Faith for the Whole Family
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
38 Peter said to them, “Turn to God and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live.” 40 Peter told them many other things as well. Then he said, “I beg you to save yourselves from what will happen to all these evil people.” 41 On that day about 3,000 believed his message and were baptized. 42 They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together. 43 Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. 44 All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. 45 They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever was in need. 46 Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, 47 while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.
Acts 2:38-47
Memory Verse
Deuteronomy 31:12-13
12 Everyone must come—men, women, children, and even the foreigners who live in your towns. And each new generation will listen and learn to worship the Lord their God with fear and trembling and to do exactly what is said in God's Law. 13
Raine walked into the campground chapel with her mom, dad, brothers, and sister. Younger kids darted through the pews in an impromptu game of tag. Parents and teens chatted with each other while grandparents cuddled sleeping babies. It made her smile. The whole space seemed so alive.
Did you know that there was no separate worship service for children in the Bible? Kids always stayed with their parents and listened to the sermon (Deuteronomy 31:12-13) because, as Peter says in Acts 2:38-47, the promise of salvation belongs to children too. That’s why a young boy could share his lunch with Jesus, who shared it with over 5,000 people (John 6:8-11). And Jesus loved having kids like you around (Matthew 19:13-14). And he still does. He loves the noise (Matthew 21:15-16), he loves your ideas, and he loves you (Matthew 18:1-5).
When everyone gathers to worship, Jesus knows that kids like you can be good examples for other children and adults (1 Timothy 4:12). Before church, you can say hello to people as they walk in the doors or even help decorate the sanctuary with art and flowers. During the service, you can sing and dance with all of your heart like King David (2 Samuel 6:22), read the Bible, pray, or help with the sound or music. And if you don’t have a specific job, you can always draw a picture based on what you’ve heard and share it with someone you know, or write down a question you have about what the pastors said to ask them later. This week at church, choose one of these things to do and see how God works through you!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I’m so glad you are a God who loves children like me and invites me to talk with you and others about you. Amen.Related Resources
Christina Van Starkenburg
Christina Van Starkenburg is an award-winning freelance writer and author of The Key Thief and One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring the world with her husband and three kids. Visit her at www.christinavanstarkenburg.com to read more.