07/18/2025
VBS 2025 night 4! Tonight's message was the most important of the week and that's that Jesus came to save the world, and that includes each of us.
Our scriptures tonight came from John 3:1-21, and 1 Corinthians 15:6. We read about how Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader, comes to Jesus at night so as not to be seen with him. He, like other religious leaders in the region, has heard of Jesus' teachings and miracles and is seeking answers. We're introduced to the idea of salvation here when Jesus tells him āUnless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.ā He goes on to explain, āFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.ā Jesus clearly reveals His mission as the Savior: He came to offer eternal life to everyone who believes, including Nicodemus. We later learn that Nicodemus helps to prepare Jesus' body for burial after his crucifixion, demonstrating a transformation. He went from questioning Jesus in secret to boldly honoring Him in public. Nicodemusā journey illustrates that Jesusā salvation is personal... it includes āme,ā just as it included Nicodemus, a man who started with doubts but ended up devoted to Christ. We also learned that Jesus is still alive. He was resurrected 3 days after his crucifixion! In doing so Jesus proves he is who he says he is, he conquers sin and death, and he offers faith, hope, and new life to everyone. The resurrection shows Jesus has the power to save us, just as He promised, making Him our living Savior!
Last night the children were given the opportunity to recite what we call the "sinner's prayer." In this prayer we acknowledge our sins and repent (turn away) from them... we then declare our belief in Jesus as savior. We ask for God's forgiveness and invite Jesus into our lives. We close by thanking God for His Love and grace.
For anyone reading this post that wants the assurance of spending eternity in God's Kingdom, the gift of salvation is very simple... Pray the following from your heart:
Dear Jesus, I know Iāve done wrong things, and Iām sorry for my sins. I believe You died on the cross for me and came back to life. Please forgive me and make me clean. I want You to be my Savior and Lord. Come into my heart and help me follow You. Thank You for loving me and saving me! Amen.
We do this with the understanding that this is our way to express faith and declaring our trust in Jesus... it isn't just about repeating words. Before we closed last night I asked those who recited that prayer to raise their hands if they felt comfortable doing so, and the vast majority of the room did. I'd encourage everyone to speak with their child about their decision, and If you or your child prayed this prayer or have questions about following Jesus, please reach out to myself, anyone on our VBS team, or pastor Jack. Weād love to walk with you on this journey!
Tonight is the final night! We look forward to seeing everyone one last time and closing this week out strong! Thanks to everyone who has brought their children out to participate this week. We've had a ton of fun with them. If they enjoyed this week please keep it on your minds, we essentially do a scaled down version of what we've done during VBS weekly during the school year for elementary aged kids. I'll have details regarding time and other details soon. We'd love to have them all school year. Thanks again and God bless.