Blog Posts
Children's Bible Classes: What's the Point?
It's Vacation Bible School week at Laurel Canyon and last night I got to spend 40 minutes with a room full of 2nd through 4th graders. I love VBS week because it gives me the chance to spend time in classrooms I don't usually get to visit.
Last night we were talking about covenants and I was trying to help those 7, 8, and 9-year-olds understand why the covenants we read about in the Bible are so important. God has made many promises to people throughout history and he always keeps his promises. In turn, God wants us to promise to love and serve him, and keep our promise.
So I asked the kids, "Why do we have Bible classes?" And I got ... blank stares ;-)
I told them I have a grandfather who lives in Missouri. His name is Raymond. Then I asked, "Can you make a promise to Raymond?" No. "Why?" Because they don't know Raymond. You can't make a promise to someone you don't know.
And there it is: the point of children's Bible classes and Vacation Bible School. It's not babysitting or board games. The point of getting children together in these settings is to help them get to know the God who makes and always keeps his promises. It's not silly skits and snack-time. The point of children's Bible classes is to help these children grow to the point of one day promising to love and serve this awesome God, and wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to keeping their promise.
One generation shall commend your works to another,
__ and shall declare your mighty acts. (Psa 145:4)
One generation helps the next generation know God and his mighty works, because you can't make a promise to someone you don't know.
I was reminded of that moment in last night's Bible class when I read Psalm 9:10 this morning.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
__ for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.
You will not know someone you do not seek. You will not trust someone you do not know. But the more you seek the LORD, the more you will come to know him. And the more you come to know him, the more you will learn that you can trust him.
What will you do to get to know him better today?
