God's Word makes it clear that children are to be looked upon as a blessing. He speaks about the worth of children throughout His book, the Bible. "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him" (Psalm 127:3, NLT).

God's Word also tells us the importance of protecting children. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones" (Matthew 18:10, ESV).

The world we live in often does not recognize the value of children. Sadly, evil abounds. But the Word of God promises that those who trust in the Lord will be safe forever (Psalm 125:1)!

The supporters of this poster want to honour Aboriginal children whose lives were scarred by the hands of religious people who truly didn't know God. Evil lives within the hearts of all humans, including the religious heart. Church walls sometimes sadly do not protect little children any more than the four walls of their own home. God's Word says that we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23).

Because of our own sins, each of us is separated from God and we carry much shame, guilt and fear. The most religious people in the Bible needed God's forgiveness. And so do you.

Unfortunately, Aboriginal children had religion forced upon them, but God invites each of us to enter into a relationship with Himself. John 3:3 teaches that we must be born again. Being born again is an act of God, in which eternal life is given to the person who believes in Jesus as the sacrifice for his or her sins. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Because of our sinful choices and the sinful choices of others, life can be so hard. But God's love for you is greater. You matter to God! Those who change their minds about living their own way, then demonstrate childlike faith in Jesus as their Saviour become children of God (John 1:12)!

We must turn from trusting in religion or in our own efforts to earn forgiveness. Ephesians 2:8–9 tells us that salvation is the gift of God; given by grace through faith, and not of ourselves.

The Lord Jesus gives a new quality of life that lasts forever. He is alive and He defeated death, sin and hell for us! He will never lie to you, steal from you or abuse you. The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope (Psalm 34:18).

He loves you-He proved that by taking your place at the cross. He soaked up God's anger so that everyone, including you,could be free from the penalty of sin, which is judgment in hell and the lake of fire forever.

He also wants you to be saved from the control of sin in your life today! If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Lord Jesus used children to illustrate the most important spiritual truth: Unless we turn from our sins and become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3).

Becky Kew shares good news at Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba, Canada. BeckyKew@ outlook.com

Glenn Hayes

Special thanks to Heavenly Flett of Ebb n Flow first nation for her dancing pose (center Image) in this illustration. To check in to getting your copy for paying shipping only, please contact Becky at 204-843-0035 http://www.withoutreservation.com