Newsletter 30
Newsletter 30 from Maurice Sweetsur
Contents.
Teaching tip 18. Jesus Understands (Easter).
Elimination quiz 3 - Easter.
A love funny.
Welcome to my first Newsletter for 2005. You may have noted that Easter falls in March this year. Although we have only just left the Christmas period, we shall all soon be planning our Easter lessons. As this is at the very heart of the Gospel message, I have therefore made Easter the theme of this Newsletter.
I have previously published a number of items that would be suitable for inclusion in Easter lessons. These are :-
Object Lessons. 18, 19 (Newsletter 7), 25 (Newsletter 10), 48 (Newsletter 20).
Fundamental Beliefs. 1. Did Christ really rise from the dead? (Newsletter 20).
Puppet play. "What is Easter all about?" (Newsletter 7).
Easter card. My instructions for making a 'fun' Christmas card (Newsletter 27) can also be used to make an Easter card.
We have all been horrified by the tragic effects of the Tsunami in South Asia, and many children will be thinking and asking "Why?" There have been volumes written on this difficult question of 'suffering'. There is no simple answer to this of course, but I found the article "Waves of sadness" by Carl Wieland on the Answers in Genesis web site ( www.answersingenesis.org ) helpful. You may also wish to check out my article "Why does God allow suffering?" (Newsletter 23) to gain a few insights that you could share with your children if the question arises.
The number of Newsletters that are returned to me as 'undeliverable' continues to rise. All I can suggest is that if you stop receiving them, send me an email to let me know. If in doubt, you can check out my web site to see what number we are up to. Also, please remember to let me know if you change your email address.
May God richly bless your ministry to children throughout the new year.
Maurice Sweetsur
mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz
http://mauricesweetsur.blogspot.com/
Teaching tip 18 - Jesus Understands.
The following lesson has been around for a number of years in slightly different forms. I have, however, always found it very effective in ministering God's love to children. Therefore, I will share it here for the benefit of those to whom it is new.
Every child will experience difficult or stressful situations at some time as they are growing up. However you can use the Easter story to show them that Jesus also had to go through many tough situations, especially at the end of his earthly life. In fact, because many of these were similar to those we may go through, He now understands how we feel at these difficult times. It is therefore a great comfort to know that when we share these hard situations with him in prayer, He understands exactly how we feel.
There are a number of circumstances Jesus faced that we could talk about, but I usually choose seven and write their titles out on cards. I then show the cards at the appropriate times as I tell the Easter story. Also, as you are telling the story, It is also a good idea to share a few personal examples of tough situations from your own childhood.
1. Being different.
As Jesus was growing up, he must have realised that that he was different from other children of his age - even though he may not have known exactly what his purpose on earth was while he was very young. But imagine how he felt when he found out that his purpose for being on this planet was to die for the sins of others!
"It is never easy being different. Perhaps some of you here today think you are different from other children. For example, you may feel bad because you think you are too tall, short, fat, thin - - - - , or wear glasses, teeth braces etc. Perhaps you feel different because you don't like most of the things the other children seem to enjoy? If you feel different, remember Jesus Understands, because he was also different."
2. Being let down.
Jesus was let down (or betrayed) by his friend Judas who sold him over to the religious leaders for thirty silver coins.
"I am sure some of you have been let down sometimes. Perhaps someone has promised to give you something, take you somewhere, or do something with you - but they didn't keep their promise. Or perhaps you have shared a secret with a friend - and then he/she has gone and told everyone in your class about it! It is never pleasant to be let down, but remember Jesus Understands, because he was let down in a big way by Judas - and by all his other friends who ran away when he was arrested."
3. Being unfairly blamed.
At his trial, Jesus was blamed for doing things that he was innocent of.
"Perhaps something has happened at school or home, and you have got the blame for it, even though you were not guilty. It makes us feel very bad if we get the blame for something we haven't done. If this has ever happened to you, please remember that Jesus Understands how you feel, because he also was blamed for things he didn't do."
4. Being teased.
Jesus was handed over to the Roman soldiers, and they beat him and mocked (or teased) him greatly.
"It is never nice to be teased. Maybe some of you have been teased, perhaps by being called nasty names - and that does really hurt people on the inside. There is an old saying 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.' That is not true! Calling someone a nasty name could hurt them far worse, and for far longer, than hitting them with a stick or stone. If you are hurting on the inside because someone has called you names, remember Jesus Understands because he was also teased horribly."
5. Being left out.
Pilate wanted to release Jesus, so he brought out a murderer called Barabbas. He gave the crowd a choice of freeing either Jesus or Barabbas. And the crowd chose _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Barabbas! Imagine that. A murderer was chosen, and Jesus was left out.
"It is never nice to be left out of something. Perhaps you wanted to join in someone's game, but they wouldn't let you. Or maybe you were hoping to be chosen for a team, but you weren't picked. Or maybe there was a special task to be done at home or at school. You were sure you would do a good job if asked, but someone else was picked instead. It makes us feel bad on the inside when these things happen, but remember Jesus Understands. The crowd chose a murderer instead of him."
6. Being lonely.
On the cross, Jesus was completely alone. His friends had deserted him, and even his Heavenly Father had abandoned him because He couldn't stand to look on sin.
"Perhaps some of you are lonely at times. It could be because you haven't any really good friends, or no brothers or sisters to play with? Being lonely makes you sad, but remember if you ever feel lonely, Jesus Understands. At the very time it seemed he needed his friends the most, he was completely on his own."
7. Being without a father.
The Bible records that Jesus' mother, Mary, was at the cross witnessing his horrible death, but it doesn't mention his 'earthly father' Joseph. It is thought that Joseph probably died while Jesus was still a child. Therefore, Jesus probably grew up without a father.
"Perhaps some of you don't have a father. Or maybe you don't have a mother. It could be that someone doesn't have a father or a mother. In these days many families break up, often leaving children with only one parent living at home. And this can often be a very tough situation. But remember, if you have only one parent at home, Jesus Understands what it is like for you, because he also probably grew up with only one parent."
Conclusion.
"If you have identified with any of these seven situations, why don't you take a few seconds right now to tell Jesus about it. Remember, He understands exactly how you feel because he has gone through similar situations himself. If you are feeling hurt or upset, ask Jesus to take it all away and replace it with his love, joy and peace."
Concluding Prayer. "Lord Jesus, I thank you that you know everything about each child here today. You know those who feel different from others, those who have been let down, those who have been unfairly blamed, teased or left out. You know about those who are lonely, and those who only have one parent. I thank you that because of what you had to endure at the end of your own earthly life, you know exactly how each child feels. So I ask you to take away every sorrow, hurt and pain, and replace them with your love, joy and peace. Amen."
Elimination Quiz 3 - Easter.
Reminder. If a child chooses the wrong answer, they are eliminated. If they choose the right answer, they continue until you are left with a few 'winners'.
1. Which disciple betrayed Jesus? A. Peter. B. Judas.
2. Which garden was Jesus praying in when he was arrested? A. Eden. B. Gethsemane.
3. When the guards came to arrest Jesus. A. Jesus tried to resist them. B. He willingly let them take him.
4. Who denied knowing Jesus three times? A. Peter. B. Thomas.
5. Did Pilate find that Jesus had done anything wrong? A. Yes. B. No.
6. Who did Pilate release instead of Jesus? A. Barabbas. B. Lazarus.
7. How many criminals were crucified alongside Jesus? A. Two. B. Three.
8. On what day of the week was Jesus crucified? A. Thursday. B. Friday.
9. Jesus died on the cross because A. He chose to die. B. His enemies were too powerful for him.
10. When Jesus died it was A. To take on Himself the punishment we deserved for our sins. B. To set us a good example of how we should endure punishment.
11. Only Jesus could have died for us because A. He was a miracle worker. B. He was both perfect man and God in one Person.
12. The purpose of Jesus' death was A. To show us that some people could obtain life after death if they were good enough. B. To save us from our sins, now and forever.
13. What did Jesus ask his Father to do about those who were crucifying him? A. Take revenge. B. Forgive them.
14. God abandoned Jesus when he was on the cross because A. God couldn't stand to look on sin. B. God didn't really care what was happening.
15. Jesus cried out "It is finished" because A. He was totally exhausted and on the point of death. B. The work the Father had sent him to do was now complete.
16. On what day of the week did Jesus rise from the dead? A. Sunday. B. Monday.
17. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to us today? A. Jesus is alive and is able to give us all the power we need to live lives pleasing to God. B. A happy ending to what would have been a sad story.
18. After Jesus rose from the dead A. No one saw him again. B. He appeared to people at least eleven times.
19. Before Jesus returned to heaven, he promised to send someone to help us through life. Was it A. Angels. B. The Holy Spirit.
20. When Jesus returns to earth again, it will be A. As a baby, born in Bethlehem again. B. In the clouds with his mighty Angels.
A love funny.
LOVE: A PARAPHRASE OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13
If I talk a lot about God and the Bible and the Church, but I fail to ask about your needs and then help you, I'm simply making a lot of empty religious noise.
If I graduate from theological seminary and know all the answers to questions you'll never even think of asking, and if I have all the degrees to prove it and if I say I believe in God with all my heart, and soul and strength, and claim to have incredible answers to my prayers to show it, but I fail to take the time to find out where you're at and what makes you laugh and why you cry, I'm nothing.
If I sell an extra car and some of my books to raise money for some poor starving kids somewhere, and if I give my life for God's service and burn out after pouring everything I have into the work, but do it all without ever once thinking about the people, the real hurting people-the moms and dads and sons and daughters and orphans and widows and the lonely and hurting-if I pour my life into the Kingdom but forget to make it relevant to those here on earth, my energy is wasted, and so is my life.
Here is what love is like--genuine love. God's kind of love. It's patient. It can wait. It helps others, even if they never find out who did it. Love doesn't look for greener pastures or dream of how things could be better if I just got rid of all my current commitments. Love doesn't boast. It doesn't try to build itself up to be something it isn't. Love doesn't act in a loose, immoral way. It doesn't seek to take, but it willingly gives. Love doesn't lose its cool. It doesn't turn on and off. Love doesn't think about how bad the other person is, and certainly doesn't think of how it could get back at someone. Love is grieved deeply (as God is) over the evil in this world, but it rejoices over truth.
Love comes and sits with you when you're feeling down and finds out what is wrong. It empathizes with you and believes in you. Love knows you'll come through just as God planned, and love sticks right beside you all the way. Love doesn't give up, or quit, or diminish or go home. Love keeps on keeping on, even when everything goes wrong and the feelings leave and the other person doesn't seem as special anymore. Love succeeds 100 percent of the time. That, my friend, is what real love is!
--David Sanford
Contents.
Teaching tip 18. Jesus Understands (Easter).
Elimination quiz 3 - Easter.
A love funny.
Welcome to my first Newsletter for 2005. You may have noted that Easter falls in March this year. Although we have only just left the Christmas period, we shall all soon be planning our Easter lessons. As this is at the very heart of the Gospel message, I have therefore made Easter the theme of this Newsletter.
I have previously published a number of items that would be suitable for inclusion in Easter lessons. These are :-
Object Lessons. 18, 19 (Newsletter 7), 25 (Newsletter 10), 48 (Newsletter 20).
Fundamental Beliefs. 1. Did Christ really rise from the dead? (Newsletter 20).
Puppet play. "What is Easter all about?" (Newsletter 7).
Easter card. My instructions for making a 'fun' Christmas card (Newsletter 27) can also be used to make an Easter card.
We have all been horrified by the tragic effects of the Tsunami in South Asia, and many children will be thinking and asking "Why?" There have been volumes written on this difficult question of 'suffering'. There is no simple answer to this of course, but I found the article "Waves of sadness" by Carl Wieland on the Answers in Genesis web site ( www.answersingenesis.org ) helpful. You may also wish to check out my article "Why does God allow suffering?" (Newsletter 23) to gain a few insights that you could share with your children if the question arises.
The number of Newsletters that are returned to me as 'undeliverable' continues to rise. All I can suggest is that if you stop receiving them, send me an email to let me know. If in doubt, you can check out my web site to see what number we are up to. Also, please remember to let me know if you change your email address.
May God richly bless your ministry to children throughout the new year.
Maurice Sweetsur
mnmsweetsur@xtra.co.nz
http://mauricesweetsur.blogspot.com/
Teaching tip 18 - Jesus Understands.
The following lesson has been around for a number of years in slightly different forms. I have, however, always found it very effective in ministering God's love to children. Therefore, I will share it here for the benefit of those to whom it is new.
Every child will experience difficult or stressful situations at some time as they are growing up. However you can use the Easter story to show them that Jesus also had to go through many tough situations, especially at the end of his earthly life. In fact, because many of these were similar to those we may go through, He now understands how we feel at these difficult times. It is therefore a great comfort to know that when we share these hard situations with him in prayer, He understands exactly how we feel.
There are a number of circumstances Jesus faced that we could talk about, but I usually choose seven and write their titles out on cards. I then show the cards at the appropriate times as I tell the Easter story. Also, as you are telling the story, It is also a good idea to share a few personal examples of tough situations from your own childhood.
1. Being different.
As Jesus was growing up, he must have realised that that he was different from other children of his age - even though he may not have known exactly what his purpose on earth was while he was very young. But imagine how he felt when he found out that his purpose for being on this planet was to die for the sins of others!
"It is never easy being different. Perhaps some of you here today think you are different from other children. For example, you may feel bad because you think you are too tall, short, fat, thin - - - - , or wear glasses, teeth braces etc. Perhaps you feel different because you don't like most of the things the other children seem to enjoy? If you feel different, remember Jesus Understands, because he was also different."
2. Being let down.
Jesus was let down (or betrayed) by his friend Judas who sold him over to the religious leaders for thirty silver coins.
"I am sure some of you have been let down sometimes. Perhaps someone has promised to give you something, take you somewhere, or do something with you - but they didn't keep their promise. Or perhaps you have shared a secret with a friend - and then he/she has gone and told everyone in your class about it! It is never pleasant to be let down, but remember Jesus Understands, because he was let down in a big way by Judas - and by all his other friends who ran away when he was arrested."
3. Being unfairly blamed.
At his trial, Jesus was blamed for doing things that he was innocent of.
"Perhaps something has happened at school or home, and you have got the blame for it, even though you were not guilty. It makes us feel very bad if we get the blame for something we haven't done. If this has ever happened to you, please remember that Jesus Understands how you feel, because he also was blamed for things he didn't do."
4. Being teased.
Jesus was handed over to the Roman soldiers, and they beat him and mocked (or teased) him greatly.
"It is never nice to be teased. Maybe some of you have been teased, perhaps by being called nasty names - and that does really hurt people on the inside. There is an old saying 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.' That is not true! Calling someone a nasty name could hurt them far worse, and for far longer, than hitting them with a stick or stone. If you are hurting on the inside because someone has called you names, remember Jesus Understands because he was also teased horribly."
5. Being left out.
Pilate wanted to release Jesus, so he brought out a murderer called Barabbas. He gave the crowd a choice of freeing either Jesus or Barabbas. And the crowd chose _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Barabbas! Imagine that. A murderer was chosen, and Jesus was left out.
"It is never nice to be left out of something. Perhaps you wanted to join in someone's game, but they wouldn't let you. Or maybe you were hoping to be chosen for a team, but you weren't picked. Or maybe there was a special task to be done at home or at school. You were sure you would do a good job if asked, but someone else was picked instead. It makes us feel bad on the inside when these things happen, but remember Jesus Understands. The crowd chose a murderer instead of him."
6. Being lonely.
On the cross, Jesus was completely alone. His friends had deserted him, and even his Heavenly Father had abandoned him because He couldn't stand to look on sin.
"Perhaps some of you are lonely at times. It could be because you haven't any really good friends, or no brothers or sisters to play with? Being lonely makes you sad, but remember if you ever feel lonely, Jesus Understands. At the very time it seemed he needed his friends the most, he was completely on his own."
7. Being without a father.
The Bible records that Jesus' mother, Mary, was at the cross witnessing his horrible death, but it doesn't mention his 'earthly father' Joseph. It is thought that Joseph probably died while Jesus was still a child. Therefore, Jesus probably grew up without a father.
"Perhaps some of you don't have a father. Or maybe you don't have a mother. It could be that someone doesn't have a father or a mother. In these days many families break up, often leaving children with only one parent living at home. And this can often be a very tough situation. But remember, if you have only one parent at home, Jesus Understands what it is like for you, because he also probably grew up with only one parent."
Conclusion.
"If you have identified with any of these seven situations, why don't you take a few seconds right now to tell Jesus about it. Remember, He understands exactly how you feel because he has gone through similar situations himself. If you are feeling hurt or upset, ask Jesus to take it all away and replace it with his love, joy and peace."
Concluding Prayer. "Lord Jesus, I thank you that you know everything about each child here today. You know those who feel different from others, those who have been let down, those who have been unfairly blamed, teased or left out. You know about those who are lonely, and those who only have one parent. I thank you that because of what you had to endure at the end of your own earthly life, you know exactly how each child feels. So I ask you to take away every sorrow, hurt and pain, and replace them with your love, joy and peace. Amen."
Elimination Quiz 3 - Easter.
Reminder. If a child chooses the wrong answer, they are eliminated. If they choose the right answer, they continue until you are left with a few 'winners'.
1. Which disciple betrayed Jesus? A. Peter. B. Judas.
2. Which garden was Jesus praying in when he was arrested? A. Eden. B. Gethsemane.
3. When the guards came to arrest Jesus. A. Jesus tried to resist them. B. He willingly let them take him.
4. Who denied knowing Jesus three times? A. Peter. B. Thomas.
5. Did Pilate find that Jesus had done anything wrong? A. Yes. B. No.
6. Who did Pilate release instead of Jesus? A. Barabbas. B. Lazarus.
7. How many criminals were crucified alongside Jesus? A. Two. B. Three.
8. On what day of the week was Jesus crucified? A. Thursday. B. Friday.
9. Jesus died on the cross because A. He chose to die. B. His enemies were too powerful for him.
10. When Jesus died it was A. To take on Himself the punishment we deserved for our sins. B. To set us a good example of how we should endure punishment.
11. Only Jesus could have died for us because A. He was a miracle worker. B. He was both perfect man and God in one Person.
12. The purpose of Jesus' death was A. To show us that some people could obtain life after death if they were good enough. B. To save us from our sins, now and forever.
13. What did Jesus ask his Father to do about those who were crucifying him? A. Take revenge. B. Forgive them.
14. God abandoned Jesus when he was on the cross because A. God couldn't stand to look on sin. B. God didn't really care what was happening.
15. Jesus cried out "It is finished" because A. He was totally exhausted and on the point of death. B. The work the Father had sent him to do was now complete.
16. On what day of the week did Jesus rise from the dead? A. Sunday. B. Monday.
17. What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to us today? A. Jesus is alive and is able to give us all the power we need to live lives pleasing to God. B. A happy ending to what would have been a sad story.
18. After Jesus rose from the dead A. No one saw him again. B. He appeared to people at least eleven times.
19. Before Jesus returned to heaven, he promised to send someone to help us through life. Was it A. Angels. B. The Holy Spirit.
20. When Jesus returns to earth again, it will be A. As a baby, born in Bethlehem again. B. In the clouds with his mighty Angels.
A love funny.
LOVE: A PARAPHRASE OF 1 CORINTHIANS 13
If I talk a lot about God and the Bible and the Church, but I fail to ask about your needs and then help you, I'm simply making a lot of empty religious noise.
If I graduate from theological seminary and know all the answers to questions you'll never even think of asking, and if I have all the degrees to prove it and if I say I believe in God with all my heart, and soul and strength, and claim to have incredible answers to my prayers to show it, but I fail to take the time to find out where you're at and what makes you laugh and why you cry, I'm nothing.
If I sell an extra car and some of my books to raise money for some poor starving kids somewhere, and if I give my life for God's service and burn out after pouring everything I have into the work, but do it all without ever once thinking about the people, the real hurting people-the moms and dads and sons and daughters and orphans and widows and the lonely and hurting-if I pour my life into the Kingdom but forget to make it relevant to those here on earth, my energy is wasted, and so is my life.
Here is what love is like--genuine love. God's kind of love. It's patient. It can wait. It helps others, even if they never find out who did it. Love doesn't look for greener pastures or dream of how things could be better if I just got rid of all my current commitments. Love doesn't boast. It doesn't try to build itself up to be something it isn't. Love doesn't act in a loose, immoral way. It doesn't seek to take, but it willingly gives. Love doesn't lose its cool. It doesn't turn on and off. Love doesn't think about how bad the other person is, and certainly doesn't think of how it could get back at someone. Love is grieved deeply (as God is) over the evil in this world, but it rejoices over truth.
Love comes and sits with you when you're feeling down and finds out what is wrong. It empathizes with you and believes in you. Love knows you'll come through just as God planned, and love sticks right beside you all the way. Love doesn't give up, or quit, or diminish or go home. Love keeps on keeping on, even when everything goes wrong and the feelings leave and the other person doesn't seem as special anymore. Love succeeds 100 percent of the time. That, my friend, is what real love is!
--David Sanford
posted by Maurice Sweetsur @ 11:29 PM
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