Lesson Learned: Lydia was a woman in the Bible who loved God.
Materials Needed: coffee filters (thick paper towel would also work), bowl of water, blue and red food coloring, spoon, old towel
Bible Verse:
Acts 16:13-15
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.
Romans 12:13
13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Talking Points: God wants us to be like Lydia, who made and sold purple cloth. She loved God and worshiped Him. When Paul shared the message about Jesus and Jesus’ life with her, she immediately opened her heart to the message and believed in Jesus. Then she invited Paul and his friends to her home. God wants us to hang out with other Christians, to fellowship with them, and to invite them into our homes with loving hearts.
Questions: Who was Lydia? Who did she invite to her home? Do you have friends you like to invite over to your house? What do you do when they come over?
Activity:
Lay down a towel on the table and put the bowl of water on top of it. Let the child put several drops of blue and several drops of red food coloring into the bowl. The child can use the spoon to mix the food coloring until the water is purple. Dip the coffee filter in the water to dye the filter purple. When you are done, place it on the towel to dry completely.
Prayer: Dear awesome and amazing God, thank You for sending Your Son to save us. Please open my heart to Jesus’ message just like you opened Lydia’s heart. Amen!