Hechos para actuar - Dios nos llama a actuar
Introduction to the Lesson
Overview of Previous Lessons
- The series continues with stories from the Book of Acts, emphasizing God's love for all people.
- Week 8 highlighted the power of prayer, illustrated by Peter's imprisonment and subsequent divine intervention.
- In Week 9, the focus was on Paul and Barnabas' missionary journeys, showcasing God's call for some individuals to be missionaries.
Engaging Activity
- An interactive activity begins where images of a mother, teacher, and doctor are shown to prompt discussion about their commonalities.
- The common thread is that they all help others and need to hear about God's love.
Paul's Missionary Journey
Vision in Troas
- Paul receives a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help, indicating God’s guidance in his mission.
- Macedonia is identified as a small country north of Greece; this marks Paul's first journey into Europe.
Arrival in Philippi
- Upon arriving in Philippi, an important city with many idol worshippers, Paul and his companions pray for guidance.
- They meet Lydia by the river during prayer; she becomes the first European believer after hearing about Jesus’ resurrection.
Encounter with a Slave Girl
The Spirit's Influence
- A slave girl possessed by an evil spirit follows Paul and his companions, proclaiming their mission.
- After several days, Paul commands the spirit to leave her in Jesus' name; she is freed from bondage.
Consequences of Deliverance
- Her owners become furious upon losing their source of income due to her inability to predict futures anymore.
- They accuse Paul and Silas before city officials, claiming they disrupt local customs as Jews.
Imprisonment and Perseverance
Arrest and Punishment
- Following public outcry against them, Paul and Silas are beaten without trial and imprisoned under harsh conditions.
Faith Amidst Trials
- Despite suffering pain from their injuries while confined in darkness, they choose to pray and sing hymns instead of despairing.
- Their faith inspires other prisoners who listen intently as they worship God despite their circumstances.
Divine Intervention
Earthquake Miracle
- At midnight during their prayers, God sends an earthquake that opens prison doors and breaks chains off prisoners.
Jailer's Crisis
The Power of Faith: The Story of Paul and Silas
The Jailer's Encounter with Paul and Silas
- A jailer, witnessing the miraculous events surrounding Paul and Silas, cries out for help, realizing the gravity of their situation.
- He asks Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved; they respond that belief in Jesus Christ will lead to salvation for him and his household.
- After hearing the gospel message, the jailer and his family are baptized, demonstrating their newfound faith in Jesus.
- The narrative emphasizes that the gospel is powerful for salvation to all who believe (Romans 1:16).
- Despite being imprisoned, Paul and Silas remain steadfast in their mission to share God's love.
Sharing God's Love
- Encouragement is given that anyone can share God’s love, regardless of feeling inadequate or unsure about how to start.
- Simple actions like distributing a pamphlet about Jesus can be effective ways to begin sharing one's faith.
- A plan is proposed for creating a card narrating Jesus' story to give to someone in need of hearing it.
Prayer for Courage
- A prayer is offered asking God for courage to speak about His love without shame or fear.
- Emphasis on relying on God’s strength when sharing the gospel with others.
Memorization Activity
- Children are encouraged to memorize Acts 16:32, which highlights speaking about God's love as demonstrated by Paul and Silas.
Fun Facts About Paul and Silas
- Interesting facts shared include details about the earthquake that freed them from prison and conditions of prisons during their time.
- It notes how singing praises can positively affect mental health even in dire situations.
The Story of Paul and His Imprisonment
Overview of Paul's Trials
- The narrative discusses the imprisonment and persecution faced by early Christians, including Paul, who were jailed or killed for preaching about Christ.
- Various films and books have been created to recount their stories, leading many to believe in Jesus through these testimonies.
Crafting a Manualidad (Craft)
- The session transitions into a craft activity that illustrates Paul's experience in prison, specifically how he was freed but chose to stay to share his faith with the jailer and his family.
Materials Needed
- Participants are instructed to gather materials: pencil, black marker, ruler, scissors, scotch tape, glue or silicone, colored pencils, a printable sheet from the website, black cardstock, and gray cardstock.
Steps for Creation
- Begin by coloring an illustration of Paul. Cut along dotted lines after measuring a 20cm x 20cm square on gray cardstock.
- Create long strips from black cardstock to represent prison bars; cut them out accordingly.
Assembling the Craft
- Assemble the bars by placing two horizontally and attaching additional strips vertically using glue or silicone.
- Attach the drawing of Paul onto the gray cardstock before placing the assembled bars over it with adhesive tape.
Final Touches
- Encourage participants to add small drawings around their craft using a black marker for decoration.
Conclusion and Resources
- The host expresses hope that participants successfully completed their crafts at home as a reminder of God's love.