In the last several years I've visited a number of different churches and heard a variety of children's sermons. Some of them were really good, even outstanding. But, unfortunately most were not. In fact, many of them failed miserably.
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
—Hebrews 4:14,16
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Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, to the end of time.
—Matthew 28:19a, 20b
Alleluia!
[or]
In this mini-musical drama, Helen Walter tells the story of Abraham—how he left his country and traveled to the promised land, and how God kept his promises to Abraham.
What's unique about Reverend Gordon Martin—and his whole congregation at Snowhomish Church recognizes it—is his penchant for doing meaningful baptisms.
Questions are powerful. Ronald Reagan may have won an election simply by asking, 'Are you better off now than you were four years ago?" Wendy's Hamburger chain may have propelled itself into major contention with giant McDonald's by asking a simple three-word question: "Where's the beef?"
And consider this: When Adam and Eve fell into sin, God responded not with charges, accusations, or pronouncements, but with questions ... one after another. Listen:
This fine book would be improved by a more clear subtitle. In the old-fashioned tradition of long book titles, it should go something like this: A Brief but Accurate History of Roman Catholic Worship, with a Brief Glance at Some Protestant Worship Traditions.
This service was originally held with the congregations of Pleasant Street and Fahiawn Christian Reformed Churches, Whitinsville, Massachusetts. It was submitted by Wilma Vander Baan, organist at Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church.
Prelude: "Come, Holy Spirit, God and Lord"
[arr. G. Winston Cassler]
"Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid"
[arr. for brass, Vaclav Nelhybel]
"However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
The question for this first week is very instructive, because it reveals the first thing Christ will be looking for at the great moment when history reaches its climax, and he returns to sift the hearts of all peoples.
