Title:  Guaranteed Forever

Theme:  Jesus promises eternal life! (Easter 4-C)

Object: A product which carries a lifetime guarantee.  Some that come to mind are Tupperware®, Rubbermaid®, Craftsman® hand tools.

Scripture:  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.  John 10:27-29 (NIV)

Last week I went to the store and bought a new hammer.  Do you know why I bought this particular hammer?  It is because it is guaranteed forever.  The guarantee on this hammer says, "If this tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, return it for free repair or replacement."

That is great, isn't it?  If I ever break this hammer, all I have to do is take it back to the store and they will either fix it or give me a new hammer.

Wait a minute!  What if I lose my hammer?  This guarantee doesn't say that they will replace the hammer if I lose it.  What if someone steals it?  I guess if I lose my hammer, or someone breaks into my garage and steals it, I'm out of luck.

Wouldn't it be great if something was guaranteed to last forever - and was guaranteed that you couldn't lose it and nobody could steal it?  Well, there is!

Jesus has promised everlasting life to those who trust and believe in him.  Listen to his guarantee!

"My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never die!"

Is it guaranteed that no one can steal it?  It sure is!

Jesus said, "No one can snatch them out of my hand."

Eternal life that you can't lose and no one can take it away.  That's a guarantee that no one can match!

Dear Father, we thank you for your guarantee of everlasting life through Jesus Christ.  In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.