Easter Message Week 4 (can be used any time)

Sharing the Gospel

Big Idea: Sharing the Gospel Includes Far and Near

Bible Verse: ..." And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15 AKJV)

Materials: Integrity: Shout Praised Kids "You Are Good" DVD, balloons, stop sign, gift, candy bar, plastic eggs, jelly beans, telephone

Music Selections: Lord, I Lift Your Name On High, Wanna Praise You, Who Is Like the Lord?, He is Lord (chorus)

Message: Write the following letters of the word GOSPEL on the dry erase board. As you talk about each one complete the word for each letter.

G - GO (Green Go sign)

What is the Gospel? It is the story of Jesus Christ. Who do we share the Gospel with? We share the Gospel with Everyone. Everyone needs to know Jesus. Everyone needs to hear the Gospel message that Jesus saves. He came to this earth as a little baby and grew up into a great leader who healed the sick and later died on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Sometimes, we may need to "GO" where people are to show them the love of Jesus. We can do this at school, in our own home among our family members, our neighborhood, and at church. We need to live out what we believe Jesus has done for us.

O - OTHERS

Who are others? These may include people at shopping malls, grocery stores, the mail carrier, our UPS carrier, in retirement centers, or nursing homes, the local police, and anywhere in our community. Some people will not come to our church, but they will watch our lives in the way we act. They will notice the small things that we do for them that show we love them. God wants us to show His love not only by our words, but in our actions. We can help someone take in their groceries, mow a lawn, rake leaves, bake someone cookies who has been sick, give a smile, an encouraging word, plant flowers in the community. There are many things we can do to show God's love. Doing for others will bring us joy.

S - SHARE (candy bar)

Does anyone enjoy chocolate? Oh, we have several people who love chocolate. Since I have only one candy bar, I can only give it to one person. (Give it to someone) What should we do since there are more that like this candy bar, too? (Ask child) Would you like to share it with the rest of the kids?

How does this make the rest of you feel when ____ was willing to share with you? As we share of our time with others, this give them a good feeling. It sends the message that we care and are living out what we believe. It makes others see that it is for real...our love and service to God. When we share with others, and take the time to help them, we are pleasing God. It makes Him happy to see us making others happy.

P - PRAY (telephone)

The most important thing we can do before beginning any project or trying to help others, is to stop a moment and pray. There are different types of prayers. We can pray before we eat, before we go to bed, before we take a test, or before we begin our day. God will help us in all we do. He will bring to our minds what we studied; help us say the right things that will help others rather than offend them, protect us throughout the day, and so much more. He will bring people into our paths in order that we may be a light to them in sharing His love. God answers our prayer; so, it is important what we pray. If I use this telephone, I will be able to directly call the person I want to talk with. Prayer is powerful! It is a direct line to God.

E - EVANGELIZE

This is a big word! What does the word evangelize mean? It is to share something good with others. It means to share the excitement and beliefs that you have in doing missionary work. This means sharing the Good News of Jesus and what He is doing for you and what He can do for them. It means to live out what you say so others will see Christ living in you. We preach and teach what we believe by our actions. We can show it, live it, and teach it - all good actions that show God's love and salvation.

L - Loving (gift wrapped package)

The greatest gift we could ever give to anyone is Love. Isn't this a beautiful package (show gift)? How would you feel if I gave this to you? (Have someone come forward and offer them the gift). Would you like to have this? You can open it... go ahead. We are all excited to see what is inside. (Inside will be a heart) A heart normally represents Valentine's Day. We give hearts and candy to people we love. Sometimes, we give them a Valentine card to show them we love them. We can be a Valentine to others we meet every day. There are kids at school who may be sad, unhappy, angry, or hurt and are acting this out. We never know why a person acts the way they do at times. There may be something very sad going on in their life or home. We can give, and show them love through a kind word, a compliment, a smile, a piece of candy, or sharing something we have that is good. We can bring some happiness into their day. God will use us to share his Love as we pray, evangelize, share with others, and love them. Let's use this time to reflect on what he has done for us and share some of that love with others.

If you do not know Jesus today, you can. It is as simple as ABC.

Ask him into your heart by confessing your sins to him,

Believe He died for you and will forgive you,

Claim His promise that He will forgive you, and thank Him for what he has done for you today!

If Jesus saves you now, you can thank Him and ask Him to help you grow in sharing the Gospel. Read your BIble and pray every day so you will GROW to be more like Jesus.

Small Group or Large Group Discussion Questions:

1.  What does Easter mean to you?

2.  How can we share the meaning of Easter with others?

3.  Why did Jesus come to earth?

4.  How can we show the love of Jesus to others?

5.  Why is it important that we celebrate God?

6.  What are ways that you celebrate Easter?

Message Application Game

Write the letters (using permanent markers) of the word GOSPEL on blown up balloons. You can have several balloons for each letter. When the kids share something that begins with one of the letters, that pertains with Easter or evangelism, allow them to come up and pop the balloon with that letter on it.

Additional Game

Provide a basket of eggs with a question in each egg about the lesson. Give one to each child. Have them open and read the question in their egg one at a time. Allow them to give an answer. If they cannot answer the question, they may get help. Put a few jelly beans in each egg.

Bible Memory Game

• 1. Say the memory verse if you...
• a. Ate scrambled eggs for breakfast
• b. Helped at home this week
• c. Brushed your teeth this morning
• d. Made your bed this mooning
• e. Wore tennis shoes
• f. Have brown hair
• g. Like pizza
• h. Have a birthday in the summer

Closing Prayer: God, we thank you for Your Son, Jesus, who died for our sins. Help us to please you, and share your love with those around us. Guild us each day that we will see ways in which we can love out your love. Walk with us every day as we go to school and have fun with our family. May our words and actions honor you in all we do and say. Go with us throughout this week, and keep us safe as we travel. In Jesus name, Amen.

© Kidzministry.com Jeanne McIntosh March, 2010. All rights reserved.