The Bible is important. Is that an understatement? Probably.
But we need to face truths like this in our families and churches. Ecclesiastical architecture clearly points out where preaching was central to worship simply by the position of the pulpit. When it is front and centre the preaching of God’s word was held in high regard.
So how do we encourage children to hold God’s word in high regard?
There are a few children’s books that will help you do that, but first of all can I suggest the Bible?
Children’s Bible story books have their place but the Bible tells us that all of God’s word is valuable. I recently purchased a copy of the ESV Bible which is laid out in a way that will help children navigate Scripture. This should be available in the UK around the £20 mark (ISBN: 978 1 433 545 528).
The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments by Marty Machowski orients the minds of children toward the wondrous works of God, encouraging them to see Jesus in a larger context of redemptive history (ISBN: 978 1 936 768 127).
Paul Reynold’s title 30 Prophecies One Story brings a particular focus to your child’s Scripture studies. This beautifully designed book outlines 30 of God’s promises, joining each of them up with their gospel fulfilment in Christ (ISBN: 978 1 527 104 280).
For younger children, look at the board book God Speaks (ISBN: 978 0 736 985 949), or The Bible’s Big Story by James Hamilton (ISBN: 978 1 781 911 624).
The wonderful story of how God has brought His word into our lives and cultures should inspire all readers, whatever age they are.
Reading biographies on Bible translators like Luther or Wycliffe is a good idea. I particularly like a two-book set by Linda Finlayson, Wielding the Sword and Guarding the Treasure (ISBN: 978 1 781 912 959 and 978 1 845 506 834). Her light touch brings to life the individual Christians who protected God’s word in the past and present.
The stories of those people who cherished God’s word so much that they were willing to suffer for its truth challenge us to cherish Scripture more.
