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Teach Your Kids the Bible and Christian History

Church History Books Worth Selling Your Silverware For

September 6, 2022 By Danika 3 Comments

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Church history books for kids worth selling your silverware for. (But you won’t need to!) Your 9-14 year olds will love these engaging books.


Church History Books for Kids

Ok, first of all, don’t come to me if you choose to sell your silverware to buy these books. That said, it’d be worth it. They’re that good.

Church History Books for Kids

Mindy and Brandon Withrow’s “History Lives” series (Christian Focus 4 Kids), aimed at 9 to 14-year-olds, covers the history of the Christian Church in 5 volumes.


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There are short, narrative stories (one chapter each) that tell the stories of important Church/Christian figures in chronological order. Shorter chapters punctuate the narratives to explain important concepts and events, such as persecution or the Nicene Council.

Over the years, we read through the History Lives series twice. The boys and I started with Peril and Peace. I read it aloud to my 1st and 2nd graders and we were hooked!

Because the books are in chronological order, they’re easy to coordinate with a history curriculum. The chapters themselves are complete narrative biographies, or they are instructive on one topic, so these would also be perfect for bedtime reading or devotions.


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The Withrows do an excellent job of both covering the information and writing the stories in an engaging and interesting manner. Honestly, I think these books are wonderful reading for any adult new to Church history!


When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther for your teens.


Church History for Children

There are five volumes in the series:

  • Peace and Peril, Volume 1: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (3BC – 550 AD)
  • Monks and Mystics, Volume 2:  Chronicles of the Medieval Church (550 – 1500AD)
  • Courage and Conviction, Volume 3:  Chronicles of the Reformation Church (1500 – 1700AD)
  • Hearts and Hands, Volume 4:  Chronicles of the Awakening Church  (1700 – 1860AD)
  • Rescue and Redeem, Volume 5:  Chronicles of the Modern Church (1860AD – tomorrow)

That’s it, folks. These Church history books for kids are awesome. I have impeccable taste. Get shopping.

The really good news? They’re an incredibly reasonable price. You won’t even need to sell your silverware!


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Purchase the Best Church History Books 

Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (History Lives series)Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (History Lives series)Peril and Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church (History Lives series)Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives series)Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives series)Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives series)Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church (History Lives series)Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church (History Lives series)Courage and Conviction: Chronicles of the Reformation Church (History Lives series)Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)Hearts and Hands: Chronicles of the Awakening Church (History Lives series)Rescue and Redeem: Volume 5: Chronicles of the Modern Church (History Lives)Rescue and Redeem: Volume 5: Chronicles of the Modern Church (History Lives)Rescue and Redeem: Volume 5: Chronicles of the Modern Church (History Lives)


Great History Books for Your Kids

Our family loves the Christian Focus Trail Blazers books. They’re perfect for ages 7-14. We read them as we studied history! Check them out.

Eric Liddell: Finish the RaceEric Liddell: Finish the RaceEric Liddell: Finish the RaceJohn Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s Court (Trail Blazers)John Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s Court John Chrysostom: The Preacher in the Emperor’s Court (Trail Blazers)Samuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the Scribe (Trail Blazers)Samuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the ScribeSamuel Rutherford: The Law, the Prince and the Scribe (Trail Blazers)Francis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the World (Trail Blazers)Francis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the World Francis & Edith Schaeffer: Taking on the World (Trail Blazers)Titanic: The Ship of Dreams (Torchbearers)Titanic: The Ship of Dreams Titanic: The Ship of Dreams (Torchbearers)William Tyndale: The Smuggler’s Flame (Trail Blazers)William Tyndale: The Smuggler’s Flame William Tyndale: The Smuggler’s Flame (Trail Blazers)Wilfred Grenfell: Courageous Doctor (Trail Blazers)Wilfred Grenfell: Courageous Doctor Wilfred Grenfell: Courageous Doctor (Trail Blazers)Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel (Trail Blazers)Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the WheelDietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel (Trail Blazers)Elisabeth Elliot: Do the Next Thing (Trail Blazers)Elisabeth Elliot: Do the Next Thing Elisabeth Elliot: Do the Next Thing (Trail Blazers)Betty Greene: Courage Has Wings (Trail Blazers)Betty Greene: Courage Has Wings Betty Greene: Courage Has Wings (Trail Blazers)Ulrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior: TrailblazersUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd WarriorUlrich Zwingli: Shepherd Warrior: TrailblazersLilias Trotter: Daring in the Desert (Trailblazers)Lilias Trotter: Daring in the Desert Lilias Trotter: Daring in the Desert (Trailblazers)Isobel Kuhn: Lights in Lisuland (Trail Blazers)Isobel Kuhn: Lights in Lisuland Isobel Kuhn: Lights in Lisuland (Trail Blazers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Torchbearers)Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool Jim Elliot: He Is No Fool (Torchbearers)George Müller: The Children's Champion (Trail Blazers)George Müller: The Children’s Champion George Müller: The Children's Champion (Trail Blazers)Adoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of Gold (Trail Blazers)Adoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of Gold Adoniram Judson: Danger on the Streets of Gold (Trail Blazers)Patricia St. John: The Story Behind the Stories (Trail Blazers)Patricia St. John: The Story Behind the Stories Patricia St. John: The Story Behind the Stories (Trail Blazers)Helen Roseveare: On His Majesty's Service (Trailblazers)Helen Roseveare: On His Majesty’s Service Helen Roseveare: On His Majesty's Service (Trailblazers)John Newton: A Slave Set Free (Trail Blazers)John Newton: A Slave Set Free John Newton: A Slave Set Free (Trail Blazers)John Calvin: After Darkness Light (Trail Blazers)John Calvin: After Darkness Light John Calvin: After Darkness Light (Trail Blazers)John Knox: The Sharpened Sword (Trail Blazers)John Knox: The Sharpened Sword John Knox: The Sharpened Sword (Trail Blazers)Billy Graham: Just get up out of your Seat (Trail Blazers)Billy Graham: Just get up out of your SeatBilly Graham: Just get up out of your Seat (Trail Blazers)Richard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the Dark (Trail Blazers)Richard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the Dark Richard Wurmbrand: A Voice in the Dark (Trail Blazers)Mary Slessor: Servant to the Slave (Trail Blazers)Mary Slessor: Servant to the Slave Mary Slessor: Servant to the Slave (Trail Blazers)Joni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the Tide (Trail Blazers)Joni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the Tide Joni Eareckson Tada: Swimming Against the Tide (Trail Blazers)Hudson Taylor: An Adventure Begins (Trail Blazers)Hudson Taylor: An Adventure BeginsHudson Taylor: An Adventure Begins (Trail Blazers)Augustine: The Truth Seeker: TrailblazersAugustine: The Truth SeekerAugustine: The Truth Seeker: TrailblazersPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who Forgave: Trailblazers SeriesPatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who ForgavePatrick of Ireland: The Boy Who Forgave: Trailblazers SeriesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesBrother Andrew: Behind Enemy LinesLottie Moon: Changing China for Christ (Trail Blazers)Lottie Moon: Changing China for Christ Lottie Moon: Changing China for Christ (Trail Blazers)D L Moody: One Devoted ManD L Moody: One Devoted ManD L Moody: One Devoted ManNate Saint: Operation Auca (Torchbearers)Nate Saint: Operation Auca Nate Saint: Operation Auca (Torchbearers)John Welch: The Man Who Couldn't Be Stopped (Trail Blazers)John Welch: The Man Who Couldn’t Be StoppedJohn Welch: The Man Who Couldn't Be Stopped (Trail Blazers)Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo (Trail Blazers)Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo (Trail Blazers)William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter (Trail Blazers)William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter William Wilberforce: The Freedom Fighter (Trail Blazers)C. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesC. S. Lewis: The Story Teller: Trailblazers SeriesJonathan Edwards: America's Genius (Trail Blazers)Jonathan Edwards: America’s GeniusJonathan Edwards: America's Genius (Trail Blazers)Charles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers (Trail Blazers)Charles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers Charles Spurgeon: Prince of Preachers (Trail Blazers)George Müller: The Children's Champion (Trail Blazers)George Müller: The Children’s Champion George Müller: The Children's Champion (Trail Blazers)George Whitefield: Voice That Woke the World (Trail Blazers)George Whitefield: Voice That Woke the WorldGeorge Whitefield: Voice That Woke the World (Trail Blazers)Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's Daughter (Trail Blazers)Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s Daughter Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's Daughter (Trail Blazers)Amy Carmichael: Rescuer By Night (Trail Blazers)Amy Carmichael: Rescuer By NightAmy Carmichael: Rescuer By Night (Trail Blazers)Mary of Orange: At the Mercy of Kings (Trail Blazers)Mary of Orange: At the Mercy of KingsMary of Orange: At the Mercy of Kings (Trail Blazers)Martyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to Westminster (Trail Blazers)Martyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to WestminsterMartyn Lloyd-Jones: From Wales to Westminster (Trail Blazers)Hannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop Writing (Trail Blazers)Hannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn’t Stop Writing Hannah More: The Woman Who Wouldn't Stop Writing (Trail Blazers)Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's Song (Trail Blazers)Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl’s Song Fanny Crosby: The Blind Girl's Song (Trail Blazers)Paul Brand: The Shoes That Love Made (Trail Blazers)Paul Brand: The Shoes That Love MadePaul Brand: The Shoes That Love Made (Trail Blazers)Frances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved Mountains (Trail Blazers)Frances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved Mountains Frances Ridley Havergal: The Girl Who Loved Mountains (Trail Blazers)Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's Daughter (Trail Blazers)Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker’s Daughter Corrie Ten Boom: The Watchmaker's Daughter (Trail Blazers)Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High (Trail Blazers)Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High Gladys Aylward: No Mountain Too High (Trail Blazers)John Bunyan: Journey of a Pilgrim (Trail Blazers)John Bunyan: Journey of a PilgrimJohn Bunyan: Journey of a Pilgrim (Trail Blazers)David Brainerd: A Love for the Lost (Trail Blazers)David Brainerd: A Love for the Lost David Brainerd: A Love for the Lost (Trail Blazers)John G. Paton: South Sea Island Rescue (Trail Blazers)John G. Paton: South Sea Island RescueJohn G. Paton: South Sea Island Rescue (Trail Blazers)Billy Bray: Saved From the Deepest Pit (Trail Blazers)Billy Bray: Saved From the Deepest Pit Billy Bray: Saved From the Deepest Pit (Trail Blazers)John Stott: The Humble Leader (Trail Blazers)John Stott: The Humble LeaderJohn Stott: The Humble Leader (Trail Blazers)Bill Bright: Dare to be Different (Trail Blazers)Bill Bright: Dare to be Different Bill Bright: Dare to be Different (Trail Blazers)


MARTIN LUTHER AND THE REFORMATION

Teach your teens about Martin Luther and the Reformation in an exciting, new way with When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther!

Martin Luther (1483-1546) is often referred to as “The Father of the Reformation”. Born during a time of superstition, tradition, and spiritual corruption, Luther gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer to become a monk in the Roman Catholic Church–a path he felt would certainly lead to salvation.

As Luther’s understanding of the spiritual corruption within the Church grew, and he despaired of true salvation, Luther (now a scholar and priest) sought the Bible for answers. Following his discovery of the true gospel in Scripture, Luther began to preach spiritual freedom to his congregation, and to teach biblical (rather than philosophical) theology at the University of Wittenberg.

It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther penned his Ninety-Five Theses in Latin in response to the abusive indulgence sales practices of the monk Johann Tetzel in a nearby town. Luther nailed the Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, the scholarly bulletin board of his day, and mailed a copy to the Archbishop of Mainz. Luther hoped to start a scholarly debate about the practice of selling salvation through plenary indulgences. The response he received was greater–and more dangerous–than he imagined it would be.

Luther’s story is exciting. There are death defying moments, epic spiritual battles, narrow escapes, a kidnapping, revolution, and war. As the “Father of the Reformation”, Luther is a vital figure in Church history. His sacrifice and willingness to wage battle against the spiritual, religious, and political powers of his medieval world allowed Christians throughout time to embrace the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as explained by Scripture alone once again. May all glory be to God alone!

Read portions of the first eight chapters of When Lightning Struck!:


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Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

Douglas Bond Endorsement
“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” – Psalm 16:3, ESV  

Christian History Matters for Our Kids.

History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.

Here’s why:

  • God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings. 
  • Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
  • Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.   
  • Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.    
  • Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history. 

Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons. 

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The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.


 

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Comments

  1. Christine says

    June 12, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    How does on purchase these books? I would love them for my Sunday School Clase

    Reply
    • Danika Cooley says

      June 18, 2013 at 9:39 am

      Christine, there are a number of online retailers that carry these. I’ve found the best price at Grace and Truth Books: http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/product/history-lives-boxed-set (That is not an affiliate link).

      Reply
  2. Ticia says

    January 26, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    They’re also available as ebooks (I bought the Nook one of the first book).

    Reply

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photo credit: @billdjohnson

Welcome to Thinking Kids!

My name is Danika Cooley, and I’m glad you’re here. This site exists to help equip you to teach your kids the Bible and Christian history. I’m an author, a homeschool mom, and a curriculum developer. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.

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