We train children to obey all God’s commands, not just the
ones they like. Teach children that obedience is essential,
not optional.
6. Provide Bible study tools for children
Every child should understand how to use the following
Bible study tools, which make great gifts.
Commentaries
A commentary simply explains the meaning and applica-
tion of Scripture. Scholars spend great amounts of time
studying the Bible. They write about their discoveries in
commentaries. Scripture can be difficult to understand, so
good commentaries are helpful for a young person to have.
Bible Dictionary
A Bible dictionary lists items by theme. Using this tool,
young people will be taught to look up people, places, and
themes of Scripture. Bible dictionaries help a person quickly
learn about important and obscure people of the Bible or
the meaning of a word. Children can also look up themes
such as faith and learn more about the topic.
Concordance
A concordance is a catalog of the Bible. It lists every word
by alphabetical order and tells where to find each word by
listing references. It is extremely helpful if a young person
wants to study a specific word or remembers a word in a
passage but cannot remember the reference.
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CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Bible Atlas
A Bible atlas will teach about the geography of the Bible,
the location of cities, and the whereabouts of important
happenings. For example, there is an Old Testament Jericho
and a New Testament Jericho. This is helpful to understand.
The Scripture writers purposefully write that Jesus walked
up to a location. This is a geographical reference. It is helpful
to know where a city is located to better understand a text.
If you want to significantly influence the faith of children,
then make it a priority to teach them to study and memorize
the Bible. It is a lasting legacy to train a child to develop the
spiritual habit of Scripture reading.
Dr. Josh Mulvihill is pastor to children and families at Grace
Church in Eden Prairie, a member of the Renewanation board,
and the director of resources for The Legacy Coalition. He holds
a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the
author of Biblical Grandparenting and Preparing Children for
Marriage. Josh is married to Jen, and they have five children.
Connect with Josh on Twitter at @DrJoshMulvihill.
HAS GOD CALLED YOU TO ENGAGE IN THE BATTLE FOR
THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION
THROUGH WEEKDAY BIBLICAL EDUCATION?
The Renewanation Christian School Startup Program can
help you launch your school in a solid, effective way to
ensure long-term sustainability.
We partner with churches and others who have a passion
to extend their reach into the community by having a
five day, Christian education program. We use a 5-phase
process of examination, preparation, launch, growth, and
maturity to not only help start a new Christian school
but also provide the support to sustain a school long
term. The process will typically span a period of four to
five years as we coach and guide these new schools in the
processes and tools needed to continue their journey of
reaching the next generation with a thoroughly biblical,
Christian education.
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