Children's Message 5/17/20

"Pop Quiz"

May 17, 2020

EPISTLE: 1 Peter 3:15-21

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirit 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Let's have a quiz today about Bible characters. You can work together with your siblings or parents to decide the answers. #1 What wife told another man that her husband was a fool? #2 Who is the left handed hero in Judges? #3 Who died after falling out a window during one of St. Paul's sermons? You seem to be having trouble with this quiz. Why is it so hard?

You may have had trouble with the questions because you weren't prepared for the quiz. If you knew the questions ahead of time, I'm sure your answers would have been correct. Today our Bible reading tells us to be ready to answer a question we are sure to be asked. Listen for the question we should expect. Please read 1 Peter 3:15-21 (above).

What does St. Peter mean when he says we should be ready to tell others about the hope that we have? Many people think hope means wishing for something to happen. Hoping to receive a pony on your birthday is an example. But that is not Christian hope. Our hope is being sure that our sins are forgiven, that God loves us and will never leave us. When we die, we will be with Him in heaven. This kind of hope is a for sure thing because of God's promise.

When people ask about our hope, they may not even use the word hope. Instead, you may be asked why you attend a Lutheran School or Church. When others see you helping willingly, they may say, "I hate doing that job. Why don't you complain about it?" A friend who is going through hard times may ask, "What do you do when everything seems to be going wrong?" This is the question for which we have been waiting!

With gentleness and respect, we can share what we have received from God. His love is so great that He sent Jesus to take the punishment we deserve for our sins. God is always with us too, helping us even in hard times when we feel most alone. That is really true as we stay at home because of the corona virus.

We have received many good things from God. The forgiveness, peace and joy that He gives us will be noticed by others. So be ready to tell others about what God has given you.

ANSWERS:

#1 - Abigail - 1 Samuel 25:25

#2 - Ehud - Judges 3:15

#3 - Eutychus - Acts 20:9