Unit 36, Session 1

 Jesus Is Worthy of Worship (Revelation 4–5)

Dear families,

John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4–5 offers us a glimpse of Jesus’ worthiness and heaven’s splendor, as those found in Him will abide with Him forever. From these passages, we know that God will forever reign with all glory, splendor, righteousness, and holiness attributed to His name.

How does Jesus meet John—and us—in our need? What do we learn about the nature of heaven and our role there as the redeemed?

Revelation 5 introduces the crucial conflict of today’s passage: No one has been found worthy to break the seal of this great scroll. This somber realization led the apostle to weep, until his gaze was lifted up to Jesus. He alone has conquered the power of sin and death, making Him the only One worthy to open the scroll. However, the magnificent, conquering Son of God did not appear in the way we would expect; rather, His appearance was like a slaughtered lamb—representing His sacrifice on our behalf. 

As He took the scroll, the creatures and elders fell down before Him in praise. The angels likewise declared that the slaughtered lamb’s power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing would endure forever! The resurrected Jesus who defeated sin and death rose victoriously to bring us back into relationship with the Father. By trusting in Him and giving Him praise for all He has done, we find our purpose in this life and for all days to come. We will forever worship the only One worthy of praise. This is what heaven is: the place of eternal unity with our Lord, where we will praise Him for eternity, no longer inhibited by sin. We will experience God’s glory in its fullness there forevermore. 

 As you prepare to teach this session to kids, remember this main point: Christ is worthy of endless praise and has made a way for us to dwell with Him forever! Though this passage may seem difficult to comprehend, the simplicity of His worthiness is what we must return to.: Our God is good, and He loved us enough to send us His Son.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is good. He deserves all of our worship. 
  • Younger Preschool: John saw a vision of Jesus. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness and life forever with God. Jesus is good. He deserves all of our worship. 
  • Older Preschool: John cried when he saw that no one was good enough to open the scroll. Then John saw Jesus, the Lamb of God. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness and life forever with God. Jesus is good enough to open the scroll. He deserves all of our worship. 
  • Kids: John cried when he saw that no one was worthy to open the scroll. Then John saw the resurrected Lamb—God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus was killed on the cross so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus is worthy. He deserves all praise, honor, and blessing. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return. 
  • Older Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 
  • Kids: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Younger Preschool: He will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Older Preschool: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4 
  • Kids: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 

** Next week: Jesus Will Return One Day (Revelation 19–20)

Jan 19 Leader guideDownload

Unit 35, Session 6

 We Are Here to Make Much of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4–5)

Dear families,

First Thessalonians 4–5 serves as an encouraging, insightful, and convicting portion of the letters penned by Paul. As evidenced by the compassionate, heartfelt words he shared, the apostle loved his brothers and sisters who belonged to the church in Thessalonica. Because of the deep affection he held toward them, he exhorted them to lean into the special, set-apart lives Christ had called them to as His followers.

What does Paul say is the will of God for his brothers and sisters in Christ—both in the year A.D. 50 as well as in the modern-day church? How are we to accomplish this will according to today’s passage? 

We often wonder what God’s will for our lives may be. Yet we see throughout the pages of Scripture: His will is our sanctification—in sexual morality, self-control, holiness, and honor … on account of the knowledge of our God (1 Thess. 4:3-5). Paul writes in the next chapter that His will for us is that we would likewise continually rejoice, pray, and give thanks for all He has done (1 Thess. 5:16-18). He calls for a “whole-person” holiness in all parts of our lives: spirit, soul, and body, which only comes through placing our trust in Jesus—which means trusting in what He says is best for our lives. 

 For the church of Thessalonica to pursue God’s will for their lives would be entirely impossible if not for the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They had to trust in the Lord to help them obey, believing in Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice as the basis of their faith. 

 As you take steps toward teaching this session, consider the ways you’ve been faithfully following Jesus. Be encouraged by all that He has done in your life to help you look more like Jesus through the power of His Spirit. Help kids see that they, too, can trust God’s character and goodness, which means that we can believe that His will for our lives—this call to sanctification—is good.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God wants us to tell about Jesus and love one another because Jesus is coming back. 
  • Younger Preschool: God wants us to tell about Jesus and love one another because Jesus is coming back. One day, Jesus will come back and make all things right. 
  • Older Preschool: Christians have a special task to spread the good news of Jesus and to live for Him. We love one another and find joy in Jesus as we remember God’s promise to one day come back and make all things right. 
  • Kids: Christians have a special purpose to spread the good news of Jesus and to live in a way that honors Him. We live holy lives, loving one another and finding joy in Jesus as we remember God’s promise to one day return and make all things right. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Jesus Is Worthy of Worship (Revelation 4–5)

Jan 12 Leader GuideDownload

Unit 35, Session 5

 Paul Preached in Rome (Acts 28)

Dear families,

Acts 28 finished out the nearly 30-year saga of Acts on a high note: Paul, by God’s grace, was able to carry out two years of faithful ministry there in the great city of Rome. Despite the troublesome circumstances surrounding his entry and reputation before the Romans, God proved Himself faithful and demonstrated the power of His gospel.

How, through the book of Acts, might we glean a deeper understanding of God’s work in the lives of His followers? What does Acts 28 teach us about God’s kingdom?

This incredible book of the Bible detailed the earliest days of the church and how the Holy Spirit has remained at work in His people’s lives, just as Christ promised. Here in the final chapter of Acts, we see the continued example of Paul’s reliance on the Holy Spirit as he ministered to and healed those on the island of Malta, as well as his years spent boldly proclaiming the gospel to all who visited him amidst his imprisonment.

Against all odds, the apostle found himself in the city where not even a shipwreck, false accusation, or snakebite could impede his arrival or ministry. Paul’s story in Acts ends with him being found faithful despite all that was stacked against him. Yet even his own faithfulness pales in comparison to the faithfulness of the God who called him on this mission.

Luke set the context for this book in chapter 1, when he stated that the resurrected Christ appeared to His people and spoke about the kingdom of God, promising His Spirit to them as they witnessed to the world. We see Paul exemplify this Spirit-filled life on mission as a witness, declaring the truth of God’s kingdom to all who’d listen—from slaves to kings. May we, too, be the witnesses we’re called to be, especially to the boys and girls entrusted to us through these sessions centered around His love.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Paul shared the good news that Jesus saves sinners. 
  • Younger Preschool: Paul told others about Jesus even when he was a prisoner. He kept sharing the good news even when people disagreed. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved. 
  • Older Preschool: Paul told others about Jesus even when he was a prisoner. He kept sharing the good news even when people disagreed. The message about Jesus seems silly to some, but everyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved. 
  • Kids: Being a prisoner in Rome did not stop Paul from sharing his faith. He continued to share the gospel even when people disagreed. The message about Jesus seems foolish to some, but everyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: We Are Here to Make Much of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4–5)

Unit 35, Session 4

 Paul Went to Rome (Acts 27–28)

Dear families,

In today’s passage, we read of the troublesome conditions Paul and his shipmates experienced on their way to Rome. From troubles with the weather and waters to issues with others aboard the ship, the men’s hope of survival was fading quickly. Even still, Paul believed in God’s promise to keep him safe on his mission to proclaim the gospel in that great city. 

What lessons about perseverance can we glean from this passage? How does God reveal His faithfulness to His people throughout their time aboard this dangerous ship? 

So much seemed to be working against Paul in these passages. To begin with, the purpose of this trip was to appeal to the highest powers in the Roman courts against his unfair arrest and condemnation from the Jewish elite. It was in these dire circumstances that God revealed he would safely arrive to proclaim the gospel there. However, the esteemed apostle and his shipmates were not met with smooth sailing. 

They battled terrible conditions from all sides—stormy winds that wouldn’t cooperate, brutal winter weather that wouldn’t let up, an inability to eat for days on end, and no means of securing direction from the sun or stars. Some of the sailors had even plotted an escape from this dire situation at hand, hopelessly believing they could not be saved from their circumstances. 

Through it all, Paul took on a leadership role on the ship, giving advice as to how they could avoid great loss by not going forward from Crete as planned. Although the men didn’t listen, Paul was later able to give other encouragement to his peers, sharing with them the words that an angel had spoken to him: “Don’t be afraid.” Paul trusted in His Savior Jesus to continue the work and mission He had begun in the apostle’s life and knew that God could be trusted. 

Consider all the things working against Paul in just this chapter alone. Then, reflect on the God who had revealed His great plans for the apostle. Pray for God to grant the same miraculous gift of faith to you and to your group as you relay this incredible story of God’s faithfulness, no matter the storm.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died to keep us safe from sin and death. 
  • Younger Preschool: Paul trusted God’s promise to keep everyone safe from the storm. God wants us to trust Jesus. Jesus died to keep us safe from sin and death. 
  • Older Preschool: Paul trusted God’s promise to keep him and everyone else safe from the storm. He told the sailors to trust God too. God wants us to trust Jesus. Jesus died to keep us safe from sin and death. We can tell this good news to everyone. 
  • Kids: Paul trusted God to keep His promise to rescue him from the storm. He encouraged the sailors to trust and obey God too. God calls us to trust in His Son, Jesus, who died to rescue us from sin and death, and to invite others to believe this good news as well. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Paul Preached in Rome (Acts 28)

Dec 22 LEADER GUIDEDownload

Unit 35, Session 3

Paul Was Sent to Rome (Acts 24–26)

Dear families,

The story of Paul’s time in Caesarea seemed to be long, drawn out, and hopeless. Even still, the apostle was not without hope, which he proclaimed the good news of Jesus before the governor and king—just as Jesus prophesied of His followers in Matthew 10:18. 

How does Paul establish the credibility of his faith in Jesus here at his tribunal? What does he declare to be his hope, even now as a prison under the threat of death by his own people? 

Paul spent much of this time laying out his testimony, beginning with his blamelessness through the lens of the Jewish law, as well as his continued worship of the same God as his Jewish ancestors. As he stood before King Agrippa and Queen Bernice, the military commanders, and prominent men of the city, he laid out the hope of God’s people since the beginning and how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection served as the fulfillment of their long-awaited grand hope. 

It seemed apparent to the king that, after years of incarceration, this prisoner had finally received an opportunity to defend his freedom before these great men of power. However, rather than deflecting from his intended message for the sake of his freedom, Paul chose to extend a gospel presentation. The king asked if he were really going to present the case of Christ so easily, and Paul’s response was that he desired all those individuals present before him to receive the same gift of salvation that applies to all—no matter their worldly status. 

Paul never wavered in his boasting of Christ and His resurrection, nor did he allow the terrible circumstances of his imprisonment to color his belief in the worthiness of his Lord. Consider the faith this man had in believing Jesus’ promises amidst his hardship. How can you shine that same light as you teach of Paul’s courage and perseverance in his eternal hope in Jesus? Teach the boys and girls in your group about the boldness of Paul in response to the faithfulness of Jesus.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God wants all people to know and love Jesus. 
  • Younger Preschool: God chose Paul to tell all kinds of people—even kings!—about Jesus. Paul wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Jesus has the power to save people from sin. 
  • Older Preschool: God chose Paul to tell all kinds of people—even kings!—about Jesus. Even when people were against him, Paul did not stop. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Paul believed Jesus has the power to save people from sin, and he was willing to do anything to share this good news. 
  • Kids: God chose Paul to take the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. Paul met with people again and again to tell the good news about Jesus. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Because Jesus has the power to save people from sin, Paul was willing to do whatever it took to share the gospel. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Paul Went to Rome (Acts 27–28)

Dec 15Download

Unit 35, Session 2

 Paul Was on Trial (Acts 22–23)

Dear families,

In Acts 22–23, Paul must persevere with his trust in Jesus as he faces the dangers prophesied for him in Jerusalem head-on. Though the Jews planned evil against him, God planned it for good, to bring about the message of salvation to those who were waiting to hear it in Rome. 

What was the basis of the Jews’ argument and plot against Paul? How do we see the Lord fulfilling the promises He made to his apostle throughout this passage? 

In our previous session, we learned that the Jews in Jerusalem were angry with Paul for proclaiming a gospel that seemed to make light of Moses’ teachings and law. Additionally, the Jews speculated that he had even allowed Greeks into the temple, thus defiling their holy place. They held the baseless belief that Paul was leading their people further from their long-held views of God and His salvation.  

While Paul had been sent back to the barracks to be kept safe from the mob overnight, the Lord drew near to Him and called for him to have courage. Just as Paul had preached the good news of the gospel in Jerusalem, so, too, was he commissioned to do the same in Rome. All Paul could do was faithfully trust the God who had brought him thus far. 

Reflect on the perseverance of Paul despite all the false allegations, mistreatment, and injustice he faced in today’s passage. Through it all, he remained steadfast, steadied by his trust in the God who conquered death and gave him nothing to fear. Pray for the boys and girls in your group, that they, too, would experience the comfort that comes with entrusting all we are to the God who reigns. 

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: We can obey God because God loves us and takes care of us. 
  • Younger Preschool: Even when others wanted to hurt Paul, Paul trusted God. We can obey God no matter what because we know God loves us and takes care of us. 
  • Older Preschool: Even when others wanted to hurt Paul, Paul trusted God. God showed His love for the world by sending Jesus, and Paul believed God would use these hard times to help Paul get to Rome. Like Paul, we can obey God no matter what because we know God loves us and takes care of us. 
  • Kids: Paul trusted God and believed that God, who showed His love for the world by sending His Son to die on the cross and rise again, would use the danger Paul faced to get Paul to Rome. We too can risk everything to share the gospel with courage because we know that God loves us and will care for us. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Paul Was Sent to Rome (Acts 24–26)

Dec 8 LEADER GUIDEDownload

Unit 35, Session 1

 Paul Returned to Jerusalem (Acts 21–22)

Dear families,

Acts 21 and 22 serve to build out the suspense of the troubles ahead that lay Paul in the city of Jerusalem. Not only Paul, but other disciples had likewise heard from the Holy Spirit that dangers lay ahead of him should he continue his plans for the journey ahead. Even still, the apostle ventured on, leaning into the high stakes and emotions felt by so many of his brothers and sisters in the faith. 

What led Paul to set aside the warnings he had received about all that awaited him upon his return to Jerusalem? What guiding forces ushered this apostle forward as he considered the fate in store for him? 

Paul displayed an unwavering trust and abiding hope in Jesus as he counted the cost of following Him. His answer to the pleadings of Agabus and the locals was that he was ready to sacrifice everything for the name of His Lord Jesus. His conviction on the matter of going forward with his plans was so strong, in fact, that the people’s response could only be to have faith that the Lord’s will would be done. Paul didn’t care about reputation, status, or prestige—only Christ crucified and His name proclaimed to the Jews and Gentiles alike. 

Even the apostle’s defense to the mob in Jerusalem was deeply steeped in the grace of Jesus. He sought not to simply get himself out of trouble, but to declare the worthiness of His Lord before an audience who only wanted to see him dead. He shared with them all they had in common and the one thing that kept them distinct and separate from one another: faith in the Son of God. He was driven by a hope that they would turn to saving faith in Him, too. 

Reflect on the evidence of Paul’s faith before his fellow disciples and those who were unbelievers. No one questioned his confidence in the Father, no matter the cost. Pray for the hearts of your students as you prepare to teach this session. May your faith grow and be displayed before those God has set before you. May they see and experience the worthiness of His love through your devotion and fervor for His gospel.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: We can tell people about Jesus because God is with us. 
  • Younger Preschool: Paul followed God’s plan even though he faced trouble. God was with Paul. We can tell people about Jesus because God is with us, too. 
  • Older Preschool: Paul followed God’s plan even though he faced danger. Paul believed that God, who kept His promise to raise Jesus from the dead, would help him too. We can follow God’s plan to tell others about Jesus even when it is hard. 
  • Kids: Paul followed God’s plan and returned to Jerusalem even though he faced danger in the city. Paul believed that God, who was faithful to raise Jesus from the dead, would help him in his troubles. We can follow God’s plan to tell others about Jesus and trust God to take care of us. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Paul Was on Trial (Acts 22–23)

Volunteer Leader FeudDownload

Unit 34, Session 4

 We Are Here to Glorify God (Romans 15)

Dear families,

Romans 15 highlights Paul’s heart for sharing the gospel and seeing it permeate the hearts of all who may hear of it and grow from it. The apostle shared the light of Jesus with Christ followers in Rome, that they would lean into their purpose of glorifying God and growing in their knowledge and love for Him. 

What issues were the believers in Rome fighting against? How did Paul seek to encourage them despite all these difficulties present within the church? 

From this chapter, we notice that though the truth of the gospel has gone out among believers in Rome, difficulties still exist among Jesus’ people. It appears the stronger believers within the church had trouble dealing with and bearing the weaknesses of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul reminded the church that they were to walk alongside one another, building up and building out the kingdom of God. They needed to experience the endurance and encouragement that Jesus offers to His people, which are gifts that we, too, still need as the church today. 

Division was still present between the Jews and Gentiles in the Roman church, as believers from opposite backgrounds found their common ground in Jesus alone. Paul used his words carefully so that the gospel’s power would be made apparent in his interactions with them and through their interactions with another as the body of Christ. The gospel was always meant to transcend culture and upbringing, uniting us by the power of the God who created us. 

As you prepare to teach this to your kids, remember that Paul’s concern was for the readers of his letter to recognize their need for God and to live lives that bring honor to His name. May your interactions with the boys and girls in your group be so steeped in the grace and encouragement of Jesus as you lead them in the love and light of their Savior.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: When we trust in Jesus and follow Him, we honor God by helping others. 
  • Younger Preschool: God made people to honor Him. When we trust in Jesus and follow Him, we honor God by helping others. 
  • Older Preschool: God created people to bring Him glory. When we trust in Jesus and follow Him, we honor God by helping others. God calls us to love people like Jesus loved and to tell them about Jesus. 
  • Kids: God created people to bring Him glory. When we trust in Jesus and follow Him, we bring glory to God by seeking the good of others. God calls us to share the love of Jesus with all people by telling them the good news—the gospel. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What should Christians do? We should tell others the good news of Jesus. 
  • Older Preschool: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make followers of Jesus from every nation by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
  • Kids: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Tell people of God’s wonderful works. Psalm 96:3 
  • Younger Preschool: Tell people of God’s wonderful works. Psalm 96:3 
  • Older Preschool: Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 
  • Kids: Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 

** Next week: Paul Returned to Jerusalem (Acts 21–22)

November 24 Lesson PlanDownload

Unit 34, Session 3

Paul Visited the Churches (Acts 18–21)

Dear families,

This session, we read of Paul’s determination to extend Christ’s invitation of faith to non-believers and to deepen the faith of those who were believers. No part of this third missionary journey proved to be easy. Even still, Paul knew his purpose was to proclaim the gospel to all who would listen, testifying to the grace he’d so freely received. 

What propelled Paul forward on his voyages, despite the dangers and troubles he faced? What drew others to listen to him, believing in the gospel he’d committed his life to proclaim? 

In Acts 18:9, the Lord declared to the apostle Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent…” These words strengthened him amidst the legal allegations he faced in Corinth and even further as he traveled throughout Asia on mission for the gospel. It was Paul’s steadfast conviction that made others hone in on the words he spoke about God’s kingdom. They listened as he gave of his time, committing months and sometimes even years of his life to growing his disciples in the faith. He taught diligently and passionately, believing that God would be faithful to open the people’s hearts toward His truth. 

Paul faced opposition from idol worshippers in Ephesus, as well as from Jews who plotted against him as he began to set sail for Syria. The gospel was controversial on all sides—for all who did not believe Jesus was the only way to the one, true God. Even still, God protected Paul throughout this journey, and the missionary even declared that the value of his life could only be found in proclaiming Christ’s truth. 

Though Paul ventured to so many places, met so many people, and experienced so many different cultures, it all points back to the incredible God who safely led him on this journey for the spread of the gospel. Help your kids see that we serve the same God that Paul did, and that He is worthy of our trust and obedience as we set sail on mission—near or far—so that others would know His saving love in Christ. May we, too, seize every opportunity to share His love with all who may hear.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: The church grows when people believe the good news. 
  • Younger Preschool: As Paul traveled, he told as many people as he could about Jesus. The church grew. Paul wanted to follow God’s plan no matter what. 
  • Older Preschool: As Paul traveled, he told as many people as he could about Jesus. God changed people’s hearts, and the church grew. God had chosen Paul to tell people the good news about Jesus, and Paul wanted to follow God’s plan no matter what. 
  • Kids: As Paul traveled on his third missionary journey, he used every opportunity to tell people the good news about Jesus and to help the church. Paul was dedicated to Jesus, who called him to do the work of sharing the gospel. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What should Christians do? We should tell others the good news of Jesus. 
  • Older Preschool: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make followers of Jesus from every nation by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
  • Kids: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: Tell people of God’s wonderful works. Psalm 96:3 
  • Younger Preschool: Tell people of God’s wonderful works. Psalm 96:3 
  • Older Preschool: Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 
  • Kids: Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples. Psalm 96:3 

** Next week: We Are Here to Glorify God (Romans 15)

Lesson Plan for VolunteersDownload