It’s hard to find things that are truly free in our world today. The promise of free shipping on your online order is too often just a gimmick to make you spend more than you had planned. The price for the “free” breakfast at the hotel you stop at on your way to Florida is really just rolled into the total for the suspiciously over-priced room. My sons were astounded at the shockingly good deal advertised by the fireworks tents until they learned that “buy one get four free” really means: “We’ll charge you the price of five fireworks when you buy one.” Truly, something that is truly free is a rarity indeed.
It’s All God
Perhaps that’s why we struggle to take God at his word when he tells us our salvation is by his grace alone. “No!” we say, “I’d like to do something to earn that gift, please! I have things to offer to this relationship” In actuality, all we have to offer is a sinful heart that is constantly running from him. Accordingly, all we can do is simply receive the gifts he gives by grace. God’s grace is a free gift with no strings attached, no gimmicks, no tricks. God was the first to come up with the idea of “free,” and he’s the only one who does it perfectly!
Middle School Lesson
We see God’s grace in action at the baptismal font! Do you study baptism with your middle school students? Teach by Faith designed a baptism sketch notes lesson for middle school that will get your students into God’s Word and Luther’s Small Catechism. They will explore the truths about this special sacrament. The sketch notes format is fun and engaging. It is sure to get good discussions about faith started in your classroom!
If you are looking for this ready-to-use resource for your students, check it out in my store.
Looking for related articles? Check out:
Do You See a Ghost or a God? – Teach by Faith
Books of the Bible Songs – Teach by Faith
10 Great Ways to Be Human – Teach by Faith
Looking for more related articles from other authors? Check out:
What Do Lutherans Believe About Baptism?
Martin Luther on the New Birth from Water and the Spirit in Baptism
