Week 51 · New Testament · about 3 minutes · 204 words
🔥 Wind and Fire
The Holy Spirit fills the waiting disciples, and Peter tells a crowd that Jesus is Lord.
After Jesus rose, he told his friends to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. They prayed together. On the day of Pentecost, a sound like a violent wind filled the house. What looked like tongues of fire rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages.
Visitors from many nations heard the wonders of God in their own tongues. Some were amazed. Some mocked. Peter stood up. He told them this was what God had promised. He preached that Jesus, whom they had crucified, God had raised, and that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
The people were cut to the heart. “What shall we do?” Peter said to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, and they would receive the Holy Spirit. About three thousand people were added that day. The church was not a building first. It was people made alive by the Spirit.
The same Holy Spirit helps Jesus’ friends today: to understand the Bible, to tell the truth, to be brave and kind. You do not have to follow Jesus on your own power. Ask for the Spirit’s help.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.””
Acts 1:8 · Acts 2
Say it
Practice Acts 1:8
Tap the words in order. The blanks follow the verse from left to right.
ButyoupowerwhentheHolyhascomeuponyou.YouwillbewitnessestomeinJerusalem,inallJudeaandSamaria,andtotheuttermostpartsoftheearth.”
Talk about it
- What did the disciples hear and see?
- What did Peter say about Jesus?
- How can the Holy Spirit help you this week?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, thank you for coming to help Jesus’ people. Fill us with courage to be his witnesses and with love for one another. Amen.
Parent tip
Describe fire and wind as signs of God’s presence, not as something scary that might happen in the bedroom.
Week 51 · the whole night
🔥 Wind and Fire
Story, coloring page, word search, and the verse to trace.