Lesson 1: God Sends the Holy Spirit

Transcription

1 Lesson 1: God Sends the Holy Spirit Text: Acts 2:1 21 Date Used: Key Point: At Pentecost, God sent the Holy Spirit to His Church. Through Word and Sacrament, God gives us His Holy Spirit to create and sustain saving faith in Jesus. Law/Gospel: I sin when I believe that I can understand and trust in God on my own. By the power and work of the Holy Spirit through His Word, the Spirit grants me faith in Jesus and empowers me to will and do that which is good and God pleasing. Engage Suggested Songs: Now That You Know, Track 1; Be a Believer, Track 2; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3; Jesus, I Believe in You, Track 4 Bible Challenge Question: What church holiday is called the birthday of the Christian Church and why? Pentecost. This is the day God gave the Holy Spirit to believers in Jerusalem, just as Jesus promised. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

2 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Holy Spirit, Light Divine, Track 9 Now That You Know, Track 15 We All Believe in One True God, Track 21 Skit: God Sends the Holy Spirit Craft: Descending-Dove Mobile Food Activity: Fruit-of-the-Spirit Vine Group Activity: Tongues of Fire Leader(s): *If applicable

3 Lesson 2: Peter and John Heal the Lame Man Text: Acts 3 Date Used: Key Point: We are all lame beggars before God. Through the Means of Grace God s Word and Sacraments God gives us faith to believe in Jesus as our Savior and grants us forgiveness, the cure for all sin. Law/Gospel: Disability and illness are physical symptoms of sin in the world. Through His Son, God gives me forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation the cure for all sin. Engage Suggested Songs: Be a Believer, Track 2; It s a New Day, Rejoice!, Track 5; What Can I Do for Jesus, Track 6 Bible Challenge Question: Name three or more of Jesus original twelve disciples. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (Mathew 10:2 4). Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

4 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus (Track 11) Here I Stand (Track 8) My Risen and Forever Friend (Track 14) Skit: Simon Peter and John Heal the Lame Man Craft: Leaping Puppet Food Activity: The Right Medicine Group Activity: The Weak Made Strong Leader(s): *If applicable

5 Lesson 3: God s Servant Stephen Text: Acts 6 7 Date Used: Key Point: We are crushed and enraged at the accusations of God s Law, but the Gospel brings peace and quietness. In church, the pastor speaks the same Word of God as Stephen speaks in Acts 7:60, Lord, do not hold this sin against them, and gives us peace through the Words of the Absolution, for His sake [God] forgives you all your sins. Law/Gospel: Sin brings disorder and chaos. Christ brings order and control to the chaos of my sin with His grace and mercy. Engage Suggested Songs: It s a New Day, Rejoice!, Track 5; The Truth, Track 7; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3; What Can I Do for Jesus, Track 6 Bible Challenge Question: After Jesus ascended, were the twelve disciples the only ones to lead the Early Church? No, seven more men were called to serve with the disciples. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

6 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: By All Your Saints in Warfare (Track 6) Mark 5:36 (Track 13) Here I Stand (Track 8) Skit: God s Servant Stephen Craft: Heart-in-Hand Warmer Food Activity: Sin and Forgiveness Faces Group Activity: Give a Hand Leader(s): *If applicable

7 Lesson 4: Philip and the Ethiopian Text: Acts 8:26 40 Date Used: Key Point: As He came to the Ethiopian, our Lord comes to us in our weakness, for we cannot by our own reason or strength come to Him. Through the Means of Grace, the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies us, keeping us with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. Law/Gospel: Trusting in my sinful reason, I cannot understand the need for or the work of Christ. God grants me faith through His Word and Sacrament so that I trust in His Son, Jesus, as my Savior. Engage Suggested Songs: What Can I Do for Jesus, Track 6; Now That You Know, Track 1; The Truth, Track 7 Bible Challenge Question: True or false? People in the New Testament read God s word out of a book like we read the Bible. False. Papyrus scrolls were used to write individual sections of God s Word. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

8 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Listen, God Is Calling (Track 12) 1 Timothy 2:4 (Track 1) Now That You Know (Track 15) Skit: Philip and the Ethiopian Craft: Mini Scroll Food Activity: Christian Symbols Group Activity: God s ID Cards Leader(s): *If applicable

9 Lesson 5: The Conversion of Paul Text: Acts 9:1 31 Date Used: Key Point: Through the Law, we are crushed by the weight of our sin, and like Paul, we are enemies of God, unable to save ourselves. As God revived Paul through Ananias, He revives us through the proclamation of His Word and the administration of His Sacraments, granting forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. Law/Gospel: Because I am a sinner, I fail to stand up for Christ in the world, and I fear persecution. As a member of Christ s Body, the Church, I receive God s love and forgiveness in Christ and am strengthened in faith through His Word and Sacraments to live as His child, reflecting His love to the world. Engage Suggested Songs: Now That You Know, Track 1; Ananias Rap, Track 8; Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me, Track 9 Bible Challenge Question: What is the Hebrew name of the apostle Paul, whom God sent to preach to Gentiles throughout the Roman world? Saul Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

10 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: By All Your Saints in Warfare (Track 6) Jesus, I Believe in You (Track 10) 2 Corinthians 5:21 (Track 2) Skit: The Conversion of Paul Craft: Flash-of-Light Luminary Food Activity: Blindfold or Faith? Group Activity: Falling Scales Leader(s): *If applicable

11 Lesson 6: Dorcas Text: Acts 9:36 43 Date Used: Key Point: In the life of Dorcas, we see that God leads us to do good works that glorify Him and point others to the saving light of Christ! Law/Gospel: By nature, I seek glory for myself in all that I do, even my outward good works. When Christ shines His forgiveness on me, I am transformed to live for others to the glory of God. Engage Suggested Songs: Be a Believer, Track 2; What Can I Do for Jesus, Track 6; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3; My Risen and Forever Friend, Track 10 Bible Challenge Question: What did Jesus say to do with our light? What did He mean? Let it shine! See Matthew 5:16. Jesus meant we should let our good works show so that others might give glory to God. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

12 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Be Imitators (Track 5) Listen, God Is Calling (Track 12) Our Rescue (Track 17) Skit: Dorcas Craft: Salt-and-Light Felt Coasters Food Activity: Light Snack Group Activity: Shining God s Light on the World Leader(s): Service Project: Fringed Fleece Fun Leader(s): *If applicable

13 Lesson 7: Peter and Cornelius Text: Acts 10 Date Used: Key Point: In church, we receive the Good News that, although we are judged unrighteous and deserving of death, God mercifully declares us holy, righteous, and innocent because of Christ and His work. Law/Gospel: Jesus is the judge of the living and the dead and rightfully condemns me to death and hell because of my sin. Because of His saving work on the cross, Jesus forgives my sins and promises me eternal life. Engage Suggested Songs: My Risen and Forever Friend, Track 10; It s a New Day, Rejoice!, Track 5; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3; The Truth, Track 7 Bible Challenge Question: Name someone who was a leader in the Church after Jesus ascended. Peter, James the brother of Jesus, James the fisherman, and John were prominent. Others include the other apostles and other people who became Christians. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

14 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: We All Believe in One True God (Track 21) 1 Timothy 2:4 (Track 1) My Risen and Forever Friend (Track 14) Skit: Peter and Cornelius Craft: Fun-Foam Globe Magnet Food Activity: Pigs in Blankets Group Activity: Clean and Unclean Animal Sort Leader(s): *If applicable

15 Lesson 8: Peter s Escape from Prison Text: Acts 12 Date Used: Key Point: Like Peter, we may suffer because of the sins of others, but God s will is always done. His Word is never proclaimed in vain, but breaks the chains of sin that bind people and sets them free. Law/Gospel: In this world of sin, the Church of God will be persecuted on account of Christ, resulting in suffering for me and all believers. God works through His Word to break the chains of sin, relieve the suffering it causes, and sustain His Church. Engage Suggested Songs: Now That You Know, Track 1; It s a New Day, Rejoice!, Track 5; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3; The Truth, Track 7 Bible Challenge Question: Name someone in the Bible whom God helped escape from prison. Joseph, the apostles together, Peter another time by himself, Paul, and Silas. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

16 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus (Track 11) For God So Loved the World (Track 7) All Night, All Day (Track 4) Skit: Simon Peter s Escape from Prison Craft: Foil Chains Food Activity: Breaking the Chains Group Activity: Set Free! Leader(s): Service Project: Helping Children of Prisoners Leader(s): *If applicable

17 Lesson 9: Paul s First Missionary Journey Text: Acts Date Used: Key Point: Just as God sent Paul and Barnabas to spread the Gospel, so today He sends pastors and missionaries to preach the Gospel, baptize, and administer the Lord s Supper in mission fields around the world. Law/Gospel: When I despise the preaching of God s Word, do not hold it sacred, and do not gladly hear and learn it, I sin and support Satan s cause. The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church and God s Word, through which sinners are converted and in which I receive the grace of God. Engage Suggested Songs: Ananias Rap, Track 8; The Baa Baa Song, Track 11; Listen! You Nations, Track 12; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3 Bible Challenge Question: What is a missionary? A missionary is someone sent by a church to an area to tell other people about Jesus. A missionary might also provide medical care, education, or other needs for people. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

18 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: These Things Are Written (Track 20) For God So Loved the World (Track 7) Tell It (Track 19) Skit: Paul s First Missionary Journey Craft: Filtered-Light Stained Glass Food Activity: Spread the Word Group Activity: Church Workers Game Leader(s): Service Project: Expression of Thanks Leader(s): *If applicable

19 Lesson 10: Paul and Timothy Text: Acts 15:1 16:5 Date Used: Key Point: Human reason believes, as many did in Paul s day, that we must do something to be saved. Yet the answer is always Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus, whose resurrection from the dead sealed our salvation and absolved the world. Law/Gospel: I sin when I believe that Jesus is not enough for my salvation or when I think that I must do something, however small, to contribute to my salvation. Jesus has done it all perfectly for me. In Him, my salvation is complete. Engage Suggested Songs: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me, Track 9; Ananias Rap, Track 8; The Baa, Baa Song, Track 11 Bible Challenge Question: Paul had several traveling partners on his missionary journeys. Which of these people traveled with him? A. Titus; B. Timothy; C. Silas; D. All of them; E. None of them D. All of them Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

20 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Jesus, I Believe in You (Track 10) Take My Life and Let It Be (Track 18) 1 Timothy 2:4 (Track 1) Skit: Paul and Timothy Craft: Salvation Wreath Food Activity: Many Backgrounds, One Source of Salvation Group Activity: Removing Sin s Stain Leader(s): *If applicable

21 Lesson 11: Lydia Text: Acts 16:11 15 Date Used: Key Point: Just as God worked His miracle beside the river, clothing Lydia with Christ in Baptism, so God works His miracles in pulpits and fonts around the world today, destroying the work of Satan by washing away sins in water combined with God s Word and clothing believers with His righteousness. Law/Gospel: Because I am sinful, I cannot find God on my own. Though the Lord is everywhere, Christ locates Himself and His saving gifts for me in specific places: His baptismal font, His pulpit, His altar wherever His Word is spoken, sung, poured, eaten, or drunk. Engage Suggested Songs: Listen! You Nations, Track 12; The Baa, Baa Song, Track 11; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3; Jesus, I Believe in You, Track 4 Bible Challenge Question: True or false? Everywhere Paul traveled, all of the people loved him and his message about Jesus. False. Sometimes people rejected Paul and the Gospel. His health and life were often in danger. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

22 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Oh, How I Love Jesus (Track 16) These Things Are Written (Track 20) Acts 2:38 (Track 3) Skit: Lydia Craft: Clothed in Christ Food Activity: Coated in Forgiveness: Purple-Glazed Shell Cake Group Activity: Finding Jesus Leader(s): *If applicable

23 Lesson 12: Paul and Silas in Prison Text: Acts 16:16 40 Date Used: Key Point: Just as God opened the prison, granting Paul and Silas freedom and new life, so Christ by His crucifixion and resurrection frees us from the prison of our sins and grants us life eternal. Law/Gospel: The world hates Christ and His followers and rejects me because of Him. In my sin, I dislike and would avoid this persecution. The Spirit pours the peace of Christ into me, forgiving, strengthening, and sustaining me in Christ. Engage Suggested Songs: Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me, Track 9; Listen! You Nations, Track 12; Jesus, I Believe in You, Track 4 Bible Challenge Question: Which disciple went to jail with Paul in the city of Philippi? Silas Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Leader(s): Adult Bible Study Leader(s):

24 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: 1 Timothy 2:4 (Track 1) All Night, All Day (Track 4) Mark 5:36 (Track 13) Skit: Paul and Silas in Prison Craft: Prayer Boxes Food Activity: Jesus Sets Us Free Group Activity: Sing-Off and Dance-Off Competition Leader(s): *If applicable

25 Lesson 13: Paul Sails for Rome Text: Acts 27 Date Used: Key Point: As Christ was with Paul and his companions in a perilous sea voyage, so He is with us, holding us up, keeping us with Him in the ship of the Church, and casting all our sins into the depths of the sea. Law/Gospel: In sinful despair, I let the pains of the present overtake me; I doubt God and do not trust His redeeming love. Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever, rides out the storms of life with me, granting me hope through my redemption in Christ. Engage Suggested Songs: Jesus, I Believe in You, Track 4; My Risen and Forever Friend, Track 10; Our Rescue, Track 13; The Lord s Prayer, Track 3 Bible Challenge Question: Name some ways people traveled in Bible times. Walking, sailing, riding a donkey or camel, or riding in a chariot. Explore Level 1 (Grades 1 3) Level 2 (Grades 4 6) Adult Bible Study

26 Express Options (Choose 2 or more!) Approximate times: Slot 1: Slot 2: Slot 3*: Slot 4*: Slot 5*: Slot 6*: Music: Our Rescue (Track 17) Holy Spirit, Light Divine (Track 9) Here I Stand (Track 8) Skit: Paul Sails for Rome Craft: Floating Boat Food Activity: Edible Boats Group Activity: Wavy Waters Parachute Play Leader(s): Service Project: Disaster Relief Leader(s): Cross Explorations NT5 Director CD 2017 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV. Reproduced by permission. *If applicable