Tag: video
Pentecost and Talking to Our Kids about the Holy Spirit
June 14, 20111 Comment
This past Sunday we celebrated Pentecost. Most people only know Pentecost as a Christian holiday, where we commemorate the day when the Holy Spirit fell on the Apostles of Christ as they gathered together in the upper room, after the Ascension of Jesus. Scripture (Acts 2) actually tells us that Jews from many different nations were in Jerusalem that day. They were there celebrating the Jewish Feast of Pentecost.
It’s true; Pentecost is originally a Jewish holiday. It’s one of the three great feasts, along with Passover and Tabernacles, on the Jewish calendar. It has a historical significance, as it commemorates God giving the Torah to Moses on Mt. Sinai. It also commemorates the time when the first fruits of the wheat harvest were brought to the Temple in the form of leavened bread (Lev 23:17).
So we may ask ourselves why did Jesus choose to pour out His spirit on His Church during this very Jewish holiday?
The idea that people had gathered together to celebrate a harvest ties in perfectly with the fact that a great “harvest” for the Lord was experienced! The New Covenant was put into effect with full force. This day truly was the beginning of the Church…our “birthday”, if you will. That very day 3000 people came to Christ and were baptized after hearing Peter’s teaching! (Acts 2:37-39) Pentecost really was the FIRST great revival!
Do you remember learning about the Holy Spirit as a kid? The Trinity can be a tricky thing to grasp, much less teach to kids. When talking to your kids about Pentecost and the significance it has in our lives, remind them that as Jesus was preparing to go to Heaven, He made a promise. He told His Disciples that even though He would be leaving them and wouldn’t be here on Earth as a man, He would NOT be leaving them all alone. He promised to send something else: The Holy Spirit.
If a child doesn’t exactly understand what the Holy Spirit is, maybe tell them that it’s something that we feel inside that helps us know and understand God’s love and a way which we feel God’s actual presence in our lives. In fact here we are, over 2000 years later, still feeling God’s love and presence exactly like they did on that day of Pentecost!
Here’s a video from DVD 5 explaining the trinity:
God loves us so much that He sent us His Son Jesus and then His Spirit to teach us about that perfect love!
How do you talk to your kids about The Holy Spirit and Pentecost?
He Chose…Wisely
May 10, 20111 CommentWhen I was in grade school I remember picking up a copy of King Solomon’s Mines in our school’s library. I didn’t borrow the book, but I remember the cover vividly. It had a mysterious looking cave, filled with precious gems and gold. It was obvious that King Solomon was a man of great wealth, prominence and power!
Scripture (and the all-new What’s in the Bible? DVD 5: Israel Gets A King!) tell us a lot more about the son of King David. In fact we’re told in 2 Chronicles, the first chapter, that Solomon was a great king who earned God’s favor! In verse 7, God appears to Solomon and says to him, “Ask whatever you want me to give to you.”
Wow! Can you imagine such an offer from the Creator Himself? Do you think Solomon struggled with what to ask for? The Bible doesn’t tell us that Solomon struggled with this question at all. In verse 10, Solomon says to God, “Give me wisdom and knowledge that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Here’s a clip from DVD 5 to explain:
Taking what we know about Solomon into consideration, a few things jump out at me as to why he might have asked God for wisdom. First, Solomon recognized who God is and he also realized that he had a huge amount of reliance in Him. Solomon was following in the footsteps of a great king, his father–David. He was both young and inexperienced and let’s face it, the people he was to rule over were sort of notorious for rebellion. Then his lineage alone may have given him concern about knowing the difference between what was righteous and what wasn’t.
Solomon, as flawed as he was, realized the absolute need for wisdom. Later he wrote in Proverbs 3:15, wisdom is “more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her”.
God’s favorable reaction to Solomon’s request indicates the importance our Lord places on wisdom. But why was God pleased with Solomon’s request? The answer may come from a better understanding of the difference between wisdom and intelligence. Intelligence is the ability to learn or understand. Wisdom is being able to apply that which one has learned.
Our God is definitely a God of action! Understanding His Word but not applying it gives God no glory. In James 1:22, we see that through the Spirit we are called to be people of action, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS.” Solomon could have asked for anything he wanted, but he asked for wisdom to rule the nation—God’s people.
Solomon had his priorities straight. And God was so pleased with him in this; He gave Solomon wealth and honor as well as wisdom and knowledge.
The same wisdom that was given to Solomon is available to us; the same almighty God offers it! How can we acquire wisdom? First, we must ask God , who “gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5) for wisdom and discernment. Second, we must devote ourselves to studying God’s Word—which is the SOURCE of wisdom.
We live in a world that idolizes riches and power. To think a young king would choose wisdom over anything else may seem to be quite a nonsensical thing! Yet a great lesson for our kids is that when we are like Solomon, and put God first, we will have richly rewarding lives! When we believe we have a purpose and learn contentment, we will be truly wealthy!
DVD 5 is here!
April 20, 20118 Comments
The day we’ve been waiting so very long for is FINALLY HERE!
DVD 5 has been released!
Here’s another sneak peek of the much-anticipated new Chester Whigget’s Popsicle Stick Theater from DVD 5! Chester tells the story of David and Saul:
Some Thoughts About Exodus and Moving Across the Country
March 1, 20113 CommentsI’ve been reading and thinking a lot about the Exodus lately. What must the Israelites have been feeling as they left behind the bondage of slavery, which was all they knew for a freedom they knew nothing about? — A freedom which was desperately desired, divinely promised, diligently prayed for and finally attained.
Celebration, elation, exuberance!!
I just wonder if there were any feelings of ambiguity in the hearts of the Israelites even during this time of deliverance? In the midst of the celebration, could they have been feeling torn, scared, and even a little angry at the change happening all around them?
Last week my family moved across the country from Orange County, CA to Nashville, TN. I’m not comparing my move to that of the Israelites {not exactly, anyway}. I don’t want my California friends thinking I’m comparing Goshen to the OC, because I’m not. I’m merely looking at the hugeness of picking up a family from all that they are familiar with {good, bad or indifferent} and following what appears to be a directive from God.
Exodus is a huge, historical account. It teaches us about liberation, journey and establishing the Covenant. Here’s Chuck Waggin’ singing about it in DVD 2.
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Exodus also outlines how the Israelites, even after witnessing MANY miracles at the hand of God, had issues with faith. They doubted they would be delivered from bondage (14:10-12); Once delivered, they continually complained as they journeyed from the Red Sea to Mt. Sinai (15:22-27; 16:1-3; 17:1-7); Then at Mt. Sinai, against God’s specific commands against idolatry, they forged the golden calf and worshiped it (32:1-8).
The question of course is why would God’s chosen people, who had lived through His deliverance of their nation, have faith issues? Not being a Bible teacher, my only rational answer is that they, like us, were imperfect and fallen.
Do you ever wonder why God puts up with us when we act the way we do? We say we trust Him, yet many times find it difficult to follow His will in our daily walk. At least I do.
Exodus teaches us a couple of other things, too. First, God was always faithful to His people! He continually showed them {undeserved} mercy. This book also foreshadows Christ’s own sacrificial act of redemption for His people. The slaughtered Passover lamb’s blood being used on the door post being the one thing that would spare the household from death.
Reading about God’s plan, while knowing how the story comes to fruition through Jesus, is amazing!
I know that my eight year old has had issues with the move. His perceived lack of control in “losing” all things he’s familiar with {even though he has ALREADY been blessed with new friends and better surroundings} has caused him to ramp up some rather unflattering behaviors. But I get it… I’m his mom. I know him. It will take time for him to trust his dad and I in this huge, life-changing event that has just occurred.
Yes, I bet there was a bit of ambiguity in the hearts of those newly delivered Israelites. Trust is hard. But God, the loving Father that He is, knew them. He showed them abundant grace, because He loved them. Thankfully God knows us that well, too!
His plan IS perfect!
Do you have stories about moving, that you’d like to share? Maybe your kids also had trouble adjusting at first, too? What did you do to help them?
You can follow Lisa on twitter @lisastrnad and she blogs regularly at talkinglikeagirl.
Phil Vischer at CPC 2011 – Part 3
January 27, 20112 CommentsHere is Part 3 of Phil’s speech at the Children’s Pastors Conference. You can watch Part One here and Part Two here.
Phil Vischer at Children’s Pastors Conference – Part Two
January 26, 20111 CommentHere is Part Two of Phil’s speech at the Children’s Pastors Conference a few weeks ago. You can watch Part One here.
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Clive & Ian’s 12 Questions of Christmas on tour now!
December 1, 201019 Comments
Clive and Ian are asking and answering questions about Christmas all over the web for the next 12 days! Follow them around to some of our favorite blogs where you’ll also have a chance to win copies of What’s in the Bible?.
Check back here every day for the location of the newest video.
Wednesday, December 1:
Why is it called Christmas?
Hosted by Stacey at 29lincolnavenue.com
Thursday, December 2:
Was Jesus really born on Christmas?
Hosted by Jen at onemomsworld.com
Friday, December 3:
How long ago was Jesus born?
Hosted by thestayathomemissionary.com
Monday, December 6:
What does Santa Claus have to do with Jesus’ birthday?
Hosted by ministry-to-children.com
Tuesday, December 7:
How did St. Nicholas become Santa Claus?
Hosted by amybayliss.com
Wednesday, December 8:
Why does Santa wear a red furry hat?
Hosted by savedsister7.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 9:
Why does Santa ring a bell and collect money sometimes?
Hosted by Tyndale.
Friday, December 10:
What is Hanukah?
Hosted by noordinarymomentsblog.com
Monday, December 13:
What do Christmas trees have to do with Jesus?
Hosted by lemonlimekids.com
Tuesday, December 14:
Where did the 12 Days of Christmas come from?
Hosted by Pete Wilson at withoutwax.com
Wednesday, December 15:
Who is Immanuel? What does he have to do with Christmas?
Hosted by girltalkhome.com
Thursday, December 16:
What is Clive getting Ian for Christmas?
Hosted by jonathancliff.com
An Attitude of Gratitude: How to prepare your family for Thanksgiving
November 16, 20101 CommentThe holidays are approaching and for most of us this is the time of year where we emphasize what it is we should all be thankful for. Our families, our health, our homes and our dear friends are all part of that equation!
What are YOU thankful for? Clive and Ian want to share some of the things they are thankful for, in this Thanksgiving clip made just for you!
The big question may be, how do we teach our kids to be thankful? In this era of materialism, when quality time with family is many times replaced with “stuff”, it can be a tricky lesson to learn, as well as teach!
We have dealt with this very issue in our family. My husband and I realized a few years ago that we had entered the world of “Parental Bribers”. You know the type– if the kids do something good, they get a reward — or if we desired them to accomplish something, we would offer the reward as a prize to be earned. It’s all very Pavlovan, and teaches them nothing more than there’s always a material reward at the end of a job well done. It certainly does not teach a child to have gratitude; it teaches entitlement! We blew it, and we have since changed our ways. The kids have also learned that there is true blessing in just giving, and not always receiving.
Here are some of the things we have implemented in our own family:
1. Love really IS enough! When the kids do something great, they are told how proud we are of them! Hugs, kisses and the “victory dance” are routine rewards in our family! When we reward with a material object ALL of the time, their gratitude turns into more expectation of the prize. *We DO still, on special occasions, give something material as a reward, but not always. And it’s never used as an incentive for acts of kindness.
2. Responsibility is very important! Most kids hate making their beds and cleaning their rooms. But they love belonging to the family unit and feeling a sense of pride in what they are able to contribute to that family. Each boy has age appropriate responsibilities to help our home function. It’s just expected, not rewarded. They don’t get paid to be a part of the family.
3. Help the homeless / Feed the hungry! Some of the ways we’ve done this in our family are volunteering at food kitchens, community food pantries, helping church food drives, and yes– giving a dollar to that guy who is standing outside the market. I tell my kids, “Why worry if you’re being scammed? Give it in Jesus’ name and hopefully that dollar will bless him!” Through these actions, the kids need to be reminded that not everyone has a bed to sleep in at night, food on their table or even a home to shelter them from the cold. We are truly blessed—and we must remain thankful. We must remain the hands and feet of Jesus.
4. Hearing mommy and daddy say, “thank you” on a regular basis. Whether these words are spoken to the drive-thru person at McDonald’s or used with our own dear spouse–they make an impact on our kids!
5. Keeping prayer and reading of God’s Word as a top priority in our lives! When we take our thankful hearts and lay them at the feet of our Lord, our kids witness our gratitude for His blessings in our lives. When we remember to intercede for the needs of others, we are teaching them that God hears and sees the needs of His children’s hearts. Praying is a huge part of the process in teaching our kids to be thankful!
The Bible has numerous references about being thankful. This is probably my favorite because it brings it back to the heart of Jesus:
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New Living Translation)
How have you encouraged your kids to have an attitude of gratitude?
A Video Preview of the What’s in the Bible? Curriculum
October 13, 20103 CommentsLooking to learn more about the What’s in the Bible? curriculum coming out next month? Check out this training video:
Do you know the judges from the Book of Judges?
October 11, 20107 CommentsWe received this encouraging testimony from a friend of ours at Tyndale House Publishers (who distribute the DVDs). This 6th-grade girl wowed her Sunday School teacher by naming all of the judges from the book of Judges … could you do that?
At our church, each year, our sixth graders are taught a Sunday School class for the entire year that is an overview of the Bible. We have the same passion that Phil Vischer does - for our kids to really get a grasp of what they believe. The teacher is a college professor of Old Testament and it is a great class. I am “helping” with the class but really I am there to learn because I don’t feel like I got this teaching growing up in the church. Yesterday, they were studying Judges and Ruth. The teacher often asks them questions about details in the Bible as a quiz and then hands out little awards for correct answers and if the kids collect enough of these then they can trade them in for pieces of candy. Yesterday he asked if anyone could name ONE of the Judges and my daughter raised her hand. He said OK – which one do you know and she said “I know them all”. He was surprised and said OK – let’s see if you do. She promptly rattled them all off in order and then she looked back at me and smiled. ( He told her she automatically got candy for knowing that.) Then he asked, do you know the left handed Judge? And, of course she knew “Ehud.” She looked back at me and smiled again and whispered “What’s in the Bible.”
My husband and I were blown away and put the DVD in when we got home and sure enough there was the Bentley Brother’s song about Judges – she has seen it a few times and it stuck with her!
Here is the clip from DVD 4: Battle for the Promised Land. You can pick up the DVD here.
