“Children are not just the future of the Church; they are also the present. Their hearts are open and ready to receive God's love, embrace salvation, and be born again. As we guide them on this journey, we witness the incredible power of God transforming their lives, igniting their faith, and shaping a generation dedicated to His Kingdom."
Introduction:
Teaching children about salvation and being born again is an important aspect of their spiritual growth.
Understanding these concepts lays a strong foundation for their faith journey. In this blog, we will explore how to explain salvation in a fun and engaging way, using object lessons, Bible verses, and discussion questions that parents and children's ministry leaders can use to guide meaningful conversations with kids aged 7-12.
Object Lesson: "The Puzzle of Salvation"
Materials Needed:
A jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces
Instructions:
Begin by presenting a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces to the children. Explain that just like the missing pieces complete the puzzle, we are incomplete without Jesus in our lives.
As you place the missing pieces one by one, discuss how accepting Jesus into our hearts completes us and brings us into a relationship with Him.
Emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, and through faith in Jesus, we can experience new life and eternal relationship with Him.
Bible Verses to Share:
John 3:16 (NIV) - "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."
Romans 10:9 (NIV) - "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Discussion Questions:
1. Why do you think Jesus is important for our salvation?
What does it mean to be born again or have a new life in Christ?
2. How does accepting Jesus into our hearts change our lives?
3. How can we share the good news of salvation with others?
4. How can we continue to grow in our faith after accepting Jesus as our Savior?
Craft Idea: "Salvation Bracelets"
Materials Needed:
Assorted colored beads
Elastic string or cord
Instructions:
Provide each child with a set of colored beads and elastic string. Instruct them to create a bracelet by threading the beads onto the string in a specific order:
Yellow: Represents God's love and creation.
Brown muddy colour: Represents sin and separation from God.
Red: Represents Jesus' sacrifice and the blood He shed for our salvation.
White: Represents the forgiveness and cleansing we receive through Jesus.
Green: Represents new life and growth in Christ.
As the children create their bracelets, encourage them to discuss the significance of each color and how it relates to salvation.
Easy Challenge of the Week:
Encourage children to wear their salvation bracelets and share the story of salvation with a friend or family member. They can explain the meaning of each color and how it represents God's love and the gift of new life in Jesus.
