By Barrett VanLandingham
June 10, 2008 02:51 pm
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Here we are! Another June and another vacation Bible school season well under way. You don't have to look far this time of year to find those three nostalgic letters — VBS — that so many kids look forward to every summer.
The tradition of VBS dates back at least 100 years in America. Although, it's difficult to pinpoint who actually started it. Here in Fort Gibson, several churches are offering VBS this summer.
It's an opportunity for kids to learn Bible stories, see puppet and drama skits, have a snack, sing and pray. It's also an opportunity for adults and teenagers to get involved in church work in a “no pressure” environment.
As teachers at VBS, church camp, or any other time where we are responsible for impressionable young minds, there are a few important things to remember. We as a Christian community must be willing to let the Bible speak for itself and not inject our own opinions if they are not supported by the Bible.
James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
I love VBS as much as anybody. But even in the midst of having fun and being creative in teaching the Bible, it is of greatest importance to not only show God's love to young souls in our care, but also to teach “God-approved” messages.
The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesian church that “There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:4-6).
We all have opinions when it comes to religion or anything else. However, it is God who created us. His Son came to earth, died and was raised for us. It's fair to say that God has earned our loyalty and respect. In return, we all should be willing to take the time necessary to study His word and find out what He expects of us.
Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Be very care, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.”
In order to understand what the Lord's will is, we must spend much time in prayer and Bible study. How else can we accurately teach God's word unless we study? 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the truth.”
Then, we have an obligation to obey and teach His word. Some of the last words Jesus spoke before He returned to His Father are recorded in Mathew 28:18-20.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'”
“… As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! (Romans 10:15)”
Make God bless us all as we grow in the knowledge of God's word and apply it to our lives.
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