HOW NOT TO GO TO HEAVEN
John 3:1-17
Verse 12: “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
Ten year old Cassie stood over the gravestone of her grandparents. “Ellie Roberta and Dennis Alexander Hamilton” were both born in 1930, Cassie read. While Dennis died in 1995, Ellie lived another five years. I never knew them, Cassie thought, suddenly sad. Cassie walked to join her family. The cemetery provided pavilions for family get-togethers.
“Hey Mom, are grandma and pop-pop in heaven?” Cassie asked, sitting down at the picnic table.
Cassie’s mom looked straight into her daughter’s eyes, and said, “Yes they are!” Cassie smiled.
She said, “I can’t wait to meet them in heaven one day!”
How does Cassie’s mom know that her parents are in heaven? Believers in Jesus Christ can know for certain where they’ll spend eternity. How can they be sure? Because Romans 10:9 says: “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Belief in Christ is the only ticket that heaven accepts for people’s entry; the only ticket that’s stub is Jesus’ blood. Faulty religions say: surely “if you do your best,” or “you’re not bad enough to be condemned,” you’ll go to heaven. Whoever says that ‘you get to heaven by doing good deeds’ is flat-out wrong. Don’t believe these lies. If your church teaches that, find a new church.
Regardless of what kind of person you are, you choose your eternal home.
The truth is found in God’s Word.
John 3:16 says, “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.”
Check out the lesson, linked below, to learn Jesus’ answer about how to enter into the kingdom of God. Being ‘born again’ is a matter of faith. Faith in Christ Jesus. Everyone who believes in Jesus is “born again” into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Take Home Nugget
“How do you know for sure that grandma and pop-pop are in heaven?” Cassie pressed her mom.
“Because they raised me in a church where we spoke our faith in Jesus Christ, that the Father raised Him from the dead, and that we will rise after we die,” was her answer.
That’s the only correct answer. Any other answer is how not to go to heaven. What eternal home do you choose? What ticket stub is in your pocket?
Abba Father, Lead me straight into heaven with true belief about Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, USA!
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for How Not to Go to Heaven
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, May 31, 2013
How Not to Go to Heaven
HOW NOT TO GO TO HEAVEN
John 3:1-17
Verse 12: “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
Ten year old Cassie lingered in front of the gravestone of her grandparents. “Ellie Roberta and Dennis Alexander Hamilton” were both born in 1930, Cassie read. While Dennis died in 1995, Ellie lived another five years. I never knew them Cassie thought.
Her heart drooped, imagining how fun it would have been to have grandparents spoil her—for at least for a few years. She ran to her mom, who was serving up barbequed chicken and corn on the cob to her family. The cemetery provided pavilions for family get-togethers.
“Hey Mom, are grandma and pop-pop in heaven?” Cassie asked, sitting down at the picnic table.
Cassie’s mom put down the tongs, and looked into her daughter’s eyes when she said, “Yes they are!”
Cassie smiled. She said, “I can’t wait to meet them in heaven one day!”
How does Cassie’s mom know that her parents are in heaven? Believers in Jesus Christ can know for certain where they’ll spend eternity. How can they be sure? Because Romans 10:9 says: “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Belief in Christ is the only ticket that gets anyone into heaven. That’s it. We must not believe faulty theology that says “if you do your best,” or “you’re not bad enough to be condemned,” you’ll go to heaven. Whoever says that ‘you get to heaven by doing good deeds’ is wrong. They’re all lies. In reality, it doesn’t matter what kind of person you are. The truth is found in God’s Word.
John 3:16 says, “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.”
Check out the lesson, linked below, to learn Jesus’ answer about how to enter into the kingdom of God. Being ‘born again’ is a matter of faith. Faith in Christ Jesus. Everyone who believes in Jesus is “born again” into a new creation.
Take Home Nugget
“But how do you know for sure that grandma and pop-pop are in heaven?” Cassie pressed her mom.
“Because they took me to a church where we spoke our faith in Jesus Christ, and that the Father raised Him from the dead,” was her answer.
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for How Not to Go to Heaven
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
John 3:1-17
Verse 12: “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?”
Ten year old Cassie lingered in front of the gravestone of her grandparents. “Ellie Roberta and Dennis Alexander Hamilton” were both born in 1930, Cassie read. While Dennis died in 1995, Ellie lived another five years. I never knew them Cassie thought.
Her heart drooped, imagining how fun it would have been to have grandparents spoil her—for at least for a few years. She ran to her mom, who was serving up barbequed chicken and corn on the cob to her family. The cemetery provided pavilions for family get-togethers.
“Hey Mom, are grandma and pop-pop in heaven?” Cassie asked, sitting down at the picnic table.
Cassie’s mom put down the tongs, and looked into her daughter’s eyes when she said, “Yes they are!”
Cassie smiled. She said, “I can’t wait to meet them in heaven one day!”
How does Cassie’s mom know that her parents are in heaven? Believers in Jesus Christ can know for certain where they’ll spend eternity. How can they be sure? Because Romans 10:9 says: “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Belief in Christ is the only ticket that gets anyone into heaven. That’s it. We must not believe faulty theology that says “if you do your best,” or “you’re not bad enough to be condemned,” you’ll go to heaven. Whoever says that ‘you get to heaven by doing good deeds’ is wrong. They’re all lies. In reality, it doesn’t matter what kind of person you are. The truth is found in God’s Word.
John 3:16 says, “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.”
Check out the lesson, linked below, to learn Jesus’ answer about how to enter into the kingdom of God. Being ‘born again’ is a matter of faith. Faith in Christ Jesus. Everyone who believes in Jesus is “born again” into a new creation.
Take Home Nugget
“But how do you know for sure that grandma and pop-pop are in heaven?” Cassie pressed her mom.
“Because they took me to a church where we spoke our faith in Jesus Christ, and that the Father raised Him from the dead,” was her answer.
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for How Not to Go to Heaven
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Circle Promise
CIRCLE PROMISE
Genesis 12:2-3
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
When God makes a promise, it’s by covenant. The opening Scripture is God’s oath to Abraham: a promise with a guarantee. The principle of this covenant is the expansion of God’s kingdom rule through His servants—beginning with Abraham. The guarantee is shown that Abraham has been a blessing to all peoples on earth. As father of Ishmael, (who fathered the Arab nations), and father to Isaac, (the father of the Jewish and Judeo-Christian nations), God’s promise of blessing Abraham expanded to bring blessings to us through Abraham.
And God is glorified.
Because believers today are heirs of God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:29), this promise blesses believers and others through us, too. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” The reason God blesses us is the purpose of the original covenant promise—to bless others through us.
And God is glorified.
A steward is someone who manages people, like a warden, supervisor or guardian. It could also be someone who manages resources, like a park ranger. Stewardship is a word describing the personal management of God’s wealth. Blessings of money, blessings of talent, even blessings of natural gifts all need to be stewarded shrewdly so that they’re not wasted. Christian assignment is to steward covenant-promised blessings wisely so that others are blessed through us.
And God is glorified.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). But isn’t it true that it is only because God has given to us that we’re able to give? We are, therefore, obligated to bless someone else! Let’s never forget the source of our blessings: it is God who allows us to work and be productive. God gives us the power to earn money!
How people spend their money is a personal matter between them and the Lord. Handling money prudently is difficult for many people. The lesson, linked below, shows Biblical wisdom for the proper use of money.
Take Home Nugget
Money is a huge issue. The same God of creation, who promises to provide for all of our needs, also teaches us how to handle money sensibly—and to bless others, bringing God glory.
When blessings flow through us to others, God expands our role as givers—allowing us to keep on giving.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Circle Promise
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Genesis 12:2-3
“I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
When God makes a promise, it’s by covenant. The opening Scripture is God’s oath to Abraham: a promise with a guarantee. The principle of this covenant is the expansion of God’s kingdom rule through His servants—beginning with Abraham. The guarantee is shown that Abraham has been a blessing to all peoples on earth. As father of Ishmael, (who fathered the Arab nations), and father to Isaac, (the father of the Jewish and Judeo-Christian nations), God’s promise of blessing Abraham expanded to bring blessings to us through Abraham.
And God is glorified.
Because believers today are heirs of God’s covenant promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:29), this promise blesses believers and others through us, too. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” The reason God blesses us is the purpose of the original covenant promise—to bless others through us.
And God is glorified.
A steward is someone who manages people, like a warden, supervisor or guardian. It could also be someone who manages resources, like a park ranger. Stewardship is a word describing the personal management of God’s wealth. Blessings of money, blessings of talent, even blessings of natural gifts all need to be stewarded shrewdly so that they’re not wasted. Christian assignment is to steward covenant-promised blessings wisely so that others are blessed through us.
And God is glorified.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). But isn’t it true that it is only because God has given to us that we’re able to give? We are, therefore, obligated to bless someone else! Let’s never forget the source of our blessings: it is God who allows us to work and be productive. God gives us the power to earn money!
How people spend their money is a personal matter between them and the Lord. Handling money prudently is difficult for many people. The lesson, linked below, shows Biblical wisdom for the proper use of money.
Take Home Nugget
Money is a huge issue. The same God of creation, who promises to provide for all of our needs, also teaches us how to handle money sensibly—and to bless others, bringing God glory.
When blessings flow through us to others, God expands our role as givers—allowing us to keep on giving.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Circle Promise
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Crafty Wiley Serpent
CRAFTY WILEY SERPENT
Genesis 3:1
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”
“Did your parents forbid you to go to my party?” Michael’s friend asked. The fourteen year olds planned to go to a baseball game, but Michael was grounded. (See Magnificent Grace and God’s Ways=Best devotions).
Michael popped the top off a can of blue paint. He replied, “Mom and dad didn’t even know about your party. I made the stupid decision to attend, and won’t disobey my parents again.”
Good for you, Michael. The devil has a three-fold agenda. His plan is to drive believers away from God, stop their Spiritual growth, and minimize their impact on others for God’s kingdom. Because Satan knows people’s weaknesses, he uses different tactics to gain advantage in believer’s lives. Among them are the elements of surprise, bait whatever attracts attention, and smokescreens that disguise danger, tricking people to fall into temptation.
Satan is persistent. If he can’t get someone to sin one way, he’ll attack from a different angle. That’s why it’s so important for believers to be armed with an abiding friendship with Jesus, our safe haven. Belief in God makes faith a shield during daily warfare. God’s Word extinguishes Satan’s fiery arrows. Don’t forget, the devil declares war on believers every day.
The Lord God is holy; Satan is pure evil. It’s believers’ job to learn how to react to temptation. Because the enemy wants to steal your joy as God’s kid, he’ll stop at nothing to accuse you of wrong doing. It begins in the mind. Forgiven children of God—those who believe in God’s Son Jesus—are seen as righteous before the Father (2 Corinthians 5:21). But the devil reminds you of past mistakes that Jesus has already paid for. They’re forgiven AND forgotten in God’s eyes (Psalm 103:12). Don’t grieve over forgiven sins. Let them go!
The devil is an evil enemy bent on stealing your joy in Christ. Run to Jesus, and He’ll help you overcome the devil. He’s both able and eager to bring you victory. Remember: “Greater is He who is in you [Holy Spirit] than he who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4).
Take Home Nugget
“So, you’re just going to paint this wall blue, instead of hanging out with your buds all weekend?” Michael’s friend asked.
“Yep, that’s exactly my plan!” Michael answered.
Holy, faithful Father, Thank You that You won’t let me be tempted beyond my ability to resist—AND offer me another way out so that I can stand tall during this trial! In Jesus’ precious name and authority, AMEN.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, USA!
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Crafty Wiley Serpent
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Genesis 3:1
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”
“Did your parents forbid you to go to my party?” Michael’s friend asked. The fourteen year olds planned to go to a baseball game, but Michael was grounded. (See Magnificent Grace and God’s Ways=Best devotions).
Michael popped the top off a can of blue paint. He replied, “Mom and dad didn’t even know about your party. I made the stupid decision to attend, and won’t disobey my parents again.”
Good for you, Michael. The devil has a three-fold agenda. His plan is to drive believers away from God, stop their Spiritual growth, and minimize their impact on others for God’s kingdom. Because Satan knows people’s weaknesses, he uses different tactics to gain advantage in believer’s lives. Among them are the elements of surprise, bait whatever attracts attention, and smokescreens that disguise danger, tricking people to fall into temptation.
Satan is persistent. If he can’t get someone to sin one way, he’ll attack from a different angle. That’s why it’s so important for believers to be armed with an abiding friendship with Jesus, our safe haven. Belief in God makes faith a shield during daily warfare. God’s Word extinguishes Satan’s fiery arrows. Don’t forget, the devil declares war on believers every day.
The Lord God is holy; Satan is pure evil. It’s believers’ job to learn how to react to temptation. Because the enemy wants to steal your joy as God’s kid, he’ll stop at nothing to accuse you of wrong doing. It begins in the mind. Forgiven children of God—those who believe in God’s Son Jesus—are seen as righteous before the Father (2 Corinthians 5:21). But the devil reminds you of past mistakes that Jesus has already paid for. They’re forgiven AND forgotten in God’s eyes (Psalm 103:12). Don’t grieve over forgiven sins. Let them go!
The devil is an evil enemy bent on stealing your joy in Christ. Run to Jesus, and He’ll help you overcome the devil. He’s both able and eager to bring you victory. Remember: “Greater is He who is in you [Holy Spirit] than he who is in the world!” (1 John 4:4).
Take Home Nugget
“So, you’re just going to paint this wall blue, instead of hanging out with your buds all weekend?” Michael’s friend asked.
“Yep, that’s exactly my plan!” Michael answered.
Holy, faithful Father, Thank You that You won’t let me be tempted beyond my ability to resist—AND offer me another way out so that I can stand tall during this trial! In Jesus’ precious name and authority, AMEN.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, USA!
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Crafty Wiley Serpent
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
God's Ways=Best
GOD’S WAYS=BEST
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
“Why did you go to the party, Mike?” ten hear old Jeremy asked his big brother (see Magnificent Grace devotion).
“I figured that I could just pop in, say ‘Hi,’ and return before you’d notice that I was gone. You were busy playing video games.”
The boys were sanding a wall that had been repaired in their recreation room. (Mom told them she had chores for them to do, to work off their disobedience that night). Michael snuck out for an hour without asking God for guidance. He didn’t even tell his little brother! Michael’s ways are not God’s ways. Neither are ours.
Jesus’ followers are to submit to His plan for our lives. God’s ways are always the best. We’re to set aside our agendas and focus on our relationship with Jesus. How can we lead God-pleasing lives? Give God our attention.
Where do people learn what pleases God? The Bible is the best place to learn God’s ways. Book of Instruction Before Leaving Earth guides us in all situations. We’re to follow the steps given, confident that God answers prayer. Heed God’s instructions.
The Lord takes responsibility for lives that are committed to Him. He provides everything we need to follow His instructions. We’re to base all our actions and decisions on Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” When we “lean on our own understanding,” our ‘feelings’ betray our ability to follow God’s ways. God’s provision is always adequate.
Every day brings people new choices. What to wear, what to eat, how to respond are decisions we make without thinking twice. Maybe it’s time to include God in every decision, so that He will “make your paths straight.” That means God removes every barrier that hinders reaching your appointed goal, your victory.
The very areas of life that we protect with a “Hand’s Off” sign (where not even God is welcome), are what we need to entrust to God the most. Today is the perfect time to choose victory by handing over to God the keys that drive your heart.
Take Home Nugget
Michael and Jeremy’s mom gave them a broom and dust pan. “Clean up the mess you made by sanding the wall. Tomorrow you can paint the wall blue. Won’t that be fun?”
“How long will it be before we’ve ‘worked out our disobedience,’ Mom?” Michael asked.
“Soon!” was her happy reply.
I Did It God’s Way is the tune victorious believers sing to a world that brags about independent living.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for God’s Ways=Best
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
“Why did you go to the party, Mike?” ten hear old Jeremy asked his big brother (see Magnificent Grace devotion).
“I figured that I could just pop in, say ‘Hi,’ and return before you’d notice that I was gone. You were busy playing video games.”
The boys were sanding a wall that had been repaired in their recreation room. (Mom told them she had chores for them to do, to work off their disobedience that night). Michael snuck out for an hour without asking God for guidance. He didn’t even tell his little brother! Michael’s ways are not God’s ways. Neither are ours.
Jesus’ followers are to submit to His plan for our lives. God’s ways are always the best. We’re to set aside our agendas and focus on our relationship with Jesus. How can we lead God-pleasing lives? Give God our attention.
Where do people learn what pleases God? The Bible is the best place to learn God’s ways. Book of Instruction Before Leaving Earth guides us in all situations. We’re to follow the steps given, confident that God answers prayer. Heed God’s instructions.
The Lord takes responsibility for lives that are committed to Him. He provides everything we need to follow His instructions. We’re to base all our actions and decisions on Philippians 4:13: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” When we “lean on our own understanding,” our ‘feelings’ betray our ability to follow God’s ways. God’s provision is always adequate.
Every day brings people new choices. What to wear, what to eat, how to respond are decisions we make without thinking twice. Maybe it’s time to include God in every decision, so that He will “make your paths straight.” That means God removes every barrier that hinders reaching your appointed goal, your victory.
The very areas of life that we protect with a “Hand’s Off” sign (where not even God is welcome), are what we need to entrust to God the most. Today is the perfect time to choose victory by handing over to God the keys that drive your heart.
Take Home Nugget
Michael and Jeremy’s mom gave them a broom and dust pan. “Clean up the mess you made by sanding the wall. Tomorrow you can paint the wall blue. Won’t that be fun?”
“How long will it be before we’ve ‘worked out our disobedience,’ Mom?” Michael asked.
“Soon!” was her happy reply.
I Did It God’s Way is the tune victorious believers sing to a world that brags about independent living.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for God’s Ways=Best
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Magnificent Grace
MAGNIFICENT GRACE
Luke 15:20
“So he got up and went to his father [the boy who squandered away his inheritance in Restored by Grace devotional series]. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Ten year old Jeremy took off down the street on his bike looking for his fourteen year old brother Michael. Soon, blaring music lured Jeremy straight to Michael’s friend’s house. Jeremy wandered through an open front door.
The smell of weed wafted to Jeremy’s nose. He saw Michael throwing darts, drinking from a bottle of beer. When Michael saw his little brother, he put the beer down on the floor. Michal said, “Just one hour, and we’ll go home.”
Just then, the police stormed inside the house. “Everyone stay put!” The officer ordered the teen aged crowd. At the police station, Michael and Jeremy were questioned, “Where are your parents?”
The boys waited on straight baked chairs. “What do you think mom and dad will do?” Jeremy wondered aloud.
“I don’t know, but I am in hot water!” Michael admitted.
That’s exactly what the boy who frittered away his inheritance thought, too. Would the guys lose family rights, like being disowned by the parents because of their dreadful sins? Fortunately, Luke 15 11-24 shows us exactly what happens when God’s kids mess up—then return home to confess sin. It doesn’t matter how far we wandered away, or for how long, believers in Christ are guaranteed restoration into God’s family. Grace greets wayward Christians with forgiveness and compassion.
Why? a believer might inquire. For sure, no person can earn grace. Forgiveness and restoration comes from believers’ relationship with Jesus. Grace never comes from performance, good deeds, or even the right words of apology. What’s important is our position in, relationship to, and belief in Christ. When the Father sees that we belong to His Son, He forgives us every sin we confess.
What’s even more awesome is that we’re forgiven even before we return to God! That’s magnificent grace. Magnificent grace is a reason to celebrate. Our Father is waiting to welcome His kids home.
Take Home Nugget
“Michael! Jeremy!” two parents called out. “We were young once,” their dad said, his hand on Michael’s shoulder. “What do you have to say for yourselves?”
Michael began, “It’s my fault, Dad. Jeremy had nothing to do with this.”
Their mom hugged Jeremy. “You’re alright, that’s what matters. “Boys, I have some chores for you to do that will pay for this foolishness!”
Grace is so magnificent that nothing humans do can will disown those who’re united with Christ.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Magnificent Grace
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study resources click here.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Jailer's Adoption
JAILER’S ADOPTION
Third of Three in Restored by Grace devotional series
Luke 15:31-32
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
Hopi asked Paul, “Did the dad have other kids?”
Paul answered, “Yes, and the older son was angry that dad threw a banquet for the son who wasted his inheritance on wild living.”
“I see his point.” Hopi said.
“This is where you come in, Hopi.” Paul said, smiling.
“Me? What do you mean?”
“Our heavenly Father wants no one to be turned away from His family. His invitation is given to everyone. The son who returned home broke is as welcome as a new kid who comes to the Father now. Both were “lost, and are now found.” Father God celebrates every kid he adopts into His family.”
“But what about the kids who are already in Father God’s family?”
“Like me?” Paul asked.
“Yeah. Won’t you be jealous if your Father adopts me as His kid?”
“No, man!” Paul explained, “The the whole point of spreading the gospel of Christ is to bring people into God’s family!”
“This is the conflict your church in Philippi is arguing over: grace vs. the law. And I am not a Jew. Am I even allowed into your Father’s family?” Hopi reminded Paul (See Eye on the Ball devotion).
“Of course, Hopi. You see, Jesus died for the forgiveness of people’s sins. Everyone who believes in Him, becomes a child of God. The law has no power over grace where people’s salvation is concerned. Eternal life is given to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ." (John 3:16).
“And the Father—just like the dad of that son who returned home broke—celebrates every new believer of Jesus?” Hopi asked, getting excited.
“Yes He does!” Paul suddenly got serious. He looked deeply into Hopi’s eyes. He said, “Are you ready to repent of your sins, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life? If so, let me baptize you right now!”
Take Home Nugget
The deepest immersion in prison was a bucket of water. Surrounded by watching prisoners, Paul dunked Hopi’s head under the water, then lifted it out. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You’ve been buried with Christ and rose to a new life in Him. Welcome to God’s family!” Paul announced.
Holy Father, Let your kids form relationships with others, who want salvation, peace, and joy in Christ. Let us be Your witnesses to the world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Jailer’s Adoption
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Third of Three in Restored by Grace devotional series
Luke 15:31-32
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
Hopi asked Paul, “Did the dad have other kids?”
Paul answered, “Yes, and the older son was angry that dad threw a banquet for the son who wasted his inheritance on wild living.”
“I see his point.” Hopi said.
“This is where you come in, Hopi.” Paul said, smiling.
“Me? What do you mean?”
“Our heavenly Father wants no one to be turned away from His family. His invitation is given to everyone. The son who returned home broke is as welcome as a new kid who comes to the Father now. Both were “lost, and are now found.” Father God celebrates every kid he adopts into His family.”
“But what about the kids who are already in Father God’s family?”
“Like me?” Paul asked.
“Yeah. Won’t you be jealous if your Father adopts me as His kid?”
“No, man!” Paul explained, “The the whole point of spreading the gospel of Christ is to bring people into God’s family!”
“This is the conflict your church in Philippi is arguing over: grace vs. the law. And I am not a Jew. Am I even allowed into your Father’s family?” Hopi reminded Paul (See Eye on the Ball devotion).
“Of course, Hopi. You see, Jesus died for the forgiveness of people’s sins. Everyone who believes in Him, becomes a child of God. The law has no power over grace where people’s salvation is concerned. Eternal life is given to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ." (John 3:16).
“And the Father—just like the dad of that son who returned home broke—celebrates every new believer of Jesus?” Hopi asked, getting excited.
“Yes He does!” Paul suddenly got serious. He looked deeply into Hopi’s eyes. He said, “Are you ready to repent of your sins, and accept Jesus Christ as Lord of your life? If so, let me baptize you right now!”
Take Home Nugget
The deepest immersion in prison was a bucket of water. Surrounded by watching prisoners, Paul dunked Hopi’s head under the water, then lifted it out. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You’ve been buried with Christ and rose to a new life in Him. Welcome to God’s family!” Paul announced.
Holy Father, Let your kids form relationships with others, who want salvation, peace, and joy in Christ. Let us be Your witnesses to the world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
Click here for an Interactive-Online-Lesson for Jailer’s Adoption
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for www.Biblestudyforkids.com
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
