Persecution of the Church

Persecution of the Church

Wednesday, April 17th & Sunday, April 20th

Key Passages: Acts 5:17-42, 6:7-8:3

Basic Truth: God's plans are always good

Memory Verse: Many are the plans in a man's hear, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

Think about it:

Simon from Cyrene (Mark 15:21), a stranger in town, was randomly selected by the Roman soldiers and compelled to carry the heavy cross of a man he had perhaps never laid eyes on before.  You may find yourself in circumstances that are shocking or bewildering.  In the midst of pain and confusion, can you find peace in the thought that this, too, must be in God’s plan for you?

If our faith in Christ’s redemptive blood is real, our surrender to Him means that all details in our lives are under His control, and they are allowed in order to bring Him greater glory.  Simon didn’t understand the unfair treatment, but he is remembered in God’s eternal Word for his part in God’s eternal plan.

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8:28).

This life is not about me and my comfort – it’s ALL about GOD!  Am I willing to suffer so that someone else might know about my God?  

Ask it:

All Levels

Q: Why is it good that God's plans always prevail?

A: God's plans are always right and good!

Grade 1-2

Q: How did God use persecution to make more disciples?

A: As believers left Jerusalem and moved to other places to avoid persecution, many more people in far away places heard about Jesus and became disciples.

Q: What is God's plan (what did He tell us to do in Matthew 28:18-20)? Can anyone stop it??

A: He tells us to make more disciples by telling others about Him. Nobody can stop God's plan!

Q: Why did the apostles keep telling people about Jesus, even when they were put in prison?

A: They were obeying God and following His plan for them. 

Grade 3-4

Q: Why do we not need to be afraid or discouraged when things seem bad?

A: We can trust that God is always doing something good. He is able to use even evil things to accomplish His good purpose.

Q: What does God command us to do in Matthew 28:18-20? What is the promise that He makes at the end of verse 20?

A: He tells us to make more disciples by telling others about Him. He promises us that He will always be with us. God always keeps His promises!!

Q: What does it mean to be faithful? Is God faithful? Can anyone stop His plans? 

A: God is faithful! Faithful means to keep every promise; totally reliable. No one can stop Him and nobody else is like Him!

Grade 5-6

Q: Why do people suffer?

A: All suffering is the result of sin, but it's not without God's control. God has authority to allow suffering that will accomplish His good purposes. 

Q: An example of suffering can be found in John 9:3. Why did this man suffer with blindness? 

A: so God could display His power and greatness by healing Him. Everything is here on earth to bring glory to God and show His greatness!

Q: How can we accept suffering as good?

A: By knowing that God uses it for His own good purposes. We can also remember that He sees things we can't see, He knows everything! He sees the end of the suffering that He allows, and He sees that good that will come from it. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17.

Family Activities:

1) Learn about a martyr in Christian history. Discuss their life and how they are an encouragement and example for you. 

2) Talk about what it means to be a disciple (a loyal follower of Christ).

3) Remember a difficult time in your life and share how God was faithful and used it for something good, that maybe was difficult to see in the moment. 

Healing the Crippled Beggar

Healing the Crippled Beggar

Wednesday, April 10th & Sunday, April 14th

Key Passages: Acts 3 and 4

Basic Truth: The Holy Spirit gives power to obey God.

Memory Verse: For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

Think about it: 

From computers to microwaves, motors standing alone may seem to have an aura of energy.  But they are paralyzed unless plugged into the power source, and working in harmony with the rest of the parts.

The greatest hindrance to the flow of God’s miracle power today is our pride and worldly self-assurance.  Our Lord can still open the Red Sea, stop the flow of the Jordan River, or break the bonds of our personal prison whenever He sees fit to do so.  But His miracles are linked to the fulfillment of His promises and His plans. 

 When we in faith and humility have taken the intermediate steps prompted by the Holy Spirit, desiring His will above our own solutions, the mighty hand of God is free anew to move mountains.  “This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.  God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” (Hebrews 2:3-4).

What miracles might God want to do in your life?  His power has not diminished!

Ask it:

All Levels

Q: Why do we need God's power to act according to His purposes?

A: We can't do it by ourselves.

Grade 1-2

Q: How did the Holy Spirit help Peter and John to obey Jesus' commands?

A: The Holy Spirit gave them power to speak boldly about Jesus so many people would hear the Gospel. He helped them to obey Jesus even when it was hard. 

Grade 3-4

Q: Why do we need the power of the Holy Spirit?

A: We can't believe in Jesus or obey His commands without the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Grade 5-6

Q: What does the life of a believer look like?

A: Believers are born into a new family. They have a new purpose and new power to obey their new Master. 

Family Activities:

1) Help someone in your church or neighborhood. How can helping someone be selfish? (wrong motives...) When is helping someone a way of obeying Jesus? (done unselfishly because we love Him-response)

2) Talk about times when it's hard to obey Jesus. 

Ascension; Pentecost

Ascension; Pentecost

Wednesday, April 3rd & Sunday, April 7th

Key Passages: Acts 1:1-11, 2:1-41

Basic Truth: Mankind is sinful and needs a Savior

Memory Verse: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28: 18-20

Think about it:

Second Kings 7 tells of some starving men, stricken with leprosy and cast out by their fellow citizens who suddenly found food and riches beyond their wildest dreams.  They eagerly ate their fill and gathered abundant treasures for their future well-being; but soon conviction came on them as they remembered the need of their neighbors.  “Then they said to each other, ‘We are not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves...’”       (2 Kings 7:9)

Do we as born-again believers, blessed with all the fullness of God’s love and grace, just indulge ourselves?  Or do we sense the desperate need for salvation of the lost all around us?  Today God is still sending His followers into the world to share the good news with others.

“All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.  They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, ¹² so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”  (Psalm 145:10-12)

NOTE:  Do not make witnessing a legalistic requirement.  Present the truth and let the Holy Spirit prompt the response.

Ask it:

All Levels

Q: Why would Jesus want His followers to be baptized?

A: Being baptized is a public declaration that a person is a follower of Jesus.

Grade 1-2

Q: What is the Gospel?

A: The Gospel is Good News of salvation. Jesus has made a way for our sins to be forgiven so we can live with Him forever.

Q: Why did Jesus send His followers to tell others this Good News?

A: so people can have their sins forgiven and live with Him forever!

Q: In our memory verse, what did Jesus tell His disciples to do?

A: make more disciples, baptize them, teach them to obey Jesus' commands

Grade 3-4

Q: Why is Jesus' command to share the Gospel given to all believers?

A: The job is too big for just a few! God planned for believers to work together so all nations would hear about Jesus.

Q: What help did God give to the apostles so they could tell thousands of people?

A: the Holy Spirit

Q: God created His church by gathering the group of new believers together. What is the purpose of the church?

A: The local church is a group of baptized believers who join together to carry out the commands of Jesus. They gather for community and to help each other obey Jesus' commands and to tell others about him. 

Grade 5-6

Q: Why would we want to tell others the Good News of Jesus?

A: Jesus commands us to tell others so they also can be saved. If we recognize His infinite love for us, we will want to obey Him. 

Q: What did the followers of Jesus receive following pentecost? Do we receive this as well? 

A: They received the Holy Spirit. Yes, you have the Holy Spirit as well if you believe in Jesus as your Savior!

Q: Why is sharing the news about Jesus so important?

A: without this news people will be eternally separated from God. 

Family Activities

1) Discuss ways each member of your family can obey Jesus' commands. What does it mean to be a disciple: How does our church help us to obey Jesus' commands?

2) Watch the "Jesus" movie. 

Family Easter Activity

"Empty Tomb" Marshmallow Delights

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
8 large marshmallows
1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:
Separate rolls into eight triangles. Combine sugar and cinnamon. Dip each marshmallow into butter, roll in cinnamon-sugar and place on a triangle. Pinch dough around marshmallow, sealing all edges. *Make sure to seal well or all the marshmallow will escape.

Dip tops of dough into remaining butter and cinnamon-sugar. Place with sugar side up in greased muffin cups. It helps to use jumbo muffin tins so that the juice doesn’t overflow.

Bake at 375 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes. Eat warm.

These delicious 'tombs' are easy to make with kids and they invite the opportunity to explain about the ressurection because the disappearing marshmallow is supposed to represent Jesus being risen. They even taste like mini cinnamon buns :)

Here’s a breakdown of the symbolism:

• Large Marshmallows – body of Jesus
• Melted Butter – oils of embalming
• Cinnamon  and Sugar Mix- spices used to annoint the body.
• Crescent Roll – the wrapping of Jesus’ body or the tomb.
• Oven – the tomb
• Cavity in bun – the empty tomb or the empty cloths

Easter Week

The Resurrection

The Resurrection

Wednesday, March 20th & Sunday, March 24th

Key Passages: Matthew 27:62-28:15, Mark 15:20-47

Basic Truth: Mankind is justified by faith in what Jesus has done.

Memory Verse: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

Think about it: 

…  “Amuse” =  “not to think” -  amusements are designed to keep us in a state of distraction from thinking about our many burdens and, above all, about our relationship to God.

…  “Justified” =  “declared righteous” - the miracle of our acceptance as sinners by our holy God.  This pinnacle of our whole series of lessons requires us to think in depth.  Even the easier-to-understand meaning, “just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned”, calls for careful thought and humble gratitude.

 Set your amusements aside and spend some time thinking about being justified.  Then spend some time praying that your students will grasp the significance of sinners being declared righteous!

“For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”  (Romans 5:10)

Ask it:

All Levels

Q: What does it mean to be justified?

A: It means to be declared righteous; made acceptable to God.

Grade 1-2

Q: Why does God declare us righteous?

A: Jesus took the punishment for our sins and gives us His righteousness instead. If we believe that Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins, God forgives us and declares us righteous.

Q: What is a sinner and who does God say is a sinner?

A: A sinner is anyone who does not meet God's perfect standard. God says that every person is a sinner (Romans 3:23)

Q: When Jesus died, what happened to our sin?

A: Jesus payed the penalty of our sin. When He died, our sin was totally and forever taken care of!

Grade 3-4

Q: Why is Jesus' resurrection so important?

A: Jesus' resurrection proves that God is totally reliable to fulfill all promises. It also proves that His death was accepted by God as sufficient payment for sin.

Q: Read John 5:24. How can you know if you have crossed from death to life?

A: God says you have, if you trust what Jesus has done for you! 

Grade 5-6

Q: Why will some people not go to heaven?

A: Faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice is the only way to be made righteous and acceptable to God. Some people refuse to accept Jesus as their only Savior

Q: What can keep us from going to heaven?

A: trusting something other than Jesus to save us!

Q: What can you do to be acceptable to God?

A: nothing other than trust that Jesus' death paid the penalty for your sin and satisfied God's wrath!

Family Activities:

1) Discuss how your Easter traditions can include thanking Jesus for becoming your Savior.

2) Schedule a time for the family to read the resurrection story together. 

The Crucifixion

The Crucifixion

Wednesday, March 13th & Sunday, March 17th

Key Passages: Luke 23:26-56, Mark 15:37-38

Basic Truth: Jesus chose to die as our substitute

Memory Verse: "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10

Think about it: 

The word “substitute” to us often carries the thought of a less valuable or inferior replacement for something or someone we would prefer to have.   But when Jesus chose to shed His blood and to die for our sins, a whole new and amazing meaning came into being.   God the Son agreed to be abandoned by God the Father and shed His blood in our place.  That the Creator of the universe would choose to pay the penalty for us sin-stained creatures leaves us gasping, “How can it be that the King of Glory would die for me?”

“"Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?"  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

This lesson holds up Jesus as God’s Way – the ONLY Way – to be reconciled to God.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of your students this week.  

Ask it:

All Levels

Q: What is an atoning sacrifice?

A: A payment that is accepted by God and satisfies His wrath over sin. Jesus is the ONLY atoning sacrifice!

Grade 1-2

Q: Why did God the Father forsake, or turn away from Jesus?

A: All of our sin was put on Jesus. Our sin separated Jesus from God the Father. Because He loves us, Jesus took the punishment that we deserved.

Q: How much does Jesus love us?

A: Enough to take the punishment for our sins...enough to die in our place!

Q: Why can Jesus take our sin, but nobody else can?

A: Jesus can take our sin because He had NO sin. Nobody else could cover our sin because they have their own sin, they aren't perfect like Jesus is. 

Grade 3-4

Q: How does Jesus' death show God's justice?

A: God said that sin would be punished by death. Because Jesus agreed to take the sins of the world, He endured the just punishment that all sinners deserve. 

Q: What do we deserve because we are sinners?

A: We deserve punishment, death and God's wrath, we have no right to be with God or to be loved by God. But Jesus came to save us from this! (Ephesians 5:6)

Q: What happened when Jesus died and what did it show the people (and us!)?

A: The thick temple curtain was torn in half; the earth shook so hard the rocks were split. It shows that Jesus was the Son of God! (Matthew 27: 51, 54)

Grade 5-6

Q: How was Jesus' death a great victory?

A: His death accomplished the purpose for which He was born-- to offer Himself as a sacrifice, sufficient to redeem sinful mankind. Jesus showed His sovereign control as everything happened just the way it was planned. 

Q: Why do we needed to be redeemed and what does that mean?

A: We need to be redeemed because we have all sinned against God. Redeem means to pay a price to buy back and set free. Jesus paid the greatest price of all!
Q: How would someone be redeemed before Jesus came? 
A: They would offer an animal sacrifice to cover their sin. The person who had sinned would bring the required animal to the tabernacle. They would put their hands on the head of the animal to signify that their sin was being taken by the animal. The animal was then killed in the place of the sinner. 

Family Activities:

1) Play Monopoly, Sorry, or another game that has a penalty. Parents, when someone "deserves" the penalty, offer to take the penalty for them.

2) Talk about "stunt men". Why would an actor be glad to have a substitute?