Big Idea: God’s Word helps us choose the right path.
Bible Basis: Acts 6:8-8:1
Key Verse: “I have hidden your word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story?
Why do you think Stephen kept talking about Jesus even though he got in trouble for it?
For older kids:
In what way do you think you should be more like Stephen?
Why do you think Stephen was willing to give up his life for Jesus?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God. Thank Him for giving you the Bible. Ask Him to help you remember what it says when you have to make a hard choice.
Journal Station prompt: Stephen was killed because he followed Jesus. If you were Stephen, would you have been willing to die for Jesus? Why or why not? Write about it.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: Acts 6:8–15, 7:1–59. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Stephen was willing to give up his life to follow Jesus. What are some things that you would be willing to give up for Jesus? Draw a picture of them.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ Back to the Bible (Application Activity)
- Set Up: For each small group, print the “Back to the Bible” verse cards (see Resource Folder) on 8½ x 11 paper or cardstock and cut apart.
- Say: In today’s story, Stephen had hidden God’s Word in his heart. When you hide God’s Word in your heart, it means that you remember what the Bible says and you think about it often. We’re going to play a game right now that helps us think about ways that God’s Word can help us choose the right path.
- Directions: Divide your group into two teams. Choose two kids from each team to go first. Have one kid from each team sit in front of the other. Hand the two kids in back one of the “Back to the Bible” verse cards. The verse cards will have a Bible reference on them, but not the actual verse. (For example: Luke 6:31.) Both kids should have cards with the same Bible reference. On “go,” have the kids in the back use their finger to write the letters from the Bible reference on the backs of their partner. The two kids in front will have to determine what Bible reference is being written on their back. The first team to get it right wins the round. When finished, have your group open their Bibles, look up the verse, and read it aloud. After reading it, ask them the question below. Following the discussion, choose two more kids from each team and repeat the instructions above for each of the 4 Bible references.
- Question: Can you think of a time when this verse could have helped you make the right choice?
- Directions: When finished, ask the kids to share which of those verses they most need to hide in their heart and why. Encourage them to memorize that verse over the week.
- Question: Hiding God’s Word in our heart doesn’t just help us know what’s right, it helps us do what’s right. Is there something that you know is right, but you have a hard time doing it? (Note to leader: if you know a Bible verse that addresses their struggle, share it with them.)
+ Bible Bombardment (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Set-Up: For each small group place a long tape line on the floor.
- Directions: Place the “Bible Verse” sign in the middle of your group. Read the verse several times with your group so that they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: “I have hidden your word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you.” Psalm 119:11. Divide your group into two teams. Choose one kid from each team to be the “cupbearer.” Have the cupbearer kneel down approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters) from the tape line and hold a plastic cup to the top of their head. Give all of the other kids 3 cotton balls and tell them to gather behind the tape line while facing their teammate with the cup. On the count of 3, have all of the kids begin throwing their cotton balls at their cupbearer, attempting to land it in the cup. They may not cross the tape line. (Hint: It’s easier to score a cotton ball in the cup if the cupbearer tilts forward a bit.) When finished, count up how many cotton balls each team got in their cup. However many cotton balls the team scored is how many times the other team has to recite the verse aloud. Play multiple rounds and allow different kids to be the cupbearer.
- Question: Do you have any tips or tricks for memorizing things like Bible verses? Do you have a favorite Bible verse that you’ve hidden in your heart? What is it?
+ Prayer Doodles (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Place a poster board or piece of butcher block paper in the middle of the group along with a box of markers. Tell the kids to think about a prayer request they have. When ready, have them begin drawing a picture of their request on the poster board or paper. When the kids are finished, allow them to talk about their drawing and share their request with the group. When everyone has finished sharing, lead the kids in a closing prayer. Allow them to pray for the things that were just shared.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Jesus, you are the best. You lived and died to make me your child. Help me to continue to read and study your Word so that your Word will guide me and the decisions I make in life. In your name I pray. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
Acts 6:8-8:1
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!