How can we ensure children "hear and learn" God's Word today? Foundational Verse “and their children, who do not yet know or understand these words, will hear and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” — Deuteronomy 31:13 Why the Charge Still Stands • God’s mandate to Israel didn’t expire at the Jordan; His heart for generations remains unchanged (Psalm 78:5-7). • Hearing and learning the Word produces saving faith (Romans 10:17) and wisdom leading to salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). • Christ Himself welcomed children to receive truth without hindrance (Matthew 19:14). Building Rhythms at Home • Read aloud daily – Short, consistent passages at meals or bedtime (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). – Use age-appropriate translations or story Bibles for very young ears, then graduate to the full text. • Memorize together – Start with Psalms, Proverbs, and Gospel verses. – Turn memory work into songs, hand motions, or call-and-response. • Talk Scripture during life moments – Apply a proverb while correcting attitudes. – Cite creation passages on nature walks (Psalm 19:1). • Celebrate milestones with the Word – Present a first full Bible when a child can read. – Mark birthdays by choosing a verse of blessing. Harnessing the Church Community • Prioritize gathered worship – Let children sit under public reading of Scripture as Israel did (Deuteronomy 31:12). – Encourage note-taking or drawing about the sermon text. • Equip volunteer teachers – Provide solid curriculum rich in actual verses, not merely moral lessons. – Train leaders to explain gospel foundations clearly (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Inter-generational mentoring – Pair older saints with families for regular Scripture reading and discussion (Titus 2:2-8). Using Today’s Tools Wisely • Audio Bibles for drive time. • Scripture songs and podcasts over background noise. • Visual Bible apps with maps and timelines that anchor literal events in history. • Family reading plans synced on devices so everyone tracks progress. Modeling a Word-Saturated Life • Let children see you open a physical Bible, underline, and pray through verses. • Speak of personal decisions guided by Scripture (Psalm 119:105). • Confess sins in light of the Word and celebrate the forgiveness it promises (1 John 1:9). Promises to Hold On To • God’s Word “will not return to Me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). • The Lord is “faithful to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9). • “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). By weaving these practices into daily life, we fulfill Deuteronomy 31:13’s vision: children who actively hear, progressively learn, and deeply revere the living Word of God. |
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