All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Opening
Play a guessing game using items in the room. Have the children name the object based on the description provided (This will help to see how aware the children are of their environment)
Bible Story
The disciples met together and fellowshipped. They took care of each other and were concerned that no one lacked anything.
The disciples would come together to read the Bible, pray and eat together with the food they had. Whenever anyone had a need they worked together to help each other.
As we love Jesus and follow Him daily, continuing to be more like Jesus means that we will care for those around us. Having authentic relationships means that we are aware of the needs of those around us. We are also free to share with those around us our own needs and requests for help.
Being in a fellowship of believers means that all of us are connected. When one person is not alright, all of us are not alright. It is just like the body, if your hand hurts the whole body is not ok. The rest of the body will move at the pace that is set by the hurt part.
When you look in your community are there needs around you. Are there people that you can help when you look around you?
In Acts 6 there is the story of how the disciples took care of the widows in their community. They served them food and took care to ensure that they and their children were all well.
In James 1:27 “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”God recognizes our acts of service to those in need around us. That is how we show that we love Jesus, through our acts of service.
In community is where we get to practice authentic relationships.
Questions
In what ways do we get to show care and concern for those around us? Finding out how someone is doing, through observation.
How did the disciples show care and concern for each other? They read the Bible, prayed and ate together.
What does God recognize as true religion? Taking care of widows and orphans
Prayer
Father God, thank you for showing us through Jesus how to practice our love for you. Help me to always see the ways I can be a blessing to those in my family and in my community.
Application
1. Look at your family and identify ways you can serve your family members. 2. Agree with your family members about something you can do together to serve those in your community.