Not Guilty

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Romans 3:19-28

TO CHEW ON: "But now God has shown us another way to heaven. It is not by 'being good enough' and trying to keep his laws.... Now God says he will accept us and declare us 'not guilty.' He will do this if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. We all can be saved by coming to Christ." Acts 3:21a,22a - Simplified Living Bible

Suppose you stood before God today and He asked you, “Why should I let you into heaven?” What would you say?

- I tried my hardest to be good.
- I did more good things than bad things.
- I doesn’t matter what I believed because I was sincere.
- My heart is clean because the wrong things that I’ve done (sins), were paid for by Jesus when He died on the cross.


I hope your answer was the last one.

One of the things Paul explained to the Roman Christians was what Jesus’ death means to everyone who believes in Him.

Before Jesus came, God gave the Jewish people rules about how they were to relate to God and treat each other (the Ten Commandments). And He told them what to do if they broke those rules and sinned. The punishment for breaking God’s rules was and is death. Before Jesus came, God required people to sacrifice animals to die in their place.

"His offering - a kid of the goats" - Artist unknown

Then Jesus came. He lived a perfect life. Then He willingly died on the cross. God accepted Jesus’ death as the payment for our sins just like He had accepted the death of sacrificed animals in Old Testament times. But now we don’t have to make any more sacrifices - ever. The penalty for our sins and the sins of everyone who has ever sinned or ever will sin is paid. All we have to do is accept it.

"Christ came into the world to save sinners" Illustration by Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible
© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You for dying and taking the punishment my sins deserved. Amen.


MORE: God’s Rules
We still try to obey God’s rules. But we don’t do it to earn our way to heaven. Rather we obey God because we love Him and want to do what pleases Him.

"The tablets of stone" - Artist unknown

How many of the Ten Commandments can you list?
(Check your list with Exodus 20:1-17).

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jailed

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 28:11-16; 30-31

TO CHEW ON: "Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 28:31

Three months after the shipwreck Paul, his guards and companions set sail again. Soon they arrived in Rome. When they got there, the soldiers took Paul to a house.

"Arrival at Rome" by Johann C. Weigel, 1695

For two years he had to stay in that house with someone guarding him all the time.

"Paul preaches at Rome under guard" - Artist unknown

Even though he was a prisoner, Paul didn’t whine, sulk or feel sorry for himself. What did he do? (Find the words for the blanks in the word bank below - Acts 28:31)

He __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ the __ __ __ __ __ __ __ of __ __ __ and __ __ __ __ __ __ about __ __ __ __ __

God   Jesus

preached   kingdom

taught

You are probably not in a physical prison. But some things can make you feel as trapped as if you were. Things like being sick, being bullied, and failing at school can have you hoping and praying to be set free.

What is your prison? Pray that God will be with you, that you will feel Him beside you and that you will be set free!

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please be with me even when I’m in a place where I’d rather not be. Amen.

"And they pulled me up out of the well"
Illustrationsby Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible
© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.

MORE: Bible Jailbirds
Paul was not the first person from the Bible to spend time in jail. Unscramble the names of these Bible characters and match them with their crime.

A. Caught and jailed after his hair was cut. __ __ __ __ __ __

B. Put in prison to silence them from talking about Jesus. __ __ __ __ __ & __ __ __ __

C. Jailed because his master’s wife lied about him. __ __ __ __ __ __

D. Accused of being a deserter and put in a dungeon. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

E. Jailed because he condemned King Herod for living with his brother’s wife. __ __ __ __


NOJH the Baptist (Matthew 14:3-4)
HEOJSP (Genesis 39:17-20)
HMRIEJEA (Jeremiah 37:11-16)
NSMOAS (Judges 16:20-21)
REEPT & HOJN (Acts 4:1-3)


ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Always Available

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 28:1-10

TO CHEW ON: "His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured." (Acts 28:8,9)

Paul had just come through a two-week storm and a hair-raising shipwreck. The sailors and passengers had landed on the Island of Malta. You’d think he would be asking for a holiday. But not Paul!

"Paul sails for Rome" - Artist unknown (after Gustave Dore)

First he helped collect firewood. When a viper (a poisonous reptile) fastened itself to his hand, the superstitious islanders thought this was a sign Paul was a murderer. They watched closely to see him fall over dead. When Paul didn’t die they thought he was a god.

"Paul shakes off the viper and feels no harm" - A Blois & A. Hourbraken, 1728

We know he wasn’t a god. But he did have the power of the God of heaven working in him. A few days later he healed the father of Publius, the Island’s chief official.

"Paul heals Publius's father" by Christoff J. Weigel, 1695

When the islanders saw that, they began bringing their sick friends and relatives to Paul. He cured them all. Paul was always on call for God to use him any time, anywhere.

"Paul heals the sick" by Christoff J. Weigel, 1695

What about us? Do we have the attitude that God can have a little bit of our time – like Sunday, but the rest of the week is our time, to use as we please? Or are we ready to do any job God gives us, any day of the week?

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be available to be used by You at any time and in any place. Amen



MORE: Vipers
Paul had a close encounter with a viper.

• Find out about the common viper.

- from Wikipedia

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Too Scared to Eat!

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 27:27-44

TO CHEW ON: "Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” (Acts 27:34)

Have you ever been seriously scared or nervous? Perhaps it was the time your team had to play the championship game, or you had to perform a solo in a piano recital, or you were driving through a snowstorm and the car started sliding all over the road.

Our bodies respond to fear in a physical way. How does your body feel when you are nervous or afraid?

- You can’t eat.
- You get sick to your stomach.
- You feel shaky.
- You get a headache.
- Your hands get cold and clammy.
- Your face gets red.
- You bite your nails.

The 275 passengers with Paul had been in the storm for 14 days. They were terrified the whole time. Many of them hadn’t eaten anything and were growing weak.

"The Storm" by Johann C. Weigel, 1695

But Paul had heard from God. Now Paul told everyone on board to let go of the fear that upset their stomachs and to eat, for God had promised him no one would be hurt in any way.

God has promised to be with us in our storms as well. When we’re in the middle of them we too have a choice. We can choose to stay fearful, or to trust God and relax. And that means relax so completely that even our bodies will tell the difference.

(And did God’s word to Paul come true? It sure did!

The next morning someone saw land in the distance. Though the wind was still blowing strong, the sailors cut the anchors loose, hoisted the sail, and headed for the beach.

Before the boat got there, it hit a sandbar.

"But the ship hit a sandbar" - Illustration by Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible
© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.

As the pounding waves broke the boat into pieces, the centurion guarding Paul ordered everyone to swim for shore. Many grabbed onto planks or parts of the ship and paddled for their lives.

"Paul shipwrecked in a storm" by F. T. Lix

Everyone made it to land!)

PRAYER: Dear God, help me to relax in Your care for me. Amen.


SUPERSIZE IT: Boats

Find out about boats in Bible times:

• What were they made of?

• How were they powered?

• How did sailors find their way (navigate)?

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Storm

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 27:13-26

TO CHEW ON: "Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called a 'Northeaster,' swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.” Acts 27:14,15

At last Paul was getting his wish. He was on his way to Rome to appear before Caesar. Perhaps he was hopeful Caesar would rule that all the accusations the Jewish leaders had made against him were false.

"Paul heads to Rome" - Johann C. Weigel, 1695

Much of the trip had to be made by ship. The first part of Paul's voyage was smooth.

"Sailing the Mediterranean by ship" - Artist unknown (from H. D. Northrop's Treasures of the Bible - 1894).

But after the ship left Crete a storm came up. Quickly the sea became so fierce there was nothing the captain and crew could do. They were at the mercy of the wind and waves

Everyone was terrified. Everyone, that is, except Paul. Why was Paul not afraid? Acts 27:23-24 (Choose one):

1. An angel had told him they would all be saved.
2. He had a good eye for weather and could see the storm was breaking up.
3. God had told him he would be swallowed by a fish.

Sometimes we find ourselves in storms. They might be literal storms - a snowstorm, tornado or flood. Or they might be a bad thing that feels like a storm - an accident, sickness or death. God does not keep storms away from us. But like God was with Paul, he will be with us in our storms.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to trust You in every kind of storm. Amen.


SUPERSIZE IT: Your Storms
1. What is the worst storm you’ve ever been in?
Describe it. How did you feel? What happened?

2. A “Storm Psalm” - Next time you are in a storm, read Psalm 91 to remind you that God can protect and save you.


ANSWERS



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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Decision Day

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 24:22-27

TO CHEW ON: "As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, 'That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.'” Acts 24:25

The soldiers took Paul to the city of Caesarea to appear before the Roman Governor Felix. Paul was glad to get an opportunity to tell Felix about Jesus, or “the Way” to God.

Governor Felix had heard about the Way. And he enjoyed listening to Paul talk more about it.

"Paul's defense before Felix" - Artist unknown

One day Paul was talking to Felix and Drusilla (Felix’s wife) about Jesus. As he described the kind of life that pleases God and God’s judgment, Felix became afraid. Why do you think he felt that way? (Cross out the one statement that is most likely NOT true).

1. He knew that he needed to decide whether to believe in Jesus for himself.
2. He knew that he had done bad things and was afraid of God’s judgment.
3. He was scared that Paul would beat him up.
4. He was afraid of dying.

"Felix and Drusila" - Johann C. Weigel, 1695

Though it seems God was knocking at Felix’s heart, he never made a decision to trust Jesus that day. And though Paul talked to Felix many times after that, we never read that God knocked at his heart in the same way again.

"Paul before Felix" by William Hogarth, 1752-1762

Have you ever felt Jesus knock at the door of your heart? Don’t ignore Him or think that you’ll answer Him another time. Someday He will come to you for the last time.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock" - Artist unknown

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to recognize Your voice and to follow when You call. Amen.

MORE: Missionary in Disguise
Paul didn’t let the fact that he was in prison stop him from talking about Jesus. He didn’t think of himself as a prisoner, but a missionary in disguise.

Can you think of five more places people could be missionaries in disguise?
(Example: You could be a missionary on your soccer or baseball team by telling other team members about Jesus.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Never Too Young

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 23:12-22

TO CHEW ON: “Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, ‘Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.’” Acts 23:17

Have you ever thought you have to be grown up to be used by God? Perhaps Paul’s nephew felt that way. Then came the day he overheard a secret plan.

He heard forty Jewish men promising each other they wouldn’t eat or drink until they’d killed Paul. They would ask the Roman commander to bring Paul to a special place. They would hide along the road Paul would take. When Paul and the soldiers came by, they would pounce on Paul and kill him.

The boy went straight to Paul with news of this plot.

"Paul's nephew" - By Johann C. Weigel, 1695

Paul sent the boy to the commander, to tell him what he’d heard. As a result Paul was never sent to the meeting that day. Because his nephew did what he could, Paul’s life was saved.

Have you ever thought you were too young for God to use? You aren’t you know. God uses people of all ages. The main thing is be obedient and do the things He tells you.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You that You can use people of any age. Please use me today. Amen.


MORE: Bible Kids "Who Am I?"

Can you identify these Bible kids that God used? Use the names and references at the bottom to help you.

1. I talked to an Egyptian princess, offering to get a nurse for her baby brother.

2. I gave Jesus my lunch of loaves and fishes.

3. I killed a giant with a sling and stones.

4. I heard God speak and later told God’s message to Eli, the priest.

5. I told my mistress God’s prophet could heal her master Naaman of leprosy.



A. A Hebrew slave girl (2 Kings 5:1-14)
B. David (1 Samuel 17:48-50)
C. A boy in a crowd (John 6:9-13)
D. Miriam – a big sister (Exodus 2:7 & 15:20)
E. Samuel (1 Samuel 3)


ANSWERS



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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Your Story

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 22:1-21

TO CHEW ON: “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” Acts 22:1

About a week after Paul got to Jerusalem he was arrested. Some Jewish leaders from the cities he had traveled to earlier saw him in the Jerusalem temple. Now they set the whole crowd against him. Soon there was another riot as bad as the one in Ephesus.

The crowd became so violent Roman soldiers had to rescue Paul or he would have been killed.

Artist unknown

The soldiers tied him up with chains. They thought someone who got the crowd so angry must be a very bad person. Then they carried him to jail.

Just before Paul was taken into the jailhouse, he asked for permission to talk to the angry crowd.

Prisoner Paul addresses the people - Artist unknown

When the soldiers let him do this, what did Paul tell the crowd? (Acts 22:1-21)
1. That they were wrong and he was right.
2. That they were all going to hell.
3. The story of how Jesus met him.
4. That he was wrong and would listen to them from now on.

Of course, we know it’s 3. Paul told the crowd the story of how Jesus met him on the road to Damascus.




We can follow Paul’s example. When we tell others about Jesus, it seldom helps to argue with them or tell them how wrong they are. But everyone loves a story, especially a story about how God finds and helps ordinary people like you and I.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for bringing each person to You in a special way. Give me the courage to tell my story to my friends who don’t know You. Amen.


MORE: Tell Your Story
Remember the time you found Jesus (or He found you):

• How did you feel before Jesus came into your life? (Guilty about the wrong things you’d done? Afraid of dying?)

• Where were you the day you first welcomed Him into your heart? (In your bedroom? In church? At camp?)

• Who was with you? (Your mom or dad? Your teacher? Your camp counselor? No one?)

• What did you do? (Say a prayer in your own words? Read a prayer? Say a prayer after someone?)

• How did you feel then? (Like crying? Much better? No feelings?)

• What happened the next day? (You felt happy, like singing? You wanted to confess some things to people you had wronged?)

Write your story. Then read or tell it to a friend or family member.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

What's Really Important?

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 20:17-24

TO CHEW ON: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace." Acts 20:24

What’s important to you?
- Winning the championship?
- Getting an A on the test - or even just a pass?
- Pleasing your parents?
- Hanging out with friends?
- Going on a holiday?

Though these things are good and should be important to you, there is something even more important. It is discovering and doing the job Jesus has for you.

"Paul's farewell to the Ephesians elders" - Artist unknown

As Paul said farewell to the Christians in Ephesus, he knew that some not-so-nice things might be ahead for him. The Holy Spirit had warned him that a]____________ and b]______________ awaited him (Acts 20:23). But that didn’t make him want to stop serving God.

"Paul's address to the Ephesus elders" - Artist unknown

Which task was most important to Paul? (Acts 20:24)
1. Doing as little as possible.
2. Telling people about God’s love.
3. Having a safe, happy life.
4. Making a lot of money.

In another place, Paul said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

That can be our goal too – finding and doing the job God has especially for us. You might want to memorize Philippians 3:14 to help you keep this goal always in mind.


PRAYER: Dear God, please help me to know what task You have for me, and then help me to be willing to do it. Amen.

MORE: Dream A Little

• What task do you think God might want you to do in your life?

• What task do you think God might want you to do today?

• What might stop you from doing those things?

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ephesus Riot

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 19:23-41

TO CHEW ON: "About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way." Acts 19:23

"Paul preaching before the Temple of Diana at Ephesus" - by Adolf Pirsch, 1885

It didn’t take long for the people in Ephesus to notice the enthusiastic Christians. Demetrius, a man who made and sold silver idols of the goddess Artemis, saw that if people kept believing in Jesus there would soon be no one left to buy his idols.

He called a meeting of other silversmiths and crafts people and complained about Paul and this new religion.

"Demetrius the silversmith stirs up a riot" by Edward H. Corbould, 1894

Quickly the crowd turned ugly. They rioted, shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.” When Paul tried to go into the theater where they were having their meeting and talk to them, his friends held him back. They knew the crowd was so angry they could easily hurt or kill Paul.

"The riot at Ephesus" - Artist unknown

In case you think this kind of thing only happened in Bible times, look around the world. In Sudan, government officials have torn down more than ten Christian churches. In India, people demonstrated outside a police station against a Christian man who rescued teenage girls from abuse and gave them Bibles. Believing in “The Way” (to God through Jesus) still sparks riots and violence.

Let's pray for people who live in countries where talking about Jesus is a crime and where doing that gets them in big trouble. Let's pray for courage to live and speak boldly for Jesus wherever we live.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please help me to have the courage to follow You even if the crowds are against You. Amen.


MORE: Ephesus

• The ruins of the city of Ephesus where Paul preached are in modern-day Turkey. Go here to see a panorama of the Ephesus ruins.

• The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. 

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Bonfire

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 19:11-20

TO CHEW ON: "Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly." Acts 19: 18-19a

Paul went back to Ephesus. His powerful sermons and miracles had made him famous. God worked so mightily through him that people took clothes that Paul had touched, laid them on sick people, and they were healed.

"Healings" by Christoph Weigel - 1695

When some Jews in the city tried to heal and do exorcisms (make evil spirits leave people) in Jesus’ name, like Paul did, the evil spirits knew they were fakers. The demon-possessed people beat up the imitation healers.

"Sons of Sceva" by Christoph Weigel - 1695

God’s power working through Paul caused all the new believers to respect God very much. Instead, of covering up past sins, they publicly confess the wrong things they have done. People who were once involved in sorcery (magic and the occult) collected their scrolls and burned them in a huge bonfire.

"The burning of the scrolls" - Artist unknown

God’s presence and power still makes us aware of the sins (wrong things) in our lives. Sometimes God reminds us of wrong actions we have done (stealing, lying, gossip, cheating). At other times He makes us aware of our wrong attitudes (jealousy, hatred, fear, envy). Ask God to show you if there are any sins in your life that need a “bonfire.”

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please show me if there are things in my life that I need to confess and destroy. Amen.

MORE: Confess and Destroy1. In Paul’s day people destroyed the scrolls they had used for sorcery (witchcraft). What are some things in our lives that don’t please God which we may need to destroy?

2. Some people may argue that destroying perfectly good CDs, DVDs, videos, books and magazines is a waste. Instead, they say, you should just give them away to someone who isn’t bothered by them. What do you think?

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 Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Tentmakers

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 18:1-4

TO CHEW ON: "And because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” Acts 18:3

What do you want to be when you grow up – a musician? a pilot? a cook? an artist? a road builder? Could you do these things – and be a missionary too?

Paul would say “yes.” He was a missionary, but when he needed money for rent and food he also had a job. He made tents. When the church in Corinth was small and there weren’t enough people to pay the salary of a full-time missionary pastor, Paul worked with his friends Priscilla and Aquilla at tent-making during the day. In his time off he worked for the church.

"Paul worked as a tentmaker" Illustration by Annie Vallotton from the Good News Bible
© American Bible Society 1976, 1992, used with permission.

We still use the word “tentmaker” to describe people who do a second job to support themselves while they work for God. These modern tentmakers don’t literally make tents. They do many jobs, from teaching English to nursing to engineering. They can often get into countries where pastors and missionaries aren’t allowed. Sometimes they work in places where the local people can’t afford to pay full-time workers.

No matter what our job is, we can also be a missionary and tell people about Jesus.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to be a missionary no matter what job I do. Amen

MORE: Bible Jobs.
Do you know what jobs these Bible characters did? Match each Bible character with the job they did.


1. Lydia (Acts 16:14) __________
2. Simon (Peter) (Mark 1:16) __________
3. Joseph (Genesis 41:39-40) __________
4. Luke (Colossians 4:14) __________
5. Matthew (Matthew 9:9) __________
6. David (1 Samuel 16:11-13) __________
7. Deborah (Judges 4:4,5) __________
8. Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:11) __________



A. Doctor
B. Drink server (cup-bearer)
C. Administrator (the one in charge)
D. Tax collector
E. Fisherman
F. Cloth dealer
G. Shepherd
H. Prophet and Judge

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

And Your God is...?

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 17:22-28

TO CHEW ON: For as I walked around and observed your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: “To An Unknown God” Now what you worship as something unknown, I am going to proclaim to you. Acts 17:23

As Paul waited in Athens for Timothy and Silas to join him, he walked around the city. On his walks he saw altars and statues (idols) to which the people prayed. He also saw an altar with a title that grabbed his attention: “To An Unknown God.”

"Paul Speaks at Athens" - Artist unknown

The next day he went to the public square where the people gathered to hear and discuss new ideas. He said to the people, “I see you have made an altar to ‘An Unknown God.’ Today I’m going to tell you about him.” Then he told them about Jesus.

"Paul Preaches in Athens" - Raphael

It’s natural for humans to worship. We all worship something. You probably don’t worship an idol at an altar. But if you answer the questions - what do I spend the most time dreaming about, hoping for, working on - you may be surprised at who or what is most important to you.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, please show me if I am worshiping other things besides You. I want to worship You. Amen.

MORE: Our Idols


Match the statements, below, with who or what someone may be worshiping.

1. I just love clothes. ____
2. I’d do anything to make the team. ____
3. Nothing will keep me from getting to the top. ____
4. The most important thing is to have enough money. ____
5. I wonder what Jesus would think about this. ____

A. Monday   B. Jesus    C. Clothes

D. Sports    E. Success

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jail Joy

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 16:23-34

TO CHEW ON: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:25

What things would fill you with joy?
1. Getting a new pet.
2. Winning a contest.
3. Being teased about being a Christian.
4. Finishing a hard job.
5. Being arrested for helping someone.

My guess is you didn’t choose 3. and 5. But Paul and Silas were joyful even after helping someone and being put in jail for it.

After the Philippi officials beat them, Paul and Silas were locked in a jail cell for helping the slave girl. But they didn’t get angry, complain, whine or grumble. Instead they prayed and sang hymns.

What happened next gave them even more reason for joy. An earthquake shook the jail. Their chains came loose. The doors flew open.

"Earthquake in the prison" - Sir James Thornhill

The jailer, afraid that everyone would escape, was ready to harm himself.

"Paul and Silas with the Jailer" - Artist unknown

But Paul and Silas didn’t run. Instead they calmed the desperate jailer and told him no one was going to escape.

Maybe Paul and Silas’s reaction to their beating made the jailor curious. Maybe the prayers they prayed and the songs they sang made him want to know their God. Because the jailer then asked them a strange question. What was it? (Acts 16:30) 1.______________________________________________

The Philippian Jailer - Artist unknown

The jailor and his family accepted Jesus that night and were baptized. Then he and his family were also filled with (Acts 16:34) 2. ______________ .

When we live for Jesus He gives us this unexplainable joy. Things around us might be falling apart. We might be in big trouble. But still, we are joyful because we know Jesus is with us. He takes care of us and gives us joy even in the middle of problems,

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank You that the joy You give us is stronger than the things that go wrong in our lives. Amen.


MORE: Jails
- Find out about jails in Bible times
- Look at a picture of Philippian jail ruins which may be the prison where Paul and Silas were kept.


ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Fortune-teller

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Acts 16:16-22

TO CHEW ON: "She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her." (Acts 16:18)

Paul went on two more mission trips. On one of them he took Silas as his helper. They visited the city of Philippi and met with the Christians there.

Every day as they walked to their prayer meeting, a slave girl followed them. She made money for her owners by telling fortunes. Every day as she walked behind Paul and Silas she shouted, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.”

What she said was true. But Paul knew the spirit who inspired her to say it was not the Holy Spirit but an evil spirit. One day he had had enough. He turned around and commanded the evil spirit to come out of her. (A word that describes casting an evil spirit out of someone is exorcism.) The spirit did come out of her. But when the spirit was gone the slave girl could no longer tell fortunes.

"Exorcism" by J. C. Weigel - 1695

What happened next? (Acts 16:22)
1. The slave girl’s owners thanked Paul and Silas for getting the spirit out of her.
2. The slave girl’s owners dragged Paul and Silas to the city authorities. They said Paul had wrecked their business.
3. The slave girl beat up Paul and Silas.

"Paul and Silas arrested" - Artist unknown

Paul and Silas helped the girl by getting her free from the evil spirit. But they also got in trouble for doing it. Are we willing to do the thing God wants us to, even if it means we’ll get into trouble?



PRAYER: Dear Jesus, help me to brave to do things that honor You, no matter what the consequences. Amen.


MORE: What About You?


1. What are some fortune-telling activities we have today?

2. Have you ever taken part in them?

3. What would you do if:

• your friend wants to visit the lady who reads palms at the fair?

• a bunch of friends pull out a Oija board at a party?

• you get a horoscope calendar as a gift?

ANSWERS

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.