Lent: Repentance & Refreshing
Lenten Lesson for Children's Ministry | by Scott DenhamObjects: Stethoscope, Butterfly photograph, Map, Chalk Board with Chalk & Eraser, Glass of Water
Open:
Lent is the 40 day period leading up to Palm Sunday where, traditionally, the church has fasted, done heart examination and repented of sin. [During Lent we "slow down," to examine our lives.] Have kids run or do some activity in slow motion.
Lent is like a regular "heart checkup." (stethoscope) People with weak hearts need a regular checkup at the Doctors. (go around the room and listen to a few of the children's hearts)
Lent is like a "Spiritual New Year".... did anyone make any New Year's resolutions? Lent is "resolving" and renewing your love for God.
Practice Scripture memory: "Repent, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord" (Acts 3:19)
Repent (Butterfly)
From the Greek word "metanoeo" where we get the word "metamorphosis." (Pick up butterfly) To repent means to go through a radical change, like a caterpillar to a butterfly...or a frog to a prince!
Butterflies represent a total new radical change... they will never be the same again, and neither will you when you repent and give your life to Jesus!
Turn To God "Repent" (Map)
Greek: Repent= "to turn about" (illustrate by walking one direction, and then turn 180 degrees about)
(Show a USA map) Like going from Iowa to New York, and then turning around to go to California. A complete change of direction. God wants to totally change people, not just give them a little direction in their life.
Two Positive Results (Chalk Board & Glass of Water)
Today's Scripture verse says there are two positive results to repenting and turning to God:
(1) Your sins will be wiped out (take a chalkboard and ask the class to list some sins, writing them on the board until it is full and quite a mess, then take the eraser and say...) but God promises to wipe them out... to erase them all.
(2) Refreshing. Imagine it's over 100 degrees outside and you just finished a 10 mile bike ride. How good does a tall, cool glass of water taste? (drink in front of them and make it look really good. When finished say...) When we have repented and turned to God, it's like a tall glass of refreshing water... the weight of our sin is gone.
Closing
Do you have any sins you would like to confess and ask God's forgiveness? (Teacher, lead the way, and confess your sins before your class.)
Does anyone want to become a Christian for the very first time? (*pray sinners' prayer if there is a response; then rejoice with them) Does anyone need to rededicate their life to the Lord? (pray)
*If you're not sure what to pray, here's a sample prayer: Dear Jesus, I know that I have sinned. I am responsible. There's no one else to blame. Please forgive me and come into my life. I now turn away from my sin to follow you and to be Your disciple. Give me the strength I need to do so. I love you! Amen.
Copyright 2002 Scott Denham
harvest@heartland.net
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