Tools for Parents to Disciple Children
1. The Gospel Roots Catechism –
A Catechism is a a brief summary of the principles of the Christian faith in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of all Christians. Every denomination has used catechisms in their history to improve the theological literacy of their members.
At South Orlando Baptist Church, we have developed the Gospel Roots Catechism for use with our children.
Click here to access the Gospel Roots Catechism. Also available in our South Orlando Baptist Church App on the Media tab.
2. Study Bibles –
Study Bibles are the easiest way to learn more about the Bible. When you read the Bible to your children and they ask questions about what the text means, a study Bible will equip you with helpful information for a clearer understanding of the text.
A study Bible is a Bible that includes notes from Biblical scholars on the same page as the Bible text. A study Bible is like having access to a Bible scholar as you read through the Bible. A quick glance at the notes in a good study Bible will provide background information, commentary, maps, cultural information, contextual information, and definitions of difficult words. I want to encourage you to invest in a good study Bible. While almost all study Bibles are helpful, I have found the following ones to provide the greatest level of help:
The ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2010.
Clocking in at more than 20,000 notes, the ESV Study Bible is one of the best well-rounded study-bibles on the market. This Study Bible provides full-page illustrations, color maps throughout the text (more than 200), exhaustive book introductions, and enough information to fill 20 volumes. The following are some strengths of each Study Bible:
Strengths:
- There is a section in the back notes called “The History of Salvation in the OT” that shows how something from every chapter of the Old Testament points us to Jesus Christ. This section alone is worth the price of the book.
- The full-page illustrations are jaw dropping!
- Every Psalm has a detailed paragraph introduction in the notes that helps to provide context and background information on that psalm.
- The book introductions are very thorough and helpful.
- Wayne Grudem served as the editor for this Bible, and he is one of the top theologians in the world.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2010.
The MacArthur Study Bible contains more than 25,000 personal notes from Dr. John MacArthur. Dr. MacArthur is a clear Bible teacher who has faithfully preached the Word of God for more than 45 years. I have always found his notes to be informative, concise, and readable.
Strengths:
- Each Bible book is supported by a healthy introduction that sheds light on that book’s Author, Context, and Theme.
- The notes are thorough, addressing most of the questions you might ask during a reading of the Biblical text.
- MacArthur’s preaching gift is his ability to take tough doctrines and make them understandable for the masses. This Study Bible retains that ability.
- The notes are more accessible to a wider audience than the ESV Study Bible, making this Bible a great pick for high school students and up.
The Life Application Study Bible
Life Application Study Bible: New International Version. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1997.
The Life Application Study Bible contains more than 10,000 notes to help you not only understand the text but to also apply it to your life. This study Bible has repeatedly sold more copies than any other Study Bible on the market, and for good reason: its notes are highly readable and it actually delivers on helping the reader to apply God’s Word.
Strengths:
- Available in many different translations of the Bible.
- The application notes are truly helpful for Christian living.
- There are more than 100 profiles of Bible figures that provide helpful information and overviews to their lives.
- The readability of the notes of this Study Bible make it recommendable for middle school students and older.
3. Children’s Bibles –
See our former blog page about the best Children’s Bibles in print by clicking here.
4. Books on Theology –
See our former blog page about suggested family books on Theology by clicking here.