[17] So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
(Romans 10:17 ESV)

     I echo the voice of all believing parents when I say that I want my kids to learn and understand God's word.  This can be an intimidating notion yet this pursuit of God's truth is something that I must be willing to display in my life as an example to my boys. 

     An encouraging book by Thabiti Anyabwile called "What Is A Healthy Church Member?" dedicates an entire chapter to push people to be expositional listeners.  To setup this point he first drives home the need for expositional preaching.  In this chapter Thabiti states:

     "If churches are to be healthy, then pastors and teachers must be committed to discovering the meaning of Scripture and allowing that meaning to drive the agenda with their congregation"

     In other words, understanding the context in which Scripture was written and the true intent of each passage is crucial.  Yet neglecting this critical approach to God's word is perhaps something that we've all been guilty of.  Shopping for a verse to justify an agenda or put the finishing touches on a sermon illustration can prove to be very unproductive.  This lazy mentality can result in a waste of time for the listener.  

     With that said, Thabiti continues by encouraging us to be expositional listeners. 

     "Expositional listening is listening for the meaning of a passage of Scripture and accepting that meaning as the main idea to be grasped for our personal and corporate lives as Christians."

     Anyabwile continues by saying that this approach:

1. Cultivates a hunger for God's word
2. Helps us to focus on God's will and to follow him 
3. Protects the gospel and our lives from corruption
4. Encourages faithful pastors
5. Benefits the gathered congregation

     This is one of the main reasons I have LOVED the Gospel Project curriculum for my boys.  I know that on Sunday morning they're going to learn God's word.  Over the past 6 weeks they have been taught some big concepts in the Bible.

     Our children's program puts my sons in a great position to soak up God's word.  They're presented with a Biblical concept, taught the scripture that teaches this concept, this scripture is reinforced through teaching illustrations and a video, and then they're sent home with a card for me to review the lesson and teach God's word to them again.

Here are some examples from a couple weeks ago:

No to mention, the new Gospel Project App keeps me in the loop!

     To say the least, I feel like I have a great asset to encourage a love and respect for God's word in my kids.  However, the biggest asset that they have should be ME.  They are my responsibility and will forever own the top 3 spots on my list of people to disciple.  Saturating their lives with biblical truth is a mountain I'm willing to climb even if I can't see the top. 

     The ingredients most necessary in discipling our kids? You, them, and a Bible.

     The official kid's Bible of The Journey is the ESV Children's Bible.

     The Journey Kids ministry team is eager to help disciple your kids and the ESV Children's Bible is a great tool for both parties to utilize.  We'd encourage you to pick one up.  I found a great used one on amazon.com for $10.

     Thabiti Anyabwile concludes his chapter on expositional listening by saying,

     "It is hearing the message and the Word of God that leads to saving faith (Romans 10:17).  Church members are healthy when they give themselves to hearing this message as a regular discipline.  Expositional listening promotes such health for individual members and entire church."

May we disciple our children well for the glory of Jesus!

Cody Parman