The most important thing you will ever teach kids is the Gospel.
The two generations (Gen Z & Gen Alpha) we are called to reach are growing up in a post-Christian culture that says there are many ways to eternal life.
If they say "Jesus is the only way to heaven" they are considered a bigot, intolerant and judgemental.
But we cannot water down the Gospel. It is the only hope for the next generation. We must be committed to presenting the Gospel clearly to them.
Here are 5 object lessons you can use to help the next generation understand that Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
The Ticket.
(Make a large ticket that says "Jesus" on it.)
"There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
To get into an event, you must have a ticket. Only one ticket will get you in.
Share a story about a time you had to have a ticket to get into an event.
Jesus is the only ticket to heaven. He paid the price for your ticket by dying on the cross, being buried in a tomb and then rising from the dead three days later.
Will you accept the ticket He is offering you? You can receive it by asking Jesus to be your forgiver, leader and friend.
The Birthday Gift.
(Have a gift box.)
"The penalty for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life." Romans 6:23
Share an example of going to a birthday party. You purchase a gift and wrap it up. You bring it to the party. You reach out with the gift and offer it to the birthday person. The birthday person has a choice - they can accept the gift or push it away. For the present to be theirs, they have to reach out and take it.
Jesus offers us forgiveness and a relationship with Him. He has already paid for the gift. We have a decision to make. We can push it away or we can accept it.
The Decision.
(Draw this out as you share it. You can also have the kids draw it with you.)
"Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, will be saved." Romans 10:13
Jesus died on the cross.
Jesus was sinless. He had "0" sins.
These men had sinned. They deserved to be on the cross.
This example is from my salvation class for kids. I have seen thousands of kids and parents come to Christ through this presentation of the Gospel. The class is called Starting Point and is available at this link.
The Broken Figurine
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
This
short, video presentation helps kids understand what Jesus did for
them. You can tell the story or you can download the video and share it with kids and families.
*If you are reading this in an email and can't see the video, you can see it at this link.
The video is also available for purchase. It comes with the Starting Point curriculum or you can purchase it at this link.
One Way
(Make a large one way sign with the verse below on it.)
"Jesus said to them, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
Jesus is the one and only way to heaven. Every time you see a one way sign, remember that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Looking for a curriculum that consistently shares the Gospel? Check out CONNECT12 curriculum. It is the curriculum you need to effectively share the Gospel with the kids in your ministry. You can get more info. at this link.