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The wind

Children's sermon
John 3:1-17
Second Sunday in Lent - A
Object: 
an electric fan or some hand fans
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. (v. 8)

Good morning, boys and girls. I brought along a helper this morning that I am sure all of you have seen many times and have enjoyed. Our helper this morning is Mr. Fan. How many of you have a fan at home? (let them answer) Almost all of us have a fan somewhere in our house, don't we? Tell me what you like about being near a fan. (let them answer) When you are hot and the air is not moving, it is a good time to have a fan. What does the fan do to you that make you feel better? (let them answer) It blows air on you and makes you feel cooler.

Do you know where the wind comes from? (let them answer) If you are outside, you might see things blowing around and the leaves on the trees moving, and you feel the wind on your body. Where does the wind come from? Is the wind in a big building and comes out when someone opens the door? (let them answer) Is the wind in a big cave until someone says, "Let the wind blow," and it blows? Is the wind in the heavens or in the oceans? Does wind come from the top of a mountain or a big field of corn? We don't know, do we? We have never made wind or seen someone send the wind but we know it is here.

Jesus told a man named Nicodemus that the Spirit of God is like the wind. We can't see the Spirit, we can't taste the Spirit, and we can't feel the Spirit, but the Spirit comes. When the Spirit comes, it enters into our hearts. The Spirit gives us life and that is very special. We are not like a rock because we have a spirit that lives inside us. We can't see the Spirit enter into other people, but we know that he does because we see things change inside other people.

The Spirit of God is alive and moving all of the time. The Spirit of God works with people like you and me and also with our church. Jesus says we are born of the Spirit, and it is like a new beginning for our lives. Everyone that believes in the power of God has the Spirit inside of him or her.

The next time you feel the wind blow, see if you can find the place where it started. I don't think you will. The next time you feel love in your heart, you will know that the Spirit of God is inside of you. Amen.
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