Introduction Question

Ask your child to share about a time they had to follow directions.  Start by sharing a time YOU had to follow directions, and how that experience went.

Who normally gives you instructions? Whose instructions do you have to obey? Why is it a good idea to follow instructions? Today we're going to hear a story about some instructions Jesus gave to seven churches.

Introduction Activity: Real Repentance

Supplies:  Index cards or pieces of paper with emotions written on them (happy, sad, angry, etc.)

Take turns pulling out an emotions card and say "I'm sorry" using that emotion (tone, facial expression, body language).  Everyone else must guess what emotion it is.

Have you ever heard someone say they were sorry, but you knew that they didn't really mean it? Have you ever apologized because you were told you had to, but you didn't really feel sorry? Sometimes we do that with God.  Do you think God knows the difference? Of course He does! Jesus calls us to true repentance which means turning away from sin toward Jesus.

Worship

Application Activity: Seven Churches Hopscotch

Supplies: Sidewalk Chalk (or Paper, Markers, & Tape), bean bag, or rock if playing outside.

Draw a hop-scotch grid, but instead of writing numbers write the names of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation: Smyrna, Pergamum, Ephesus, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Thyatira.  Alternatively, write the names of the churches on pieces of paper and tape to the floor in a hop-scotch grid.

Play hopscotch.  When they pick up the bean bag from the church name square ask them what issue that church was struggling with.

Jesus loves the church.  The church is His means of spreading the gospel to unbelievers all over the world.  It is God's grace to us that He invites us into community with other believers.  We can encourage one another just as Jesus does, to stand strong in our faith.  Unlike our game, Jesus won't "skip" anyone when He returns.  Jesus will judge each person, and those who trust in Him will reign with Him forever.

Thankfully, we don't have to wait until Jesus returns to experience full lives with Him.  He wants us to love Him and glorify Him with our actions right away!