The Bible is like a huge treasure chest, full of knowledge and profound, wonderful truths. Many people hesitate to read it because they think they won’t be able to understand it. Simply put, the Bible tells us about God, that He created us, how we should behave, and how we can please Him. It teaches us what is right and what is wrong, and reveals that everyone is born a sinner and needs God’s forgiveness. It tells us many things we otherwise wouldn’t know.
It is very important to introduce children to the Bible at a young age. In 2 Timothy 3:15 the apostle Paul affirms that Timothy became acquainted “with the sacred writings” from childhood which made him wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. As a young boy, he was taught by his mother and grandmother who had strong faith in the scriptures. That faith was communicated to Timothy and became his own. He then passed along what he learned to others.
We find the story of Jesus acknowledging and welcoming the children in Mark 10:13-16, “ ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” As parents and grandparents, we have a sacred and profound responsibility to teach the doctrines and stories of the Bible to children of all ages. Through books accurately and age appropriately written and beautifully illustrated, we can introduce them to God’s Word. We must teach them who God is, that He made them and loves them, and that He wrote us a book of instructions on how to live.
The Bible is the only book where the author is present every time you read it! Hebrews 4:12 tells us what the Bible is like:
- It is alive and active, filled with power and life.
- It is sharper than a double-edged sword, reaching down into our soul and spirit.
- It judges the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts, helping us to believe and obey its teaching.
These words should not frighten us from reading and studying the Bible, but rather draw us to it. They reveal that God knows us better than any other person, and even better than we can know ourselves. It tells us that we are sinners because we have broken God’s laws. Through its many chapters and pages, God reveals His Son Jesus Christ who came to the earth to die for our sins and be our Savior. It shows us His amazing grace and mercy.
God’s words, instructions, and promises give us guidance and hope to live righteously in an evil world and confusing culture. The word of God is called the sword of the Spirit as part of the armor of God that we put on to defeat the power of the devil. That’s why studying the Bible, meditating on it, and memorizing it are so important. It convicts, converts, corrects, cleanses, changes, counsels, and comforts us. It is everything we need to live a life pleasing to God.
Psalms 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Committing Scripture verses to memory fills our minds and hearts with powerful words that will help us overcome temptation, enable us to develop a biblical world view, guard our minds against Satan’s lies, and bring us peace and comfort in times of hardship, suffering, and grief.
Children must learn from adults to love the Bible. They need to see that it gives us strength to face each day no matter what is going on in our lives. We should consider the Bible our most valuable possession, precious and beloved. It is a treasure of truth, a haven of hope, a cup of comfort, a gift of grace, a place of peace, a shelter of strength, a potpourri of promises, a refuge of righteousness, and reveals the limitless love of God.
The Bible is for everyone at any age. Let us bring the children to Jesus by teaching them its words and truths.
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Help Your Child Learn to Count on God
Rebecca Lutzer is the author of 123 Jesus Loves Me for Little Ones. This inspirational and educational book uses basic numbers (1-10) to help tell engaging stories from the Bible. Each of these ten tales includes an important lesson for little ones about who Jesus is and how they can follow Him. Learn more about this book here.
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