Paul's Captive Journey To Rome (The Shipwreck)

Our lesson this week featured Paul's journey aboard the ship heading for Rome.  We started at Caesarea and concluded our lesson at Malta.  Paul warned the centurion to consider a different route.  He was familiar with traveling by sea and the unrelenting storms that have come up.  However, the centurion did not listen to Paul.  They continued and the storm became even worse.  One night, an angel appears to Paul and encourages him.  Paul then encourages the crew that they will be safe.  At one point, Paul prays and breaks the break so that all the men would be strengthened.  Can you imagine?  No matter what we are going through God is with us. I have always been encouraged by Paul and his choices.   The children really liked this journey through Paul's conversion, experiences at Antioch and his missionary journeys.

Blessings to All,

Linda

Paul tells the Jews about his conversion experience in Jerusalem

Have you ever had the opportunity to tell your conversion experience to a crowd?

It required a lot of boldness didn't it?

Our lesson this week is about Paul telling the Jews in Jerusalem about his conversion experience.  Despite the opposition, Paul told the people about Jesus and how he was changed forever.  They didn't want to listen.  In our reading at one point they threw down their coats.  Can you imagine?  The mob began beating Paul and a Roman commander took Paul away from the crowd.

There are so many integrating aspects to this story but the most important this I wanted to impress on the children is that speaking the truth is the most important.  It may be hard sometimes especially if there is any wrongdoing on their part but coming forth with the truth is essential.  Jesus came to bring truth the world.

Paul and Silas singing and praying in Prison (Acts 16)

Our discussion continues about Paul, Silas and Timothy's missionary journey.  Our story continues in Acts 16 beginning at verse 16.  Our lesson discusses the slave girl who was possessed by a spirit that allowed her to predict the future.  After following Paul and Silas for a few days, Paul rebukes the spirit and it leaves her.  Her slave owners drag Paul and Silas to the magistrates. Paul and Silas are beaten and place in stocks in prison.  Paul and Silas began singing and praying.  I love their attitude.  In prison, sing your heart out.  This is a wonderful thing we can teach our children.  When your doing the Lord's work things may not go the way you planned but this allowed an entire family to be converted to the Lord.  Praise the Lord.  Don't be afraid to step out of yourself and reach out to someone today.  God sees you and knows your heart.  He will take care of you.

Blessings from the Sprout Room,

Linda

Paul's 2nd Missionary Journey

Our class began discussing Paul's 2nd Missionary Journey last Sunday (May9th).  We began back in Jerusalem where Paul and Barnabas part ways due to a disagreement concerning Mark.  Paul takes up a new partner to make the journey and his name was Silas.  We tracked their progress on a map.  In Lystra, a new member joins the Team.  Timothy joins Paul and Silas on their journey to five more towns before reaching Philipi.  Our story was about Paul meeting the group of woman along the water who were praying. Paul tells them about Jesus and how he was the fulfillment of the scriptures.  Lydia invites the men to stay at her home.  This was a wonderful moment in his journey because we see Paul breaking down the barriers in times past between men and women. The book of Philippians is one of my favorite books of the Bible.  Paul developed close relationships with the people at Philipi.

Paul and Barnabas

This Sunday, we continued our discussion about Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey together.  Our topic was the town of Lystra where Paul and Barnabas begin preaching about Jesus.  Paul spots a man with withered feet.  Paul looked directly at the man and told him to stand up.  The man jumped up.  However, the people did not know and most of understand about Jesus and God.  They were more familiar with their own gods such as Zeus and Hermes.  Paul began speaking to correct the people.  I love this story because it shows us that we must be taught about God to understand God.

More to follow as we continue to track Paul and Barnabas on their journey.

Blessings,

Linda

Jesus heals!

We just concluded three weeks of discussing Jesus and God's power over nature and healings.

Lesson One ~ Jesus  calms the storms

Lesson Two ~ Jesus heals the deaf man who was unable to speak.

Lesson Three ~ Jesus heals the man born blind.

I love all three of these stories about Jesus.  Jesus had such a unique way of dealing with people especially one-on-one.  The deaf man, Jesus took him away from the crowds.  I love how Jesus didn't need a crowd around to do something wonderful for someone. I wanted to encourage the children in my class to do something good for someone even if no one's around.  God sees all things and will see their good deeds.

I am looking forward to discussing Easter and the sacrifice that Jesus paid for our sins.

The children have been reciting this verse for two weeks now:

Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.

Matthew 28: 5 & 6

Linda

The Samaritan Woman meets the Master!

Last year, our ladies were discussing the Bad Girls of the Bible.  The "woman at the well" was one of the topics.  I really had the desire to know more about this story.  There is something about our Lord and how he connected with people in a very personal way.  The woman at the well was no different.  Jesus knew her story. The Samaritan woman had some issues.  She had 5 husbands BUT when Jesus stepped into her life his love affected her in such a way that she affected her community in a new way and many believed in Jesus.  Every week, I try to convey to the children that Jesus is with them and hears their prayers.  I hope you are encouraged each day to draw closer to Him and grow in grace.

Blessings from the Sprout Room!


Linda