Hechos para actuar - Dios cumplirá su plan

Introduction to the Series on Acts

Overview of the Lesson

• The speaker expresses excitement about returning to Sunday school and studying the Book of Acts, emphasizing its relevance for action.

• A reminder is given that the review method can be found on their website, highlighting the importance of learning from past stories in Acts.

Recap of Previous Lessons

• In week 14, the theme was "The Race of Life," focusing on Paul's journey and his arrest while sharing Jesus' message.

• The previous week's lesson centered around "A Life of Example," where Paul had a trial with significant leaders and shared his testimony about believing in Jesus.

The Importance of Guidance

Using Maps vs. GPS

• The speaker poses a question about using maps, explaining their necessity for navigation and understanding routes.

• A comparison is made between traditional maps and modern GPS technology, which provides precise directions for reaching destinations.

Biblical Guidance as a Map

• The Bible is likened to a map that guides believers through life towards heaven, containing God's promises and instructions.

Paul's Journey to Rome

Context of Paul's Imprisonment

• Paul had been imprisoned for over two years awaiting transport to Rome; he was handed over to a Roman centurion named Julius.

Decision-Making During Adverse Conditions

• As winter approached, conditions became dangerous; despite Paul's warning against continuing their journey, they decided to proceed.

The Storm at Sea

Encountering Danger

• A hurricane-force wind struck the ship, forcing the crew to lower sails and throw cargo overboard in an attempt to stabilize it.

Desperation Among Crew Members

• For nearly two weeks amidst the storm, fear prevailed among everyone aboard as they lost hope for survival.

Paul's Assurance from God

Message from an Angel

• Paul reassures the crew that if they had followed his advice earlier, they would have avoided loss; he shares that an angel told him no one would perish except for the ship itself.

Encouragement Amidst Fear

• Paul encourages everyone not to lose heart because he has faith that God will fulfill His promise regarding their safety.

Preparing for Landfall

Actions Taken by Sailors

• As dawn approached, sailors dropped anchors fearing rocks; some attempted escape via lifeboats but were advised by Paul against it.

Sharing Food for Strength

• After two weeks without food, Paul urged them all to eat for strength; he gave thanks before eating bread which encouraged others onboard.

Shipwreck and Survival

Impact of Shipwreck

• Upon sighting land, efforts were made to steer towards shore; however, they hit a sandbank causing damage as waves battered them.

Preservation of Lives

• Soldiers planned to kill prisoners but Julius intervened out of concern for Paul’s safety; those who could swim were instructed to reach shore while others used debris.

Arrival at Malta

Kindness from Locals

Pablo's Journey and God's Guidance

The Perception of Pablo by Others

• Pablo was perceived as a criminal by other prisoners, who believed he was receiving punishment for his past actions after surviving a shipwreck.

• After shaking off a snake that bit him without harm, the locals concluded that he must be a god due to this miraculous survival.

Healing and Spreading the Word

• The governor of Malta welcomed Pablo and his companions, hosting them for three days; during this time, Pablo healed the governor's sick father.

• News of these healings spread across the island, leading many sick individuals to seek healing from Pablo, likely providing him an opportunity to share about Jesus.

Trusting in God's Plan

• As Pablo was taken to Rome for trial amidst a dangerous storm, God sent an angel to reassure him that He had a plan for his life and that the storm would not be his end.

• This highlights the importance of trusting in God’s guidance through difficult times.

Instructions from God

• The lesson emphasizes reading the Bible for instructions on living as God's children; examples include avoiding complaints (Philippians 2:14), lying (Colossians 3:9), and praying continuously (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

• Other instructions include giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), obeying parents (Ephesians 6:1), being kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32), and forgiving others as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

Seeking Help with Obedience

• A call is made for children to choose three instructions from God’s word and pray for help in following them throughout the week.

• A prayer is offered asking God for assistance in understanding and obeying His commands despite challenges.

Memorizing Scripture

• Children are encouraged to memorize Philippians 2:13, which states that God enables believers both to will and act according to His good purpose.

• This verse reassures that God instills desires within us aligned with His will while also empowering us to fulfill those desires through action.

Engaging Learning Activities

• An interactive approach is suggested where children repeat scripture rhythmically with claps or snaps, reinforcing memorization through engagement.

Fun Facts About Paul's Journey

• Interesting facts reveal that Paul traveled on an Egyptian grain ship named Isis carrying 276 people who were all saved despite shipwreck conditions.

The Story of the Titanic and a Heroic Act

The Threatening Storm and the Titanic's Fate

• As winter approached, a storm threatened to sink a ship, prompting the crew to throw wheat overboard to prevent it from becoming waterlogged and heavy, which could increase the risk of sinking.

• A large ship known as the Titanic also sank; among its passengers was a pastor named Jon Harper who prioritized saving his daughter and niece over his own safety.

Acts of Courage Amidst Disaster

• Pastor Jon Harper chose to stay behind on the sinking Titanic to preach about Jesus until the very end, demonstrating remarkable bravery and faith in dire circumstances.

• His story inspired others, leading him to write a book titled "The Last Hero of the Titanic," highlighting his commitment to sharing God's message even in life-threatening situations.

Creative Activity for Children

• Following this narrative, children are invited to engage their creativity through a craft activity that relates back to what they learned about courage and faith during challenging times.

Crafting Instructions

Materials Needed

• To create their crafts, children will need colored cardstock (blue, white, black, red), scissors, glue, a ruler, pencil, a 20 cm circular plate, Play-Doh lid for circles, small tape pieces for detailing, and a coin.

Steps for Craft Creation

• Begin by tracing around the plate to form the base of their boat. Cut out this shape before folding it in half.

• Measure specific dimensions on white cardstock for various parts of the boat; cut these shapes out carefully.

Final Assembly

• Assemble all pieces by gluing them onto their crafted boat structure. Decorate with red cardstock pieces as lifebuoys and finalize by attaching these decorations securely.

Conclusion