​Read all or parts of ACTS 16:11-34 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

  Paul and Silas traveled to many cities, sharing the gospel with many different people. The story we read is known as Paul’s second missionary journey. On this journey, Paul and Silas went even further into the world so that people could hear the good news. As they traveled, the Holy Spirit helped them boldly share the good news and gave them power to get through hard times.
   

Who were some of the people who heard the good news about Jesus and believed in Him? [Allow responses.] Lydia and the jailer believed in Jesus. They were willing to listen to the good news and trust in Jesus. Were all people always happy to hear and believe the gospel? [Allow responses.] Though the gospel was spreading and many people believed in Jesus, some people did not like the gospel. It made them upset, and they wanted to stop Paul and Silas from sharing the good news.
 

   Who had Paul and Silas put in jail? [Allow responses.] Paul and Silas ended up in jail when, through Jesus’ power, they healed the servant girl of an evil spirit. But Paul and Silas didn’t stop preaching the gospel, and even in jail, God showed His power to save when the jailer trusted in Jesus. Everyone can be saved like the jailer. All we must do is believe in the Lord Jesus and we will be saved. 

   Our mission is to make disciples of all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like Paul we can tell people, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.’ 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:  Can we make people believe in Jesus? Why not? 

ANSWER:  Tell kids that we cannot make people believe in Jesus. Remind kids that our job is to share the good news and trust God with the results. Explain that the power to change hearts does not come from us but from God. Discuss how we can also pray for people to believe as we share the gospel. 

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:  Parents, share with your children the story of how you came to understand the gospel and believed in Jesus. Discuss the good news of the gospel with your children (The Gospel Plan below can be used as a guide). As a follow up question, ask: “Who are people we can share the gospel with?”

The Gospel Plan:  

1) God Rules (Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11)

2) We Sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)

3) God Provided (John 3:16; John 14:6)

4) Jesus Gives (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 10:28)

5) We Respond (Romans 10:9-10)

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

   Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue us from our sins. Please open my heart to understand Your Word better, so that I can love and obey You. Help us share the good news of Jesus with those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

   God, You are glorious and You do wonderful things. We want to tell others about You and Your Son, Jesus. Please give us opportunities to share the gospel with those who need to hear how they can be saved through faith in Jesus. Amen.