The word “gospel” literally means good news, but it includes the bad news about our natural sinful state and its consequences as well as the good news about God’s plan to redeem all nations through His Son, Jesus. Jesus died for our sins and rose again to give eternal life to all who put their trust in Him! Although the provision of the gospel is global, the gospel message demands a personal response.
Family Activity
Teaching Time: 15 minutes
Materials: mirror, chocolate pudding/mud, masking tape
God created Adam and Eve to reflect Him perfectly, just as this mirror reflects your image. Have everyone look in the mirror. Their hearts were pure and filled with love for their Creator. Then Adam and Eve chose their own way rather than God’s way. We call this sin. Their hearts no longer reflected their holy, perfect Creator. The bad news is that each of us is born with a sinful heart. We naturally choose our own way. Our sin separates each of us from God and leads to death. Attach two pieces of tape to the mirror to form a cross. The good news is that God provided a way for our sins to be removed. Jesus, God’s perfect Son, died on the cross, taking the punishment for the sins of each one of us. Can you think of ways that we sin? Have the children spread streaks of pudding/mud on the mirror as they name sins. Continue until the mirror and cross are completely covered. Ask the children to go wash their hands and then come back. While they are gone, peel off the tape. (The kids will be excited to see the cross shape shining through.) Jesus rose from the dead, bringing us back into a relationship with God, giving us eternal life, and making us holy in God’s sight. Give each child a chance to see his reflection in the cross shape. When God looks at us, He sees us through the work that Jesus did on the cross. Now that’s good news!
Discuss:
1. Read Romans 6:23a and Isaiah 59:2. What are two results of my sin? Now read Romans 6:23b and 1 John 3:1a. How does a relationship with Jesus change my life?
2. Read Acts 4:12. Why is it important for us to share the gospel? Who do we know that needs to hear this message?
Pray:
Ask God to give you opportunities to share the gospel with relatives, friends, and neighbors.