How Can I Go to Heaven?

10/19/2024

How Can We Get to Heaven? by Jennifer Tolbert

Like all good stories, God's story has the happiest of endings-especially for us! Learning about heaven as a real place that we want to be should be exciting--until you realize you might not get to go!

For younger kids, we are just introducing them to the idea of baptism. You may want to explain that they are still in the hearing and believing step! They should keep coming to Bible class so they can HEAR all about God's plan!

For older kids, you may want to encourage them to continue studying and giving serious thought to if they believe the story of God; and if so, talk to their parents about taking those next important steps!

Key Themes:
1. God created us so that we could someday live with Him forever!
2. Heaven is our goal!
3. God has a special plan to overcome sin so that we can be with him again!

Memory Verse

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Songs

Books of the New Testament
There is a Flag that Flies in the Castle of My Heart
Heaven is a Wonderful Place
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
My Father's House
Oh You Can't Get to Heaven
Saint's Medley
This World is Not My Home*
When the Roll is Called Up Yonder*
I'll Fly Away*
*If you have older kids, it may be fun to teach them one of the older hymns about heaven. Kids love I'll Fly Away

Story

Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time

Open Class in Prayer

Introducing the Story Ideas
1. Story of Jesus's Baptism
SAY: Before we begin today's lesson, I want to remind you of something that Jesus did. Do you remember when Jesus was baptized? Read thestory from a children's Bible, or show a quick video about John the Baptist baptizing Jesus at the beginning of his ministry.

God left us lots of signs about his plan for salvation all through the Bible. Jesus showed us how important it was to be baptized!

2. Washing It All Away
Tub of water (big enough to submerge items) and a plate. First, make sure the item is "dirty." You can easily put small smears of hazelnut butter or chocolate pudding to represent dirt.
SAY: Is this dish clean? (The kids should agree no.) I wouldn't want to eat off of this dirty plate, would you?
SAY: Okay, let me clean it. (Dip just a small part of the plate in the water.) Say, okay there we go, it's clean! Who wants to eat from it now? (Allow kids to say no.)
SAY: Okay, maybe we can do better. (Sprinkle the plate with some water). Well, that cleaner, but I still wouldn't call it completely clean. No, if we want something to be clean, we need to make sure that EVERY single part of it is washed. In order to do that, I need to put the WHOLE plate under the water. (Put it under the water and wash it). That is what the word baptism means, it means to submerge completely under the water, making sure every part is washed.

Story: Do you like movies that have a happy ending? I know I do! God's story is one that has a happy ending--for Him and for us! Each story in the Bible gives us a clue or points to the next step in God wonderful plan. But now that Jesus has come and saved the world, you may be wondering what is next!

The book of Revelation is a beautiful picture of exactly what is coming next--Heaven! One of the things that would make heaven extra special for me is if YOU are there!

Fortunately, God made a special plan for us to get to Heaven. We learn about it in the New Testament. Jesus even demonstrated it for us. We call it baptism.

SHOW the story of How Can I Get to Heaven?
EMPHASIZE that: