Children’s Sermons

Have a selection of several types of balls available.
(Tennis, squash, golf, football, pool, rugby)

Start by holding up a ball, say a tennis ball, and explain what the ball is like. (It has a soft cover, not too hard, round)

Invite a youngster to come and hold the ball.
Do the same for all the other balls leaving the rugby ball until last.

Then ask which one is the odd one out. Usually they will choose the rugby ball. Ask them why. Again, they will say, ‘because it is a different shape to all the other balls’.

Then go on to explain that each ball could be considered the odd one out because they are all different to the others.
The tennis ball has a soft cover, the golf ball has a hard cover, the colour may be different and so on.

Talk about the fact that sometimes we treat people who are different to us badly. We call people names because they are not like us. But because God made us that way, we should treat people with respect and honour. We are precious to God.

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Isaiah 41:10

Preparation: Beforehand, prepare at least two things to happen “magically” when you point a remote control in that direction. For instance, get the youth group to stand in unison when you point the remote at them, and then sit back down when you press the remote. Get the person in charge of the lights to dim and brighten the lights when you point the remote at them. Get the pianist/organist or other instrumentalist to play a simple measure when you point the remote at them.

Visual Aids: One or two remote controls

Good morning boys and girls. [Pull out the remote control.] Can anyone tell me what I have in my hands? [Wait for responses.] OK, would you tell me all the different kinds of things you can do with a remote control? [Wait for various responses. Encourage them to move away from just TV controls, and into answers pertaining to remote-control toys, garage door openers, etc.] Wow, so you can do a lot of things with remote controls, can’t you? Well, I have a special remote control here that does some extra special things. [Pull out second remote.] It only does a couple of things, but they’re really special. [Now, show them how your remote performs the tasks that you set up to happen in advance.] See, you can do some really amazing things with this remote control. But, you know, what if I set this remote over here by itself. Could the remote do those special things? [Wait for the “NO’s” to die down.] Why not? [Wait for responses.] A remote control can’t do the special things it’s supposed to do unless someone holds it in his/her hands. Did you know that you are like a remote control? You are. God has some special things for you to do in your life — some really special things. But the only way you can do them is if you are in God’s hand. To do what God wants us to do, we must place ourselves in God’s hands. To do what God wants us to do, we must what? “Place ourselves in God’s hands.” Let’s pray now that today we would put our lives in God’s hands so that He can use us to do some very special things this week. [Read Scripture verse where appropriate.]

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Note: This is not original with me, but I do not remember the source. I’ve used it in various groups for about 10 years.

Object: Illustrate John 14:6 – Jesus as the only way to heaven. What you’re going to do is a live presentation of the Bridge to Heaven tract.

Equipment:
• one sturdy plank 2”x6” or better about 12-14 feet long (if this is a bit beat up all the better to represent Jesus’ condition before He was nailed to the cross);
• two pieces of scrap lumber—one sturdy (like the plank) but only 3-4 feet and another long enough (12 ft.) but very weak (easily breakable works best visually);
• two picnic tables (or other sturdy platforms);
• a banner or poster with John 14:6 printed on it; and
• nails & hammer, or a staple gun, or even just push pins.

Volunteer: I never select this child at random. He or she (I have used both sexes successfully) is fully aware of the steps involved, and what’s anticipated. I try to select someone who is lightweight and somewhat outgoing, but uppermost is safety first!

Set-up: The tables are placed end to end, but 8-9 feet apart. All the other equipment is handy but out of the way. (I like them out of sight when possible).

Presentation: (You talk your volunteer and the audience through each of the following steps.)
• Designate one table as Heaven the other as Earth; the gap between the tables is Hell.
• Have the “volunteer” human get on the table Earth.
• His goal is to get to Heaven without falling into the pit of Hell.
• First have him try to get to Heaven on his own by jumping – they refuse. (The distance is usually overwhelming anyway, but for fear of real injury by missing and striking the Heaven table, the volunteer is pre-briefed to refuse to try.)
• Show that many false religions have tried to bridge the gap using the two inadequate lumber props.

I usually use the short one first – “See it gets you part way there.” Hang it so it barely balances on the table and instruct the human to use it like a spring board. The human is no less inclined to make the journey. When done place the board in Hell.

Next comes the long, weak board – “It bridges the gap just fine,” but will bend easily toward Hell with a little foot pressure. Again the human is unable to make the journey. When done again place the board in Hell.

Now lay the plank on the Earth. Jesus came to the Earth to live with, identify with man, and save mankind. Present the Gospel while nailing the banner/poster to the plank. End with something like: “While here he promised salvation and that there was only one way.” Reveal the poster, reciting the verse, while placing the plank to bridge the gap.

Without instruction your human willingly crosses to Heaven.

Always end with an invitation.

Afterwards: Remain near the props when the audience is dismissed. Invariably some will want to try as well. I always begin cleaning up right away and refuse to allow them to try the stunt, but I do challenge them personally about their acceptance of Christ as Savior.

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Visual Aids: A mirror that is large enough for everyone to see but small enough for you to hold.

Good morning boys and girls. How are you today? It’s great to see you here. You all look so nice. The guys are so handsome, and the girls are so beautiful. Have you looked in the mirror lately to see how nice you really look? [Pull out mirror]. This is the mirror I like to look in every morning to make sure I look OK. Now, I want you to tell me what you see in this mirror when I hold it up here.

[Hold the mirror up, but with the back facing the children instead of the front]. Now, what do you see? [Allow various responses] Oh, I’m sorry, you can’t see the mirror very well like that. Here, let me hold it the right way.

[Hold the mirror up but place something in front of it so the children still cannot see]. Now what do you see? [Allow various responses]. Oh, I’ve done it again. I’m sorry. Here, maybe this will help.

[Shake the mirror vigorously back and forth so that the children can’t focus]. Now what do you see? [Wait for responses]. Well, I’ve done it again. I can’t seem to figure out what’s wrong here. What should I do so you can see your reflection in the mirror? [Let them answer]. Well, you’re right. There are three things that must be true for you to be able to see your reflection.

1. The mirror has to be pointed in your direction.
2. There can’t be anything between the mirror and your eyes.
3. The mirror must be held still.

[Do these three things and let the children see their reflection]. You know, Jesus asked us to be mirrors. Did you know that? He wants us to “reflect” him, so when people look at us, they see a reflection of Jesus. And do you know how we do that?

1. Like the mirror, we have to be pointed in the right direction. If we have turned our backs on God, people won’t be able to see in our “mirror.” We must turn around [repentance] and face Jesus and do the things He wants us to.

2. Like the mirror, there can’t be anything between us and Jesus, or people won’t be able to see in our “mirror.” If we’re being mean to our brothers or sisters, or not listening to our parents, or doing something we know God doesn’t want us to, then we have sin in our lives that stands between us and God. We’ve got to ask God to forgive us so that there won’t be anything between us and God, and then other people will be able to see Jesus in us.

3. Like the mirror, we must be still before God. The Bible says to “be still and know that He is God.” That means we need to take time each day to get alone with God, read our Bible, and pray — focusing on what God wants for us. When we get still like that, people will be able to see Jesus in us.

Isn’t that neat, how God made us mirrors for Jesus? Let’s bow our heads and pray that God would make us be a mirror for Him today.

[Close in prayer.] Read more

Material:
Three very large rat traps. Mouse traps will not work nearly as well. Three index cards. On one write “Lust of the Flesh”; the other write “Lust of the Eyes”; and the last write “Pride of Life.” Be sure to write in large letters. A regular wooden pencil (fairly new and still long)

Prep:
Take the “u” shaped staples out of one of the traps that hold the springs down. Loosen the spring so that the trap will not close all of the way when it is “sprung.” Set and test the weak trap to be sure that when you put your own hand in it; it will not hurt!! Put an index card, as described above, on each of the traps. You can hot glue it, but I use the old fashioned traps and push the top of the card over the bait pin and pinch the pin down on the card. Set all of the traps – even the weak one. Be careful!! Be sure you are back away from the kids a little. When strong traps spring, you will not be able to hold them: they will jump out of your hand. Practice thoroughly at home, so you’ll not be surprised in front of the children!! Have the pencil handy (in a pocket).

Preview:
Sin is awful and deadly, but Satan will trick you into believing that sin is either not wrong or won’t hurt. This illustration uses two strong rat traps and one weak one to show the lie that Satan tells us and visualize that lie against the truth of Gods Word.

The Message:
2 Cor 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

How many of you can think of some things that are dangerous? Can you think of some things that might be dangerous but not look dangerous at first? If a baby saw a knife, would it think the knife was dangerous, or pretty because it is shiny? How about poisons or medicines or cleaning stuff? Some of these things are dangerous, but they don’t look dangerous.

Sin is dangerous. Satan tries to make sin look good. Our vs says…(read and explain 2 Cor 11:14 as appropriate for your age group.)

There is another Bible verse that says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion , walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Be sure the children understand the word’s “vigilant,” “adversary,” and really key on the word “devour” as you hold a strong trap up and let it snap shut by pulling on the index card a little bit. Drive home the point that this is the way Satan really is!! Let the children know that this is not what Satan wants them to believe. He wants them to believe the same way that Eve did…

Genesis 3:1- Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

In these verses, we see Satan tempting Eve to do wrong by tricking her into believing that the sin won’t really hurt (vs 4 – Ye shall not surely die) Now is the time to use the weak trap. As you explain verse 4, put your hand to the trap- over the index card – and let it slap down on you. The children will be surprised that it doesn’t take your hand off! Explain that this is what Satan wants them to believe, but it is a lie. Sin is a trap – Traps really hurt you!! Pick up the last trap. Set it off by using the wooden pencil. The trap is strong enough to break two or three pencils. When the children see the broken pencil, they’ll believe that the real trap of sin hurts.

How about their sins? Use this question to transition into the plan of salvation in a way that the children in your audience can understand.

Other notes: If you have time to go into other things, it is neat to get the children to say the phrases written on the index cards with you throughout the sermon. Even to count them off on their fingers. These are the ways Satan gets all of us as explained by 1 John 2:16 – For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Also, this is a great time to answer the question kids always ask. “Why do I have to memorize the Bible?”, they’ll want to know. In Genesis 3:4, Satan only changes one word of God’s Holy Word. He denies the word “die.” If we don’t commit God’s word to memory, exactly the way He wrote it, Satan may be able to fool us too!! Memorize God’s Word completely and correctly for your own protection!!

[Close in prayer.] Read more

I took sand and sea shells I found at the beach and used clear plastic cups to represent a human life. I placed a piece of foil in front of each child and a plastic cup that had sand and a seashell hidden in the cup. I had the children poor the contents of their cup on to the foil to find the surprise. The Sea shell represents the godly parts of our lives and the sand is the worldly parts. I then handed out additional shells and had them put them all in their cup and pour their sand back into the cup. The sea shells are now visible because there are more of them. The point to this lesson was to show that the more we do things like pray and read our Bibles the more people will see our Christian lives through the worldly things(sand). The more beautiful “godly” shells we have in our cup/lives, the less room there is for “worldly” sand.

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Material:
– Tarnished silver bowl
– Napkin dipped in plain water
– Silver cleaner and cloth
– Bible (John 3:16)

The Message:
Good morning! Thanks for coming down this morning. Does anyone have one of these in their house? (Hold up silver bowl) I bet your Grandma has some of these around the house, too. This is silver and silver is very delicate. You need a lot of time and patience to take care of silver. As you can tell, I haven’t taken very good care of my silver. It’s all dirty and tarnished. What if I tried to take this napkin and wash the dirt off? (Demonstrate this) The dirt does not come off. Silver takes a very special polish to take the tarnish off. (Demonstrate this) See, with this special polish, the tarnish came right off. People get dirty, too. What word do we use for that? (Children respond: “Sin”) That’s right. We all sin in some way because we are human. But who cleans our sin away? (Children respond: “Jesus”) That’s right. Jesus died on the cross to take away our sins. Jesus is our special silver cleaner! Anytime that we make mistakes in our lives, we can pray to Jesus to take our sins away. People pray for many things, but we mostly pray for Jesus to forgive us of our sins. And everytime we pray and ask, he will! After I completely clean this silver bowl, the tarnish will soon come back. So I have to remember to clean in often. We also have to remember to talk to Jesus everyday so that our tarnish won’t come back. There’s a Bible verse that we probably all have memorized that will help us remember that Jesus died for our sins. It’s John 3:16. Let’s say it together. Let’s thank God for sending His Son to us to forgive us of our sins. Pray with me…

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I found these verses while meditating with some of the other staff members one day. The verse is 1 Timothy 4: 12-14. They are amazing for the children. I used it as a sending this summer at the camp I work at. I tied into just pointing out that sometimes we feel too little or insignificant to go out and “preach the gospel” as we’re taught. I just let them know that see sometimes you don’t have to talk but show in deed and that I myself am sometimes worried about being able to do it. Junior campers (2-4th completed) all they way to seniors and colleged aged youth seemed to respond to it very well.

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Material:
2 combs, preferably a barber’s combs, tapered, with 80 or 90 teeth.

The Message:
Question: When you pray to God at night or in the day and another kid on the other side of the world prays at the same time or if all of you sitting here pray at the same time, how does God hear you at the same time?
The answer is that God is outside of time. (show comb) Say this comb is your life and these little teeth down at this end are your baby years and as you get older and bigger so do the teeth of the comb. Well, God is out here (hold your finger near the comb) and he is not bound by time. See, He created time and he is not bothered by it. He can visit you when you are a baby or when you are 90 years old and Mandy’s life is here represented by this comb, then God can see and listen here in her life or anywhere He wants to, all at the same time. Isn’t that wonderful? That’s how He does it. He has a lot of time, he controls it and everything else too.
[Close in prayer.] Let’s pray: Dear God, thank you for making time and for controlling time and for having time to hear my prayers and be with me in my life and all of the boys and girls in the world all the same time. Amen.

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