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Paul writes in Romans: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? … Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

These scriptures inspired us to try a children’s inductive Bible study. Each week for 18 months our children have gone directly to God’s word to see what God has to say to them. What an amazing journey!

9 chapters. 372 verses. 188 sword drills. 25 named people (from John the Baptist to Jesus to Jarius to Judas to Herod). 43 un-named people (the four friends who lowered the man through the roof, the bleeding woman, John’s disciples, the demonized man in the cave). Jesus mentioned 551 times!!! We highlighted every single one!

We found 6 names for God the Father – Father, God, LORD, God of Israel, the Most High God, and Lord. 2 names for the Holy Spirit – Holy Spirit, Voice. And 17 names for Jesus – Son of Man, Son of David, Teacher, This Man, Son of the Most High, the Carpenter, Brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon, Son of Mary, Rabbi, Son of God, Lamb of God, Jesus of Nazareth, Christ, Anointed One, Messiah, Dearly Loved Son, Word, Holy One of God.

Just a couple weeks ago in chapter 9, we discovered that Jesus “wrote” the Bible song “Be Careful Little Hands what you Do” – only he was rather violent about it (if your hand causes you to sin…)
It was exciting to see the kids learn to look at what the scripture says. Then identify questions – what does blasphemy mean? Why did they need to wash their hands? Then look for the truths being revealed – sin is bad. God sees people’s hearts. And then see how to respond – When we are confused, look for answers in the Bible. Cut the sin out of your life. We saw over and over how much Jesus loves people.

We are so proud of the kids for coming back week after week – we had as few as one – and it was a good study. We had as many as 10 – and it was energetic! We were blessed by parents and older siblings joining in as mentors.

• Here are some of the truths and applications:
• Sometimes healing is immediate. Sometimes it’s a process.
• Jesus is the Son of God.
• When you have a question, ask Jesus – but ask sincerely not to trick him.
• Pray for a gentle heart.
• Pray to be fertile soil.
• Pray for open eyes.
• Ask for faith.
• Jesus has minions – and minions obey him. We can be his minions. We can obey God.
• When you obey, you can expect problems.
• Talk to God. Listen to God. Make prayer a priority.
• Focus on Jesus. We can get confused or lost if we take our eyes off him.
• Believe the good news.
• Jesus cares. Jesus is awake.
• Jesus makes time for people who need him.
• Things we don’t understand can make us afraid. Keep trying to understand.
• Trust – do not be afraid.
• Come when Jesus calls. Even people Jesus calls have faults.
• Don’t argue about status.
• Remember. Repent. Repeat.

The Lord, willing, next year we will finish chapters 10 through 16! Send your kids! Come yourself and visit! It’s an amazing experience.