To the Ends of the Earth
In the sequence of Road to Emmaus, Come Follow Me, and My Son My Savior is the fourth and final movie from WELS, titled To the Ends of the Earth. The movie follows Paul’s remarkable visit to the city of Philippi, recorded in Acts 16. It shows how Paul connected with people from all walks of life, demonstrating that the good news of Jesus is indeed for all people—to the very ends of the earth.
Resources based on the movie
Below are four categories of helpful resources for congregations and individuals to download and use with the movie:
- Adult Study Materials: 1) Six-lesson Bible Study – A resource for pointing people to the power of the gospel and the command of Christ to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. 2) Small Group Guide – A study especially for small groups, families, or individuals.
- Worship: Helps for a worship service expanding on the main message of the movie—taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.
- Children and Teen Lessons & Devotions: Materials for leading children from pre-school age through high school to focus on mission outreach.
- Special: Personal Reflections, Mission Vignettes, Advent by Candlelight, Suggestions for Outreach
Movie DVDs
To the Ends of the Earth single DVDs are available at: Northwestern Publishing House
The DVD contains both English and Spanish versions.
If you have questions, please email: [email protected]
To the Ends of the Earth–Adult Study Resources
To the Ends of the Earth–Adult Study Resources
Jesus came not just to benefit one type of people. Jesus was God’s answer of love for people of every culture or background. The message of Jesus is a power that changes even the most unlikely hearts. It gives truth to the seeker, hope to the hopeless, and freedom to the oppressed. God sends messengers to share the life-changing story of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
There are two Bible studies based on the movie:
- Adult Bible Study: the objective of this Bible study is that each viewer of the movie, amazed by the grace of God, embraces how fully accepted they are in Christ; how powerful the gospel is for others; and captures the passion and urgency to share it with people of different lifestyles and cultures. Six lessons.
- Small group study guide: Materials especially designed for small group, family, or individual study. This course helps us see the need for the gospel in our lives that we treasure and trust it as we strive to live according to it and seek to share it. Four lessons.
To the Ends of the Earth–Worship Resources
To the Ends of the Earth–Worship Resources
With its focus on missions, the movie is a great resource for Mission and Ministry Sunday. The following worship materials serve to expand on the main message of the movie—taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.
- A sermon outline on Acts 13:38-48.
- A newly commissioned hymn of four verses with a refrain. The stanzas mention dying souls, doubting cynics, and drifting neighbors—and our Lord’s desire that none perish. Musical options encourage the use of instruments beyond organ or piano and stanza(s) for choir or soloist.
A children’s song suitable also for unison choir or vocal soloist. Available for purchase as a digital download (full score, choral score, mp3 and MIDI accompaniment tracks) at: nph.net.
To the Ends of the Earth–Children and Teen Lessons & Devotions
To the Ends of the Earth–Children and Teen Lessons & Devotions
Resources for WELS Schools, Early Childhood Ministries, Sunday Schools, Home
Dear Christian Friends,
“To the Ends of the Earth!” What an overwhelming and exciting goal! Following is a summary of some of the resources that have been developed to supplement the new movie, “To the Ends of the Earth.” The materials were written by WELS teachers and members for a variety of ages from preschool through teens. Also included is a set of devotions for teachers. The materials were created for use in the classroom, Sunday School, or by parents in the home with their children. May the Lord bless and guide each of you as you share this message of God’s grace that we seek to share with the world, including those near us.
May the Lord bless you and those with whom you share these materials!
“To the Ends of the Earth” Bible Lesson for Early Childhood
This lesson shares the account of the conversion of Paul and his work in spreading the gospel in many places. It includes the story of Lydia and an encouragement for each of us, even little children, to be witnesses for God. Also provided is a cover page with activities, the story page that includes a song, prayer, and section for parents. There is also a coloring page that highlights Paul’s conversion, his witnessing to many, and Lydia’s baptism. This lesson is prepared with children in preschool through kindergarten in mind.
“To the Ends of the Earth” Bible Lesson for grades 1–4.
The story of Paul is a dramatic one filled with a variety of people with whom he shared the gospel. This Bible lesson is written for students in grades 1–4. It highlights Paul’s journey to Macedonia, meeting a little girl who was demon possessed, and his imprisonment. Each part of the story illustrates God’s hand in the work of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke. The materials include telling the story, retelling the story, and application. There are several extension activities such as writing, illustrating, songs, poems, and scenarios to practice telling others about Jesus.
“To the Ends of the Earth” Bible Study for Middle school/Teens
Middle school and high school students will dig into Scripture to learn more about Paul, an enemy of the gospel turned disciple. Using the Power Point slides, student pages, and leader’s guide, they will delve into the power of the gospel and apply it to their own lives. Students will be led to discuss and reflect on their opportunities to share God’s Word, trusting in the power of the gospel.
“To the Ends of the Earth” Devotions for Children
A set of five devotions are written for school age children. The author uses everyday objects and activities to engage students and connect them with the Word. Through the theme of power, students will consider the power of the gospel to save, to clothe us in Jesus’ jersey, to tell others, to combat fear, and to live our faith. Each devotion includes several questions to help students dig a little deeper and apply it to their own lives.
“To the Ends of the Earth” Devotions for Teachers and Staff
“To the Ends of the Earth” focuses on four individuals: Saul/Paul, Lydia, the demon possessed slave girl, and the jailer. This series of devotions looks at each individual and reflects on their story and the power of God’s grace and love for each of them. While each devotion makes application to us as teachers, the final devotion zeros in on each of us and our role in “taking the gospel to the ends of the earth” in your calling. Each devotion also includes several questions for deeper reflection and application.
To the Ends of the Earth–Special
To the Ends of the Earth–Special
This group of materials includes:
- Personal Reflections – a guide to help individuals as they consider the messages and topics addressed in the To the Ends of the Earth movie.
- Advent by Candlelight - designed especially for these special women's events. The program focuses on lessons learned from Lydia (Acts 16:3-15).
- Mission Vignettes – Pictures and stories about WELS mission work around the world.
Children Making Music