Family Worship (March 9) Copy
Amazing Grace
God’s Big Surprise for Saul
Have you ever changed your mind about something important? Maybe you thought broccoli was the worst vegetable in the world, but then you tried it with cheese sauce and loved it! Change can happen suddenly and turn our whole world upside down. In the Bible, a man named Saul had a big, unexpected change. He was so sure that Jesus was not the true Savior, he even wanted to hurt people who followed Jesus. But then God did something awesome: He appeared to Saul on a road trip and showed him that Jesus really is the Son of God. Saul’s mind, heart, and whole life flipped around from darkness to light. If you’ve ever felt stuck or thought you could never change, Saul’s story shows us that God’s love can do the impossible. It reminds us that nobody is too far away for God to reach and rescue.
Acts 9:3–6
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”
Discussion Questions
Activity: Road to Damascus Flashlight Game
Grab a flashlight and turn off the lights in the room. Have one family member play “Saul,” walking slowly around the room. Another person holds the flashlight. At a random moment, the flashlight person shines the light on “Saul” and says, “Saul, Saul!” Then “Saul” stops and shares one thing about how God has changed or can change their heart (for example, “God helps me be kinder to my siblings.”). Keep passing the flashlight around so everyone has a turn to be “Saul.” This will help you remember that God’s light can shine into any heart and bring change.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us even when we do wrong things. You changed Saul’s heart, and You can change ours too. Show us how powerful Your grace is and help us trust You more every day. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
Memory Work:
New City Catechism
11. What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?
Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
Psalms 86:9 (NIV)
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Have you ever changed your mind about something important? Maybe you thought broccoli was the worst vegetable in the world, but then you tried it with cheese sauce and loved it! Change can happen suddenly and turn our whole world upside down. In the Bible, a man named Saul had a big, unexpected change. He was so sure that Jesus was not the true Savior, he even wanted to hurt people who followed Jesus. But then God did something awesome: He appeared to Saul on a road trip and showed him that Jesus really is the Son of God. Saul’s mind, heart, and whole life flipped around from darkness to light. If you’ve ever felt stuck or thought you could never change, Saul’s story shows us that God’s love can do the impossible. It reminds us that nobody is too far away for God to reach and rescue.
Acts 9:3–6
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”
Discussion Questions
- What happened to Saul on the road, and how do you think he felt when he heard Jesus’ voice?
- Why do you think God cared so much about Saul, even though he was doing bad things?
- Can you think of someone you need to forgive or pray for because God can change any heart?
Activity: Road to Damascus Flashlight Game
Grab a flashlight and turn off the lights in the room. Have one family member play “Saul,” walking slowly around the room. Another person holds the flashlight. At a random moment, the flashlight person shines the light on “Saul” and says, “Saul, Saul!” Then “Saul” stops and shares one thing about how God has changed or can change their heart (for example, “God helps me be kinder to my siblings.”). Keep passing the flashlight around so everyone has a turn to be “Saul.” This will help you remember that God’s light can shine into any heart and bring change.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us even when we do wrong things. You changed Saul’s heart, and You can change ours too. Show us how powerful Your grace is and help us trust You more every day. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
Memory Work:
New City Catechism
11. What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?
Sixth, that we do not hurt, or hate, or be hostile to our neighbor, but be patient and peaceful, pursuing even our enemies with love. Seventh, that we abstain from sexual immorality and live purely and faithfully, whether in marriage or in single life, avoiding all impure actions, looks, words, thoughts, or desires, and whatever might lead to them. Eighth, that we do not take without permission that which belongs to someone else, nor withhold any good from someone we might benefit.
Psalms 86:9 (NIV)
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Categories
Recent
Archive
2025
January
February
2024
September