MORNINGSIDE KIDS
Morningside Kids 9/5/21
Jude, along with James, was a younger half-brother of Jesus. And like James, it wasn’t until Jesus rose from the dead that Jude believed Jesus was the Son of God. Sometime between AD 65 and AD 80, Jude wrote a short letter to warn believers about false teachers. False teachers had secretly made their way into the church, and Jude urged his readers not to abandon their beliefs but to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3).
Jude warned the early Christians that some people would try to divide them by sinning and by teaching things that weren’t true. Jude wanted them to not only defend the true teachings but also to actively share the gospel. He told his friends to show mercy to those who doubt, to lead others to Jesus, and to hate sin.
There are still false teachers today, and some of them still try to sneak into the church itself. God loves us, and He warns us through Scripture to be on guard. We can study His Word to know what is true, and we can rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.
Such a strong warning about false teachers might be reason for panic among believers, but Jude ended his letter reminding them of God’s promise. Ultimately, Jesus is the One who protects His people from sin. Throughout history, God has been working out His plan to bring a people to Himself. God will keep us, and He calls us to not only remember His truth but to encourage other believers to defend the faith.
Because of Jesus, we will be able to stand before God with great joy. In the words of Jude, “to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen” (Jude 25).
Jude warned the early Christians that some people would try to divide them by sinning and by teaching things that weren’t true. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—the One who protects His people from sin. Because of Jesus, we will be able to stand before God with joy.
Volume 12: All Things New
Unit 35, Session 5: Defending the Faith
Bible Passage: Jude
Story Point: Jude urged believers to stand up for what is true.
Key Passage: Philippians 1:6
Big Picture Question: What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.
Morningside Kids 8/29/21
The apostle John had been one of Jesus’ closest friends. Along with Peter and James, John was part of the innermost core of Jesus’ disciples. John even referred to himself in his Gospel as “the one whom Jesus loved.” John left Jerusalem and went to Ephesus around A.D. 70. He stayed there as a church leader until nearly A.D. 100.
It is not surprising that 50 years after Jesus returned to heaven, John wrote a letter to help believers understand who Jesus is: the Son of God. At the center of John’s message was one key theme: love. Obeying God’s command to love one another is a mark of believers, whom John describes as brothers and sisters—children of God.
John wrote that God is love, and if believers truly love God—if they truly are His children—they will love one another. Our love, which we draw from the power of the Spirit, should be so deep that we are willing to lay down our lives for one another just as Jesus did for us. It is this deep, genuine love that will cause the world to understand the reality of the gospel.
Love is misunderstood and distorted in our culture today, and your kids have been or will be impacted by this in some way. Your kids may see love as just a feeling, as something temporary, or as something that has to be earned. This Bible story provides you with the perfect opportunity to expose the world’s myths about love and remind your kids of the truth about God’s love.
Also help your kids begin to grasp the idea that followers of Jesus are children of God. This is an identity shared by all believers. As Christians, we can know that Jesus loves us by what He did for us: dying to save us from our sins. We, in turn, can show our love for Jesus by what we do to serve others.
John wrote a letter to teach believers in the church—the children of God—about the importance of showing love. Love is more than feelings or words; it is an action. Jesus showed God’s love for us when He died on the cross to rescue people from sin.
Volume 12: All Things New
Unit 35, Session 4: Children of God
Bible Passage: I John 2-3
Story Point: Children of God love one another with their actions.
Key Passage: Philippians 1:6
Big Picture Question: What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.
Morningside Kids 8/22/21
Paul was a prisoner under house arrest in Rome when a man named Onesimus (oh NESS ih muhs) came to visit him. Onesimus was a slave who had run away from a wealthy man named Philemon. As it turned out, Paul was a friend of Philemon. So when Paul told Onesimus the good news about Jesus and Onesimus believed, Paul desired forgiveness and reconciliation between Onesimus and Philemon—now brothers in Christ.
So Paul wrote a letter and told Onesimus to take it to Philemon. The Book of Philemon is the letter written by Paul to Philemon. Though Onesimus had become dear to him and Paul wanted Onesimus to stay with him in Rome, Paul sent him back to Philemon with his letter.
In the letter, Paul urged Philemon to show kindness to Onesimus and treat him as a fellow brother in Christ. Paul even offered to pay Onesimus’s debt for him. Though Paul could have used his authority as an apostle of Christ to force Philemon to do what he wanted, Paul instead appealed to him as a friend and a fellow believer. He urged Philemon to treat Onesimus as if he were Paul himself—with love and kindness.
Paul offered to pay Onesimus’s debt to make peace between him and Philemon. In this way, Paul acted like Jesus, who makes peace between God and humanity. Jesus took the punishment we deserve for our sin, paying our debt so that we can be forgiven and welcomed into God’s family as brothers and sisters of Jesus. (See Heb. 2:11.)
Paul’s letter serves as a reminder to us that everyone is equal before Jesus. People from completely different backgrounds—like Paul, a former Jewish leader; Onesimus, a runaway slave; and Philemon, a Gentile slavemaster—are brought together by the gospel under the lordship of Jesus Christ. In light of God’s love for us, we can be loving, kind, and forgiving to our brothers and sisters in Christ for the glory of God.
Christ Connection: Paul offered to pay Onesimus’ debt to make peace between him and Philemon. In this way, Paul acted like Jesus, who makes peace between God and man. Jesus took the punishment we deserve for our sin. He paid our debt so that we can be forgiven and welcomed by God.
Volume 12: All Things New
Unit 35, Session 3: Brothers in Christ
Bible Passage: Philemon
Story Point: Paul encouraged Philemon to treat Onesimus as a brother in Christ.
Key Passage: Philippians 1:6
Big Picture Question: What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.
Morningside Kids 8/15/21
Paul was in Roman custody because of unfounded accusations brought against him by the Jews. Paul had stood before rulers in Caesarea and invoked his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. So Festus the governor arranged for Paul to go to Rome.
Paul got onto a ship going toward Rome. As if Paul’s journey to Rome had not already been delayed and complicated enough, the ship was caught up in a terrible storm. Paul had warned the crew not to sail from Crete because they would lose everything and die. But they didn’t listen.
Paul pointed out the error of their ways, but he still gave them hope. An angel had appeared to Paul. He said Paul would make it to Rome and all of the people with him would survive. Paul urged everyone on the ship to eat so they would have energy. They planned to run the ship ashore on an island, but the ship got stuck on a sandbar. The waves battered the ship and it broke into pieces; however, all of the people survived and made it safely to shore.
Paul suffered for Christ. In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul listed the kinds of things he faced: beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, various dangers, hardship, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, nakedness, and other daily pressures. (See 2 Cor. 11:24-29.) Again and again, Paul saw evidence of God’s control over his life and the gospel was advanced.
As you talk with your kids, emphasize that Paul trusted God to keep His promise to rescue him from the storm. He encouraged the sailors to trust and obey God too. God calls us to trust in His Son, Jesus, who died to rescue us from sin and death, and to tell others this good news. We can encourage others to trust God because we know He is good and in control.
Volume 12: All Things New
Unit 35, Session 2: Paul’s Shipwreck
Bible Passage: Acts 27-28
Story Point: Paul trusted God to rescue him.
Key Passage: Philippians 1:6
Big Picture Question: What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.
Morningside Kids 8/8/21
Paul was in custody in Caesarea, the capital of the Roman province of Judea. The Jewish leaders had brought serious charges against him, so Paul now stood before Felix, the governor. Felix listened to Paul’s defense but delayed a ruling. He met with Paul off and on for two years. When his time as governor ended, Felix left Paul in prison because he did not want to upset the Jews.
Festus succeeded Felix as governor. The Jews presented their accusations against Paul and asked Festus to bring him to Jerusalem. They hoped to ambush Paul as he traveled and kill him. But Festus invited Paul’s accusers to make their case in Caesarea. When Festus heard Paul’s case, he asked if Paul wanted to be tried in Jerusalem. Paul, knowing his rights as a Roman citizen, appealed to be heard by Caesar.
Several days later, King Agrippa visited Festus and heard about Paul. He asked to listen to Paul’s defense himself. Festus wasn’t sure how he would justify his sending Paul to Caesar without substantiated charges, and he hoped this hearing would provide stronger evidence against Paul. Festus told Paul he was out of his mind, but they determined Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.
With these events, Paul was positioned to go to Rome, just as God had said he would. (See Acts 19:21; 23:11.) God had chosen Paul to take the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. (Acts 9:15-16) Paul met with people again and again to tell the good news about Jesus. He wanted everyone to believe that Jesus is Lord. Because Jesus has the power to save people from sin, Paul was willing to do whatever it took to share the gospel.
Volume 12: All Things New
Unit 35, Session 1: Paul Before Rulers
Bible Passage: Acts 24-26
Story Point: Paul was willing to do hard things to share the gospel.
Key Passage: Philippians 1:6
Big Picture Question: What will happen for all Christians in the future? One day all Christians will see Jesus in His glory and live with Him forever.
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
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.