Leading Your Child to Jesus

 

"Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at My saying, "You must be born again"  John 3:5-7

 

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Without God’s Spirit, children cannot truly know God or understand the Bible. Born again by His Spirit, they can enjoy and exercise all the marvelous privileges of citizenship in God's wonderful kingdom (Ephesians 1:1-2:10).

How do we lead our children into an eternal love relationship with Jesus Christ?

·   Pray that God will prepare their hearts. Spiritual rebirth is God's work, not ours (John 6-44). We merely cooperate with God’s process.

·   Lay a foundation. Include Jesus in your conversations. Let your children hear you talk to Him. Pray with them. Talk about how He helps you each day. Make comments like, "Jesus understands. He is sad when you are sad. Let’s ask Jesus what He wants us to do."

·   Wait for God’s timing. While you watch for signs of openness, be ready for an opportune moment. Perhaps it will come at a time of special need for comfort and strength. Or when a child shows you by his questions that he genuinely wants to know, and follow God.

·   Explain the basic saving truths using the Bible. Lead your child through these steps, then ask if he wants to pray to receive Jesus. If he says no, tell him that he can pray that prayer anytime on his own with the same wonderful results. If your child wants to pray alone, suggest that he come and tell you afterward. Don't forget the date. Keep it as a most special birthday.

God loves you. He wants you to be part of His special family. He wants you to live with Him in His invisible kingdom. "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Luke 18:16).

By yourself, you can’t come to God. God is holy and perfect and can't let any sin into His kingdom. Sin separates us from Him (Isaiah 59:2). "For all have sinned and come short of the [perfect goodness] of God" (Romans 3:23). Think about the different kinds of sin like selfishness, envy, lying, wanting your own way. Can you be completely free from them? No you can't, no matter how hard you try.

Jesus made a way for you. He said, "I am the way... No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). He died on the cross, taking the punishment for your sins. "God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

You must invite Jesus to come and live in you. "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). With His perfect life inside, you may live and walk with God forever.

Your prayer should include

  • Confession: admit you are a sinner or have sinned against Him
  • Repentance: willingness to turn from wrong ways and follow Jesus
  • Faith: trust that Jesus died and rose again to save you from sin and confidence that He will enable you to know and do His will.
    •

    "Dear Jesus, I know I have sinned and don't deserve to be Your child. But I believe that You died for me and have forgiven me. Please come into my heart. I know that I can only be good and when your Spirit is in me and helps me. Thank you for making me clean inside. Show me how to do your will ever every day."

    Remember: 

    "When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. He is not the same any more. A new life has begun."

    2 Corinthians 5:17