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Review the big story:God created the cosmos and humans and called it all good. We were created to live in harmony, but sometimes we miss the mark. All of humanity missed the mark, and they had to live with the consequences, but God stuck with them and continued to love them. Then God called a family to be a blessing to the whole earth. Like the humans before them, the generations of this family often missed the mark, but God was faithful.
When the people became slaves, God raised up Moses to be their leader and delivered them. In the wilderness, they learned to be a people of God, trusting in God’s provision, living out God’s commandments, and wrestling with the law in shalom community. As they prepared to go into the promised land, they were given the shema, words of love to keep with their whole beings. God brought the people into the promised land. They continued to miss the mark, and God sent judges to guide them.
God raised up prophets, but the people demanded a king. Kings continued to miss the mark. The kingdom divided into the north and south. God stuck with the people through leaders and prophets, and continued to call the people back to God, even as first the northern, and then the southern kingdom fell to invading powers. Some of the people were sent into exile, and some were left in the ruins of the kingdom. Through prophets and everyday people, God continued to stick with the scattered people and to reveal that God is so much bigger than they imagined. The people were finally able to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple.
The people of God began to wait for a Messiah. This Messiah was announced through an angel to Mary. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, and there, Jesus was born, proclaimed by angels, visited by shepherds, blessed by Simeon and Anna, and sought by magi. When Jesus’s life was in danger, his parents fled with him to Egypt, where they remained as refugees until it was safe for them to return and settle in Nazareth. When he was ready to begin his ministry, Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. Jesus called a community of people to follow him.
Jesus showed people what life inside the blessing looks like. He fulfilled the scriptures, walked on water, fed people, welcomed children, told stories, and showed us what was most important.
Jesus entered Jerusalem and was proclaimed as the Messiah. He angered people with his teachings. He was arrested and killed. The people had really missed the mark. But God stuck with them. God’s love is stronger than death. Jesus rose again. He walked, ate and talked with his friends. Then he ascended to heaven and told his disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost. They told people about Jesus, and many people believed and were baptized. They lived in shalom community and followed Jesus, even when that meant persecution. One of the people who persecuted the people of the Way, Saul, had a dramatic experience and began to share the good news of Jesus. Through relationships and divine revelation, the early church began to be welcoming of all people.
Tell the story: Because of a vision from God, Paul (otherwise known as Saul) and Silas went to Philippi. They encountered a leader named Lydia, who received the good news of Jesus and helped begin a community of believers in Philippi. Paul and Silas got into trouble when they cast out a demon, and they were thrown in prison. An earthquake would have made it possible for them to escape, but instead they stayed and shared the good news with the jailer. The next day, they were freed from prison.
Prime the pump:
Microsong: “God's Salvation"
Outside the city God opens Lydia’s heart, she and her family are baptized. In that same city Paul tells a spirit to come out of someone who’s a slave. That spirit leaves the girl and with it go the slavers’ future profits. The slave owners lie to get Paul and Silas jailed. Close to midnight an earthquake shakes the jail’s foundation. Doors open wide, but Silas and Paul stay to help their jailer to find God’s salvation.
When the people became slaves, God raised up Moses to be their leader and delivered them. In the wilderness, they learned to be a people of God, trusting in God’s provision, living out God’s commandments, and wrestling with the law in shalom community. As they prepared to go into the promised land, they were given the shema, words of love to keep with their whole beings. God brought the people into the promised land. They continued to miss the mark, and God sent judges to guide them.
God raised up prophets, but the people demanded a king. Kings continued to miss the mark. The kingdom divided into the north and south. God stuck with the people through leaders and prophets, and continued to call the people back to God, even as first the northern, and then the southern kingdom fell to invading powers. Some of the people were sent into exile, and some were left in the ruins of the kingdom. Through prophets and everyday people, God continued to stick with the scattered people and to reveal that God is so much bigger than they imagined. The people were finally able to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the temple.
The people of God began to wait for a Messiah. This Messiah was announced through an angel to Mary. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, and there, Jesus was born, proclaimed by angels, visited by shepherds, blessed by Simeon and Anna, and sought by magi. When Jesus’s life was in danger, his parents fled with him to Egypt, where they remained as refugees until it was safe for them to return and settle in Nazareth. When he was ready to begin his ministry, Jesus was baptized by his cousin John. Jesus called a community of people to follow him.
Jesus showed people what life inside the blessing looks like. He fulfilled the scriptures, walked on water, fed people, welcomed children, told stories, and showed us what was most important.
Jesus entered Jerusalem and was proclaimed as the Messiah. He angered people with his teachings. He was arrested and killed. The people had really missed the mark. But God stuck with them. God’s love is stronger than death. Jesus rose again. He walked, ate and talked with his friends. Then he ascended to heaven and told his disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost. They told people about Jesus, and many people believed and were baptized. They lived in shalom community and followed Jesus, even when that meant persecution. One of the people who persecuted the people of the Way, Saul, had a dramatic experience and began to share the good news of Jesus. Through relationships and divine revelation, the early church began to be welcoming of all people.
- Key Verses: Acts 16:14; Acts 16:31
Tell the story: Because of a vision from God, Paul (otherwise known as Saul) and Silas went to Philippi. They encountered a leader named Lydia, who received the good news of Jesus and helped begin a community of believers in Philippi. Paul and Silas got into trouble when they cast out a demon, and they were thrown in prison. An earthquake would have made it possible for them to escape, but instead they stayed and shared the good news with the jailer. The next day, they were freed from prison.
- Read Acts 16:11-40
- Read page 301 in the Shine On story Bible.
Prime the pump:
- Things to notice:
- Who is the “we” in 16:11? In verse 10, the narrative suddenly shifts to first person, and it continues through verse 17, then switches back to third person. What is going on here???
- Notice what prompts Paul to cast the spirit out of the slave girl. It wasn’t empathy, but annoyance!
- Notice what happens between Paul, Silas and the magistrates in 16:35-39. Paul and Silas, as citizens of Rome, were protected, and the city of Philippi could be punished for their mistreatment.
- Background information:
- You can visit the ruins of ancient Philippi today, including what is believed to be the prison. Do a google image search for “ancient Philippi” if you’re intrigued.
- Paul, Silas, and perhaps Timothy and Luke were part of this journey together. They did what Paul usually did in his journeys - they first found the local Jewish community. Synagogues in the diaspora (scattered Jewish community) were often located by water, so that’s where they went to look.
- There are all kinds of clues in the text about Lydia. She is described as “a worshipper of God” in 16:14. This indicates that she is a Gentile who is involved in the Jewish community but has not converted. She’s from Thyatira, which is in the Lydia region of modern-day Turkey, a place known for dyed cloth. She has a home (16:15), which indicates she’s prosperous, and this prosperity seems to be tied to herself, not a husband. Lydia is the first in Philippi to embrace the Way and her home is the central hub of the budding community of believers there. Her story challenges some of our narrative about the role of women in the early church and today.
- Conversation starters:
- Why are Paul and Silas really thrown in jail? Note the difference between what prompted their arrest and what they were charged with. Draw parallels with situations in today’s world.
- The story of the jail is dramatic and fascinating. Picture it, retell it, or act it out. Paul and Silas could have just escaped (and considered it an answer to prayer), but they chose not to. Talk about this choice, and what came of it.
- To learn more about this fledgling community, read the letter to the Philippians! Try reading it in one sitting, with one person reading it aloud, as it would have been heard by its original audience.
Microsong: “God's Salvation"
Outside the city God opens Lydia’s heart, she and her family are baptized. In that same city Paul tells a spirit to come out of someone who’s a slave. That spirit leaves the girl and with it go the slavers’ future profits. The slave owners lie to get Paul and Silas jailed. Close to midnight an earthquake shakes the jail’s foundation. Doors open wide, but Silas and Paul stay to help their jailer to find God’s salvation.
Sing the big song:
This is the story of how it all began. God made matter, and chaos shattered.
Eve and Adam, they tried to hide. The world got violent and God replied with a mark and a flood and a rainbow sign, God’s love written on skin and sky,
And then God called a family to be a blessing to the earth, oh ohhhh
A mother and her favorite son wrestle for the blessing, another son becomes a slave, the land is saved from famine.
God’s family grows. Egypt oppresses. They groan to God and God sends Moses.
Ten strange signs say “Please release them!” By the sea God saves them. Oh ohhh.
The people complain and God rains bread. Daily food and ten new rules.
Five sisters come and ask for land. God says “Yes, amend the law!”
Moses says, “In your new life across the Jordan, love God with your whole heart and with all your being, and your strength, now listen: God is One, only God! God is One, only God!”
Cross over Jordan, stories and stones. Circuits and shouts and the walls come down.
God sends judges like Deborah and the land has rest.
Ruth’s worth more than seven sons; Redeem the lost with steadfast love.
Corruption in the temple then God sends Samuel.
God gives them a prophet, they ask for a king. Does God need a temple? A wise king forgets. And when a bully rules the land, the nation tears apart and loses David’s heart…
A widow’s gift and a prophet’s cry. God brings life in desperate times.
Josiah reads this misplaced scroll. He turns to God wholeheartedly like David did. In his time.
God gives Jeremiah a picture of God’s ruined family…
Is there any hope left, is there any hope left, is there any hope left for you, Jerusalem?
Any hope? Any hope left? Is there any hope left for you?
By the streams of Babylon, how can we sing when you are gone, Jerusalem…
I’m in a valley of human bones. These bones are Israel, God’s breath is hope.
Haman plans death for Esther’s exiles. She risks her life so they might survive.
Finally God’s family rebuilds the temple in Jerusalem. God plunges them into a sea of joy and celebration of Only God. God is One, Only God.
Comfort to Jerusalem, your warfare finally ceases.
Matthew lists these generations, Abraham to Jesus
The angel says, “You’ll have a son and God will give him David’s throne.” Mary says, “God looked at me, now I’m the luckiest person around.
Mary, now pregnant fiancé, makes a grueling journey.
She has her baby, shepherds see angels declaring God’s glory and peace among people.
The Spirit sends shepherds and elders and prophets to tell those who wait their Messiah has come.
Herod gets nervous, the Magi find Jesus. They hide their discovery and hurry back home…
Once again an angel comes to Joseph -- so they make good their escape, oooh.
Jesus in the temple, astonishing the crowd. Jesus with his parents. Jesus growing up.
Down by the Jordan with the prophet John, Jesus asks to be baptized. And the skies are opened. A dove descends. A voice from heaven says, “This is my son, the son I love. I’m pleased with him.”
Jesus calls disciples to be with him in the work he’s doing. Ohhh oohhh.
Jesus teaches the disciples, “This is life inside the blessing: You’re blessed, you who are empty. You’re blessed all you who mourn. You’re blessed, you who ache for God, whose inner life is pure. This is life inside the blessing.”
Jesus walks on the water. Peter tries and begins to sink. Jesus grabs his hand and the wind dies down.
Jesus sees the crowds with compassion. So he teaches them for days and days. The people are hungry. There’s baskets left over and no one left out.
People bring their children to Jesus. Jesus blesses them and says, “You must accept God’s good government like a little child would or you won’t get in at all.” Ohhhh ohhh
What’s most important? Love God with everything and love your neighbor, whoever that may be.
Jesus tells Martha, “You’re upset about many things; Just one thing’s essential; it’s what Mary’s choosing here.”
(Life inside the blessing. Life inside the blessing.)
Save now, David’s son rides on a donkey. He will judge nations, separate the sheep from goats. In the garden Jesus prays “Yes, father, if there’s no other way.” Jesus dies. The veil rips. . . “Surely this was God’s kid.”
Mary is crying, the tomb is empty. Jesus meets her and speaks her name. Jesus appears to many of his close friends, breaks bread with them, shows them his scarred hands. While he blesses them he’s carried up to heaven after he asks them to wait in Jerusalem.
Together in one place, sound of wind and tongues of fire. The place where they’re praying’s shaken and everyone’s filled with God’s breath. They have one heart and soul and no one claims for themselves alone what they own. Stephen sees Jesus and asks him not to charge his killers with their sin, with their sin.
Saul is traveling. A light shines all around, he hears a voice calling his name. In a vision God tells Ananias to go and pray for Saul. When he prays something like scales fall and Saul’s no longer blind.
Peter is praying. The sky is opened and a sheet comes down with unclean food. Peter is wondering what all this means when an invitation comes. God’s Spirit is poured out beyond the boundaries of God’s family.
Outside the city God opens Lydia’s heart, she and her family are baptized. In that same city Paul tells a spirit to come out of someone who’s a slave. That spirit leaves the girl and with it go the slavers’ future profits. The slave owners lie to get Paul and Silas jailed. Close to midnight an earthquake shakes the jail’s foundation. Doors open wide but Silas and Paul stay to help their jailer to find God’s salvation.
God loves every one of us, it’s true. And God loves the universe. God love every one of us, it’s true… and God loves the universe.
This is the story of how it all began. God made matter, and chaos shattered.
Eve and Adam, they tried to hide. The world got violent and God replied with a mark and a flood and a rainbow sign, God’s love written on skin and sky,
And then God called a family to be a blessing to the earth, oh ohhhh
A mother and her favorite son wrestle for the blessing, another son becomes a slave, the land is saved from famine.
God’s family grows. Egypt oppresses. They groan to God and God sends Moses.
Ten strange signs say “Please release them!” By the sea God saves them. Oh ohhh.
The people complain and God rains bread. Daily food and ten new rules.
Five sisters come and ask for land. God says “Yes, amend the law!”
Moses says, “In your new life across the Jordan, love God with your whole heart and with all your being, and your strength, now listen: God is One, only God! God is One, only God!”
Cross over Jordan, stories and stones. Circuits and shouts and the walls come down.
God sends judges like Deborah and the land has rest.
Ruth’s worth more than seven sons; Redeem the lost with steadfast love.
Corruption in the temple then God sends Samuel.
God gives them a prophet, they ask for a king. Does God need a temple? A wise king forgets. And when a bully rules the land, the nation tears apart and loses David’s heart…
A widow’s gift and a prophet’s cry. God brings life in desperate times.
Josiah reads this misplaced scroll. He turns to God wholeheartedly like David did. In his time.
God gives Jeremiah a picture of God’s ruined family…
Is there any hope left, is there any hope left, is there any hope left for you, Jerusalem?
Any hope? Any hope left? Is there any hope left for you?
By the streams of Babylon, how can we sing when you are gone, Jerusalem…
I’m in a valley of human bones. These bones are Israel, God’s breath is hope.
Haman plans death for Esther’s exiles. She risks her life so they might survive.
Finally God’s family rebuilds the temple in Jerusalem. God plunges them into a sea of joy and celebration of Only God. God is One, Only God.
Comfort to Jerusalem, your warfare finally ceases.
Matthew lists these generations, Abraham to Jesus
The angel says, “You’ll have a son and God will give him David’s throne.” Mary says, “God looked at me, now I’m the luckiest person around.
Mary, now pregnant fiancé, makes a grueling journey.
She has her baby, shepherds see angels declaring God’s glory and peace among people.
The Spirit sends shepherds and elders and prophets to tell those who wait their Messiah has come.
Herod gets nervous, the Magi find Jesus. They hide their discovery and hurry back home…
Once again an angel comes to Joseph -- so they make good their escape, oooh.
Jesus in the temple, astonishing the crowd. Jesus with his parents. Jesus growing up.
Down by the Jordan with the prophet John, Jesus asks to be baptized. And the skies are opened. A dove descends. A voice from heaven says, “This is my son, the son I love. I’m pleased with him.”
Jesus calls disciples to be with him in the work he’s doing. Ohhh oohhh.
Jesus teaches the disciples, “This is life inside the blessing: You’re blessed, you who are empty. You’re blessed all you who mourn. You’re blessed, you who ache for God, whose inner life is pure. This is life inside the blessing.”
Jesus walks on the water. Peter tries and begins to sink. Jesus grabs his hand and the wind dies down.
Jesus sees the crowds with compassion. So he teaches them for days and days. The people are hungry. There’s baskets left over and no one left out.
People bring their children to Jesus. Jesus blesses them and says, “You must accept God’s good government like a little child would or you won’t get in at all.” Ohhhh ohhh
What’s most important? Love God with everything and love your neighbor, whoever that may be.
Jesus tells Martha, “You’re upset about many things; Just one thing’s essential; it’s what Mary’s choosing here.”
(Life inside the blessing. Life inside the blessing.)
Save now, David’s son rides on a donkey. He will judge nations, separate the sheep from goats. In the garden Jesus prays “Yes, father, if there’s no other way.” Jesus dies. The veil rips. . . “Surely this was God’s kid.”
Mary is crying, the tomb is empty. Jesus meets her and speaks her name. Jesus appears to many of his close friends, breaks bread with them, shows them his scarred hands. While he blesses them he’s carried up to heaven after he asks them to wait in Jerusalem.
Together in one place, sound of wind and tongues of fire. The place where they’re praying’s shaken and everyone’s filled with God’s breath. They have one heart and soul and no one claims for themselves alone what they own. Stephen sees Jesus and asks him not to charge his killers with their sin, with their sin.
Saul is traveling. A light shines all around, he hears a voice calling his name. In a vision God tells Ananias to go and pray for Saul. When he prays something like scales fall and Saul’s no longer blind.
Peter is praying. The sky is opened and a sheet comes down with unclean food. Peter is wondering what all this means when an invitation comes. God’s Spirit is poured out beyond the boundaries of God’s family.
Outside the city God opens Lydia’s heart, she and her family are baptized. In that same city Paul tells a spirit to come out of someone who’s a slave. That spirit leaves the girl and with it go the slavers’ future profits. The slave owners lie to get Paul and Silas jailed. Close to midnight an earthquake shakes the jail’s foundation. Doors open wide but Silas and Paul stay to help their jailer to find God’s salvation.
God loves every one of us, it’s true. And God loves the universe. God love every one of us, it’s true… and God loves the universe.