Childrens Sermon Service

Good morning, boys and girls. How many of you enjoy playing games? (Let them answer.) This morning I brought part of a game that we like to play at our house. (Show the game board.) How many of you enjoy playing this game? Do you remember when you first learned how to play the game? Your parents had to teach you the rules. Then, as you played, your parents had to encourage you to keep playing, while you learned how to play. Games are fun to play. How many of you know how to ride a bike? (Ask for a show of hands.) Some of you know how and some are still learning how. Just like this board game, your parents taught and are teaching many of you to ride a bike. You need a lot of encouragement to learn to ride a bike. Parents are good at encouraging you, aren't they? Whenever you can't get your bike started there is mom or dad, encouraging you to keep trying. Playing games and riding bikes with your family are part of a good life.

All this encouraging makes me think of this morning's Bible story. In the story Paul is writing a letter to a church that he started. Paul reminds them that when they started to learn about Jesus that Paul was just like a parent who encouraged them to keep going. Paul encouraged them to lead a life worthy of God. Paul sounds like your parents, doesn't he? Your parents not only teach you to play games and ride bikes, but also teach you about God and Jesus. By bringing you to church, they encourage you to learn about Jesus. They also do many things at home, like show you what is right and what is wrong. Parents, like Paul, are a good example to us. All of the things that your parents do -- encourage, teach, be a good example -- are things that help you lead a life worthy of God. That's what Jesus wants us to do -- to lead lives worthy of God.

Remember this week that when your parents help you in your life, they are encouraging you to lead the life Jesus wants us to lead.