The Church Begins · Lesson 2
The Holy Spirit Comes
Acts 2:1-47; Genesis 11:1-9 New Testament PrincipleJoy
On Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. The disciples told about Jesus in many languages, Peter preached, and 3,000 people believed. The church was born with great joy.
The Holy Spirit is God's gift to everyone who trusts Jesus, and He fills God's people with real, deep joy.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Acts 2:21 BSB
Christ Connection · Jesus’ plan
Peter said the risen Jesus, exalted to God's right hand, "has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). Pentecost is Jesus keeping His promise to send the Helper. Peter's whole sermon points to Jesus, crucified and raised, as Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:32-36; John 14:16-17; John 16:7
The Big Story · Redemption
Since Babel, people have been scattered and divided. At Pentecost, the risen Jesus poured out His Spirit to gather people from every nation into one family, the first harvest of a new creation.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 40-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: You can't see the wind
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): Wind-powered pinwheels
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Pass the flame
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
God sent His Spirit.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Wind and flames, Color the happy friends
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His friends like wind and fire. They told people about Jesus in many languages, and 3,000 people believed. God's people were full of joy!
Memory verse
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Adapted from Acts 2:21
Start here
Say "Jesus loves you" in Spanish and French. Ask, "Did you understand that?" Then say it in English. Say, "Today God helps people hear about Jesus in their very own language!"
Bible story 6 min
Jesus' friends were praying together in the big city. It was a holiday called Pentecost.
All at once, they heard a sound like a strong wind! It filled the house. Little flames sat on each person. God filled them with the Holy Spirit! They began to talk in new languages.
People from many lands were in the city. They heard the noise and ran over. "We hear them in our own language!" they said. "How can this be?"
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Hello in many languages 8 min
You’ll need: Markers
- Teach "Jesus loves you" in two or three languages. Kids walk around and greet each other in different languages.
- Say, "At Pentecost, everyone heard about Jesus in their own language!"
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
At Pentecost the risen Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit. The disciples spoke in many languages, Peter preached Jesus crucified and risen, 3,000 responded by repenting and being baptized, and the new church overflowed with joy.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Babel and Pentecost, Pinwheel race
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
At Pentecost the exalted Jesus poured out the promised Spirit, reversing Babel and fulfilling Joel. Peter's sermon called the crowd to repent and be baptized, 3,000 received new life, and the Spirit-filled church was marked by deep joy.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Promise, power and response, What shall I do?
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons from this story
Same Bible story, a different principle.
More lessons on Joy
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Jesus the KingJesus Is BornLuke 2:1-20; Micah 5:2In Bethlehem, God's Son was born as a baby and laid in a manger, and angels told shepherds the good news of great joy that a Savior was born.New TestamentJoy
The Church BeginsPaul and Silas Sing in JailActs 16:16-34; Philippians 4:4Paul and Silas were hurt and locked in jail for telling about Jesus. At midnight they prayed and sang to God. An earthquake opened the doors, and the jailer and his family believed in Jesus and were filled with joy.New TestamentJoy
The Church BeginsPhilip and the EthiopianActs 8:26-40; Isaiah 53:7-8God sent Philip to a desert road to meet an important man from Ethiopia who was reading the Bible. Philip told him the good news about Jesus, the man was baptized, and he went home full of joy.New TestamentJoy