CHILDREN'S MINISTRY MESSAGE FROM LORI HERSON, JUNE 28, 2020

Hi Goshen Families,

We are so looking forward to seeing you soon! Hopefully for many of you we'll see you at church next Sunday!

Today I want to encourage you with a thought from God's Word...

In John 6:16-21 the disciples found themselves in a precarious position. They were in a boat, tired, three miles from shore, and fearful. Then in the midst of despair, Jesus came walking on the water - an amazing sign of His control over the elements. But even greater are the words He said to the frightened disciples, "It is I, do not be afraid." The One Who had control of the elements was the same One Who would bring peace to hearts and minds. Seven words would bring peace, strength and assurance to His loved followers.

They are the same words He brings to us today. In the midst of frustration, fear, and despair in our lives He brings the same message. It's just what we need. He is the only One Who can and will bring peace (that passes all understanding) strength (far more than we could ever bring to any conflict) and blessed assurance that He is in loving control. At times when we become overwhelmed the opportunity comes to release the anxiety to Him and listen as He says, "It is I, do not be afraid."

Below are some resources you can use for your family Sunday worship time. Praying you'll have a blessed time together as a family!:

A worksheet on the lesson: Jesus Healed a Man Who Was Blind:

https://sharesync.serverdata.net/us/s/zVmKmnS1mb8k6FSl3hDuUE003d1554

Check your email for a link to the video of the lesson.

Some wording you can use with this lesson:

In the Old Testament, Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah. Isaiah 35:5-6 tells about a time when “the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy.” When God the Son came to earth, He came as a Healer—removing skin diseases, raising the dead to life, making the lame walk, and giving sight to the blind.

John 9 gives us a glimpse of the kingdom of God, where creation is redeemed, and opens our eyes to the greater purpose of suffering in our lives. The disciples asked Jesus a question that many still wrestle with today: Why is this person suffering? (In this case, why was this man born blind?) Was it because of sin?

Jesus’ answer gives hope to anyone facing suffering: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned. This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him” (John 9:3). Because Jesus is Lord over everything, all suffering in this life has meaning and purpose.

Miraculously, Jesus gave sight to the man who was blind. The man’s neighbors noticed the change, and he told them what Jesus had done for him. But the reaction of the religious leaders—skepticism and unbelief—reveals a different kind of blindness: spiritual blindness. Sin keeps us from seeing what is true about God. Jesus came as light into a dark world. He helps us see what is true so we can know God.

Our sin makes us unable to see the truth about God. Jesus came as a light in a dark world. He came to give us sight—true understanding of God and His kingdom. Those who trust in Jesus see who He is and worship Him.

Those who trust in Jesus are freed from sin and worship Jesus as Lord. We can live fully in the light of Jesus as we seek to make Him known to others so that their eyes might be opened to the truth of the gospel as well.