Parable of the Ten Virgins - Children's Sermon

How many of you are Cub or Boy Scouts? How many of you are Girl Scouts?

Who can tell me one thing that both programs have in common?

Who can tell me something that is different about them?

Well , I have a trivia question for you. Did you know that both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have the same motto? Does anyone know what it is?

That’s right, “Be Prepared”

What does it mean to “be prepared”?

My daughter loves to watch Survivor and we are always amazed by the number of contestants that don’t know how to build a fire or swim or some other crucial outdoor survival skill. The host, Jeff, even said in the reunion show that he is amazed how many contestants get caught off guard with fire starting skills. This year, this skill may have cost one of the contestants the win. Jeff asked them why they don’t practice these skills once they hear that they have been selected.

In the Bible, there is a story of 5 women who were not prepared. This story is told in Matthew 25: 1-13

1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Remember, this story is a parable: a story, like a fable, with a hidden purpose or idea in it. Did you guys bring your thinking caps?

Ok, Question 1: This is a story about a wedding. But what do you think the wedding is supposed to be? What special place do you think these people are trying to go to? (Try to get one of the kids to say “heaven”)

You guys are very smart. If they are trying to get into heaven, who do you think the bridegroom is? (God or Jesus)

Why were some let into heaven and others not? (they were ready)

Ok, here is the biggie – How do we “prepare” for heaven? (Read the Bible, Pray, Go To church)

Doesn’t that make sense? Just like if you got invited to go on the next Survivor you would learn how to start a fire, swim, balance on a stick, when you are trying to join God in heaven, you would prepare by talking to him, learning about his ways, and by following those ways?

In this way, we are prepared. . .just like the scouts and just like the well-trained survivor contestants.

Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:

Dear God, Please help me prepare for the day that I enter heaven. Let me learn all that I can. Help me to be prepared for your call. Let your grace fill me and your love feed me. Amen.

A Good Question for the New Year

Evangalize - Be a Witness to the Word

According to the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary, evangelism is defined as:
Pronunciation: \i-ˈvan-jə-ˌli-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: circa 1626

1 : the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ
2 : militant or crusading zeal

Interestingly, the use of such a word in mainstream Christianity often brings thoughts of Tammy Faye Baker with her Eyelashes caked together



and the constant request for money from a televised mega-church. But evangelism is the call of all Christians; “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19).

I was thinking about this command again the other day as I was watching the Duggars (the family with 18 children).



They are truly espousing the word of the Lord. They are not standing on a pulpit or “teaching” in any standard way that we think about it. Instead, they are just sharing their experience. In sharing, they are spreading the word. I thought this was a good example for all of us. We need not be ministers or deacons or Sunday School teachers (although it is certainly wonderful if you are), you can fulfill this commission by sharing your experience. You may never know who you reach or how or when the words that you speak will take root, but you have met the command if you speak the word.



“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:9 (KJV)

“Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.” Isaiah 42:18 (KJV)

Being at Church Fully

As our program at work finished up this weekend, I noticed that well before the speaker finished, several of the students were already standing, putting on their coats and placing up their chairs. This was especially painful since the students are becoming teachers and will soon face this same issue from the other side. I mentioned this to them in closing, somewhat scolding them for their behavior. This, however, is not the only time that I have seen such behavior: People already preparing for their next activity before they have completed the last.

Like many church services, our Sunday worship has a predictable structure. Prayers, readings, and hymns may change but they are always placed in the same place. Traditionally, just before the benediction, we sing "Go Ye Now in Peace". As we begin to sing, the rusling starts: coats are put on, handbags are put over shoulders, hymn books are put away. As I watch this behavior, I am often left wondering When did the clock out from church? How long have they been waitng to put their coat on?

Worship is about connecting with God. Can't we release teh outside world long enough to be fully present during worship? Wouln't it be interesting if there was a pause after worship while we absorbed the fullness of the service before we got our coats and left.

Proclaiming Your Faith Under Duress

I was looking for information on Today in history to post some information on Homeschool with Heart when I found this little tidbit for today.

"In 1520, Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict demanding that he recant, or face excommunication."

Can you imagine feeling so confident in your beliefs that you would face excommunication from the all powerful church? What do you believe? Have you ever taken the time to write it down? Have you ever reviewed your beliefs, thought about why you feel the way you do? Have you ever shared your thoughts with others?

As, we talked about in my DD's God & Life class this week, do people know that you are a Christian? Can they read it in your behavior? Do you stand as a visible witness to His Word? Have you inspired someone through your behavior and beliefs? We do not have to face excommunication like Martin Luther, nor do we need to found a new denomination, but we do have an obligation to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28 19-20 NIV) Have you followed this commission today? yesterday? everyday? Would you do so under pressure? Under the threat of excommunication, physical harm, death?

Christmas Cantata

As Christmas comes closer, we begin to prepare for our Christmas celebrations. Our choir is performing Candles & Carols.

This is such a beautiful arrangement, I can't wait to perform it. It is made even more beautiful by the fact that the choir is joined by anyone in the congregation that would like to join us. If you want to hear small sections of this piece performed by a much more professional group than ours, check out this site and listen to the segments. Perhaps you may be inspired to sing it with your choir next Christmas.

The Living Word - The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Children's Sermon

This week we had a guest minister who spoke of the parable of the bridegroom / Ten Virgins. This is another parable that appeared to go against what I thought of God’s love and forgiveness, but for some reason as I listened to it being read this week, I heard . . .I was looking at it backwards again. It was not about sharing or the lack thereof. It was about filling our life with God. It was about listening, learning, and growing our faith now, so that when the call is made, we will be ready. You cannot wait for the call and then decide to believe. You have to live a good and righteous life today, now, always and the door will be opened. You cannot wait until the call has been made to proclaim your love and dedication.

I thought about how you might teach children about this parable. Children understand getting prepared. They have slept over Grandma’s house or gone camping.

Props: sleeping bag, tooth brush, hair brush, change of clothes, pjs, pillow

Hello everybody. How are you today?

Today, we are going on a trip and we need to pack. If we really were going on a camping trip, what items might you bring with you? (as they mention the items that you have out, move them from one side to the other on stage)

What if I told you that we were going to go on a trip after Sunday School next week, when would you pack? How many would pack when you get home today? How many would pack during the week? Who would wait until the very last minute and would be finished just in time to get in the car to head to church?

Now what if I did not tell you when we were going but told you that you needed to be ready whenever I came by. I may not come by today, this week, or even this year. Would you go home and pack right away? Would you keep your bag packed?

This is what Jesus is talking about in the parable of the Bridegroom. This can be found in Matthew 25: 1-13 :

1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'

7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'

9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'

10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'

12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'

13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour".

Jesus is also talking about preparing about a journey, he is talking about preparing spiritually, not physically. He is speaking of the call to heaven. Are you ready? Have you packed?

What do you think Jesus wants us to pack in our heart?

When do you think he wants us to get ready? Should we be asking him to wait while we get our last few things together? Or should we have packed and been ready for whenever he may come?

You all are already packing to be ready for the call. You have come to church. You go to Sunday School. I’m sure you pray and are beginning to read your Bibles. When the call comes you will be ready and welcomed. The doors to the banquet will remain open for you.

Lets fold our hands and bow our head – Dear God, Thank you for the gift of your word. We continue to read it and to try to understand it. We will continue to fill our spiritual lamps and try to light the way for others. So that all may be ready for your call, so that we can all enter the banquet of heaven. AMEN