Teaching the Gospel To Our Children

Image Courtsy of Pelham Friends Church

Perhaps one of the most intimidating aspects of Christian parenting would be how to properly teach your children Biblical faith. The topic, though near and dear to our hearts, becomes a challenge when trying to explain it to our children. How can we properly explain biblical principles that is age specific without leaving out the powerful life changing facts? I think as a body of believers we have done ourselves an injustice by simply handing our children color by number Bible stories. What sometimes gets lost in the Bible journey is the  power of the message and the good news of what Christ has done to save the lost.

If you are looking for creative, fun-filled, and family-focused approaches to children's discipleship curriculum, there are plenty of options available. But as stated by raisinggodlychildren.org, "there are a number of children's pastors who are dissatisfied with what they've seen. Though they appreciate many curriculum's offering creativity and a connection with parents, these leaders are concerned that the primary message we are giving our children is simply that they need to "be good."


Children are sponges, full of curiosity and questions. If we as parents are disciplining them and don't answer the fundamental questions of our faith, then they will find others to answer the questions them. We should not feel that they are unable to understand both the moral and spiritual implications of Biblical truths. Working Class Parenting believes that, more than ever, we should be taking time to teach our children the foundation of our faith and the beauty of God's love.

One curriculum Working Class Parenting has recently found that may answer the question on how to properly teach our children the gospel is, "The Gospel Project for Kids". The Gospel Project for Kids is bringing the gospel focus back to children. It is "The Gospel Project for Kids" goal to walk through the Bible stories chronologically, so children can discover these critical truths:

Truth #1 - The Bible tells one big story.
When we take Bible stories out of context to glean moral lessons from them, we can leave kids with the impression that the Bible is much like Aesop's fables - interesting tales with moral application. However, even though the Bible has moral application and does give us some terrific stories, it actually tells an overall story. They tell us the story of our world-where we've come from and where we are going.

It is important that children recognize how these Bible stories are connected.

Truth #2 - The Bible is about God.
Once we recognize that the Bible is telling us one great story, we discover that we are not the main characters. In fact, the Bible's first and foremost mission is to introduce us to God. He is the hero.

The individual stories provide us with moral application, yes, but before we get to application, we ought to ask, "What does this story tell us about God?" What attributes and characteristics of God are on display in this story? If the Bible's big story is about God's bringing about redemption of His fallen world, then what picture of God do we see in the smaller stories?

Once we begin to understand God's thought process and what He is saying through His word, it's easier for us and our children to follow. Rather than it being a mere book of instructions, it becomes a Living Word of hope and love.

Truth #3 - The Bible points us to Jesus.
Just because you know the Bible doesn't mean the Word will bear fruit in your life. It is possible to know the Scriptures, read the Scriptures, revere the Scriptures, and study the Scriptures and miss the point entirely. Jesus told the Jewish leaders of the day that even though they had meticulous knowledge of the Old Testament, they had missed the truth that the Old Testament is ultimately about Him.

We need to ask ourselves how does the Bible point us to Christ. The reason God's Word changes lives is not because we simply know it, but because through Scripture we are introduced to the Author, Jesus, the Word made flesh. In turn its in knowing Him that we are changed.

Truth #4 - The Bible calls for obedience that is grounded in the gospel and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Does the Bible have moral principles and application? Undoubtedly and absolutely. But our hearts are not changed by the commands of the Law. Our hearts are changed when they overflow with love for the Savior. As we experience the grace and mercy of what God has done for us in Christ, our hearts are free to worship and obey.

It's important that we take care not to give our children commands without showing them how the Holy Spirit, through the gospel, gives them the strength to obey these commands.

The purpose of studying the Bible is to know God and make Him known. The Bible perfectly unveils Jesus Christ as the focal point of human history. All creation exists by Him, through Him, to Him, and for Him. This is the only kind of Bible study that will change our children's lives.

Information derived from www.raisinggodlychildren.org. We would like to thank www.raisinggodlychildren.org for their great post.