God's Big Story

By The Village ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity Kids & Family

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God's Big Story episodes

October 19THE CHURCH: Paul Goes to Ephesus | The Church is God's Family
Anna and Matt follow Paul on his second missionary journey as he travels toward Corinth and stops in Athens, where people worshiped idols and many different gods. With help from their friend Jeff the craftsman, kids will discover the difference between worshiping things people have made and worshiping the one true God who made everything.
Helpful Definition:
ELDER — Means “overseer” or someone who is responsible for taking care of something for someone else. Elders are given responsibility by Jesus--who is in charge of every church--, to care for a local church.
⭐ What Kids Will Learn:
🌎 Paul traveled to Ephesus on his third missionary journey to tell people about Jesus.

🪵 Many people in Ephesus worshiped idols, including a false goddess named Artemis.

❤️ God saved many people in Ephesus and brought them into His family, the church.

😠 Some people became angry with Paul because fewer people were buying their idols.

🐑 God gives the church elders and pastors to teach His Word, guide His people, and care for them like shepherds.

💪 Paul continued sharing the good news about Jesus, even when it was dangerous.

⛪ The church is God's family, and we're called to tell others about Jesus so they can know and trust Him too.
📖 Bible Passage:
📖 Acts 20:24
🏡 Try This at Home:
🙏 Think of someone you know who doesn't love or trust Jesus. Pray for them and ask God to give you courage to share the good news with them.

🐑 Talk about what a shepherd does for sheep. Ask your kids, "How do pastors and elders take care of God's people?"

⛪ Write a thank-you card to one of your church's pastors or elders for helping your family learn about Jesus.

📖 Read Acts 20:17–38 together and talk about why Paul was willing to keep following Jesus even when it was hard.
❓ 5-Second Fly Through Review:
Paul went on how many missionary journeys? (THREE)

Paul’s third journey was to a city called... (EPHESUS)

Were the people of Ephesus worshipping God or idols? (IDOLS)

How many people believe Paul’s words about Jesus? (MANY, MANY PEOPLE!)

Did that make everyone in the city happy? (NOPE. PEOPLE SELLING IDOLS WERE ANGRY)

Did God rescue Paul’s friends from the angry people? (YES!)

Was Paul afraid of telling other people the good news about Jesus? (NO!)

Why not? Paul knew people needed to hear the good news about Jesus because only Jesus came to save sinners and bring them into God’s family, the…. (CHURCH!)
🎶 Song Featured:
The Church is God's Family 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]
26 min
October 12THE CHURCH: Paul Visits Athens | God Made Everything
Anna and Matt follow Paul on his second missionary journey as he travels toward Corinth and stops in Athens, where people worshiped idols and many different gods. With help from their friend Jeff the craftsman, kids will discover the difference between worshiping things people have made and worshiping the one true God who made everything.
⭐ What Kids Will Learn:
🌎 Paul traveled to different cities to tell people the good news about Jesus.

🪵 The people of Athens worshiped idols made from wood, stone, and other materials.

❤️ An idol is anything we love or trust more than God.

👑 There is only one true God, and He made everything in heaven and on earth.

🙌 God doesn't need anything from us. He is the one who gives us life, breath, and everything we need.

✝️ Paul told the people of Athens about Jesus, who died and rose again so sinners could be saved.

⛪ Some people believed the good news and became part of God's family, the church.
📖 Bible Passage:
📖 Acts 17:24–25
🏡 Try This at Home:
🎨 Make something together as a family! Draw a picture, cook a meal, or build a bird feeder. Thank God for making you in His image and giving you the ability to create beautiful things from His creation.

💬 Ask your kids, "What's the difference between something God made and something people make?"

❤️ Talk about things your family loves and enjoys. Remind your kids that these are good gifts, but we should never love or trust them more than God.

📖 Read Acts 17:22–31 together and talk about what Paul taught the people of Athens about the one true God.
❓ 5-Second Fly Through Review:
What do we call someone who tells other people in other places the gospel truth? (A MISSIONARY)

Paul’s second journey was to a city called what? (CORINTH)

Which big, important city did Paul stop in on his way to Corinth? (ATHENS)

What were the people in Athens worshipping? (IDOLS)

Were the gods the people of Athens were worshipping real? (NO!)

Who did Paul tell them deserves all of our worship? (THE ONE, TRUE GOD)

Did God save some of the people listening to Paul and bring them into His family? (YES!)

Everyone who has ever loved and trusted Jesus is a part of God’s family the… (CHURCH!)
🎶 Song Featured:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠God Made 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]
24 min
October 05Parent Talk: Gender, Identity, Sexuality Conversations
Talking with our kids about gender, sexuality, and identity can feel intimidating. We may worry about saying too much, saying too little, or simply saying the wrong thing. But when our kids bring us questions, we don't have to panic. A question isn't an emergency. A question is an invitation to disciple them.
🌎 Start With God's Good Design
Before talking about everything that's broken or confusing, give your kids a beautiful picture of what God created.
❤️ God made every person in His image.

🧍 God made our bodies, and our bodies are good gifts from Him.

👦👧 God made people male and female.

🤝 Men and women have equal dignity and value because both are made in God's image.

👑 Ultimately, we belong to God.
💬 Tell the Truth Simply
Answer the question your child is actually asking, not every question you're afraid they might ask someday.
👂 Ask, "What made you wonder about that?" Then listen.

🧒 Give age-appropriate answers your child can understand today.

📖 Clearly explain what your family believes based on God's Word.

❤️ Speak about people who believe differently with kindness and dignity.

🚪 Ask, "Does that answer your question?" and leave room for them to come back with more.
🏡 Keep The Door Open
Don't wait for the world to begin these conversations for you. Start small and add more information as your children grow.
👶 Teach younger kids correct names for their body parts and that their bodies are good.

🔒 Teach appropriate privacy and boundaries around their bodies.

💍 Talk positively about God's design for marriage.

❤️ As they grow, teach that sexual intimacy is a good gift from God designed for marriage between a man and a woman.

📱 Create safeguards around what your children can see online while continuing to have open conversations at home.
🙌 Encouragement for Parents
You don't need perfect words or an answer to every question. Keep showing up. Keep listening. Keep speaking truth with love. Let your home be a place where your kids know they can bring difficult, awkward, or confusing questions.
Your job isn't to win a culture war at the dinner table. Your job is to faithfully disciple the child God has given you. Keep pointing them to Jesus and trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.
📚 Resources Mentioned
Birds & Bees Online Course — practical training for parents on talking with kids about sex, bodies, pornography, reproduction, and ongoing conversations.

Mom, Dad...What’s Sex? by Jessica Thompson and Joel Fitzpatrick

God’s Design for Sex Series by Stan and Brenna Jones

How and When to Tell Your Kids About Sex by Stan and Brenna Jones

Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen A. Jenson

God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb

What Do I Say When...? by Andrew T. Walker and Christian Walker

Editing and support by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
For sponsorship inquiries, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]
19 min
September 28THE CHURCH: Paul’s First Missionary Journey
Anna and Matt follow Paul and Barnabas as they travel to Antioch sharing the good news about Jesus. Some people believe and others reject their message, but Paul and Barnabas keep going because they know the results belong to God.
⭐ What Kids Will Learn:
🌱 Paul’s job was to faithfully share the gospel, but only God could change someone’s heart and save them.

🗺️ Paul and Barnabas traveled to other places to tell people the good news about Jesus.

✝️ They taught that Jesus lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose from the dead.

🌎 The gospel isn’t only for one group of people. God’s rescue plan has always included people from every nation.

❤️ Both Jews and Gentiles believed the good news and became part of God’s family.

⛪ The church is everyone who loves and trusts Jesus.
📖 Bible Passage:
Acts 14:27
🏡 Try This at Home:
💌 Make a card for someone you love and send it to them. Include something your family has been learning about Jesus.

🌱 Talk about Becca’s garden example: We can plant gospel seeds by telling others about Jesus, but who makes those seeds grow?

🌎 Pray for missionaries who are sharing the good news about Jesus in other places.

⛪ Remind your kids that the church is much bigger than the people they see on Sunday. Everyone who loves and trusts Jesus is part of God’s family.
❓ 5-Second Fly Through Review:
What do we call someone who tells other people in other places the gospel truth? (A MISSIONARY)

Paul went on how many missionary journeys? (THREE)

Did Paul and Barnabas share the gospel with the Jews in Antioch? (YES!)

Were all of the Jews happy about what Paul & Barnabus were teaching? (NO)

Who did Paul & Barnabas say they were going to teach next? (GENTILES)

When the Gentiles believed in Jesus, they became a part of the… (CHURCH!)

Who belongs to God’s family, the Church? (EVERYONE WHO LOVES AND TRUSTS JESUS!)
🎶 Song Featured:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Church is God's Family⁠ 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]
24 min
September 21THE 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]
27 min
September 14THE CHURCH: Simon the Magician and the Holy Spirit
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]
23 min
September 07Parent Talk: Is My Child Ready for Baptism?
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]
15 min
August 31 Summer Radio Series #8 - Psalm 126:3, Psalm 103:8, Psalm 46:1 4, and Psalm 115:3
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.
14 min
August 24 Summer Radio Series #7 - Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 11:1, and Isaiah 40:8
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.
11 min
August 17 Summer Radio Series #6 - Jesus Came to Save Sinners, God is Good, and God Wants to Talk With Us
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.
16 min