Hechos para actuar - La carrera de la vida

Welcome to Sunday School: Acts for Action

Introduction to the Lesson

• The session begins with a warm welcome, emphasizing the ongoing journey of learning from the Book of Acts.

• In week 12, participants learned about guidance in action; moving into week 13, the focus shifts to acting for God's glory.

Understanding Community and Protection

• Discussion on various protectors in life: parents, teachers, police officers, firefighters, doctors, and nurses.

• Acknowledgment that while these figures provide protection, they cannot shield us from all dangers; divine protection is paramount.

Paul's Journey and Divine Protection

• The lesson explores how Paul experienced God's protection during his travels and preaching about Jesus.

• After saying goodbye to believers in Ephesus, Paul learns of a plot against him by some Jews and decides to return to Philippi.

Miraculous Events During Paul's Travels

• In Troas, Paul encourages believers during a gathering where he speaks extensively before a young man named Eutychus falls asleep and falls out of a window.

• Despite initial fears of death after Eutychus's fall, Paul reassures everyone that he is alive—leading to praise for this miracle.

Prophetic Warnings and Paul's Resolve

• While staying with Philip in Caesarea, a prophet named Agabus warns Paul about impending danger if he goes to Jerusalem.

• Despite friends' concerns for his safety, Paul expresses readiness to face imprisonment or even death for Jesus's sake.

Arrival in Jerusalem Amidst Tension

• Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul receives a warm welcome from fellow Christians but soon faces hostility from certain Jewish groups.

• Accused falsely by Asian Jews at the temple of speaking against their people and laws; chaos ensues as they attempt to harm him.

Roman Intervention

• The situation escalates as soldiers intervene when they hear the commotion; they arrest Paul amidst growing unrest among the crowd.

• The Roman commander acts swiftly upon noticing the riotous behavior surrounding Paul’s presence at the temple.

Who is This Man?

The Crowd's Reaction

• A man in the crowd questions who Paul is and what he has done to deserve such treatment, leading to a chaotic scene where different voices are heard.

• The commander, unable to understand the uproar, orders Paul to be taken for interrogation. As this happens, the crowd shouts for Paul's execution.

Paul's Request

• Just before being taken away, Paul asks the commander if he can speak to the crowd. Surprisingly, the commander grants him permission.

• Paul addresses the now-silent crowd, sharing his past as someone who persecuted Christians while believing he was upholding God's laws.

Transformation and Protection

• He recounts his transformative encounter with God on the road to Damascus and how it changed his mission to spread Jesus' message.

• Paul emphasizes that God protected him from harm during this tumultuous time and reassures that everything happening aligns with God's plan for his life.

The Challenge of Sharing God's Word

Difficulties in Evangelism

• Sharing God's word can be challenging; many people may not want to listen or may even ridicule believers.

• In some countries like China, Saudi Arabia, and North Korea, sharing about God can lead to severe consequences including death.

Prayer for Persecuted Christians

• A call is made for prayer for those in dangerous regions who strive to share their faith despite facing significant risks.

Memory Verse: Perseverance in Faith

Learning from Paul's Example

• The lesson focuses on Apostle Paul's perseverance through hardships as a child of God and highlights its importance in spreading love.

Scripture Reference

• The memory verse comes from 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith," illustrating that despite difficulties, one must seek strength from God.

Understanding Global Christian Persecution

Clandestine Churches

• In countries like China and North Korea, underground churches exist due to government control over religious practices. Many Christians avoid state-sanctioned places of worship.

Consequences of Belief

North Korea and China: The State of Christianity

Overview of Christianity in North Korea and China

• In North Korea, there are approximately 400,000 Christians, while in China, the number is around 70 million.

• Despite challenges, the message of God continues to be preached in some of the most difficult places globally.

• Encouragement is given to start sharing God's word at home, in neighborhoods, and schools.

• A reminder is made to pray for fellow Christians facing persecution in other countries.

Crafting Activity: Sharing God's Word

Introduction to the Craft

• Transition into a crafting session that emphasizes sharing God's word with others.

• The craft involves creating a representation titled "Carrying the Word of God," featuring a map of Peru.

Materials Needed

• Required materials include colors, a pin or needle, scissors, yarn, printable paper from the website, and cardstock.

Steps for Completing the Craft

Cutting and Preparing

• The first step involves cutting out the printed sheet using scissors.

Creating Holes for Yarn

• Using a pin or needle to create three holes on the map; one hole should be positioned as part of a triangle formation.

Inserting Yarn

• Instructions on how to thread yarn through created holes; tips provided for easier handling by flipping over the sheet.

Finalizing the Craft

Assembly Steps

• After threading yarn through holes, cut excess yarn to ensure uniformity.

Attaching Elements Together

• Use glue or silicone to attach the painted sheet onto cardstock as part of completing the craft project.