Choosing up sides
Children's Activity
Object:
Teachers or Parents: Why do some people believe while others
reject the saving message of the gospel? Is it because those who
believe are better people? In this gospel message, Jesus destroys
what is often called "Decision Theology." We are not Christians
because we made a good decision. We are Christians because he
chose us! It is God's work that made us Christians and this truth
needs to be emphasized to our children over and over because
everything in our experience and culture leads us to the wrong
conclusion. Let us take every opportunity to inform our children
that we are saved by the work of Christ alone, and not by
anything that we do.
*Ask the children to write down an answer to the question:
"How did you become a Christian?" If the children are too young,
ask the question orally. Lead a discussion that will show them
that God gave them the gift of faith and it is that, and that
gift alone, which makes them Christians.
*Name two children to be leaders and have them choose up
sides for a game of some kind. Depending on the time available,
you can either play the game or skip it. After the sides are
selected (and after the game is played if you elect to do so),
lead a discussion of the process that went on in selecting the
members of each side. You want them to see that they were
entirely passive in this process and that the leaders were the
ones who did the choosing. Show them that this is also true in
this matter of becoming a believer. God does the work and not us.
We are passive until we receive faith (are chosen), and then we
can cooperate.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Sing "Rock Of Ages" and then discuss the second verse in
light of the words of Jesus in the gospel.
reject the saving message of the gospel? Is it because those who
believe are better people? In this gospel message, Jesus destroys
what is often called "Decision Theology." We are not Christians
because we made a good decision. We are Christians because he
chose us! It is God's work that made us Christians and this truth
needs to be emphasized to our children over and over because
everything in our experience and culture leads us to the wrong
conclusion. Let us take every opportunity to inform our children
that we are saved by the work of Christ alone, and not by
anything that we do.
*Ask the children to write down an answer to the question:
"How did you become a Christian?" If the children are too young,
ask the question orally. Lead a discussion that will show them
that God gave them the gift of faith and it is that, and that
gift alone, which makes them Christians.
*Name two children to be leaders and have them choose up
sides for a game of some kind. Depending on the time available,
you can either play the game or skip it. After the sides are
selected (and after the game is played if you elect to do so),
lead a discussion of the process that went on in selecting the
members of each side. You want them to see that they were
entirely passive in this process and that the leaders were the
ones who did the choosing. Show them that this is also true in
this matter of becoming a believer. God does the work and not us.
We are passive until we receive faith (are chosen), and then we
can cooperate.
Sunday school assembly opening:
*Sing "Rock Of Ages" and then discuss the second verse in
light of the words of Jesus in the gospel.
