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Is it possible we’ve failed to bring the whole counsel of God as we teach the Gospel to our children? Many times, I believe the answer is, ‘Yes’.
In modern times, when families and churches think of teaching the Gospel to children, they think of Bible stories. We all know about Moses and the burning bush and Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. But did you or your children ever learn about why God destroyed thousands of Israelites in their rebellion, unbelief, and pride as they put other gods before Him?
Why Teach The Whole Counsel of God
The vision of David and Sally Michael, founders of Children Desiring God, is one of bringing before children, from the youngest ages, the whole counsel of God. In Acts 20:26-27, Paul declares to the Ephesian church that he is “innocent of (their) blood because (he) did not shrink from declaring…the whole counsel of God”. I assume that the responsibility Paul felt to impart this “counsel” to the church is the same responsibility we have to impart that “counsel” to our children. If we shrink from this responsibility, as Paul implies, we will be guilty of the blood of our children.
The vision of Children Desiring God teaches the whole counsel of God’s word thoroughly and clearly, building upon concepts from the youngest ages.
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” ~Deuteronomy 6: 6-7
The Resources to Teach the Whole Counsel
Children Desiring God has a whole line of awesome curriculum for parents and Sunday School Teachers to use in teaching the Next Generation. The resources, including classroom-style curriculum, span many grade levels as well as studies for all ages, mid-week studies, and even materials in Spanish.
Fighter Verses are an incredible way to teach memorization of God’s Word.
Now, for parents, and use at home, Sally Michael has written books that can be used on the couch, snuggling, at bedtime or at the table in a more personal way between a parent and a child or in a family.
Don’t Overlook the Depth and Breadth of God’s glory:
- God’s Battle
- God’s Providence
- God’s Wisdom
- God’s Names
- God’s Word
- God’s Promises
- God’s Gospel
- God’s Design
Parents, I urge you to teach your precious children. You will be preparing them – ‘precept upon precept’ – to fight the spiritual battles and war ahead. Your children will indeed rise up and call you blessed for having taught them the richness and majesty of our Lord!
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me,” ~Psalm 25: 4-5
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