Teaching tip 46. The day of rest.
Teaching Tip 46 - The day of rest.
God created the Universe in six days, and rested on the seventh. This does not mean that God was tired after all His work, and so took a rest, because He does not slumber or sleep (Psalm121.4). The Hebrew word that is usually translated as 'rest' also means 'cease'. So God ceased or rested from His creative work after six days.
God certainly did not need six days to make everything. He could have done it all in an instant on the very first day. So why did He take six days?
The answer is given in Exodus 20. 10 - 11, and is the basis of the Fourth Commandment. God did it this way to show us how we should organise our lives - work for six days, and have a rest or break on the seventh. That is why a week is seven days long, not six or eight. Jesus reminded us that this does not mean that we must never do any work on the seventh day (Sabbath). For example no matter what day of the week it is, it is always a good day to do good to others. Rather, it means that we should make this our general routine, and in so doing we are more likely to stay healthy in both mind and body.
People have sometimes tried other week lengths. For example, in 1793 France decreed three 10-day 'weeks' each month. This didn't work and was abolished by Napoleon in 1806. The former Soviet Union introduced a five-day week in 1929, and then changed it to a six-day week in 1931. Neither of these worked, so the normal seven-day week was restored in 1940.
This is another example of how 'God knows best'. If we follow our Maker's instructions, we won't go far wrong in life.
Teavhing tip 45. Dead to the world.
Teaching Tip 45 - Dead to the world.
A young Christian was once puzzled by the expression "dead to the world", so he asked his pastor what the expression actually meant. In response the pastor told the young man to go to the local cemetery, find a gravestone, and heap praise on the person buried there. He was then to find a second gravestone and heap verbal abuse on that buried person.
The young Christian was obviously surprised at his pastor's instructions, but nevertheless he carried them out. On reporting back the pastor asked "Did you do what I told you?" "Yes" replied the young man. "And what was the response you got to all that praise and verbal abuse?" asked the pastor. "Absolutely nothing at all" replied the young man, still looking very puzzled. "Exactly." said the pastor. "The dead do not respond. Now you know what it is like to be dead to this world!" The young man had learned his lesson.
None of us are completely immune to praise, criticism or abuse, but as Christians that should be our goal. Anyone who is truly "dead to the world" will not be affected by these things, but rather be only concerned with the advancement of God's kingdom.
Teaching tip 44a. Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths (Part 2).
Teaching tip 44a - Using Christian songs to teach Biblical truths (Part 2).
Last month I shared on how the hymn "There is a green hill far away" could be used to teach fundamental Christian truths. This month, I am sharing on how I use the popular children's chorus "Jesus loves the little children." to teach about God's love for them.
I do this through ventriloquism, and with the aid of my puppet friend George. Children love ventriloquism, and I have discovered that it is much easier than it appears. You don't need to be a professional. Children don't mind if they see your mouth moving a little - they are far more concerned with what your dummy or puppet is actually saying. Thus, if you have good material, you only need to be able to speak in one 'different' voice to be a big hit.
The dialogue I use is expanded from a skit in the booklet "Ventriloquism for little children" by William Andersen.
V. (Ventriloquist). I hope that you are going to behave today, George.
G. (George). I always behave.
V. I am not so sure about that. But I know that you can be good. In fact, I heard that last week you went to Sunday school. Is that true?
G. Yes.
V. Good. Did you enjoy Sunday school?
G. Yes, I did.
V. What did you like best about Sunday school?
G. The songs they sang.
V. What sort of songs did you sing in Sunday school?
G. Sunday school songs, silly!
V. I shouldn't have asked. What was your favourite Sunday school song?
G. Jesus loves the little kids.
V. You mean Jesus loves the little children?
G. That's what I said.
V. Well, that's a good song. Can you sing it?
G. O.K. - - - - - -
V. Well?
G. Well what?
V. Can you sing it for us then?
G. O.K. - - - - - -
V. Well?
G. Well what?
V. Can you sing it for us now?
G. Oh, alright. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow , black and green, they're the dumbest kids I've seen.
V. George!. These children aren't dumb.
G. Sure they are. And they're ugly too.
V. These children aren't ugly, they're beautiful.
G. They're ugly.
V. They're beautiful.
G. They're ugly. Just look at them.
V. I am looking at them.
G. Yes, aren't they ugly!
V. No, they're beautiful. Let me explain something to you. God made all these beautiful children.
G. He did!
V. Yes, He did.
G. There is something I don't understand.
V. What don't you understand?
G. If God made all these beautiful children
V. Yes, He did.
G. Who made the ugly ones?
V. Look George, there are no ugly children. Well, not in this class anyway. In fact, when I look at these children - it is like looking at a beautiful garden of flowers.
G. Yes, look at all the weeds!
V. George, you got the song wrong anyway.
G. I did?
V. Yes. It goes "Red, brown, yellow, black and white." Not "Red, brown, yellow, black and green."
G. Can I sing it again?
V. Alright, have another go.
G. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow , black and white. Put them together, and watch them fight!"
V. George, these children don't fight!
G. Sure they do.
V. Look, you still got the song wrong. It goes "They are precious in His sight."
G. What does that mean?
V. Precious means that they are all very special to God. It doesn't matter to God what colour their skin is, whether they are red, brown, yellow, black or white, He loves them all the same.
G. What about the green ones?
V. I don't think there are any green children. But if there were, God would love them just as much.
G. How much does He love them?
V. Well, that's what I come along here each week to teach you. The Bible puts it this way. "God so loved the world"
G. That's everyone.
V. That's right. "That He gave His only Son"
G. Who's that?
V. Can someone please tell George who God's only Son is? - - - - - That's right, it's Jesus, George.
G. Oh, now I remember.
V. "That whoever believes in him"
G. That's so simple.
V. So it is. "Shall not die, but have eternal life."
G. Wow. God loves them heaps.
V. He certainly does. You know George, I think you're getting the picture.
G. Can I sing it again?
V. Alright, but please get it right this time.
G. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.
V. Well done. Say goodbye to the children, George.
G. Goodbye to the children George!
