house and apologize to them for making so much noise."

    "Okay, Dad," agreed Gary reluctantly.  He hesitated.  "Should I invite them to come to church again?" he asked.

    "That might be a good idea," Dad said.  "We'll pray that they'll accept your apology and come back."

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you listen quietly during church?  There have been many occasions when people haven't returned to a church because of the whispering during the service.  Sit still.  Be polite to those who are around you.  Welcome new people instead of being rude to them!

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Ecc 5:1  Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.

[Soldier4Christ]

 Noisy Kids Part 2

Gary felt good.  Even though it had been hard to do, he had gone and apologized to the Petersons and asked them to visit the church once again.  They agreed, and they even gave Gary a friendly "Hi" as they walked in the door the next Sunday.

    Before the service started, Gary's dad handed him a notebook and a pen.  "I want you to write down at least five truths that the pastor gives in his message today," Dad instructed him.  "I think you'll find that note-keeping is helpful."

    Gary didn't think he'd be able to understand the pastor's message, but he nodded and took the notebook.  As he listened attentively for things to write down, and he was surprised to find himself actually enjoying the sermon!  By the end of the service, Gary had written down seven things the pastor taught -- two more than his dad had told him to write!  He realized that he hadn't been able to understand the pastor's messages before because he hadn't even tried to listen!

    After church Gary showed the pastor his notes.  "I'm going to do this every week, Pastor Holt," he said.

    "Great!" approved the pastor.  "Why don't you suggest to the other kids that they try it, too?"

    "Well. . .okay," Gary agreed.  He wasn't at all sure the other kids would like the idea, but it couldn't hurt to suggest it.  He still felt good.  Not only had the Petersons come back to church, but he had learned a good way to listen to the pastor's sermons and to understand them.

HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you take notes on your pastor's sermons?  Even if you just write down the Scripture he uses, or the main topic, it will help you to remember what he says.  If he uses a word you don't understand, write that down on a piece of paper and ask him to explain it after church.  He'll be glad to help you.  You could also ask your dad and mom to discuss the message with you.  They can help you understand, too.

TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

2Ti 2:15  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[Soldier4Christ]

 More Than Forgiveness

Andy liked praying with his mother at bedtime.  It helped to remind him that God was right there with him.  One night, after praying for the missionaries and for his mom and dad, he remembered something else.  "Oh, forgive me, Lord," he prayed.  "I didn't mean to run into Mrs. Allen's fence this afternoon.  I guess I shouldn't have been cutting across her lawn.  Forgive me for breaking her rose bush, too.  Thank You.  Amen."  He jumped up and climbed into bed, ready to be tucked in.

    Andy's mother kissed him and covered him up.  "Andy," she said, "you didn't mention anything to me about Mrs. Allen's fence.  What happened?"

    Andy frowned.  "Do I have to tell you?" he asked.  "God has forgiven me, hasn't He?  I asked Him to forgive me."

    "Certainly God has forgiven you," Mother assured him, "and you don't have to tell me what happened if you don't want to.  But I might be able to help you make amends if you share what happened."

    "Make amends?  What do you mean?"  Andy was puzzled.

    "God's Word tells us that if our sin hurts someone besides ourselves, then we must do our best to make amends -- to make things right," explained Mother.  "God forgives the sin if we're truly sorry and confess it, but we're still responsible to do whatever we can to straighten out the situation.  Perhaps you need to go and see Mrs. Allen and apologize."

    Andy was quiet for a few moments.  "I need to do more than that," he admitted finally.  "She didn't see me break the fence or the rosebush, but I'll ask if I can pay for them with money from my bank."

    "That's an excellent idea."  Mother nodded.  "Remember, when you ask God's forgiveness for sin, your actions should show that you're truly sorry.  If possible, you need to correct what you did wrong."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Is there someone to whom you have done something wrong -- perhaps even unintentionally?  In Old Testament times, sacrifices had to be offered in such a case, and the situation had to be corrected.  Since Jesus made the supreme sacrifice for all our sins, we no longer have to offer such sacrifices -- but the principle of "making amends" is still the same.  Sometimes it's embarrassing or inconvenient to make amends for our wrong actions, but it's something all Christians must do.


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Lev 5:16  And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.

[Soldier4Christ]

 The Wax Figures

Renee was helping her mother with some simple wax figurines that were to be sold at a craft fair.  "Keep working on the figurines while the wax is still hot and soft," encouraged Mother.  "Remember, it's easier to form them then."

    Renee nodded, but a few minutes later the shrill ring of the telephone startled her, and she dashed off to answer it.  It was Erica, her very best friend from school, and the girls talked for quite a while.  By the time Renee hung up the phone, more than fifteen minutes had passed.

    Back in the family room, Renee picked up her figurine, but the wax had hardened, and it was almost impossible to form the figure as she wanted.  "That hardened wax reminds me of something we talked about yesterday," said Mother when she noticed the problem Renee was having.  "Remember how we talked about the importance of giving yourself to Christ while you're young -- and allowing God to mold you just as He wants?  When people get older, they often become spiritually cold and hard, just as that wax did.  Then they're often less interested in being saved.  It concerns me very much that you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Savior."

    Slowly Renee nodded her head.  "You know, Mom, Erica just told me that her neighbor, Mr. Jackson, died.  I remember hearing Grandpa tell us how he witnessed to old Mr. Jackson for years and years.  I guess he never did accept the Lord."  Renee paused and looked at the cold, hard wax she was holding.  "I don't want to be like this wax -- and like Mr. Jackson.  I want to accept Jesus now."




HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?  Maybe you think you'll do so later, when you're older.  Remember -- when you get older, you could become cold and hard toward the Gospel of Christ.  Come to Jesus today.  (See last page.)


TODAY'S KEY VERSE:

Ecc 12:1  Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;