Summary: This message was the kick off for our VBS that had the theme of celebrating

Join the Celebration

Selected Passages

August 3, 2003

Children’s Message

Prop: A party invitation

Introduction

Can any of you tell me the meaning of the word celebrate?

What kinds of celebrations do you have? Birthday parties, family reunions, ect.

Can anybody tell me what this is? (Hold up sealed invitation)

It’s an invitation. This week we are having Bible School and I am inviting you to come join us. This weeks theme is The Great Global Adventure: Celebrating Life in Christ. So today I want to talk with you for a few minutes about some of the great things that we can celebrate as Christians.

Body

We can celebrate because…

I. Jesus loves us

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 1 John 3:16

A. Jesus showed His love

1. Jesus came to earth

2. Jesus spent time with people

B. The ultimate example

1. Jesus died on the cross

2. The purpose of the cross

a.) Jesus loved you so much that He was willing to die for you

b.) Jesus sacrificed Himself so we could live

II. Jesus is with us

I am with you always

A. Jesus rose again

1. Jesus was raised from the dead

2. Jesus is alive forever

B. Jesus is with us always

1. Jesus is always there

a.) There is never a time that Jesus is not with you

b.) You are never ever alone

2. Jesus is here with us now

a.) Where two or more are gathered in my name I am there with them

b.) Jesus is here!

III. Jesus saves 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. John 3:16

A. Jesus rescues us

1. All of us have failed God

2. Jesus offers to save us

B. The way of salvation

1. Accept Jesus as your savior

a.) You need Jesus

b.) He died for you

2. Believe that Jesus was raised from the dead

3. Commit to follow Jesus