Come to VBS!

Did you know that our Vacation Bible School just two days away? Parents, grandparents – if you have children from the ages of going into Kindergarten through just finished 6^th grade, we’d love to invite them to be a part of VBS. It’s from 6-9 p.m. starting Sunday, July 22. The First Baptist Church is located at 103 W. Sangamon Ave., just one block west of the stoplight.
   

If you grew up going to VBS then I hope you know how valuable this week can be in the lives of your own children or grandchildren. I’m 40 years old now, but I can still remember some of the songs we sang and some of the games we played and some of the crafts we made in VBS at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up. I remember some of my teachers and some of the great stories of the faith we learned about from the Bible.

           

In fact, one specific craft I made in VBS I have kept to this day. At least I think it’s still in a box somewhere in the house. We were learning about the 10 Commandments. They gave each of us a wood plaque, a bottle of glue, some lacquer wood finish, and a piece of paper with the commandments printed on it. Oh, and some matches. In hindsight, I struggle to see how somebody thought this was a good idea. You know, how boys like to play with glue, get it all over their hands, let it dry, then gross out the girls by peeling it off. And the matches.

           

I suppose the point was to give the document a more authentic look. We lit a match and burned away the edges, leaving the 10 Commandments surrounded in a singed frame as if the fire on Mt. Sinai was still smoldering. I don’t recall anybody getting hurt, and the finished product was quite nice. Maybe it would have been better if they spent more time teaching us to obey God’s commands instead of letting us play with fire. They probably did. I probably didn’t listen as well as I should have.

           

I can’t tell you what our craft leaders have prepared for your children this year. But I hope they won’t be disappointed if it doesn’t involve playing with matches. I do know we have teachers and workers who will love your children with the love of Jesus. Long after the snacks have settled and the songs have faded to memory, we’ll have done our job well if your children come home knowing that God is awesome and He loves them so much that He gave us Jesus. Let your children come to hear that message.

           

Let them come so that we can tell them about the wonders of God’s power. Let them come so that we can excite them to marvel at His greatness. Let them come so that we can show them a glimpse of God’s love. Let them come so that we can share about the gift of salvation. Let them come so that we can allow God to draw them to faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

           

And parents, the message is not just for children. We want your whole family to come to know Jesus personally. He gave His life on the cross for you, for the forgiveness of your sins – no matter what you’ve done, and to save you from the wages of those sins, which is death and hell. You may not be able to keep those 10 Commandments any better than I can. But Jesus rose from the grave to triumph over sin and death in a glorious display of His power and victory. And He is able to save us by His grace.

Why not call upon the name of the Lord right now? Turn away from sin and turn to Him in faith. Yield your life wholly to Him and experience His love, His joy, His peace and His power in a world that is filled with uncertainty, temptations, trials and pains. Receive the gift of God which is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, and live in His power and victory. It sure beats playing with fire.