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Faithful in Hard Times

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 1-2

Kids Church: December 27, 2020

Volume 10: The Mission Begins. Unit 28: The Holy Spirit Empowers. Session 3 of 4

Leading Parent, please read below for an overview of today's lesson (drop down) ----->>

Faithful in Hard Times

Peter’s story of faith began when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” (Matt. 4:19) Peter and his brother Andrew—two fishermen from Galilee—left their nets and followed Jesus. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, Peter witnessed firsthand Jesus’ miracles and teachings.

Peter believed that Jesus is the Messiah (Matt. 16:16), and he was understandably upset when Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him (Matt. 26:34-35). Peter fell asleep as Jesus prayed in the garden, and he drew his sword to defend Jesus when He was arrested. (Matt. 26:40; John 18:10) Peter denied Jesus three times, but after the resurrection Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples. Then Jesus restored Peter to ministry at the sea of Galilee. (John 21:15-19)

The first 12 chapters in the Book of Acts record the Holy Spirit’s work through Peter after Pentecost. God revealed to Peter that the gospel is for everyone—Jews and Gentiles. Peter was arrested and imprisoned for sharing the gospel, but an angel of the Lord rescued him. (Acts 12:1-8)

Peter wrote his first letter sometime between AD 62 and 64 to believers who had experienced persecution and suffering. He encouraged them and reminded them how to live holy lives as followers of Christ, looking forward to an eternal reward in their true home—heaven.

Peter’s letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to believers who were not far removed from Jesus’ life on earth. We still wait eagerly for Jesus’ return, but God calls us to faithfulness in hard times—using our time on earth to better know and love Him, and to tell others about Him. As believers, we are all called to live a life of love and to glorify God by what we do and say, even in the midst of trials and troubles.

Opening Prayer for Kids Church Worship

Dad (or Mom) lead your family

Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, love, mercy, etc.
Thank God for sending His Son Jesus to save us from our sins.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, forgiveness, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.
God, we are here to worship, adore, and exalt You. Speak and teach us through Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.

Pledges - recite out loud together

Right hand to your heart

Bible raised high in the air

Praise & Worship singing to God together

Leader - Ask the Big Picture Question

Everyone reply with the Big Picture Answer

Everyone memorize the Scripture verses CSB version

NIV

Leader: Our key passage reminds us that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us. Who has called us? [Allow kids to respond.] Yes, Jesus. When we know Jesus, we have everything we need to live a life that glorifies the Lord! Let's all sing “Life and Godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).”

Everyone sing the Scripture song CSB version

Everyone open your Bible and read aloud Psalm 62:5-6

Leader: All of our hope comes from the Lord. He is our salvation and the One in whom we can take refuge when we face hard times. When circumstances change and things happen that we don’t understand, God remains the same. Let’s praise Him for being the One in whom our soul can hope! Let’s sing together “This Is Where the Mission Begins.”

Praise & Prayer Time

Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confess and repent of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Ask God to forgive us, and ask the Holy Spirit to help us in self-control.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.
Ask God to give wisdom for parents, school teachers and kids for virtual learning to manage time, technology, and meals for this semester.
Let's pray that God's justice will prevail for the office of the presidency during this unprecedented time of ballot counting.
Thank You, Lord, that this world is not our permanent home, but that You are preparing a place for us. Thank You for the hope You have given us through Jesus. May we live faithfully for You when we face difficult things in life. Help us to keep our focus on You and glorify You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Bible Lesson Time

Leader - Read the main story point below

Watch the Bible Story video

Leader: Believers in the early church faced persecution, yet they persisted. Peter encouraged believers who faced persecution. We can read some of Peter’s words in his letters. Much of what he wrote encouraged believers to focus on the hope all Christians have in Jesus. He encouraged them to remain steadfast and holy. He reminded them that the hardships they were facing would only last a short time compared to the eternal life God has promised for those who know Him.

Do you remember our big picture question that we have been thinking about over the past few weeks? How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory. We can see this in our story today. The Holy Spirit used Peter to provide comfort and encouragement to the early church as they faced persecution. Peter also challenged the believers to remain faithful to God by striving to be holy. This meant that the early church had to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction to repent and turn from any sin in order to bring glory to God with their lives.

Christ Connection: Even today, believers around the world suffer persecution. We, as Christians, should faithfully pray for these brothers and sisters to remain strong even in hardship. The Bible says Christians will suffer for following Jesus. Peter encouraged believers who faced persecution for their faith. Through suffering, God can make us more like His Son. Jesus gives us hope and true life so we can live joyfully for Him, even in hard times.

Apply the Bible Lesson

Show the location of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) on the New Testament Mediterranean Map. Distribute Bibles

Guide kids to open their Bibles to 1 Peter 2. Choose a volunteer to read aloud 1 Peter 2:12.

LEADER SAY • Peter encouraged believers who faced persecution. He told them to honor God by how they responded.

Ask the following questions. Lead your family to discuss:

(Take your time to ask, let the kids to ponder and answer the following questions)

1. Peter urged the early church to be holy in all their conduct. (1 Pet. 1:15) How can a sinner be holy? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize that holy means to be set apart for a special purpose. It does not mean that we are sinless, because we could never be sinless. We are set apart for the special purpose of serving and glorifying God. We cannot be holy in our own power. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction in our lives and respond to His leading and allow God to use us for His glory.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 12:1.)

2. What did Peter mean when he said “this world is not your home”? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize that while God has placed them on the earth for a time, this world as we know it is passing away. We have to consider our eternal home. Will we spend eternity with Jesus or will we spend eternity separated from Him? Peter challenged believers to live differently than those who don’t know Jesus; to live thinking about eternity.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 John 2:17.)

3. How can we choose to face hard times in our life knowing that our hope is in Jesus? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize Peter said that the things of the earth will fade, but God’s Word stands forever. For Christians, this means that any suffering we experience on earth is temporary.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rev. 21:4.)

Sing the Response Song below

A Missionary Moment

Closing Prayer - Leader

Praise and thanksgiving to God that the Holy Spirit helps us to listen and obey God.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick or lost of job.
For the United States to turn back to honor and follow God.

Enjoy a 1st Christmas Video Moment

Enjoy Christmas Movie Moments!

Various Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol from different time periods. Check out the last movie, A Christmas Candle which is a drama for a popcorn, family movie night!

Enjoy 2 Holy Spirit Extra Video Moments

What it could have looked like at Jesus' commission, ascension, and the Day of Pentecost! 4:30 min clip.

"The Holy Spirit POWER of The First Christians! // Supernatural Abilities Explored" for the whole family! 43 mins.

The First Christians were given Power from the Holy Spirit! What were their abilities? How does the power of the Holy Spirit operate today? This episode explores how The Holy Spirit gave the followers of Christ incredible power and the ability to endure all things for the Gospel! Stay tuned and be inspired!

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