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Illustration
Object:
This object lesson will emphasize the Epiphany passage, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Prior to the sermon, after the scripture passage has been read and during a moment of silence, have the ushers distribute to everyone a small pocket flashlight. The flashlight must be of quality, so the people will want to keep it, carry it with them, and use it when necessary. It must be small enough to place in one's pocket or purse, or possibly attached to a key chain.
During the sermon make several references to the flashlight and what it represents for us, as Christians. We are to be the light of Christ in the world today. We must take the time and make the effort to illuminate the path of others through our many and varied avenues of ministry. We are a light unto others through our daily actions and from our involvement in the church and community organizations. Each time se see, touch, or use our pocket flashlight we must be reminded, "You are the light of the world."
(We usually associate object lessons with children's sermons. Though, if used sparingly in the course of a year, objects can be used for the sermon. The purpose of the object is to emphasize the central point of the sermon message. The object is also something the congregants can take with them as a constant reminder of the sermon's message. The pastor will have to decide the best time to distribute the object during the sermon, keeping in mind that the process cannot become so lengthy or disruptive that the people lose their focus on the message. Also, in deciding to use an object, a pastor must plan ahead to secure the required number of objects for those who will be attending worship. Be sure to have more objects than are expected to be distributed. This will avoid someone feeling left out for not receiving one. Also, extra objects will be required because individuals who have missed the service will come to the church office and request the object that their friends received. The distributing of an object to a parishioner who was absent from worship is a good teaching tool, for it introduces him/her to the central message of the sermon that was missed. Also, the objects will have to be purchased or donated. The expense involved or the securing of donations must also be a part of the planning process.)
Prior to the sermon, after the scripture passage has been read and during a moment of silence, have the ushers distribute to everyone a small pocket flashlight. The flashlight must be of quality, so the people will want to keep it, carry it with them, and use it when necessary. It must be small enough to place in one's pocket or purse, or possibly attached to a key chain.
During the sermon make several references to the flashlight and what it represents for us, as Christians. We are to be the light of Christ in the world today. We must take the time and make the effort to illuminate the path of others through our many and varied avenues of ministry. We are a light unto others through our daily actions and from our involvement in the church and community organizations. Each time se see, touch, or use our pocket flashlight we must be reminded, "You are the light of the world."
(We usually associate object lessons with children's sermons. Though, if used sparingly in the course of a year, objects can be used for the sermon. The purpose of the object is to emphasize the central point of the sermon message. The object is also something the congregants can take with them as a constant reminder of the sermon's message. The pastor will have to decide the best time to distribute the object during the sermon, keeping in mind that the process cannot become so lengthy or disruptive that the people lose their focus on the message. Also, in deciding to use an object, a pastor must plan ahead to secure the required number of objects for those who will be attending worship. Be sure to have more objects than are expected to be distributed. This will avoid someone feeling left out for not receiving one. Also, extra objects will be required because individuals who have missed the service will come to the church office and request the object that their friends received. The distributing of an object to a parishioner who was absent from worship is a good teaching tool, for it introduces him/her to the central message of the sermon that was missed. Also, the objects will have to be purchased or donated. The expense involved or the securing of donations must also be a part of the planning process.)
