Why Teach the Basics of the Gospel to Kids?

 

Why should we teach the basics of the gospel to our kids?  For no other reason than we are in a battle:

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  – Eph. 6:12

The gospel teaches us who God is and our identity in Him.  Apart from God, we are left with the enticing world around us.  The evil one loves to steal and destroy (Jn. 10:10).  It’s simple, invite them into thinking only of themselves, to be greedy, to pursue whatever feels good at the time.  This is the dominion of darkness that is around us.  Kids are not immune to this battle; they are in the thick of it with us.  If you have cared for a toddler, you know the struggles against their own flesh first hand.  My way only. I’ll do it on my own.  No.  Their defiance isn’t that too far off from that of Adam and Eve…see it, question it, desire it, take it (Gen. 3).

His Kingdom and Their Good

But as disciples of Jesus we have received and believed a different invitation.  An invitation into the power and beauty of God.  This invitation is one that shows them the Kingdom of God, one that is life-giving and leads to a flourishing life.  Every time we invite kids into practicing the gospel with you, either a parent, Sunday School teacher or Missional Community member, you are inviting them into relationship with Jesus.  One that leads to His Kingdom and ultimately their good.

The basics are just that, they are what we come back to every time.  They are the foundation of all other invitations.  An invitation into generosity, why?  Because that is who God is, He’s a generous God who gave Himself to us through His Son, Jesus. An invitation into creativity brings us to a loving Father who created the world. Or an invitation into humility reminds us that Jesus came to serve us first.  The gospel is the foundation we build a life for God and life with God.  Just as little kids are building with their play blocks, without a strong foundation they tumble.  Don’t send kids into this battle without the foundation.  Teach them the truths of who God is and who they are in light of who He is and what He’s done for them.  Teach them to stand on the firm foundation.

Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” – Is. 28:16

Battle for Eternity

Many kids have not yet believed and received the good news of their Lord.  Their identity is not yet a child of God.  Give them the truth of who God is and who they are through the sharing of the gospel on a regular basis. Invite them into the Kingdom of God.

Battle for the Here and Now

But we don’t stop at the future glory of life with Jesus, but we extend that invitation into their everyday life.  The life they live now that leads to their flourishing–being everything they were created to be.  Every time we share the gospel basics, we are bringing them back to their need for Jesus now and their empowerment through the Holy Spirit.  They begin to live out their identity as a child of God.  They are equipped to face the battle at hand.

The gospel changes everything.  The invitation to the Kingdom of God is through the sharing of the gospel.  The battle is everywhere.  Equip kids now to fight the battle by laying down their life and resting in the hope of Jesus.  Invite them into the power of the cross and resurrection for their future and current life.

From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. – Ps. 3:8

 

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