There are a few different ways you can teach new or young believers the bible. Before I discuss those ways, you may want to consider using one or all of the following standard items that are helpful to include in any bible study session. Inviting the Lord in through prayer and asking him for understanding on behalf of everyone participating in the study session is important. Praying before you begin the study session will teach your child how to pray. It can also serve as a guide to new believers for developing their own prayer language. Depending on how much time you have set aside for the bible study, you may wish to include a song or two, I believe a child’s love for God, begins with worship. The word tells us that God inhabits the praise of His people, which is another way of saying that when we praise, God shows up. And lastly, allow time for discussion and time for questions and answers. When you allow people to take part they will understand better and possibly remember more of the topic discussed in that session. Below I will discuss three different groups for bible study and how I would go about teaching them the word. It is okay if your way of teaching the bible to the following groups of people does not match my way, the most important thing is that the new or young believers is learning about God. Feel free to use my tips, adapt my tips, or completely continue doing what has yielded you fruit when sharing the gospel with others. I think it is important for believers to know the whole bible and that will come with time. Until that time comes, where do you begin?
Young Kids or New Believers–
- Selecting stories from an age appropriate bible is one way to make bible stories more memorable to young children. Or consider using bible version that may be easier to understand such as: The Living Bible, Amplified Bible, or New International Version.
- Begin by teaching them the basic or classic bible stories. A few examples are “The Creation Story,” “Adam and Eve,” “Noah,” “Jonah and the Whale,” “Jesus’s birth and Crucifixion.” I believe it is important to expose them to the basic stories because through the stories we learn about the God we are serving. As new or young believers it is important to begin learning about the temperament and expectations of the God we serve. In a previous post I shared a few other examples of how to teach your children the bible.
- Allow them time to respond to the stories or a chance to retell the stories.
Pre-teens or Teenagers–
- Work your way through the bible. Read a chapter or two in each session. Why would I begin this way with this age group? Well, starting from the beginning and treating it like a typical book makes it easier to be consistent with the lessons, and this age group is familiar with this style of reading books due to school. If you are all done with the bible or you want to take a break from the bible there is another way to have devotions with this age group.
- Allow the pre-teens or teenagers to select a scripture verse in an area they would like to improve in their life. Allow them to read the scripture they selected to the group. Spend time allowing each child the opportunity to share their understanding of the scripture they selected. If additional clarification is needed, then provide them with a better understanding of the word.
- After they have selected a scripture verse and it has been discussed, have them brainstorm some ideas for how they can be intentional about applying that scripture in their lives. Have them focus on applying their selected scripture verse daily until the next time you come together.
- Encourage them to record the scripture(s) in a journal. The journal should include the scripture verse and what the scripture means to them. This will guide them on how to apply the word to their lives in the upcoming week. The journal should also include a daily record of how they applied the word in their lives.
3.Adults–
- Focus on topics that are common issues such as: work, marriage, raising children, finances, purpose, ect. Select scripture or bible stories/parables that touch on those issues.
- Take your time and read the scripture with them, pausing as needed to allow time for discussion or questions.
- Plan ahead, pray, and ask God to give you understanding of the scripture. During the bible study take time to explain the meaning of the scripture/story/parable.
- Help those who are in attendance to see how the word is relevant to them. You may choose to use a story or other scripture verses to make the scripture relate to them.
- Allow time to discuss the word or simply allow time for questions and answers.
The bible can be a lot to digest. The best way to expose a new believer or a young child to the bible is by focusing on common stories, by treating it like a regular book- take it slow and read it start to finish, or begin with common points of interest. Remember to pray for understanding before beginning the study session. If time permits consider including a song or two of praise and worship.
CHRISTANHOMESCHOOLHEADQUARTERS.COM Challenge: If you haven’t started having devotions with your child/children, family, or even devotions for your personal growth, then consider beginning devotions this week.