THE CHURCH: Saul Meets Jesus

Anna and Matt continue following the growth of the early church with the incredible story of Saul. Saul once hated the church and tried to stop people from following Jesus, but everything changed when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn: ❤️ Saul had a heart sick with sin and did not believe that Jesus was God's Son. ⛓️ Saul tried to stop the church and even traveled to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus. ✨ Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus and Saul became blind. 🙏 God sent Ananias to pray for Saul, even though Ananias was afraid of him. 🕊️ The Holy Spirit gave Saul a new heart that loved and trusted Jesus. 🌎 God chose Saul to take the good news about Jesus to people all over the world. 📖 Bible Passage: 📖 Acts 9:1–19 🏡 Try This at Home: 🙏 Think of someone you know who doesn't yet love and trust Jesus. Pray that God would give them a new heart and help them believe the good news. 💬 Ask your kids, "Do you think anyone is too sinful for Jesus to save? Why not?" 📖 Read Acts 9 together and look for all the ways God changed Saul's life. 🌎 Ask God to give your family courage to tell someone about Jesus this week. ❓ 5-Second Fly Through Review: Who hated the Church and tried to stop them by throwing them in prison? (SAUL) Saul hated the Church so much because He had a heart that was sick with sin and did not believe what they were saying about… (JESUS) Where was Saul going to arrest followers of Jesus? (DAMASCUS) While Saul was on the road, who appeared to him and showed him what was true? (JESUS!) In Damascus, who did God send to Saul to pray for him and restore Saul’s sight even though he was scared? (ANANIAS) Did God give Saul a new, healthy heart that loved Jesus even though Saul was a sinner? (YES! JESUS CAME TO SAVE SINNERS!) Where did Saul go to tell people about Jesus? (ALL OVER THE WORLD!) 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jesus Came to Save Sinners by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Village Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.  For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Anna and Matt continue the story of the early church as Philip takes the good news about Jesus to Samaria. Kids will learn about Simon the Magician, who used tricks to make people think he was powerful, and discover that real, life-changing power belongs to God alone. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn: 🎩 A magician's tricks may look amazing, but they aren't the same as God's real power. 🌎 Philip shared the good news about Jesus with the Samaritans, even though Jewish people and Samaritans usually didn't get along. 🕊️ God gave the Holy Spirit to the Samaritan believers and showed that they were part of His family too. 💰 Simon tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, but God's power can never be bought. 👑 Only God is in charge of everything and has the power to save sinners and change hearts. 📖 Bible Passage: Acts 8:20 🏡 Try This at Home: 👟 Each morning when you put on your shoes, pause and pray: "God, You're in charge today, not me. Help me follow You and rely on Your Holy Spirit instead of trying to do things my own way." 📖 Read Acts 8 together and talk about the difference between Simon's tricks and God's real power. 💬 Ask your kids, "What is something you're tempted to control instead of trusting God with?" 🙏 Thank God that His Holy Spirit is with everyone who loves and trusts Jesus. ❓ 5-Second Fly Through Review: Who took the gospel to the people of Samaria? (PHILIP!) Did Jewish people and Samaritans normally get along? (NO!) What did God use Philip to do in Samaria? (HEAL PEOPLE / MIRACLES!) What was Simon’s job/what was he doing in Samaria before Philip arrived? (A MAGICIAN TRICKING PEOPLE!) Was Simon actually as powerful as God? (NO!) Who is ALWAYS in charge of everything? (GOD!) 🎶 Song Featured: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠God's in Charge of Everything by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Village Kids⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’ve enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it, is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank You! Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.  For sponsorship inquiries, email [email protected]

Anna and Matt help parents navigate one of the biggest questions that can come up when raising kids in the faith: How do I know if my child is ready for baptism? Children can genuinely love and trust Jesus, but parents also want wisdom to discern between a passing moment and lasting evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work. ❤️ The REAL Marks of Grace 🙏 R — Repentance Look for more than an “I’m sorry” after getting caught. Is your child beginning to recognize their own sin, confess it, and understand that they need Jesus to forgive them and change their heart? ❤️ E — Expressed Love for Christ Does your child talk about Jesus outside of church or family worship? Do they show a growing desire to read the Bible, pray, and know Jesus without always being prompted? 🌱 A — Active Fruit of the Spirit Look for growing evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, especially in areas where your child has struggled before. The fruit won't be perfect, but is there real growth? 🏃 L — Lasting Perseverance Faith isn't only about an emotional moment. After correction, disappointment, or an ordinary day, does your child continue returning to Jesus, prayer, and God's Word? 💧 Disciple Expectantly. Baptize Evidentially. The goal isn't to wait until your child is perfect. Instead, disciple your children expectantly, believing the Holy Spirit can genuinely save them at any age, while baptizing evidentially, looking for clear and lasting signs of repentance and faith. 🏡 What Parents Can Do Next 🙌 Praise God when your child expresses interest in following Jesus or baptism. 📖 Keep discipling them by reading Scripture, praying together, and modeling repentance. 👀 Look for the REAL Marks of Grace over time rather than rushing after one emotional moment. ⛪ Talk with your local church about its beliefs and process for baptizing children. 💬 Ask simple questions like, “What do you think baptism means?” and “Why do you want to be baptized?” ✝️ What Baptism Is—and Isn't Baptism does not save your child. Only Jesus saves. Baptism is a beautiful public picture and declaration of what Jesus has already done: a believer has died to sin and been raised to new life in Christ. It's an act of obedience to Jesus and a joyful testimony before the church family. 🙌 Encouragement for Parents You don't have to manufacture your child's faith or rush God's work in their heart. Keep making your home a place where Jesus is loved, the gospel is talked about, repentance is modeled, and God's Word is treasured. Pray for wisdom. Watch for God's grace. Walk alongside your local church. And trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. If you've enjoyed this episode, one of the best ways to support the show and make sure others find it is to subscribe and leave a review. Thank you! Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠  For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

DJ Manna shares four powerful Psalms that remind us of God’s goodness, kindness, strength, and sovereignty. From celebrating God's blessings in Psalm 126:3 to resting in His power in Psalm 115:3, this episode closes the summer series with encouragement and worship—pointing us to the God who is faithful forever. What You’ll Learn: 🙌 ⁠Psalm 126:3⁠ — Be joyful and thankful for the good things God has done. 💛 ⁠Psalm 103:8⁠ — God is merciful and gracious, and we can show kindness too. 🛡️ ⁠Psalm 46:1 ⁠— God is our safe place and strength in every situation. 👑 ⁠Psalm 115:3⁠ — God is in control, and His plans are always good. 🎵 The Psalms help us worship, reflect, and trust God no matter what. Try This at Home: ✅ Write down three “great things” God has done for you this summer (Psalm 126:3). ✅ Practice one act of kindness today inspired by God’s mercy (Psalm 103:8). ✅ Memorize Psalm 46:1 and say it when you feel scared or worried. ✅ Draw a crown and write “God is in control” on it to remember Psalm 115:3. ✅ End the summer by singing or praying one Psalm together as a family.

DJ Manna shares three powerful scripture songs to help us live with strength, courage, and faith. With Joshua 1:9, we learn that God is always with us—even when life feels scary, like taking a big test or starting something new. Next, Hebrews 11:1 shows us that faith is believing in what we can’t see but know is true because God promises it. Finally, Isaiah 40:8 reminds us that even though everything else in the world fades away, God’s word lasts forever. What You’ll Learn: 🎶⁠ ⁠Joshua 1:9⁠ — God gives us courage and strength because He is always with us. ⁠⁠⁠🎶 ⁠⁠Hebrews 11:1⁠ — Faith means trusting in what we can’t see but know is true. ⁠⁠⁠🎶 ⁠⁠Isaiah 40:8⁠⁠⁠ — God’s word never fades—it lasts forever. Try This at Home: ✅ Memorize Joshua 1:9 and say it before something that makes you nervous. ✅ Talk about what faith means to you—what are things you can’t see but know are real? ✅ Read Isaiah 40:8 and draw a picture of something that fades away (like a flower) and something that lasts forever (God’s Word!). ✅ Make a “Strength & Faith” playlist with your favorite worship songs that remind you of God’s promises. ✅ At dinner, share a way you saw God give you courage this week.

DJ Manna shares three songs that help us see how much God loves us, how good He is, and how much He wants to hear from us. You’ll hear “Jesus Came to Save Sinners,” a reminder that Jesus loves us even when we mess up; “God Is Good,” which helps us notice His kindness in everyday life; and “God Wants to Talk with Us,” a joyful invitation to pray and spend time with God. What You’ll Learn: 🎶⁠ Jesus Came to Save Sinners⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠🎶 ⁠God is Good⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠🎶 ⁠God Wants to Talk With Us⁠⁠ Try This at Home: ✅ Write down or draw three ways you’ve seen God’s goodness this week. ✅ Pray out loud as a family—just like talking to a friend. ✅ Listen to “Jesus Came to Save Sinners” and thank God for His grace. ✅ Play “God Is Good” and try to list as many blessings as you can while it plays.

DJ Manna shares three songs from the God With Us collection that remind us of one big truth—God is always near. Whether you're having a good day, a sad day, or a confusing day, these songs point to the comfort and joy we find in God’s presence. You’ll hear “God With Us,” “Psalm 146,” and “Shout Joyfully”—each one building from quiet trust to loud praise! What You’ll Learn: 👣 ⁠God With Us⁠ shows us that we’re never alone—God is always close. 🛡️ ⁠Psalm 146⁠ reminds us that God is our protector and safe place. 🎉 ⁠Shout Joyfully⁠ teaches us that we can praise God no matter how we feel. 🎵 Music can help us remember God’s promises and feel His peace. 💬 Faith grows stronger when we turn to God in both quiet and joyful moments. Try This at Home: ✅ Make a “God Is With Me” list—write or draw times you’ve felt God’s comfort. ✅ Read Psalm 146 and talk about what it says about God’s care. ✅ Listen to one of today’s songs before bed to feel calm and close to God. ✅ Make some joyful noise! Have a family praise time with instruments (real or homemade!).

Ready to sing your way through the whole Bible? DJ Manna and the Village Kids take us on a musical adventure through all 66 books of the Bible! From the “Old Testament Song” to the “New Testament Song,” and ending with “God’s True Word,” you’ll laugh, tap, and sing along while learning how the Bible is organized—and why it matters. What You’ll Learn: 📚 The ⁠Old Testament⁠ has 39 books, and you can sing them all in order! 📖 The ⁠New Testament⁠ has 27 books, and they tell the story of Jesus and the church. 🔤 ⁠God's True Word⁠, The Bible, is one big book made up of 66 smaller books, all pointing to God’s truth. 🎵 Singing helps us remember God’s Word in a fun and joyful way. 🧠 The Bible is split into two parts—Old and New Testaments—but it tells one big story. Try This at Home: ✅ Play the "Bible Book Challenge"—can you sing all 66 books without stopping? ✅ Go on a road trip Bible hunt: spot letters from Bible books on street signs or license plates! ✅ Read the first and last books in the Bible—Genesis and Revelation—and talk about what they show us about God's story. ✅ Sing “God’s True Word” as a family, and talk about why the Bible is special. ✅ Make your own illustrated "Books of the Bible" poster with pictures for each section! Stay tuned all summer long!

DJ Manna is back with another joyful episode of God’s Big Story Summer Radio! This time, we’re singing along to three amazing songs that teach us about how God made everything, how the Bible tells His true story, and how the church is more than a building—it’s a family! What You’ll Learn: 🌎 ⁠God Made Everything⁠ — Every star, every bunny, every person—you were made on purpose by a good God. 📖 ⁠God’s Big Book⁠ — The Bible tells one big story about Jesus and God's love for us. 🏡 ⁠The Church is God’s Family⁠ — Church isn’t just a place, it’s God’s people—together as one big family. Try This at Home: ✅ Make a “creation collage” by drawing or cutting out things God made—don’t forget YOU! ✅ Open your Bible and read a favorite story together. What does it tell you about God? ✅ Talk about your church family: Who do you see each week? How can you encourage them? ✅ Learn the chorus to one of today’s songs and sing it around the house or in the car. ✅ Memorize this verse: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” —Psalm 100:4 Stay tuned all summer long!

DJ Manna is back and this time, we’re dancing into God’s presence with three amazing songs that teach us about worship, the Bible, and prayer. From singing Psalm 100 to zipping through 40 big Bible events, to learning how Jesus taught us to pray, DJ Manna uses music and laughter to help us know and love God more. Turn it up and sing along—this one’s packed with truth and fun! What You’ll Learn: 🎶 "⁠Enter His Gates" reminds us to praise God with joyful hearts (Psalm 100).🎶 "⁠The Story of Scripture (40 Events)" shows the whole Bible is one amazing story about God's plan. 🎶 "⁠The Lord's Prayer" teaches us how to talk to God—just like Jesus did! Try This at Home: ✅ Read Psalm 100 together and talk about what it means to praise God. ✅ Make a timeline or comic strip of the 40 big Bible events you heard in the song. ✅ Practice saying (or singing!) The Lord’s Prayer as a family. ✅ Ask: “What’s something I’m thankful for today?” and share it at the dinner table. Stay tuned all summer long!