ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR BUCKET LIST?

SLICK ROCK INVESTIGATION

THREE DETECTIVES ON VACATION

On a remote trail, Three Detectives wait by a popular overlook on a trail in Utah, shared with mountain bikers and hikers.  Heidi and Jim riding full suspension bikes stop to take a break to drink water.

Lead detective Jack smiles at the couple, as Gloria prepares to take notes, and Valerie pulls out her cell phone preparing to shoot video.

Heidi grins, "You are hard core hikers."  Jim adds, "Your the first ones we have seen up here on the trail today."

Detective Jack smiles, "That trail is narrow, with rocks, and exposure to steep cliffs.  I must admit, you must be good riders to stay on that trail."

Heidi adds, "If your eyes are off the trail, your bike may go off the trail.  Rule #1, keep your eyes on the trail ahead of you."

Gloria speaks, "Is it mandatory to stay on the narrow trail?"

Jim laughs, "Going off the trail three feet in either direction can mean certain death or severe injury.  Life flight can be expensive."

Valerie talks, "What do you do when you see a rock on the trail?"

Heidi explains, "If we can't navigate around, speed is our friend.  We pedal as fast as we can to ride over to rocks."

Detective Jack explains, "The reason we are hiking up here today is to ask adventurers a serious question.  Are you planning your bucket list?"

Heidi blurts out, "You must be sent by God, it's exactly what I've been thinking about all day.  There are so many places in Utah I want to explore seeing arches, slot canyons, dinosaurs, waterfalls, National Parks, and Gobblin Valley!"

Valeria asks Jim, "What's on your bucket list?"

Jim take a deep breath, "Moutain biking Slick Rock in Moab, White Rim around the Island in the Sky, Rainbow Rim overlooking the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton parkway from Moose to Jenny Lake, and Hiawatha trail in Idaho."

Gloria asks Heidi, "What National Parks?"

Heidi replies,  "Zion, Bryce, Arches, Capitol Reef, Grand Canyon, and Canyonlands!"

Valerie adds, "My favorite park is Bryce Canyon, it is so beautiful what God has created.  It's a certified Dark Sky area where you will see the Milky Way."

Jack asks the couple, "You got a bucket list.  Are you making future plans so you can really go and explore these places?  Have you reserve campsites ahead of time before they are all booked?   Do you plan meals in advance or places to eat out?"

Gloria adds, "On my bucket list was a trip to the Holyland.  I saved money for 5 years, because this was a place I wanted to go."

Valerie speaks, "Personally, I write down my top ten bucket list.  Then I spend hours investigating each possibility, things to do, places to stay, travel costs and time."

Heidi talks to Jim, "We need to get serious and plan our lives!  Jim, we wouldn't be here if we didn't plan this vacation.  I got a bucket list of things I want to do before I die."

Gloria speaks, "We pray for God's protection before we started hiking.  I don't think anyone knows the day you're going to die."

Valerie adds, "People die of heat exhaustion in the desert from lack of water and falling off cliffs, not staying on the narrow trail."

Jack explains, "When we see difficulty on the trail of our lives, we run to the rock...Jesus!"

Jim speaks, "Are you folks religious?"

Jack continues, "I believe in a relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Salvation comes from God, not religion."

Gloria reads, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NASB ~ New American Standard Bible)

Heidi adds, "I believe there are many pathways to heaven.  How do you know your way is the only true way?"

Valerie reads, "You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way.  But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it." (Matthew 7:13-14  ERV ~ Easy to Read Version)

Jack adds, "Only a few bikers can follow the narrow path, and live to see another day."

Jim replies, "There are other prophets who proclaim to be true.  How do I know which one is correct?"

Gloria reads, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

(Acts 4:12  NIV - New International Version)

Heidi remarks, "Aren't you narrow minded?"

Jack replies, "Absolutely yes!  I must remind you, you were narrow minded staying on the trail."

Valerie speaks, "I hope you will have a wonderful time planning your bucket lists.  Do you have a bucket list of things to do after you die?"

Jim replies, "I'm too busy enjoying life now!"

Jack speaks, "If you were to die today, would you go to heaven or hell?"

Heidi adds, "I never think about these things."

Gloria smiles, "On my bucket list, I'm going to heaven and enjoying everlasting life with Jesus.  I will have rewards in heaven and a wonderful life because I made plans."

Valerie smiles, "Jesus made me a new person when I trusted in Him, repented from my sins, and received His Holy Spirit."

Jack continues, "...for He says, 'At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.'  Behold, now is 'The acceptable Time,' behold, now is 'The Day of Salvation."  (2 Corinthians 6:2 - NASB 95)

Gloria adds, "Would you like to plan your eternal bucket list now?"

Valerie speaks, "Would you like to follow Jesus?"

Heidi looks at Jim in silence, non-verbally communicating to each other then speaking, "Yes, what do we need to do?"

Jack speaks, "Jesus told his disciples to repent and follow me.  His salvation is free gift and not something we have to work for."  

Gloria adds, "We ask for His Living Water on the trail of life, and we receive His Holy Spirit."

Jack speaks, "Let's pray and ask Jesus into your lives.  He will help you plan all of your future bucket lists forever!"

GRAB THAT LIFESAVER

WHITE WATER ADVENTURE

SNAKE RIVER

After taking a bus ride to the snake river boat ramp a group of four women and three men walk over to a pile of personal floation devices and are fitted to their body size by the outfitter.

Jesus a Mexican American river guide gathers his group together, saying, "If you have anything important you don't want to get wet, leave it in the bus.  We have several dry bags in the raft to protect small personal items."

Bill, a nerdy 23 year old man complains, "The life jacket is too tight, can someone loosen it for me?"

Holly a blonde hair 21 year old woman, speaks, "I been on the snake river many times.  You need your PFD tight, or it could float up in your face!"

Bill continues, "I need to use the restroom before we leave.  I drank a gallon of green tea."  

Gloria, a 24 year old black woman, adds, "Sounds like a great idea.  I got to go too."

Mary a 22 year old woman asks, "How many miles are we doing today?"

Jesus replies, "8 miles with class II and III rapids.  It should take us 2 to 3 hours depending how fast the river is flowing."

Dan asks, "What are the names of the rapids?"

Jesus answers, "My favorites are Lunch Counter and the Big Kahuna."

Later after everyone jumps in, Jesus pushes out the raft, climbing on board.  "My name is Jesus, and I'm your river guide today.  It is important to follow my instructions if you want to have a safe river trip.  Is there anyone here who would like to show me the correct way to hold your paddle?"

Holly waves her paddle in the air, saying, "Your hand inside the raft should hold the T Grip.  Your other hand holds 2/3 down the shaft."

Jesus continues, "I have five commands you need to obey.  Forward, back paddle, right turn, left turn and stop.  We're going to demonstrate each one."

Dan smirks, "For those who disobey, you may end up in the keeper hole."

Gloria grins, "What are you talking about?"

Holly answers, "In the rapids, there are holes that can keep you under water, until you pop out or drown."

Jesus speaks, "Paddle in unison with the person in front of the raft."

Later floating down the river, Bill observes an nest on top of a pole, saying, "Jesus, is that an Eagle's nest?"

Jesus speaks, "Yes, there are Bald and Golden Eagles here.  Do you know which eagle is the U.S. symbol?"

A passing raft, shoots water with super soakers at everyone in their raft.  

They use their paddles to flip water, then race away before everyone can splash them back."

Dan blurts out, "Let's hurry and catch them and pay them back!"

Jesus looks at Gloria, saying, "What do you think?  An eye for an eye?"

Gloria replies, "It's too cold to be soaking wet."

The river is calm. Men on one side of the raft paddle, while the girls refuse to paddle.  

The raft begins floating sideways down the river heading for some rocks and rapids.

Jesus speaks, "We need to be in one accord or we are going to hit a rock and flip the raft.  Turn left!"

Seeing an approaching rock, everyone paddles forward instead of turning.

Jesus speaks, "Those on left please back paddle, and those on the right forward paddle."

Avoiding a large rock wall, they use their oars to block from hitting, then pushing off.  

Like a pinball game the raft bounces down the rapids with half of the people not paddling.

Bill is splashed in his face and falls overboard, crying "HELP."

Jesus throws out the lifebouy tied to a rope, yelling, "Grab the lifesaver and I'll pull you in."

Bill replies, "I can save myself.  I'm a good swimmer."

Holly yells out, "Bill don't be rebellious!"

Bill tries swimming closer, but the raft goes further away.

Jesus adds, "I am the only one that can save you, before we reach big rapids.  This may be your only chance to grab the lifesaver."

Bill replies, "I've got plenty of time."

Jesus grins, "For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."  (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV - New King James Version)

Bill's lifejack being loose begins rising up to his face with water splasing in his face.

Holly screams, "Grab the lifebouy and we'll pull you in!"

Gloria quotes, "Life is like a vapor that appears for a little while and vanishes away.  If today's your day to die, will you go to heaven or hell?"

Bill tries to speak keeping water out of his mouth.  "I am not perfect, but I consider myself a good person."

Jesus being a believer replies, "  As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;"

(Romans 3:10 - NKJV)  ...our righteousness is like filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6 - KJV)

Holly continues, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)

Gloria, "Repent from you rebellious ways and turn toward Jesus and he will give you life."

Dan, "There is a way that seems right to a man,' But its end is the way of death."   (Proverbs 14:12 - NKJV)

Bill goes under water and pops out.  He swims toward the lifesaver and grabs in, while still holding tightly onto the paddle.

Jesus begins reeling Bill in to the raft, saying, "Hand me your paddle.  In order for you to get in the boat, I need to dunk you and pull you up grabbing your lifevest."

Jesus dunks him, leaning back he pulls up Bill, soaking wet on board the eight man raft.

Gloria, "Bill it's your choice.  Would you like to follow Jesus Christ and make him Lord of your life?"

Bill replies, "Yes, what do I need to do?"

Jesus replies, "Repent from your sins, trust in the Jesus Christ, and receive His Holy Spirit."

Holly smiles, "I guess Bill has all ready been baptized.  Can we pray with you?"

Bill smiles, "Yes!  I came to close to death and now I seek everlasting life with God."

CASE OF THE MISSING EVIDENCE

 THREE DETECTIVES RETURNS

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

On a Friday afternoon, the three detectives are on campus trying to solve the case of the missing evidence.  Lead Detective Jack holds an empty jar with a lid, Gloria takes notes of everything that is said, and Valerie shoots video to document everything.

Valerie sees Bonnie, a college student approaching, saying, "Would you like to see our scientific experiment?"

Jack holds the empty jar for Bonnie to see, saying, "The empiracle evidence of science is observation and being able to recreate it in a lab experiment."

Bonnie smiles, "Yeah, I just got out of my last class today.  I have a few minutes."

Gloria speaks, "We would like to interview you of your scientific position."

Valerie adds, "We're here to give you the opportunity to share your scientific thoughts.  All we ask is for time so we can share our scientific views too."

Jack continues, "Bonnie, According to your scientific view, how did the universe begin?"

Bonnie smiles, "I believe in the Big Bang Theory were a paritcle exploded 13.8 Billion years ago, creating the universe.  You know, gas clouds forming stars and planets where life evolved."

Jack questions, "Where did that paritcle come from before the universe was created?"

Bonnie looks puzzled.

Valerie adds, "If the universe was formed entriely by nature, where did matter come from?  

Bonnie replies, "If you give everything long enough time to form through mutations and random chance, anything can be created."

Valerie states, "In your college math class, what is a Billion times zero?  

Bonnie replies, "Zero,"

Valerie continues. "If there was nothing before the universe began, how can adding a billion years create anything?"

Jack adds, "Let's say your view of one particle was formed over billions of years.  Where does energy come, to help this tiny particle to put everything in motion through out the entire universe?  Can energy create itself?"

Bonnie, "I think I missed the class when they were talking about it."

Valerie says, "Do explosions cause

destruction?  Are they super intelligent?" 

Bonnie is frustrated.

Jack adds, "According to astromoners there are 200 trillion billion stars, seperated around 93 billion light years in the universe.  There are planets, moons, asteroids, meteors, black holes and space dust all set in seperate orbits."

Valerie adds, "On Earth there are over 6,000 minerals, 400,000 species of plants and about 8 millions species of animals with unique DNA."

Gloria remarks, "How could an unintelligent particle create all of that?"

Bonnie speaks, "It is the god particle."

Valerie comments, "Did nature form the universe or did God?  And is this particle your god?"

Jack smiles, "We believe that there was super intelligence that designed everything in the universe...Almighty God!"

Valerie adds, "He has always existed even before the universe was formed. He is all powerful setting the universe into motion, he is omnipresent, he is all knowing, and unchanging."

Bonnie speaks, "How do you know there is a God?"

Valeria continues, "God has always been here communicating with his creation."

Jack speaks, "Look at the Science Building, and tell me, 'Was there a creator who built the structure with bricks, motar, wires, plumbing, paint, flooring, doors and windows?"

Bonnie remarks, "Of course."

Jack adds, "I can look at the building and know there has been a creator.  And I can look at the complex design seen threw a microscope or the huge design seen in outer space through a telescope; knowing there's a super intelligent Creator."

Valerie says, "We believe there is one God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and they created the universe.  God loves you!"

Gloria adds, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16  NASB ~ New American Standard Bible)

Jack adds, "Bonnie, God wants to make you into a new creation.  We are all sinful, liars, murderers in our heart, prideful, stealing things, coveting things, disobeying parents, worshipping idols, living immoral and not loving God our creator."

Valeria says, "Jesus, God's Son promised everlasting life, if you turn away from your sins and receive God into your life by being born of the Spirit.  You'll know he is God, when you receive His Holy Spirit."

Jack speaks, "Bonnie, did unintelligent nature create everything in the universe?"  Could there be a god particle in my jar? 

Bonnie replies, "It's empty."

Jack continues, "If I open the lid and the contents falls to the ground will everything explode, creating a new universe?  

Gloria blurts out, "This is our observational lab experiment. Stand back!"

Bonnie gasps as Jack unscrew the lid to the jar and empties it out onto the ground.  

Bonnie states, "Maybe in natural selection and random chance, there was only one god particle in the history of our universe."

Valerie concludes, "Bonnie, could there still be billions and billions of those particles still floating around the universe ready to explode?  I don't think so!"

Jack adds, "God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit didn't create the universe by the Big Bang."

Gloria reads, Jesus! "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."  (Colossians 1:16 ESV - English Standard Version)

Jack quotes, " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  The earth was formless and void, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water.

God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light."  (Genesis 1:1-3  MEV - Modern English Version)

Bonnie concludes, "I'm beginning to see the Light.  It's good to examine our scientific views?"

DO YOU WANT TO BE A FEARLESS WITNESS FOR JESUS?

 WOMEN'S TRIP IN ISRAEL

BIBLE STUDY IN THE GARDEN

Missionary Debra is taking a group of five college ladies on a tour of Israel, for the purpose of making each one a disciple of Jesus.  Debra begins, "How many of you want to be missionaries for Jesus Christ?"

Everyone raises their hands.

Debra continues, "OK, how many of you would like to be a fearless witness for Jesus?"

Everyone looks at each other, waiting for the first person to raise a hand.  Sarah, wearing the flowery dress lifts her hand up.

Debra smiles, "Do we have any more bold witnesses?  Why do we need multiple witnesses?"

Everyone raises their hands.

Ruth reads, "One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."  (Deuteronomy 19:15 NIV - New International Version)

Debra speaks, "Who were the women who fearlessly stayed at the cross witnessing the crucifixion among the Roman soldiers?"

Marie reads, " Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.  When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!”  Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." 

(John 19:25-27 NKJV - New King James Version)

Debra says, "Jesus' mother Mary, her sister Salome, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, and John the apostle. 

Susanna adds, "These women were fearless standing by the cross."

Debra continues, "What caused the women to back away, and watch further away?"

Evie speaks, "Was it the three hours of darkness?"

Sarah adds, "Could it have been the large earthquake that shook the cross, and tore the curtain in two at the Holy of Holies?"

Marie reads, " Now many women were also there, watching from a distance. They had accompanied Jesus from Galilee and had ministered to him.  Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons."(Matthew 27:55-56 ISV - International Standard Version)

Debra adds, "There are many fearless women watching Jesus die.  They watched him being pierced, taken off the cross, saw Jesus's body prepared and place in the tomb."

Evie reads, "So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen,  and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb." (Matthew 27:59-61 HCSB - Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Debra smiles, "Do you realize the Jesus saw the tomb from the cross.  And there was a garden between the cross and the tomb?"

Evie comments, "Is that garden symbolic of the Garden of Eden?"

Debra asks, "Who were the first  fearless witnesses early Sunday morning?"

Sarah speaks, "I would be scared going to the tomb before sunrise, carrying bags of spices.  What if the Roman soldiers thought we were going to steal His body?"

Susanna adds, "Who's going to roll away a stone that weighs 1 1/2 tons?"

Debra speaks, "These were fearless witnesses of Jesus."

Ruth reads, "So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee,  that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”

Then they remembered that he had said this.  So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened." (Luke 24:3-10  NLT - New Living Translation)

Ruth adds, "Joanna, is the wife of Chuza, Herod Antipas's household steward." 

Debra speaks, "Fearless women weren't afraid of the dark, or the spears of Roman soldiers. They didn't flee when the aftershock of the earthquake rolled the stone away.  Some saw angels and Jesus who told them to tell all the disciples and go to Galilee."

Marie adds, "On the road to Emmaus, there was a disciple named Cleopas who unknowingly talked to Jesus.  Did Mary the wife of Cleopas, one of the witnesses walk with him too?"

Debra concludes, "What if the women didn't come to the tomb at the time of Resurrection? Who would be God's witnesses?"

Susanna replies, "The Roman soldiers made terrible witnesses.  They were bribed to tell the lie, that the disciples stole Jesus' body."

Debra continues, "Fearless women were God's witness to Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection. If you want to be a missionary, will you be a fearless woman for Christ?"

KIDS WHERE DID YOU FIRST BELIEVE IN GOD?

        WHAT IS THE THREE LEAF CLOVER?

ST. PATRICK'S DAY ~ SLEMISH MOUNTAIN

Patricia visits Ireland on top of Slemish Mountain.  She asks, "I am holding a 3 leaf clover.  What is the meaning of this clover?"

A boy named Conor replies, "The 4 leaf clover brings good luck."

Another boy, Rory adds, "The 3 leaf clover is known as the Shamrock."

Erin a red haired girl says, "Three leafs represent God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit."

Patricia continues, "Was Saint Patrick born in Ireland?

A spunky girl named Aileen speaks, "Nope!  Some people believe he was born in Northern Britain near the modern city of Calisle around 415 AD."

Rory adds, "Some say he was born in Scotland or Wales."

Patricia says, "What happened to Patrick when he was 16 years old, living in a villa in Britain?"

A lad named Liam answers, "He was kidnapped by Barbarians that raided his village and taken to Ireland in 431 AD."

Norah a shy girl speaks, "He was sold to a Druid chieftain and forced to tend a flock of sheep on Slemish Mountain."

Patricia adds, "Patrick was tending a flock of sheep living in isolation, wind, rain, and snow.  This is where he met God, and sometimes prayed 100 times a day. and night."

Aileen smiles, "When he was 22 years old, God gave him a vision to escape on a ship.  He left his flock and hiked 200 miles south."

Norah continues, "The ship sailed to France, and three years later he returned home to Britain."

Patricia continues, "

He traveled to Britain and joined a Monastery, serving God in Britain and France for 20 years.  Does the story stop here?"

Erin smiles, "God gave him visions to return to Ireland to preach the Gospel.  He loved the Irish people.  In his life he established over 300 churches."

Patricia speaks, "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams and your young men shall see visions."  (Joel 2:28  ESV ~ English Standard Version)

Rory speaks, "I had a dream about going to a jungle in South America."

Patricia remarks, "Maybe Jesus is calling you to be a missionary just like Patrick, who was a missionary to Ireland.   Class what else did you learn on Slemish mountain this morning?"

Norah blurts out, "When you are all alone, cold, hungry, and feeling hopeless; God is there to help you!  That's why Saint Patrick prayed 100 times a day!"

Patricia concludes, "You are never lonely when God is with you!"

CASE OF THE MISSING COMMANDMENT

     PARABLE OF THE THREE DETECTIVES

PARK INVESTIGATION

On Saturday, three detectives begin a serious investigation in Lincoln Park.  Lead detective Jack interviews, Gloria writes notes, and Valerie shoots videos to document evidence.

They see an easy interview, and walk up to Bob the evangelist, talking to an elderly woman.  Jack asks, "We are searching for the missing commandment."

Elderly woman blurts out, "Ten Commandments used to be on the court house lawn, but they're missing now!"

Bob smiles, "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)

Gloria speaks, "Bob, what is the first commandment?"

Bob replies, "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3  ESV ~ English Standard Version)   This commandment is only missing in people's hearts.  Keep searching and you shall find.

The three detectives stroll over to an artist painting a picture of Jesus.  Gloria speaks, "You're a good artist."  

Jack asks, "We are searching for the missing commandment.  I am wondering if you can help us?"

Artist replies, "Yeah, if I can."

Valerie says, "Do you know the second commandment?"   The artist remains silent.

Jack quotes, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth."  (Exodus 20:3  ESV)

Artist grins, "I'm an artist, not an idol maker and none of my customers bow before my paintings.  Jack, please read the rest of the verse."

Jack continues, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,  but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."  

(Exodus 20:4-6  ESV)

The three amigos walk over to a man relaxing on a park bench.  Jack speaks, "We are going around the park asking everyone, where's the missing commandment."

Man drops his beer bottle on the ground, CURSING God!

Gloria frowns, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain."  (Exodus 20:7 ESV)

They see a fireman walking by and ask him the big question.  Jack says, We are searching for the missing commandment.  Do you know what the fifth commandment is?

Fireman replies, "I would like to go to church but my job requires me to serve when I'm needed.

Gloria reads, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."  (Exodus 20:8  ESV)

Fireman replies, "I keep the Lord's day and Jews are commanded to keep the Sabbath days.  It's good to have a day off and be with Jesus even if it's a weekday."

The three walk over to the swing set.  A mom is pushing her daughter on a swing, as her son walks away.  Mom yells, "Don't run away from me, Pauly."  

Valerie and Gloria walk Pauly back.

Jack speaks, "We are searching for the missing commandment."

Mom speaks, Kids, "Honor your father and your mother. Then you will live a long time in the land. The Lord your God is going to give you this land."  

(Exodus 20:12  ICB ~ International Childrens Bible)

The three walk over to boys shooting toy guns at each other and playing dead. Gloria speaks, "We're looking for the missing commandment."

Boy replies, "Could it be thou shalt not kill?"

Jack adds, "Actually it says, 'You shall not murder.' (Exodus 20:13  LSB ~ Legacy Standard Bible)   If you have anger in your heart you're in big trouble."

The three see a Rapper and three ladies walk by.  Rapper replies, "I heard you over there and I know what you're going to ask me.  "Thou shalt not commit adultery."  (Exodus 20:14  AKJV ~ Authorized KJV)

Gloria writes her name on a $5 bill and lays it on the sidewalk.  They wait, watching a college lady find and pick it up.

Gloria smiles, "Did you lose that $5 bill?"

Lady replies, "Yes, I must have dropped it."

Gloria frowns, "I'm Gloria, that's my name is written on the back of the five."

Jack speaks, "We are looking for the missing commandment.  Could it be, "You shouldn't steal?"  (Exodus 20:15  LSB)

Lady spouts, "I swear to God that's my $5 bill.  I've been looking all over for it.  Don't you tell me I'm breaking the ninth commandment about lying either.  I'm not going to swim in the lake of fire over a $5 bill!"

The three detectives see a 16 year old boy lusting after a sports car, parked by the road.

Jack asks the boy, "If the keys were in the car, would you drive off with it?"

Boy replies, "You better believe it."

Gloria speaks, "We're asking people in the park today if they know what the missing commandment is?"

Boy adds, "I grew up in Sunday school.  Is it, "Thou shalt not steal?"

Valeria speaks, "God doesn't want you to covet things that don't belong to you.  If you want a car like that, you need to study, get a good job, and save your money to buy it."

Walking back the three detectives talk.

Valerie speaks, "I think everyone has heard all of the Ten Commandments."

They walk by a statue of a woman and a couple putting flowers and candles beside it.  Then they see Bob the evangelist again.

Bob says, "Did you find the missing commandment?   Jesus said, "Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.  I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved."  (Matthew 5:17-18  NLT - New Living Translation)

Gloria adds, "Purhaps some modern translations only have 9 Commandments?"

Valerie blurts out, "Why would they do that?"

Jack concludes, "Let's go home and examine our evidence."

KIDS ARE YOU A LOVING PERSON?

  FOUR KINDS OF VALENTINE LOVE?

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Patricia the Sunday school teacher speaks, "We're celebrating Valentine's Day."

Girl named Mele says, "St. Valentine in prison, sent a love letter to the jailer's daughter who was healed of blindness."

Boy named Pono remarks, "Valentine was put in prison because he promoted marriage, and the Emperor Claudius II, wanted men to remain single to fight his wars."

Patricia adds, "He was executed on February 14th, 270 AD...Valentine's Day.  Do you know in God's Word, there are four different types of love?  Class, can you name one?"

Girl named Mele talks, "Storge love!  It's affectionate love within a family."

Patricia reads, "Love each other truly like brothers and sisters. Be really happy to respect other Christians."  (Romans 12:10 EASY - Easy English Bible)   "We're a family with Storge love."

Boy named Kalani raise his hand, blurting out, "Eros love."

Girl adds, "I like Romantic love!  Hugging and kissing."

Patricia adds,  "Eros is physical love. Romantic when you're single and intimate love when you are married."  Who knows another type of love?"

Pono stands up, stating, "Phileo love."

Patricia smiles, "What is Phileo love?"

Pono continues, "It's loving your best friends."

Patricia speaks, "What is the greatest love in the Bible?"

Mele speaks, "Agape love. "For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16  ESV - English Standard Version)

Patricia reads, "After they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you Agape love me more than the other disciples do?”

Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I (Phileo) love you.”

Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.”

Jesus asked him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you (Agape) love me?”

Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I (Phileo) love you.”

Jesus told him, “Take care of my sheep.”

Jesus asked him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter felt sad because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you (Phileo) love me?” So Peter said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I (Phileo) love you.”

Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep.

(John 21:15-16  GW - Gods Word)

Patricia concludes,  "Everyone needs love.  Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as you love youself"

"That is how you can be a loving person!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!