Experience the Spirit
WELCOME TO WEEK 1
We all learn new things every day. Sometimes we really enjoy what we are learning and want to continue learning more. When we read our bibles, sometimes it can be hard to understand everything we are reading, but the Holy Spirit can help us understand what we are reading and help us want to continue learning more. This week we will read about a man who was eager to learn more about God and was sent help from God.
BIBLE STORY
What are some ways you travel to a new place. When you need to travel far from home, do you use the same transportation as when you travel a few blocks from home? People travel different types of ways dependent on where they are going. Listen to the people who traveled in the Bible and tell what they used in order to get to their destination.
Mary and Joseph travling to Bethlehem (a donkey)
The wise men traveling to Bethlehem (by foot)
Jesus and disciples crossed crossed the lake (a boat)
Elijah was taken to heaven (fiery chariot)
Noah waited out the flood (an ark)
Jonah waited out a big storm (the belly of a large fish)
When Philip was traveling he came to a man who was reading a passage in the bible that he did not understand. When Philip stopped to ask if he needed help the man asked how he could understand what was written in the book. He was reading a passage from Isaiah that spoke of Jesus, and Philip was able to share with him the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was not by accident that Philip found the man reading the passage, God sent him to be a helper. God wants us to understand what is written in His word and He wants us to know Him better. The Holy Spirit is our helper, he can help us understand what we read and then live according to God’s word.
Read or listen to the Bible verse for this week: Acts 8:26-40
Where was Philip traveling? (From Jerusalem to Gaza)
Who did he meet along the way? (An Ethiopian eunuch, an important official)
What was the Ethiopian eunuch reading? (A passage out of the book of Isaiah)
Why did the Eunuch ask Philip for help with the reading? (He did not understand what the passage was saying.)
Who was the passage talking about? (Jesus the lamb)
What did Phillip share with the eunuch? (The gospel of Jesus Christ)
What else did the eunuch ask Philip to do? (Stop the chariot and Baptize him in the water they were passing by)
After the baptism where did Philip go? (The Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip and he appeared in Azotus and preached there)
What happened to the eunuch after he was baptized? (He went on his way rejoicing)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Think of 3 questions you may have about something you have read from the Bible. Write those 3 questions down, then pray over those questions and ask God to show you the answers to your questions. You can begin reading the Bible for understanding and also ask an adult or pastor for help. Once you have discovered the answer, write the answer next to the question you have asked. Continue with the other questions, one at a time, seeking the Holy Spirit, the scriptures, and other spiritual leaders for help.
Materials: Bible, paper, pen/pencil, spiritual leader
Alternate
Think about the creation story and recall as many details of the story as you are able. Then pray to ask the Holy Spirit to be with you as you read Genesis chapters 1-2. As you read, look for things you have never realized before that stand out to you in these chapters. Write down all of the new details and realizations you’ve discovered from this reading. Use a notebook to record your findings. Write the scripture at the top of the page, then draw a line down the middle of the paper. On one side write your new discoveries, on the other side, write new realizations or lessons God may be teaching you through this passage. Continue to use this notebook with other familiar bible stories, recording your new discoveries and lessons for each passage.
Materials: notebook, pencil/pen, bible
Independent activity:
Complete the following activity sheet
Materials: printed activity sheet, pen/pencil, crayons
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Make a bible scroll with the verse Philip shared with the Ethiopian. On a small white sheet of construction paper turned horizontally, write the scripture from Isaiah 53:7&8. Gently tear a strip of paper in small zigzag tears along the top and bottom of the page to make it look worn. Use large straight straws and glue them to the ends of the paper. Then roll up the verse from both directions around the straws into a scroll.
Materials: Colored construction paper, large straws, glue, scissors, crayons
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Holy Spirit.” When we know God we can be filled with joy and peace. Our hope can overflow from us by the power of the Holy Spirit. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a comforter and a helper. We may have problems in our lives, or even feel down, but we receive our hope, joy and peace from the Holy Spirit.
What do you need to have peace over?
What are some things you use to give you peace?
How is the peace from God different from the peace other things offer?
How can we be filled with the Holy Spirit?
What are some things the Holy Spirit can help you with?
What has the Holy Spirit helped you learn about God this week?
How can we invite the Holy Spirit to help us in our walk with God?
Practical Application at Home
We are not meant to keep the good news of Jesus Christ to ourselves. We should want to share the good news of Jesus and the peace of the Holy Spirit with others. Philip listened to the Holy Spirit and obeyed his directions. He was able to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a stranger because the Holy Spirit was leading him. We can share what we have been given with others by listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us want to know God and follow him.
This week pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to lead you at school, church and during your playtime. Look for ways to share Jesus with others and seek him for yourself.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Donate to a local food shelter or toy drive this Christmas season. As a family, volunteer together or pick out toys you think another child your age might enjoy.