I ran across a sampling of notes that kids have sent to their pastor about what they feel ought to be preached on Sunday...
Please say in your sermon Peter Peterson has been a good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson. Sincerely, Pete, age 9.
Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Carla, age 10
I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister. Yours sincerely, Arnold, age 8 I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the offering plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance? Love, Patty, age 10
There is always the temptation for us followers of the Jesus of the Bible to talk and even preach about stuff that is out there...that people want to hear. The Apostle Paul reminded the folks in the church in Corinth that he passed to them what was most important. That Christ died for our sins, just like the scriptures said. And that he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the scriptures said. He told his young associate Timothy to preach the word of God. To be prepared to share this message whenever the door of opportunity opens. We are warned that folks get tired of solid teaching and they look for teachers who will tell them whatever they really want to hear. If you know the truth of the Good News of Jesus you carry something precious and critical to the future of all those around you. So whether you get to stand in front of folks on Sunday mornings or have the opportunity to talk to your kids, grandkids or friends, be ready to tell them the truth as the Bible presents it. You can't make anyone believe what God has said...but they can't believe it if they have never heard it. Every belieer has the call to be prepared, to patiently correct, rebuke and encourage people with what God has already said. You owe it both to God and to the people around you to gently and respectfully share that hope that you have in you. Welcome, fellow preachers. And for the record, Peter Peterson is not getting a free endorsement on Sunday and Patty is going to have to figure out how to make that allowance work for her! Here's our Bible verse for today...
2 Timothy 4:2-5 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (3) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. (4) They will reject the truth and chase after myths. (5) But you should keep a clear mind
in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Remember I'm praying for you,
PJ
Please say in your sermon Peter Peterson has been a good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson. Sincerely, Pete, age 9.
Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Carla, age 10
I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister. Yours sincerely, Arnold, age 8 I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the offering plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance? Love, Patty, age 10
There is always the temptation for us followers of the Jesus of the Bible to talk and even preach about stuff that is out there...that people want to hear. The Apostle Paul reminded the folks in the church in Corinth that he passed to them what was most important. That Christ died for our sins, just like the scriptures said. And that he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the scriptures said. He told his young associate Timothy to preach the word of God. To be prepared to share this message whenever the door of opportunity opens. We are warned that folks get tired of solid teaching and they look for teachers who will tell them whatever they really want to hear. If you know the truth of the Good News of Jesus you carry something precious and critical to the future of all those around you. So whether you get to stand in front of folks on Sunday mornings or have the opportunity to talk to your kids, grandkids or friends, be ready to tell them the truth as the Bible presents it. You can't make anyone believe what God has said...but they can't believe it if they have never heard it. Every belieer has the call to be prepared, to patiently correct, rebuke and encourage people with what God has already said. You owe it both to God and to the people around you to gently and respectfully share that hope that you have in you. Welcome, fellow preachers. And for the record, Peter Peterson is not getting a free endorsement on Sunday and Patty is going to have to figure out how to make that allowance work for her! Here's our Bible verse for today...
2 Timothy 4:2-5 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (3) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. (4) They will reject the truth and chase after myths. (5) But you should keep a clear mind
in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Remember I'm praying for you,
PJ