Teaching children Bible truth has become harder than ever, thanks to technology putting plenty of lies at their fingertips (have you noticed how many kids access the internet on smartphones lately?)
If we don’t do a good job discipling our children by teaching them key Bible truths, the world will take over for us.
Want to give your child or student a solid foundation in God’s Word, but unsure where to begin?
Check out this list of 25 essential Bible truths!
1. I am God’s special creation.
Kids these days are bombarded with advertisements showing them what “perfect” people look like. They need to know that God made them special and unique, and His beauty standard is nothing like the world’s. To help them understand this Bible truth, share this verse with them: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14 NIV)
2. The most important things can’t be bought.
We live in such a materialistic society; everything seems to have a price on it. Most of the role models that kids come into contact with teach them that success is measured by the money you make. But even the richest people can’t buy happiness, peace, and a place in heaven!
This is a tough Bible truth for kids to grasp…just try to convince your average kid that having more toys won’t make them happier!
What Jesus considers important, and what lasts for all eternity, just can’t be bought!
3. My choices will have consequences.
It seems like today’s generation thinks that they are invincible. Respect for authority is at an all-time low. Parenting gurus teach the “novel” idea that you shouldn’t punish your kids for bad behavior, but rather “let them express their feelings”.
Your kids need to know that what they do WILL affect them and others, even if the consequences aren’t apparent right away. Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (NIV)
Adults and kids alike may not like it, but the biblical truth is clear…you reap what you sow…you get what you grow!
The Next 3 Bible Truths are K-E-Y:
4. We are all sinners.
These days, it seems like most people believe that people are inherently good. This is far from the truth of the Bible! Show your child verses such as Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10-12, and Psalm 14:1-3).
Just the other day my wife and I were talking about this particular Bible truth. In so many situations if we ALL understand how bad we actually are and how even our best efforts fall SO, SO short we would be much healthier people. Why.. because of the correlation this Bible truth has with the next one!
5. Jesus died for my sins.
Kids need to know that they are sinners. If they never fully understand this, their view of who they are will be fatally flawed. The biblical truth of salvation ONLY through the cross is the reason kids, or any of us have any standing with Christ. We would all be much healthier people if we understand that we are truly nothing on our own and it is ONLY because of what Jesus did at Calvary that we have any worth.
It is after that truth sinks in that we can tell kids that God’s love for them was so great that He actually sent his Son to take their punishment! Death can be a scary topic for kids, but it’s important not to beat around the bush with this one. Since most people accept Christ between 4 and 14 years old, don’t miss this opportunity to share what Christ did with your kids so that they can know where they will be when they die. See John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.
6. Jesus rose from the grave.
1 Corinthians 15:14 says it best: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (NIV) We serve a living God, not a dead one. That is what sets our faith apart from so many religions in which the “prophets” and “leaders” passed away. Make sure your kids know this essential fact; it will help them stick the only true “religion”.
7. God loves me unconditionally.
In a day and age in which people give “love” only in order to get something in return, kids should understand that God loves them no matter what. Romans 5:8 says, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
8. Jesus is God.
Many sects and “religions” say that Jesus was just a good man or a prophet. Satan is bent on getting people to believe this lie, because if Jesus isn’t God, His sacrificial death for us would be meaningless.
This Bible truth in particular is one of the ones that can help kids understand why their faith is different from their friends’ beliefs. Many religious believe Jesus was a good man. Most religions do not claim the Bible truth that Jesus was God in human flesh.
Jesus called himself God when He said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:3, NIV). God also called Jesus God in Hebrews 1:8: “But about the Son he says,“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.” (NIV)
9. Only God decides what is right and wrong.
Humanism has pervaded our society deeply, and today’s young people have a skewed view of right and wrong. They are taught not to criticize anyone for doing “what they think is right.” We are living in a time similar to that described in Judges 17:6: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
10. Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Being a good person cannot get you into heaven. Nor can believing in Buddha or adhering to Islam. Teach your child to be respectful to people who do not believe in the Truth, but to understand that Jesus truly is the ONLY way, according to John 14:6 (“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” NIV)
11. Honoring my parents brings blessings. (a Bible truth with a benefit!)
This is probably your favorite truth to share with your kids, but their LEAST favorite! Instead of just saying, “you have to obey me, because the Bible says so,” tell your kids that this commandment comes with a reward! Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. (NASB).
12. God looks at my heart, not my appearance.
It’s so important for kids to know that God does not judge them the way the world does— by their looks. Share the story of David being chosen as king in 1 Samuel 16 with your kids, and be sure to show them verse 7: “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
13. Hard work brings rewards.
In an age of microwave dinners and get-rich-quick schemes, the work ethic of our children is lost somewhere between getting allowances every week from their parents and having their smartphones paid for them as teenagers. I’m not saying that paying things for your kids is wrong by any stretch, but parents (and Sunday School teachers) must also help kids learn the value of hard work as expressed in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.
14. I must put God first.
Making God your priority brings blessing. That means putting Him first with our money (tithing), our time, and our talents. God put us first when He gave His only Son to die for us. We have no way to pay Him back, but we can show Him our thankfulness by putting Him first. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (NKJV)
15. Human life is sacred.
No matter how many times they hear that women should be allowed to choose whether to keep a baby or not, kids need to know this Bible truth: God gives us life from the womb. Psalm 22:10 says, “…from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” Also share this verse to remind your kids to respect others and avoid violence: “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27 NLT)
16. Loving others brings blessings.
We live in a selfish world, but kids need to know that loving others, forgiving them, and taking care of them will bring amazing rewards. In addition, we should be kind to others because God is kind to us. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
17. Jesus is coming again.
If you think about the fact that Jesus could return at any moment, you’ll live your life to the fullest, as if every day could be your last. You won’t waste time with trivial matters, and you will serve God as much as possible before His coming. Share these passages when teaching about the Rapture: 1 Thessalonians 4, Titus 2:13, John 14:3.
18. Prayer is powerful!
It isn’t about saying some nice-sounding words over and over. Teach kids this powerful Bible truth.
Prayer is talking to God, and He actually responds!
John 14:14 says, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (NIV)
19. I can find peace in God.
That peace that everyone is looking for? It’s found in God. We all have a “God-shaped hole” that we try to fill with hobbies, people, or other things that make us happy for a short time and give us “peace”. However, there’s only one way to have real stability and peace even in the middle of hard times, and it’s by having a real relationship with our Creator.
20. It’s all about God, not about me!
Sigh…kids these days think that the world revolves around them! Ok, let’s admit it—we thought the same thing when we were kids. In any case, the Bible says that all creation exists by Him, through Him, because of Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16-17).
21. Obedience to God brings blessings.
This is one of the Bible’s big themes. Teach kids that God isn’t about ordering us around for no reason— He gives us instructions for our own good! (See Exodus 19:5 and John 15:14).
22. The Bible is not just any old book—it’s God’s Word!
That’s right, it’s not just a big book of stories. It contains practical things for every day life.
Yes, sometimes there are difficult words we have to figure out and there are complex ideas that need explaining. But that doesn’t mean the Bible is only for wise old adults.
Here’s a Bible truth about…the Bible!! (who would’ve thought! 🙂 )
The Bible is just as relevant and helpful for a kid as it is for adults!
It is a lamp, a sword, and a nutritious food. It’s a living, special book!
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
23. My body is a temple, not an object or an idol.
Don’t let your kids fall into the clutches of self-harm, or into the trap of vanity. God created our bodies to do good, not evil. Children need to understand this important Bible truth… their bodies are gifts from above. They need to be taken care of from an early age. See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
24. The safest place on earth is where God wants me to be.
God is in control. Nothing can happen to your child that the Lord does not allow. This is a comforting fact! Psalm 139: 9-10 proclaims, “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
25. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
A life worth living is a life lived for God. Tell your kids that accepting Christ as their Savior is more important than being accepted by the world, and that happiness, friendship, and love are more important than having possessions. Encourage your kids to do things that will give them rewards in heaven, such as obeying God, serving Him, serving others, and telling others about Jesus. Share Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (NIV)
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