But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (ESV)
Our children are not persecuting us, nor are we suffering because of them. But, our kids do deserve a defense–an answer–for the reason for our hope. In giving our kids biblical answers for their faith, we are following Peter’s admonishment. We are also preparing our children to be able to give answers for their own faith one day, perhaps now.
This 71-page, 9-chapter picture book can help you answer questions your 8-12 year olds may not have even thought to ask yet.
Is God Real? | Answer the Questions Your Kids Have
Jeriah D. Shank and Teresa Hemmings have written a wonderful storybook you can share with your family. Is God for Real?: Believing in the God Who is There (Christian Focus Publications, 2023) tells the story of Joshua, his older sister, Samantha, and the conversations they have with their mom and dad as they explore nine questions including: who God is, the Trinity, and how we got the Bible.
Each story has about 4-5 pages of text, along with beautiful watercolor illustrations by Emma Nichols. Each chapter begins with a question the children have, followed by an answer from the mom and/or dad. The parents quote Scripture, answering additional, related questions from the kids (or from Samantha’s friend, Lexi).
Each story is followed by a short family devotion, with:
- A Scripture to read.
- A verse to memorize.
- Four discussion questions.
This book is a great way to really understand the biblical answers to questions kids commonly have about God. It may be worth taking three or four days per chapter to memorize each verse, re-read each passage, and allow your kids to discuss each subject.
God is Real! | Christian Apologetics for Kids
Is God for Real? is the perfect length for nine readings.
The book has nine chapters:
- Who is God?
- What is the Trinity?
- Does God Exist?
- How Did We Get the Bible?
- Did God Really Create Everything?
- Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?
- Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?
- How Can I Be Saved?
- Why Don’t My Friends Believe?
Even though the book is a picture book, it is definitely aimed at 8-12 year olds–perfect for a morning basket or a bedtime discussion. It is my opinion that we don’t want to introduce our littles to questions before they are ready. I feel 4-7 year olds benefit from books that teach the truth about the Bible and theology.
By the age of 8, your children have likely noticed that others have questions about God, and that things don’t always go well. For instance, in Chapter 7: Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?, Joshua and Samantha overhear a news broadcast of a shooting near their school.
The story is handled sensitively and age-appropriately for 8-12 year olds.
Grab a Bible study kids’ free printable sample! You AND your kids will love this puzzle-based Creation Bible study for kids.Jeriah D. Shank and Teresa Hemmings
Is God for Real? is written by Jeriah D. Shanks and Teresa Hemmings, and illustrated by Emma Nichols.
Jeriah D. Shank is a pastor, apologist, and author who speaks about apologetics at camps, churches, and colleges.
Teresa Hemmings is a mom who teaches women at her local church. Prior to becoming a mom, she was a teacher and an editor.
Emma Nichols is an award-winning artist. She uses her art degree to teach art in the classroom.
Purchase Is God for Real?
Is God for Real? is a great addition to every church and home library!
Bible Resources for Your Kids
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Puzzle-Based Independent Bible Study for Kids!
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2, ESV
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- Observe: They pay attention to what they’re reading.
- Interpret: They figure out what the Bible means in that section.
- Apply: They decide how the truth of God’s Word impacts their life today.
There are a great many truths in life to be found—some interesting, some boring, and some that really matter. You can be the kind of investigator who spends time puzzling out important truth so that you can know all the knowable knowledge that God has given us. That’s right. God, the Creator of the Universe, gave you a great big letter from him to explore and study so that you can discover the truths that really matter to your life!”
Bible Investigators: Creation, (The Good Book Company, 2024), page 7
The Bible Investigators: Creation Bible study for kids, written by Danika Cooley and published by The Good Book Company, is 272-pages of learning, puzzles, and fun activities designed to help your kids become amazing independent Bible investigators–observing, interpreting, and applying God’s Word as they learn what the Bible teaches on a particular subject.
Bible Puzzles for Kids
Middle grade kids, aged 8-12, love puzzles. After all, their brains are just built for figuring things out and memorizing facts. Puzzles are a wonderful way to help kids develop logic skills and retain important information. And, the book is written in a fun, conversational tone your children are sure to love!
What types of puzzles and activities will you find in Bible Investigators?
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- Word Searches
- Crosswords
- Rebus Puzzles
- Dot-to-Dots
- Logic Puzzles
- Missing Letter Puzzles
- Cryptograms
- Word Sudoku
- Mazes
- How-to-Draw Pages
- Matching Pairs
- Word Scrambles
- Journal Pages
Every child is sure to find activities they’ll love!
Elementary-aged kids need hands-on middle grade resources that engage them and equip them to process important truths.
Bible Investigators is the perfect resource to teach your kids about an important biblical doctrine, while helping them apply God’s Word to their lives today.
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