This year in VBS our children will learn that God’s “divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Specifically, they will learn:
Day 1: Jesus Cares About Me (Luke 15:1-7).
Jesus seeks out those who are lost and in need of a Savior. We must recognize Jesus as the One who cares for us and offers eternal life. To illustrate this, Jesus told a parable about a man with 100 sheep who realized one was missing. He searched diligently for the lost sheep and rejoiced when he found it. Jesus seeks us out and rejoices when we are saved.
Day 2: Jesus Gives Me Hope (John 11:1-44).
Jesus gives believers hope for eternal life. We must recognize Jesus as the One who gives us hope in the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with Him. To demonstrate this, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus has power over death and has the ability to grant eternal life with God to all those who believe.
Day 3: Jesus Helps Me Believe (John 20:19-31)
Jesus helps us believe without seeing. We must recognize Jesus as the One who helps us to believe in Him through His death and resurrection. Thomas was a disciple who walked with Jesus for almost three years. Thomas loved Jesus but was skeptical that the other disciples had seen Jesus after His crucifixion. Thomas’ doubt turned to belief when Jesus appeared to him too. Even though we do not see Jesus today; in faith, we know He lives.
Day 4: Jesus Loves Me (John 13:1-35; 19:25-27; 20:1-10; 21:1-14)
Jesus demonstrated God’s love for us so that by trusting in Him we can be called God’s children. We must recognize Jesus as the One who shows us how to love others just as He has loved us. One powerful way Jesus demonstrated this was when He washed the feet of His disciples. Normally a task for the lowliest servant, Jesus served His disciples telling them “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:15).
Day 5: Jesus Gives Me Joy (Acts 16:23-34)
Jesus is the source of all joy. We must recognize Jesus as the One who enables us to respond with joy in all circumstances. Can we have joy in all situations? Depends on if your joy comes from your situations or from God. Paul and Silas were flogged and imprisoned for telling others about Jesus. They were so focused on Jesus and filled with the Spirit that they were able to remain joyful in a difficult situation. Jesus gives us joy that endures.
Sermon based on Lifeway’s VBS for 2018 “Game On!“
First Baptist Scott City, MO 
You must be logged in to post a comment.