S is for Sacrament

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[BLANK_AUDIO] [BLANK_AUDIO] What are you doing back there behind that bush? >> Oh, man, I was hoping you couldn't see me touring. >> Why were you hoping I wouldn't see you TJ?

Are you playing hide and seek or something? >> I'm not exactly. I was pretending to be a spy, a super secret spy. I wanted to be invisible to others, but I worked on my case. >> Oh, that's a fun game, can I play too?

What's the case you try to solve? >> I'm solving the case of the invisible sign. >> The invisible sign? Okay, let me join back back inside and I'll come play too. [BLANK_AUDIO]

“>> Hey, Tori, welcome home from school, how was your day?”

>> It was super dad. >> Super dad, I like the sound of that. >> No dad, I mean, my day was super. >> Oh, all right, I'm glad you had a super day. Are you going to come inside and get started on homework?

Or are you going back outside to play with TJ? >> I'm going to play outside with TJ. I don't have a lot of homework today, so I think I'll have plenty of time to play spies of TJ. >> Oh, you're playing spies?

How fun? What are you trying to solve as spies? >> We're working on the case of the invisible sign. At least, that's what TJ said. I need to find out more before I join his game, I think.

I want to be much help right now. I don't know any signs that are invisible. Not so fast, Tori, I actually think you do. >> I do. >> That's right.

We've learned about some signs that are visible, but they point us to something that is invisible. Do you remember what they are?

“>> Visible signs, that point is something invisible?”

I'm not sure dad, what is it? >> Well, I think it's an adventure waiting to happen. What do you say spies want to go on an adventure to learn about visible signs and invisible realities? >> Sure, let me get my spy glass and I'll tell TJ

that we'll be off on another adventure. [MUSIC] >> So that's all dad said. He said there are visible signs of invisible realities. What does that even mean, Tori?

>> I'm not sure, but I think I knew where we can start exploring this question. >> What year? >> Right over there. >> In the library? >> That's right, Mr. TJ spy sir.

Let's head to the library and look for our first clues.

I bet if he finds some books about things that are invisible, we'll solve the real dad gave us. >> That's a super solution. Let's go. [MUSIC]

[BLANK_AUDIO]

they might have about invisible things.

>> Great idea to worry, but let's walk there quietly. Remember, the library is a quiet place. >> That's right, it's a great way to practice our spy sneaky. Let's tiptoe as quietly as we can. Spies has been super quiet.

That's right, let's go. [BLANK_AUDIO] >> Well hey there kids, what are you doing? Tiptoeing around the library today. >> On man, Miss Libby saw us.

>> Was I not supposed to see you? >> We're pretending to be spies, Miss Libby.

We're trying to solve a super important case.

>> Oh, I see. What case is that?

“>> What do I have to get what is a visible sign of an invisible reality?”

We were sneaking over to the library computers to look up different things that are invisible. >> Oh, invisible things. That's a great idea. I think I have an idea of just which book you'll need.

Let me go grab it. While I'm gone, you feel free to look up any books you might be interested in on the computer. I'll be right back. [MUSIC] All right, I typed in invisible.

Let me see. There's some books about insects that are nearly invisible. Looks like they're so small, they seem like they're invisible. Could that be it, is your spy TJ? >> That's a good start, spy Tory.

“But I don't think things that are really, really small”

count as something that is invisible. I don't think that any books count as something that is visible that points to an invisible reality. >> Hmm, good point. Let's see what else it says.

About different sounds. It says here sound waves are invisible, but we could hear them could be that. >> Maybe. But did Dad see anything about hearing something?

Or anything like that when he gave you the clue? >> Nope, he did it. Hmm, let's keep searching. TJ, I don't see anything like what that was describing. It must be something very special that it's invisible sign of an invisible reality.

I just wonder what it is. >> All right, kids, I found it. >> You found the book that you were looking for? Oh, thank you. What book is it?

Is it about books? >> Or sounds? >> Nope, it's not about either of those. In fact, it's not just any book. It's the book, the Bible.

The Bible tells us about two things that we get to practice as Christians that are visible signs of an invisible reality. >> What is it that's invisible? >> Well, the Bible tells us that even though we can't see the spirit of God, we know he is working in our hearts.

When we're saved by faith in Jesus, God's spirit lives within us. The Holy Spirit unites us to Jesus, and the Spirit helps us live lives that honor God more and more as we grow and knowing and loving God. We can't see God's spirit.

You could say He's invisible, but His work in our hearts and lives is powerful.

>> So it's the visible part.

“If the Holy Spirit is the invisible part, what is something that we can see?”

That reminds us of the Spirit's invisible work in our hearts. God has given us two sacraments. A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality. They are sacred symbols we can see, touch, and taste that remind us that God's work in our hearts, the work of the gospel, is real.

>> That's it. So a sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality. It's like a picture of the gospel. We can see when we can't really see the work of the gospel in our hearts.

spy, Tori, and spy, TJ, you solved it.

I just have one more question. What are these signs?

“You said the Bible gives us two sacraments.”

Do you know what they are? I sure do. The two sacraments, the church celebrates, are baptism and communion. Baptism is a picture of the gospel we can see and touch.

In baptism, we go under the water as a picture of how Jesus died in our place,

and how we are included in His death through our union with Him. And then we come up out of the water as a sign of how we are united to Jesus in His resurrection, too. >> Tori, we've learned about this. Remember when we explored all about Baptism?

>> That's right, TJ.

“Miss Libby, I think I did the other sacrament.”

Scripture speaks about. >> You do.

I'd love to hear spy, Tori.

>> Is it communion with a Lord supper? >> It is, Tori. Super spy work. Communion is when we eat bread and dip it in the cob, as a reminder of Jesus's body given for us.

In His blood shed for us.

“It's a visible sign of what Jesus did for us.”

>> Well, that's exactly right, Tori. I think you've solved it, TJ and Tori. Oh, but look who is just outside the library doors. Look, Tori, it's Mr. Truman. I invited him to play for our customers as they come into the library.

The library is such a quiet place that I thought it would be nice for folks to hear some songs as they left the library today. On my way back from my lunch break, I passed him. He was singing a song all about the sacraments. Want to go listen in?

>> Sure. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC]

[MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC]

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>> Tiny Theologians, did you love going on the Jesse Tree Adventure with TJ and Tori at Christmas?

Well, guess what?

“They're back, and this time we're celebrating Easter.”

TJ, Tori, and the whole neighborhood are getting to walk you through the true story of Holy Week

from the very first events all the way to the resurrection of Jesus and beyond.

Here's the best part.

“We've created a beautiful felt banner for you to hang in your home with one symbol for each day of the podcast.”

Plus, a matching card set to open your Bible, guide family discussion, and help you see exactly what Jesus has done for you.

The he is risen banner and card set launch soon in the podcast series begins March 28th.

“Visit tinytheologians.shop to learn more.”

We can't wait to celebrate Easter with you.