Cross-Shaped Conversations resources use visual images and simple language to encourage these ongoing conversations about faith in God and relationships with others. For example,
- God's Word is critical to nourishing and guarding our hearts (Ps. 119: 9-11, 105)
- Behavior overflows from the desires in the heart (Luke 6:43-45; Ezekiel 36:25-27)
With a common language base and connecting images for use with all ages, these tools encourage deepening conversations while reading and discussing Bible stories, reading and discussing stories from other books or videos, or talking about situations in everyday life.
- In Jesus, God gives us forgiveness and peace (Mark 1:14-15; 1 John 1:7-9)
- God wants our lives with each other to overflow with His love and peace (Colossians 3:12-17; Romans 12:3, 9-21)
But it can be challenging to find common language for every age and stage to participate in these cross-shaped, scripture-rich conversations. To engage all ages, the language used must have some elements simple enough for the youngest children and yet reflect the theological depth which engages older children, teens, and adults.
- In God's word, Law and Gospel have distinct roles and impact (Luke 24:44-49; Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 2:19-21 & 3:2, 23-26)
- Behavior overflows from the desires in the heart (Luke 6:43-45; Ezekiel 36:25-27)
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 describes a lifestyle where faith is passed on to the next generation through ongoing conversations centered around His word. He describes adults and children intentionally talking with one another as God's Word seasons their conversations throughout the routines of their day. They even maintain physical reminders of His Word on things they see, touch, and wear. Everywhere they turn, they bump into God and His Word as God generously scatters seeds of His Word, good news of His love, on the soil of their hearts (Luke 8:4-15).