Summer is a wonderful time for children to go on new and exciting journeys—parks, zoos, museums, vacation destinations, or they can simply have friends over to enjoy playing a new game in the backyard. But it’s also an ideal time to take children on a much more exciting journey to discover and better understand the gospel of Jesus. That is why the little booklet, The Greatest Treasure was written. There are several ways to use this full-color 24-page resource, but it’s important to know what you’ll find in it—and what you won’t find.
What You Will Find
Ten essential truths that define the essence of the gospel along with accompanying Scripture and a simple explanation in child-friendly language. Here are the 10 truths:
- God is the sovereign Creator of all things.
- God created people for His glory.
- God is holy and righteous.
- Man is sinful.
- God is just and is right to punish sin.
- God is merciful. He is kind to undeserving sinners.
- God sent His holy and righteous Son into the world to save sinners.
- God put the punishment of sinners on Jesus so that His righteousness might be put on them.
- God offers the free gift of salvation to those who repent and believe in Jesus.
- Those who trust in Jesus will live to please Him and will receive the promise of eternal life.
Note that the “bad news” is included (i.e., points 4 and 5). At first glance, this may seem “harsh” or “unloving” to a child, but it’s absolutely essential for understanding the gospel. Furthermore, children tend to be matter of fact in this regard. They don’t yet have the mental or emotional capacity to fully comprehend wrath and hell, but they do understand death in the world around them and know something of its sadness and pain. They need to know that sin has terrible consequences before they can possibly understand the price paid to save us from those consequences.
What You Won’t Find in The Greatest Treasure
You will not find a “`sinners’ prayer” for the child to read to receive Christ as Savior. While I understand the good intentions of many gospel resources in doing this, I believe that it is not in the best interest of a child. Most children are very impressionable and will readily affirm something while not genuinely embracing it. (See “Being Wise Regarding a Child’s Profession of Faith”. It would be a grave mistake for a child (or an adult) to assume true saving faith because a child read a prayer. Instead, the resource ends by encouraging children to find out more about God through His Word, a Bible-based church, and through engagement with other Christians. Which leads to the next question…
How can I use The Greatest Treasure to have the greatest impact?
It’s highly recommended that this resource be used as a tool within a trusted, loving, and ongoing relationship with a child and his or her family. Therefore, it is ideally suited for…
- Christian parents to help their children review and understand the key truths of the gospel.
- An evangelistic tool for adults to use with children and the children’s parents.
- A take-home gift at the end of the Sunday school year.
- Giving to children in a summer Vacation Bible School/Backyard Bible Club setting when you can walk through this resource with the children and follow-up with them afterward.
All said, The Greatest Treasure is merely a tool for sowing the seed of the gospel. Plant and water, and then pray earnestly that God would bring about growth and fruit, for His glory!
