C is for Christianity--Bible Study for Children

I'm currently participating in an ABC's for homeschooling challenge.  

Since it falls on Tuesdays, I am adding a technological slant to the challenge.  

I hope you stay tuned and enjoy my entries.

Snapshot of Bible Study Tools website

In my quest to teach my children at home, I have struggled with how to teach the Bible.  It has taken me a few years to feel confident in this area.  There are many resources online, including pdf files, online Bibles, study tools, and wonderful websites.  I finally took the plunge this year to provide Bible study for my children.  I found a pdf file online and printed it out.

Snapshot of Heart of Wisdom website

I visited the Heart of Wisdom Website run by Robin Sampson.  I printed out a pdf file of a Bible checklist which allows my children to read from a physical Bible if they choose.  My teen daughter has a Precious Moments Bible.  My boys use a children's Bible, the New International Reader's Version Discoverer's Bible for Young Readers.  My teen uses the online Bible at the Bible Study Tools.

 

Bible Study Tools is useful for children and adults.

Then, I found the Bible Study Tools to allow my children to read the Bible portions online.  The wonderful thing about this website is that it can read it out loud for you.  All you have to do is find the Bible chapter and then press the volume button and the whole chapter can be read to you.  

 

I also use the website for my Spiritual Sundays series.  There is a concordance at the website.  A concordance is like a dictionary for specific words in the Bible.  I love that I can do a study of the real meanings of the words, using the real Greek and Hebrew meanings.  Sometimes the variations to the definition of certain words are very subtle.

When I first became a Christian, I read 

the King James Version.  

 

The King James Version of the Bible has Old English words.  Because I remembered learning about etymology, or the study of the origin of words, in sixth grade, I felt confident about using that version.  I wanted to start with an older version of the Bible that was perhaps closer to the original version of the Bible.  It was indeed a challenge to understand, but I stuck it out because it made me read and reread every word and verse slowly.  I do feel that I learned a lot about God's message.

Now, we have the advantage of online tools to study the Bible.  I feel very blessed to have this available.  I love to read the Word of God.  I always get something new out of reading the Word.  Even rereading the Bible brings fresh messages from God. 

Another thing that Bible Study Tools provides is different versions of the Bible.  This website holds at least thirty Bible versions.  Sometimes, I switch among the different versions.  Sometimes, I see that one version gets a point across much easier.  I think it is awesome that the New International Version, The New Living Translation, and The Message present the Bible with modern language.  I also enjoy Parallel Bibles that present the Bible side by side.

There are also commentaries based on experts in the field of Bible studies.  I haven't really delved into that area.  I choose to stick to my own studying.  I rely on God to lead me in my studies at this point.

I love that you can search the Bible.  For example, you can research topics.  You can choose specific parts of the Bible.   You can use the dictionary to define words, too.  You can read the point of view of such Biblical giants like John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, and John Wesley.

You can register at Bible Study Tools.  This will allow you to take and record notes.  It will also keep in mind the specific Bible version that you use the most.  There is a resource for pastors.  There are also communities that you can join for support on different topics such as the one for the members who want to read the entire Bible within a year. 

 There are other useful Christian websites.

Snapshot of Godtube website

 

Godtube is like Youtube.  Videos have been downloaded.  Some of the videos are musical, comedic, and inspirational.  Best of all is that they are all Christian-based--safe for the whole family to view.  There are even some videos for Spanish speakers.

 

 

Snapshot of homepage of LifeChurch.tv website

LifeChurch.tv webpage where you get to see a sermon

 

LifeChurch.tv is awesome.  I thought it was worth mentioning this website.  I found out about it through Facebook.  I actually am a shut-in so I don't get to a physical church as I would like.  This is a wonderful way to to listen to an actual sermon from an actual pastor.  You can even fellowship with others in the chat section, print out the sermon's notes, and give a love offering.
 

Well, thanks for reading this entry.  I hope I have provided some advice on how to use technology to add Biblical studies to your homeschool.  Even if you don't homeschool, adults and other children can use these tools to learn more about God and His message.

 

How about you, my readers?  Do you read the Bible?  Do you require Bible studies for your children?  I encourage you to look at the websites I mentioned here.  The internet offers wonderful opportunities for adults and children to study the Bible and learn about God's Word.

I pray that God gives you all, my beloveds, His wisdom and peace.

This has been an entry for the Technology Tuesdays series.