GROWING CHILDREN IN FOLLOWING JESUS
Welcome!
Today’s lesson is about challenges and obstacles that we can face when following Jesus.
Read the Bible story first and then watch the lesson video.
Bible Reading
Acts 1:8 (ICB)
But the Holy Spirit will come to you. Then you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.
Acts 16:25-36 (ICB)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly, there was a big earthquake. It was so strong that it shook the foundation of the jail. Then all the doors of the jail broke open. All the prisoners were freed from their chains. The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. He thought that the prisoners had already escaped. So he got his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul shouted, “Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!”
The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside. Shaking with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, “Men, what must I do to be saved?”
They said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all the people in your house.” So Paul and Silas told the message of the Lord to the jailer and all the people in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took Paul and Silas and washed their wounds. Then he and all his people were baptized immediately. After this the jailer took Paul and Silas home and gave them food. He and his family were very happy because they now believed in God.
The next morning, the Roman officers sent the police to tell the jailer, “Let these men go free!”
The jailer said to Paul, “The officers have sent an order to let you go free. You can leave now. Go in peace.”
Questions to ask
- What are the hard words?
- What did not make sense?
- What questions do I have?
Lesson
Discussion
After you have watched the lesson and completed the bible reading, discuss these questions together:
What do you think is amazing about this story?
- Even though Paul and Silas were treated unfairly and thrown into prison they did not stop praising God and singing songs. The other prisoners and guards stopped and listened to them. Despite their difficulties and opposition they still followed Jesus.
Why were Paul and Silas in prison?
- Paul cast an evil spirit out of a young slave girl but her owners were angry and brought Paul and Silas before the court. They were both beaten and thrown into prison.
Why do you think Paul and Silas started singing to God?
- Both men were filled with the Holy Spirit and they chose not to focus on their unfair treatment but focused on God. Because they chose to worship and praise God in their difficulties it caused the other prisoners to listen to them as they prayed and sang. Paul and Silas were able to witness for Jesus to these prisoners.
Prayer
Dear God, Thank you so much for loving us and for sending Jesus to earth to show us your love and forgiveness. Thank you that we are all one in Christ Jesus and all equal in your eyes. Please help us to care and show your love and kindness to people, no matter who they are.
I pray also that you would fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can be people who do as you asked, to let everyone know the Good News of Jesus. Help us to look out for times to tell others about you. We pray for all the people on our Good News sign, that we can share your Good News with them.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resources
Memory Verse John 3:17
- For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Challenge
- What makes it hard for you to tell others you are a christian?
- How could you share the Good News like Paul and Silas?
Sermon Notes
- Sermon notes page to follow along with
Activities
Special Treats
Worship Song
Kids Talk
Have a listen to Tanya help us see what it means to have paper faith