Family Worship (March 23)
By Faith
God Welcomes Everyone
Have you ever been left out of a game or a group because you were different? Maybe you were the youngest, or maybe you were new and didn’t know anyone yet. That doesn’t feel good, does it? In the Bible, there were people who felt left out, too—people who weren’t Jewish, like Cornelius. Many Jews thought only their people could really know God. But God had a big surprise! He sent Peter to tell Cornelius and his whole family that Jesus loves everyone—no matter where they come from or what they look like. God showed Peter a vision with animals to teach him an important lesson: No one is too different, too far, or too messy for God to love. Jesus invites everyone to be part of His big family. That means there’s always room for you—and for others you may not expect!
Acts 10:34–35 (NIV)
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Discussion Questions
Why were Cornelius and his family surprised to hear the message about Jesus?
What did Peter learn from the vision and his visit to Cornelius?
How can we welcome people the way God welcomes us?
Activity: The Welcome Banner
Supplies: Paper, crayons or markers, tape
Work together as a family to make a big “Welcome Banner.” On the banner, write: “God Welcomes Everyone!” Then, decorate it with drawings of people from different places—boys and girls, young and old, different skin tones, happy faces, hearts, and even flags from around the world if you want. Talk about how God’s love is for all people. After you’re done, hang the banner on a door or wall in your house as a reminder that your family wants to love like Jesus.
Bonus: Make a list of people you can invite to church or pray for as a family this week!
Prayer
Thank You for loving everyone—no matter where they’re from or what they’ve done. Help our family to welcome others the way You welcome us. Teach us to see people the way You do and to share Your love with everyone. Thank You that through Jesus, we can all be part of Your forever family. Amen.
Memory Work:
New City Catechism
12. What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?
Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.
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 been left out of a game or a group because you were different? Maybe you were the youngest, or maybe you were new and didn’t know anyone yet. That doesn’t feel good, does it? In the Bible, there were people who felt left out, too—people who weren’t Jewish, like Cornelius. Many Jews thought only their people could really know God. But God had a big surprise! He sent Peter to tell Cornelius and his whole family that Jesus loves everyone—no matter where they come from or what they look like. God showed Peter a vision with animals to teach him an important lesson: No one is too different, too far, or too messy for God to love. Jesus invites everyone to be part of His big family. That means there’s always room for you—and for others you may not expect!
Acts 10:34–35 (NIV)
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Discussion Questions
Why were Cornelius and his family surprised to hear the message about Jesus?
What did Peter learn from the vision and his visit to Cornelius?
How can we welcome people the way God welcomes us?
Activity: The Welcome Banner
Supplies: Paper, crayons or markers, tape
Work together as a family to make a big “Welcome Banner.” On the banner, write: “God Welcomes Everyone!” Then, decorate it with drawings of people from different places—boys and girls, young and old, different skin tones, happy faces, hearts, and even flags from around the world if you want. Talk about how God’s love is for all people. After you’re done, hang the banner on a door or wall in your house as a reminder that your family wants to love like Jesus.
Bonus: Make a list of people you can invite to church or pray for as a family this week!
Prayer
Thank You for loving everyone—no matter where they’re from or what they’ve done. Help our family to welcome others the way You welcome us. Teach us to see people the way You do and to share Your love with everyone. Thank You that through Jesus, we can all be part of Your forever family. Amen.
Memory Work:
New City Catechism
12. What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?
Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive, but speak the truth in love. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone or resenting what God has given them or us.
Psalms 86:9 (NIV)
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
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