For Mom & Dad:
“God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.” – Baptist Faith and Message, Part X
The future is hopeful because of what God has done in Jesus Christ. We have eternal life in Christ that begins now and stretches into eternity. We can have hope, and not fear if we are in Christ.
Read Together: Revelation 1:18; John 14:1-4; Jeremiah 29:11
Big Idea for Kids: God wants to be friends with me forever—so much that He sent Jesus! God is in control of the future, so I don’t have to worry. God has invited me to be His friend by trusting Jesus. We can be in heaven with God forever if Jesus is in our life.
Learning Question: Who is in control of the future? What is hope? Are you hopeful?
Activity Link:
http://www.dltk-bible.com/t.asp?b=m&t=http://www.dltk-bible.com/jesus/takehome53.gif
“To Do” Today: Take some time and help your child make a list of things they are hopeful about or are looking forward to. Make sure to help them understand that they can be hopeful about their future in Heaven if Jesus is in their life. The issue of death may come up and should be handled according to the age and maturity of your child.
Pray Together: Ask God to help your child hear God’s invitation in Christ or thank Him for drawing them to Him. Express your hope to God found in Jesus Christ.
State Missionary Jerrod Brown serves Alabama Baptists as a Baptist Campus Minister at the University of South Alabama. He may be contacted at [email protected].
Editor’s note:
December 13 through December 24 we will post a daily guide that you can use with your family to help reclaim the Christmas season.
