Morningside Kids 8/1/21

While Paul sat in a Roman prison from AD 60 to 62, he wrote letters to churches he had started or visited on his missionary journeys. Despite his circumstances, Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi is filled with joy. Philippians reveals Paul’s heart as a devoted follower of Christ. It is full of practical advice about how to live for Jesus and love others.

In the third chapter, Paul wrote about knowing Christ. He said that his relationship with Jesus was the only thing that mattered. This was in stark contrast to his priorities before becoming a believer. As a devout Jew, Paul had been proud of his status: He was circumcised according to the Law, he belonged to the Israelite tribe of Benjamin, he was a faithful Pharisee, and he obeyed the Old Testament law. Now, as a Christian, Paul considered these accolades to be worthless.

Paul set an example for the Philippian believers. They had been distracted by false teachings. He encouraged Christians to press on through difficulties by essentially keeping their “eyes on the prize.” He set himself up as an example for the Philippians to imitate. Paul was motivated by God’s promise to stand before the Lord, meet Him face-to-face, and know Him completely. Paul’s journey toward Christian maturity involved figuring out God’s call on his life and carrying it out.

Our perseverance in the race reminds us of Jesus’ enduring the cross, which provided forgiveness of our sins and salvation. Because Jesus fixed His sight on the victory that awaited Him, we persevere, fixing our gaze on the hope that one day we will be glorified with Him.

As you talk with your kids, help them think about the Christian life as a race. We don’t want to get distracted or give up running even though it is hard. We can encourage one another toward the finish line. The Lord will help us, and He promises a wonderful prize: life with Him forever.

Following Jesus is like running a race for a wonderful prize. We remember that Jesus never sinned but He endured the cross so we can have forgiveness of our sins. We press on to fully know Jesus and share in His victory for eternity.

Volume 12: All Things New

Unit 34, Session 4: Running the Race

Bible Passage: Philippians

Story Point: Following Jesus is like running a race for a wonderful prize.
Key Passage: I Timothy 6:12

Big Picture Question: What is sanctification? Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 7/25/21

During his second missionary journey, Paul stopped in Ephesus and preached in the synagogue. (See Acts 18:19.) Apollos, a Jewish believer, also taught in the synagogue there. Paul’s third missionary journey took him back to Ephesus, where he spent two to three years speaking with crowds about Jesus. (See Acts 19:8-10.) As people believed in Jesus, the church was established and grew under local leadership.

Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote his letter to the church at Ephesus. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians—like other letters he wrote to churches when he was unable to meet with them in person—brought words of instruction and encouragement that are still helpful to believers today.

The letter to the Ephesians focuses on the big idea of unity. Paul wrote to teach Jewish and Gentile believers that they are one in Christ and that they should treat one another with the love of Christ. Focus on these three ways believers are united: united in sin, united in Christ, and united in one Church.

First, we are united in sin. Paul’s description applies to first-century believers, to believers today, and to everyone. We are spiritually dead. Our union with Adam as the representative of the whole human race unites us in sin. Apart from Christ, we live as the world lives—doing whatever we want. This is bad news.

Next, we are united in Christ. Jesus is the second Adam. All who trust in Him are united to Him and to one another through Him. He makes us alive again. This is the good news of the Bible. Finally, we are united as the Church. Jesus breaks down barriers between Jew and Gentile, and He unites forgiven sinners as one church.

As you share with your kids, emphasize that God brings together different people as the church. People who might otherwise have nothing in common are part of the same family, adopted as brothers and sisters in Christ forever and ever.

The gospel brings together all people who have faith in Jesus. God’s salvation is a gift of grace, not something we can earn with good works. Forgiven sinners come together as the church to obey God and do His work in the world.

Volume 12: All Things New

Unit 34, Session 3: Together in Jesus

Bible Passage: Ephesians 2-3

Story Point: The gospel bring together different people as the church.
Key Passage: I Timothy 6:12

Big Picture Question: What is sanctification? Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 7/18/21

As Paul’s third missionary journey came to an end, a prophet named Agabus warned him that the Jews would seize him in Jerusalem and hand him over to the Gentiles. (See Acts 21:10-11.)

But Paul did not hesitate. He returned to Jerusalem and was seized by a group of Jews who wanted to kill him because he taught things contrary to their teaching.

The Roman soldiers nearby saw the commotion and stepped in, taking Paul into Roman custody. Now Paul was in Gentile hands. Paul remained under Roman protection and was staying in the barracks when the Lord gave him a message: “Have courage! For as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you to testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11).

What a comforting message for Paul! The sovereign Lord told Paul his future: You’re going to Rome. Paul wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to get to Rome, but he could trust that God was working all things together for that purpose.

The next morning, Paul’s nephew uncovered a plot to kill Paul and reported it to the Roman army commander. The commander arranged for Paul to go to Caesarea, where he would be safe.

In this Bible story, we see God using human means to bring about His end. Even when others threatened his life, Paul continued to obey Jesus. He believed that God, who showed His love for the world by sending His Son to die on the cross and rise again, would help him through hard times. We too can risk everything to share the gospel with courage because we know that God loves us and will care for us.

We too can risk everything to share the gospel with courage because we know that God loves us and will care for us. God calls us to be obedient and faithful as we take part in His greater plan to show His glory to us and through us for the fame of His name.

Volume 12: All Things New

Unit 34, Session 2: Paul was Arrested

Bible Passage: Acts 21-23

Story Point: God protected Paul so he could preach about Jesus.
Key Passage: I Timothy 6:12

Big Picture Question: What is sanctification? Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 7/11/21

Paul’s third missionary journey was unlike his first two because he didn’t set out to plant churches. Instead, his mission was to encourage and strengthen existing churches. Paul wrote letters to the churches, but he knew some guidance was best given in person.

Paul’s journey began when he traveled to the city of Corinth. To make a living, Paul was a tentmaker. Paul became friends with two other tentmakers in Corinth: a man named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. In his business dealings, Paul was able to share the gospel with many people.

The church in Corinth grew. Paul took Aquila and Priscilla with him to Ephesus. Ephesus was a thriving city in the Roman Empire. Aquila and Priscilla stayed in Ephesus while Paul traveled to other churches and encouraged the believers. While Paul traveled, Aquila and Priscilla interacted with a Jewish believer named Apollos. Apollos was a leader in the early church, and Aquila and Priscilla helped him better understand about Jesus and the Scriptures. Apollos went on to greatly help other believers by showing through Scripture that Jesus is the Messiah.

The Holy Spirit led Paul to go to Jerusalem. This wasn’t an easy call to obey. The Spirit revealed to Paul that imprisonment and suffering awaited in Jerusalem. (See Acts 20:23.) Hadn’t Paul done enough? He had spent years preaching the gospel, and many people believed. Wasn’t now a good time for Paul to retire comfortably on a beach somewhere?

Emphasize to your kids that Paul did not cling to his own life. As Paul traveled on his third missionary journey, he used every opportunity to tell people the good news about Jesus and to help the church. Paul was dedicated to Jesus, who called him to do the work of sharing the gospel. God helped Paul preach with courage even when he was in danger. Paul boarded the ship to Jerusalem, uncertain of the future but certain of the goodness and grace of the Lord Jesus.

Volume 12: All Things New

Unit 34, Session 1: Paul’s Third Journey

Bible Passage: Acts 18-21

Story Point: Paul used every opportunity to tell people about Jesus.
Key Passage: I Timothy 6:12

Big Picture Question: What is sanctification? Sanctification is the process of becoming more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Volume 12 - All Things New

Volume 12: All Things New helps kids discover how Paul encouraged believers to grow in their faith and look ahead to eternity with Jesus. Throughout his ministry, Paul encouraged believers to stand strong in their faith. John, one of Jesus’ disciples, shared more of God’s plan to send Jesus again. When Jesus returns, He will undo everything that was ruined by sin and He will make everything new and right forever.

7/11 Unit 34 Paul’s Third Journey

7/18 Unit 34 Paul Was Arrested

7/25 Unit 34 Together in Jesus

8/1 Unit 34 Running the Race

8/8 Unit 35 Paul Before Rulers

8/15 Unit 35 Paul’s Shipwreck

8/22 Unit 35 Brothers in Christ

8/29 Unit 35 Children of God Come, Lord Jesus

9/5 Unit 35 Defending the Faith

9/12 Unit 36 John’s Vision of Jesus

9/19 Unit 36 Letters to the Seven Churches

9/26 Unit 36 Before the Throne

10/3 Unit 36 Jesus Will Return

Morningside Kids 7/4/21

Consider how your life would change if you knew the future—if you could accurately predict the weather or outcomes of baseball games. If you could know how your life is going to turn out, would you live today differently? In the bigger picture of God’s plan for the world, we do know the future. God reveals the outcome of His plan for humanity in His Word.

In the Book of 1 Thessalonians, Paul wrote about the future to encourage believers facing persecution. Their hope as believers then is the same as our hope as believers today. We look forward to a final resurrection, the return of Jesus, and the judgment of the world.

Around AD 50, the city of Thessalonica was filled with those who worshiped idols, Greek and Roman gods, and even the Roman emperor himself. So when Paul started a church there, he quickly faced persecution and was forced to flee the city. Even though he could not return, Paul still loved the young church and was concerned for them, so he sent Timothy to check on the believers.

Timothy reported back with good news—though the church was suffering from persecution, they were holding tightly to their faith. They did have some misunderstandings about Christianity, especially the return of Jesus, but they were working hard for the Lord. Paul wrote a letter to encourage the believers and to clear up misunderstandings about the future and what happens when Christians die.

Perhaps Paul’s greatest message was about the return of Jesus. On that day, Paul said, believers will be freed from their sufferings. On the Day of the Lord, Jesus will return for His people and judge the wicked. That’s a promise we can still claim today.

Paul’s letter gave believers hope. The hope we find in the Bible is stronger than just wanting something to happen; biblical hope is expecting with confidence because we know God is faithful and true.

The prophets in the Old Testament told about the Day of the Lord, a day when God would come to judge the world and save His people. Paul said that in the future, on the Day of the Lord, Jesus will return for His people and judge the wicked. Believers live with hope, knowing that Jesus will come again.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 33, Session 4: Paul Gave Hope

Bible Passage: 1-2 Thessalonians

Story Point: Paul told the church to stand firm as we wait for Jesus’ return.
Key Passage: Acts 4:12

Big Picture Question: What is the Bible about? The Bible is the story of God’s plan to save people through Jesus.

Toddler & Preschool Resources

We are updating some toys and books in our toddler and preschool rooms this summer. If you are looking for some Christian book resources in your home for your toddler or preschooler, check out the list below suggested from Deeper KidMin.

Nursery Books:

• Good News! God Made Me! by Glennys Nellist (this is one of my toddler’s favorites!)

• Thank You, God from A to Z by Pamela Kennedy

• Baby’s Hug-a-Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

• First 100 Words by Roger Priddy

• Psalms of Praise: A Movement Primer by Danielle Hitchen and Jessica Blanchard

• All Day Long, God Loves Me by Mikal Keefer

• First I Say a Prayer by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley

• Little One, God Loves You by Amy Warren Hilliker

• All the Colors That I See by Pamela Kennedy

Preschool Books:

• The Pirate and the Firefly: A Boy, A Bug, and a Lesson in Wisdom by Amanda Jenkins

• God’s Bright & Beautiful Colors by Crystal Bowman & Teri McKinley

• God Gave Us Family by Lisa Tawn Bergren

• When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner

• I Want Your Smile, Crocodile by Denette Fretz

• God Made the Animals by Hannah C. Hall

• It Will be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change by Lysa Teurkerst

• We Chose You by Tony & Lauren Dungy

• Quinn’s Promise Rock by Christie Thomas

• Just in Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado

• God Gave Us Sleep by Lisa Tawn Bergren

• The World is Awake: A Celebration of Everyday Blessings by Linsey Davis

• The Beginner’s Bible

Morningside Kids 6/28/21

During his second missionary journey, Paul started several churches in Galatia. Some time later, false teachers crept into these churches and began teaching that there was more to salvation than faith in Jesus. They said that obeying the law of Moses was essential too.

Many of the Galatian believers became confused and believed the lies of the false teachers. They turned away from the gospel Paul had shared with them. Paul wrote a letter—the Book of Galatians—to correct them and reemphasize a proper understanding of the gospel.

Paul asked the Galatians how their salvation could be started by an act of the Holy Spirit but then completed by their own conduct. That was foolishness! What the Holy Spirit began, He would also complete.

Jesus’ half-brother James had written a letter to early believers, concerned about Christians’ interpreting grace to mean they didn’t have to obey God. In Galatians, Paul addressed the opposite problem: Christians who focused so much on obedience that they forgot grace.

James’ message was that grace will always lead to obedience. Paul’s message compliments James’ message: Obedience is impossible apart from grace. Grace and obedience work together in perfect harmony.

This week’s Bible story provides a wonderful opportunity to help your kids understand that obedience matters. The Bible is full of instructions and commands that we are to obey; however, the beauty of the gospel is that our ability to obey comes not through our own effort but through the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit changes our minds and hearts so that we want to obey God, and He also empowers us to obey. All of salvation—from first trusting to faithful obedience—is God’s gift to us through Jesus. The Holy Spirit changes our minds and hearts so that we want to obey God, and He gives us power to obey. Our righteousness does not come through faith in ourselves but through faith in Jesus.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 33, Session 3: No Other Gospel

Bible Passage: Galatians 1-3

Story Point: Believers are saved and grow in godliness by faith in Jesus.
Key Passage: Acts 4:12

Big Picture Question: What is the Bible about? The Bible is the story of God’s plan to save people through Jesus.

Morningside Kids 6/20/21

Paul was back at the church of Antioch in Syria. The church had sent out Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel to Jews and Gentiles in places like Lystra and Derbe. Then they returned to the church of Antioch. Some time passed, and Paul wanted to return to some of the cities he visited on his first journey to see how the new believers were doing.

Silas accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey, which is recorded in Acts 15:36–18:22. The pair traveled through Syria and Cilicia (sih LISH ih uh), encouraging believers and strengthening churches. The number of believers in the churches increased daily.

Paul and Silas obeyed the Lord’s call to go to Macedonia. Two major events happened while Paul was in Macedonia. First, a woman named Lydia became a believer. Paul and Silas had gone to the river to pray. They spoke to the women at the river. God opened Lydia’s heart to the good news of the gospel.

Then, a jailer became a believer. This happened when Paul and Silas were thrown into prison. Late at night, an earthquake rocked the prison. The prisoners could have escaped, but they stayed where they were. This was a huge relief to the jailer. Had the prisoners escaped, the jailer would have been punished. In fact, the jailer was ready to kill himself when Paul shouted, “We are all here!” The jailer asked Paul and Silas how to be saved. They told him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” The man believed and was baptized.

Emphasize the Christ connection as you review the Bible story with kids: Lydia, the jailer, and many others were saved because they heard the gospel and believed in Jesus. Paul and Silas preached the same message to all people, no matter who they were: “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.”

Lydia was saved and the jailer was saved because they believed in Jesus. Jesus offers us salvation as a gift. He did all the work to save us by dying on the cross. We do not need to earn salvation; we can receive it by repenting and trusting in Jesus.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 33, Session 2: Paul’s Second Journey

Bible Passage: Acts 15-18

Story Point: Paul and Silas planted new churches
Key Passage: Acts 4:12

Big Picture Question: What is the Bible about? The Bible is the story of God’s plan to save people through Jesus.

Morningside Kids 6/13/21

The church in Antioch praised God for His grace to Paul on his first missionary journey. Though Paul and Barnabas were strongly opposed in some places, many people heard the gospel and believed. Paul and Barnabas took the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. But a problem arose when some Christians began saying that the new followers of Jesus—the Gentile believers—needed to obey the Law of Moses in order to be right with God.

Paul and Barnabas debated this issue with other church leaders in Jerusalem. They met together to answer a tough question: Can a person be saved by faith alone or was something moreneeded? When Paul addressed the council, he insisted that God saves Gentiles the same way He saves Jews: through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

Paul testified to the things God had done among the Gentiles. God had given Gentiles the Holy Spirit. James cited the prophets Amos and Isaiah in support. The group agreed that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, He alone is all we need to be saved. They also agreed that they should not make salvation more difficult for Gentiles by adding unnecessary rules.

The church chose two men—Judas and Silas—to go with Paul and Barnabas to the church at Antioch. They wrote a letter for the Gentile believers there, encouraging them and giving them instructions for how to live as followers of Christ.

The message for the Gentile believers was important: Whether Jew or Gentile, salvation comes only through faith in Christ. No one is saved by the law but by grace alone. Emphasize to the kids you teach that, while the Bible does give us plenty of instruction for how to live, sinners are made right with God only by the grace of Jesus. Salvation is a gift. To receive this gift, Jesus is all we need.

The church leaders met in Jerusalem to answer a tough question: Can a person be saved by faith alone or is something more needed? The early church agreed that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, He alone is all we need to be saved.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 33, Session 1: The Jerusalem Council

Bible Passage: Acts 15

Story Point: Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus.
Key Passage: Acts 4:12

Big Picture Question: What is the Bible about? The Bible is the story of God’s plan to save people through Jesus.

Mystery Island VBS 2021

Over 150 kids attended Mystery Island VBS Sunday through Wednesday night, June 6-9! Each night, kids learned about God’s attributes and what makes Him unique from all other gods. God loved us so much that He sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so that we can receive eternal life through His resurrected life. Because of this Good News, we can “extol” our God and King, and bless His name forever and ever.

We are also very thankful for all who volunteered to be a part of the VBS team and share God’s love with kids throughout the week. From registration to assembly, crafts, games, snacks and drama, kids enjoyed a safe, action-packed fun time!

Morningside Kids 6/6/21

As the early church expanded outside Jerusalem, new churches were planted in various cities. Each church needed godly leaders to help it grow and stay true to the gospel. Paul understood this need, which is why he wrote letters to some of the leaders in the church. Two of these leaders were Timothy and Titus. Timothy was Paul’s friend. He had traveled with Paul and helped him. Now Timothy was a leader at the church in Ephesus.

Titus was a Gentile believer. He had traveled with Paul too. Now Titus was on the island of Crete to help train more church leaders. Paul wrote to give Timothy and Titus advice, and he gave instructions for all the church leaders.

Paul warned Timothy and Titus that being a leader was difficult at times, but God had chosen them to be leaders. Their role as leaders put them in a position to serve God. Paul hoped that recognizing this would help them persevere and live in a way that pleased Christ.

As you share with your kids, help them see the value in God’s gift of church leaders. Look for ways to support your leaders so that your kids value them, love them, and respect them. Consider ways your family can encourage your leaders.

At the same time, emphasize that God is at work in them and that they too might be leaders in the church one day—perhaps one day soon. Help your kids see that being a leader is a great privilege to help point others to the gospel.

Finally, be sure that your kids understand that church leaders do not lead on their own. All church leaders follow the leadership of Jesus, who was a servant-leader to us. He gave His life so that we could be forgiven of our sins.

Paul wrote to give Timothy and Titus advice and to help all church leaders know how to lead God’s people. Church leaders help believers know what is true, and they serve the church by following the example of Jesus, who served us by dying on the cross for our sins.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 32, Session 4: Letters to Church Leaders

Bible Passage: 1 & 2 Timothy; Titus

Story Point: Paul told church leaders to trust and obey God.
Key Passage: Matthew 28:19-20

Big Picture Question: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 5/30/21

In the first century, Corinth was an important destination in the Roman Empire. The city was located on a narrow area of land connecting the southern end of the Greek peninsula with the mainland to the north. When Paul visited Corinth on his missionary journeys, the city was full of people with various cultural and religious backgrounds.

Corinth was a strategic place to plant a church. Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half with Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. On the Sabbath, Paul went to the synagogues to teach God’s message to the people. When the Jews refused to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, Paul preached to the Gentiles. Many Corinthians believed and were baptized. (Acts 18:1-18) Finally,

Paul returned to Antioch in Syria. About six years passed. Paul was in Ephesus when he heard a report that the church in Corinth was struggling. The people in the church were arguing and suing each other. In some ways, they lived just like the people in Corinth who were not believers. So Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church—the Book of First Corinthians—not only to instruct them on how to live but to answer questions they had about the faith.

As you talk with your kids about 1 Corinthians, focus on church unity: Because of Jesus and what He has done, believers can humbly come together as one body. Emphasize that Paul gave practical instructions so that the believers would know how to live—not as a way to earn God’s favor, but to live in light of their salvation.

Paul spent a significant portion of his ministry meeting with believers and encouraging them to keep the faith. Jesus’ mission for the church is for believers to come together to worship God and to share the gospel.

Paul told the believers in the Corinthian church to come together because of the gospel. He reminded them that Jesus saves sinners. Because of Jesus and what He has done, believers can humbly come together as one body.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 32, Session 3: The Church Divided

Bible Passage: I Corinthians 1-6

Story Point: The gospel unities all kinds of people in love.
Key Passage: Matthew 28:19-20

Big Picture Question: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 5/23/21

Jesus’ followers preached the gospel in Jerusalem, and the good news spread to places like Judea and Samaria. More and more people believed, and new churches began as both Jews and Gentiles began to follow Jesus.

Barnabas went to Antioch—a city about 300 miles north of Jerusalem—where he brought Paul to help teach the believers. The church in Antioch grew.

The Holy Spirit told the believers at the church in Antioch to send out Paul and Barnabas to preach the gospel. The church obeyed, and Paul and Barnabas traveled to several cities and all over the island of Cyprus, telling both Jews and Gentiles about Jesus.

Consider Paul—once a devoted persecutor of Christians—now a Christian missionary, devoted to obeying God’s call to go and tell others the good news about Jesus. This was Paul’s first missionary journey, and it wasn’t easy. Paul and Barnabas faced rejection in every place that they traveled. Some of the people believed, but some of them were angry. Many people rejected the truth about Jesus. In some places, the Jews made plans to kill Paul.

Paul and Barnabas never softened their message or abandoned their mission. In Lystra, Paul healed a man, and when the witnesses to this miracle began to worship Paul and Barnabas, the two men emphatically gave credit to the one true God. When Paul’s enemies attacked him and left him for dead, Paul continued on. Paul and Barnabas shared the gospel in Derbe (DUHR bih), and many people believed.

The Holy Spirit sent Paul and Barnabas to tell Jews and Gentiles about Jesus. If Paul had not taken the gospel to the Gentiles, many of us would probably not be believers today. God uses people to tell others about Jesus so that people all over the world can be saved.

Many people rejected the good news about Jesus, but God had a plan for Paul to share the gospel with Gentiles, no matter what troubles Paul faced. Many believed in Jesus. The church grew and the gospel spread so that people all over the world could be saved from their sin by trusting in Jesus.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 32, Session 2: Paul’s First Journey

Bible Passage: Acts 13-14

Story Point: Paul and Barnabas told Jews and Gentiles about Jesus.
Key Passage: Matthew 28:19-20

Big Picture Question: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 5/16/21

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 talk about 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.

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.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 32, Session 1: Peter Escaped from Prison

Bible Passage: Acts 12

Story Point: God rescued Peter from prison.
Key Passage: Matthew 28:19-20

Big Picture Question: What is our mission as Christians? Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Morningside Kids 5/9/21

It is common to think of faith as something that is just within us—trust and confidence in God. While that is surely part of it, faith doesn’t stop there. Faith starts inside of us and always leads to action.

The writer of the Book of Hebrews wanted to explain the fullness of faith to the early Jewish Christians. One of the best ways he could do this was to walk through examples of how men and women in the Old Testament had proven to be faithful. The result is Hebrews 11, often known as the Hall of Faith.

Abel had faith when he gave an offering to God, and God accepted his offering. Noah had faith. He believed God when God told him to build an ark to rescue his family. Abraham had faith when God called him to leave his home. Abraham’s wife Sarah had faith when she trusted God to give her a family even though she was too old to have children. Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses had faith too. Rahab had faith when she hid the Israelite spies in Jericho.

All of these people trusted God, and so did many others. Having faith was not easy. Many suffered, and they died before God’s greatest promise—the arrival of Jesus—came true, but they believed that God had a wonderful plan. God was pleased with them because they trusted Him.

This week, share the examples of these heroes of faith to help your kids understand faith in action. We can and should learn from these examples; that is why God gave them to us in Hebrews 11. However, emphasize that every person in this list was a sinner in need of salvation.

Each of these heroes needed a greater hero. Point your kids to Jesus, the perfect hero who rescues us from sin. God kept His promise to send the Messiah—His own Son, Jesus—to rescue people from sin. Jesus is the true hero of the Bible. He gives us faith. We can look to Him because in Him, all of God’s promises will come true.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 31, Session 4: The Hall of Faith

Bible Passage: Hebrews 11

Story Point: God works mightily through people who have faith in Him.
Key Passage: I Chronicles 16:31

Big Picture Question: What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

K5 Graduation Sunday

Photo credit: Jen Stuhl

On the first Sunday in May, we were able to congratulate our K5 Morningside Kids for finishing their first year of school! Please pray for these young hearts that they would come to know Jesus as their personal Savior by the grace of God and choose to live for Him all their days! Photo credits: Jonathan Harper, Christy Perry & Jen Stuhl

Finley Chrisfield

Ian Grimm

Elizabeth Jenkins

Lorelei Lambert

Arianna Long

Elise Martin

Kennedy Rebman

Elliana Weiss

Amos Wilcott

Pastor Crockett recognized our K5 graduates and asked them, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” There were some great responses! Some were too shy to answer, but I’m sure they will readily give you an answer. Take the time to ask them!

Morningside Kids 5/2/21

Hebrews was a letter written to encourage believers to not only stand strong in their faith, but also to grow in their faith. More than anything else, though, the writer of Hebrews preached the superiority of Jesus: Jesus was present at the creation of the world. He is the heir of all things and God spoke to the people through Him.

Because the writer of Hebrews was writing to a mostly Jewish audience, he used the history and heroes of the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled all of God’s promises to send a Messiah to save His people. As you introduce your kids to the Book of Hebrews, concentrate on a major theme found in chapters 1–8: Jesus is better.

Jesus is better than angels. He is the Son of God. He is better than Moses and the Mosaic covenant. Jesus completely fulfilled the covenant of the Old Testament; that made Jesus’ new covenant far better. Jesus is better than the tabernacle and the priests.

Because of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the people no longer needed priests to speak to God for them or to offer sacrifices to take away their sins. These Old Testament figures, laws, and traditions pointed forward to someone better: Jesus.

Emphasize to your kids that Jesus is better than anyone and anything. He is the better Prophet, the better Priest, and the better King. Everyone who trusts in Jesus has salvation from sin through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. As the church, Jesus calls us to share the gospel with the world. Jesus is the superior solution to the problem of sin. He is all that is needed for salvation.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 31, Session 3: Jesus is Better

Bible Passage: Hebrews

Story Point: Jesus, our great High Priest, brought a better covenant.
Key Passage: I Chronicles 16:31

Big Picture Question: What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

Morningside Kids 4/25/21

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 talk 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. The good news about Jesus is for everyone. God calls us to celebrate when others believe and help them know and love Jesus more.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 31, Session 2: Barnabus in Antioch

Bible Passage: Acts 11

Story Point: Barnabas went to Antioch to encourage believers.
Key Passage: I Chronicles 16:31

Big Picture Question: What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.

Morningside Kids 4/18/21

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 talk with your 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.

Volume 11: The Church United

Unit 31, Session 1: Peter and Cornelius

Bible Passage: Acts 10

Story Point: The Gospel is for all people.
Key Passage: I Chronicles 16:31

Big Picture Question: What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.