I Have a Flight to Catch

Beloved, Now We Are Children of God

The lesson study memory verse tells us this in 1 John 3:2:

"Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is."

That is a wonderful joy to look forward to. When you think about all the things you would want to look forward to when you get to heaven — and there may be so many things — I hope that one of your top things will be to see the person who made it all possible: the One who died for you, who rose again for you, who spilled His blood for you, who is our mediator right now.

To see Jesus Christ should be our greatest joy.

Living in Turbulent Times

When you think about the times we're living in today, the lesson really brings out that we are living in turbulent times. I believe we all agree with that. We are living in:

• Times of uncertainty
• Times when political leaders come and go
• Times when you cannot trust political leaders or what's going on around us

A survey was carried out asking, "What is your greatest fear?" And do you know what the greatest fear was? People were uncertain of their future. But the Bible tells us exactly where our future is and what our future is about — so we have nothing to fear at all.

Now Is the Time

When we think about our relationship with God — now is the time, brothers and sisters, to strengthen our personal relationship with God while time lasts. We are to make sure that time counts.

How many of you can say that this time next week we will be here in church? How many of you can say that as a guarantee? None of us can.

What the lesson brings out is this: our life is uncertain, but our time is sure. In fact, James 4:13 says you don't know what will happen tomorrow. Because we don't know what will happen tomorrow, we have all the present time to be committed. We cannot delay. He wants us to be right with Him.

He Is Coming

Brothers and sisters, the lesson is very powerful. He's coming. He's coming with His angels — all of them — and everyone in heaven will join Christ on His journey to take us home.

There will be silence in heaven; nothing will be there — everyone is coming on this journey. The angels are saying, "I want to join in on this. I want to see what it's like." And when Christ comes, everyone will see Him.

The lesson ends with these words:

"Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."

A Closing Appeal

When we look toward eternity — we want to be there. Let it be, brothers and sisters, that nothing will separate us from the love of God. Let it be that we will all have a plot in God's Kingdom.

I want to be there. What about you? Do you want to be there, to spend eternity with Jesus?

Let's make sure that we have a relationship with God so close that when He comes, we will see Him face to face. Amen.

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Children's Teaching Segments

Real-Time News — Report 1 (Kiara)

Lesson 6, Matthew 11:28–30:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

This text reminds us that no matter how many trials or challenges we may face, we can always count on God to take away all of the heavy burdens on our backs. Like the song says, "Cast your burdens onto Jesus, for He cares for you."

Real-Time News — Report 2 (On Influence)

Memory text — Matthew 5:16:

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The people we hang around influence our attitude, language, choices, and how we treat other people. That's why it's important to choose wisely and think about who we allow to influence us.

Instead of letting others influence us to make bad decisions, we should let Jesus influence us to be thoughtful, kind and caring, and to treat one another with respect. Who we follow shapes who we become. Choose God's influence.

Real-Time News — Report 3 (Leandro)

Lesson 11 teaches us that everything we have comes from God. This means that we should use our time, talents, money and possessions to serve God. It reminds us that happiness comes from trusting God rather than material things.

I chose this lesson because it encourages me to be grateful for everything I have and to use it for helping people around me. We're not just citizens of God's Kingdom — we're ambassadors for Christ. Let's stay connected to God's Kingdom and be ready when He comes.

Kindergarten "Big Ideas" (Alive in Jesus Curriculum)

• Week 1 (Isaac and Rebecca): God is with me. He helps me to be kind.
• Week 2 (the birthright blessing): God is with me. He helps me to be honest.
• Week 3 (Jacob finding his Saviour after leaving home): God is with me. He forgives me when I say sorry.
• Week 4 (Jacob in Haran, marrying Leah and Rachel): God is with me. He helps me to be obedient.
• Week 5 (Jacob's escape from Laban, wrestling with God, reuniting with Esau): God is with me. He gives me peace.
• Week 6 (Joseph's dreams and the coat of many colours): God is with me because He cares for me.
• Week 7 (Joseph sold into slavery): God is with me. He helps me to be brave.
• Week 8 (Joseph's new life in Egypt): Good choices matter.
• Week 9 (Miracles in prison): God works even when things look impossible.

Primary Skit — The Story of Joseph

Long ago in the land of Canaan lived a young man named Joseph. He was the favourite son of his father Jacob, who made him a special coat of many colours. His brothers were jealous. Joseph had dreams that his brothers' sheaves — and even the sun, moon and stars — bowed down to him.

Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Potiphar saw he was worthy, and Joseph served faithfully. God blessed Joseph, and everything he did prospered. But Potiphar's wife tried to tempt him. Joseph said, "That would be a wrong before God and my master." She became angry and falsely accused him, and Joseph was thrown in prison.

Even in prison, God was with Joseph. He interpreted the dreams of the butler and the baker: the butler would be restored to favour with Pharaoh in three days, but the baker would be executed. Three days later it happened exactly as Joseph said. Joseph asked the butler, "When you are free, remember me," but the butler forgot him for two years.

Later, Pharaoh had troubling dreams — seven fat cows eaten by seven thin cows, and seven good ears of grain eaten by seven withered ones. Joseph was called and interpreted the dreams: seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh made Joseph second only to himself.

When famine came, Joseph's brothers travelled to Egypt for food. Joseph tested them by secretly placing a silver cup in Benjamin's sack. Judah pleaded, "Please take me instead — let Benjamin go home to our father." Joseph saw that his brothers had changed. He revealed himself:

"I am Joseph. Come closer. Don't be afraid. You meant evil against me, but God used it for good, to save many lives."

Joseph invited his family to live in Egypt. He trusted God in good times and bad. He remained faithful in slavery, in prison, and in power. Through forgiveness and God's guidance, a family was restored.

PowerPoint Class — "God's Grace Inspires Service" (The Life of Paul)

Our big theme is this: God's grace inspires service. When God shows us grace, we don't just sit still — we serve Him with our whole lives.

Episode 1 — God picked me. I used to chase Christians and try to stop them, but Jesus didn't give up on me. He showed me grace. He said, "You're my chosen messenger." If God can lead me, He can use anyone. That's grace, and grace inspires service.

Episode 2 — Bold preaching. We went to a new town and preached boldly about Jesus, and God moved. Some believed, some caused trouble. God's grace gave us courage to keep going.

Episode 3 — A miracle and a mix-up. We healed a man who had never walked, and then the crowd tried to worship us. We said, "No way — we're just people like you." Miracles point to Jesus, not us. Grace keeps us humble.

Episode 4 — Unity in Corinth. People argued about everything. I told them it's not about the preacher, it's about Jesus. We plant seeds; God makes them grow. Grace brings unity, and unity helps us serve.

Episode 5 — Love that never gives up. Paul said, "Love is patient, love is kind, and love never gives up." You can be talented, but without love it's just noise. Grace teaches us to love, and love shows in service.

Episode 6 — Who belongs? Everyone. Jesus broke down the wall between people. Now everyone belongs in God's family. Grace welcomes, and welcoming others is service.

Episode 7 — Leaders who shine. Paul trained leaders. He lived with honesty and self-control. He's coming for all ages, and grace shapes character.

Episode 8 — Following God even when it's hard. Paul's friends begged him not to go to Jerusalem, but he obeyed God. Grace gave him courage.

Episode 9 — Arrested but still preaching. I was arrested by soldiers and shared my story. When they found out I was a Roman citizen, they became more respectful — because grace changed me. Grace inspired service all the way to the finish line.

Episode 10 — God's word: pure gold. God's word goes well beyond refreshments and gold — it's even more precious. If you want to serve, start with this word.

Episode 11 — "I have finished the race." My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task Jesus gave me — telling the good news of God's grace.

Family, our story says this: God's grace uses your stories, your gifts, and even your mistakes — just like He used Paul, and He can use all of us today.