For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
The early church faces its first big disagreement — and learns a beautiful truth about how we're welcomed by God.
Today's Story
As more and more people who weren't Jewish came to believe in Jesus, a big question came up. Some people said, “These new believers have to follow all our old rules and customs to really belong to God.” But others said, “No — we're all welcomed the same way: through Jesus!”
It was an important question, so the church leaders met together in Jerusalem to talk and pray about it. Peter stood up and said, “God gave His Holy Spirit to ALL who believe, the same way. We are all saved through the GRACE of our Lord Jesus — His free, loving gift!”
Everyone agreed. We don't earn our way into God's family by following lots of rules. We come in the same way — through Jesus' grace, His free gift of love. Whether you're young or old, from here or far away, everyone is welcomed the same way: by trusting Jesus.
The church wrote a kind letter to the new believers, full of encouragement. And the whole family was glad. They had worked out their disagreement with love and wisdom, united in Jesus.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Some thought you had to follow lots of rules to belong to God. How are we really welcomed into God's family?
- “Grace” means a free gift we can't earn. Why is it good news that God's love is a gift, not something we work for?
- The church worked out their disagreement with love and prayer. How can we solve disagreements in a way that pleases God?