Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Unit Overview 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 Unit Overview 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 Weekly Programming 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. Programming Notes Paul’s relationship with Jesus is truly inspiring. Although he saw himself as the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), Paul knew that God had a plan for his life. He recognized that God “had set (him) apart before (he) was born,” and “called (him) by his grace” (Galatians 1:15). Paul’s ministry flowed from His very real experience of Jesus’ grace and forgiveness. He is the ultimate example of someone whose life was transformed by God and he spent the rest of his life making sure that the Gospel was preached to as many people as possible. (Other Witnesses: James Fraser) For the younger kids, focus on the story of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9:1-19. You can lay the groundwork for the rest of this unit by helping the kids see that Paul zealously opposed the Gospel at first but then, after meeting Jesus, he began to zealously spread the Gospel instead. When he met Jesus, it completely changed his life forever. It was this personal encounter with Jesus that motivated Paul for a lifetime of ministry. Key Concept: When we come to know Jesus, it changes our lives forever. Scripture

o Acts 9:1-19 – The account of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus o Acts 9:5 – This verse is clear that it was Jesus himself who appeared to Paul o Galatians 1:11-24 – Paul recounts his conversion in his letter to the Galatians o Acts 26:9-29 – Paul explains his conversion to King Agrippa o 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 – Paul tells about how Christ appeared to him as “one untimely born” o 1 Timothy 1:12-17 – Paul speaks of God’s great grace to him o Galatians 1:12,16 – Paul defends his ministry by explaining that the revelation and call to ministry that he

received was, in fact, from Jesus himself

Other Scriptures o Galatians 2:1-10 – Paul explains how his ministry expanded after his conversion

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Weekly Programming 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. Programming Notes Because we are focusing on Paul’s tenacity in this unit, we have decided to use the events in Lystra as “case in point” of Paul’s willingness to put himself in harm’s way to see the Gospel preached to those who needed it. What better picture of tenacity than to see Paul, who had been stoned, dragged out of the city, and left for dead, get up and go back into the city and continue the work of the ministry. We want this narrative to serve as an example of Paul’s commitment to taking the Gospel to all nations. (Other Witnesses: William Tyndale) For the younger kids, there are a couple of options. The most straight-forward way to approach this week would be to stick with Acts 13:1-3 and how the Holy Spirit, after saving Paul and making him a disciple of Jesus, set Paul apart to be a missionary who would spend his life telling others about Jesus. You may also choose to teach Acts 14:19-23 where Paul is stoned and dragged out of the city. Try to help the little ones see the difficulties that many men and women face when they share the Gospel with others. Key Concept: God wants to use each of us to tell others about Jesus. Scripture

o Acts 9:20 – Paul begins proclaiming the gospel immediately after his conversion o Acts 13:1-3 – Paul is set apart by the Holy Spirit to be a missionary and is sent out by the church o Acts 14:8-23 – Paul and Barnabas in Lystra; Paul is stoned and dragged out of the city o Acts 14:21-22 – After being stoned, Paul returns to the cities he had just visited to “strengthen the souls

of the disciples” o 2 Timothy 3:12 – Everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted

Other Scriptures

o Ephesians 3:1-13 – Paul explains the great mystery of God, that the Gospel is for both Jews & Gentiles o 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 – We are all called to be “ambassadors for Christ” o 2 Thessalonians 3:1 – Paul’s desire was that the Word of the Lord might “speed ahead” o Colossians 1:23 – Paul explains that the Gospel had been preached throughout the known world

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Weekly Programming 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. Programming Notes For our kids, this week’s lesson is a great opportunity to teach about maintaining a spirit of prayer and praise, even when things don’t go the way we want. When we seek God, He always finds a way to bring good out of the situation. As you tell the story of Paul and Silas in prison, highlight the fact that, while in chains, they prayed and sang praises to God as the other prisoners listened. As they prayed and sang, God brought about an earthquake that opened not only the doors of the prison, but also the door to jailer’s heart, which ultimately allowed Paul and Silas to lead him to Christ. (Other Witnesses: Silas) For the younger kids, this is a great opportunity to review the last few weeks as you lead up to today’s story. The scene is a beautiful one: Two men are in chains for sharing their faith and their response is to stay up late into the night, praying and singing hymns to God while the other prisoners listen. If we trust God in the midst of hard times, God is faithful to use our trials for good, both in our lives and in the lives of others. Key concept: Paul and Silas maintained a spirit of prayer and praise, and God used them. Scripture

o Acts 16:11-40 – The story of Paul and Silas in prison and the conversion of the Philippian jailer o 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 – Paul references being mistreated in Philippi o Romans 8:28 – In all things God works for the good of those who love Him

Other Scriptures

o Ephesians 4:1 – Paul refers to himself as the prisoner of the Lord o 2 Corinthians 4:8-17 – Paul addresses his suffering and the hope he has in the midst of it o Philippians 4:10-20 – Paul says he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances o Colossians 4:18 – Paul tells the church to remember his chains

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Weekly Programming 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. Programming Notes The church simply could not have prevailed without people, like Timothy, who helped establish and lead churches during a crucial period in history. Today we are going to focus on Paul’s first meeting with Timothy (Acts 16:1-5) and on some of the ways that Paul challenged Timothy. In his letters, Paul encouraged Timothy to preach the Word faithfully, to set an example for the other believers, and to not let anyone despise him because of his youth. Timothy was also told to make disciples (like Paul had done with Timothy) who would then make disciples of others. Kids can be encouraged by Timothy’s life and see that they, too, can live lives of faith and godliness that will be examples to others. Today’s lesson will remind them that they are called, like Timothy, to be people who are being discipled and who make disciples by investing in the lives of others. (Other Witnesses: Timothy) For the younger kids, focus on the first meeting between Paul and Timothy and on the relationship that they had. Encourage the kids about the importance of having others in our lives who are helping us to be more like Jesus. For Timothy, it started with his mom and grandma. Later in his life, Paul built on this foundation. Help them to see that, even though they are young, they can walk with God and be used to point others to Jesus. Key Concept: Like Timothy, we need to be people that are being discipled and making disciples. Scripture

o Acts 16:1-5 – Paul and Timothy meet and Timothy accompanies Paul on his missionary journey o 1 Corinthians 4:17 – Paul refers to Timothy as a his “beloved and faithful child in the Lord” o 1 Timothy 1:3-5 – Paul urges Timothy to stay in Ephesus and lead the church there o 2 Timothy 1:3-14 – Timothy learned sincere faith from his mom & grandmother o 2 Timothy 2:1-3 – Paul challenges Timothy to make disciples who will also make disciples o 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – Paul challenges Timothy to preach the word faithfully

Other Scriptures

o 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (see also v1:18, 6:11-16) – Paul challenges Timothy to fight the good fight of faith according to prophecy that was previously made about him

o Acts 20:28-31 – The responsibility of leaders to faithfully shepherd the church and care for it o Philippians 3:1 – Paul cared for the church by teaching and leading them in the truth o 2 Corinthians 11:28, Colossians 2:1-2 – Paul writes of his anxious care for all the churches

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Weekly Programming 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). Programming Notes This week we get a more tangible glimpse into Paul’s humanity. It’s easy sometimes to look at all the amazing things that Paul did and forget that he was a real guy with real human issues. Paul said, “We have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). That treasure is the light of the Gospel. In this week’s lesson, you will cover some examples of Paul’s afflictions, suffering, and weaknesses as you help the kids to see the very real challenges that each of us face when we invest our lives in the work of the Kingdom of God. However, it is of utmost importance that we communicate Paul’s humble acknowledgement of the power of Christ that was at work in him and through him in the midst of his challenges. (Other Witnesses: The Canaanite Woman) For the younger kids, this is a great opportunity to bring to life the imagery of “having this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Help the kids to see that Christ’s power is best displayed in our lives, not in our strength, but in our weakness. Paul learned to depend on God’s strength, not his own, as he spent his life telling others about Jesus. Key Concept: God displays his power through our weakness. Scripture

o 2 Cor. 12:7-10 – Paul’s thorn in the flesh and declaration that God’s grace was sufficient for him o Acts 20:17-23 (esp. v23) – The Spirit warns Paul that imprisonment and afflictions await him in every city o 2 Cor. 4:7-17 – Treasure in jars of clay; Hope in the midst of suffering o 1 Cor. 4:8-13 – Fools for Christ’s sake o 2 Cor. 1:8-11 – Paul speaks of his suffering in Asia

Other Scriptures

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

Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming Cloud of Witnesses Weekly Programming 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. Programming Notes Again this week, we see Paul making the most of an extremely difficult situation. In the midst of a terrible storm aboard a ship that was being battered by wind and waves, Paul sought to encourage and feed the other 275 men on board. He openly shared with them that he belonged to God and that an angel spoke to him. He gave thanks to God in the presence of all for the bread he fed the men. On the island of Malta, Paul seized the opportunity to introduce the native people to Christ through healing their sick. This week is designed to be another “case in point” of the great difficulties that Paul faced in order to spread the Gospel to all nations (2 Corinthians 11:21-33). (Other Witnesses: None this week.) For the younger kids, there really isn’t a better, more gripping story than seeing Paul and 275 men battle a fierce storm. As you bring this story to life, be sure to help the kids see that this was one example of many difficulties that Paul faced in order to tell others about Jesus. Key Concept: Paul’s eyes were constantly fixed on the Lord, not his own circumstances. Scripture

o Acts 27, 28:1-10 – Story of the shipwreck on the island of Malta o 2 Corinthians 11:21-33 – Paul references being shipwrecked

Other Scriptures

o Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above o Colossians 4:6 – Do not be anxious, give thanks and pray o Hebrews 12:2 – We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith