believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
4. What must we now do to please God? (Open our heart and receive Jesus.)
If you are willing to ask God to forgive your sins, and you receive Jesus as your Savior, you will become a member of God's family: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12).
5. Shall we say a prayer together? If you really want to receive Jesus, I want you to say these words after me:
"Dear God, You have said that I have sinned and need forgiveness. I am sorry for pleasing only myself instead of You. I receive Jesus right now as my Savior and Lord. Amen."
6. Encourage the child to:
A. Read the Bible every day. Tell the child we are sending an interesting
book, Jesus Loves Me, which will help him or her to understand more of God's Word.
B. Learn to pray to Jesus every day.
C. Try to be loving to his or her parents and other people, as well as
being helpful to them.
D. Go to Sunday school and church every Sunday.
Scripture
"For 'whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved'" (Romans 10:13).
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8–9).
"Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me" (Revelation 3:20, TLB).
SATAN, ORIGIN AND WORK OF
Background
Satan worship is practiced in many countries of the world and has become prevalent in America in recent years. We need to understand the enemy! Who Is Satan?
Satan is a fallen angel. He was of the highest order of angelic beings, anointed to cover God's throne. God created Satan, but not as an evil being; he became evil when by his own free will he forfeited his privileged position before God (Ezekiel 28:15). Satan tried to make himself equal with God, hoping even to usurp God's position. But instead, because of his pride and selfish ambition, God cast him out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12–14).
Satan was joined in his rebellion by millions of lesser angels who now serve as his messengers (see the chapter on "Demons").
Satan is known in Scripture by many names, including: the "tempter" (Matthew 4:3); the "enemy" (Matthew 13:39); a "murderer" and the "father of lies" (John 8:44, NIV); the "god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4); the "prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:1–3); the "adversary" and a "roaring lion" (1 Peter 5:8–10); a "deceiver" (Revelation 12:9, PHILLIPs); and the "accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10; see Job 1:6–12). These names reveal something of Satan's nature and mission. Where Is Satan's Domain?
Satan does not live in hell (nor does he carry a pitchfork!). He is not and never shall be the master of hell. He will, however, someday be one of its victims; in fact, hell was made specifically for Satan and the fallen angels (Matthew 25:41). For the present, Satan goes "to and fro on the earth" (Job 1:7) and appears in heaven to accuse God's people before Him (Revelation 12:10).
What Is Satan Like?
What do Satan's names reveal about him? Here are three important points to remember while talking with an inquirer concerning Satan:
• Satan deceives, transforming himself into an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).
• Satan tempts, as seen in his contest with Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11).
• Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers, hoping to prevent them from coming to the light (2 Corinthians 4:4).