Christian Illustration - Bible Lessons from the Olympics: Go for the Gold, Go for God

"...I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:12-14

Going for the Gold!

That is the aim and aspiration of the vast company of athletes who assemble every four years from all over the world to take part in the Olympic Games. For them, to stand on the winner's podium, be hailed as a hero, with the strains of their home country's national anthem ringing in their ears, emotion etched on their tear stained faces, would make all the sacrifice and strenuous effort worthwhile.

You know, the Christian life is no different. Paul sees it as a race! It is not a 100 yard dash. It is a marathon cross-country. Of necessity, we are to abandon our own selfish ambitions so that we may wholeheartedly pursue the goal that is set before us. Nothing must hinder or hamper our steady progress. It is not a spectator sport but one of active participation by all. Down the straight, round the bend, over the hurdle, in the final analysis, consistency is what really matters.

There will be frustration as we strive to attain spiritual fitness. Many tears may be shed as we county the cost of getting rid of the excess baggage. The pain barrier must be broken if we are to keep on going. But, even though we may not all be winners by nature, with the spiritual instincts of the new man reigning within, we can conquer all and cross the finishing line in triumph.

Awaiting us is Christ, the One who has gone on before. No greater incentive can be given; no other motivation should be required. That's why we pull out all the stops, with every fibre of our being, stretching all the sinews, as we keep the end in view. What an exhilarating prospect.

Let's go for the gold...and go for God!

This was Paul's thinking. It was his game plan. And, he stuck rigidly to it. Like him, we want to be there at the end. Paul shows us how to do it in Philippians 3:12-16. He leaves us a few tips that are designed to enhance our performance in the race ahead:

Be realistic - know where you are at
Be single minded - learn the art of concentration
Be forward looking - resist the temptation to look back
Be a plodder - don't be a dropout on the last lap
Be sensible - know the rules and stick to them

Winning moves. Yes! Absorb them and get yourself down to the track!

Author: Sam Gordon

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Go for the Gold
Need an evangelistic Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series with an Olympic Theme?

What is salvation all about? What does it mean to be saved? This sports themed Bible Study / Camp Curriculum uses the Olympic Flag to introduce the concepts of sin (black circle), forgiveness (red circle), purity (white background), spiritual growth (green circle), heaven (Yellow Circle) and (Baptism) blue circle.
-> Tell me about "Go for the Gold"

Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on "Running the Christian Race"?

The race as a metaphor for the Christian life is used in several places in the Bible. This series is a great follow up for new Christians or to re-emphasize the basics of our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This Bible Study / Camp Curriculum has a sports theme and is great for athletes as well as a tie in to the youth Olympic Games.
->Tell me about "Destined to Win"

Christian Illustration: The Value of Time

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed his exam and has to repeat a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has eight kids to feed.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask someone who is on his deathbed.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has survived an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in Olympics.

Whether we are in our youth, in the prime of life, or in our golden years, we must all remember to treasure every moment we have...

For More Christian Youth Illustrations, Visit my site at Youth Illustrations 

Go for the Gold
Need an evangelistic Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series with an Olympic Theme?

What is salvation all about? What does it mean to be saved? This sports themed Bible Study / Camp Curriculum uses the Olympic Flag to introduce the concepts of sin (black circle), forgiveness (red circle), purity (white background), spiritual growth (green circle), heaven (Yellow Circle) and (Baptism) blue circle.
-> Tell me about "Go for the Gold"

Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on "Running the Christian Race"?

The race as a metaphor for the Christian life is used in several places in the Bible. This series is a great follow up for new Christians or to re-emphasize the basics of our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This Bible Study / Camp Curriculum has a sports theme and is great for athletes as well as a tie in to the youth Olympic Games.
->Tell me about "Destined to Win"

Youth Illustrations: Parable of the Donkey

There is an ancient story about a father and his son walking along a road one day with a donkey.  Soon they met a man who told them how foolish they were to walk when they had a donkey that could be ridden.  So the  father and son hopped on.

 

They hadn't gotten very far when another man criticized them for both riding the donkey.  They were too heavy for it,  he contended and

were being inhumane.. so the boy got off.

 

It wasn't long before a third traveler accused the father of being inconsiderate because he made his son walk while he rode donkey.  So the two switched places.

 

Soon they met another person who thought the son was not being thoughtful of his father who was so much older than he.  When last seen, the two were trudging down the road carrying the donkey.

 

Moral of the story?

 

Too often we live our life trying to live up to other's expectations.  If you are trying to meet all the expectations of others, you will end up carrying a needless burden  of guilt and inadequacy.

 

Don't base your life on the expectations of others... be all that GOD created you to be... Jeremiah 29:11-14

 

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Christian Illustration: The Cure

The day is over, you are driving home. You tune in your radio. You hear a little blurb about a little village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a flu that has never been seen before. It's not influenza, but three or four fellows are dead, and it's kind of interesting, and they're sending some doctors over there to investigate it.

You don't think much about it, but on Sunday, coming home from church, you hear another radio spot. Only they say it's not three villagers, it's30,000 villagers in the back hills of this particular area of India, and it's on TV that night. CNN runs a little blurb; people are heading there from the disease center in Atlanta because this disease strain has never been seen before.

By Monday morning when you get up, it's the lead story. For it's not just India; it's Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and before you know it, you're hearing this story everywhere and they have coined it now as "the mystery flu". The President has made some comment that he and everyone are praying and hoping that all will go well over there. But everyone is wondering, "How are we going to contain it?"

That's when the President of France makes an announcement that shocks Europe. He is closing their borders. No flights from India, Pakistan, or any of the countries where this thing has been seen.

And that's why that night you are watching a little bit of CNN before going to bed. Your jaw hits your chest when a weeping woman is translated from a French news program into English: "There's a man lying in a hospital in Paris dying of the mystery flu." It has come to Europe. Panic strikes. As best they can tell, once you get it, you have it for a week and you don't know it. Then you have four days of unbelievable symptoms. And then you die.

Britain closes it's borders, but it's too late. South Hampton, Liverpool, North Hampton, and it's Tuesday morning when the President of the United States makes the following announcement: "Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been canceled. If your loved ones are overseas, I'm sorry. They cannot come back until we find a cure for this thing."

Within four days our nation has been plunged into an unbelievable fear. People are selling little masks for your face. People are talking about what if it comes to this country, and preachers on Tuesday are saying, "It's the scourge of God."

It's Wednesday night and you are at a church prayer meeting when somebody runs in from the parking lot and says, "Turn on a radio, turn on a radio." And while the church listens to a little transistor radio with a microphone placed close to it, the announcement is made. "Two women are lying in a Long Island hospital dying from the mystery flu." Within hours it seems, this thing just sweeps across the country. People are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working. California. Oregon. Arizona. Florida .Massachusetts. It's as though it's just sweeping in from the borders.

And then, all of a sudden the news comes out. The code has been broken. A cure can be found. A vaccine can be made. It's going to take the blood of somebody who hasn't been infected, and so, sure enough, all through the Midwest, through all those channels of emergency broadcasting, everyone is asked to do one simple thing: "Go to your downtown hospital and have your blood type taken. That's all we ask of you. And when you hear the sirens go off in your neighborhood, please make your way quickly, quietly, and safely to the hospitals."

Sure enough, when you and your family get down there late on that Friday night, there is a long line, and they've got nurses and doctors coming out and pricking fingers and taking blood and putting labels on it. Your wife and your kids are out there, and they take your blood type and they say, "Wait here in the parking lot and if we call your name, you can be dismissed and go home."

You stand around scared with your neighbors, wondering what in the world is going on, and that this is the end of the world. Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He's yelling a name and waving a clipboard. What? He yells it again! And your son tugs on your jacket and says, "Daddy, that's me."

Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy. "Wait a minute, hold it!"

And they say, "It's okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn't have the disease. We think he has got the right type."

Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses, crying and hugging one another -- some are even laughing. It's the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and an old doctor walks up to you and says, 

"Thank you, sir. Your son's blood type is perfect. It's clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine." As the word begins to spread all across that parking lot full of folks, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying.

But then the gray-haired doctor pulls you and you wife aside and says, "May we see you for a moment? We didn't realize that the donor would be a minor and we need ... we need you to sign a consent form."

You begin to sign and then you see that the number of pints of blood to be taken is empty. "H-h-h-how many pints?"

And that is when the old doctor's smile fades and he says, " We had no idea it would be a little child. We weren't prepared. We need it all!"

"But ... but ...."

"You don't understand. We are talking about the world here. Please sign. We -- we need it all -- we need it all!"

"But can't you give him a transfusion?"

"If we had clean blood we would."

Can you sign? Would you sign? In numb silence you do. Then they say, "Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?" Can you walk back? Can you walk back to that room where he sits on a table saying, "Daddy? Mommy? What's going on?"

Can you take his hands and say, "Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never ever let anything happen to you that didn't just have to be. Do you understand that?"

And when that old doctor comes back in and says, "I'm sorry, we've -- we've got to get started. People all over the world are dying."

Can you leave? Can you walk out while he is saying, "Dad? Mom? Dad? Why? Why have you forsaken me?"

And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honor your son, and some folks sleep through it, and some folks don't even come because they go to the lake, and some folks come with a pretentious smile and just pretend to care. Would you want to jump up and say, "MY SON DIED! DON'T YOU CARE?

Is that what God wants to say? "MY SON DIED. DON'T YOU KNOW HOW MUCHI CARE?"

"Father, seeing it from your eyes breaks our hearts. Maybe now we can begin to comprehend the great love you have for us. Amen."

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Youth Sermon Illustrations: Blessed through Prayer

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.

The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food.

The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing.

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could  leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything."

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us.

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Youth Illustrations: Some Youth are Like Potatoes

Some youth like to tell others what do do, but don't want to soil their own hands.
They are called "Dic Taters."

Some youth never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work.
They are called "Speck Taters."

Some youth never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work.
They are called "Comment Taters."

Some youth are always looking to cause problems by asking others tovagree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet.
They are called "Agie Taters."

There are youth who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help.
They are called "Hezzie Taters."

Some youth can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not.
They are called "Emma Taters."

Then there are those youth who love and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand and bring real sunshine into the lives of others.
They are called "Sweet Taters."

In any group of people, whether it be a group of youth or a group of adults, you will find the the various members of the tater family. This is also true of the family of God - the church.  There will always be people who want to control, who stir things up and agitate, who are quick to proved negative comment. Then there will be those who will simply watch and do nothing, or hesitate to do something.  There will be those who pretend to be something they are not. The Bible calls them hypocrites.

Fortunately, in spite of all these, there will be those who accept the call of God to live the life he has chosen.

• Instead of dictators, they will yield to God.
• They will not be content to watch God at work but will join God in His work.
• Their comments will edify rather than tear down.
• Instead of agitators, they will be peacemakers.
• Rather then hesitate, they will boldly step out in faith.
• They will be imitators of Christ, and people will know them by their sweet spirits.

And God will use such youth, to change the world!

So, kind of "tater" are you?

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Christian Illustration: Thank You God for My Dad

Dear God,

Thanks for giving me a daddy. You knew just what I’d need! In case you need to make daddies for other kids, I thought you might like to know what I like best about the one you sent me:

A good dad ...

1. knows everything (like how to tie shoes and drive a car)
2. is really smart (he even knows where the wind goes after it blows through the trees)
3. has a forgiving heart (for when I mess up)
4. is loaded with patience, patience, patience (he probably won’t need it, but just in case...)
5. has a comfy lap and a big laugh (you understand about that, don’t you?)
6. tells me all about you and your son.

Your friend,

A Kid

P.S. I almost left out the best part! A good dad has real strong arms (to catch me when I fall. He says you’re just like that, too.)

[Source: Max Lucado, What Makes a Good Dad]

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Youth Illustrations: Dad Is

A dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.

He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends ~
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!

He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong.

In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part ~
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart ~

And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!

Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
 

but, especially, for just being you!

Author Unknown

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