Keep growing! That's God' message to Christians of all ages.
Luke 8:15 says that those who listen to and obey God's Word will
bear fruit for God's kingdom. Children need to see that when we
obey God's Word, God will cause our faith to grow. Use the ideas in
this section to help children grow in Christ.
1. Just as the small branches are attached to the main vine,
we're attached to the source of all life-God. Once a flower or a
vegetable is separated from the plant, it dies. In the same way, we
must be firmly attached to God in order to grow and live productive
lives. Use Idea 1, Trained Branches, to illustrate how we can
follow God and become more like him.
2. Plants don't grow properly if they receive too much sun, not
enough water, or if the soil has too much clay or sand. Jesus said
that those who hear the word of God and obey it are like plants
rooted in rich, fertile soil (Luke 8:15). Use Idea 2, Good Ground,
to teach children that the right environment and the right
nutrients make all the difference to plants and to Christians.
3. Jesus said that even if our faith is as small as a mustard
seed, we can move mountains. He also said that the kingdom of
heaven is like the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large plant.
Clearly, we don't need to be completely grown up in Christ before
we can start serving him. Even young Christians can make a
difference. Use Idea 3, Seeds of Faith, to help children see that
with their faith in God, they can do great things.
4. Christians never stop growing! Whether it's learning more
about the Bible, strengthening our faith, discovering the power of
prayer, or simply spending quiet times with God, spiritual growth
takes time and effort. Use Idea 4, Taller and Taller, to illustrate
the desire to mature in our faith.
5. It's hard to deny the goodness of fruit. Fruit that is sweet
and juicy is the mark of a healthy tree. Christians are also called
to bear fruit by leading others to Jesus, living out his commands,
and growing in our relationship with him. Use Idea 5, Sweet Fruit
to help children understand the importance of bearing fruit for
God's kingdom.
•••
1. Trained Branches
Make topiary frames out of clothes hangers.
Theme: When we remain in God, we become like
him.
Scripture Spotlight 1: "I am the vine, and you
are the branches. If any remain in me, and I remain in them, they
produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing" (John
15:5).
Scripture Spotlight 2: "Train yourself to serve
God" (I Timothy 4:7).
Collect: Lightweight wire hangers, plastic
containers such as large margarine bowls, pliers, dirt, small
rocks, small ivy plants, scissors.
