Scripture Reading: Acts 14:22, 15:41
Introduction:
I. Vacation Bible School has been an integral part of the work of the church for a long time.
II. While the original purpose of VBS was to provide Bible teaching to young people, it has proven to bring much more to the church.
III. The early church was described as continuing in the apostles’ doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
IV. Vacation Bible School is a valuable tool helping us to follow the New Testament pattern of strengthening the church. (Acts 14:22; 15:41)
Discussion:
I. VBS has value because of teaching and learning.
A. Acts records many examples of the teaching / learning process.
1. Acts 1:3; 2:14; 3:12; 8:30; 18:26
B. Examples of teaching and learning are found early & often in Bible.
1. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Proverbs 22:6)
2. Jesus quotes Isaiah, “they shall all be taught by God”. (John 6:45)
C. The ability of children to learn quickly is absolutely amazing.
II. VBS has value because of encouragement.
A. In the Book of Acts we find joy and encouragement together.
1. Acts 11:23; 15:31; 5:41
B. Children and adults as well, need genuine encouragement.
III. VBS has value because it reinforces hope. (Acts 1:9-11)
A. Imagine the hope the apostles had upon hearing, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
B. Life without hope leads to so much of the trouble in this life.
1. If one person has a renewed hope for living, the week is worth the effort.
IV. VBS has value because it enables mutual effort. (Acts 2:46; 4:32)
A. Much of the strength of the early church was the common bond that brought them together. VBS is our family project!
Conclusion:
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Vacation Bible School
Twas the night before VBS and all through the church, the teachers were all scrambling with last minute work.
The bulletin boards were hung with loving care, in hopes that the children would learn something there.
Mothers have put their children to bed, praying that tomorrow they will listen, when the bible is read.
I had just settled down to the 11:00 o’clock news, when reports that a power outage had just blown a fuse.
I turned up the volume to hear the details, when I heard 137 East C Street, as clear as a bell.
I sprang from my recliner, dropping the remote, normally a disaster, but right now the A.C. at the building might be broke.
I dashed to my truck to see what was the matter, pulled into the parking lot and people began to scatter.
When what to my wandering eyes should appear, 8 of the brethren were already here.
Inside the building there was a flicker, then a flash and when the darkness was broken we all stood in silence, not a word was spoken.
We looked at each other thinking the same; we understood why, each of us came.
Oh yes, the classrooms needed to be cool because of the heat, but that is not the real reason we would meet.
We talked for a moment about the events of the evening, and someone suggested a prayer just before leaving.
A very simple prayer was all that was led, but you will understand the why, when you hear what he said:
He prayed, “Thank you Lord for this wonderful day, for our amazing family and for showing us the way.”
Aren’t you glad to be a part of a family that loves God, His Church and children? It matters not if we are a teacher, a student, a craft designer, a grounds keeper, an elder, a deacon, a preacher, a Kool Aid maker, or a cookie baker? This week we have the privilege to be part of something that may influence someone to go to heaven. Is there anything in this world more important?