Teaching our kids truth

My alarm clock goes off at 5:30 every morning.  During the 5:30-6:00 time slot, the local Christian station broadcasts the "Family Talk" radio show with James Dobson and Ryan Dobson (not "Focus on the Family", but very similar).  And every morning, it is soooo hard to drag myself out of bed before 6:00 because I am usually riveted by the topic being discussed!  

I am not one who keeps up very well on news or current events, but this radio show is fixing that for me, big time--but from a Christian worldview.  The subjects they discuss are downright concerning.  The path America is on right now is a very scary and Godless path.  Maybe I will blog some time about some of these topics.

In light of all that, Nathan and I see the HUGE importance to make sure our kids clearly understand TRUTH.  By God's grace, we are trying to raise them with a God-centered, biblical worldview.  We know that they need to understand theology and how to live the Christian life.

Look at these sweet faces.  Who knows what their future holds?  Seriously...it could hold some very hard times, persecution or who knows what.  We have just a few short years to teach them the truth of God's Word--and we pray that it will always be deeply embedded in their hearts.

So...all of that to say...here are some really good books that we love.  Nathan is very intentional in this area of teaching our kids the Word of God.  He does very God-centered devotions with them every day, and I always feel like I learn more just by listening to them!  Here are some recent books that we have used.

The Lamb, by John Cross.  This book is hands down the best one we have ever read in explaining the Gospel to kids.  Actually, I would even recommend it for adults.  It goes chronologically through the Bible in a very understanding way for kids, and with lots of pictures too!   The Big Picture of the Bible is explained so well.  We love this book. 

The Priest with Dirty Clothes, by R.C. Sproul (notice the next 3 books are all by Sproul...he has some great kids books!)  This is a great book that teaches the doctrine of imputation (our sin imputed to Christ, and His righteousness imputed to believers).  Deep theological concepts, but in a readable, captivating and very  understandable kids' book!   And it is possible for kids to understand concepts like imputation, even at pretty young ages!

Much the same as that...The Prince's Poison Cup by Sproul.  We might even like this one better!  This book covers the topic of atonement, and the necessity of Jesus Christ taking God's wrath for believers--the wrath that we so deeply deserve.

The Lightlings, again by R.C. Sproul.  This book is about the beautiful story of redemption.  It will cover things for kids such as why some people are more afraid of the Light than they are of the dark.  Another amazing book.

On a different level, these books are also some that we have been loving.  They are Frank Peretti's "The Cooper Kids Adventure Series".  They are chapter books, aimed at ages 9 and up, but we have been reading them to Kaine (he is almost 8).  They are action-packed mysteries, and actually could be a little scary for younger kids.  They deal with topics such as witchcraft, evil spirits, etc--but the main characters (the Cooper kids and their dad) have a very God-centered, biblical worldview that causes them to be very wise and discerning in the most scary or evil circumstances.  These aren't topics we would normally discuss with young kids, but we feel that it is very important for them to be aware of this stuff.  It is very real, and we want them to know that and to be able to understand clearly that God is so much more powerful. If you have ever read Frank Peretti, you know that he has a very creative imagination, and these stories are the same.  I love reading them to Kaine!  I always can't wait to see what happens next :)

Does anyone have any other books that have been helpful in teaching your kids truth?  We would love to hear about them!