FROM THE PULPIT: LESSONS LEARNED AS A YOUTH

A few months ago I listened to a pastor preach a sermon which he titled "Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Vacation Bible School."

As churches throughout the area are preparing for what could be the largest single evangelistic outreach effort of the year for them, I could not stop my mind from wandering back to that sermon title. Just what did I need to know?

First, I am Loved! Those teachers took the time to tell me God loved me. Before He ever created this world He loved me. His love was given to me before my love was given to Him--"He loved me first."

He loved me so much that He was willing to send "His only begotten Son" to die on a cross for my sin. Now, I was not really sure I had a problem with sin...I was only seven-years-old.

But, they instilled in my heart and mind verses like: Romans 3:23; 5:6 and 6:23. And, they did not stop there.

They told me how I could receive forgiveness for my sin--Romans 10:9-10. What they instilled in me came to reality just two years later when I asked Jesus to save my soul from the penalty of sin (death). Through that confession and repentance, I now have "eternal life" through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.

Second, I needed to know that there was a CHURCH (a local baptized body of God's children) WHO LOVED ME FOR WHO I WAS.

They did not ask me to change my rural background. They did not ask me to wear better clothes. They just wanted me to know they loved me. You know what? When I go back home for a visit they still love me!

Third, they became my "MENTORS." That was a long time before the word "mentor" became such a popular societal term. I can still remember the men who showed me how to saw out the shape of a boat, drill a hole for the mast, make a sail and sail it in the creek. In the years to follow, they would teach me so much more.

Fourth, they explained, and helped me carry out my RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CHRISTIAN. We put to practice Romans 10:11; Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. They included my family and my parents are now helping to teach children what they need to know.

Truly, "Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Vacation Bible School." I have not forgotten it.

Within the next few weeks there will be countless boys and girls who will be ready to LEARN the Biblical truths you learned in V.B.S. Please keep the learning cycle going.