Jesus commissioned his disciples to tell others the good news of salvation. They did not do this alone. They waited for the gift Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit, who enabled them to speak in many languages, do miracles in Jesus’ name, and gave them courage, wisdom, and unity. More and more believed in Jesus and accepted Him as their Savior every day! The following PowerPoint presentations tell their story and teach how we too can be witnesses for Jesus.

Pentecost, A promise kept, and a New Covenant — Acts 2

50 days after Israel was set free from Egypt, God met them at Mt. Sinai. He reminded them how He had cared for them and told them that He had chosen them to be a kingdom of priests. They were to tell others about God. God made a covenant with them and gave them the 10 Commandments. After Jesus died and rose again, He appeared to the disciples over 40 days, then He ascended to heaven. 50 days after He rose again, it was Pentecost. God sent the Holy Spirit on that very day. The Holy Spirit guides us, teaches us the truth, and empowers us to tell others about God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The presentation includes an object lesson about the Fruit of the Spirit and a craft.

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost — Reader’s Theater

Unity in the First Church — Acts 2

The lesson story is short, but the message is huge. The number of those who believed in Jesus’ resurrection and the message of the gospel grew and grew! We call this the first church. There was unity amongst them. They took care of each other and praised God together. This is a lesson in unity, working together, and sharing. We practice sharing, work on collecting items for a food bank, and learn how ants, too, work together.

The Apostles put in Prison Acts 5

Be my Witnesses — Acts 1

Return to THE FIRST CHURCH home page to continue stories of Peter, John, Philip, and Paul.

Jesus spent 3 years teaching about the kingdom of God, showing God’s love to those around Him, healing many, and discipling his chosen 12 apostles. At the end, He gave His life so that we could be saved. He paid the price for sin, which is death. Not only that, He conquered death. He rose again. Because of this, He can and does offer us eternal life. We do not deserve eternal life. We can not earn it. It is a gift of grace. We accept this gift by faith.

Jesus promises that He will never leave us. In fact He is in heaven acting as our attorney. He gives us the Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide to lead us to the truth. Did you catch that Jesus is a GIVER? He gave his life. He gives eternal life to all who believe in Him. He gives us the Holy Spirit. He gives us freedom, love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, self-control, wisdom, talents, work to do, reason to live, friendship, hope, new life… and so much more!

After Jesus rose again, he appeared to many of his disciples. Then, while they watched, he ascended to heaven. He commissioned the believers to tell others about the good news of salvation. They did exactly that.

The following lessons are about how the first church completed that commission. We too have the same job to do. We are to tell others about God’s love and His gift of salvation.

New Believers in Christ — The First Church

New Believers, Deacons, and Missionaries — Stephen, Phillip, and more

Peter’s Role in the First Church

Paul’s Role in the First Church

John’s Role in the First Church — Revelation of Jesus