Who/What
Who - Paul, the Corinthians, and conversion.
What - Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians, telling them that because of Jesus, God forgives our sin and invites us into His family forever. Once we follow Jesus, we are a new creation - the old has passed away, and the new has come!
What did Paul tell the Corinthians in his second letter? (hint: 2 Corinthians 5:17)
If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation!
John 3:17 "For God did not send His Son into the world..."
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:17
Who can be saved?
Anyone who trusts in Jesus can be forgiven of their sins and be right with God.
Paul’s entire life, from the moment he was born, had been dedicated to serving God.
FALSE. Paul used to persecute Christians, but was converted on the road to Damascus.
Who - Paul and Barnabas
What - Paul and Barnabas were called to spread the Good News of God. They healed a man who had never been able to walk, so the people thought they were gods. They shouted - “No! We are here to point you to the ONE true God!” They encouraged believers.
Who (or what) is a missionary?
A missionary is a Christian chosen by God who obeys His command to go and tell another group of people the good news about Jesus.
1 Corinthians 12:12 "For just as the body is one and has many parts..."
For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body - so also is Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
What is the church?
The church is all Christians everywhere, who gather together in their communities to worship and serve God.
When Paul and Barnabas shared the gospel in Antioch and Iconium, all who heard it were overjoyed and accepted the gospel!
FALSE. Sharing the gospel will sometimes be met with rejection and even persecution. Paul was stoned.
Who - Saul/Paul, Ananias and the road to Damascus
What - Saul was persecuting Christians, and even watched Stephen die. Saul wanted to put an end to the church. On the way to Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. When Saul opened his eyes, he couldn’t see. Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, was told to baptize Saul. Saul became a Christian!
What happened to Saul’s eyesight after Jesus appeared to him?
Saul couldn’t see. The men he was traveling with had to help him as he traveled to Damascus.
Isaiah 53:5 "He was pierced because of our rebellion..."
He was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.
Isaiah 53:5
Why did Jesus become human?
Jesus became human to obey His Father’s plan and rescue sinners.
When Ananias heard that he was called to meet with Saul, he was very excited! (Acts 9:13)
FALSE. He said “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.” He was very nervous!
Who - Paul, the Corinthians, and the body of Christ.
What - Paul talked about how the church is like a body, made up of many different parts. Each part has a role to play. We are the body of Christ and individual members of it. God gives each part gifts, and when one part is grieving or happy, we should notice and respond
What are some ways that we can serve the body of Christ?
You could be teachers, preachers, greeters, nursery workers, or kid’s leaders. You can also lead through prayer, encouraging, helping in those in need, and more!
John 17:3 "This is eternal life: that they may know you..."
"This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent-Jesus Christ."
John 17:3
Why does God command Christians to tell others about Jesus?
We tell others about Jesus so they will hear and believe the good news.
Some spiritual gifts are greater than others.
FALSE - Some Corinthian Christians thought some spiritual gifts were greater than others. The gospel reminds us that no one is of greater value or worth.
Who - Peter, King Herod Agrippa, the angel and the women
What - Peter was placed in prison, surrounded on all sides by guards. He was likely going to be executed the next morning. Overnight, an angel appeared to Peter and his chains fell off. Peter followed the angel all the way to Mary, the mother of John Mark. They had been praying for Peter.
What did the church do while Peter was in prison?
The church prayed! They asked God to rescue Peter from prison.
Revelation 5:13 "I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth..."
"I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and the Lamb, forever and ever!"
Revelation 5:13
How does the Holy Spirit help Christians?
The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.
When the angel came to rescue Peter, he had been up all night, worried that he might be executed the next morning.
FALSE. Peter had been asleep when the angel came to rescue him.