THE BIBLE TRANSFORMS

The Bible was given for transformation

not just information. – D.L. Moody

One of the main goals during a teaching session is that the children will retain the central verse. If they understand the message they will remember the lesson and be able to apply it. Memory verses need to be repeated at least 7 times for a child to remember a verse. For long term memory it also needs to be reviewed over several weeks.

Guidelines for teaching Bible Verses.

·         Make sure you understand the verse.

o    What does God say to you about the memory verse.

·         Mind the context.

o    Read the verse in the context it was written to make sure you understand the meaning as it was meant to be.

·         Explain the units of meaning not just the words.

o    Don’t try to explain the words individually, because it can differ from the meaning of the verse in the sentence. E.g.: He delights in the teachings of the LORD and reflects on his teachings day and night. Psalm 1:2 – reflects normally means to reflect as in a mirror reflection, but in this sentence it means to ponder upon.

·         Write them in a simple child friendly language.

o    There are many different translations available that are understandable for children, like the Message translation of the NIV. In Afrikaans I’ve found the “Lewende Bybel” to be the best translation for children.

·         Repeat the verse throughout the service.

o    Make sure you repeat the scripture reference at the beginning and the end of the verse seeing as this cannot be applied in their lives and for this reason is easily forgotten. Also tray to repeat the verse at least 7 times during the service.

·         Present memory verses in an attractive way to make the children want to learn them.

o    There are many ways to keep the memory verse interesting for children. We have a few ideas in our IDEA booklet available on our website: www.rocministries.co.za for only R50.

·         Have children look for the texts in their own Bibles.

o    Especially the older kids need to look up the verse in your own Bible so that they can highlight it and get to know their Bibles better.

·         Help them apply it to their own lives.

o    Ask questions like: What do you understand about this verse? What is God saying to you about this verse? Ask God to show you what He want you to do to make this verse come alive in your own life.

·         Remember – if they are sealed in their hearts and minds no one will steal them!

See this cool Jona Craft I discovered on Pintrest. http://sundayschoolresources.co.uk/crafts/jonah.php

WHY MEMORISING SCRIPTURE IS SO IMPORTANT!

Think of a time in your life that you came into a situation and suddenly you are reminded of a scripture that gives you either direction or comfort at that time. Can you think of one?

How would the Holy Spirit been able to put something in your Spirit if you had not learnt that scripture and hidden it in your heart? Psalm 119:11 I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. (MES) Psalm 119:11 I have treasured your promise in my heart so that I may not sin against you. (GOD”S WORD)

Children have the best memory retention. Should we not go out of our way to make sure that we use our time with them to make an eternal impartation by helping them memorise scripture?

As Children’s ministers we should make the best use of the time we have with the children. Teach them a scripture weekly and help them apply it to their hearts by asking questions like: What does the scripture say to you? What is God saying to you through this scripture? How can you apply this in your life this week?

Example: If the scripture is Psalm 119:11 – they will say things like: I must listen to what the Bible says so that I make the right choices. Okay, how are you going to make right choices in this week? When mommy tells me to pick up my clothes, I need to do what she says.

Make sure that you have explained any difficult words. E.g.: for pre-schoolers who do not have abstract thinking, the words: hide the Bible in my heart, may have devastating conclusions. Such as, I need to get someone to cut me open so that I can hide my Bible in my heart. For this reason you need to explain the meaning of the verse to them. Maybe you can say something like: By reading the Bible and remembering what it says, we are putting the words of the Bible in our hearts and minds.

Use examples from their world to make it simple. Who of you know how to tie your shoe lace? How did you learn that? Do you remember what mommy taught you? Putting the Bible in your heart means that you are remembering what God says to you through the Bible.

Here is a link that I found on You tube with an example of teaching a memory verse. Hope you can use it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPx56weNuUY

There are many ways to teach children scripture. We have a book available with examples of memory verses, object lessons, offering ideas and worship ideas available in Afrikaans. Contact us for more info.