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The Early Church by Jennifer Tolbert
The Messiah was prophesied to be a great leader who would establish a new kingdom for the Jewish people. While on Earth, Jesus would talk to his disciples and followers about his new kingdom. The church is God's plan for community among his people through His Spirit.
Key Themes: 1. Jesus established His church to spread the gospel. 2. God desires purity among His people. 3. Fellowship and worship are important to God's church. Memory Verse
19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.” -Matthew 28:19-20
Songs
Books of the New Testament
Big, Big House I Am A C I Love the Lord Messiah Said I Wasn't This Little Light of Mine You're the One Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Operation Bring an operation game to class and let kids take turns trying to take different parts out. Discuss how the church is like a body made up of different parts and each part is important. 2. Sharing Bring a small snack or gift item and share it with the kids. SAY, 'This is mine, but we are all part of a church family. It gives me so much joy to share with my Christian family, just like the people in the Early Church did!" Story: Jesus had gone up to heaven and his apostles and followers had formed the first churches. Churches were not big fancy buildings. Instead, a church was a group of people who followed Jesus. They had fellowship with one another, met together in their homes, at together and shared everything they had. They were dedicated to living in the new way Jesus had taught them. READ the story of Christians Share What They Have or read Acts 4:32-5:16 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
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The Day of Pentecost by Jennifer Tolbert
The word "gospel" means good news! Before Jesus went up to heaven, he told the disciples to go into the world and tell everyone the "good news" of salvation through him. However, Jesus sent his disciples a special helper called the Holy Spirit.
Key Themes: 1. The gospel is the good news! 2. Jesus established His church to fulfill God's plan. 3. The Holy Spirit was sent to help us. Memory Verse
19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.” -Matthew 28:19-20
Songs
Books of the New Testament
Jesus, Name Above All Names From the Rising of the Sun God Is Not Dead I Love the Lord Messiah Righteousness, Peace Light the Fire Story
gin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Jesus Loves You Teach the children the phrase “Jesus loves you” in several different languages. Example: Spanish- “Cristo te ama” French- “Jesus vous aime” German- “Christ liebt dich” You might want to invite someone who speaks another language to come to your class and teach the children. After the children have learned the phrase, then explain, “In today’s bible lesson we are going to learn about a time when the apostles wanted to teach people about Jesus. Since these people knew all kinds of different languages, the Holy Spirit gave the apostles a special ability. Even though they had never studied a language, they could speak it perfectly.” (Idea from MissionBibleClas.org) 2. Waiting Game Everyone should begin by sitting on the ground. Explain when you say “go”, they should wait x seconds and then stand up. The person closest to the correct time wins. Start off with low numbers. Speak about how we must wait for God’s perfect time. (Idea from TruewayKids.org) 3. Connection Game Remind the children of times God had appeared as fire in the Bible. Fire often represents God's presence. For example, Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3), Leading the Israelites in the Wilderness (Deuteronomy 1:33), Mt. Sinai (Exodus 19:18), etc. If you can safely do so, light and hold a candle during your discussion. Story: Jesus had been teaching and preparing his disciples to establish his church on Earth. Before he left for Heaven, he gave them the Great Commission. He also sent them a helper, the Holy Spirit, to help them with this task. This is the story of how his apostles received the Holy Spirit, and through it delivered the first sermon and baptized over 3,000 people! READ the story of The Day of Pentecost or read Acts 2 in the Bible. EMPHASIZE that:
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Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
Activities
The Resurrection by Jennifer Tolbert
Jesus's victory over death, the resurrection, is the foundation of the gospel. His resurrection fulfills prophecy and gives us the assurance that he truly was the Son of God. His death and resurrection was the final sacrifice for sin, and restoring the relationship that was lost in the garden.
Key Themes: 1. Jesus death was the final sacrifice for sin. 2. Jesus's resurrection is proof he is the Son of God. 3. Jesus is alive, real and waiting for us in Heaven. Memory Verse
19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.” -Matthew 28:19-20
Songs
Books of the New Testament
Got a Reason for Living Mighty is Our God Our God is an Awesome God Shine, Jesus, Shine Wonderful, Merciful Savior You're the One Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Resurrection Cookies/Rolls Resurrection rolls are a sweet treat that symbolizes how the tomb was empty! This is a fun way to introduce the idea of the resurrection. You can make them ahead of class and enjoy it as a snack OR allow the kids to prepare them and have your helper bake them and bring them back at the end. Be sure to check on allergies! There are a lot of different recipes out there, but here is an easy one. 2. Resurrection Lighting Science Experiment The Bible tells us that angel from heaven appeared like a "flash of lightening." This science experiment is attention-getting to introduce the idea of the power of Jesus's resurrection-his power over sin and death. You will need balloons, metal spoons and a dark room. Here are the instructions. 3. Resurrection Games This is a list of fun games you can play to begin conversation about the resurrection. Story: Jesus told his disciples about his own resurrection and demonstrated his power over death by raising people from the dead. The Jewish people were disappointed that Jesus, who had been their hope, was dead. The chief priests and Pharisees were afraid that Jesus’ resurrection claims would incite the crowd and took every precaution to seal and guard His tomb so they could be sure the disciples would not carry his body away. Although Jesus repeatedly assured his disciples of His victory over death, they didn’t understand His meaning. They didn’t understand that no seal, no guard, no force could prevent Jesus from rising again. READ the story of Jesus's Resurrection and Ascension OR read Luke 24. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Connect the story back to God and his character. Explain how this story fits into God's overall story.
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