Life's Journey To Perfection: 2016 LDS Sharing Time Ideas for April Week 1: Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior.

2016 Sharing Time Outline Theme: "I Know the Scriptures Are True"

April 2016 Sharing Time Topic: Jesus Christ Is My Savior and Redeemer

April 2016 Scripture: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3).

April 2016 Song: Your Choice

April Week 1 Topic: Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior.

Preparation:

Prayerfully study and think about what the specific needs of your primary are and how you can teach them this doctrine. Here's a great article to read in preparation: Satan’s Rebellion

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Sharing Time Instruction:

On the board draw two paths forming a V. See diagram above. At the top of one path name it A and draw a big sun and at the top of the other name it B. Explain to the children that they are going to have to choose, which path they would want to follow. Explain that if they choose Path A, it is not going to be an easy, there are going to be some hills they are going to have to climb, but as they climb them it will make them stronger. There will be beauty along the path and there will also be some not so pretty spots. Explain that there will be choices to make along the path and because there are choices that it is possible that not everyone will make it to the destination. Further explain that they will be able to experience this path with their family. At the end of the path is a place of so much happiness and beauty beyond measure. Explain that there will be a place on this path that they will not be able to cross. They will need to have some help to continue on this path to their destination. Explain that there will be someone so pure and perfect that will come and sacrifice to build a bridge for them so they will be able to continue on the path. That this person does this just because he loves them and he does not want any glory. Then explain that if they endure all of the difficulties along the path and use the bridge they will be blessed, they will be with their families forever and they will gain a great reward.

Then explain that there is also a Path B. If they choose Path B, it will be easy, that their choices will not matter because everyone will make it to the destination. But because there are no choices and no accountability, there can be no growth, no happiness. Explain that this path is led by a person who is known as "the father of lies", he is one that can not be trusted. He seeks to have all of the power and glory and will take away their agency to get it.

Invite the primary children to stand up if they would like to go on Path A, where there will be someone perfect to follow and who will build the bridges to help them continue on their path. Then invite everyone to sit down. Then invite those who would like to go on Path B, where they will not be allowed to have their agency (to make choices) and they will be led by someone who is not looking out for them, but only looking for his own power and glory.

Ask the primary children if the scenario you described, sounds familiar? When was their a time where they were presented with two plans and they had to make a choice?? Read the following scripture to the primary children: Moses 4: 1-4 What did Heavenly Father say that Jesus, his Only Begotten was?? He was "Chosen from the beginning". This means that Jesus was chosen by Heavenly Father as an essential part of His plan from the very beginning. We also chose Jesus when we made the decision to follow our Heavenly Father's plan.

Show the primary children the week's theme poster and invite the primary children to repeat, "Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior." Invite the primary children to share what it means to be a SAVIOR? What does Jesus save us from? Discuss with the children that he saves us from both Spiritual and Physical Death. We are able to repent of our sins, saving us from our spiritual death and because he was resurrected we will be resurrected also, saving us from a physical death.

Use the Life Preserver Printable. Explain that like a life guard saves us from the dangers of drowning, our Savior, Jesus Christ saves us from drowning in our sins.

Activity:
Invite a primary child to be the hider and another primary child to be the finder. The finder will go out into the hall. The hider will hide the Life Preserver. When the Life Preserver is hidden, the Finder will come back in the room and the whole primary will sing, “I Lived in Heaven”. Instruct the children that as the finder gets close to the life preserver they will need to sing louder. As they finder is far away from the life preserver then they will sign quietly. It is like the hot and cold game with singing. When the life preserver is found, then choose a new hider and finder.

Explain that as we draw close to the Savior we will be able to have the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives to help us make the right decisions. But as we stray from the Savior that influence will be quieter or draw away from us completely, making it more difficult to make the right choices. Share you testimony with the children and invite them to stay close to the Savior by following his example and allowing him to be a guide in their lives.

What else have the primary children learned this month? Here are links to this month's past sharing times:

Want more ideas:

Click this link for past Sharing Time post: LDS Primary Sharing Time Ideas

***Basic ideas for this sharing time came from the 2016 Outline for Sharing Time, you can find a link here: 2016 Outline for Sharing Time

2016 LDS Sharing Time Ideas for April Week 1: Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior.

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