Sermon

I'll Be Back!

Theme

Jesus will return and take us home to heaven.

Object

None needed, but you could use a book such as "We're Moving" published by the WeWrite Corporation or "Let's Make a Move" by Beverly Roman. You can probably find a book at your public library or call a local moving company and see if they might have a free brochure or booklet.

Scripture

"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. John 14:26,28 (NIV)

Has your family ever moved from one city to another? Sometimes, a move to a new city can be very difficult for a family. It can be especially hard for children. There have been many books written to help children adjust to moving to a new city.

This morning I want to tell you a story about a boy named Andrew. Andrew's dad had a new job and the family was moving to a new city. Since it was so close to the end of the school year, it was decided that it would be better if Andrew stayed behind to finish the school year.

It was hard for Andrew to be left behind, but his father explained that they would go ahead and find a place for them to live and make sure that it was ready when it was time for him to join them. He told Andrew that there was nothing to worry about because he would be staying with some very good friends who would look after him and make sure that he had everything he needed.

During the time that Andrew was separated from his parents, his parents called to talk to him on the phone every day. They told him about their new home and how much he was going to like it. It helped Andrew a lot to talk to his parents and to know that they would soon come for him and he would join them in his new home.

That is very much like what Jesus has done for us. Before Jesus returned to heaven to be with his Father, he said that he was going to heaven to prepare a place for us. He promised that he would come again and take us to our new home in heaven.

When Jesus went to heaven, he didn't leave us alone. He asked his Father to send the Holy Spirit to watch over us, teach us, and remind us of all that he has told us in the Bible. Not only that, we can talk to Jesus every day in prayer. In fact, I would like to talk to him right now.

Dear Jesus, we are thankful that you are in heaven preparing a home for us. We thank you for the Holy Spirit who guides us and comforts us each day and we look forward to the day when we join you in our new home in heaven. Amen.