Embracing Faith: The Impact of Vacation Bible School
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family! Today, we celebrate Vacation Bible School (VBS) Sunday, a time to reflect on the joy and spiritual growth experienced by our children this past week. We began our service with the song "He Has Made Me Glad," followed by a series of VBS songs led by our enthusiastic kids and teenagers. We also shared important upcoming events, including a special deacons meeting, a church-wide breakfast, and a Riverside baptism.
Our VBS theme centered around the Gospel of John, emphasizing the importance of understanding and believing in Jesus Christ. Throughout the week, the children learned "sticky scriptures" from the Gospel of John, which they memorized and highlighted in their booklets. These scriptures taught them about God's love, trustworthiness, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus.
We explored key verses such as John 6:69, John 13:34, John 14:27, John 11:25, and John 3:16, each reinforcing the message that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the source of eternal life. The purpose of John's Gospel is to help us believe in Jesus and have life in His name.
Believing in Jesus is not just an intellectual exercise but a deep, ongoing trust and faith in Him. It's about recognizing that we cannot earn our way to heaven but must rely on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This belief transforms our lives and gives us peace, hope, and eternal life.
We also discussed the importance of VBS in planting seeds of faith in our children, helping them avoid future heartache by committing their lives to Jesus early on. The ABCs of salvation—Admit, Believe, and Confess—were shared as a simple yet profound way to understand and accept Jesus' gift of salvation.
As we concluded, we invited anyone who hasn't yet made the decision to follow Jesus to do so, offering a prayer for salvation. We look forward to our upcoming baptism service, where new believers can take the next step in their faith journey.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Belief: Believing in Jesus is more than just an intellectual agreement; it is a deep, ongoing trust and faith in Him. This belief transforms our lives, giving us peace, hope, and eternal life. It's about recognizing that we cannot earn our way to heaven but must rely on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. [01:11:42]
2. God's Trustworthiness: The Gospel of John emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Christ. This reinforces that God keeps His promises and is trustworthy. Even when life lets us down, God remains faithful and true to His word. [01:13:33]
3. The Simplicity of the Gospel: The ABCs of salvation—Admit, Believe, and Confess—provide a simple yet profound way to understand and accept Jesus' gift of salvation. This simplicity ensures that even children can grasp the essence of the Gospel and begin their faith journey early. [01:18:11]
4. The Role of VBS: Vacation Bible School plays a crucial role in planting seeds of faith in children. By teaching them about Jesus and helping them memorize scripture, we equip them with spiritual tools that can guide them throughout their lives, helping them avoid future heartache by committing to Jesus early on. [01:19:52]
5. The Purpose of John's Gospel: John's Gospel was written to help us believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, we may have life in His name. This purpose aligns with the mission of VBS and our church—to share the good news of Jesus and lead others to eternal life through Him. [01:07:03]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:22] - Upcoming Events
[19:36] - Prayer Requests
[23:57] - VBS Kids Lead Worship
[26:37] - VBS Songs and Activities
[42:11] - Penny Wars and Missions Offering
[45:12] - Hope for Appalachia
[48:00] - Thanking VBS Directors
[58:46] - Sticky Scriptures Overview
[01:00:19] - Key Verses from John
[01:01:57] - Memorizing Scripture
[01:03:35] - The Four Gospels
[01:05:20] - The Simple Gospel Message
[01:07:03] - Purpose of John's Gospel
[01:11:42] - Genuine Trust and Faith
[01:13:33] - God's Promises
[01:15:11] - Eternal Life Through Jesus
[01:16:42] - Why We Do VBS
[01:18:11] - ABCs of Salvation
[01:19:52] - Lifelong Journey of Faith
[01:21:21] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:23:15] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 6:69 - "Simon Peter replied, 'Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'"
2. John 13:34 - "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."
3. John 20:31 - "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Simon Peter declare about Jesus in John 6:69?
2. According to John 13:34, what new commandment did Jesus give to His disciples?
3. What is the purpose of the Gospel of John as stated in John 20:31?
4. How did the children at VBS engage with the "sticky scriptures" from the Gospel of John? [58:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Simon Peter acknowledged Jesus as the "Holy One of God" in John 6:69?
2. How does the new commandment to "love each other" in John 13:34 reflect Jesus' teachings and actions?
3. What does it mean to "believe" in Jesus according to the purpose stated in John 20:31? How does this belief impact one's life?
4. How does the concept of "sticky scriptures" help in reinforcing the message of the Gospel to children and adults alike? [58:46]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own belief in Jesus. How does your faith go beyond intellectual agreement to a deep, ongoing trust and faith in Him? [01:11:42]
2. In what ways can you demonstrate the new commandment to "love each other" in your daily interactions with family, friends, and strangers? [01:00:19]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of memorizing and meditating on scripture in your daily routine, similar to the "sticky scriptures" method used in VBS? [58:46]
4. Think about a time when you experienced God's trustworthiness. How did that experience strengthen your faith? [01:13:33]
5. The ABCs of salvation—Admit, Believe, and Confess—were shared as a simple way to understand and accept Jesus' gift of salvation. How can you use this method to share the Gospel with someone in your life? [01:18:11]
6. Reflect on the role of VBS or similar programs in your spiritual journey. How did early exposure to the Gospel shape your faith? [01:19:52]
7. How can you support the spiritual growth of children in your community, ensuring they have the tools to build a strong foundation of faith? [01:19:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Genuine Trust and Faith
Believing in Jesus is more than just an intellectual agreement; it is a deep, ongoing trust and faith in Him. This belief transforms our lives, giving us peace, hope, and eternal life. It's about recognizing that we cannot earn our way to heaven but must rely on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. When we truly trust in Jesus, we experience a profound change in our hearts and minds, leading us to live in a way that reflects His love and grace. This trust is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of faith, where we grow closer to Jesus and rely on Him in every aspect of our lives.
Believing in Jesus means surrendering our own efforts to earn salvation and accepting His gift of grace. It involves acknowledging our need for a Savior and placing our confidence in His finished work on the cross. This kind of faith brings about a transformation that impacts our daily lives, guiding our decisions, actions, and relationships. As we grow in our trust and faith in Jesus, we find peace in His promises and hope in His eternal plan for us. [01:11:42]
John 6:29 (ESV): "Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust Jesus completely? How can you take a step today to deepen your trust in Him?
Day 2: God's Trustworthiness
The Gospel of John emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Christ. This reinforces that God keeps His promises and is trustworthy. Even when life lets us down, God remains faithful and true to His word. Throughout the Gospel, we see Jesus fulfilling the prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament, demonstrating that God is reliable and His word is dependable. This trustworthiness of God is a foundation for our faith, giving us confidence that He will never fail us.
In times of uncertainty and difficulty, we can hold on to the truth that God is faithful. His promises are sure, and His character is unchanging. When we face challenges, we can look to the life and ministry of Jesus as evidence of God's trustworthiness. By remembering how God has been faithful in the past, we can find strength and hope for the future, knowing that He will continue to be faithful in our lives. [01:13:33]
Numbers 23:19 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt let down by circumstances or people. How did you see God's faithfulness during that time, and how can you remind yourself of His trustworthiness today?
Day 3: The Simplicity of the Gospel
The ABCs of salvation—Admit, Believe, and Confess—provide a simple yet profound way to understand and accept Jesus' gift of salvation. This simplicity ensures that even children can grasp the essence of the Gospel and begin their faith journey early. The Gospel message is not complicated; it is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. By admitting our sins, believing in Jesus as our Savior, and confessing our faith in Him, we can receive the gift of eternal life.
This straightforward approach to salvation highlights the inclusivity of the Gospel. It is a message that can be understood and embraced by anyone who is willing to open their heart to Jesus. The simplicity of the Gospel also serves as a reminder that salvation is not about our efforts or achievements but about God's grace and love. By focusing on the core elements of the Gospel, we can share this message with others in a clear and compelling way. [01:18:11]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the simple message of the Gospel? How can you share the ABCs of salvation with them in a way that is clear and loving?
Day 4: The Role of VBS
Vacation Bible School plays a crucial role in planting seeds of faith in children. By teaching them about Jesus and helping them memorize scripture, we equip them with spiritual tools that can guide them throughout their lives, helping them avoid future heartache by committing to Jesus early on. VBS provides a fun and engaging environment where children can learn about God's love and develop a foundation of faith that will support them as they grow.
The impact of VBS extends beyond the week-long program. The lessons and scriptures learned during VBS can stay with children for a lifetime, shaping their beliefs and guiding their actions. By investing in the spiritual growth of children through VBS, we are helping to raise a generation that knows and loves Jesus. This early exposure to the Gospel can lead to a lifelong relationship with Christ, providing a strong foundation for their faith journey. [01:19:52]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you support the spiritual growth of the children in your life? What steps can you take to help them learn about Jesus and develop a strong foundation of faith?
Day 5: The Purpose of John's Gospel
John's Gospel was written to help us believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, we may have life in His name. This purpose aligns with the mission of VBS and our church—to share the good news of Jesus and lead others to eternal life through Him. The Gospel of John provides a clear and compelling account of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, inviting us to place our faith in Him.
The purpose of John's Gospel is not just to inform but to transform. By reading and reflecting on the words of John, we are invited to deepen our understanding of Jesus and grow in our relationship with Him. This Gospel challenges us to move beyond mere knowledge and to embrace a living, active faith that impacts every area of our lives. As we share the message of John's Gospel with others, we are participating in God's mission to bring eternal life to all who believe. [01:07:03]
John 20:31 (ESV): "But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
Reflection: How has the Gospel of John impacted your understanding of Jesus? What steps can you take to share the message of John's Gospel with others in your community?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The gospel means good news and it is good news to all of us here today. It is the good news that helps us to understand the life and the mission of Jesus more fully that we can be saved. The purpose of John's gospel was to evangelize the lost, was to tell people how they could be saved and it is a simple gospel message. Here's the simple gospel message is this: Jesus is the messiah through whom we receive eternal life." [01:05:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Listen, whether you're a boy or a girl, or a man or a woman who's well into your latter seasons of life, no matter what age you may find yourself, the ABCs of salvation are still true. Admit to God that you're a sinner. Believe that Jesus is who he said he is and did what he said he did. That he died on the cross for your sins, rose again from the grave. And confess him as your Lord and your Savior. Cry out to God, save me, forgive me." [01:20:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The gospel means good news and it is good news to all of us here today. It is the good news that helps us to understand the life and the mission of Jesus more fully that we can be saved. The purpose of John's gospel was to evangelize the lost, was to tell people how they could be saved and it is a simple gospel message. Here's the simple gospel message is this: Jesus is the messiah through whom we receive eternal life." [01:05:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Why do we do this? Why do we throw 5,000 water balloons? Why do we let kids throw water on us? Why do we eat cat food, Pastor Dylan? I don't know. Like, what, what, why do we do these things? Why, why do we dress up in silly costumes and, and sing silly songs? And what, what, why do we, why do we invest so much time and energy and money and resources into vacation Bible school? Can I just tell you? So that, so that they may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that by believing they might have life in his name." [01:16:42] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I love the fact that we taught kids that God is a God we can trust because you know what John says he says that Jesus is the Christ you know what Christ is in in Hebrew it translates to anointed one messiah my favorite translation is promised one because when we understand that Jesus is the promised one what we understand is that God keeps his promises." [01:12:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I love to be able to do kind of an opening and closing time with the boys and girls is just an opportunity for me to be able to kind of get down on their level and talk with them and do some experiments and illustrations that help to connect some of those bible points and I don't know if you were listening to those bible points but those are those are things that we desperately need to to remember in our own lives even as adults you know that god is a a true friend that he's a friend we can trust that he's a a friend who loves us that he's a friend who is forever he loves everyone those are truths that we all need even as adults amen." [58:46] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's important that we understand what believing is in the New Testament because sometimes we can hear a word like believe and we can think well like I believe in Santa Claus or I believe in the Easter Bunny or I believe in the fairy or I believe that what the reporter just said on the news is actually true which is getting harder and harder to believe by the way all right but this is the reality is that sometimes we think of belief like something we do only with our mind that it's mental ascent that it's just an intellectual exercise right adults but it's more than that." [01:10:09] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I love what John has to say in this book that we call a gospel now there are four gospels in the new testament they are matthew mark luke and john and they are the first four books of the new testament and each one is special because each one is kind of a a biography a story of jesus life and his ministry and his death and his resurrection that they tell from a unique perspective matthew was written for jewish people to show that jesus is the rightful king of the jews mark was written by a gentile who was not a jewish person and he was writing more for roman gentiles roman unbelievers he wanted them to understand who jesus was and luke was a physician a doctor and he traveled with paul and he wanted to create a systematic orderly accounting of the life and ministry of jesus from eyewitness testimonies okay so he was like a a journalistic reporter okay he was going around and he wanted to make sure that he had the the best possible biography on jesus that was possible but john's book was written later than all of those other gospels when when john the apostle who traveled with jesus and was written for roman gentiles and he was writing more for roman gentiles one of the twelve disciples when he was older when he later on in his life and he wanted to provide more of a gospel message than he wanted to provide a biography it was more important to him that the purpose of the gospel be very clear and so he included a lot of teachings that weren't shared in any of the other accounts of the gospels." [01:03:35] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I love the fact that we taught kids that God is a God we can trust because you know what John says he says that Jesus is the Christ you know what Christ is in in Hebrew it translates to anointed one messiah my favorite translation is promised one because when we understand that Jesus is the promised one what we understand is that God keeps his promises you know the people of Israel they waited a really long time hundreds of years went by from the time when God told them that the messiah was coming the Christ was on his way and then hundreds of years go by and Jesus comes on the scene and so when John writes these words he says I want you to understand that Jesus is that guy you've been waiting for he's the messiah you've been longing for he is the Christ he is the son of God and when the people heard that they knew that God is the great promise keeper he is trustworthy did you know today that God keeps his promises." [01:13:33] (76 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I love that they all came out of the gospel of john not just because it's a gospel from which I get my name okay and so obviously it's my favorite okay I am kind of partial to the gospel of john but I love what john has to say in this book that we call a gospel now there are four gospels in the new testament they are matthew mark luke and john and they are the first four books of the new testament and each one is special because each one is kind of a a biography a story of jesus life and his ministry and his death and his resurrection that they tell from a unique perspective matthew was written for jewish people to show that jesus is the rightful king of the jews mark was written by a gentile who was not a jewish person and he was writing more for roman gentiles roman unbelievers he wanted them to understand who jesus was and luke was a physician a doctor and he traveled with paul and he wanted to create a systematic orderly accounting of the life and ministry of jesus from eyewitness testimonies okay so he was like a a journalistic reporter okay he was going around and he wanted to make sure that he had the the best possible biography on jesus that was possible but john's book was written later than all of those other gospels when when john the apostle who traveled with jesus and was written for roman gentiles and he was writing more for roman gentiles one of the twelve disciples when he was older when he later on in his life and he wanted to provide more of a gospel message than he wanted to provide a biography it was more important to him that the purpose of the gospel be very clear and so he included a lot of teachings that weren't shared in any of the other accounts of the gospels." [01:03:35] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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