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Peter Escaped From Prison

Bible Passage: Acts 12

Kids Church: April 11, 2021

Volume 11: The Church United. Unit 32: Making Disciples. Session 1 of 4

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

Peter Escaped From Prison

Peter had witnessed the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Gentile believers. God made it clear: the gospel is for all because Jesus is Lord of all. Peter returned to Jerusalem and told the believers there what had happened. At this time, other believers who had scattered amid persecution were preaching the gospel. By God’s grace, people believed and the church grew.

Before long, King Herod Agrippa attacked the believers. He arrested Peter and killed James, the brother of John. Herod put Peter in prison and planned to kill him, too.

While Peter was in prison, the other believers prayed earnestly for him. God answered their prayers. Guided by an angel late one night, Peter walked right out of the prison. He escaped to the house of Mary and told the believers gathered there what God had done. Then Peter left Jerusalem for a while because his life was in danger.

Consider emphasizing one or more of the following points as you teach this Bible story. First, prayer is powerful. God answered the people’s prayers for Peter. When we pray, God hears us, and we can trust that He is good and will act according to His will. Prayer shouldn’t be a last resort for people who feel powerless about their circumstances. Prayer is powerful; we can call on the Lord of the universe at any time!

Second, God is in control. God had a plan for Peter and the church. Herod couldn’t stop God’s plan. God rescued Peter from his enemies. Even when our own plans fall apart, God is in control.

Finally, following Jesus is risky—but worth it. Peter knew he would face death because He believed in Jesus. Many believers were killed because of their faith. But Peter didn’t hide or give up. He kept going so he could share the good news of the gospel. Jesus is worth living—and dying—for.

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 for sacrificing Your Son Jesus on the Cross to take our just punishment of death. Thank You Jesus for Your obedience to the Father and suffer the pain and death on the Cross. Thank You for the victory over death by raising Jesus from the grave on the third day! Because He is risen, the children of God shall inherit eternal life. Thank You God!
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: Who said these words? (Jesus) Can anyone tell me what we call this command? (the Great Commission) Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission and told them to make disciples. People make disciples by sharing the gospel, baptizing believers, and teaching them to obey Jesus. What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the Spirit, God is always with us.

Let's all sing “I Am With You Always" (Matthew 28:19-20).

Everyone sing the Scripture song CSB version

Everyone open your Bible and read aloud Psalm 69:30.

Leader: Can you imagine the celebration those praying had when they finally believed it was Peter at the door? Let’s celebrate God now by worshiping Him through song.

Let’s sing together “Go Tell The World.”

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 the church, so that the ones who serve over us would fear the Lord, walk humbly, and act justly.
God, thank You for not only hearing our prayers but for answering them. When things get hard, help us to trust Your plan so that others can hear about the good news of the gospel. 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 answered the people’s prayers for Peter. God had a plan for Peter and the church, and He rescued Peter from his enemies. Peter knew he would face death because he believed in Jesus, but he kept going so he could share the good news of the gospel.

Many believers were killed because of their faith. But Peter didn’t hide or give up. He kept going so he could share the good news about Jesus.

Apply the Bible Lesson

Guide kids to open their Bibles to Acts 12. Encourage them to use the table of contents if needed. As kids turn to today’s story, remind them that the Book of Acts was written by Luke. Luke was a doctor, and he also wrote the Gospel of Luke.

Choose a volunteer to read aloud Acts 12:5.

LEADER SAY • Peter was in prison in Jerusalem. God rescued Peter from prison. When we pray big prayers, we can be surprised when God answers. God had a plan for Peter, and He knew that many would hear the good news of the gospel through Peter.

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. Why was Peter in prison? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Remind kids that King Herod was persecuting Christians. He had killed Jesus’ half-brother James. King Herod saw that the Jews were pleased, so he also arrested Peter and put him in prison. Lead kids to discuss how the early church might have felt facing such intense persecution.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Matt. 5:10.)

2. Do you pray big prayers? Why or why not? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Invite kids to share their thoughts. Praying might not seem like much, but remind kids who they pray to. Assure them that God hears and answers our prayers. He may not always answer in the way we expect, but He always does what is for His glory and our good.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Mark 11:24.)

3. What do we need to complete God’s mission in the world? (drop down for answer) ----->>

Let kids name anything they think is required to share the gospel. Explain that God can use anyone in His mission—no matter where they live or how many languages they know. Remind kids that we can pray and ask God to work through us by the power of the Spirit.

(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Rom. 8:26.)

Application: Questions from Kids

Leader Say: As you watch this video, think about how God answers our prayers. Does He always answer in the way we expect?

After the video, guide them to discuss how not getting something you really want might actually be better for you.

Sing the Song of Response below

A Missions Moment

Leader: When we read in the Bible that God rescued Peter from prison, we know that God can do amazing miracles. We see God do great things when we look to Him and His power.

Missionaries learn to rely on God’s power and expect Him to do great things. Let’s learn more about a missionary in Toronto, Canada, who is seeing God do amazing work.

Watch the missions video. Then ask kids about the different cultures they saw in Toronto. Take time to pray for the Fasolinos in Toronto and for any missionaries your church supports.

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.

God with Us

Full movie. 1:28 mins.

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