After we had Reuben sandwiches and a toss salad with cherry tomatoes and mandarin oranges, my family profited from this Bruce Ware quote and the chapter in which it is found.
Or think of it like this: because the Bible is what it is (it is the Word of God), it can do what it does (it is profitable to help us grow and be equipped for every good work). But if the Bible were not really the Word of God, we could not be sure that it would work in these positive ways to help us to grow. What the Bible is (the Word of God) enables it to do what it does (help us to grow).
Bruce Ware, Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God, “God Talks—The Bible is God’s True and Lasting Word,” page 23
This daisy-chained into our 11 year old Ben wanting to know how it is logically sound to say that the Bible is God’s Word because the Bible says it’s God’s Word. We talked about how if we used something else to prove the Bible, then what we used would be authoritative. For example, if we proved God’s Word scientifically, then science would be authoritative. Science supports the truth of God’s Word. But, our confidence in the Word of God is not predicated on scientific proof.
Rather, Scripture is the self-authenticating Word of God. When we prayerfully read the Bible, the Holy Spirit gives confidence that this is the very Word of God. There is no higher authority.
We didn’t answer all Ben’s questions. There were dishes to be done.
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As a family, we have a very simple approach with this book. We read the chapter together, briefly review it, share prayer requests, pray around the table, and sing one song. Ez-peezy-lemon-squeezy.
Go Ben!! ‘->
I am amazed by Ben’s thought process! How cool that he is mulling over these deep questions in his mind! And once again, I am reminded what great parents you and Jamie are! That quote is awesome! Do you think the book is written at a level that our kids could grasp (ages 9, 5, 3, and 1)? Obviously the one-year-old wouldn’t, but how about the others?
Chris, how long does it take for a chapter? We are doing our bible time in the morning because of Steve’s schedule. We have about 20 minutes, would this be enough time to do something like that?
I always love Ben’s questions. They are always thought provoking for me as well as for those around him. Thank you for sharing your parenting thoughts. I will take them and use them with-in our own family.
Steve and Sandy: plenty of time. I’ll bet it takes about 10 minutes to read it. But, if not, draw a line and come back the next day.
Stephanie, I think I would focus on Bible stories for a couple of years and come back to it.