“GIVE IN SECRET”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Give In Secret”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti2GlJp4kF0 (Kids’ Talk Video – Being Humble)

Giving to the Needy
Matthew 6:1-4, NLT

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Jesus tells us that it is good to give to those in need, but not to do so to make yourself look good in the eyes of others. We do good to make God happy and to show that we are part of his family, not so that people will take notice of us and talk about how wonderful we are. If we help the needy, but do so for the wrong reasons...to get others to notice us…then Jesus tells us that their attention is the only reward we will get. However, if you do good things to help others, even if no one knows you’ve done it, God will reward you because your desire is to obey God by showing kindness to others.

Engage:
• In Jesus’ day some people made a big show about the money they gave to help others. They even blew trumpets to get everyone’s attention! What did Jesus call this kind of giving?
• Jesus told us that when we do things for people’s attention, people’s attention is the only reward we get. What did Jesus say was a better way to do good?
• Sometimes we think that if we do good in secret no one will know. But who does Jesus tell us will know? What will he do?

Weekly verse:
Matthew 6:18b, NLT – “…your Father…knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that we can be kind and don’t need to concern ourselves with who takes notice, because we know that you’re the only One whose opinion matters. Help me to do good and be generous for the right reasons and not so that others will notice.
~ Pastor Jane

“SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2c6XL9E5Yw (Pursue God Kids – Truthfulness)

Teaching About Vows
Matthew 5:33-37, NLT
33 “You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’ 34 But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. 35 And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. 36 Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. 37 Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.”
Jesus told us that when we make a commitment or when we’re trying to convince someone that we are telling the truth, our words should be enough. What we say we will do, we do. What we promise we won’t do, we don’t. What we say is the truth is actually true. If we have a reputation for being honest and reliable, we will not need to try to convince people by making a vow.

​Sometimes people make vows that sound like, “I promise,” when they’re trying to convince people of their good intentions and truthfulness. But Jesus tells us this is unnecessary if we are in the habit of speaking truthfully and fulfilling the commitments we make. Any time we need to add to our words people may be suspicious…and for good reason. Those who try extra hard to convince us of something using vows may actually be lying. Better to be trustworthy!

Engage:
• In Jesus’ day people liked to make vows to convince others of their serious intent to do something or of their truthfulness. How are the promises we make similar to making a vow?
• Jesus told us that making vows is wrong. Why?
• We need to always be honest about what we say and about the things we will do. If we are, our words will contain a promise without having to say “I promise” because people know we are reliable. Do others trust you?

Weekly verse:
Ecclesiastes 5:5-6a, NLT – “It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. Don’t let your mouth make you sin.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for your reminders that ‘honesty is always the best policy.’ Help me to always be honest and kind, so that others know they can count on me. And thank you that I can always count on you, because I know you always keep your word.
~ Pastor Jane

“DON’T STAY MAD”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Don’t Stay Mad”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtBjdIO4AnI (Veggie Tales – God Wants Me to Forgive Them)

Anger & Disputes, Revenge & Enemies
Matthew 5:21-26, 38-48, NLT
Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

We all know that killing someone is wrong, but did you know that Jesus said that even being angry at someone and calling them names was wrong? We are not to live in conflict with others, but peacefully…at least on our parts. We aren’t even to get revenge when someone is mean to us and hurts us. In fact, Jesus tells us to help those who are mean to us and to even love those who act like our enemies!

But how on earth can Jesus expect this of us? It’s not possible! Well...without his help it is impossible, but for God’s children it is not only possible, it is expected.

God has given us his love, even before we were his friends. He showed us mercy by making a way for us to be included in his family. He forgives us when we ask him to, even though we don’t deserve his forgiveness. His love, mercy and forgiveness are all gifts God gives us freely and it is up to us to share these gifts with others…no matter who they are or what they’ve done.

Engage:
• Jesus put murder and anger in the same category. Why do you think that is?
• Name calling is serious business to God. Why does Jesus tell us not to?
• Sometimes we think that getting even with someone will make us feel better. But, is that always true?
• Loving your enemies, people who are mean to you, can be really hard. How can we show God’s ‘love’ to someone who we may find difficult to even ‘like?’

Weekly verse:
Ephesians 4:26-27, NLT – “And ‘don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for loving me. When I am tempted to get angry with another person, remind me how much you love me and have forgiven me…even though I don’t deserve either. Help others see you in me by how I live my life and respond. Help me develop good self-control and patience.
~ Pastor Jane

“WE MUST OBEY GOD'S LAWS…BUT FOR A NEW REASON!”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”

Today’s Lesson - “We Must Obey God's Laws…but for a new reason!”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTzlPkwWbiY (Pursue God Kids – The Most Important Commandment)

Jesus Came to Fulfill the Requirements of the Law, Not Abolish It
Matthew 5:17-20, NLT
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

When we choose to follow Jesus, he forgives all the bad stuff we’ve done and he promises to help us live in a way that pleases God. Before Jesus, people tried to please God by obeying his commandments…all 613 of them! But people could not obey God perfectly which is why Jesus had to come. He did obey them all perfectly which meant he fulfilled the requirements of the first covenant (agreement) God had made with people based on the law. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to pay any attention to God’s laws anymore. They are still active and anyone who chooses to reject Jesus’ work to fulfill the requirements is still required to pay the penalty themselves.

But 613 laws? How can we do that? On our own we can’t, but Jesus gave us a new way of looking at the law and reduced the number of commandments to just two. That’s right…just two! If we will allow Jesus to help us obey his two commandments, we too can please God. What are they? Love God with everything you’ve got and love others like you love yourself. If we do that, Jesus has told us that it will prove our love for him and we will get to live with him forever in heaven! Jesus’ obedience fulfilled the requirements of the law and our obedience shows him that we are grateful for what he has done for us. It is his work that makes it possible for us to go to heaven with him; it is our obedience that proves how much we love him.

Engage:
• God gave people a gift to show them how they could please him. What was the gift?
• Unfortunately, people could never perfectly obey God’s laws and so he made a new way for us. What did he do?
• God sent Jesus who fulfilled the requirements of the law. What does that mean?
• Anyone who chooses Jesus’ way is no longer responsible to obey the law to get to heaven. So, why should we choose to obey Jesus’ commandments?

Weekly verse:
Romans 6:1-2, NLT – “Should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you for making a way for us to live forever with you, even though we can never obey your laws perfectly. Thank you that Jesus met the requirements of the first agreement you made with people and now we have a new one because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
~ Pastor Jane

“UPSIDE DOWN THINKING”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Upside Down Thinking”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze7w3-BL3OM (Crossroad Kids’ Club – The Sermon on the Mount)

The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3-12, NLT
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

We might be tempted to not even try to live out the beatitudes because they are too difficult! But these aren’t just the high and lofty thoughts of some writer…this is a list Jesus provided to explain how to best live. The beatitudes tell us how to live according to God’s principles…the things he thinks are most important. That fact doesn’t make the beatitudes any easier to live by, but we should be serious about trying to change our attitudes to match the list Jesus gave. They should become part of our goals for living; we should want to have the attitudes that are most pleasing to God. Then we too, can truly learn to be happy.

Engage:
• Jesus said that being poor can be a blessing. How?
• We often hear that if you want something, you should just take it or work to become better than others. So, why would Jesus tell us to be humble?
• Jesus wants us to work for peace. What do we do if someone just wants to be our enemy?
• Jesus tells us that we can be happy and glad when we are persecuted for his sake, but that sounds ridiculous! What did Jesus base this on?

Weekly verse:
Romans 12:17-18, NLT – “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that you know best how we should live—how we should talk, act and even the attitudes we should have to truly please you and to be truly happy. Help us to learn your best way!
~ Pastor Jane

“PRUNING IS A PART OF GROWING”

YEAH! CHURCH - APRIL 24, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Pruning is a Part of Growing”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0yu1qyevwE (Bible Animations – The True Vine)

https://www.worshiphousekids.com/kids.../40791/the-vine (Worship House Kids)

Jesus is the Vine, We are the Branches
John 15:1-17, NLT
“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”

Jesus tells us that he wants us to grow Jesus-fruit; but, the only way we can do so is by staying connected to him. However, knowing about Jesus is not the same thing as being connected. We must not only know Jesus, we must also obey him. Someone who goes to church, owns a Bible and even says grace before meals may only know about God if the rest of the week is spent living only for themselves. Jesus tells us that we must show his love to others. If we don’t we aren’t growing his fruit and God may choose to ‘prune’ us (cut us off) because thinking we’re connected to Jesus without growing his fruit is hypocritical…it’s not enough to know the right thing, but not do it.

But God also prunes those who are connected to Jesus and growing Jesus-fruit because he knows that old habits and ways of thinking can get in the way. If we have something in our lives that isn’t good for us, God will prune us because he loves us. He prunes us by ‘cutting off’ the extra bits that tempt us not to rely on Jesus or that are preventing us from growing the best Jesus-fruit.

Pruning is rarely easy and sometimes we have to go through some painful lessons, but we can always trust that it is for our best.

Engage:
• Jesus said that he was the vine and we are branches. What did he mean?
• When we spend time with Jesus, we become more like him. What is the Jesus-fruit he wants us to grow?
• Sometimes God needs to prune some things out of our lives in order that we can grow Jesus-fruit. What things do you think God may want to prune from your life?
• Pruning can be painful, but when God does it, it is so that we can grow more Jesus-fruit. Which fruit do you need more of…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness or self-control? Ask God to help you!

Weekly verse:
Galatians 5:22-23, NLT – “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that you want the best for us and you know what that best is. Help us to trust you and cooperate with the work you want to do in our lives.

~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS HAS GONE…BUT HE’S COMING BACK” – EASTER SUNDAY

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus Has Gone…But He’s Coming Back” – Easter Sunday

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcFw8pLBSIo (Saddleback Kids – The Ascension)

Jesus Returns to Heaven
Acts 1:6-11
“6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”

Over a period of 40 days, Jesus proved to his followers that he really was alive again. When it was time for him to return to heaven, he made sure they were there to see the event and to give them final directions. Their job was to continue Jesus’ work of telling people how much God loved them and how they could go to heaven to be with Jesus.

As the disciples watched Jesus rise into the sky, any doubts they might have had disappeared. They worshipped Jesus, not just because he was a good teacher or because he could perform miracles, but because they recognized that he was God!

Angels came and asked the disciples why they were still standing around looking into the sky. Jesus was gone and he wasn’t going to be returning until the time was right. Today, we are still waiting for Jesus to return. But rather than watching the sky, we too need to be busy doing the work Jesus told his followers to do—telling people about God’s love and what Jesus has done for each one of us!

Engage:
• The Bible tells us that Jesus died for us. Why? What does that mean?
• But Jesus didn’t stay dead. How can we be sure he rose from the dead?
• Jesus then returned to heaven. What did he tell his disciples they should do?
• Today, I can still be a follower of Jesus. What does that mean?
• Jesus told us that he has gone to prepare heaven for our arrival. What do you think he’s doing?

Weekly verse:
John 14:1-3, NLT – “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that we can live in heaven with you. Help me to follow Jesus well—by listening to his instructions and obeying his directions. Thank you, Jesus, for preparing a place for me!
~ Pastor Jane

“THE KING HAS COME” – PALM SUNDAY

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”

Today’s Lesson - “The King Has Come” – Palm Sunday

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-39h0xYqdE (Saddleback Kids – The Story of Easter: The Triumphal Entry)

Jesus Rides Into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:1-11, NLT
As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’”

6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. 8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Engage:
• During Jesus’ life on earth, he made it very clear who he was. Who had been telling the people he was?
• Jesus chose to ride on a donkey into Jerusalem to leave no doubt who he was claiming to be. Why was that important? (see this week’s verse)
• Word was getting around about Jesus. He could do amazing miracles. He must be the long-promised Messiah (Rescuer). Why did they place palm branches and coats on the road and cheer for Jesus?
• Not everyone in the crowd cheered for Jesus. Who was not happy to see Jesus recognized as King? (Hint: read a little further in Matthew)
• How can we show others that Jesus is our King?

Weekly verse:
Zechariah 9:9, NLT – “Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to earth so that he could make it possible for me to become part of your family. As a part of your Kingdom, help me to always look for ways to please you…help me to obey my King—Jesus!
~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS’ INVITATION TURNED DOWN”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus’ Invitation Turned Down”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7u3-uKEA-Q (Kidswise – The Rich Young Man)

The Rich Young Ruler
Matthew 19:16-22, NLT
“16 Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” the man asked.
And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
20 “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”
21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”

The rich young man wanted to know how he could go to heaven. He thought he was ready to do whatever Jesus might tell him; but, as it turns out, he wasn’t. When Jesus told him that he needed to sell everything, give the money to the poor and then to follow him, the young man became very sad. He just couldn’t agree to parting with his money. But have you ever wondered why Jesus told him that this was the requirement? Don’t we only have to believe in Jesus to go to heaven? Yes…and no.

We cannot earn our way to heaven, but accepting Jesus’ way means giving him control over our lives—our time, our abilities, our plans and, yes, even our money and the things that are ‘ours.’ Following Jesus means that everything we thought of as ours, now becomes God’s. We are not to think only of ourselves, making our plans on our own or bankrolling lots of money…we are to be generous and compassionate, working to meet the needs of others. We need to be ready to share with other people. Everything we have belongs to God…and he wants us to use it to show his love to others.

Engage:
• The rich young man sincerely wanted to know what he needed to do to please God. What do you think he might have been expecting Jesus to tell him?
• Jesus told him that he needed to sell everything he had and give away all his money. Why do you think Jesus told him this?
• When the young man heard Jesus’ requirements, how did he respond? How might you respond if that is what Jesus told you?
• Following Jesus means putting him in charge of everything. Why can that be really difficult to do?
Weekly verse:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NLT – “19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for making a way for us to go to heaven. Help me remember that means you are the ‘boss’ of my life. Thank you for showing me how much you love me. Giving you full control doesn’t have to be hard because I know I can trust you.
~ Pastor Jane

“BEING RELIGIOUS IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING GOOD”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Being Religious Is Not the Same as Being Good”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DlWZ-HI9B8 (Bible Heroes of the Faith - Jesus and the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees)

Jesus Corrects the Religious Leaders
Matthew 23:1-30, NLT
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. 5 Everything they do is for show.”

​Jesus accused the Pharisees and teachers of the Law of only wanting to appear ‘good,’ but were in fact not good at all. They followed very strict laws, but they lacked mercy. They did not understand the heart of God and so made obedience to God very hard for others. Jesus said they had no true concern for God and his Laws…they just wanted to have power, influence and to have people think they were all that.

Jesus told them they were in serious trouble with God for how they were behaving. God didn’t care how religious they were; if they didn’t love God and love others, all their strict rules would get them nowhere.

Engage:
• Jesus accused the Pharisees of only trying to look good. What did he tell them was more important?
• The religious leaders were experts in God’s Laws. Why did they not understand what God really wanted?
• The Pharisees loved to get attention from people. Do we ever do things just so others will like us or think we’re important?
• It is important to study the Bible. How can we make certain we don’t fall into the same trap that the Pharisees and religious leaders did, of thinking that what they knew was more important than how they behaved?

Weekly verse:
Mark 2:17, NLT – “Jesus said, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that Jesus told us what is important to you…not just obeying every law, but also of being loving and kind. Help us to know how to please you. Help us to always be honest about how much we need you and not think we’re better than anyone else.
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~ Pastor Jane

“HELP THOSE WHO NEED HELP”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus"
Today’s Lesson - “Help Those Who Need Help”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uonGMljPmSQ (Douglas Talks – Helping Those in Need: What to do about the world’s BIG problems?)

Jesus helped others…I should too!

Isaiah 58:7, NLT
“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”

Jesus was always quick to help people who needed his help. If they were sick, he healed them. If they were hungry, he fed them. If they needed knowledge, he taught him. He did all of these things because he loved people and he hated to see them suffer. That’s because he was compassionate.

When we see people with needs, we should do the same thing. We should be compassionate and want to help others…whether it’s visiting someone who is lonely, sharing our stuff or just being available to help out.

The world’s full of big problems and people who are in need, but if we all chose to be compassionate and help out, even if all we can do is just a little bit, imagine how many fewer needs people would have.

Engage:
• Jesus was compassionate and so helped others when he saw their needs. What kinds of ways did Jesus help others?
• The world is full of big problems. What could happen if everyone did what they could to help others, just like Jesus?
• What are some of the needs that others have? How can you help?
• Our weekly verse tells us that if we don’t show compassion, we don’t have God’s love in us. What does that mean? How can we be sure to show God’s love to others?

Weekly verse:
1 John 3:17, NLT – “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?”
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Prayer – Dear God, thank you that I can help others. No matter how big the problems of this world are, you can help me to make someone else’s life better. Help me to look for creative ways to show love to everyone around me. Help me be compassionate like Jesus.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

~ Pastor Jane

“LAZARUS LIVES AGAIN!

YEAH! CHURCH - MARCH 13, 2022

Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Lazarus Lives Again!

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dca8SSxXCmM (Saddleback Kids – Jesus Heals Lazarus)

Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead!
Jesus received word that his good friend Lazarus was very sick. He could have healed him right away, but God had a different plan…

John 11:17-44, NLT – “17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days. 18 Bethany was only a few miles down the road from Jerusalem, 19 and many of the people had come to console Martha and Mary in their loss. 20 When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” 25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” 28 Then she returned to Mary. She called Mary aside from the mourners and told her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you.” 29 So Mary immediately went to him.

30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”

38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!”

Mary & Martha believed that Jesus could heal their sick brother Lazarus; but after he had died, they thought there was nothing Jesus could now do for him. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah and someday in the future everyone who believed in him would be able to live again in heaven. They believed that people could experience new life spiritually, but on earth, when it came to physical life, dead was dead…there was no coming back from that! …or was there?

Jesus surprised everyone by first telling them to remove the stone that stood at the front of the tomb. Lazarus had been dead for four days; his decaying body would really stink by now. Jesus then surprised them by shouting, “Lazarus! Come out!” But that would not have compared with the surprise they were all in for when Lazarus walked out, still wrapped in burial clothes, very much alive once again. Jesus proved he was God’s Son and had power not only over sickness, but also over death.

Engage:
• Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus, was very sick. What did they want Jesus to do?
• Jesus delayed coming to see them. Why?
• When Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. What did he do?
• Lazarus came back to life. What did this miracle prove to all of those who witnessed it?
Weekly verse:
John 11:25, NLT – “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you for showing us that Jesus had power over death. Just as he could raise Lazarus, we can be confident that Jesus is able to bring us to live in heaven with him someday. Thank you that we can know that there is life in heaven after we die when we choose to follow Jesus.
~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS AND THE MAN BORN BLIND”

YEAH! CHURCH - MARCH 6, 202

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus and the Man Born Blind”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4qZ2KSbdxI (Saddleback Kids – Jesus heals a man born blind)

A Man Born Blind Can See!
Jesus and his disciples were walking along and came across a man who had been born blind. Jesus made mud by spitting on the ground then smeared the mud on the man’s face, then he told him to go wash. After he did, he could see. This was amazing! But Jesus had done this miracle on the Sabbath, so the people took the man to the religious leaders.

John 9:16-, NLT – “Some of the Pharisees said, “This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath.” Others said, “But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?” So there was a deep division of opinion among them.

17 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, “What’s your opinion about this man who healed you?” The man replied, “I think he must be a prophet.”

18 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. 19 They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?” 20 His parents replied, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we don’t know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. 23 That’s why they said, “He is old enough. Ask him.”

24 So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner.” 25 The man replied, “I don’t know whether he is a sinner. But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!”

26 “But what did he do? How did he heal you?” the religious leaders demanded. 27 “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” 28 Then they cursed him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! 29 We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”

30 “Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where he comes from? 31 We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. 32 Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he couldn’t have done it.”

34 “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.”

The religious leaders were determined not to believe that Jesus was from God because he did good work on the Sabbath. No matter what the man who was once blind said, they refused to believe the truth. The man, however, refused to be convinced that Jesus was a bad man. He knew that only someone who pleased God could have healed him so that he could now see.

After the leaders threw him out of the synagogue, Jesus found the man and introduced himself. The man was very thankful and worshipped Jesus, who he knew was the God’s promised Messiah.

Engage:
• The man Jesus healed had been born blind. What do you think it would have been like to see everything for the very first time?
• Jesus had healed the man on the Sabbath. Why did this make the religious leaders think he was a ‘sinner?’
• When the people took the man to the religious leaders, he could not be persuaded that Jesus was bad. What did he think about this man who had healed him?
• The religious leaders kicked the man out of the synagogue because they refused to believe him. But who did he meet shortly afterward? How did he respond to seeing Jesus?

Weekly verse:
John 5:36, NLT – “But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me.”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you for the faith of the man who had been born blind. He knew the truth and he wasn’t afraid to share it. Help me to be as bold for you too.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
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~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS & THE SABBATH”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus & the Sabbath”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMj1ggINLe4 (The Chosen – Jesus heals at the pool)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1cykPOiMuY (God’s Story – Jesus Heals at the Pool of Bethesda)

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
John 5:1-18, NLT – “Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. 2 Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. 3 Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. 5 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” 7 “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.” 8 Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

9 Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish leaders objected. They said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath! The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” 11 But he replied, “The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” 12The leaders demanded, “Who said such a thing as that?”

13 The man didn’t know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. 14 But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” 15 Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 So the Jewish leaders began harassing[c] Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. 17 But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 18 So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.”

Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years…that’s a long time! But instead of praising God for the miracle and being excited for this man who could now walk, the religious leaders told him he was breaking the Sabbath by carrying his bed. They were so sure that they knew right from wrong, but over and over again Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Their understanding of what the Sabbath was for and how to honour it fell short. They thought it was just about following another rule; Jesus showed that while it was a day from resting from regular work, it was actually a day for doing good work, too.

Engage:
• Jesus saw a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years and he felt compassion for him. Why do you Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed, rather than simply healing him without asking?
• When the man said, “Yes,” Jesus then told him to pick up his bed. What happened next?
• Even though Jesus did a miracle, the religious leaders were more concerned that the man was carrying his mat. Why was this an issue for them?
• By healing this man on the Sabbath, Jesus challenged the religious leaders’ understanding of what the Sabbath was for. What reason did Jesus give for healing on the Sabbath? (Hint: What does this week’s verse tell us?)

Weekly verse:
Mark 2:27, NLT – “Jesus said, ‘The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.’”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you for correcting us when we misunderstand what is important to you. Help me not to be stubborn like the religious leaders were and refuse to see my own mistakes. Help me never to put anything ahead of showing your love to others. Help me to be just like Jesus.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
​
~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS’ UNEXPECTED WELCOME”

YEAH! CHURCH - FEBRUARY 20, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus’ Unexpected Welcome”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRBv1r5JJ0s (The Chosen – Jesus and the Children – counter 15:11-41:25)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPUMDVBO7dY (Saddleback Kids – Jesus and the Children)
Jesus Values Children

Mark 10:13-16 – “13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”

“Important teachers don’t have time for children!” At least that’s what Jesus’ disciples thought. But not Jesus! When parents brought their children to Jesus for him to give them a blessing (to pray with them), the disciples tried to chase them away. They thought that Jesus wouldn’t want a bunch of kids bothering him…he’s got important work to do and far more important people to talk to.
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When Jesus heard what they were doing, he was angry with his disciples. He scolded them, just as they had scolded the parents. What did they mean by sending the children away as though they didn’t matter as much as anyone else? Jesus loved all people equally! It doesn’t matter to Jesus how old someone is, whether they are a boy or girl, what country they come from, language they speak or even the good and bad things they’ve done. He loves everyone!

We might wonder why the disciples tried to chase the children away, but the fact is that most leaders in Jesus’ day would have done the same thing. When Jesus spent time with the children and made them feel welcome, he was acting in a way that most would not have. Jesus wanted everyone in the crowd that day to understand that all people are important and loved by God. You, too!

Engage:
• Parents wanted to bring their children to Jesus for a blessing. Why did the disciples try to chase them away?
• When Jesus heard what the disciples were doing, he got mad. What was it that made him angry?
• Jesus invited the children to be with him, he even picked them up and gave out hugs. What do you think it would have been like to get a hug like that from Jesus?
• Jesus told the disciples that unless they themselves became like little children, they wouldn’t be able to go to heaven. What did he mean?

Weekly verse:
Galatians 6:3, NLT – “If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you that you don’t play favourites. Help me to treat all people well…just like I want to be treated. Help me to always trust you, just like children trust their parents. Thank you for showing that all people are important to you, even if other people say that they are not.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
​
~ Pastor Jane

“REJECTION”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Rejection”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVPBnYsJR-A (Pursue GOD Kids – Jesus Fights the Pharisees)

The Pharisees Hate Jesus
Luke 22:2 – “The leading priests and teachers of religious law were plotting how to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people’s reaction.”

There are many places in the Gospels (the books of the Bible—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) where we read how much the religious leaders hated Jesus. But why would the Pharisees and the other religious leaders want Jesus killed? They had been waiting for the Messiah to come and had been teaching the people about God’s promise to send a Rescuer. So why didn’t they recognize who Jesus was? He told them clearly that God had sent him, so why didn’t they believe?

1) Jesus didn’t live up to their expectations. They thought they knew how to recognize the Messiah, God’s promised Rescuer. They envisioned that he would come as a great military leader and would help the Jewish people to get rid of the Romans. He would be the greatest king of Israel, similar to his ancestor David. But, even though Jesus was a king, he first had to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy by suffering (Isaiah 53). The Pharisees totally ignored this description.
2) Jesus broke their rules. Jesus never broke any of God’s Laws, but the religious leaders had created a whole bunch of rules that were, at least in theory, supposed to help people better obey God’s Law…Jesus didn’t hesitate to break these, because sometimes they went against God’s Laws!
3) Jesus drew bigger crowds which made them jealous. The Pharisees and other religious leaders liked having people look up to them; it made them feel important. But when Jesus was in town, people went to listen to him and not the religious leaders. They were extremely jealous of his popularity.
4) Jesus never fell for their traps. They tried to get Jesus to say things that would prove they were right and Jesus was just a fraud; but, they often ended up looking very foolish.

Engage:
• The Pharisees and other religious leaders were supposed to be the ones who knew God’s scriptures best. Why didn’t they recognize Jesus as the Messiah?
• People loved to be with Jesus and to listen to him teach, because he really understood God’s Laws and how to live them. Why did this threaten the religious leaders?
• Jesus lived obediently to God’s Laws, but he broke more than just a few of the Pharisees’ rules. Why was he not wrong for doing so?
• The Pharisees and religious leaders were very smart, but couldn’t understand that Jesus was sent from God. How can we be smart, yet still not very wise?

Weekly verse:
Isaiah 53:3a, NLT – “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Prayer – Dear God, help me not to be like the Pharisees who thought they were so smart, yet couldn’t recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Please help me to always follow your directions and not let others rejection cause me to do wrong…help me to be just like Jesus!
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~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLES”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus!"
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus’ First Miracles”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7plJa_qnVug (Saddleback Kids – Jesus Turns Water into Wine)

When we read through the Gospels—the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—each of the biblical writers focuses on different stories about Jesus’ life that they want to share with their readers. John is the only one who tells the story of Jesus miraculously changing water to wine and he tells us that it is the very first of his miracles.
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Jesus Turns Water into Wine
John 2:1-12 – “The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”
4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. 12 After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.”

Why would Jesus be worried about a wedding celebration running out of wine? Actually, it appears that he wasn’t…but his mom persuaded him. She knew how embarrassing it would be for their friends to run out of wine before the end of the celebrations and asked Jesus for his help.

Jesus did the miracle secretly, with only the servants aware of what had just happened. He got them to fill six large stone jars with water and told one of the them to scoop some out and take to the Master of the Banquet (he was the guy who made certain that everything ran smoothly and the wine was acceptable for the guests). When the ‘water’ was sampled, the Master of the Banquet couldn’t believe how good the it tasted…and congratulated the host families for providing such a good wine.

Jesus didn’t do it to convince the guests that he was the promised Messiah, but he did it because his mother asked him to and so that his disciples would be further convinced of who he was.

Engage:
• The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life cover a range of stories and events. Why do you think John wanted to include this miracle when Matthew, Mark and Luke did not?
• Mary, Jesus’ mother, was very concerned for her friends when they ran out of wine at their wedding celebration. Why did she ask for Jesus’ help? What do you think she wanted him to do?
• Jesus hadn’t been planning to perform a miracle, but changed his mind. What did he do?
• Jesus didn’t make a big scene about providing everyone with the best wine. Why did he do it?
• For fun - If you could change water into something else, what would you choose?

Weekly verse:
John 20:30-31, NLT – “The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book [the Gospel of John]. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that you care about us…big problems and small. Help us to never to hesitate to ask you for your help…nothing is too hard for you…and nothing is too insignificant for you.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
​
~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS’ DISCIPLES—A MOTLEY CREW”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus’ Disciples—A Motley Crew”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUjhubUEY9c (IATTM – The Twelve Apostles – good for adults and older children)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKjWlETMYxc (Saddleback Kids – The Apostles and the High Council)

Jesus had many disciples, both men and women, from respectable backgrounds and some not so respectable. From these disciples, he chose twelve to be apostles.

Jesus Chooses the Twelve
Luke 6:12-16 – “One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. 13 At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:
14 Simon (whom he named Peter),
Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
15 Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Simon (who was called the zealot),
16 Judas (son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).”

Were the twelve men that Jesus chose the ‘best of the best?’ No! In fact, he knew that one of them would betray him—Judas Iscariot. And some of the others were also questionable. Simon the Zealot—was it really wise to have an extremist in the group? And what of Simon, who he renamed Peter? The man was always putting his foot in his mouth. Not to mention Andrew, James and John—they were just fishermen and we know that the brothers, James and John, also struggled to control their tempers. And let’s not forget Matthew; as a tax collector, no one in the group would have been overly fond of him. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about the others, but we know that this group of twelve men sometimes struggled to get along.

We don’t know why Jesus chose these particular twelve men for the special designation of ‘Apostles,’ but we can be certain that those he chose were picked for a reason. Jesus had prayed all night and, by morning, God had shown him who he was to invest his time in most heavily. We may not know why these twelve men were chosen, but we do know that the Apostles were the ones who were to continue to grow the Church once Jesus was gone. It wasn’t an easy job, but they continued to serve Jesus and teach others what they knew and lead the other disciples in sharing the Good News with everyone.

Engage:
• Many people followed Jesus, but only twelve were chosen to be ‘apostles.’ Can you name them?
• They weren’t perfect people and the Bible records some of the many mistakes they made. So, why do you think they were chosen?
• When Jesus returned to heaven, it was the Apostles’ job to give leadership to the others who would become part of the Church. Why would they have been suited for this job?
• Today, we can continue to follow Jesus as his disciples. What special work does he want us to do? …for you to do?

Weekly verse:
Romans 12:2, NLT – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that I can be a disciple of Jesus. When you chose the twelve apostles, you showed that we don’t have to be perfect, but we do have to want to obey you. Help me to always follow you…loving God and loving others.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
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~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, JANUARY 23, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
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2022 Theme verses: Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Today’s Lesson - “Jesus Begins His Ministry”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrZaOuSnm7g (Kids on the Move – Jesus is Tempted)

​When Jesus was thirty years old, he knew it was time to begin the special work God had sent him to do. He went to the Jordan River to be baptized and God spoke from heaven! He said, “This is my Son and I am very pleased with him.” Amazing, right? But then Jesus went into the wilderness to spend time with God and he came face to face with his enemy…the devil.

Satan Tries to Trick Jesus
Matthew 4:1-11 – “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’”
8 Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’”
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.”

The devil had been watching for an opportunity to get Jesus to disobey God. After Jesus had gone without food for forty days, what better way to tempt Jesus than with some yummy bread. He told Jesus he should make some bread for himself, but Jesus knew that he needed to rely on God to provide. He had gone to the wilderness to fast and pray; he didn’t want to eat because he knew that his time with God was more important than food…when it was time to eat, God would let him know.

Next, the devil challenged Jesus to prove he was God. He told him to jump off a high place…if Jesus really was the Son of God, God would keep him safe. Jesus told the devil that was wrong, because we shouldn’t expect God to save us from natural consequences…he can, but we should never think that God has to prove anything to us.

Finally, the devil told Jesus that if he bowed to him, he’d hand over control of the world to Jesus. Jesus knew that this was absolutely wrong; the devil was suggesting Jesus didn’t have to follow God’s plan…here was a shortcut. Jesus wasn’t even tempted and told the devil to take a hike. After Satan left, God sent angels to take care of Jesus…he had passed the test.

Engage:
• Jesus knew that it was time for him to begin the work God had sent him to do. What was the first thing he did? Why?
• After being baptized and hearing God’s voice telling him how very proud of Jesus he was, Jesus went into the wilderness. What reason did he have for going?
• Jesus went forty days without eating to spend time with God. How long have you ever gone without eating? Why was this important for Jesus to do?
• The devil tried to trick Jesus into doing something wrong. Why do you think Jesus was able to see the danger in the devil’s suggestions? How can we come to recognize when some ideas, even though they may not seem bad, aren’t really good for us?

Weekly verse:
Matthew 4:17, NLT – “From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you that Jesus didn’t fall for the devil’s tricks. Help me to be able to know right from wrong and be able to recognize when something that doesn’t sound bad, still isn’t a good idea.
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~ Pastor Jane

“JESUS’ LIFE AS A KID”

YEAH! CHURCH - SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Today’s Lesson - “Jesus’ Life as a Kid”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30oy_Lwfghk (What was Jesus like as a child – CQ Kids)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho_3gvIWzbw&t=120s (Saddleback Kids – Jesus in the Temple)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-G58xpeUzo (“When Jesus was a Little Boy” by Margi McComb)

Jesus Obeyed His Parents
Luke 2:41-52, NLT – “41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Jesus knew he was special—he was God’s Son! But that didn’t mean he didn’t have to obey Mary and Joseph, his parents. At twelve, his family took a trip to Jerusalem and while there Jesus went to the Temple. He understood that the Temple was God’s House and he wanted to spend time there. But his parents didn’t realize this and left the city without him. After travelling for a day, they realized that Jesus wasn’t with the group and travelled back to search for him. It took them three days to find him and by the time they did they had become increasingly worried for him. What if something bad had happened?

When they found him, they couldn’t understand why Jesus had left them to go to the Temple in the first place. And he didn’t understand why they had to look for him…after all, shouldn’t it be obvious that he would want to spend time in his Father’s house. Jesus and his parents had different ideas about how he should want to spend his time, but he was quick to obey them regardless. When they told him it was time to go, he went and he continued to obey them in their home in Nazareth.

Engage:
• Even as a child of twelve, Jesus knew he was God’s Son. Why do you think he still needed to obey his parents, Mary and Joseph?
• Jesus had wanted to spend time with his Father, God. Why do we want to spend time with our parents?
• Mary and Joseph became very worried when they couldn’t find Jesus. Why do you think they became anxious?
• Jesus grew up in Nazareth with his parents, his brothers and sisters. In what ways might it have hard for Jesus to grow up in a family? What do you think his life would have been like?

Weekly verse:
1 Peter 3:8, NLT – “All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

Prayer – Dear God, thank you that Jesus can understand us, because he was one of us. He knows that it isn’t always easy to be good and to obey our parents, but he was and showed us that we can be too. Help me to always be respectful and live to be like Jesus.
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~ Pastor Jane