Published 10/21/19
By Greg Johnson
What If...
One of the girls from your neighborhood started coming to church with you a couple of months ago. At first, she just came to the fun events: parties, hikes and so on. After she got to know a few of the other kids, she wasn’t so shy. Even though her parents didn’t go to church, she eventually started coming to Sunday school and church services with you.
She likes to go because it’s something different to do on a Sunday. Her parents and older brother sleep in so there’s never any conflict.
The past couple of weeks the teacher has been talking about what it means to be a Christian. He has used phrases such as “give your life to Christ,” “start a relationship with God through Jesus Christ” and “turn your life over to the Lord.” This has confused your friend. She thought that she was a Christian because she went to church. You tell her there’s more to it than that.
She starts to ask you about what you believe:
• What do you think God is like?
• Why did Jesus have to die on a cross?
• Is he really the only way to get to God?
• Do you think I’m going to heaven?
• How do you start a “relationship with God”?
Questions to Think On
• Take each of the questions above and answer them as best you can. (Mom and Dad: If your child gets stuck and wants your help, try to answer them.)
• If your friend says that she is ready to become a Christian, what would you say?
• Should you ask her to talk to her parents first?
• What if she doesn’t want to become a Christian, but wants to keep coming to church?
What Does God Have to Say?
I and the Father are one. John 10:30
Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the father.”
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