The ABC’s of Teaching Your Kids the Bible

In this three-week series, we’ll explore practical ways to teach our kids the Bible with confidence and joy. From shaping our attitude to engaging in daily discussions, the ABC’s—Attitude, Book, Challenge, Discuss, Engage, and Focus—will help us nurture a lasting love for God’s Word in our children.

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Teaching Kids to Love Reading the Bible: The ABCs of Biblical Instruction

Teaching our kids to enjoy reading the Bible can feel overwhelming. At times, we ourselves struggle with understanding Scripture, and we may hesitate to introduce certain stories to our children. The themes of sacrifice, judgment, and warfare may seem too heavy for young minds. However, take heart, dear parents! You are not alone in these feelings. God has entrusted you with the privilege of raising your children, and He will equip you with wisdom and clarity. In this three-part series, we will explore the ABCs of teaching kids the Bible. Today, we begin with A: Attitude.

A is for Attitude

The first and most important step in teaching our kids the Bible is to examine our own attitude toward it. This is not about shame or guilt, but rather a self-check. Do our children see us reading and enjoying the Bible? Do they witness our enthusiasm for God’s Word? Our kids learn by example, and they will mirror our love (or lack thereof) for Scripture.

Growing up, I saw my mother’s deep love for the Bible. Every morning, I would wake up to the soft glow of her bedside lamp as she read her well-worn Bible, filled with notes and highlights. She didn’t just read the Bible; she lived it. She talked about God’s provisions in daily life and made His presence known in both mundane and extraordinary moments. Her devotion was a living testament to Deuteronomy 6:4-9:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

The Hebrew word for “impress” in verse 7 is shinan (שנן), which means “to sharpen” or “to engrave.” Just as one engraves words into stone so they are never erased, we must impress God’s Word upon our children’s hearts with the same permanence.

The Power of Parental Influence

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Let us from the beginning mingle the name of Jesus with their ABCs. Let them read their first lessons from the Bible.” Our children absorb our attitudes and beliefs by simply observing us. If we want them to love and understand the Bible, we must demonstrate its value through our own habits. However, take heart—you are responsible for the process, not the product. Our job is to consistently share and model faith, trusting that God will shape their hearts in His timing.

B is for Book: Choosing a Book of the Bible

One of the best ways to introduce the Bible to our children is by choosing a specific book to read together. Many kids today struggle with biblical literacy, often knowing individual verses but lacking an understanding of their context.

To help them, we can:

  1. Explain the Author – Who wrote the book?
  2. Describe the Setting – What was happening in history at that time?
  3. Provide a Map – Where did these events take place?
  4. Identify the Genre – Is it history, poetry, prophecy, or an epistle?

This approach mirrors the way schools introduce literature—by first providing background information. Understanding the context helps children grasp the depth and meaning of Scripture.

The Bible is more than a collection of stories; it is a library of divinely inspired books, each with its own genre and purpose. Teaching children this perspective helps them appreciate the Bible’s complexity and relevance.

David Mitchell, in his article “Hang on, why should we read the Bible in context?”, emphasizes:

“The Bible is a serious and intentional text… written to convey information and change people’s behavior. It always needs to be understood according to its context.”

C is for Consistency: Making Bible Reading a Habit

Consistency is key when it comes to teaching our children the Bible. Here are some practical ways to make Bible reading a natural part of everyday life:

  • Set a Routine: Read a passage together at breakfast or bedtime.
  • Make It Engaging: Use age-appropriate Bible translations, illustrated Bibles, or dramatized audio versions.
  • Encourage Discussion: Ask open-ended questions about the story and its meaning.
  • Pray Together: Connect Scripture to real-life application through prayer.

Trusting God in the Process

You may sometimes feel unequipped or overwhelmed, but rest assured—God has not forgotten you. He who names the stars also knows your heart and will guide you in leading your children to Him.

As Charles Spurgeon once said, “You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so: he who counts the stars, and calls them by their names, is in no danger of forgetting his own children.”

Approach God with confidence, embrace the process, and delight in the privilege of teaching your children His Word. The seeds you plant today will bear fruit in His perfect timing.

Talking Points:
  • God has entrusted parents, not just the church, with the responsibility of impressing His Word on their children’s hearts. Today we’ll look at the ABC’s of teaching your kids to love the Bible.

  • A is for Attitude – If we model a genuine love for God’s Word in our daily lives, our children will be more likely to develop the same passion. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

  • B is for Book – Choose a specific book of the Bible to read with your kids and provide context, including the author, setting, and genre. Understanding the Bible as a library of different writings helps children grasp its deeper meaning.

  • C is for Consistency – Building a habit of regular Bible reading through routines, discussions, and prayer makes Scripture a natural and engaging part of a child’s life.

  • Parents are responsible for guiding their children in faith, but ultimately, God shapes their hearts. Trust in His timing and plan, knowing that He equips and strengthens those He calls to teach His Word.
Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Share a time in your life when you felt overwhelmed about teaching your kids how to read the Bible. How did this impact your view of the Bible? 
  3. Why do you think our attitude is a key component in teaching our kids how to read the Bible? 
  4. Is there someone in your life who inspired you to read the Bible? Describe to the group how they inspired you.
  5. Describe some ways you can inspire your kids to love reading the Bible.
  6. What book of the Bible would you choose to read with your kids first? Explain to the group why you would choose this book.
  7. Explain the importance of Biblical context and how this will help your kids understand the Bible.
  8. What is one thing you’re taking away from today’s conversation? 
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Challenge: The Power of Memorizing Scripture

The Power of Memorization

Chuck Swindoll, in Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life (1994), wrote:

“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified.”

Why Memorize Scripture?

Charles Spurgeon once said: “The Bible in the memory is better than the Bible in the bookcase.”

Psalm 119:11 tells us:

“I have hidden (treasured) your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

The Hebrew word for treasured is sapan (sa-Fan), which means to hide away, keep in safe keeping, cherish as a personal treasure, store away, conceal, and protect. Memorizing Scripture is not just reading—it is storing up God’s truth in our hearts so it remains with us in every season of life.

Biblical Command to Memorize Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

We are called to engrave God’s Word on our children’s hearts. Memorization is one of the most effective ways to do this.

Personal Testimony: A Lasting Impact

When I was five, an elderly woman at church challenged me to memorize Psalm 23, offering a small prize. At the time, I was motivated by the reward, but decades later, I still have Psalm 23 memorized. The coloring book and Hello Kitty wallet I received as a prize are long gone, but God’s Word has remained.

Parents, we often hesitate to challenge our kids with memorization, fearing it may be too difficult or that they might memorize for the wrong reasons. But God’s Word is alive and active and will not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Encourage your kids to take on the challenge, knowing that Scripture will stay with them for a lifetime.

Helpful Tips for Memorizing Scripture

Glenna Marshall, in her book Memorizing Scripture, provides practical tips for memorization:

  1. Write It Out – Print the verse on an index card and place it where you’ll see it daily (bathroom mirror, fridge, etc.).
  2. Repetition Matters – Say the first phrase out loud 10 times, then build on it by repeating the whole verse 2-3 times.
  3. Attach It to a Daily Task – Recite verses while doing daily chores. Parents can do this while washing dishes; kids can do it while brushing their teeth or making their beds.
  4. Use Music – Listen to Scripture-based songs. Psalty the Singing Songbook (available on YouTube) is a great example. When kids hear verses in song form, they are more likely to retain them.
  5. Memorize Together – Work on verses alongside your children, holding each other accountable.

Practical Application: Psalm 1 Memorization Plan

Instead of memorizing an entire passage at once, break it down verse by verse each week:

Week 1: Psalm 1:1

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.”

  • Write out the verse and post it in visible places.
  • Say “Blessed is the man” multiple times while completing a daily task.
  • For younger children, use pictures or symbols to help them visualize key words.

Remember, memorization is about the journey, not just the destination. Meditating on Scripture transforms and renews our minds (Romans 12:2).

Discuss: Encouraging Open Conversations About Scripture

It is crucial to create a safe space for our kids to discuss Scripture and ask questions. Encouraging open discussions fosters deeper faith and allows children to process doubts in a healthy way.

Growing up, I didn’t have a space to ask questions about the Bible. Doubts were often seen as a weakness of faith, but I later realized that questioning can lead to greater understanding and trust in God. When I began teaching middle school Bible classes, I encountered students with tough, thoughtful questions about Scripture. Instead of dismissing them, I dug deeper into apologetics and realized that doubts are normal—what matters is how we handle them.

David Kinnaman, in his book You Lost Me, emphasizes:

“Unexpressed doubt is one of the most powerful destroyers of faith.”

To foster an environment where our kids feel safe to express their doubts:

  1. Listen Without Judgment – Let your child freely express their thoughts and concerns.
  2. Answer Thoughtfully – If you don’t have an answer, research together.
  3. Recognize Different Types of Doubt:
    • Intellectual Doubt – Questions about God’s existence and the Bible’s reliability.
    • Emotional Doubt – Doubts influenced by personal experiences, such as unanswered prayers.
    • Moral Doubt – When personal desires conflict with biblical teachings.
  4. Point to Evidence – Show how God has proven faithful in Scripture and in our lives.

When John the Baptist had doubts about Jesus, Jesus responded by pointing to evidence (Matthew 11:2-6). We should do the same for our children—guiding them with grace, truth, and patience.

Encouragement for Parents

Chuck Swindoll reminds us:

“Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper. Your faith will be solidified.”

God has designed our minds to memorize. Approach Scripture memorization with confidence, knowing that you and your children can do this. His Word will transform your heart and mind as you meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2).

Be encouraged, my friends—take on the challenge today!

Talking Points:

  • Challenging our kids to memorize Scripture is a vital step in fostering a genuine love for God’s Word. By committing verses to memory, they internalize biblical truths that will guide them throughout their lives.

  • The habit of memorizing verses trains our kids to meditate on God’s word and cherish it. It allows them to recall His promises in times of need and strengthens their faith.

  • Creating a safe space for kids to ask questions about God and the Bible builds their confidence. When kids know their doubts are welcome and can be discussed openly, they are more likely to seek and embrace truth.

  • Doubts aren’t a sign of weak faith—how we handle them matters. Teaching kids to process their doubts in a supportive, biblically grounded way encourages spiritual growth and a deeper trust in God.

Discussion:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?

  2. Share about a time in your life when you were challenged to memorize verses. What verse did you memorize? How did this experience impact you?

  3. The Hebrew word for treasure is “sapan”, which means to hide away, keep in safe keeping, cherish as personal treasure, and protect. How does Bible memorization help keep God’s Word secure in our hearts and lives?

  4. Have you ever felt discouraged when trying to memorize Bible verses? What were the challenges, and how did they affect your motivation?

  5. What are some helpful strategies for effectively memorizing Scripture?

  6. Why is it crucial to create a safe space for kids to ask questions and share their doubts about faith? Describe some ways you can help create this space.

  7. David Kinnaman once said, “I believe unexpressed doubt is one of the most powerful destroyers of faith.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

  8. The three categories of doubt are intellectual, emotional, and moral. Which type do you think most kids struggle with? How can you support and guide children who experience doubts about God and the Bible?

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Engaging Your Kids Daily in Discussions About God

Teaching kids about the Bible isn’t just about reading Scripture; it’s about creating an environment where God is naturally part of their daily lives. In our journey through the ABC’s of teaching the Bible to our children, we’ve covered the importance of challenging kids to memorize Scripture and fostering open discussions about faith. Today, we focus on the next key principle: Engaging our kids daily in conversations about God.

E – Engage: Making God a Daily Topic

Engaging your kids in daily conversations about God might seem like an obvious principle, but it is as vital as any other step in fostering a strong biblical foundation. When we talk about God daily, we make His presence known in our children’s lives beyond just Sundays or Bible study nights. These discussions help normalize faith and show that God is present in every aspect of life.

A personal example comes from my own mother, who raised four kids on a single income. Despite the challenges, she constantly pointed to God’s provision in our everyday circumstances. I remember one specific time when we lacked an essential ingredient for dinner—corn tortillas for flautas. My mom prayed and trusted that God would provide. Moments later, a neighbor knocked on our door, offering frozen tortillas they no longer needed. This moment reinforced my mother’s unwavering faith and became a teachable moment for me—God provides for our needs in the most unexpected ways.

By engaging our kids in discussions about God daily, we help them understand that He is not distant or only found in the pages of Scripture. He is involved in their lives, guiding them, providing for them, and listening to their prayers. If you feel uncomfortable initiating these conversations, don’t be discouraged. God has equipped you for this role. Start by praying with your kids about specific needs, and when those prayers are answered, point it out to them. Something as simple as thanking God for safe travels or praying together before a big decision reinforces His presence in their lives.

F – Focus on the Character of God

One of the most significant mindset shifts we can make in reading the Bible with our kids is to move from asking, “What does this passage mean to me?” to “What does this passage reveal about the character of God?” Too often, we approach Scripture looking for ourselves rather than looking for God. When we focus on His attributes—His faithfulness, provision, justice, and love—we help our children develop a more profound and accurate understanding of who He is.

Dan Kimball, in his book How NOT to Read the Bible, highlights this perspective. He quotes Dr. John Walton, who states, “The Bible was written for us, but not to us.” The Bible was written to specific people in ancient cultures, and when we try to read it solely through a modern lens, it can lead to misunderstandings. Teaching our kids to read the Bible with an awareness of its original context while focusing on God’s character will help them grasp its deeper truths.

When kids develop the habit of looking for God’s character in Scripture, it transforms the way they engage with the Bible. Instead of viewing it as a self-help book or a collection of moral stories, they begin to see it as a revelation of who God is. This shift is crucial because it builds a faith that is not rooted in personal experiences alone but in the unwavering truth of God’s nature. Encouraging this perspective helps children understand difficult passages and grow in a faith that is anchored in the trustworthiness of God.

The Reality of the Next Generation

Studies show that only 4% of Gen Z has a biblical worldview. While this statistic may seem discouraging, it also presents a powerful opportunity for parents to change the trajectory of the next generation. By consistently engaging our kids in conversations about God and helping them focus on His character, we can strengthen their faith and worldview.

The ABCs of Teaching Kids the Bible:

  • A – Attitude: Model a positive attitude toward Scripture.
  • B – Book: Choose a book of the Bible and read it together.
  • C – Challenge: Memorize Scripture as a family.
  • D – Discuss: Create a safe space for questions and doubts.
  • E – Engage: Talk about God daily and in all circumstances.
  • F – Focus: Look for God’s character in Scripture.

Let’s be intentional in making God a central part of our children’s daily lives.

Key Scriptures:

Psalm 139:1-10 – Reminds us that God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.

Colossians 3:15-17 – Encourages us to let the message of Christ dwell among us richly as we teach and admonish one another.

Talking Points:
  • Engaging our kids daily in discussions about God creates an awareness of His presence in their lives. The more we incorporate conversations about God into everyday life, the more our children will recognize His involvement in their circumstances. This helps them build trust and reliance on Him.
  • Psalm 139:1-10 reminds us of God’s involvement in our lives and His care for us. This passage illustrates that there is no place where God is not present. He sees, knows, and loves us, and this truth should shape how we live and teach our kids.
  • Shifting our mindset from “What does this verse mean to me?” to “What does this verse reveal about God’s character?” helps us grasp Scripture more deeply. This approach encourages kids to see the Bible as a revelation of God’s nature rather than just a guidebook for personal life improvement. It builds a faith that is centered on knowing God rather than seeking personal benefits.
Discussion Questions:
  1. Read the talking points above as a group. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the podcast lesson (see audio above)?
  2. Describe whether you think it will be challenging to have daily discussions about God with your kids. If you’re already having these daily conversations, share with the group how you approach it.
  3. Why is it important for kids to hear about God outside of church and Bible programs?
  4. Read Psalm 139:1-10. How does this passage describe God’s presence in our lives?
  5. Why is it helpful to shift our focus from “What does this passage mean to me?” to “What does this passage reveal about the character of God?”
  6. Dan Kimball states, “The Bible was written for us, but not to us.” Why is this important for us to understand?
  7. Does it surprise you that only 4% of Gen Z has a biblical worldview? Why or why not?
  8. What is your biggest takeaway from this series?

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