God's Big Story

THE CHURCH: Paul Goes to Ephesus | The Church is God's Family

God's Big Story

Show Notes

Anna and Matt follow Paul on his second missionary journey as he travels toward Corinth and stops in Athens, where people worshiped idols and many different gods. With help from their friend Jeff the craftsman, kids will discover the difference between worshiping things people have made and worshiping the one true God who made everything.

Helpful Definition:

ELDER — Means “overseer” or someone who is responsible for taking care of something for someone else. Elders are given responsibility by Jesus--who is in charge of every church--, to care for a local church.

⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

🌎 Paul traveled to Ephesus on his third missionary journey to tell people about Jesus.

🪵 Many people in Ephesus worshiped idols, including a false goddess named Artemis.

❤️ God saved many people in Ephesus and brought them into His family, the church.

😠 Some people became angry with Paul because fewer people were buying their idols.

🐑 God gives the church elders and pastors to teach His Word, guide His people, and care for them like shepherds.

💪 Paul continued sharing the good news about Jesus, even when it was dangerous.

⛪ The church is God's family, and we're called to tell others about Jesus so they can know and trust Him too.

📖 Bible Passage:

📖 Acts 20:24

🏡 Try This at Home:

🙏 Think of someone you know who doesn't love or trust Jesus. Pray for them and ask God to give you courage to share the good news with them.

🐑 Talk about what a shepherd does for sheep. Ask your kids, "How do pastors and elders take care of God's people?"

⛪ Write a thank-you card to one of your church's pastors or elders for helping your family learn about Jesus.

📖 Read Acts 20:17–38 together and talk about why Paul was willing to keep following Jesus even when it was hard.

❓ 5-Second Fly Through Review:

Paul went on how many missionary journeys? (THREE)

Paul’s third journey was to a city called... (EPHESUS)

Were the people of Ephesus worshipping God or idols? (IDOLS)

How many people believe Paul’s words about Jesus? (MANY, MANY PEOPLE!)

Did that make everyone in the city happy? (NOPE. PEOPLE SELLING IDOLS WERE ANGRY)

Did God rescue Paul’s friends from the angry people? (YES!)

Was Paul afraid of telling other people the good news about Jesus? (NO!)

Why not? Paul knew people needed to hear the good news about Jesus because only Jesus came to save sinners and bring them into God’s family, the…. (CHURCH!)

🎶 Song Featured:

The Church is God's Family by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Village Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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