He looked up at me and whispered, “I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” I knew instantly

that, even though he was young, this was God’s plan for him. Kevin proceeded

to pray with understanding, sincerity, and conviction. His life from that

moment on was forever changed.

I believe God chose my son at a very early age to enter into His story, prompted by the Holy Spirit and with the

innocence of a child. God’s plan is unique for each one of

us in His big story, yet we can rest assured that His plan is perfect. And

as parents, we can play an important part in introducing our children to the very big God of The Big God Story.

Sue Funkhouser

Inspire (for parents)

On beautiful spring mornings I enjoyed waking up early to the sweet sounds of birds singing and the peace of children sleeping. I would creep silently to my favorite pink chair and open my Bible. This was a morning ritual, and I looked forward to it every day.

After a while, two sleepy-eyed boys would make their way to the living room, and I would put down my Bible and pull out the cereal bowls. I often gazed at my children eating their breakfast and wondered what plans God had for them in His big story. From their earliest years, Steven and Kevin were told that God had a plan for their lives and if they gave their lives to Him, God would reveal His plan. The eldest, Steven, excitingly said, “It’s like a mystery!”

I learned one day that God does truly work in mysterious ways. I arose early in the morning and quietly made my way to the pink chair. But to my surprise, there was someone in it! It was my four-year-old son, Kevin, sitting in prayer.

Equip (for parents)

Equip is additional background information that will help as you introduce this passage of Scripture to your children this week.

In the beginning, there was no need for a redeemer. The world was perfect, and man was in perfect union with God (Genesis 1–2). In the end, the world will again be free from the ravages of sin and the influence of evil (Revelation 21–22). Part of the journey between those two points is told in The Big God Story (in the Bible) and centers upon the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He is the Messiah, the Christ. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of everything hoped for and the basis of any future hope.

As the fulfillment of everything hoped for, He is the satisfaction of the Law, the establishment of the new covenant, the fulfillment of prophecy, God coming near, the climax of history, the sacrificial Lamb, the great High Priest, the son of David, and the suffering servant. He is the Redeemer promised at the beginning of The Big God Story in Genesis 3:15. He is Jesus, Jeho-Shua (JHWH Saves), the One promised to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

As the basis of future hope, Jesus is the One in whom God’s kingdom has come and is yet to come. He is the One exalted and seated at the right hand of God, who has promised to return and gather all believers to Himself. He is the true hope of Israel who will vanquish evil and restore everything to how it is supposed to be. He is, and will be, the victorious Lord of all.

Support (for parents & kids)

This week, read Psalm 145 with your children. If you have children old enough

to read, let them take turns reading portions of this

psalm. You might want to choose a version easier for children to read, like the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) or the

New Living Translation (NLT).

JUST FOR FUN, have each family member share the

biggest thing they know God has done for them. If you haven’t done it before, take time to tell your faith story and the faith stories of family members from other generations. Then celebrate together with a round of applause or a “Yahoo!” to God.

Remind your children that they’ll learn more about The Big God Story in church this week, and close your time together by praying and thanking God that He invites us to play a role in His big story!

3.6

© 2012 David C. Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.

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THE BIG GOD STORY/EASTER

God showed his … love for us by sending Christ [Jesus] to die for us. Romans 5:8 (NLT)

I often gazed at my

children eating their breakfast and

wondered what plans God had for

them in His big Story.

This resource is designed to encourage your family to have time in God’s Word before

your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we know

that as you grow spiritually, your children will grow spiritually as well.

As the basis of future hope, Jesus is the One …