Childrens Sermon Service

One of my favorite games is "Simon says." Have any of you played it? How do you do it? Can someone tell me -- or better yet -- show me? (If no one wants to take the lead, take it.) Here's how we play "Simon says": Do whatever I say. For example, when I say, "Simon says, lift your foot," then lift your foot. When I say, "Simon says, step backward," then step backward. If I don't say "Simon says ..." then don't do it. (Play the game.)

The real "Simon" was Simon Peter -- a disciple. Another disciple was Paul. He told his followers to "do as I do" -- "join in imitating me."

We all need to know people who show us how to act and speak. Many members of this congregation are like Paul. They are what we call "good examples." Perhaps your Sunday school teacher is a "good example" like Peter or Paul.

They are examples because they follow Jesus. They pray to him -- we also should pray to him. They do things they think would please him -- we also do things we think would please him. They say and do things that show us what it means to be a good Christian.

We all need such examples. Like I said, we have many such examples in this congregation. I also try to be such an example. I "imitated" or followed the example of my pastor and my Sunday school teachers when I was your age. They were good people and they showed me what is right and true and good.

Paul says, "Imitate me -- do as I do." I say the same thing to you: "Imitate me -- do as I do." And I promise I will always try to be a good example for you.