STEP 1 GOD'S IDEA: PEACE AND LIFE FOREVER God loves you, and he wants you to live in peace with him now and in heaven forever. THE BIBLE SAYS... "We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1 "Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life." John 3:16 STEP 2 OUR PROBLEM: SIN GETS IN THE WAY God did not make us robots to mindlessly love and obey him. Instead, he gave us a brain and freedom of choice. But we often choose to disobey God and go our own selfish ways. This is called sin, and it pushes us away from God. THE BIBLE SAYS... "All have sinned and are not good enough to share God's divine greatness." Romans 3:23 "It is your sins that separate you from your God. The Lord turns away from you when he sees them." Isaiah 59:2 STEP 3 GOD'S ANSWER: THE CROSS Jesus Christ is the only answer to this problem of being cut off from God. He died on the crossand rose from the grave to take the punishment for our sin. That's how he is able to bring us back together with God. THE BIBLE SAYS... "But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and in that way God showed how much he loves us." Romans 5:8 "There is only one God, and there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus . . ." 1 Timothy 2: STEP 4 OUR PART: ACCEPT JESUS We accept Jesus when we believe his message and trust in him alone to save us. THE BIBLE SAYS... "Everyone who believes in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name." Acts 10:43 "Yes, everyone who trusts in the Lord God will be saved." Romans 10:13 HOW TO RECEIVE JESUS: 1. Admit your need (I am a sinner). 2. Be willing to turn away from your sins. 3. Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. You can invite Jesus to come in and control your life. (Pray to receive him as your Savior.) WHAT TO PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am sinful and I need your forgiveness. I believe that you died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. I want to turn from my sinful ways and follow you instead. I invite you to come into my heart and life. Amen. GOD'S GIFT TO US: HIS WORD-THE BIBLE If you asked Jesus to come into your life, do you know what he has given you? THE BIBLE SAYS... "Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us--nothing in the whole created world--will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 "We have been made right with God because of our faith. So we have peace with him through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1 "Whoever has the Son has life, but whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God. I write so that you will know that you have eternal life now." 1 John 5:12-13 When you receive Jesus, you are born into God's family through the work of the Holy Spirit who lives in every believer . . . this is called "new birth" or being "born again." God bless you as you begin your wonderful new life in Jesus Christ.

A NEW YEAR HAS ARRIVED! And like the year before it, this new 365 days has come with much anticipation. Many people begin January 1 with goals, hopes, dreams, and perhaps even a plan of action for all that they would like to accomplish. The possibilities for a new year's list of resolutions are endless. Some of the most common include exercise routines, healthier eating, progress at work, and quality time spent with family. Life goals and resolutions can be a great way to begin a year, so long as a healthy balance is maintained. For Christians, the start of a new year arrives with reminders afresh of the glorious promises that God has made to his people through the Bible. For Christians--those who have repented of their sin and received Jesus Christ as their Savior--a new year is a chance for renewed commitments to seek after God and to share the good news of Jesus. The Scriptures below are foundational truths that Christians believe. They are beacons of hope, not only for a new year but also for an eternal future with God. If you have not yet placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, then these Scriptures bring great news. The gospel of Jesus is that his birth, life, death on a cross, and resurrection to heaven from the grave deliver eternal life to those who turn away from sin and receive Jesus as their Savior. Make this new year the start of an eternity-changing journey toward becoming a child of God! Gospel Scriptures for a New Year "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. . . . The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 3:23; 6:23) "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world. . . . But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:1, 2; 2:4, 5) "When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7) The Apostle Paul wrote, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15) "[Jesus] committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to [God] who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2:22-25) The Light of the Gospel Let these Scriptures sink deep into your hearts. Memorize them. Share them with your friends and family. The gospel--or good news--of Jesus Christ is a bright light to an often-dark world. If you believe the truths that you've just read, it is only fitting that you would want to share the rich hope of the gospel, especially at the beginning of a new year. If you have read these words of good news as an unbeliever, consider taking a first step of faith in Jesus Christ by praying the following: Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, and that he died on the cross to save me from my sin. I believe that he rose again to life, and that he invites me to live forever with him in heaven as part of your family. Because of what Jesus has done, I ask you to forgive me of my sin and give me eternal life. Help me in a way that pleases and honors you. Amen.

In a magical prehistoric world lives a little dinosaur with bright, sparkling feet. Teo tries as hard as he can to avoid the attention they bring – but can he grow to love his sparkle? All the dinosaurs LOVE to dance – all apart from Teo . . . Teo is a very special dinosaur – he has magical sparkling feet that shine brightly wherever he goes. But, he is also a SHY dinosaur, and wishes that his feet would stop drawing so much attention. One day, Teo’s friend makes him some leafy shoes to help him dance at the dino disco without feeling anxious – but not everything goes to plan. Can Teo come to realise that he is special for who he is, sparkling feet and all? Based on the evergreen rhyme ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ – and with a heart-warming message about spreading kindness and finding the confidence to love yourself for who you are!

From pharaohs and mummies, to gods and pyramids, Ancient Egypt has mesmerised and mystified people for centuries. Join your guides Yousef and the Great Sphinx on a trip back through the history of Ancient Egypt. Discover fascinating facts, such as: - Who ruled and lived in Ancient Egypt and what their lives were like - When the first pyramid was built and what was inside - How to write your name in hieroglyphics - And how the Egyptians lived - and died! After reading this book, you'll become an expert on this incredible civilisation! A Guide to Ancient Egypt is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Reading age: 8-10 years

Fox and Bat are very competitive and do not get along. When a fox cub falls in the river, they have to forget their differences to help him. Can they work together and save the cub? Fox and Bat is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years

What are the primary, secondary and tertiary colours? Which colours are complementary? Do you know what messages colours can give us? Join the colour detectives to find out the answers to these questions and many more! The Colour Detectives is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 5-6 years

Join the Comet Street Kids on a fascinating journey across the galaxy to find out what lies beyond our own planet and solar system. From exploring Saturn's rings to watching out for comets, you won't believe your eyes! Guide to the Galaxy is part of the Galaxy range of books from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Galaxy provides captivating fiction and non-fiction for Pink A to White band. The rich collection of highly decodable books immerses children in a range of cross-curricular topics and genres. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 6-7 years

Come on a night time adventure and find out what you can see when the moon is high in the sky. Under the light of the street lamps, you might find some exciting animals or even a friendly face going to work! At Night is part of the Rocket Phonics range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Rocket Phonics builds a firm foundation in word reading through fresh and fully decodable phonics books for Pink A to Orange band.Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years

It is night time, and three very tired goats are trying to get some sleep. But when the other animals start making a great big racket, the goats start to think they will never fall asleep! Go to Sleep, Goats! is part of the Rocket Phonics range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Rocket Phonics builds a firm foundation in word reading through fresh and fully decodable phonics books for Pink A to Orange band.Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years

Sam the ram is trying to get some peace and quiet up on the hill. But before he can have his afternoon nap, some big bad gulls arrive and make Sam rather fed up! Sam the Ram is part of the Rocket Phonics range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Rocket Phonics builds a firm foundation in word reading through fresh and fully decodable phonics books for Pink A to Orange band. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years

Jess Peep has lost her sheep, and even her sheepdog Jet can't find them! Even worse - someone has left her field in a terrible mess! Can Jess find her sheep again before the end of the day? The Lost Sheep is part of the Rocket Phonics range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Rocket Phonics builds a firm foundation in word reading through fresh and fully decodable phonics books for Pink A to Orange band.Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years

Ferris and his mum make a trip to an animal rehoming centre to pick a pet. The shop has bugs, a ferret and even a reindeer! Which animal do you think they will choose? Pick a Pet is part of the Rocket Phonics range from Rising Stars Reading Planet. Rocket Phonics builds a firm foundation in word reading through fresh and fully decodable phonics books for Pink A to Orange band. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and activities to support reading at home as well as comprehension questions to check understanding. Reading age: 4-5 years

To the people of the world, Easter means that the perfect plan of salvation has been provided. The Bible, God's book, summarizes the "gospel," which means "good news," this way: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures . . . he was buried . . . he rose again on the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). God shows his love for us in that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). To God, Easter means that he is satisfied with Jesus's death in our place. "Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust [us], that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18). Jesus Christ "is the propitiation [the Satisfier of God's just punishment] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2). To the believer, Easter is the promise of everlasting life. Jesus promised whoever "heareth my word, and believeth on him [God the Father] that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). God "raised up the Lord [Jesus], and will also raise up us by his own power" (1 Corinthians 6:14). To you, Easter is a challenge to believe. Whoever "believeth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36). Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me . . . shall never die [spiritually]" (John 11:25-26). You can know the true meaning of Easter in your life today! Recognize that without Christ you are separated from God. In honest repentance, admit your sin and your need to be saved: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God . . . the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Realize that God loves you and that Jesus Christ died for your sins. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son [to die in your place], that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men [humankind], the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Receive the risen Christ into your life by faith and trust him as your Savior. "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17). "As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Eternal life begins the moment you believe that only through Jesus can your sins be forgiven, and that eternal life comes only from God: "it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8), it is not because of your own doing. You can be forgiven today! That's how the true meaning of Easter can make a difference in your life--now and forever!