Pokémon Training

1st - What exactly is pokémon?

• one of 152 different "pocket monsters"
• challenges to collect, trade, to become the best trainer
• animated series which started in Japan ('96) & in America ('98)
• variety of characters which appeals to both genders
• emotional storyline
• each episode ends with a moral

observation:

• each has it's own personality, strengths, & weaknesses. some are good, others bad.
• takes courage/skill of "battle" to improve enough to "evolve"
• they never die in battle, either you catch them or they become wild
• once caught remain loyal
• when put in a situation they don't like, they stop listening
• wants a friend, not a master
• win= get badges
• can only know 4 techniques @ a time
• can only carry 6 @ a time
• have to take care of

Top 10 way to care for Pokémon:

10. regular checkups

9. trade with a friend

8. keep a well stocked first aid kit

7. start slowly with training

6. practice. practice. practice.

5. stay smart. know everyting about yours

4. take to museum

3. succuss in teamwork

2. must take vitamins

1. LOVE THEM, they're not just fighters, they want to be friends.

What can you learn from Pokémon?

You can be a pokémon trainer in or out of the game itself. Anyone can be a trainer from parents to influential people.

God blesses those who realize their need for Him,

for their Kindom is given to them.

God blesses those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,

for the whole earth will belong to them.

God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,

for they will receive it in full.

God blesses those who are merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

for they will see God.

God blesses those who work for peace,

for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God,

for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Matthew 5 : 1 - 10 (NLV)

Just like in pokémon you gotta catch 'em all the Beatitudes are just the same you gotta catch 'em all. Here's a quick list..

poor in spirit (self-acceptance) - know you need God

mourn (empathy) - show sympathy to others

meek (gentleness) - strength from within

righteousness (spirituality) - in all decision making

merciful (sensitivity) - positive action to correct

pure in heart (transparency) - outward showing of an inward change

peacemaker (peacemaking) - reach compromises where both benefit

persecution (endurance) - withstand even hard objectives

gotta catch 'em all

remember even though you may not want to admit it, pokémon is a fad like the beanie babies. enjoy them while they're out but remember...

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God will stand forever. Isaiah 40 : 8

pokémon will eventually fall, but the Beatitudes will last forever.

begin your training now as a Christian Trainer.

Sermon from PPUMC P3 service Oct. 31, 1999

click here for more pikachu pictures