Excerpts from the article written by Karen Sue Hale

As you seek fun, interesting, and edifying material for your child to read, do not forget to encourage time with the best book. The Bible contains adventure, humor, and romance. Written in both prose and poetry, it is a source of history, wisdom, and prophecy. More importantly, the Bible is the very word of God, and we are admonished to “hide it in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11). What better start toward a deep relationship with our Savior could you give your child than reading God’s Word with him?

Begin when they’re young

For the preschooler, children’s Bibles colorfully illustrate simplified stories about Abraham, Moses, Noah and Jesus.

When your child is in the second or third grade (earlier if a natural reader), purchase an NIV (New International Version) or other modern translation Bible for him. Take turns reading some of the stories he hears in Sunday School. Let him read some verses. Then you read a few. Stop to discuss the actions of the characters and their relationships to God.

CONNECTING WITH PRE-TEENS

As your child matures, it is often difficult to keep him reading at all, and the Bible could gather dust. Then it is time to leave the well-known stories and dig out adventures fascinating to a fifth grade boy, such as Ehud sinking his knife completely into the evil king and the fat covering the handle. If you have a sixth grade girl, don’t miss the story of Esther…

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

Reading the Bible with your children will show them that God’s Word is important to you...Therefore, live reading the Bible with your children; and they will learn to live according to God’s Word.

From “Revolutionary Parenting” by George Barna

As an alternative to reading the Bible cover to cover, consider focusing on these key Biblical teachings which emphasize foundational Christian beliefs. These 39 different passages provide enough material for a year’s worth of family devotional time. As you read, focus on how these teachings apply to our daily actions and attitudes.

Creation story (Genesis 1-2) Fiery furnace (Daniel 3)

Great commandment (Matt. 22:34-40)

Early church (Acts 2) Adam and Eve sin (Genesis 3)

Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel 6)

Last Supper (Matt. 26:17-30) Saul’s conversion

(Acts 9:1-30) Moses burning bush (Exodus 3)

Jonah and the great fish (Jonah)

Jesus crucifixion

(Matt. 27:32-56) Falling short (Romans 3:9-31) The plagues

(Exodus 5-12) Jesus’ temptations (Matthew 4:1-11)

Jesus’ resurrection (Matt. 27:57-28:15)

Wages of sin (Romans 6:23) The Exodus (Exodus 12-14)

Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) Great commission (Matt. 28:16-20)

Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12)

10 Commandments (Exodus 19-20)

Judging people (Matthew 7:1-6) Birth of Christ

(Luke 1-2) Love (1 Corinthians 13) David & Goliath