How can we connect the dots of God’s story so that our kids understand what God has in store for us?
I can hardly believe we’ve journeyed through the entire Bible as a family this year. Don’t be mistaken, my children (ages 7 and 4) are no Biblical scholars (yet!) but we’ve laid a strong foundation by making faith building a priority in our home. When I told them we were about to sit down and watch the last episodes (besides the Christmas one, which of course we’ll be watching very soon), there was a mixture of excitement and sadness. But the beauty of What’s In The Bible is that we can return to any episode at any time to continue conversations surrounding a particular subject or book of the Bible. Man, I love this resource!
Perhaps the most exciting part of sitting down with What’s In The Bible? Volume 13: God’s Kingdom Comes was knowing that all the dots would be connected, in awesome What’s In The Bible style, so our kids could begin to understand what God has in store for us as Christians. I wasn’t prepared for my own emotional response when Phil and friends reviewed the Story from beginning to end in such a beautifully accessible and comprehensive way for believers of all ages. This journey has been about so much more than just the faith of my children. Walking through the Bible and hearing the Story, chronologically told, in such simple language has sparked something in my own heart. Now, more than ever, I feel a great passion to ensure my kids understand the Bible and build a faith that lasts.
What is God’s Kingdom Comes all about?
Key Concepts:
- General Epistles
- Faith
- Revelation
- Symbols
- New Heaven and New Earth
- Bible Review
What can we learn from the General Epistles and Revelation about the coming of God’s Kingdom?
Volume 13 begins with an overview of the General Epistles. In Hebrews we read about faith through reminders of faithful people we’ve learned about along our journey as well as receive a call to grow in belief of Jesus Christ and what he’s done for us.
The book of James encourages us to be doers of the word; to put our faith into action. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22 (ESV) We are reminded that following Jesus will change our lives, not because we are required by law to act a certain way but rather, because walking with Jesus and following the Holy Spirit will change how we live.
The letters continue as the guidebook for Christians, offering insight and instruction to living a life that is a sign we are following Christ. Each letter addresses real life issues we deal with today, all pointing back to the truth and fullness that comes with following Jesus.
I wasn’t sure how Revelation would translate to children but the What’s In The Bible gang did an incredible job making this tricky book accessible to even my four year old. Revelation tells us how the story ends. Though its visions and symbols sound completely crazy, with some thoughtful reflection, we can understand how God plans to restore his Kingdom.
Talking to our kids about the Kingdom and 4 more conversation starters:
1. Faith – Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” We cannot see everything we have read and learned about in the Bible but we believe by faith in God and his story. To have faith is to believe in who God is and what he has done for us. When we begin by having faith in God and the Bible, we then learn to have faith in every area of our lives, believing God will help us through each day. What is one thing you need to have faith in God for right now?
2. Suffering – The Bible does not promise us a perfect life when we become a follower of Jesus. But God does promise that he will be with us in our suffering. We receive peace and joy in the midst of our trials when we focus on God’s promises, like this one. Are you having a hard time right now with friends, school or in another area of your life? How can you find comfort in God’s promise to be with you always?
3. Hiding the Word in Our Hearts – The General Epistles (letters) as well as the Letters of Paul, include many instructions for living life as a follower of Jesus. Let’s look at these books and pull out a few verses to memorize. When we hide the Word in our hearts, we’ll remember what the Bible says to do in tough situations.
4. Symbols – A symbol is something that is used to represent something else. The book of Revelation is filled with word pictures or symbols. When reading through Revelation, it’s important to focus on what the images mean, rather than how crazy they sound. Each image in the word picture represents something God is trying to tell us through this book of the Bible.
5. The Kingdom in Full Bloom – Everything we’ve learned about God’s story in the Bible points to God’s Kingdom. The goal of God’s great rescue plan has always been to set the world right, the way he originally intended for it to be. There will be no sickness, sadness or suffering in the Kingdom. God’s Kingdom will be in full bloom when heaven and earth come together and all things are made new!
Our kids may not yet grasp this large idea of the Kingdom in full bloom but then again, many of them believe in the tooth fairy and watch talking animals and superheroes on TV most days. Now is the perfect time in their lives to build a faith in the supernatural. Before the world tries to tell them it’s too crazy or unbelievable, we have the privilege, as parents, of laying a foundation of faith in the impossible.
Have you watched What’s In The Bible Volume 13: God’s Kingdom Comes with your family? What have you been learning or discussing about God’s Kingdom?
Jessica Wolstenholm is co-founder of Grace for Moms. After 15 years in the music and publishing industries, Jessica came home to be with her two small children. Although the transition from the corporate world to the playground has been an adjustment, she is learning every day to access the grace available to us through Christ as she navigates the full time job of motherhood. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey Through Baby’s First Year. Jessica lives in Nolensville, TN with her husband, Dave and two miracle babies, Hope (6) and Joshua (3).
