Unit 30 Session 3
New Life in Jesus
Family Bible Time Connections
Read all or parts of Colossians 2–3 from your Bible
Talk About Scripture
HGTV is the third most-watched network on television, coming in just behind news and sports. People love the renovation shows like Fixer Upper and Flip or Flop. The big moment in each show is when the hosts reveal the new dream home that was once a rundown house. The changes are often quite dramatic.
We love a good story of transformation because it reminds us that even the worst things can be made new. This is true of houses, but it is also true of people. Because Jesus is who He says He is, and Jesus has done all that was needed to save sinners, we can be renovated. In Christ, we are made new through faith.
Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” When we trust in Jesus, He makes us NEW! Jesus didn’t die on the cross so that we could keep on living the same life, and He didn’t die on the cross so we could feel better about the times when we mess up. Jesus died on the cross so that we could have a new life, a new identity, and a new purpose. God’s grace isn’t just something that we add to our lives to make them better. It 100%, completely, absolutely, positively changes us!
God changes us when we trust in Jesus. He adopts us into His family and makes us new! Jesus calls us to turn away from our sinful ways and live in a way that honors Him.
Memorize the Scripture
“He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything” - Colossians 1:18
Prayer Time Ideas
Thank God for the ways you see new life in His creation. How does Spring remind us of the hope we have in Jesus? How can we help others see these reminders of new life all around them?
Ask God to help you live like the new person He has made you in Christ. What sins continue to trip you up? How can your new identity help you overcome temptations to sin?
Actively Apply the Scripture
For Fun
Plant grass or bean seeds to help your kids see “new life” in action. Use fast germinating seeds in potting soil to get quick results. As the plant grows, talk with your kids about how Jesus gives new life to all who believe in Him.
Supplies: seeds, potting soil, cups
To Serve
Rake leaves and clean up the yard of someone you know who needs that help. Work as a family to bring new life to the landscape. As you work, talk with your kids about how loving and serving others is part of the new life Jesus gives us.