Have you ever dreamed of the day your child will become a follower of Jesus? Think about it for a bit, what joy will fill your heart! However, our Children were born sinners like we were too, but thank God for Jesus who took our place. Everyday there are countless behaviors and attitudes that show our Children’s need for a Savior! It’s never too early to share Jesus with them, just like you will play your favorite song on repeat, you should share the gospel of Jesus with your child over and over again!
Here are few steps to help you do this:
1. Pray constantly
Praying for your child’s sinful heart should be the starting point. Every negative behavior, every wrong attitude, every wrong word should stir your heart and inspire you to pray. John 17 verse 3 says “this is eternal life, that they may know you the Only true God, and the one you have sent-Jesus.” That’s a prayer that should capture our hearts for our Children as Parents. Ask God to be their God, ask Him to see their need for Him.
2. Point them to Jesus as you read the Bible
Lay the foundation by reading the Bible with your kids or encouraging your kids to read by themselves. You are showing them how important the Bible is. As they read, point them to Jesus continuously and what He has done. Help them to see the sin problem and the salvation God provides. For example, if your child is reading about Noah, you can let them know God used Noah to rescue his family and the animals. God did the same when He sent Jesus, Jesus rescued us from sin and eternal destruction.
3. Make it about God’s love
One of the most popular scriptures your child will learn is John 3:16 and it starts with “For God so loved the world…..” The good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection is rooted deeply in God’s love for us. We keep going back to our old ways yet God’s love reaches out for us (Romans 5:8).
4. Share the gospel
Depending on the age of your child, the words you use matters. Find words to use to explain what the gospel means. Here’s the gospel presentation adapted and modified slightly from the Gospel project curriculum that you can use and adapt for your family:
GOD RULES- Explain that God made everything! He is King over everything, and He is in charge.
WE SINNED: Tell your child that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)
GOD SENT JESUS: God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.
JESUS GIVES: Share that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18.
WE RESPOND: Ask your child if he/she will like to respond to Jesus using the ABC. ABC stands for Admit, Believe and Confess. Admit that you are a sinner, Believe Jesus is God’s Son who came and died for your sins, confess that He is your Savior and Lord, Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of the response.
5. Trust God
If you have taken all or some of the above steps and your child is ready to follow Jesus, encourage them to explain back to you what they understand about the gospel, this will help you ascertain if they truly understood it. Pray together with your child and celebrate!
But if it doesn’t happen yet, it’s time to add the final piece of the puzzle, trust God! Trust Him because He has the power to save, trust Him that He has a plan, trust Him that His gospel is powerful enough to save your child.
Don’t ever forget that even during the most difficult days when you are tempted to think this child is beyond saving. God saved you, He can save your child too!
Funke Awojide seeks to follow God daily and this has influenced her passion to see children come to know God and love Him. She enjoys ministering to kids especially when there is fun involved. She also loves baking, hanging out with friends and writing. She is currently city church’s children ministry coordinator. She is married to Debo and they have two wonderful children.