Unit 29 Session 3
The Good News
Family Bible Time Connections
Read all or parts of Romans 5-6
Talk About Scripture
On May 26, 1975, more than 90,000 fans gathered to watch a stuntman named Robert “Evel” Knievel attempt to jump his motorcycle over 13 double-decker buses. As Knievel rocketed into the air, the 120-foot jump appeared to be going well, but the crowd was devastated when the motorcycle crashed just a few feet short of the landing. Despite a broken pelvis, the stuntman got up and walked away from the crash.
Knievel’s crash reminds us of the truth in Romans 3:23—“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No matter how hard we try to be good or earn God’s favor, our sin will always lead us to crash short of God’s requirement. It doesn’t matter how close we believe we might come, the end is the same every time: a huge crash!
While we deserve to be punished—eternally separated from God—for our sin, His love for us prompted Him to send Jesus as the Savior we need. Jesus lived a perfect life and paid the sin penalty we all owe and also gave His righteousness to all who believe in Him. This is the good news of the gospel! Trusting in Jesus means our sins are forgiven. We are reunited with God and rejoice in the eternal life He gives us through Jesus.
Because God created everything, He is in charge of everything. Everyone sins, or disobeys God. Our sin separates us from God. The good news of the gospel is that God sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment we deserve. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved.
Memorize the Scripture
“We who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” - Romans 12:5
Prayer Time Ideas
Pray for people groups who are unreached or have limited access to the good news of the gospel. How can your family support those who carry the good news to the world?
Take time to confess the ways sin has caused you to fall short of God’s standard. Ask God for His help in fighting the temptations to sin and in believing in the new life Jesus has given to all who have trusted in Him.
Actively Apply the Scripture
For Fun
Search for good news among the headlines of a newspaper or online news site. Discuss how news is good when it encourages and gives hope. Ask your kids to describe the ways they believe the gospel is good news for them.
Supplies: newspaper
To Serve
Invite an extended family member into your home for a meal, or if none live nearby, a close family friend. Work together to make the night extra special for your guest. As you prepare, remind your kids of the good news that Jesus has come to save, and whoever believes in Him is welcomed into His family forever.