Restored

Jesus makes gems out of wrecks.

TOPICS: Redemption, Salvation, Sin MATERIALS: Pictures of three cars [PDF] Click here DURATION: Approximately 15 minutes

PREPARATION:

Before class print the pictures of the three different types of vehicles or get pictures from a magazine.

WHAT YOU WILL SAY:

How many of you kids like cars? How many of you have ridden in a car before? That was kind of a silly question wasn't it? We have all ridden in cars at one time or another and by riding in cars we know at least a little something about them don't we? Cars are a wonderful means of transportation wouldn't you agree?" (Pause for a moment) Now comes the fun part, take just a minute and think about what kind of car you would be if you had to be a car. I will show you several pictures of cars to help you get started.

(Show the picture of the race car.) Here is a real beauty and it's fast too. Race cars are the movie stars of the car world, very glamorous and highly visible, although they don't tend to last very long.

(Show the picture of the truck) Here is one tough vehicle; Trucks are the work horses of the car world. Trucks are built to last and they are as strong as an Ox. In most cases, trucks don't give up until the job is done.

(Show the picture of the minivan) Now here is a vehicle we all know and love. Minivans are common place in the car world, you see them every where. These babies are among the most useful vehicles in the car world and are used on a daily basis.

So have you decided? Maybe you thought of an entirely different type of car to be. Raise your hand if you would like to share your answer and I will call on you one at a time. (Allow children to share their answers.) What do all of these cars have in common? (Allow for answers) If you said that all cars get old and eventually break down you would be correct. Age, accidents and everyday use will wear a car out; sooner or later all cars are destined for the junk yard... (Pause) Unless someone restores them.

In some ways our lives are like the cars we talked about today, just as there are many different types of cars, there are many types of people. Some people are glamorous, some are workers and some are everyday people.

Just as all cars break down, all people share a common problem, which causes us to wear out and eventually die. That problem is called sin. Just as a car can't fix its own dent or flat tires, we can't fix the problem of sin. But I have good news! The Bible tells us in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it states "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Jesus will restore our fellowship with God and allow us to live with Him for eternity! Have you asked Jesus into your life to be your lord and savior?