The Holy Spirit Came
Bible Passage: Acts 2
Kids Church: December 6, 2020
Volume 10: The Mission Begins. Unit 28: The Holy Spirit Empowers. Session 1 of 4
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Volume 10: The Mission Begins. Unit 28: The Holy Spirit Empowers. Session 1 of 4
Jesus Returned to Heaven
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He instructed the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon them. So the disciples went back to Jerusalem, where they waited and prayed for 40 days.
The time came for the Jewish festival called Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks. As with the Passover festival, Jews from all over the Roman Empire would be at the temple in Jerusalem.
During this festival, the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in Jerusalem. They heard a sound like a violent, rushing wind. When the Holy Spirit filled Jesus’ followers, they were able to speak in foreign languages. They went out into the city and began to preach, and the Jews from all over the world were amazed. These men were from Galilee, but they were speaking in languages the visitors could understand.
Some of those who heard this thought the disciples were drunk. But Peter explained that God had kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit. He reminded them of the prophet Joel’s words: “I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity” (Joel 2:28).
The disciples told about God’s plan. The Holy Spirit convicted the crowd and they asked, “Brothers, what must we do?” Peter told them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. That day, three thousand people received salvation!
With the Holy Spirit’s help, Jesus’ disciples could share the gospel with the entire world. (See Acts 1:8.) God gives the Holy Spirit to everyone who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior. As you teach kids, emphasize that the Holy Spirit gives us power to do God’s work, and He changes us to be more like Jesus.
Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, love, mercy, etc.
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.
Leader: God has given us everything we need to live for Him. No matter what happens, God has provided what we need. He has given us tools for living in the world through His Word and the Holy Spirit. He has provided eternal life for us forever in heaven with Him, through His Son, Jesus. let's all sing “Life and Godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).”
Leader: God gives the Holy Spirit to everyone who trusts Jesus as Lord and Savior. He wants to use us to tell others about Him and bring Him glory. The Holy Spirit at work in us can do more than we could ever imagine. Let’s sing together “This Is Where the Mission Begins.”
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.
Ask God for protection for those back to school and work physically from the COVID-19 virus.
Let's pray that God's justice will prevail for the office of the presidency during this unprecedented time of ballot counting.
God, You always keep Your promises. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit as a gift for all who believe in You. Thank You for never leaving us alone and providing everything we need to live and glorify You. May the way we live point others to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Christ Connection: God kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit’s help, Jesus’ disciples could begin their work to share the gospel with the entire world. God gives the Holy Spirit to everyone who trusts in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
A bonus video below.
Distribute Bibles, and guide kids to open their Bibles to Acts 2. Challenge kids to name the two sections of the Bible. (the Old and New Testament) Remind kids that they have been hearing stories from the first four books of the New Testament, called the Gospels. Explain that today’s Bible story comes from the Book of Acts. Acts tells how God used the early church to spread the gospel.
Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 2:16-21. Point to Jerusalem on the New Testament Israel Map.
LEADER SAY • The people of Jerusalem were confused by the disciples’ speaking in many different languages. Peter used these verses from the Book of Joel to remind the people that God had promised, long ago, to send the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, God kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit.
(Take your time to ask, let the kids to ponder and answer the following questions)
Help kids recognize that the Holy Spirit is the One who helped the people realize what Peter was saying was true and that they needed to be saved.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Acts 2:37.)
Help kids recognize that without the Holy Spirit, we could never carry out the Great Commission. God has given us the job of sharing the good news with everyone, but only the Holy Spirit can cause people to realize their sin and their need for the Savior.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 2 Pet. 1:21.)
Help kids recognize that believers can live boldly for the Lord because they have the power of the Holy Spirit within them. Believers have everything they need to serve the Lord and do His will for their lives.
(Optional: Choose a volunteer to read Luke 12:12.)
Jesus encouraged His disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them. The same Holy Spirit that Jesus promised His disciples lives in everyone who trusts Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick or lost of job.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for Governor Greg Abbott of Texas.
Wisdom for church leaders about ministering online, and reopening of church gatherings.
What it could have looked like at Jesus' commission, ascension, and the Day of Pentecost! 4:30 min clip.
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!