July 3 in KidQuest and FirstLook

KIDQUEST

Before he became an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul (who was “Saul” before his conversion) was a Pharisee, a scholar of the Jewish law, and the leader of the persecution of the church. He was convinced he was doing the will of God. From what we know of Paul’s character, he probably would have died before he rejected his Judaism. God must have already been working on Paul’s heart before the miraculous vision in Damascus.

Most of what we know about Paul’s conversion can be found in Acts 9, 22, and 26. Acts 9 details his encounter with Jesus on the road, his experience with Ananias, his baptism, and his inclusion in the body of believers. Acts 22 and 26 record Paul’s explanation of his conversion before a crowd and before King Agrippa.

Paul’s defense before King Agrippa included the following statements: “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth,” and “I was not disobedient to the vision …. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God.”

Paul’s conscience was probably affected by both his observation of Stephen’s martyrdom in Acts 4, and his gradual realization that the law would not save him. Many of Paul’s writings in the New Testament declare his previous frustrations with the law, and his free gift of salvation in Christ. After Jesus came to Paul, he was sold. Jesus was God. Gradually, then all-at-once, Jesus changed everything in Paul’s life. And once Paul was filled with the Spirit, he dedicated the rest of his days to proclaiming that Jesus was the Son of God.

Just for fun, take a short walk with your children. After your walk, find a quiet spot and read the biblical account of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9:1–18 to your children.

When you have finished reading, ask your children what they think Paul must have felt like when he suddenly heard from God and found himself blind. Ask them if they feel like they have ever heard from God. (Remind them that it’s okay if they have not heard from Him.)

Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story, and they will learn more about it at church this week. Close your time by thanking God for His Son, Jesus, who changes everything!

FIRSTLOOK

The Israelites lived in the Promised Land for more than 400 years before God appointed Samuel as their priest, prophet, and judge. Each time the Israelites began to “do what was right in their own eyes,” another nation would engage them in battle and enslave them. The Israelites would cry out to God, repent, and turn from false gods and idols and return to the one, true God.

During a battle with the Philistines, the Israelites decided to take the ark of the covenant with them, hoping it would bring victory for their army. But God did not grant them victory. Instead, the Philistines captured the ark and the Israelites went into mourning. Samuel spoke to the house of Israel, saying, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the Lord and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 7:3).

Israel obeyed and returned to the Lord, and He gave them victory over the Philistines. Samuel set a large stone in the ground and named it Ebenezer, which means “stone of help,” declaring, “Thus far has the Lord helped us” (v. 12).

God’s desire is for people to be in relationship with Him and know Him. Each time the Israelites fell away, He intervened and was their help—their Redeemer. This is not only true for the people of Israel so many years ago; it is also true of us today. When we find ourselves in need of help—a Redeemer— we cry out to God. He intervenes. It is not only because of His holiness and mercy that God
redeems, it is also out of His desire to be known by those He loves.

This week, Just for fun, take your children outside to gather some rocks before you read the account of Samuel calling the Israelites to return to God (1 Samuel 7:3–13). After you’ve finished reading, explain that Samuel set up a rock to remind the Israelites that God had been their helper. Encourage
your children to think of times that God has helped them. Build a pile of rocks, with each stone representing a time your children have received the Lord’s help.

Share with your children that what they just heard is true and a part of The Big God Story. Remind them they’ll learn more about how God is their helper while they’re at church this week. Gather together to pray and thank the Lord that you can always depend on Him to be your help in times of trouble