Hechos para actuar - Lección 4 - La confianza para actuar

Introduction to the Series

Overview of Previous Lessons

• The series "Hechos para Actuar" begins with a recap of previous lessons, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in assisting the apostles.

• Week two focused on Peter and John’s bravery in defending Jesus' name.

• In week three, it was discussed how Peter and the apostles were imprisoned for preaching about Jesus but were miraculously freed by an angel.

Moral Dilemmas and Peer Pressure

Personal Struggles

• A character expresses sadness over peer pressure from friends who wanted to steal fruit, illustrating a conflict between obedience to God and social acceptance.

• The character reflects on their decision to refuse participation in wrongdoing despite facing ridicule from friends for being Christian.

The Story of Stephen

Growth of the Early Church

• The narrative shifts to Acts chapters 6 and 7, detailing how the church grew in Jerusalem as more people accepted Jesus as their Savior.

• Apostles decide to appoint seven wise men to help distribute food so they can focus on preaching.

Introduction of Stephen

• One appointed man is Stephen, known for his faith and filled with God's grace and power. He performed miracles and preached about Jesus’ resurrection.

Conflict Arises

Opposition Faced by Stephen

• Some Jews opposed Stephen's teachings, leading them to falsely accuse him due to his wisdom that left them speechless.

Accusations Against Stephen

• False witnesses claim that Stephen spoke against Moses and Jewish customs, stirring anger among religious leaders.

Stephen's Defense

His Response

• When questioned by council members, Stephen recounts biblical history, emphasizing Israel's disobedience towards God’s messengers throughout time.

Final Accusation

• He boldly accuses them of betraying and murdering Jesus, drawing parallels between their actions and those of their ancestors.

Martyrdom of Stephen

Vision Before Death

• As he faces execution, Stephen sees a vision of heaven with Jesus standing beside God, symbolizing divine support during persecution.

Final Prayer

Martyrdom and Forgiveness in the Life of Stephen

The Example of Stephen's Martyrdom

• Stephen, while being stoned to death, prayed for his attackers, mirroring Jesus' prayer for those who crucified Him. This act exemplifies profound forgiveness.

• After Stephen's death, his friends mourned deeply; however, they found hope in the belief that he was with Jesus in heaven. He is recognized as the first martyr for his faith.

• Many believers have faced martyrdom throughout history due to their unwavering faith in Jesus. Stephen’s calm demeanor amidst persecution highlighted his trust in God.

• Despite facing severe hostility from Jewish leaders, Stephen remained peaceful and continued to share the message of Jesus until his last moments.

• The strength that allowed Stephen to forgive came from his faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit, knowing he would be with Jesus after death.

Facing Persecution and Maintaining Faith

• In various parts of the world today, sharing one's faith can lead to severe consequences such as imprisonment or even death.

• Believers are encouraged not to retaliate against those who mistreat them but instead find joy and peace through their faith, similar to how Stephen did.

• Two key takeaways are emphasized: (1) believers should feel privileged when facing difficulties for their faith; (2) they must pray for those who wrong them, seeking God's help in forgiveness.

Learning from Scripture

• A prayer is offered thanking God for His word and asking for help in forgiving enemies just as Stephen did during his martyrdom.

• Deuteronomy 31:8 is introduced as a memory verse emphasizing God's constant presence: "The Lord goes before you; He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you."

Memorization Activity

• The group engages in a fun activity involving a puzzle related to Deuteronomy 31:8, reinforcing the lesson about God's support during difficult times.

• Children are reminded that God provides strength and courage to face challenges without fear.

• As pieces of the puzzle are removed, participants repeatedly recite the verse together to aid memorization.

Conclusion of Lesson

The Fragility of Trust and Protection

Understanding God's Protection Through a Simple Analogy

• The speaker demonstrates the fragility of an object, emphasizing its ease of breaking to illustrate vulnerability.

• A contrasting example is presented where a strong hand protects a fragile item, symbolizing how God protects us in difficult times.

• The analogy reinforces that even during tough moments, we are always in God's hands, providing comfort and assurance.

Crafting a Reminder of Faith

Creating a Bookmark as a Symbol of Trust

• Transitioning to an activity, the speaker introduces making a bookmark that serves as a reminder to trust in God’s promises.

• Materials needed for the craft include paper, colors, scissors, and glue; this engages children in both creativity and learning about faith.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Bookmark

• The first step involves drawing the outline for the bookmark on colored cardstock with specified dimensions (20 cm by 8 cm).

• After cutting out the shape, participants are instructed to paint or color their printed verse on another piece of paper.

• Final steps include gluing the verse onto the bookmark and adding decorative elements like fabric ribbon.

Conclusion: Emphasizing Faith Over Fear

• The session concludes with encouragement not to fear but to trust in God’s protection as illustrated through their craft project.