Think about the most courageous person you have ever known or heard of. What did they do that made them courageous? Have you ever done something courageous? Have you ever missed an opportunity to be courageous because fear took over? This week we looked at a story of regular, ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage.
COURAGE: Living without fear because God is in control
MEMORY VERSE: “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." -Deuteronomy 31:6
This Week’s Finish Line: Because of who we are in Christ, we can have courage!
We looked at Acts 4:1-22 this week, and studied the story of Peter and John before the Council (part of the government in that day). Peter and John were getting into some big trouble because of the way they were preaching about Jesus. The high priests of the day were not happy, and they ordered Peter and John to stop talking about Jesus or they would be in even more trouble! In an impressively courageous display, Peter and John refused to sit and take these orders. They spoke up for what they knew to be true, and promised to keep sharing the good news of Christ.
Family Questions:
- Read Acts 4:1-22 together. How did Peter respond to the leaders' questions?
- Look at verse 8. Who gave Peter the courage to speak up and the words to say?
- Were Peter and John impressive men? (Read verse 13 and see what the rulers said about them)
- Has God ever asked you to do or say something that seemed scary?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
TEACHER: Biblical Examples of Courage
At dinner this week, brainstorm as many examples of courage in the Bible as you can think of. Start with this week's lesson of Peter and John, and keep going! Make a list of everyone you can think of. Bonus points for anyone who knows where in the Bible that story can be found!
FRIEND: Memory Verse!
While driving in the car this week, practice this month's new memory verse together: Deuteronomy 31:6. See if you can come up with a rap for the verse, complete with motions, and practice it together!
COUNSELOR: Pray for Courage
During bedtime this week, ask your child if they can think of a time they wanted to be courageous but weren't. What happened? Why was it an opportunity missed? Remind your child that because of who we are in Christ, we can be courageous. Read the memory verse (Deuteronomy 31:6) together, and pray together that you can all be courageous because of Jesus.
COACH: Opportunities for Courage
One day this week, give your kids some index cards, and write one thing on every card that you might call a "small act of courage." Examples might be to say you're sorry when you were wrong, then ask for forgiveness, or to stand up for someone else, or to share the gospel with someone. Be creative! Put all the index cards up on a bulletin board or a mirror in your house somewhere, and pray for opportunities to be courageous in one of these ways. When someone in the family accomplishes one of the courage cards, take it down and discuss what happened at dinner together.
Prayer
Thank God for whom He’s created you to be in Christ. Ask Him to help you be a courageous example for others even in the midst of difficult circumstances through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue studying COURAGE, and will look at Acts 27 to show that because of who God is, we can have courage.
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