Childrens Sermon Service

If I were in the Army, I would have to wear an Army uniform. But I wouldn't just wear the uniform. What else might be expected of me if I were in the Army? (Let them answer.) If I were in the Army, I would be expected to go through a time of what is called "basic training" and I would live in an Army barrack and eat Army food. If I were in the Army, could I go shopping when I wanted to? (Let them answer.) I could not. Could I get up in the morning whenever I wanted? (Let them answer.) I could not. Could I play whenever I wanted? (Let them answer.) I could not. If I were in the Army, I would have to do the things that people in the Army do.

In a similar way, when we are members of the church and believe in God, there are certain things we do and say that show a difference in our lives. The difference comes from what we believe. What we believe is called "faith." If I believe in God, can I hate other people? (Let them answer.) No. If I believe in God, I love others because I learn that God loves me and desires me to love others. Now if I love others, will I want to hurt them? (Let them answer.) I don't think so. If we love other people, we are going to want to show our love for them by the things we do and say. We will do loving things and say things that tell people how much we love them. What we do is called "works."

Faith and works go together just like a soldier's uniform and behavior. Faith and works go together like peanut butter and jelly. Faith and works go together like schoolwork and recess. There are many ways they go together. We cannot say we believe in something without showing it by what we do and say. Faith -- what we believe -- shows itself in works -- what we do.

Dear God: We believe in you. Help us show what we believe by how we live. Amen.