Two Birthdays?
Items Needed: Baby pictures, Bible, writing utensil
Bring out baby pictures and talk to your children about the day they were born. Talk about the pictures and how happy you were. If they were adopted, talk about the happy day they became part of your family.
Ask your children if they know how we become part of God’s family. Then read John 3:1–9, 16 to review Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus.
*** Just as Nicodemus didn’t understand how he could be “born again,” your children might need some explanation. Their answers should give you some insight into their understanding and readiness. ***
Share these simple truths about being “born” into God’s family with your children.
God loves you and wants you to be in His family (John 3:16).
We have all sinned and gone our own way (Romans 3:23).
Jesus came to earth and died on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).
We must believe Jesus died for our sins and came alive again (Romans 10:9).
We need to receive God into our lives and His forgiveness for our sin.
If your children understand the basic truths about salvation, ask them if they would like to receive Jesus into their lives. (Doing this on a one-to-one basis is best.)
Write down the date they received Jesus. CELEBRATE it every year! Make it a fun day! Two birthdays every year! (They will be the envy of all their friends, and it will be a great chance to share the gospel with them.)
What Is Salvation?
Item Needed: Device with internet connection
Watch a 2–minute video explaining salvation to children. Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMkOBjVN3As
After watching the video, ask your children a few questions to review and get a better grasp of their understanding of salvation.
Who created you and loves you more than anyone else? (God)
What is sin? (Anything we think, say, or do that goes against God’s way)
Do we all sin? (Yes, we all sin, and sin separates us from God.)
What did God do to fix our sin problem? (He sent His Son to die on a cross.)
Where will we live one day if we ask God to forgive us? (Heaven)
Pray together thanking God for His Son and the gift of Salvation.
Celebrate!
Items Needed: Bible, special treats
Read Luke 15:7 together as a family and discuss how Heaven celebrates every time one person repents of sin and chooses to become a part of God’s family. Remind your children that Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for our sin and allows us to have a new life. Emphasize that when we ask Jesus to be our Savior, we receive the gift of Heaven. Celebrate with a special treat together and discuss what a celebration in Heaven might be like.