This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Hi, friends! Today, we're going to talk about something super special that only happens when we believe in Jesus. Have you ever seen a butterfly? Butterflies start out as caterpillars. After they build a cocoon they change into something beautiful and new. That's a picture of what happens to us when we believe in Jesus!

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that if we are in Christ, we are formed into a new creation. The old things are gone, and new things come. But what does that mean?

In Christ: When we say we are "in Christ," it means we believe in Jesus and follow Him. We trust Him with our lives and want our lives to represent Him.

A New Creation: Just like a caterpillar changes into a beautiful butterfly, we change when we follow Jesus. Our hearts and lives are made new. We start to live in a way that pleases God.

The Old is Gone: Before we knew Jesus, we might have done things that weren't right. We sinned. But when we believe in Jesus, those old ways are gone. Our guilt and sin is forgiven! We get a fresh start!

The New Has Come: Now, with Jesus, we have a new way of life. We can be kind, loving, and follow God's commands. We have a new life with Jesus!

Isn't it reassuring to know that God makes us new when we follow Jesus? It's like getting a fresh start and becoming the best version of ourselves!

Materials Needed:
• Coffee filters or white paper
• Washable markers
• Spray bottle with water
• Clothespins
• Pipe cleaners (optional)
• Newspaper or a surface to protect your workspace

Instructions:
• Color the Coffee Filter with markers. Be careful because the markers may bleed through filter. Use the markers to color all over the coffee filter. Use lots of bright colors and be creative!
• Spray with Water: Place the colored coffee filter on the newspaper or a protected surface. Lightly spray the coffee filter with water. Watch as the colors blend and spread out. This is like our old life being washed away and becoming something new!
• Let It Dry: Let the coffee filter dry completely. This might take a little while, so be patient!
• Create the Butterfly: Once the coffee filter is dry, pinch it in the middle and clip it with a clothespin to make the butterfly’s body.

If you have pipe cleaners, twist one around the clothespin to make antennae.
• Display Your Butterfly: You now have a beautiful butterfly to remind you that in Christ, you are a new creation!

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for making us new when we believe in Jesus. Help us to live in a way that pleases you and to remember that the old has gone and the new has come. Amen.

Discussion Questions:
• How do you feel knowing that you can be made new in Jesus?
• What are some old things we should let go of when we follow Jesus?
• How can we show that we are a new creation in Christ to others?

Remember, in Jesus, you are a new creation! Just like a beautiful butterfly, you have a fresh start and a new way to live. Let’s celebrate our new life in Christ and show His love to everyone!

Clever Cub is a curious little bear who LOVES to cuddle up with the Bible and learn about God. Follow along as Clever Cub explores God’s creation of the world! You’ll love reading Clever Cub Books to your kids at night before bed, on car trips, and relaxing on the couch as they ask questions about the world and discover God’s purpose for their life.

You can adopt DJ The Dog if you promise to take care of your new pet! The Bridge will send you a plush Golden Retriever with a DJ dog tag, an Official Adoption Certificate, and a DJ Coloring Sheet to enjoy.

Click the photo to adopt DJ today!