|
|
The Resource of the Month
Hello Grace Family! Last month we launched something new: the Resource of the Month. The initial response was very positive, and I am excited to share the next hand-picked resource with you. This month's Resource of the Month is something for children, parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents! It's The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung, and its companion, "The Biggest Story" podcast by Crossway. |
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
Written by Pastor Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by Don Clark, and published by Crossway, The Biggest Story Bible Storybook is not your average children's Bible. Most children's Bibles focus solely on moralistic messages. For example, the story of Jacob and Esau becomes "Don't be mean to your siblings." The story of Ruth becomes "Make sure you honor your parents, like Ruth honored Naomi." The story of David becomes "You've got to be courageous like David." To be sure, scripture contains good, moral messages. But if you stop there, you miss the whole point of the Bible. After Jesus' resurrection, he was walking with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walked, he showed them the key to unlocking the meaning of the Bible: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:47 ESV). The Bible is the story of God's plan to redeem humanity and the world he created through his Son, Jesus Christ. If we teach children the moral lessons alone, but never point to the redemptive narrative of scripture, we don't really teach them God's plan of salvation. The Biggest Story Bible Storybook is the best children's Bible I've seen for teaching children the redemptive storyline of the Bible. From beginning to end, it teaches children to look and long for The Snakecrusher (see Genesis 3:15), who is Jesus. It teaches them of their need for a Savior. It teaches them of God's plan to save. In addition to the book, Crossway has produced a companion podcast. Each 8-9 minute eposide follows one chapter from the Book and includes a brief explanation, memory verse, and prayer. If sitting down to read together is a challenge, consider putting this on in the car. We often listen to an episode on our way home from school. |
Thank You!
Thank you for reading the March Resource of the Month email! If you have any questions about this resource, please reach out. You can email me at tom@gracestamford.org. Look for our next recommended resource in April. Sincerely, your brother in Christ, Tom Hansen, Senior Pastor |