All the Marbles Day 33

I have talked a lot about “the why” in past Day's writings. And, my guess is you’re wondering “why” are we teaching our kids so much about where the Bible came from. Research shows that our children are walking away from their faith, not because of Jesus but because of the mixed messages they get between “what the Bible says,” science, philosophy, and the pursuit of self-centered happiness.

We must teach our children the history of the Hebrew Bible we call our “Old Testament.” But, we must always remind them that our faith is based on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, that was documented in the eyewitness accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We also rely on letters, written by the apostles, to clarify what this New Covenant living looks like for BOTH Jews following the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and Non-Jews following pagan practices that made up the Church.

Jesus commanded His followers to “love God and love others” and commissioned them to “go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded.” Jesus did not refer back to the Old Covenant in His commission. He was moving the new covenant forward based on His command. His command was much easier to memorize than the laws in the Hebrew Bible (Old Covenant)—10 commandments and 613 laws, BUT requires so much more—loving others isn’t easy, especially when self-centered happiness is frequently our goal.

So, that is why we need to disciple our kids on where “the Bible” came from, and we have to equip them to stand firm in their faith and be prepared to give an account of the faith they have in Jesus.

(1) Review: What is a Testament? (a covenant, promise) What is another name for what we call the “Old Testament” in our Bible? (the Hebrew Bible or the TaNak) What is the Hebrew name for the first five books? (The Torah) What does Torah mean? (The “teachings.” What else do we call these books (The Law, the Pentateuch, or the Books of Moses) Do you remember the name of the other two scrolls in the TaNak? (Nevi’im and Ketuvim) What does Nevi’im mean? (The “prophets”) What does Ketuvim mean? (The “writings”)

(2) The Torah consists of which 5 books? (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.)

(3) Let’s start by summarizing Genesis 1-11 as a family. This may take several days, take your time! This sets the plot/storyline for the entire Bible.

The Bible should be your first source but I would recommend “The Bible Project” video on the TaNak as another tool to put in your discipling toolbox.

If you are interested in a simple “journey guide” to discipling your children, sign up for a daily email (see the top of this post) and it will come straight to your inbox.

Discipling is a journey, so don’t forget to start with Day 1. Even if you don’t use anything written here, use your Bible, and disciple your children!!! It is a great honor and our responsibility as parents!

I am praying for you and your family and this journey together!