Choose for Eternity

Short Talk (SHT086) Choose for Eternity © Jane Hulme 2018 Aim of Short talk: Use of Short talk: Main themes: Biblical references: Lectionary: Props: To teach that we have a choice how we “spend” the life that God has given us; we can spend it on the world or on following Jesus. This is a short All Age talk picking out one issue from the Lectionary Gospel reading of the Sunday main service. The talk stands alone and assumes that the Gospel Bible reading may not yet have been read to the congregation. It could be used for example, for the whole congregation before the children go out to their age specific groups, leaving the adults with a full sermon later. Jesus, Choice, Eternal Life Mark 8:31-38 Year B – The Second Sunday of Lent You will need a cross and an A4 piece of paper with the words: “My Life” printed on it. You will also need a picture (which you can find in the Appendix) of each of the following:  Money  A Mansion  A party  “Fame” SHORT TALK: “Choose for Eternity” ........................................................................................................................ How many of you children and young people get given the gift of pocket money each week or month?  Who would like to come and tell us how they choose to spend it? (Receive a volunteer)  So how do you choose to spend the money that you have been given? (Volunteer answers)  Thank you for sharing that with us......please sit down. When we have money, we have a choice over how we spend it don’t we?  One of the things that we need to learn is how to spend money wisely so that we don’t waste it. Even more important than money is the gift that God has given to each one of us;  the gift of life.  We need to learn how to “spend” this precious gift of life wisely so that we don’t waste it. Imagine for a moment that this piece of paper is your life.... (Hold up the piece of paper that says: “My life”  You have a choice over how you spend this gift....  Let me show you what some of those choices are. (Show picture of money) You could choose to spend your life getting as much money as you can  You are willing to sacrifice spending time with your family and friends so that you can get what you really want.....more and more money,  so that you can have more and more things. © Jane Hulme 2018 2 Or it could be that your heart is set on getting a really big and comfortable house; (Show picture of mansion)  one with a swimming pool both inside and out,  with a games room and gym,  and if that means spending your life doing a few shady deals or treading on a few people to get what you want........then so be it! Or you may be someone who wants to spend your life on having fun so you,  go to as many parties as you can, (Show picture of a party)  and do whatever you feel like to get that buzz you are looking for. Or you may be someone who longs to be famous, (Show picture of “fame”)  and have your name in lights,  so you spend your life seeking fame.....and doing whatever it takes to get it. Or you could choose to spend your life in following Jesus, (Point to the cross)  and enjoy a life of purpose.....  as Jesus involves you in bringing His Kingdom to earth. If you make this choice you need to know that Jesus asks for all of your life....  not just a bit of it,  and it is a life of saying “no” to what you want so that you can say “yes” to Him....and obey Him.  That might mean that you may not have much money or the things that the world values. Now when we look at those choices we might think that what the world has to offer looks a lot more exciting and attractive than what Jesus has to offer.  If we can have wealth (Show picture of money)  and comfort (Show picture of mansion)  and fun (Show picture of party)  and fame (Show picture of “fame) now, why wouldn’t we want to spend our life in getting those things? The answer to that question is that with Jesus there is something much much better on offer for us both now and in the future.  We are offered eternal life .....a life lived in relationship with Jesus, the King of Kings,  where we can know His amazing and never ending love, peace and joy for ever. The choice is yours.  You can either choose to spend your life on getting the things of this world.....  but you need to remember that those things will only last this side of the grave,  or you can choose to spend your life on following Jesus....  and receive His gift of eternal life that lasts not only now but forever. Listen to what Jesus said: “Do you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not!” (Mark 8:36 – Good News Version)  Choose wisely. © Jane Hulme 2018 3 Appendix – Pictures to go with the talk 4 1. MyLife 2. Money 3. AMansion 4. Aparty 5. “Fame” © Jane Hulme 2018