Determination: Keep going even when times get tough 

Please contact children@fpcl.org with any questions! 🙂

Link to May 17^th Video Worship Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NixQwaPD47g&list=PLWzu5Hp1aUXkqSqHxCIKrGBgnBf8iYHcW

STEPS FOR EXPLORING THIS WEEKS LESSON

Step 1) Watch the Children’s Sermon Video together:

• Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRKh-inpwt8&list=PLWzu5Hp1aUXkqSqHxCIKrGBgnBf8iYHcW&index=7
• Discuss: Followers of Jesus have faced tough situations from the beginning of time, but they have always stayed strong and determined in their faith no matter what.

STEP 2) Read scripture together:

• Read: Peter Heals a Lame Beggar – Acts 3:1-10 (NIV) “ ¹One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.² Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. ⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Peter Speaks to the Onlookers – Acts 3:11-12, 16 (NIV) “¹¹ While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?… ¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Peter and John for the Sanhedrin – Acts 4:1-5, 7-10, 13- (NIV) “ ¹The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. ² They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. ³ They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. ⁴ But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. ⁵ The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹ If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, ¹⁰ then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵ So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶ “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
• Discuss: Many people think of themselves first, before they think of others. But Jesus, the Son of God, showed us how we can lovingly serve others by putting them first. And this doesn’t mean you never think about yourself, and you don’t take care of yourself, it simply means that that you remember and think about others too, instead of just yourself. This is something we all have to practice – children, and grownups – it’s not easy. What does it mean to look at the interests of others? What does it mean to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus?

STEP 3) Read through the attached “Philippians Verse” Handout and consider completing a challenging physical activity like running a mile, or doing 50 jumping jacks. Ask God to push you forward with determination.

STEP 4) Read through the attached “Parent Cue W3” Handout about Determination and consider sharing a time when Jesus was with you during a tough time.