HAVE A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO EXCHANGE?

 I'M CARRYING A VALUABLE FREE GIFT

CLIMBING TO SUNDAY SCHOOL 

In the remote Sichuan Province in China, Debra a blond hair missionary takes some of the children that live below, up an 800 meter climb to the village above on Sunday morning. Debra smiles, "Are you excited about Christmas?  Did everyone bring a gift to exchange for your classmates?"

A boy named Dong speaks, "I love to make paper crafts.  Everyone's going to like my gift."

Debra replies, "Dong, keep you gift a secret."

A cool morning breeze blows as the children climb, one run at a time.  Mei a young girl shouts, "I love to paint, can anyone guess what gift I'm bringing?"

Ying, another girl guesses, "Could it be a painting of a bird or animal?  My gift is something a girl would like to wear."

Debra adds, "I wish we had gloves to wear, my hands are cold holding onto the metal ladder.  I wonder who would like to receive a valuable free gift today?"

A quiet girl named Fen waves one of her hands, saying, "Me!"

Debra shouts, "Keep both hands on the ladder.  Let's get to our classroom and celebrate Christmas!"

Fen replies, "Sorry!  My gift is something good to eat, everyone will love."

Beautiful birds fly by as they climb up the ladder.  Chun with red cheeks, "God's birds are here to bless us.  I love to make gifts made of wood.  It's going to be the best gift."

Dong adds, "Is it a gift for girls only?"

Debra interrupts, "Don't say another word, I want each gift to be a surprise and I want everyone to be happy what they receive."

Debra reaches the top, offering a hand grip for each of the children to reach to safety.  All the children clap their hands after everyone is on top the plateau.

Later in the classroom, Debra serves Sticky Rice Balls and Juice for all of the students. Debra begins, "Does anyone know why we celebrate Christmas?"

Dong replies, "It's Jesus Christ's birthday!"

Debra continues, "Who is Jesus?"

Ying speaks, "He's the Son of God."

Debra continues, "Yes, Jesus is totally God and totally Man.  God humbled Himself to become a man, so he could live with us."

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

All of the gifts the children brought were gather on a table with a red table cloth.  

Fen grins, "Debra, can I be first to chose my gift?"

Debra shakes her head 'no.'  "Look at all the wonderful gifts you have brought.  I don't want anyone opening their gift until everyone has received there Christmas present and I tell you when to open it."

Debra points her finger, one child at a time as they wander over to the table and grabs a gift.

Fen is the last one to walk to the table, seeing her gift still remaining there."

Fen says, "That's my gift on the table."

Debra smiles, "Fen, you can trade your gift with anybody, just be happy!"

After trading gifts with Dong, Debra speaks, "Open your gifts and say 'Thank You!"

Dong stands up, "I got a yummy nut roll.  I'll take it home and eat it later."

Mei adds, "Someone made me a new scarf!  I wonder who made this fantastic gift!"

Ying talks, "I love this wooden house, thank you!"

Chun giggles, "Look at the paper bird."

Fen marvels, "I adore this painting of flowers."

Debra is silent for a moment, "I have one more gift.  It is very valuable.'

Dong, "Is it made of gold, silver or gems?"

Debra continues, "It is a valuable free gift from God.  All the gold, silver and gems in the world cannot buy it."  Debra hold a small box wrapped in red paper.  "And it's no longer a free gift if you have to work for it."

Ying questions, "What is it?"

Debra continues, "It's your choice if you want this gift, but you must be willing to receive it."

Mei is the only one brave enough to walk over Debra and take the gift.  Mei says, "Can I open it now?"

Debra smiles, as she opens it.  All eyes were staring at the present, waiting to see what she would pull out.  It was a wooden plaque with and a ancient nail to hang it on the wall, with the word "GRACE," engraved, and painted in red.

Debra reads:

"All people have sinned and are not good enough for God’s glory.  People are made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They are made right with God by being made free from sin through Jesus Christ."  (Romans 3:23-24  ICB - International Children's Bible)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

(Ephesians 2:8-9  NKJV - New King James Version)

Dong asks, "I see the word 'GRACE' on the plaque; but what does it mean?"

Debra replies, "Grace is a free gift from God, that you never worked for or even deserved.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  (John 3:16 NKJV)

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9  NIV)

Mei asks, "How can I receive the gift of Grace?"

Debra adds, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from death, then you will be saved."  (Romans 10:9  ICB - International Children's Bible)

Dong stands, "I want that gift of Grace too."

Debra concludes, "We are all sinners on a pathway to eternal destruction and our righteousness is like filthy rags.  We become righteous when we have faith in Jesus Christ, asking forgiveness, turning away from our sins, and receiving His free gift of Grace." 

All the children in the class stand up to receive Jesus.

 

Debra continues, "Our sins make us guilty and we should have been the one dying on the cross.  God gave his only son Jesus to die in your place if you receive this free gift.  Anyone want this gift.  Do you believe in Jesus?  Are you willing to turn away from sin?

The class shouts, "I do!"

Debra holds the Grace plaque, saying, "Do you have faith believing in Jesus Christ?

Stand up if you would like the most valuable gift in the world, God's Gift of Grace.  And you will receive the Holy Spirit and eternal life with Jesus!"

DID EVE HAVE A BELLY BUTTON?

 QUESTIONS KIDS ASK

SUNDAY SCHOOL 

Debra a missionary to the Philippines brings her class to the beach, Sunday morning.  An eleven year old boy, Benjie, wearing no shirt asks her a question.

Benji says, "Teacher, all the girls tease me because I have a big belly button.  They laugh and point their fingers at me."

Debra replies to the class, "God has made each one of us unique.  If Jesus was standing here, would you laugh at Him?"

Everyone says, "No."

Benji adds, "Debra, did Eve have a belly button?"

All the girls, GIGGLE.

Debra speaks, "I'll answer your question, if you can answer mine.  Which did God create first, the chicken or the egg?"

Benjie is silent.

Debra asks the class, "Raise your hands if you think God created the chicken first."

Only a few raise their hands.

Debra continues, "Raise your hands if you think God created the egg first."

Benjie and the rest of the class raise hands.

Debra speaks, "Hens sit on the eggs to keep them warm called brooding, until the baby chicks hatch.  Did God leave baby Adam and baby Eve in the Garden of Eden all alone?

Benjie replies, "Who would feed them and change their diapers?"

Rachel a 10 year old asks, "What about our Heavenly mother?"

Debra replies, "God's word says..." then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.  And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.  (Genesis 2:-9  ESV - English Standard Version)"  There is no Heavenly mother.  God created Adam from red dirt."

10 year old Rachel blurts out, "Are you telling me that Eve never had a mother either.  If she was here right now, I would ask to see her belly button."

Debra continues, "Smile, Eve was not formed out of red dirt, like Adam.  Does anyone know how God made Eve?"

Everyone remains silent.

Debra reads, "The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

"Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found.  So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh.  Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man."

"The man said, “This is now bone of my bones    and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 

(Genesis 2:18-23 NIV - New International Version)

Rachel adds, "Was God like a doctor, putting Adam to sleep to have a rib surgery?  Did he use the DNA from the rib's bone marrow to create Eve?"

Debra continues, "I guess, Adam and Eve didn't have belly buttons.  We believe God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who made the heavens and the earth.  Sorry, there are no heavenly mothers, aunts, uncles and grand parents...only one God."

Benji smiles, "My belly button is living proof I had a mom."

KIDS DO YOU EVER SAY THANKS?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THANKSGIVING?

Mary the Sunday school teacher is dressed like a Pilgrim.  She smiles looking at Jack, saying, "Are you having Thanksgiving at home or visiting your Grand parents?"

Jack replies, "Give me an apple and I'll tell you."

Mary surprises everyone when she gives the apple to Jack.  Jack takes a bite, chews and says, "I'll be eating at both Grand parents homes.  We'll eat a Turkey dinner at Mom's parents and Pumpking Pies with whipped cream at Dad's parents."

Mary addresses the class, "What is Thanksgiving all about?"

Amanda answers, "In 1621 it was a three day harvest feast with Pilgrims and the Wampoag natives."

Bob adds, "President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863."

Mary looks at Sally, "When your mom gives you a treat, do you say Thank You?"

Sally turns red, answering, "Sometimes."

Mary quotes, "In everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5:18  EHV - Evangelical Heritage Version)

Fred looks at a Pear, "Mary can I have a Pear."

Mary watches Fred chew down the Pear, saying, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  (Colossians 3:17  ESV - English Standard Version)

Two girls sitting together raise their hands at the same time both saying the same words, "May we have some grapes?"

Mary gives a bunch of grapes.  One girl plucks off a grape, tossing it in her mouth, while the other girl smiles, "Mary, thank you very much.  I didn't have breakfast."

Mary teaches, "Jesus healed ten men with leprosy, and only one man a Samaritan came back to thank him."

Jack adds, "Lepers were quarantined and had to live outside the city."

Mary continues, "Kids, do you say 'Thank You' to your parents for all the kind things they do for you?  Do you say 'Thank You' to others you meet everyday?"

Everyone in the class is speachless, looking at each other.

Mary concludes, "When you pray and talk to God the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, do you say, 'Thank You' for all the good things God has done for you?"

Jack replies, "I must admit, I don't thank God enough."

Mary continues, "I gave an apple, pear and grapes in class today, but how many of you said, 'THANK YOU?'

WHAT IF ONE LINK IN THE CHAIN BREAKS?

 PARABLE OF THE HANGING TRUCK

MICHAEL HANGS ONTO A CHAIN

Twenty three minutes earlier Michael was driving his green truck on a sandy desert road in Utah.  His girl friend, Connie follows behind driving her Jeep, taking a video for their social media channel.

Connie and Michael stop at the end of the road in a dirt parking lot.  Connie says, "Michael, I need a drink of water before we walk over to the overlook."

Michael smiles, "Get your camera, I want to see how close I can get to the edge with my truck.  We'll get a million views!"

Connie yells, "Don't be silly!" as he jumps into his truck.  Shooting a video, the bottom of the truck scrapes over a boulder.  She yells again, "Stop and turn around right now or I'm going to leave!"   

Michael turns around the truck on the slickrock.  Getting out of the truck, he climbs up into the bed and starts jumping.  "Connie, did you get the video.  Come here and shoot a video showing the steep cliff."

Connie looks in horror, saying, "You're leaking red fluid, you better move your truck."  

Michael jumps in, starts the engine seeing his transmission light turn on.  The truck stalls!

Connie speaks, "I've got a long chain in the Jeep.  I can pull you back to the parking lot and you can leave it there for a tow truck."

After connecting the chain to the Jeep, Connie blasts, "When I start pulling, put your truck in neutral."  

She floors the Jeep, with tires spinning rocks and sand.  The truck moves only inches.

Michael HONKS and screams out the window, "MY BRAKES ARE BECOMING SOFT,  I'M LOSING BRAKE FLUID!"

With tears in her eyes, the Jeep rolls backwards.  In the rear view mirror Connie watches as Michael's truck, still attached to the chain goes over the cliff.  

Connies' Jeep is being dragged closer to the edge, even after putting it in park, with parking brake on and stepping hard on the brakes.  Speaking to herself, "Should I jump out now?"

A miracle happens and the chain snags, wedging between a sandstone crack in the slickrock.  The Jeep no longer is being pulled, and the truck jerks, swinging to a stop.

Connie jumps out running to the edge of the cliff, screaming, "Michael, are you dead?"

She hears an echo from the canyon walls.

Michael climbs out of the window onto the hood and grasping tight to the chain.  The truck wobbles by the sandstone wall.

Connie speaks, "Are you able to save yourself?  I'm not getting any cell service."

Michael replies, "I'm unable to climb up a slippery chain. Go get help or I'll never speak to you again."  

Connie speaks, "I'll jog on the road and flag someone down."

Later on the desert road, Paul and his sister Alicia are riding mountain bikes, seeing a dehydrated woman resting in a shady spot by a rock.

Connie explains every detail of their dilemna, before Paul and Alice race on the mountain bikes to the overlook.

Michael grasping onto the chain hears Ravens flying around him.  With every gust of wind, sand and gravel fall down onto the truck.

Paul and Alicia peddle up to the Jeep and dismounts from their mountain bikes.

Alicia lays down on her belly, holding a selfie stick and phone, peeping over the cliff seeing Michael. She says, "Do you have any next of kin we can contact in case of emergency?"

Michael yells, "The chain is hot and my hands are becoming numb; are you able to help me?  If one link in the chain breaks, I'm a goner."

Alicia speaks, "My brother Paul has a Satellite phone. He's finding the GPS pin.  He's going to call his Son in Moab, who flies a helicopter for search and rescue."

Paul lays on his belly and looks over the cliff, speaking, "Michael, a helicopter will arrive within an hour.  May I ask you a personal question."

Michael replies, "Sure, make it quick, before I die and go to hell."

Paul speaks politely, "Michael, everyone has a day and hour when you'll meet eternity.  If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Michael yells, "I'm a good person, I don't steal, I don't kill and  don't hurt anyone."

Paul adds, "Michael, I'm not judging you, but can I ask you a few questions?  Have you ever stolen anything?

Michael replies, "Yes."

Paul continues, "Michael have you ever looked at a woman with lust in your eyes.  Have you ever taken God's name in vain?  Have you ever had anger in your heart wanting to kill someone?  Have you ever taken the Lord's name in vain?

Michael replies, "Yes, yes, yes, everyone in the world has broken the Ten Commandments."

Paul speaks, "Imagine that each link in the chain you're holding is one of God's laws.

Adam only broke one commandment."

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden,  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”  (Genesis 2:16-17)

Alicia speaks, "Hang in there, his Son will be here soon."

Paul continues,  "You might follow all of God’s law. But if you fail to obey only one command, you are guilty of breaking all the commands in that law." (James 2:10 ERV - Easy to Read Version)  "Michael it only take one broken chain link for you to fall to your death."

Michael, trembles, "If I die will I go to hell?   

Paul replies, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16  NIV - New International Version)

Alicia continues, "Faith is more than believing a historic person lived, it's putting your full trust in Jesus and letting Him guide you each day with His Holy Spirit."

Michael replies, "I was taught if I keep the commandments, I would be saved."

Paul quotes, " I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."  (Galatians 2:21  LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)  

"Michael why did Jesus have to die and suffer on the cross for your sins, if you can save yourself by obeying the law?  It's like a broken chain link; if you break one law you're guilty of breaking all, and face everlasting death."

Michael speaks, "Paul what must I do to be saved?  My hands are numb and I can't hold on much longer."

Paul speaks, "Confess and turn away from your sins, trust and believe in Jesus Christ making him Lord of your life.  And receive His Holy Spirit."

The helicopter flies above, causing a blast of wind to shake Michael and the truck.  

A man from the helicopter is lowered with a harness.

Michael enters the helicopter seeing the chain snap, truck falling, rolling and crashing below.

The helicopter flies over to the parking area and lands.  Michael jumps out and runs over to Connie.

In tears, Michael and Connie embrace.  

Michael says, "His Son saved me today.  

I'm a new man!  Let's go to Moab and celebrate my new life!"

KIDS SURE LOVE COOKIES

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM COOKIES?

SUNDAY SCHOOL 

Mary the Sunday School teacher is cheerful, holding a plate of Chocolate Chip cookies, saying, "I bought these homemade cookies at the Christmas Shoebox Bake Sale."

Bobby replies, "Cookies!  I love cookies!"

Mary continues, "Today we're going to talk about 'First Fruits and why we should always give our very best to God."

Liz takes a big bite, declaring, "These are so yummy."

Mary speaks, "Not everyone in the Old Testament had money to give to God.  Farmers growing wheat or barley would give their first portions of their harvest to the Lord.  Every year around Passover, Jews would celebrate first fruits harvest festival."

Bobby finishes eating and sees another plate of cookies, waiting to be served.  He says, "Mary are there any more cookies?"

Mary continues, "On that day bring two loaves of bread from your homes. That bread will be presented as an offering. Use yeast and four quarts of flour to make those loaves of bread. They will be your gift to the Lord from the first wheat of your harvest."  Leviticus 23:17  (ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Liz raises her hand, "Mary, may I have another cookie?  Please!"

Mary continues, "Giving didn't start with the Law of Moses.  It started with Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve's sons.  Abel raised sheep and gave the best of his flock to God.  Cain was a farmer and gave an offering of his produce."

Everyone in the class speaks, "We want more cookies!"

Mary holding the other plate of cookies gives each student another cookie.

Liz bites into a stale hard cookie, refusing to eat anymore.  

Mary smiles, "Sorry, those cookies came from the mark-down baked goods, from a grocery store, given to the food pantry."

Everyone refuses to finish eating the stale cookies.

Mary says, "The first cookies were fresh, and I bought with my own money.  By blessing you, I am giving Jesus my best.  The second cookies were expired food that I got for free."

Sally blurts out, "I want to give my best cookies to Jesus!"

Mary says, "God accepted Abel's offering.  But he rejected Cain's offering, because God who is all knowing, knew Cain had an attitude problem with jealously and anger."

Bobby speaks, "Abel's sheep was accepted as the first sin offering."  

Mary reads, "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.  You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”       (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NLT - New Living Translation)

Liz grins, "Do you have anything to drink?"

Mary concludes, "God loves a cheerful giver.  Whether you give money, your time, your first apples off you trees, or you first baked cookies, do it for Jesus.  Are you giving your best to God, or are you giving him stale cookies?   Who would like some Lemonade to wash down your cookies?"

DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE IN THE TWO WITNESSES?

 PARABLE OF THE TWO WITNESSES

TWO WITNESSES

Four Pastors gather this month at a Chinese restaurant to discuss the Bible.  Pastor Dave holds a cup of tea, saying, "Do you know what Witness means in the Bible?"

Pastor Frank answers, "Perry Mason calls a witness to tell the truth and testify of things they have seen or heard."

Pastor Jun De adds, "The Greek word for Witness is 'Martus,' we get our English word, 'Martyr,' from.  

Pastor Manuel speaks, "Stephen was a faithful martyr bearing witness of Jesus Christ."

Pastor Dave smiles, "Who are the two witnesses in Revelation chapter 11?  What are your views?  

Frank reads, "And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”  These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth."  (Revelation 11:3-4  ESV - English Standard Version)

Frank reads more, "“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it. And thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you.

For who hath despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven. They are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.”

Then answered I and said unto him, “What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?”

And I answered again and said unto him, “What be these two olive branches, which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?”

And he answered me and said, “Knowest thou not what these be?” And I said, “No, my lord.”

Then said he, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”  (Zechariah 4:9-14 - KJ21 - 21 Century KJV)

Jun De asks, "Frank, who do you believe the two witnesses are?"

Frank answers, "Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor of Judah, appointed by the Persian Empire."

Pastor Dave smiles, "Jun De, who do you believe are the two witnesses?"

Pastor Jun De reads, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, and then comes the judgment," (Hebrews 9:27 NMB - New Matthew Bible)  We know of only two men in the Bible who never died.  Both Enoch and Elijah were taken to heaven alive and will return to earth as the two witnesses."

Pastor Dave reads, "And when they have finished their witness, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them and overcome them and kill them.  And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.  And those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.  And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell upon those who were watching them.  And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them."  (Revelation 11:7-12 LSB - Legacy Standard Bible)

Jun De adds, "Enoch and Elijah will experience death for the first time when they are martyred as the two witnesses."  What's your view Pastor Dave?"

David says, my view is Moses & Elijah are the two witnesses.  "And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; and so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way.  These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire."  (Revelation 11:5-6  NASB - New American Standard Bible)  Elijah stopped the rain for 3 1/2 years and  Moses turned water into blood."

Pastor Frank speaks, "How do you know it's Moses and Elijah?"

David reads more, "About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.  As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.  Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.  They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem."  (Luke 9:28-31  NIV - New International Version)  "Maybe Jesus and the witnesses discussed their upcoming departure to heaven at Jerusalem."

Pastor Manuel speaks, "I believe there will be two persons with the spirit of Moses and Elijah.

“I assure you: Among those born of women no one greater than John the Baptist has appeared, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force.  For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John;  if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come."  (Matthew 11:11-14  HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible) 

Pastor Frank interupts, "Manuel do you have more proof?"

Pastor Manuel reads, "After they had crossed the river, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘The Lord will soon take me away from you. What do you want me to do for you before that happens?’ Elisha replied, ‘Please let me have twice as much of your spirit."  (2 Kings 2:9 - EASY)   

Pastor Dave concludes, "All of your views are excellent.  Can everyone give one last thought."

Pastor Frank grins, "If Enoch returned today he would be 5,025 years old, and Elijah would be 2,862 years old."

Pastor Jun De smiles, "I believe the two witnesses are going to preach the gospel throughout the world, gathing the 144,000 Jewish believers to Jerusalem to worship God."  

"Jews today put out a cup of wine at Passover for Elijah, hoping for his return.  Are they excited for the return of Zerubbabel and Joshua?"

Manuel speaks, "I believe two new men will have the same spirit as Moses and Elijah.  Case closed."

Pastor Dave concludes, "But I will send Elijah the prophet to you. He will come before that great and terrible day of the Lord’s judging."  (Malachi 4:5  ICB - International Children Bible)   I believe this is a dual prophecy.  John the Baptist had the spirit of Elijah at the first coming of Christ, and one of the two witnesses will be Elijah before Christ's second coming."  

“Remember the teaching of Moses my servant. I gave those laws and rules to him at Mount Sinai. They are for all the Israelites."  (Malachi 4:4  ICB - International Childrens Bible)

Pastor Jun De says, "Good discussion, it's good to examine all our different views."

Pastor Dave concludes, "If you were a Jew living today, what two men from the Bible would you be most excited to meet one day?"

CAN KIDS BECOME FRUIT TREES?

 PARABLE OF THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Mary the Sunday school teacher shows a plate of food, walking around to all the tables.  She smiles, "Is there anyone here who likes to eat fruit?"

Bobby waves his hands, saying, "I love limes!  Lime soda, Lime Jello and Lime flavored corn chips are the best!" 

Mary "Class, do you know when we have God's spirit living inside of us, we're like a fruit tree bearing different types of fruit?  Our first fruit is LOVE.  Does anyone know what the greatest commandment is?

Margo raises her hand, saying "Love your neighbor?"

Mary reads, " Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command.  And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’  (Matthew 22:37-39 ICB International Childrens Bible)

Mary walks over to John and he grabs the apple.  She says, "John likes Johnathan Apples and he's full of joy!  JOY is our second fruit.  I want everyone in the class to say this: "The Joy of the Lord is my strength."

Anna points at the Pomegranate, saying, "What's that?"  Mary hands her the fruit.

Mary says, "Anna this is a Pomegranate from the middle east.  PEACE is our third fruit.  

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper."  (Psalm 122:6 TLB - The Living Bible)

Jimmy adds, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9 NIV - New International Version)

Alberto grabs the Pineapple.

Mary speaks, "Alberto, what do you think the Pineapple represents?  PATIENCE is our fourth fruit of the Spirit."

He replies, "I guess I should have been more patient and allowed you to give me the Pineapple first."

Kim smiles pointing to the Kiwifruit, and grabs two.  Billy puts on a sad face desiring one too.

Mary asks, "Kim, the Kiwi represents KINDNESS our fifth fruit.  ' Instead, be kind to one another, cherish tender feelings for each other, forgive one another, just as God forgave you in the Messiah."  (Ephesians 4:32  NTFE - New Testament For Everyone)

Kim gives a Kiwi to Billy. 

Mary holds  a Grapefruit in her hand, saying, "Who can quess our sixth Fruit of the Spirit?"

Sally remarks, "Breakfast?"

Mary continues, "GOODNESS.  Without God are we good persons?"

Sally remarks, "I always have been good person."

Mary adds, "Jesus replied, “ And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone."  (Luke 18:19 ESV - English Standard Version)

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you."  (Matthew 6:33  MEV - Modern English Version)  Jesus is the only way to be righteous before God.  And by His Spirit we show others the fruit of His Goodness."

Mary holds the plate before Faith and she takes the Fig, saying, "Faith do you know what the fig stands for?"

Faith replies, "Figgy Pudding?"

Mary continues, "Faith, our seventh fruit is FAITHFULNESS. 'The person who is faithful with very little is also faithful with much. And the person who is unrighteous with very little is also unrighteous with much."  (Luke 16:10 EHV - Evangelicah Heritage Version)

Diego squeezes a bunch of grapes, making a few drop onto the floor.

Mary speaks, "Diego our eight fruit of the spirit is GENTLENESS.  'A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." (Provers 15:1 NASB - New American Standard Bible)

Sally pops a Strawberry in her mouth and reaches to grab another.

Mary smiles, "Sally our next fruit of the Spirit is SELF CONTROL.  Do you know what that means?"

Sally replies, "You can't just eat one!"

Mary continues, "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."  

(1 Corinthians 9:25  ESV - English Standard Version)

Sally grabs another Strawberry, making the class giggle.

Mary concludes, "Class I want everyone to say this verse outloud.  'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."  (Galatians 5:2-23 NASB 95 - New American Standard Bible)