Day 1
Faith Fact
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How does the good news about Jesus, the Gospel, keep spreading?
Acts 4:1–4
Being full of the Holy Spirit made Peter and John bold to share about Jesus. They had already seen signs, wonders, and miracles. Many people had already come to faith and believed in Jesus because of the disciples sharing about Him. Because Peter and John had been with Jesus, they wanted to tell everybody about Jesus rising from the dead. But talk about Jesus being raised from the dead made the priests, Sadducees, and captain of the temple guard angry. They didn’t believe that Jesus was alive again. So, they arrested Peter and John.
But did this stop the message of Jesus from spreading? No! The number of people who believed because of the disciples’ preaching grew by thousands. The Jewish leaders couldn’t stop the good news from spreading. Because Peter and John took a stand and preached the gospel, their words went further than they could imagine.
The gospel message has spread for about two thousand years because people have taken a stand and told others about Jesus. Many have tried to stop the message from spreading. But, the number of people who believe in and follow Jesus just keeps on growing. When we take a stand and declare that we believe in Jesus, others get to hear about Jesus and accept Him as their Savior. Remember, it isn’t about us or the words we say. When we take a stand, the Holy Spirit works in those who hear the good news. God draws people near to Him. All we need to do is share the good news and live obediently to Jesus.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your Holy Spirit that works in the minds and hearts of everyone who hears the gospel. I know that when I stand up for You, God can do miraculous things. Help me to be obedient and faithful to stand for You. Amen.
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How does the good news about Jesus, the Gospel, keep spreading?
Acts 4:1–4
Being full of the Holy Spirit made Peter and John bold to share about Jesus. They had already seen signs, wonders, and miracles. Many people had already come to faith and believed in Jesus because of the disciples sharing about Him. Because Peter and John had been with Jesus, they wanted to tell everybody about Jesus rising from the dead. But talk about Jesus being raised from the dead made the priests, Sadducees, and captain of the temple guard angry. They didn’t believe that Jesus was alive again. So, they arrested Peter and John.
But did this stop the message of Jesus from spreading? No! The number of people who believed because of the disciples’ preaching grew by thousands. The Jewish leaders couldn’t stop the good news from spreading. Because Peter and John took a stand and preached the gospel, their words went further than they could imagine.
The gospel message has spread for about two thousand years because people have taken a stand and told others about Jesus. Many have tried to stop the message from spreading. But, the number of people who believe in and follow Jesus just keeps on growing. When we take a stand and declare that we believe in Jesus, others get to hear about Jesus and accept Him as their Savior. Remember, it isn’t about us or the words we say. When we take a stand, the Holy Spirit works in those who hear the good news. God draws people near to Him. All we need to do is share the good news and live obediently to Jesus.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. How many men in total believed the message of Jesus in the verses we read?
Answer 1. About five thousand (Acts 4:4) - Question 2. Why do you think people try to stop the gospel from being shared?
Answer 2. Answers will vary. - Question 3. What happens when we tell others the good news about Jesus?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. What caused the Jewish leaders to arrest Peter and John?
Answer 4. It bothered the leaders that Peter and John were teaching that Jesus made a way for us to be resurrected from the dead. (Acts 4:2–3) - Questions 5. How does the good news about Jesus, the gospel, keep spreading?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your Holy Spirit that works in the minds and hearts of everyone who hears the gospel. I know that when I stand up for You, God can do miraculous things. Help me to be obedient and faithful to stand for You. Amen.
Day 2
Faith Fact
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How can others tell you are committed to Jesus?
Acts 4:12–21
Standing before the council, Peter and John spoke boldly about who Jesus was. The leaders had asked what happened (Acts 3:1–8), but they were amazed by the boldness of Peter and John. They knew that Peter and John were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They recognized that Peter and John had spent time as Jesus’ disciples.
Even more amazing, the healed man was standing right in front of them. Since they couldn’t argue with the evidence, they let Peter and John go and told them never to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. This was a moment of decision for Peter and John. They chose to stand up for Jesus. They refused to stop telling people about Jesus. Everyone praised God for what He had done through these two committed disciples who took a stand for Jesus.
The Jewish leaders could tell that Peter and John were committed to Jesus. They stood boldly and spoke powerfully about Jesus. We can too! Our testimony about what Jesus has done for us declares that Jesus is our Savior. We show our love for Him when we are faithful in going to church and reading our Bible. Like Peter and John, when we boldly tell others about Jesus, our life draws others to Jesus and the good news He brings.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, let the words of my mouth and my actions show others that I am following You. I am committed to You. I pray for opportunities to take a stand for You. Let me speak boldly and tell others about You. I love You, Jesus! Amen.
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How can others tell you are committed to Jesus?
Acts 4:12–21
Standing before the council, Peter and John spoke boldly about who Jesus was. The leaders had asked what happened (Acts 3:1–8), but they were amazed by the boldness of Peter and John. They knew that Peter and John were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They recognized that Peter and John had spent time as Jesus’ disciples.
Even more amazing, the healed man was standing right in front of them. Since they couldn’t argue with the evidence, they let Peter and John go and told them never to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. This was a moment of decision for Peter and John. They chose to stand up for Jesus. They refused to stop telling people about Jesus. Everyone praised God for what He had done through these two committed disciples who took a stand for Jesus.
The Jewish leaders could tell that Peter and John were committed to Jesus. They stood boldly and spoke powerfully about Jesus. We can too! Our testimony about what Jesus has done for us declares that Jesus is our Savior. We show our love for Him when we are faithful in going to church and reading our Bible. Like Peter and John, when we boldly tell others about Jesus, our life draws others to Jesus and the good news He brings.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What did Peter and John do when they were told to keep quiet about Jesus?
Answer 1. They refused. (Acts 4:19–20) - Question 2. Why were the members of the council amazed?
Answer 2. Because of Peter and John’s boldness since they had no special training in the Scriptures (Acts 4:13) - Question 3. How did Peter and John show their commitment to Jesus?
Answer 3. They refused to obey the council and continued to tell others about Jesus. (Acts 4:20) - Question 4. Why did the council let the disciples go?
Answer 4. They couldn’t punish them without starting a riot. (Acts 4:21) - Question 5. How can others tell you are committed to Jesus?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, let the words of my mouth and my actions show others that I am following You. I am committed to You. I pray for opportunities to take a stand for You. Let me speak boldly and tell others about You. I love You, Jesus! Amen.
Day 3
Faith Fact
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How can we encourage others to stand up for Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13–14
In Paul’s letters that he wrote to churches, he sometimes wrote about people’s work for the Lord. He thanked believers in different cities and praised them for their faith and standing firm in Jesus. Paul took a stand for Jesus and never gave up on his commitment to Him. Paul spent his life spreading the gospel and helping new believers wherever they were. He encouraged the believers to keep obeying Jesus even when they had opposition. Paul knew that there would be trials and problems. He knew that believers needed to hear the message of these verses. Paul’s words encourage us too as we read his words and receive strength.
Like Paul, we can encourage others to follow Jesus. Everyone needs to hear the good news of Jesus. Every believer in Jesus has people to share the gospel with that God has placed in their life. We can pray for our friends to be courageous and strong. We can talk to others and share Jesus’ love with them. We can also encourage others to stand up for Jesus. In all these ways, we strengthen believers. We remind them that we are to win as many people as possible for Jesus. Let’s keep working for God. It’s always worth it.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You that we can stand strong in You. Thank You for giving us the courage we need to share the gospel and show people that You love them. Help us to encourage others to do the same. Through the help of Your Holy Spirit, we can help the world hear about You. Thank You for using us to do Your amazing work. Amen.
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How can we encourage others to stand up for Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13–14
In Paul’s letters that he wrote to churches, he sometimes wrote about people’s work for the Lord. He thanked believers in different cities and praised them for their faith and standing firm in Jesus. Paul took a stand for Jesus and never gave up on his commitment to Him. Paul spent his life spreading the gospel and helping new believers wherever they were. He encouraged the believers to keep obeying Jesus even when they had opposition. Paul knew that there would be trials and problems. He knew that believers needed to hear the message of these verses. Paul’s words encourage us too as we read his words and receive strength.
Like Paul, we can encourage others to follow Jesus. Everyone needs to hear the good news of Jesus. Every believer in Jesus has people to share the gospel with that God has placed in their life. We can pray for our friends to be courageous and strong. We can talk to others and share Jesus’ love with them. We can also encourage others to stand up for Jesus. In all these ways, we strengthen believers. We remind them that we are to win as many people as possible for Jesus. Let’s keep working for God. It’s always worth it.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What did Paul encourage the believers to do enthusiastically?
Answer 1. Work for the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58) - Question 2. Why do you think Paul told the believers to stay strong?
Answer 2. Answers will vary. - Question 3. How have you stood strong in faith and shared the gospel?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How do Paul’s words still encourage us today?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How can we encourage others to stand up for Jesus?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You that we can stand strong in You. Thank You for giving us the courage we need to share the gospel and show people that You love them. Help us to encourage others to do the same. Through the help of Your Holy Spirit, we can help the world hear about You. Thank You for using us to do Your amazing work. Amen.
Day 4
Faith Fact
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How does the Holy Spirit lead us to take a stand?
Acts 10:44–48; 11:1–3, 15–18
Peter had an experience that turned his thinking upside down. All of his life, his teachers probably taught him that people who weren’t Jewish were unclean. Being Jewish, his leaders may have told him to stay away from these people, Gentiles. He probably didn’t eat with them or enter their house. So, when God gave Peter a vision that led to Cornelius, a Gentile, and his family being saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter was amazed. The people he thought were unclean had now been made clean by Jesus. The Holy Spirit filled them with His power, and God transformed their lives.
When Peter returned to tell the other believers, they criticized him. But, the Holy Spirit changed their hearts when Peter took a stand and explained what God was doing. The Holy Spirit was giving them a new way of thinking. Because Peter took a stand for God's leading, more people came to know Jesus.
As we witness and share the gospel with others, let’s always follow the Holy Spirit as He leads us. The Holy Spirit led Peter to the Gentiles, and he saw a mighty work of God. The Holy Spirit also guided him to share what had happened and strengthen the believers in Judea. Peter followed the Holy Spirit's lead and kept his heart and mind open to what God wanted to do. As we rely on help from the Holy Spirit, our heart will be open to what God is doing. When we rely on Him, it means that we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us. When the Holy Spirit guides us to share, we should share. God will be with us and teach us the way to go when we pay attention to the amazing things He is doing.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to always be humble and allow You to do what You want to do. Thank You for changing my heart and mind to know You more and how You love the world. You are always moving and working. I depend on You and will follow You. I will rely on the Holy Spirit and take a stand for You. Amen.
I will stand up for Jesus.
Faith Verse
"Put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:13
Read:
How does the Holy Spirit lead us to take a stand?
Acts 10:44–48; 11:1–3, 15–18
Peter had an experience that turned his thinking upside down. All of his life, his teachers probably taught him that people who weren’t Jewish were unclean. Being Jewish, his leaders may have told him to stay away from these people, Gentiles. He probably didn’t eat with them or enter their house. So, when God gave Peter a vision that led to Cornelius, a Gentile, and his family being saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter was amazed. The people he thought were unclean had now been made clean by Jesus. The Holy Spirit filled them with His power, and God transformed their lives.
When Peter returned to tell the other believers, they criticized him. But, the Holy Spirit changed their hearts when Peter took a stand and explained what God was doing. The Holy Spirit was giving them a new way of thinking. Because Peter took a stand for God's leading, more people came to know Jesus.
As we witness and share the gospel with others, let’s always follow the Holy Spirit as He leads us. The Holy Spirit led Peter to the Gentiles, and he saw a mighty work of God. The Holy Spirit also guided him to share what had happened and strengthen the believers in Judea. Peter followed the Holy Spirit's lead and kept his heart and mind open to what God wanted to do. As we rely on help from the Holy Spirit, our heart will be open to what God is doing. When we rely on Him, it means that we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us. When the Holy Spirit guides us to share, we should share. God will be with us and teach us the way to go when we pay attention to the amazing things He is doing.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. Who was filled with the Holy Spirit in these verses?
Answer 1. The people who heard Peter’s message (Acts 10:44–45) - Question 2. How did the Jewish believers with Peter know that the other people had received the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Answer 2. “They heard them speaking in other tongues.” (Acts 10:45–46) - Question 3. What does it mean to rely on the Holy Spirit?
Answer 3. We depend on the Holy Spirit to lead us. - Question 4. Why did Peter take a stand for what he believed?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How has the Holy Spirit led you or someone you know to take a stand?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to always be humble and allow You to do what You want to do. Thank You for changing my heart and mind to know You more and how You love the world. You are always moving and working. I depend on You and will follow You. I will rely on the Holy Spirit and take a stand for You. Amen.