As parents, we desire for our kids to believe in Jesus and to live for Him. In fact, deciding to believe in Jesus is the biggest decision that your child will make throughout their entire life. There is no bigger decision.
When our kids are young and they begin to process the Gospel, we are excited, but also somewhat uneasy with the conversation because we want to make sure they "get it." We ask questions like:
We are all searching for a way we can feel totally at ease while trusting they will “get it” in their heart and mind. Why do we make this so hard? What if we tried the simple approach of learning and discovery? Would it make a difference if we took the time to explain the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of becoming a child of God?
WHO
Who is God?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 Open your Bible to Genesis and talk to the children about creation. God created all living things for a purpose. He wants us to enjoy fellowship with Him and have a personal relationship with Him. There are so many names for God and each have a unique meaning. Look for a list and help the kids choose a name that has a special significance for them.
Who is Jesus?
Most boys and girls have heard the story of baby Jesus in the manger or know that Jesus died on the cross. Discuss the following Bible verses which are simple, yet state the obvious facts. Jesus is the Christ and He is the only way to the Father!
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20: 30-31
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
WHAT
What did Jesus do for me?
Jesus made the way for us to get to heaven! Boys and girls need to know that Jesus came to earth and lived a life without sin. He was nailed to a cross and died for their sin and the sins of the entire world. He was put in a tomb, but rose from the grave and He is in heaven preparing a place for all those who believe in Him. Relating the story to their life and future can make a difference.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
WHEN
When do I need to make a decision to believe in and follow Jesus?
Share your faith story with them. Let them feel safe and ask questions. When they understand that they have sinned and that Jesus died and rose again to pay the price for their sin, to forgive them, and to begin a forever relationship with them, they are ready to believe, too.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
WHERE
Where do I need to make a decision for Jesus?
This may seem like a silly question, but it is often misunderstood. Walking down the aisle of a church or to an altar does not make you a Christian. You can ask Jesus to be your Savior anywhere.
WHY?
Why should I make this decision?
God created each of us because He loves us and He wants to have a relationship with us where we love Him, follow Him, and tell others about Him. Without Jesus, it is impossible to have a relationship with God. Without Jesus, our sins remain unforgiven and we will live eternally seperated from God in Hell. [Never use the reality of hell to scare a child into believing in Jesus, but don't hold back from the fact that there is a penalty to sin for those who die without Jesus.]
Psalm 139:13-14 “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my Mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
So let’s review:
As you can see, this is not a quick process. Relationships are the key and relationships take time that's why we partner with parents to lead kids to believe in Jesus. When your child is ready to believe, we encourage you to mark this special moment with a prayer:
"Jesus, thank you for loving me and for coming for me. Thank you for dying on the cross to forgive me of my sins. I believe that you are my Savior. I know that I will live with you forever. In Jesus, Name, Amen."
When our kids are young and they begin to process the Gospel, we are excited, but also somewhat uneasy with the conversation because we want to make sure they "get it." We ask questions like:
- Are they old enough to believe?
- Do they know enough to believe?
- If they believe now, will they forget it later?
We are all searching for a way we can feel totally at ease while trusting they will “get it” in their heart and mind. Why do we make this so hard? What if we tried the simple approach of learning and discovery? Would it make a difference if we took the time to explain the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of becoming a child of God?
WHO
Who is God?
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 Open your Bible to Genesis and talk to the children about creation. God created all living things for a purpose. He wants us to enjoy fellowship with Him and have a personal relationship with Him. There are so many names for God and each have a unique meaning. Look for a list and help the kids choose a name that has a special significance for them.
Who is Jesus?
Most boys and girls have heard the story of baby Jesus in the manger or know that Jesus died on the cross. Discuss the following Bible verses which are simple, yet state the obvious facts. Jesus is the Christ and He is the only way to the Father!
“Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20: 30-31
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
WHAT
What did Jesus do for me?
Jesus made the way for us to get to heaven! Boys and girls need to know that Jesus came to earth and lived a life without sin. He was nailed to a cross and died for their sin and the sins of the entire world. He was put in a tomb, but rose from the grave and He is in heaven preparing a place for all those who believe in Him. Relating the story to their life and future can make a difference.
“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
WHEN
When do I need to make a decision to believe in and follow Jesus?
Share your faith story with them. Let them feel safe and ask questions. When they understand that they have sinned and that Jesus died and rose again to pay the price for their sin, to forgive them, and to begin a forever relationship with them, they are ready to believe, too.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
WHERE
Where do I need to make a decision for Jesus?
This may seem like a silly question, but it is often misunderstood. Walking down the aisle of a church or to an altar does not make you a Christian. You can ask Jesus to be your Savior anywhere.
WHY?
Why should I make this decision?
God created each of us because He loves us and He wants to have a relationship with us where we love Him, follow Him, and tell others about Him. Without Jesus, it is impossible to have a relationship with God. Without Jesus, our sins remain unforgiven and we will live eternally seperated from God in Hell. [Never use the reality of hell to scare a child into believing in Jesus, but don't hold back from the fact that there is a penalty to sin for those who die without Jesus.]
Psalm 139:13-14 “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my Mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
So let’s review:
- Who is God? God is creator. He loves you and has a plan for your life.
- Who is Jesus? Jesus is God’s Son and He is the only way to have eternal life.
- What did Jesus do for me? Jesus died for my sin and made a way for me to get to heaven.
- When do I need to make a decision to believe in Jesus? When I understand that I have sinned and that Jesus died and rose again to pay the price for my sin, to forgive me, and to begin a forever relationship with me.
- Where do I need to make a decision for Jesus? Does my child have to be at church to believe in Jesus? No. It doesn’t matter about the place or the posture, their faith is the important part.
- Why should I make a decision to believe in and follow Jesus? God created me for a purpose and He wants me to be in heaven with Him. Once I become a Christian, I also have the responsibility to obey God and to share Jesus’ love with others.
As you can see, this is not a quick process. Relationships are the key and relationships take time that's why we partner with parents to lead kids to believe in Jesus. When your child is ready to believe, we encourage you to mark this special moment with a prayer:
"Jesus, thank you for loving me and for coming for me. Thank you for dying on the cross to forgive me of my sins. I believe that you are my Savior. I know that I will live with you forever. In Jesus, Name, Amen."
Posted in Family Discipleship