Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: Unit Overview The Apostle Paul is one of the greatest examples in the Bible of someone who laid down his life for the Gospel. Early on, Paul zealously opposed the message of the Gospel, but his life was transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus. God chose Paul to carry the Good News about Jesus throughout the known the world. In the process, he faced trials and dangers of every kind. We chose to highlight the life of Paul because telling others about Jesus became the sole focus and the very purpose of Paul’s life. Paul exemplifies a life that is set apart for God’s purposes. Throughout this unit, we will encourage our kids to open themselves up to the ways that God desires to use them in our world to ensure that others have the chance to hear and respond to the Gospel. Tenacity Defined  

te!nac!i!ty

• The quality or fact of being able to grip something firmly • The quality or fact of being very determined • The quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence

When you consider the grit and determination that would be required in order to see the Gospel spread to all nations, you begin to understand why God chose Paul. “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:15-16). The Apostle Paul was about as tenacious they come. His faith was tested and tried through many trials, but Paul never let go of the hope that he had in Christ. His life exemplified the teaching of Jesus, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Key Verse “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” —Acts 20:24 Tenacity in the Lives of Other Saints Throughout this unit, we will be highlighting a few men and women who demonstrated tenacity in their lives, much the same way that Paul did. The primary focus will be on Timothy, a disciple of Paul’s. Timothy was called to devote his life to God at a young age and was appointed by Paul to lead and defend the church at a very turbulent time in history. We will also look at the lives of James Fraser, a missionary to China and Northern Burma; William Tyndale and his role in ensuring that the Bible was translated into the English language; Silas, a friend of Paul who faced many challenges as they served together; and the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 who sought Jesus earnestly and refused to give up, even when Jesus’ disciples tried to stop her.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Tenacity in the Lives of Other Saints

James Fraser James Fraser was trained as an engineer, but he spent the better part of his life taking the Gospel to unreached people groups in Southwestern China and in Northern Burma (Myanmar). He did most of his work among the Lisu people who lived along the northern border between Myanmar & China amidst mountainous and rugged terrain. Although fruit from his work did not come quickly or

easily, Fraser held fast to his commitment to the Great Commission. “Here then we see God's way of success in our work, whatever it may be– a trinity of prayer, faith and patience.” –James Fraser

William Tyndale William Tyndale was an English scholar who was born in 1494. After reading a copy of the New Testament in Greek, Tyndale became convinced that all people should have the privilege of reading the Bible in their heart language. Tyndale petitioned the King of England for his support in translating the first copy of the New Testament into the English language. The King refused, but Tyndale translated the Bible anyway, working on the first English translation of the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew languages. Unfortunately, he did not complete this translation before he was arrested, convicted of heresy, strangled, and burned at the stake at the age of 42. The King James Version, commissioned just a few years after Tyndale’s death, was based largely on Tyndale’s work.

Silas

Silas was a faithful man of God and a leader in the early Church. He accompanied Paul on his first and second missionary journeys and faced trials of many kinds as a co-laborer with Paul. (This is demonstrated during week 3 of this unit when he and Paul are found singing in prison at

midnight.) We also learn from 1 Peter that he was a blessing and help to many besides Paul. “With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it” (1 Peter 5:12).

Timothy Timothy is probably one of the best examples of “other witnesses” that we could highlight during this unit. Timothy grew up near Lystra and Iconium, two cities that Paul visited on his first missionary journey. Timothy’s mother was a Jewish woman who was a believer in Christ, and his father was a Greek who, it seems, was not a believer. Timothy was a young man who was well spoken of by those who knew him best (Acts 16:1-2). Timothy’s life will be discussed more in depth during Week 4 of this unit.

The Canaanite Woman We learn about this woman in Matthew 15:21-28. Her daughter was possessed by a demon and when Jesus came to town, she went to him and cried out repeatedly for his help. She was

tenacious in her desire to see her daughter freed from bondage, and Jesus answered her prayer.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: January 4th :: Week 1 – Encountering Jesus Background for Today’s Lesson The Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was arguably the most drastic and startling example of conversion in his day. He not only refused to accept the message of the Gospel, he zealously opposed it. That was, until Jesus himself appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus. Although many lives had been transformed by the power of Jesus’ resurrection, Paul experienced the resurrected Christ in a unique and deeply personal way. This encounter with Jesus changed His life forever. Today’s Lesson The story of Paul’s conversion is one that we’ve often taught our kids over the years. This time around, we’ve decided to teach Paul’s conversion from his own perspective. The passages below (Galatians 1, Acts 26, and 1 Corinthians 15) help us to see Paul’s conversion through his own eyes. The story of Paul hinges on his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. We want to bring this very personal encounter with Jesus to life and help the kids experience these texts as though Paul himself were recounting it to them. In this unit we are focusing on tenacity in Paul’s life. This week’s teaching gives us a clear picture of what motivated Paul to stay the course through many years of fruitful, but difficult, ministry. Key Concept: When we come to know Jesus, it changes our lives forever. This Week at Home

Day Today’s Scripture Summary of Today’s Text

1 Acts 9:1-19 The account of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus.

2 Galatians 2:1-10 Paul explains how his ministry expanded after his conversion

3 Galatians 1:11-24 Paul recounts his conversion in his letter to the Galatians.

4 Acts 26:9-29 Paul explains his conversion to King Agrippa.

5 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Paul speaks of God’s great grace to him.

6 Galatians 1:12,16 Paul defends his ministry by explaining the call to ministry that He had received was, in fact, from Jesus himself.

7 Talk with your kids about what they learned at church today.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: January 11th :: Week 2 – Stoned in Lystra Background for Today’s Lesson After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and told them to go make disciples of all nations. As the Gospel spread in the regions surrounding Jerusalem, a man named Saul (later called Paul), who had formerly persecuted the church, encountered Jesus in a very personal way. This encounter changed Paul’s life forever, and from that point on he played an instrumental role in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. Today’s Lesson In our lesson today, we start by looking at Acts 9:20, where we see that Paul immediately began preaching the Gospel after his conversion. We know from the accounts of Paul’s life throughout the New Testament that he spent the rest of his life making sure that others had the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Paul spent his talents, his money, and every ounce of energy that he had to make sure that the church prevailed in his day. Today we look at one specific example of the trials that Paul faced on his first missionary journey. Key Concept: God wants to use each of us to tell others about Jesus. This Week at Home

Day Today’s Scripture Summary of Today’s Text

1 Acts 9:20-31 Paul’s very different life-direction following his conversion.

2 Acts 13:1-3 Paul is set apart by the Holy Spirit to be a missionary and is sent out by the church.

3 Acts 14:8-23 Paul and Barnabas in Lystra; Paul is stoned and dragged out of the city.

4 Acts 14:21-22 After being stoned, Paul returned to the cities that he had just visited to “strengthen the souls of the disciples”

5 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 We are all called to be “ambassadors for Christ”

6 2 Timothy 3:12 Everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted

7 Talk with your kids about what they learned at church today.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: January 18th :: Week 3 – Singing Hymns in Prison Background for Today’s Lesson After Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus and received Christ’s call on his life, he immediately began preaching the Gospel with passion and conviction. Last week we saw Paul’s tenacity as he endured a stoning at Lystra, then got up and walked right back into the city. Paul’s utter dependence on the Spirit led him to boldly proclaim the Gospel that was revealed to him by Jesus himself, even when faced with suffering and danger. Today’s Lesson This week we see how Paul and Silas endured hardship while maintaining a spirit of prayer and praise. We’ll also see how Paul took every opportunity to share the Gospel with those around him and, as a result, how a jailer and his whole family came to faith in Christ! Paul and Silas had been detained and beaten and were in a Roman prison in Philippi because the Jews in the area vehemently opposed their preaching about Jesus Christ. While in prison, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns as the other prisoners listened. A great earthquake shook the prison and the doors were opened. In a panic, the jailer drew his sword to kill himself, but Paul called out to him and told him that all of the prisoners were still there. Paul then took that opportunity to lead the jailer to faith. Key concept: Paul and Silas maintained a spirit of prayer and praise, and God used them. This Week at Home

Day Today’s Scripture Summary of Today’s Text

1 Acts 16:11-40 The story of Paul and Silas in prison and the conversion of the Philippian jailer

2 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Paul references being mistreated in Philippi

3 Romans 8:28 In all things God works for the good of those who love Him

4 2 Corinthians 4:8-17 Paul addresses his suffering and the hope he has in the midst of it

5 Philippians 4:10-20 Paul says he has learned to be content in all circumstances

6 Colossians 4:18 Paul tells the church to remember his chains

7 Talk with your kids about what they learned at church today.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: January 25th :: Week 4 – Timothy, Man of God Background for Today’s Lesson Throughout this unit we have been learning about Paul’s tenacity in the face of great trials and tribulations. Paul’s life changed drastically when he met Jesus. Not only did Paul love Jesus, but he loved the Body of Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus made it clear that He would build His church and that the gates of hell would not overcome it. Paul spent his life making sure that the Gospel was preached and that the church prevailed. Today’s Lesson In today’s lesson, we highlight another man of God who is a part of the “Cloud of Witnesses.” Paul met Timothy on his first missionary journey and decided to bring him along on his travels. In time, Paul came to see Timothy as a “beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:17). The letters of First and Second Timothy reveal a great deal about their relationship. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to lead the church there. As Paul’s disciple, Timothy needed great tenacity to stand up to those who despised his authority and desired to harm the church. Key Concept: Like Timothy, we need to be people that are being discipled and making disciples. This Week at Home

Day Today’s Scripture Summary of Today’s Text

1 2 Timothy 1:3-14 Timothy is encourage to guard the faith that was entrusted to him

2 2 Timothy 2:1-3 Paul challenges Timothy to make disciples who will make disciples

3 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul encourages Timothy to set an example for other believers

4 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Paul encourages Timothy to preach the Word faithfully

5 1 Timothy 1:3-5 Paul urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus and lead the church there

6 1 Timothy 4:11-16 Paul challenges Timothy to fight the good fight of faith

7 Talk with your kids about what they learned at church today.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: February 1st :: Week 5 – Treasure in Jars of Clay Background for Today’s Lesson Last week we introduced Timothy and looked more closely at his relationship with Paul. We saw that Paul continued to care for the churches he started even after he had moved on. He also had a deep concern for all believers. Paul lived a life fully devoted to the work of the Lord and he sought to pass the baton on to Timothy and others. He left a legacy that continues to serve as an example for believers in the church today. We learned last week that we each must be faithful in making disciples in order for the church to continue to grow and flourish. Today’s Lesson Paul, being filled and empowered by the Spirit, boldly proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ. On many occasions, people were offended and outraged to the point of beating Paul and throwing him into prison. Aside from persecution, it seems Paul had other things that caused suffering in his life. He often referred to bodily illnesses, as well as to a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). In spite of his suffering and afflictions, Paul not found joy and comfort, but he learned to boast in his weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Key Concept: God displays his power through our weakness. This Week at Home

Day Today’s Scripture Summary of Today’s Text

1 2 Corinthians 4:7-17 Treasure in jars of clay; Hope in the midst of suffering

2 2 Corinthians 4:6 God shines His light in our hearts to give us the knowledge of God

3 Acts 20:17-23 The Spirit warns Paul that imprisonment and afflictions await him in every city

4 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Paul speaks of his suffering in Asia

5 Romans 7:21-25 Paul acknowledges his own battle with sin

6 Philippians 2:12-13 Paul encourages believers that it is God who works in us to help us accomplish His good purpose.

7 Talk with your kids about what they learned at church today.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Parent Partnership K-6 Fall 2014 – Fall 2015 Paul :: February 8th :: Week 6 – Shipwreck on Malta Background for Today’s Lesson Paul saw more than his share of suffering and affliction. We can see a Spirit-led tenacity in Paul that spurred him on to continue carrying the message of the Gospel from city to city. He endured beatings, imprisonment, and being physically thrown out of cities, but he considered it an honor to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. Today’s Lesson Today’s lesson centers on a shipwreck. While visiting Jerusalem, the Jews arrested Paul and tried to kill him. Paul, as a Roman citizen, appealed his case to the highest power in the land and was put on a ship to Rome. While sailing, the ship encountered a Nor’easter and was tossed about violently for days. At one point Paul took the opportunity to encourage the other men on the ship, giving them food and letting them know that an angel had appeared to him to say that they would all survive the storm. After fourteen days, the ship ran aground on a sandbar and was ruined. Everyone on board had to swim for their lives and, miraculously, they all made it to the island of Malta. The Maltese people received them with an “unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2), and Paul shared the love of Christ by healing many people on the island. Key Concept: Paul’s eyes were constantly fixed on the Lord, not his own circumstances. This Week at Home

Day Today’s Scripture Summary of Today’s Text

1 Acts 27:1-20 Paul taken as a prisoner to Rome, the ship he is on is battered by a storm.

2 Acts 27:21-26 Paul encourages and feeds the men he is with on the ship, shares he belongs to God and has seen a vision of an angel who told him not to fear.

3 Acts 27:27-44 The ship is wrecked, but everyone reaches safety.

4 Acts 28:1-10 Paul heals the sick on the island.

5 2 Corinthians 11:21-33 Paul references his various sufferings for the Gospel

6 Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord, focus on Him, and He will guide your way.

7 Talk with your kids about what they learned at church today.