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This "Choral Reading" is a particularly effective as a way to present the scripture reading of Matthew 7: 7-11, celebrating God's eagerness to give us the desires of our hearts. It is a captivating opening for a sermon on God's love and our role in surrendering control and inviting Him into our lives.
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Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn."The characters experience being sad because they aren't perfect. Pastor Rufus challenges them to "be perfect" by offering them T-shirts if they are perfect. They realize that we are incapable of living the Christian life on their own merit or power. They need God’s forgiveness and the indwelling power of His Spirit.
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Jesus said, "Blessed are the persecuted." Harvey receives persecution from the other characters because he doesn't want to do something that he knows wouldn't please God. Pastor Rufus supports Harvey's decision and tells Harvey that it is far better to stand up for what you know God would want you to do rather than go along with the crowd and disobey Him.
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In this Skit Package, Harvey and Tina's family experience "bad" things. Harvey doesn't get picked to be on the baseball team; Tina gets very sick; the family can't pay their bills; their car breaks, and their dad loses his job. Dad shares a message of hope from the scriptures and tells the family to worship God even during “bad” times.