Kingsford Church of Christ

The Acts of the Holy Spirit (Term 2 even years: 2012, 2014, ...)

This unit follows on from the life of Jesus and asks (and answers) the question: "So what happened after Jesus went back to heaven".

The theme is "Jesus is Changing me" for which we learn the  song "Little by Little".

The Holy Spirit came on the disciples at Pentecost and their lives changed. We look at what happened in their lives.

We use several clips from "The Visual Bible - Acts", and  particularly use the "Visual Bible for Kids" video with "Mr Henry" - "The Great Escape".

Some resources are available in this PDF and this powerpoint file.

Jesus sends His Spirit

Acts 1:1-11 and Acts 2:1-21 (The whole sermon is good, but is a bit long).

I like to watch this in "The Visual Bible", but either or both parts could be read aloud by the students.

Discussion revolves around the Spirit : Jesus promised to send the Spirit, and the Spirit came.  The effect of the Spirit was surprising and immediate.  The out come of the Spirits work was to draw people to Jesus.  These are recurring themes.

Peter and John heal the cripple

Acts 3 - the healing and the message.

The Spirit healed the man through Peter. The result was that a crowded gathered.  Peter had an opportunity to tell them about Jesus.

Again, it is surprising, immediate, and draws people to Jesus.

We sing the song "Silver and Gold":  "Peter and John went to pray ... they met a lame man on the way".

Philip and the Ethiopian

Acts 8:26-40

The holy Spirit reveals one step at a time, and uses the scriptures.  Again a man was bought to Christ and through him, we believe, a nation.

Saul's Conversion

Acts 9:1-31.  A lot of effort for one man, but this one man was used so much for God!

It wasn't easy for Saul, or for  Ananias.  The work of the Spirit isn't to make life easy.  It is to bring us to Jesus.

The Great Escape

This is the "Visual Bible for Kids" video covering some of the work of the Spirit, first in Peter's life and then in Paul's, freeing them from prison and storms.

We watch it in two parts with a question sheet for each part to help the children stay focussed (I hope).

The Spirit on the Gentiles

Acts 10 : The visit with Cornelius

We start out by explaining the difference between Jews and Gentiles and how the Jews thought about it.  How they saw themselves as a bit exclusive as "the chosen people".  How the Jews had a practice - not from God - of not associating with Gentiles.

And then we learn how God turned that on it's head.  This is really about unity in the Spirit, with people who are very different from ourselves.  Everyone is being brought to Jesus.

The Fruit of the Spirit

Gal 5:22-26.  The Spirit hasn't finished with you when you come to Jesus, and he has more thing to do in your life than help you tell others about Jesus.  He wants to make you into the sort of person who Jesus was, full of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and  self-control.

We explore each of these fruit by contrasting them with what they replace.  The children are encouraged to come up with answers and there are no right answers.

Many people contrast "love" with "hate", but talk about contrasting it with "indifference" too.

Joy can contrast with sorrow, but more with depression.  Peace with restless discomfort.  Patiences with impatience.  Kindness with carelessness or brutality.  Goodness with selfishness.  Faithfulness with ... contempt, selfishness, arrogance. Gentleness is maybe a better contrast with brutality.  Self-control contrasts with short sighted impulsiveness.

There is lots of overlap and we emphasise that this isn't a complete or standardised list.  It is just a list of examples.

Talk about the need to both seek these fruit, but also to simply allow these fruit to develop and mature as we seek God.

Review

We again play the memory game as in term 1. Possible sentences are:

• Jesus Promised to send ... His Holy Spirit to the Disciples.
• The disciples were changed and ... boldly taught about Jesus.
• The lame man could walk because ... he trusted the Name of Jesus.
• Many came to believe because they ... saw that the lame man was healed.
• Saul wanted to oppress the church ... but Jesus wanted him to help.
• The Holy Spirit send Philip ... to teach the Ethiopian about Jesus.
• Ananias was afraid of Saul but ... Jesus sent him to restore his sight.
• If God wants you set free ... even Roman Soldiers won't hold you.
• The Spirit came to the Jews, then ... the Samaritans, then Everyone.
  
• Although Cornelius was a Gentile... The Spirit send Peter to baptise him.
• Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness ... Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self Control.