Sermon and Worship Resources

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Philippians 2:12c-13

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... . The child, through practice, learns to focus the microscope and to look into a new world of wonder. The Christian, through practice, learns to live life in God's world and with his fellow creatures in the way that God intended life to be lived. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child seems to expect others to do too much for him or her. When there is a need to show how we learn by doing things together, with each one doing his part, under the guidance of the one who knows more.

1252. Using Your Imagination

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... it into practice when you get home. The imagination is a very powerful tool that you can use often. As you mature we hope that you will also learn to use your imagination for the good of others as well as for your own enjoyment. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child has been playing alone and has been using his or her imagination. When a child thinks of more mischief than good.

1253. The Wind Sock

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... studying the Bible are two of the best ways to maintain our awareness of God and his love. Without the love of God flowing through our lives, they will become limp and lack direction, like this wind sock when no wind is flowing into it. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: In the spring, when the March winds are blowing. In the summer, when your children think they should take a vacation from the worship of God. After a visit to an airport.

1254. Learning From A Flower

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... again so that it will continue to grow and remain beautiful. You see, only God can make a flower; and this is just one little thing that God has made and given to us. We certainly have a lot for which we can thank God. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: In the garden, when the family is enjoying the beauty of God's world. When a potted flower has been brought into the house; especially at a time of sickness, to remind the child of God's great gifts to us which includes the gift of medicine ...

1255. A Disappearing Act

John 1:18

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... life cannot be seen. For example, we cannot see love, but we are aware of its presence. In regard to God, the Gospel of John tells us that "no one has ever seen God; the only Son ... he has made him known." (John 1:18) Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: In the summer, when a fan is being used. When a child asks to see God.

1256. Hidden Treasure

Matthew 6:19-21; 13:44

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21) Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When the children have been playing imaginary games. When a child rebels against going to Sunday school. When there is need to emphasize what is important in life.

1257. The Shortest Distance

Proverbs 4:26-27

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... or washing the dishes, remember you will get through with your work in less time if you keep straight on the course, if you keep at it until you are done. Do not allow other things or thoughts to take you away from your path. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child procrastinates. When the family has been on a hike and has followed curving trails. When a child allows himself or herself to be distracted by many things.

1258. Pieces Of Paper

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... number. Each bill is unique as well as precious. The same is true of you in God's eyes. You are unique and precious to him. As you live your life, as God wants you to live, your true value will be seen by everyone. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When there is need to talk about the value of things. It is not what we have but how we use what we have that is important. When the child has been spending too much money on frivolous things.

1259. Fine And False Speech

Proverbs 17:7

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... girls, a Christian is expected to tell the truth. With our voices, we can say good things about God rather than to take his name in vain. Those who call God "Father" will want to do the right thing even with the way they talk. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child tells a lie or uses improper language. When a child is making things with paper.

1260. The Rich And The Poor

James 2:1b-4

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... actions on our part will help to make our church a warm and friendly place. Remember, boys and girls, it is just as important for you to do this when other children come into our church as it is for the adults to do it. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When your child makes fun of a poor person, or is unfriendly to someone of lesser means. To help a child realize that all people are precious to God.

1261. A Lesson From Paper

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... friends that will bring out the best in you. Avoid those people who want to teach you harmful things. And remember always the good teacher that God has sent to help us all: Christ Jesus. Let him change you into a true child of God. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child picks up a bad habit from others. When a child loses his enthusiasm for learning.

1262. The Arrow Of Friendship

1 Samuel 20:1-42

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... family should be the best of friends. It has been said, that when we are in need, it is then that we find out who our true friends are; for a friend who helps another in the time of need is a true friend indeed. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child has had a fight with a friend. When a brother or sister refuses to help someone in the family when that person needs help. After members of the family have been out hunting.

1263. Fishing With A Net

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... , each one of us must see that we are doing our part in the right spirit. So, let us begin to build our net right now. Let me give you a hug and when you get back to your pew, give someone else a hug. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When the family has been out fishing. An application of this would be to talk about catching happiness in the home. Each person in the family must do his or her part, remembering that a Christian believes that true happiness comes from being able to give of ...

1264. The Lever

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... I am sure you will find that the family is happier during the evening hours because of your action. Then, what you learn to be true at dinner time, apply whenever there is work to be done that the whole family can do together. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: In the winter when the children are making a snowman. After dinner, when everyone but mother has left the kitchen and the work is still to be done. Whenever there is a time when any member of the family fails to see the benefits of ...

1265. Useful Junk

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... with a sharp tool and sandpaper reworking it and reshaping it. God is the outside force that we need. He can cut away all that is ugly and useless. He can reshape us into that which he knows will be pleasing and useful. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: After an accident or illness that limits someone in the family or who is known to the family. When a member of the family has made something beautiful and useful out of other material. When a child is discouraged with his or her limited ...

1266. If The Shoe Fits

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... something that seems right to you, then you have to apply it to your own life to make it true for you. So now, you can use your shoes to carry you back to your parents and thank you for coming up here this morning. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: * When a young person needs guidance but will not accept it. * When a new pair of shoes has been purchased, or old ones have become too small.

1267. Let Your Light Shine Through

John 1:9

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... light in life. (As you speak, remove the paper from in front of the light. Do not let the floodlight shine into the eyes of the little children, especially if it is extremely bright. Point it upward or away from them.) Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When floodlights are being used to take a picture or to show off your outside house decorations at Christmas time. When a young person seems to be growing weary of doing good deeds, feeling that his or her little contribution will not make ...

1268. Putting God In His Place

Matthew 6:33

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... said, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these (other) things shall be yours as well." (Matthew 6:33) In order for God to be at the center of life, we must accept him as our Lord and Master. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child is playing with a toy car. When a child would rather do something else instead of going to your church for worship or study or Christian fellowship. When your child idolizes an entertainer, or when something else has become of primary ...

1269. Try, Try Again

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... we all need to remember in life. If we have difficulty doing something then we need to remember this little spider. If we fail, we should try again and again. We must not let a difficult time stop us from moving on to better things. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When you see a spider. During a rainstorm. When your child gives up too easily.

1270. On Using Problems

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... help them when you can. Now, I can't give each one of you a ball to play with; but I can give you a malt ball (or some other kind of round candy) to enjoy as a reminder of what we talked about today. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child is having difficulties and refuses to talk about them. When a child expresses anger too quickly and then is sorry for what has been said. We need to help children learn self-control. It is not good enough to be sorry for the misuse ...

1271. Zero

Ephesians 6:7

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... God and not unto other people. (cf. Ephesians 6:7) When we remember that, we will seek to give God our best at all times. We are expected to do the best we can, but we need not be the best in whatever we do. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When a child fails in something or does not win the top prize. When a child blames someone else or something other than self for a failure. When a child is overly concerned about what others might think of him or her.

1272. Symbols Of Thanksgiving -- Stone And Rope

Psalm 16:5-6

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... ." (Psalm 16:5, 6) In our country, we have had much good fortune. We live in pleasant places. God has given us so much. We too must learn to be willing to say "Thank you" to God for all that he has given to us. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When planting a garden. During or after a vacation trip when you have seen the beauty of America. At the Thanksgiving season. After a visit to a farm.

1273. The Wishbone

Philippians 3:12, 13b-14

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... could not fully reach in this life. The principle is true for all of us: the best way to make your dreams come true is to work hard and long; to press on and push forward and not to be held back by the past. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: When you have a wishbone to be broken. When a child keeps wishing for something, but does nothing to try to obtain that goal.

1274. What Shall You Give?

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... give to your parents and to others in the home. All you have to do is to keep your eyes and ears and heart open and you will discover what you can give. And in giving, you will receive in return the ingredients of happiness. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: At Christmas time or when a birthday is approaching. On any occasion, when your child seems to be too interested in what gifts might be received.

1275. A Winter Experiment

1 Corinthians 13:8

Children's Sermon

Kenneth Mortonson

... of true love. But even though the process is slow, we must believe, with Paul, that love never ends. (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8) Love, constantly applied, like the compression of the wire on the ice, will produce a wonderful warmth in life. Possible Times To Use This Illustration In The Home: The best time to conduct this experiment is in the winter when the ice will not melt too quickly. A good time to use it, as the beginning of a conversation in the home, would be during or after a winter ice storm, or ...

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