Happy Easter

John 3:16 (ESV)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

People and Easter. New life and new beginnings. What better time to share the gospel with everyone you know?

But what does a child, or any person, need to know to become a Christian? The following are the basics:

First, people need to be taught who God is and how He loves them. They need to know what sets Him apart from humans.

God is holy; He is perfect. People, however, are not perfect.

God is just; He is always fair. We are not just in all our decisions.

God is love; He desires a relationship with us. That's why He sent His Son. We are not always motivated out of our love for another.

Second, people need to be taught that their sins must be forgiven. Many people in this culture of tolerance feel uncomfortable talking about hell. God is patient, but He is not tolerant. His justice calls for an atonement (a payment, a penalty) for people's sins. We must have some understanding that our sins can keep us out of heaven. Our sins must be paid for. And that is what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.

Finally, we need to know that we receive God's forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ (see Eph. 2:8,9).

Faith involves repenting of our sins, turning to God in faith and trusting Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Lord. When we repent, we acknowledge our sins before God and express our sorrow about our sins to Him.

Those are the basics of what people need to know.

Dear Lord, You loved this world so much, That you gave your one and only Son, That we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace of Easter Sunday, everyday. Let us have hearts of thankfulness for Your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon Your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace and tell Your good news to the world. In the Name of Jesus,  Amen.