All of God’s Word is for Children
Children are like sponges. They soak up everything they hear and squeeze it all out anytime they want — especially at the most inappropriate times. It’s likely why one of the first words almost every child learns is “no.” They can pick up our worst habits, but they can also be the best disciples for God’s kingdom.
Jesus Himself speaks of the importance of children in the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 18:1-5, 19:13-14; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17).
For children to respond to God’s Word in their real lives, they must be taught all of God’s Word.
In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
This notion that the Bible is God-breathed — that every word is inspired by God — is profound. When the Scripture reads, “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” these actions must then impact how we live and what we do as Christ followers.
They help me live right before God and to do so, I must then study the whole Bible because every word, every verse, every chapter and every book will equip me for every good work. The heart of the message, it seems, is that the entire Word of God is essential to be a servant of God.
Why, then, would we ever consider not teaching the entire Bible to children?
Children won’t be able to make honest decisions to give their lives over to Christ if they only hear a few stories like Jonah and the big fish, Noah’s Ark or David and Goliath. How can someone respond to God’s Word in their real life when their context of God’s Word is so limited?
Ministry to children should not be limited to only a handful of Bible stories. Truly transformational children’s ministry cannot be abridged. Children must be taught the entire Word of God if we truly want them to be followers of Jesus Christ.
This is no easy task. Making the Bible come alive for children while helping them understand the broader themes of Scripture can feel overwhelming. It may feel tempting to return to the “tried-and-true” portions of the Bible featuring colorful imagery, clear narrative structures and very big fish. But children need more. They need to experience the transforming power of the Gospel. They need to know what God has to say about the real issues they face.
Every Generation Ministries exists because we believe every child must be given a chance to respond to the full scope of God’s Word in their real life. Will you join us in praying for boys and girls around the world as you continue to minister to the children in your life?
I love this article and am so thankful to see the ways God is working through EGM and you, specifically, to make sure children’s workers around the world have the resources to teach the full counsel of God’s Word. God bless you in this VITAL work!!
Thank you, Joe. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. I’m excited to see how God continues to work through us both to further His ministry. Blessings!