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.