Teaching Jr. Church is so much fun! I love hands on lessons, it really helps open understanding (of course along with prayer 1st!) and shows the reality of it!
Oil and water don't mix!
We used: a small container of oil, a mason jar of water and red dye.
We had 3 passages today:
1 John 2:15 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Matthew 5:14 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
The water represents the world and the oil was representative of us, saved, redeemed & in Christ. The red dye was added to the water and represented the things in the world.
It showed so many things!
1- We know oil & water don't mix. Given we have Jesus, we are IN the world but not of it. We need to talk with our Heavenly Father daily and throughout the day as well as LISTEN to Him by reading His Word. This is how we are transformed into His likeness and are able to learn from the Holy Spirit!
2- When we do the things others without Jesus do, such as watch or listen to things (on TV, music, video games, etc.) that God doesn't approve of, do what we want instead of what we are told: being rebellious, throw fits (yes, even "grown ups" do this too), if we are unkind or selfish, we LOOK NO DIFFERENT from those without Jesus.
3- when the oil and water are mixed, we held it up to the sunshine through the window (I was missing a flashlight). The sunlight didn't shine through as bright, barely visible at all! When we act this way and blend in with the world, others around us cannot see our Jesus in or through us.
After several seconds went by, it began to separate again. After we fall and sin against God, as well as those we've wronged, IF we turn to Him with a repentant heart and ask for His forgiveness, He will wash away our sin and His Light shines through us again.
After all, Jesus said "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14
If we look and act no different from the world, others will reject our Jesus. Oh but when He is seen, heard and felt through us, others are drawn to Him! It's His love through us that He uses to draw hearts, minds and lives unto Himself! Shine Jesus shine!
The kids did a great job participating, asking & answering questions. If we are truly being honest, this is a lesson for all ages. I know I can see myself falling, failing and hiding the light of Christ at times. Though this is a hands on thing we did to actually see how spiritual things are or can be, it definitely applies to every believer.
Love your object lessons! I always try to share them with my sister who does "children's story" right before the sermon at her church sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThat is so encouraging Teresa! Thank you for sharing. I love these lessons. They're fun & needed, for all ages. I hope it's impact is far beyond measure... Not only in my class, but also in your sister's too, should she decide to use it as well.
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