Conversation Starters: Redeemed from an Unbelieving Past
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We can’t stop the interruptions or demands other people make, but how we react to them is totally in our hands. Jesus is concerned about our reactions. The ways we react in these situations will—or won’t—show us to be distinctly Christian. Jesus calls us to a standard that is consistent, honest, and grace-filled.
Concept: Redeemed from an Unbelieving Past
Preschool
Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-31
LIFE POINT: Saul hurt people who loved Jesus. As he walked on the road to the town of Damascus, a light flashed around him. He heard a voice call his name. That voice was Jesus, who spoke and told Saul
to go into Damascus. Jesus told Ananias to go to Saul and help him. Even though Ananias was afraid, he found Saul and helped him. Ananias told Saul that Jesus had sent him to give Saul his sight. Saul was able to see again. He ate, and his strength returned. Saul began to tell people about Jesus. Many people were scared of Saul. Barnabas began to tell people how Jesus spoke to Saul on the Damascus road and now Saul spoke in love and peace for Jesus.
LIVE IT OUT: Ask your child how he would respond to certain situations, such as if a friend hits him, someone takes his toy, or someone cuts in line. Comment that God helps people know what to do.
Kids
Acts 8-9
LIFE POINT: One day a man named Saul was on his way to Damascus to have followers of Jesus arrested. A bright light shone down on him, and Saul fell to the ground. He heard a voice ask him, “Saul,
Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Saul asked who the voice was coming from. The voice replied, “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.” Jesus told Saul to get up and go into the city. When Saul got up, he could not see. He was blind for three days. A man named Ananias went to the house where Saul was staying. Ananias placed his hands on Saul and told him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. Saul began preaching the good news about Jesus to
everyone.
LIVE IT OUT: Does your child regularly ask forgiveness? Ask your child to name some things for which she might need to be forgiven. Help your child understand that God loves her and will forgive her whenever she asks for forgiveness.
Students
Acts 26:9-20
THE POINT: Christ can transform even hostile enemies into faithful believers. Why are some teams so fun to “hate”? What makes the gospel offensive to some people? Discuss the following quote:
“If you are renewed by grace, and were to meet your old self, I am sure you would be very anxious to get out of his company.”1 —Charles H. Spurgeon
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student.
If he or she plans to complete Open Source:
• Talk to your student about the heart of gospel. When we treasure the gospel of Christ, sharing it is a natural reaction. Develop a prayer list with your student of people they know who need to hear the truth of the gospel.
If he or she plans to complete Daily Reading:
• Give your student daily Scripture readings about the life of Paul this week.
1. “Quotes About Repentance,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 17 July 2015]. Available from the Internet:www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/repentance
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