Unwrapping God’s Gift of Life

Introduction

It is of utmost importance that we know and understand God’s story, so we can then share with others. The “big picture” of life as it was in the beginning, as it is now, and as it will be, in part is a mystery; yet, as we study the scriptures, we are able to gain a glimpse of life as God intends for it to be. If children will begin to grasp at a young age the magnificence of God, the love and redemption of Jesus Christ, the authenticity of the Holy Bible, God’s living Word, and how to live life in response to these truths, they will be able to experience the abundant life God so desires, a life lived with purpose, contentment, peace, and joy.

We as followers of Jesus Christ teach the creation story, Jesus, the Messiah, who came to save our souls, the power of the resurrection, and how to strive to live life as Christ would have us to. Seeing how these pieces fit into the big picture of life can be somewhat unclear. The aim of this book is to provide a simple structure to life‘s story to help one see how the pieces fit into one beautiful picture of God’s plan for His creation. Single words represent a section of the story as a means for recall. Scripture verses are provided to support and provide evidence behind the text. 

Initially, my inspiration for the book was to be designed for young children, 5 -10 years of age.  As it progressed, I began to realize the supporting scripture was extensive enough for teenagers. The simplicity allows a preschooler to lock the story in their memory.  The memorization of scripture verses as evidence behind the text provides answers for inquiring minds of teens and adults regarding the validity of the Christian faith.

The following devotional so clearly states the importance of understanding and embracing the truths of scripture once God by his sovereign grace touches a heart, thus reinforcing the relevance of this book.

“Our work begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation; 

we are not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and 

sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace; our work 

as His disciples is to disciple lives until they are wholly yielded 

to God. One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God 

than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit. ….  God 

brings us to a standard of life by His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.”

(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, April 24th devotional)

Unwrapping God’s Gift of Life is designed with a simple format for easy recollection to the truths of scripture and the ultimate meaning of life. My prayer is that this book will instill God’s truth in the hearts of those who read it regarding life, His Son, our salvation through Him and how we then shall live for the days we have on this earth, until we go home to spend eternity with God our Father, Jesus our precious Savior.