ONE small step - Week 4
Astronaut Neil Armstrong once said landing on the moon was “one small step for man.” The biggest adventures start in such a simple way — especially when it comes to space! Asteroids, distant planets, and brand new galaxies await us once we leave earth’s atmosphere. Being the first to explore such uncharted territory can be intimidating. In this four-week series, our families will take a look at the Book of Acts to learn from the first Christians. Through their stories of faith and bravery, our kids will learn how to take the first step of believing in Jesus, the next step of praying for others, and an even bigger step of trusting the Holy Spirit makes us brave. But they won’t want to skip the last step of telling others about Jesus.
BIG IDEA: Don’t skip this step — tell others about Jesus.
BIBLE: Philip in Ethiopia: Acts 8:26–40; Isaiah 6:1–8
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: "God's creation shows his power." Hebrews 13:8
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Every Move I Make, and Step by Step
DISCIPLE:
INSTRUCTIONS: Play ambient music (like this) as your family reflects on the Bible story. Make sure you have purchased any licenses required to do so. For more information, read this!
It's time to follow that gravitational force and step back down to Earth. Think about the Bible story today. Philip did not wait to go to the place an angel told him to go. He didn't ask follow-up questions, he didn't make any excuses, and he didn't even stop to comment about how weird this whole thing seemed. He just went.
Why do you think he didn't wait at all?
People like Philip and the prophet Isaiah not only heard from God, but they did what God instructed them to do. When an angel of God appeared to Philip, he didn't say, "I'm a little busy right now, can I do it later?" When the voice of God spoke asking who will be God's messenger, Isaiah said, "Here am I, send me!" and not, "Here's another guy, send him."
What are some of the things that stop us today from sharing Jesus with others?
Who can we turn to when we need the courage to share Jesus?
We can always turn to God to help us be brave when it comes to talking about Jesus to others. Even when it feels scary, don't skip this step — tell others about Jesus. God will always be with you.
Pray: God, thank you for giving us the good news of Jesus we can share with others. Lead us to the places and people who need to hear this good news. Give us the right words to say and be with us as we go and tell the world about you. Amen.
DISCUSS:
SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS
Who told Philip to go down to the desert road? An angel of God.
What was the Ethiopian eunuch doing when Philip found him? Reading from the book of Isaiah.
What did the Ethiopian eunuch do immediately after Philip told him about Jesus? He asked to be baptized.
Read Isaiah 6:8. What was Isaiah's answer to the voice of God asking who will be God's messenger? "Here am I. Send me!"
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
How do you think you'll know that God is leading you to share Jesus with someone?
Once you have an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus, what would you say?
Are there ways you can share Jesus with others besides with words? How?