As Christian parents, we understand how crucial it is to teach the Bible to our children. We want to incline their hearts to God’s Word as soon as they can communicate. But how do we effectively and clearly teach them scripture? This article explores several different ways you can teach fun Bible lessons for kids in ways that will capture their attention.
Fun Bible Lessons for Kids
With the right resources and tools, you can present Bible lessons to your children that are interesting, short, and interactive.
How to Teach Interesting Bible Lessons
The Bible is not boring, and children need to understand this. You can teach Bible lessons in a way that seizes their interest by using vivid words, appropriate body language, and an excited tone of voice.
How to Teach Quick Bible Lessons
Short on time? You can still teach a meaningful Bible lesson by focusing on the main idea of the lesson and listing brief, concise points.
Interactive Bible Lessons
Encourage your children to interact during Bible lessons. The most direct way to encourage interaction is to ask questions as you teach, but you can also do this by making a craft with them that reinforces the message. Or you can make an edible object lesson (i.e., a variety of fruits representing the fruit of the Spirit). You could also sing a song that goes along with the theme of the lesson.
Bible Object Lessons for Kids
Physical objects can help children understand biblical truths in a clearer way.
For instance, watching the sand drain through an hourglass can help children grasp the lesson of patience and waiting on God.
Kindness is something we all struggle to show others at times. Encourage your children to practice kindness by giving you or a sibling their favorite toy, book, or stuffed animal to borrow for a little while.
Forgiveness is releasing someone of an offense against us. You can illustrate this by writing on a piece of paper “mean words,” “anger,” or some other offense. Clutch the paper tightly against you. Then say, “I forgive you.” Stretch out your hand and release the paper, letting it fall to the floor. Teach your children that forgiveness chooses not to “pick up” the offense again.
Foundational Bible Lessons to Teach Your Kids
Several Bible stories serve as foundations for a biblical worldview and are crucial for understanding the gospel. The following stories can help your children get started on their faith journey.
Genesis 1: the account of creation
Theme: God is the creator of all things and all people.
Genesis 3: the account of Adam and Eve
Theme: Sin brings death
Genesis 22: the account of Abraham and Isaac
Theme: God will provide a substitute sacrifice for our sins.
Matthew 1: the account of Christ’s birth
Theme: Jesus was born to die for our sins.
John 20: the account of Jesus’ resurrection
Theme: Because Jesus rose from the dead, He has defeated death and sin once and for all.
Kids’ Bible Lessons with Parables and Analogies
Jesus used many parables and analogies to teach truths about Himself. Here are three examples you can use to teach your children.
1. The Light of the world.
In John 8:12-29 Jesus called Himself “the light of the world” that penetrates the darkness of sin. Jesus claimed to be the only source of salvation. He personally calls sinners to believe in the Light of salvation.
2. “I am the vine, you are the branches.”
This is another analogy in John 15:1-6 that Jesus used to illustrate our position as believers. Jesus has purposed to produce His fruit in us once we have trusted in Him for salvation. As we stay in close fellowship with Christ, rely on, and obey Him, He will be able to produce characteristics in us.
3. Running the race.
The writer of Hebrews used a race to help us understand the Christian life. Hebrews 12:1-2 exhorts believers to lay aside every weight that hinders us and every sin that entangles us. We must do this to run the course God has laid for us with endurance.
Kids’ Bible Lessons for Spiritual growth
You can also teach Bible lessons that will help your children grow spiritually. To start with, consider the following ideas.
Being a servant
John 13 probably gives the greatest account of Jesus as a servant. He was willing to humble Himself and perform the lowest, dirtiest household task of His day—washing dirty feet.
Having a clean heart
How can we daily cleanse our hearts and keep them from sin? Psalm 119:9 gives the answer: “By guarding it according to Your word.”
Learning forgiveness
Jesus is the ultimate example for us to follow in forgiving others. If we have been forgiven the overwhelming debt of our sin, how could we not forgive someone who commits a far smaller offense against us?
Bible Stories with Moral Lessons for Children
Although the Bible’s central theme is Jesus Christ and the gospel, it also contains many lessons that should guide our behavior. You can use several Bible accounts to teach your children how to live moral lives.
For example, the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10 teaches that we should help and show kindness to anyone in need, no matter how different they are from us.
The book of Jonah also provides a valuable moral lesson: the farther you try to run away from God, the harder you make life for yourself.
The account of Daniel in the lions’ den in Daniel 6 teaches that sometimes when we take a stand for God, it can put us in danger, but God is able to deliver us.
Homeschool Bible Lessons
Planning Bible lessons into your homeschool day is just as important as any other subject. Besides teaching vital Bible doctrines, they help shape your children’s character. Solid Bible teaching prepares them to view life from God’s perspective. It can also bring your children to an awareness of their sin and need of a Savior if they have not yet repented and put their faith in Jesus alone for salvation.
- Determine how many days a week you want to include Bible lessons. It could be every day or a few days during the week, depending on your scheduling needs.
- Then choose a time that works best for you, whether at the beginning of the school day, in the middle, or at the end.
- Finally, decide on a Bible curriculum best suited for your teaching needs.
Hands-on Bible Curriculum
If you’re unsure where to start, BJU Press is a great resource for a hands-on Bible curriculum. We offer Bible courses from elementary grades all the way through high school and include textbook and video lesson options. Your children will learn foundational Bible truths beginning in the Old Testament and continuing through the New Testament. They will also learn about the great themes of God’s love, redemption, and believers’ future glory. BJU Press has produced Bible modules for older students that explore subjects such as developing a biblical worldview, engaging in personal evangelism and discipleship, and studying the Bible.
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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.
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