Dear families,

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul points out that Scripture is enough for us. It is our source for godliness and our final authority in matters pertaining to doctrine. The confessions of every Protestant denomination affirm the sufficiency of Scripture.

Why does this matter for kids? We need to teach our kids that even though the Bible may not mention everything in life, it mentions everything we need to know about God, His plan to save us, and how we can live a holy life to please Him. It is important in a world that has become increasingly hostile to the Bible that we teach our kids the value of reading it and applying it to our lives daily. 

What is important for us to remember and for kids to know about the Bible?

1. The Bible is how God speaks to us. The words of the Bible are not like any other document on earth. They are the way God chose to tell us what He is like. 
2. The Bible is about God and for us. One common misunderstanding about the Bible is that the Bible is about us. As we are reminded each week in our Christ connection, the Bible is about Jesus, but it is for us. It is how we can understand, apply, and teach others what God is like. 
3. The Bible is how we can know how to love God and live for God. God speaks to us through His Word, shows us what He is like, and tells us how life works best and how we can live for Him in the world He has made for us. 

Take a moment to thank God for the Bible as you prepare to show your kids the beauty of Christ in the pages of Scripture. Paul told Timothy that all of the Bible is important for us to grow and to know. This is just as true for kids. The question is not what parts of the Bible we should teach kids but how we should teach all of the Bible to kids.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Paul wrote to teach Timothy how to live for God. The Bible tells us about God’s plan for people to have forgiveness through His Son, Jesus. Jesus obeyed God’s Word perfectly. We can follow Jesus’ example to read, believe, and obey the Bible as we live for God’s glory.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• What is the Bible? The Bible is God’s Word that tells us what is true about God and ourselves. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. Psalm 77:14

** Next week: God Defeated Jericho (Joshua 2; 6)