More Than Conquerors

Children's Message

Introduction

The eighth chapter of the letter to the Romans is one of the most loved chapters in the Bible. As the crux of this important epistle, this chapter provides insight into some of the core elements of our faith. How does the law function in our faith? What does it mean to set our mind on the Spirit? What is our relationship with all creation? How are we bound together with other disciples in suffering and joy? St. Paul sets out to answer these and many other questions as he weaves a poetic vision of what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a part of the body of Christ. We invite you and your congregation to explore “Core Faith” this summer. 

Scripture

Romans 8:26-39, New International Reader's Version

²⁶ In the same way, the Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. We don’t know what we should pray for. But the Spirit himself prays for us. He prays through groans too deep for words. ²⁷ God, who looks into our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit. And the Spirit prays for God’s people just as God wants him to pray.

²⁸ We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose. ²⁹ God planned that those he had chosen would become like his Son. In that way, Christ will be the first and most honored among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those God has planned for, he has also appointed to be saved. Those he has appointed, he has made right with himself. To those he has made right with himself, he has given his glory.

We Are More Than Winners

³¹ What should we say then? Since God is on our side, who can be against us? 32 God did not spare his own Son. He gave him up for us all. Then won’t he also freely give us everything else? 33 Who can bring any charge against God’s chosen ones? God makes us right with himself. ³⁴ Then who can sentence us to death? No one. Christ Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also praying for us. He died. More than that, he was raised to life. ³⁵ Who can separate us from Christ’s love? Can trouble or hard times or harm or hunger? Can nakedness or danger or war? ³⁶ It is written,

“Because of you, we face death all day long.
We are considered as sheep to be killed.” (Psalm 44:22)

³⁷ No! In all these things we are more than winners! We owe it all to Christ, who has loved us. ³⁸ I am absolutely sure that not even death or life can separate us from God’s love. Not even angels or demons, the present or the future, or any powers can separate us. ³⁹ Not even the highest places or the lowest, or anything else in all creation can separate us. Nothing at all can ever separate us from God’s love. That’s because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done.

New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Objects

Four linked hearts.

Message

Good morning, friends. Come a little closer so you can see. Look at our hearts. (Point to the chain.)

We started with one heart, God’s love for each of us.

Then we added more, God’s Spirit, waiting and growing, love for the whole world.

Today our hearts are complete. (Add the final heart to the chain.)

One heart became many. Just like God’s love.

In today’s Bible passage, Paul tells us the biggest, strongest truth of all.

Are you ready? (Build anticipation.) Are you ready?

Nothing! Nothing at all! Nothing at all can separate us from God’s love.

Let’s see if that’s really true. Everyone hug yourself as tight as you can. (Count to three together.) Now open your arms wide, like you’re ready for the biggest hug ever.

God’s love is not tight. God’s love is open.

Let’s test some things. When I name something, you help me decide. Is it stronger than God’s love? Ready?

Not sadness. Is sadness stronger than God’s love?

(Invite children to shake their heads “no.”)

Not fear. Is fear stronger than God’s love?

(Stomp once together.)

Not mistakes. Are mistakes stronger than God’s love?

(Wiggle fingers like “uh-oh,” then smile.)

Not being left out. Is the feeling of being left out stronger than God’s love?

(Arms crossed, then opened again.)

Not even hard days. Are hard days stronger than God’s love?

(Take a deep breath together.)

None of these are stronger than God’s love.

Now, everyone gently hold the heart chain.

(Invite a few children to help or have all reach toward it.)

Feel how the hearts stay connected.

We are held by God’s love.

Not alone.
Not apart.

Together.

Let’s say it loud enough for the whole world to hear.

Say it with me:

“Nothing can separate us from God’s love!”

(Say it again—this time louder.)

“Nothing can separate us from God’s love!”

Paul says we are more than conquerors. That means God’s love wins. Every time.

Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

I wonder who needs to hear this good news today. Can you think of someone who needs to hear this good news? (Allow children to pause to reflect.)

I wonder how we can share God’s love this week.

Let’s create four ways (to represent the four hearts) that we can share God’s love this week. I’ll count. (While counting, touch each heart from the chain. Allow children to provide ways that they can share God’s love.)

Wow! Those are all great ways to share the love of God with someone.

Consistent Closing Ritual (Each Week)

Now let’s end the way we always do.

Put your hands on your heart.

(Pause.)

Now reach out and link hands with someone nearby, or imagine our hearts all connected together.

Leader: God’s love holds me.
Children: God’s love holds us.

Prayer

(Hands on hearts, slow breathing)

God of love, thank you for holding us always.
Help us share your love with the world.
Amen.

Between the Sundays

A Family Faith Practice for the “Core Faith” Series

Each week includes:

• A short scripture idea.
• Conversation starters.
• A hands-on or movement-based activity.
• A simple prayer.
• The consistent ritual used in worship.

Week 4 – More Than Conquerors

Scripture Focus: Romans 8:26–39
Theme: Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Talk Together

• What are some things that feel scary or hard? Talk about a time you felt scared or had difficulty this week.
• What helped you feel safe again?
• Who might need to hear that God loves them no matter what? Share a story of how you shared God’s love this week.

Try This Together

Love Test

Hug yourself tightly.

Open your arms wide.

Say together:
“Nothing can separate us from God’s love.”

Complete your heart chain and display it together.

Wonder Together

I wonder who needs to hear this good news. Have each family member provide a name of someone who needs to hear this good news.

I wonder how we can share God’s love this week. As a family, come up with four ideas of how to share the love of God this week.

Prayer

God of love, thank you for holding us always.
Help us share your love with the world.
Amen.

Family Ritual

Hands on hearts; then hands linked together.
Leader: God’s love holds me.
All: God’s love holds us.