OPENING: LESSON. Main Point: Equipping kids to share Verse Reference: John 3:16

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1 Lesson Date: Feb. 2, 2014 Lesson Title: How to tell about Jesus Main Point: Equipping kids to share Verse Reference: John 3:16 Leader Prep: We have been telling kids to be bold in the way they pray, witness, and share the message of Jesus. This week we are going to equip them how to tell someone about Jesus. OPENING: Play clip Who would you Tell on computer When finished ask, who would you tell? No responses are really needed, just ask then move to below: Last week we talked about Saul. Who can tell me what Saul did before he became a Christ follower (persecuted Christians)? What happened that changed him (struck blind and healed by Ananias prayer)? Saul had an amazing story to tell people about what happened to him, but he chose to tell a more powerful story, what story did he tell (the story of Jesus)? LESSON So today we are going to help you tell the story of how Jesus has saved us. The way we will show you will work if you re talking to adults or kids your age or even younger. What we need to remember is that we may not be able to answer all the questions someone has, but if we can share with them some very simple truths about God, it may make all the difference in them living a life forever with God. <Hand out Bridge Illustrations to each child> The first thing people need to know is that we all have made mistakes and have done things that are outside of what God asks us to do. What is that name for that? <sin> Everyone on earth with the exception of Jesus has sinned. So, look at the Bridge illustration. At # 1. See the scripture there, let s read it together, Romans 3:23, For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Everyone has sinned and that sin causes us to be separated from God. When you look at this picture you can see that Man is on one side and God is on the other. Heaven is a holy place where sin does not happen. So, how does someone get to have eternal life with God when he s separated from us? Some people think we can do it by building our own bridge to God. Many people think that being nice or helpful can build their bridge to God. Others think that giving money or just being better than other people can build that bridge. BUT, God says there s only one way to get to

2 Him. Who knows the bible verse, John 3:16: For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall have eternal life and not perish. The only way to get to God is by believing that Jesus is His Son and accepting Him as your Savior Jesus is the bridge. <You can fill in the gap between God and man with a bridge or some draw a cross to close the gap>. When someone chooses to ask Jesus to be their Savior then God has a sweet word for them. Read John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy<stop and ask, who is the thief (Satan)>; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. God wants us to have a full life now, not just life with Him in heaven. If you share this with a friend and they tell you they are ready to make this decision to follow Jesus then you can lead them in prayer. Turn over your sheet and I ll show you how to remember to pray with them. Remember, it s as easy as ABC! A: Admit that you sin B: Believe that Jesus is God s Son, who came to earth and died on the cross for your sins and was raised from the dead three days later C: Choose to follow Jesus. So the prayer sounds something like: Jesus I know I m a sinner and make mistakes. Thank you for coming to earth to die on the cross for me, to take away my sins. I now choose to follow you and live my life with you. Thank you Jesus, it s in your name I pray, Amen. CLOSING So, how cool would it be to be able to show this to a friend or someone you care about and help them with their decision for Jesus?! Every time someone makes this decision, heaven has a celebration! Everyone is important to God, EVERYONE!! There may be someone here today that is looking at this and hasn t made this decision for themselves. If that s true, talk to your small group leader so you can pray together today. Don t wait, this is important stuff! And this is so important we want to know, so tell us! Now we are going to go into small groups and practice this with one another so that when the day comes, we ll be ready! Keep this sheet in a safe place at home so if you have a chance, you can get it and take someone through the steps! PRAYER

3 God, thank you that you have sent Jesus for us, to clean us up and give us life with you! I pray that each of us will be courageous like Paul and tell people your amazing story. Help us to see who those people are and give us the opportunity to see when we have a chance to share! Amen.

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