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Peter and Cornelius

Bible Passage: Acts 10

Kids Church: March 7, 2021

Volume 11: The Church United. Unit 31: From Jews to Gentiles. Session 1 of 4

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

Peter and Cornelius

The apostle Peter preached and taught boldly after Pentecost. Jesus had commanded His followers to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Acts 10 shows us how God made clear to Peter that the gospel is for everyone — not only the Jews but also the Gentiles.

The story begins in Caesarea (cess uh REE uh), the capital city in the Roman province of Judea. Cornelius, a Roman centurion, lived in Caesarea. Like many of the people in Caesarea, Cornelius was a Gentile; however, he did not worship the Roman gods. Cornelius worshiped the one true God, and one day, God spoke to Cornelius in a vision. In the vision, an angel told Cornelius to send for Peter.

Now Peter was in Joppa (JAHP uh), about 30 miles south of Caesarea. As Cornelius’ men approached the city, Peter had a vision too. He was on a rooftop when God showed him a sheet of animals and commanded him to eat. The problem was that some of the animals were considered “unclean” by Jewish food laws. Three times, God said to Peter, “What God has made clean, do not call impure.”

Peter visited Cornelius and others who had gathered with him. Peter understood that God did not want a Jewish man to call anyone unclean just because he was a foreigner. (See Acts 10:28-29.) Peter preached the gospel to the Gentiles there, and they believed. The Holy Spirit filled them, and they were baptized.

The gospel is good news for everyone. As you teach kids, emphasize that God showed Peter that just as there is no “clean” and “unclean” food, there are no “clean” and “unclean” people. God calls believers to tell everyone the good news about Jesus, no matter who they are or where they come from. Jesus is the Lord of all!

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 God that Spring, a reminder of renewal, life and growth, is coming.
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 truth should make your heart glad. He is in control of everything and rules over all people. The gospel is for all people, and salvation is the free gift of God to all who believe in Him. The Bible says that one day, people from every tongue, tribe, and nation will proclaim together that the Lord reigns as they worship at the throne of God. 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 2 Corinthians 9:15.

Leader: God’s indescribable gift is His Son, Jesus, whom He gave as a sacrifice for our sins. Without Jesus, we would all be lost in our sin and without hope. Let’s praise the Lord for His gift of salvation that He offers to everyone! 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, before time even began, You knew that we would need a Savior. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Rescuer and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Thank You that salvation is not a result of our works, but is only because of what Jesus has done. We praise you for the gift of salvation You offer to all who believe. 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: God showed Peter that just as there is no “clean” and “unclean” food in Christ, there are no “clean” and “unclean” people. God calls believers to tell everyone the good news about Jesus, no matter who they are or where they come from. Jesus is the Lord of all.

Apply the Bible Lesson

Guide kids to open their Bibles to Acts 10. Explain that the Book of Acts comes after the four Gospels in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Acts tells us about the early church and how the gospel spread after Jesus returned to heaven.

Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 10:39-40.

LEADER SAY • As Peter shared the message of the gospel, the Holy Spirit came to both the Jews and Gentiles who were gathered. The gospel is for all people.

Point out Caesarea on The World of the New Testament map which is the capital city in the Roman province of Judea where Cornelius, the Roman centurion lived.

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. What is forgiveness? Who needs it? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Help kids recognize that everyone has sinned and needs forgiveness. Forgiveness is when someone stops feeling anger toward someone who did something wrong. Forgiveness can also involve not requiring someone to pay something that is owed. God offers forgiveness to anyone who admits his or her sin and asks for forgiveness. When we trust in Jesus, we do not have to pay the debt for our sins, which is death, because Jesus died on the cross in our place.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 John 1:8-9.)

2. Why do people get baptized? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Invite kids to discuss baptism. Emphasize that Christians are baptized because Jesus said we should be baptized and in order to follow His example when He was baptized by John the Baptist. Baptism does not save us, but it is a way to show others that we have committed to following Jesus.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Matt. 28:19.)

3. What does it mean for Jesus to be Lord? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Lead kids to recall that Lord means “ruler” or “leader.” It is also used as a name for God. When we call Jesus our Lord, we are saying He rules our life and that we will submit to Him, doing what He tells us to do.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 Pet. 3:15.)

LEADER: The Holy Spirit softens unbelievers’ hearts and causes people to see their sin and respond to the truth of the gospel. 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 who you get along with. We will discuss favoritism and how they you feeling knowing that God does not show favoritism.

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.

Extra - Colossians 1:18

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