** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Unlocked <April 22, 2020>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
Only Jesus Can Save the Planet
• READ: 2 PETER 3:3-13
Many people have made it their mission to save the planet on which we all live. It is a noble calling. This planet is beautiful. It’s the place God created humans, who are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). It’s the place He finely tuned for human life. It’s the place He came to live among the people He made in order that He might die for their sins—and rise from the grave, beating death (John 1:14; 3:16-18). It’s the place He promises to return to in order to make every wrong right and to dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:1-5).
And, yet, even though it is such a beautiful planet, we as humans sometimes ignore God’s instructions for us to take care of the creation He made (Genesis 1:26; 2:15; Leviticus 25:1-7; Psalm 24:1-2). We can be wasteful and unwise in the way we steward what God has given us—harming other humans, as well as other parts of God’s creation.
However, we can’t save the planet. Only Jesus can do that. What is more, we have His assurance that He will save it. He created it, He took on human flesh to live on it, and He is coming back to reign over it forever.
The Bible does say destruction is coming for this planet. Second Peter 3 compares this destruction to the flood of Noah. We aren’t exactly sure what this destruction will look like, but we know the planet will be cleansed of wicked people and any trace of them—all sin, brokenness, and death will be gone. Jesus’ people will dwell forever with Him on the new earth.
Does this mean we shouldn’t take part in environmental efforts? Not at all.
But we shouldn’t participate because we’re afraid the planet will die if we don’t. Instead, we steward creation as a way to declare the good news of Jesus: because we are eagerly and joyfully anticipating the return of Christ and His kingdom. We are looking forward to creation without brokenness—including garbage and pollution—full of life and beauty, to the glory of the Creator, Sustainer, and Restorer (Romans 8:19-25). • Kevin Zeller
• Does it seem surprising that Jesus cares about the planet? Why or why not?
• Christians do disagree about what good environmental stewardship looks like. And that is okay! What questions do you have about taking care of creation? Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk with about these questions?
But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13 (WEB)
** Unlocked은 Keys for kids Ministries에서 지원받은 프로그램입니다. 원본으로 듣고 싶으신 분들은 홈페이지 www.keysforkids.org로 들어가시면 Unlocked <April 25, 2020>에서 다시 들으실 수 있습니다.**
The Truth Shall Set You Free
• READ: EPHESIANS 6:10-17
Have you ever been deceived? Confused, lied to, twisted around, and pulled into a pit of despair? We all have. Deception is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics.
The devil is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He tells us we aren’t good enough—that God couldn’t possibly love us. He uses the world’s voices to shout lies: “Make straight As at school, join every club that will have you, and dress like a model—then you’ll be worth something.”
We start to believe these lies and pursue popularity, good grades, and trophies above all else. We forget that true value comes from Jesus, our Creator and the One who has already done everything needed for us to be in relationship with Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The good news? God’s truth protects us from the devil’s lies. In Ephesians, the apostle Paul uses armor to describe the way that truth protects us: it reminds us of all we have in Jesus. As Christians, we are called to wear “truth like a belt” (Ephesians 6:14). Just like no Roman soldier would go to battle half-dressed, we can’t fight the devil’s lies if we aren’t clothed in God’s truth. The truth of the good news of Jesus is our protection, our shield, and our sword in the midst of any struggle. When we know Jesus, no lie can separate us from God’s immense love for us (Romans 8:38-39).
If you know Jesus, talk with Him about lies you’re dealing with. Ask Him to replace the lies with His truth. Trust His Holy Spirit to show you what lies you are believing and to lead you to the truth of God’s Word. Jesus is the One who can drown out the enemy’s lies. • Sharon Rene
• What lies do you believe about yourself? Write them down and give them to God.
• Can you think of truths from the Bible that refute these lies?
• If you can’t find a Bible passage to refute a lie you’re believing, who is a trusted Christian in your life—such as a camp counselor or pastor—who can help you find some verses?
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 (CSB)
