God's New Testament

TEXT: Romans 3:28-31; 10:12-13; Hebrews 9:13-17, 28; 1 Peter 1:3-7; 1 John 1:1-4

My name is John. The ruler of my country sent me to this small, lonely island of Patmos because I am a Christian. This was part of his plan to make trouble for those who follow Jesus. Many other people have been sent here in years past as punishment. To most of them this rocky piece of land was a prison without bars.

But I have not been alone among these hills and in the dark caves. God has visited me here. I think of the great vision He gave me in this place. What wonderful things He showed me during those days!

God wanted me to write down the things I saw. Some of the messages were for the seven special church groups. But the words which God gave me will also have a meaning for other people. The needs that Christians have now will be the same for Christians of coming days.

I feel the same way about the other letters which God told me to write. I want everyone to learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They need to know that by believing in Him they can have eternal life!

God gave messages to some of His other helpers too. I think about what my friend Matthew wrote. He told how Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He wrote about the Wise Men who followed a special star. They wanted to see the baby King Jesus.

Luke also wrote about Jesus' birth. He told of the angels who gave the news to the shepherds about the birth of a Savior. He went on to write the whole story of Jesus and His teachings. I'm sure it will be a blessing to all who read it with an honest heart.

My friend Mark, told about the greatest thing that has ever happened. What a miracle it was when Jesus rose from the dead! We know that our writings will help others believe too.

Peter and James have also written letters to groups of Christians. Another writer is Paul. For many years he fought against Christians and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But now he loves Jesus. Paul's letters have already been a great help to the believers.

God showed all of us what to write. He wants people everywhere to read what has happened since Jesus was born. I pray as I sit here on this island and look over the sea around me. May God use these words to His glory. Through them many people will believe on Jesus' name and be saved.

PARENT'S CORNER

For this lesson, our focus will shift to the New Testament. Your child will learn that this part of the Bible was written so everyone could know that Jesus is God's Son and that by believing in Him they can have eternal life.

As you work on the lesson with your child, explain to him that there are three main sections in the New Testament. These are the history of Jesus' earthly ministry, the letters of instruction from Jesus' followers, and the prophecies which tell of things yet to come.

A fun game this week could be an adaptation of a familiar alphabet memory game. Start the game by saying "I'm going to Heaven and I'm taking an ______ ." The item you choose should be mentioned in the New Testament, and should begin with the letter A; for example, an angel. The next player repeats the sentence, giving your word and an additional word beginning with the letter B; for example, an angel and a basket. The game continues until one player cannot remember the whole list in order.