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Barnabas in Antioch

Bible Passage: Acts 11

Kids Church: March 14, 2021

Volume 11: The Church United. Unit 31: From Jews to Gentiles. Session 2 of 4

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

Barnabas in Antioch

In the face of persecution, the early church saw growth as believers dispersed following Stephen’s death. (See Acts 7.) As they went, they carried the good news with them. Jesus’ disciples had cared for the church from Jerusalem, but God began to call them out as missionaries, too.

In Acts 8, Philip went to Samaria and Judea. The Holy Spirit led him to share the good news with an Ethiopian official. Paul encountered Jesus in Acts 9 and began spreading the gospel. Peter performed miracles and people believed in Jesus. In Acts 10, God made it clear to Peter that the gospel was not only for the Jews but also for Gentiles. Peter gave testimony about the salvation of Gentiles to Jewish leaders in Jerusalem who thought people needed to follow Jewish law to be saved.

As the message about Jesus went out, churches were started. One of these churches was in Antioch, which was the capital of Syria. When the church at Antioch began, it was made up only of Jewish Christians. But, as Acts 11:20 reveals, some Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene went to Antioch and began sharing the gospel with Greeks (Gentiles). Many Gentiles believed.

When the church in Jerusalem heard about this, what was their response? They sent Barnabas to Antioch to encourage the believers there! Then even more people believed in Jesus. The Bible tells us that Antioch was the place where believers were first called “Christians.”

As you teach kids this week, emphasize the story point: Barnabas went to Antioch to encourage believers. Even though some people tried to stop it, the gospel spread throughout the earth — not only to Jews but also to Gentiles. We should celebrate when other people repent and turn to Jesus, and we can encourage them to grow in their faith and in their love for the Lord. The good news about Jesus is for everyone.

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.
Thank You God for Spring Break so that we can have a productive rest from school to be with our families in the Lord.
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

Let's dwell on the holiness of God and His expectation of us, too.

Leader - Ask the Big Picture Question

Everyone reply with the Big Picture Answer

Everyone memorize the Scripture verses CSB version

NIV

Leader: The Lord reigns! This is good news to believers all over the world because it reminds us that the Lord is in control of everything. We can encourage fellow believers with this truth when they face hardship or discouragement.

We see in the Book of Acts that God used the persecution of believers to grow and spread the church throughout the world. Nothing surprises God, and He can use any situation for His glory. Let’s sing our key passage song to help us remember this truth.

Let's all sing “Rejoice, Be Glad" (1 Chronicles 16:31).

Everyone sing the Scripture song CSB version

Everyone open your Bible and read aloud 1 Chronicles 16:23-24.

Leader: God offers salvation through Jesus. As believers, we are to tell others this good news and point them to the Lord. We can tell of His glory and works at home and around the world. Let’s praise and sing to the Lord, the God of our salvation!

Let’s sing together “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy.”

Praise & Prayer Time

Invite kids to pray items below:

Share praises from this past week of what God did 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 work, in-person and virtual learning to manage time, technology, and meals for this semester.
Let's pray for the pastors, ministers and elders of our church. And continue to pray that God will raise many good Christian men and women to serve in in the church, so that the ones who serve over us would fear the Lord, walk humbly, and act justly.
Lord God, thank You for providing a way for us to be saved by sending Your Son to take the punishment for our sins. Thank You that this salvation is available to everyone who trusts in Jesus. Help us know and love You more as we grow in our relationship with You. May we glorify You with our lives. We love You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Bible Lesson Time

Leader - Read the main story point below

Watch the Bible Story video

Christ Connection: Following Jesus’ death, early believers faced many hardships, but they continued sharing the good news of the gospel, as Jesus had instructed them. Even though some people tried to stop it, the gospel spread throughout the earth — not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles. The good news about Jesus is for everyone. God calls us to celebrate when others believe and help them know the love of Jesus more.

Apply the Bible Lesson

Guide kids to open their Bibles to Acts 11. Explain that today’s story is found in the Book of Acts. Remind kids that Acts is part of the New Testament, and it records events in the early church. Acts includes details about the apostles and their travels to tell people about the good news of Jesus.

Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 11:23-24.

LEADER SAY • Barnabas was a man of God who was full of the Holy Spirit. God used Barnabas not only to encourage the new believers of Antioch but to help bring many people to faith in Jesus. Point out Antioch on Paul's First Missionary Journey map.

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. Where did Peter and Barnabas share the gospel? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Prompt kids to recall that Peter and Barnabas traveled all around sharing the gospel. They left their hometowns to share Jesus with people who live far away. Jesus told His disciples to share the gospel all around the world.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Acts 1:8.)

2. With whom should we share the good news of Jesus? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Emphasize that the gospel is good news that is meant to be shared with everyone. Encourage kids to share Jesus with anyone who will listen.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Matt. 5:14-16.)

3. How do you feel about sharing Jesus with others? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize when we share the gospel, we do so with the power of the Holy Spirit. Encourage kids that even though it can feel scary to talk to people about Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid. God will give us the words to say to communicate His love to others.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read John 14:26.)

LEADER: God used people and events to spread His gospel around the world to both Jews and Gentiles. God wants to use us to continue to share the good news, both at home and around the world. What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

Application: Questions from Kids

Leader Say: As you watch this video, think about how you can encourage others in their faith.

After the video, discuss ways other kids have encouraged you to follow Jesus.

Sing the Song of Response below

Leader Say: Today’s Bible story reminds us that the gospel is for all people! Think of all the people in the world—more than 7 billion! God knows each person’s name and loves them all. Let's sing to the Lord with the song below.

A Missions Moment

Invite kids to tell you some things they might know about the state of Pennsylvania or the city of Pittsburgh. Kids might be able to name a sports team or recall an historical fact they’ve learned in school.

Leader: The gospel is for all people. That’s why missionaries serve around the world. They want to bring the good news of Jesus to everyone. Let’s find out more about missionaries who are starting churches in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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 those who are sick or lost of job.
For our family, our church, our nation our leaders to repent to honor and follow God.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17, 2021

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