The First Lesson
Based on the book Sharing Christ with Children, I learned a lot of things. First, I learned that Jesus loved children and emphasized that let all children go to him. Secondly, I learned that children are undergoing numerous challenges, such as sexual abuse and being raised by unconcerned families. Thirdly, I learned that children go astray because they are not brought up in Christ but rather in religion. I similarly learned that “the longer the people take, the harder it is to come to Christ” (Thomas 2013, 14).
How I will Use the Lesson in Sunday School
Sunday school generally refers to religious instruction or education provided to children on Sundays, typically at a church. I will motivate children by elaborating on Jesus’s love for them, that they should not lose hope, and that when they feel overwhelmed with challenges, they should go to him. I will give several reasons why Jesus values them more than other age groups; first, children are innocent and pure. They have not yet been influenced by the evil in the world, and therefore they represent all that is good. Second, children are receptive to new ideas and easily impressed. This makes them ideal candidates for learning about Jesus and his message of love and forgiveness. Therefore, I will urge the children to stay at Jesus’s feet when still young to experience heavenly love. The main bible verse to include will be “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14.
The Second Lesson
I learned that the best way to show love to Jesus is by obeying him, and the best way to do this is to develop a strong commitment to Christ. And it is only through commitment that great things happen. I will remind people on ways to be committed to Jesus “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”, Matthew 6:33. “So in marriage, industry, and contracts, the world moves to another level of commitment” (Thomas 2013, 24).
How I will Use the Lesson in Classroom Settings
In the classroom setting, I will disclose the benefits of being committed to Christ to the children. For one, commitment to Christ means living according to His teachings. This results in a life that is more fulfilling and purposeful. Additionally, it allows us to develop a closer relationship with God, which can provide strength and comfort in times of difficulty. Finally, by staying focused on Christ, we are better able to serve others and make a difference in the world. Of course, each child will have their own motivations for wanting to commit to Christ. Some may be drawn by the idea of living a happier life. Others may be motivated by the desire to please God or make a difference in the world.
The Third Lesson
I learned an inciting lesson that people normally attain their full potential they receive Christ and not when they become adults. “The full potential of a child (or an adult) can never be developed until salvation transforms that life” (Thomas 2013, 37). And one way to ensure this is by the churches having a strong evangelistic teams. Similarly, seeing parents reading the Bible, avoiding pride, and having planned family devotion are better ways of drawing people to Christ, “Pride causes one to neglect salvation” (Thomas 2013, 40).
How I will Use the Lesson in Bible Clubs
I will remind the children that salvation is the free gift of God to humans through Jesus Christ. It is the power to become children of God, to become like Him in character and nature. And because it makes humans like Him, salvation not only frees us from sin and death but also equips people with everything needed to live a full and joyful life. I will remind the children that salvation saves us from our past mistakes and similarly empowers us for the future. I will explain why we should be humble and passionate about sharing the good news of salvation with others. I will support my point of view that the Bible tells us that pride comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). When we are proud, we think more highly of ourselves than we should and begin to think that we do not need God or His salvation.
The Fourth Lesson
I learned that the parents should do everything possible to promote their children’s ministry. By doing so, parents can instill their own faith in their children and help them learn about and grow closer to God. The material outlines that someone said, “Lack of promotion is like a man who winks in the darkness. He knows what he is doing, but no one else knows” (Thomas 2013, 47).
How I will Use the Lesson in Vacation Bible School
I will start with parents’ vital roles in their child’s ministry, both inside and outside of the church. In Vacation Bible School (VBS), for example, parents can help to promote their child’s love for Jesus by talking about the themes and stories that are taught each night. I will emphasize that parents can help their children grow in their faith by attending worship services together and participating in family devotions or prayer times. Lastly, one of the most important things parents can do to be good role models for their children is live out their faith experiences. When children see that God is real to their parents, this will have a tremendous impact on them to follow Jesus’s teachings.
Reference
Thomas, Abb. 2013. Sharing Christ with Children. Xulon Press.