Bible Study: The Importance of Teaching the Bible to Your Children

Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd-Jones (preschool through early middle school)

This is our favorite children’s Bible. The author explains in a loving and compelling way how “every page whispers Jesus’ name.” It gives an amazing overview of Scripture, connecting the dots between the Old and New Testaments, between prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ. Beautifully illustrated and written in an engaging, almost poetic, prose, this book will give every child a deep understanding of God’s love, His plan to rescue us, and His desire to have a relationship with us. What’s more, adults will be drawn in by the beautiful writing as they share it with their children.

The Word & Song Bible - Stephen Elkins (preschool through early elementary)

This Bible presents Scripture through recorded songs and sounds that children under ten will love learning as they follow along with the illustrated book. It has a chapter for every book of the Bible, including a song on an accompanying CD. It is great for children to use during a quiet time each day or while riding in a car. By covering each book of the Bible, this book goes well beyond the typical children’s Bible, which tends to focus on only a few stories.

What the Bible is All about Bible Handbook for Kids - Henrietta Mears (through middle school)

This book is adapted for children from the classic, best-selling work by Henrietta Mears. There are separate chapters for each book of the Bible, laid out in easy-to-read form and illustrated for children. For each book of the Bible, this handbook explains who wrote it, the focus of the book, an outline, the main characters, and how the book connects to Jesus. Maps, diagrams, and cartoon-style dialogue make it an easy, fun read for children and a helpful companion to their Bible. The handbook also has a useful dictionary of key terms in an appendix. This book can be particularly helpful when read along with the Bible, whether in family reading time or when the child is reading alone. Understanding how the Bible fits together can be difficult for children, but this book explains it in a clear, compelling fashion.

Apologetics Study Bible for Students - Sean McDowell, editor (for teens, college students, and young adults)

Studying the Bible can be difficult for anyone, particularly young people. The Apologetics Study Bible for Students provides helpful introductions to each book, extensive commentaries on key biblical passages and thoughtful answers to the tough questions young people are asking today. Additional features include “challenges and tactics” for addressing challenging questions, archaeological facts to buttress the historicity of the Bible, and inspiring personal stories of individuals defending and living out their faith. A wide range of effective and credible writers have been gathered to write the extensive features accompanying the Scripture.

•    Has reading the Bible been much of a priority in your life? If so, when did that begin and why did you
become more interested in reading it?  If not, will you make it a priority now?

•    Has there been someone in your life who really read or taught you the Bible? What about that experience
made it interesting?

•    After you read The Big Story (found in the Reviewing the Fundamentals section), how did your understanding
of the Bible change?

•    Consider how your family is involved in reading the Bible. How would your child respond if asked whether or
not reading the Bible is a priority in the family?

•    Consider ways you might make it fun and interesting to read the Bible and discuss various Bible stories as
a family.