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Helping kids fall in love with God and His Word as they study the Bible for themselves
Now more than ever, kids need to know and explore their Bibles.
Getting our kids engaged with Scripture early on is vital to their discipleship. In fact, research shows that Bible reading is the number one indicator for spiritual growth. Exploring the Earliest Gospel gives kids the chance and tools to know God through His Word.
In this kids' Bible study, Rebecca McLaughlin and her young theologian daughters Miranda (12) and Eliza (10) guide your kids through the book of Mark. This adult-child collaboration will help your kids see themselves not just as passive recipients of teaching from grown-ups, but active participants who can engage with the Bible for themselves. At its heart, Exploring the Earliest Gospel is a study of a person: Jesus. Through sixty-six days of fun and fast-paced study, your kids will get to understand more of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
Mark's Gospel was the first gospel to be written, and it's based on the memories of Jesus' disciple Peter. Since Peter was an act first, think later kind of guy, your kids will notice that Mark uses the word "immediately" a lot. This is an action-packed book! As your young disciples enter the stories that were written and meant for them, they will learn how to observe, interpret, and apply God's Word to their lives.
If you're looking for a theologically rich, accessible bible study that helps your kids know and fall in love with Jesus and paves the way to a lifelong love of God and the Bible, give them Exploring the Earliest Gospel.
"I don't know of anyone better than Rebecca McLaughlin to take a book of the Bible and make it fun and accessible for kids without compromising any of its complexity or depth. Rebecca and her two daughters highlight the historical context, the structure, and the big-picture message in a way that will compel you to love God's Word, worship His Son, and join Him on His mission. Exploring the Earliest Gospel is a rich study that kids of all ages will benefit from—I highly recommend it!"
—COURTNEY DOCTOR
Coordinator of Women's Initiatives, The Gospel Coalition
Bible teacher and author of several Bible studies, including From Garden to Glory and In View of God's Mercies
"Rebecca McLaughlin has given families a true treasure. With accessible, age appropriate questions along with fun facts, illustrations, and prayers, Rebecca leads kids into the gospel story of Jesus in Mark with beautiful practicality. Not only will young readers find the truths of the gospel set out for them, but they'll be sharpened in how to study the Bible for themselves. That's an incomparable gift in a truly beautiful package. Any family or Christian school should consider purchasing this resource a top priority for their kids."
—ADAM GRIFFIN
Lead Pastor of Eastside Community Church in Dallas, TX; coauthor of Family Discipleship; cohost of the Family Discipleship Podcast
"I'm a big fan of this project because it gives young minds an excellent opportunity for robust engagement with the Word of God. Exploring the Earliest Gospel is not only a great way for kids to explore the book of Mark—adults new to the Christian faith would also find this project to be an excellent primer. I was excited to learn something new about my favorite Bible character! Approaching this action-packed narrative as a play is genius, as is the inclusion of world history, fun facts, and relatable works like Harry Potter and Frozen 2. The authors anticipate things kids would want an explanation for (like the Aramaic phrases of Jesus' first language), and each day ends with prayer prompts to guide children in responding to the truth they engaged with."
"What makes my heart sing the most about this Bible study is how Rebecca, Miranda, and Eliza highlighted Jesus in a way kids can relate to—a Savior who was rejected, faced peer pressure, and became a Hero who grew a kingdom family we ALL can belong to. Bravo!"
—DORENA WILLIAMSON
Bridgebuilder and bestselling author whose children's books include ColorFull, Crowned with Glory, and Brown Baby Jesus
"Bible reading is one of the most important aspects in the life of the believer. However, passing this on to young Christians can prove challenging, which is why I'm so thankful for Rebecca's book Exploring the Earliest Gospel. This is an invaluable tool that can assist young believers in their understanding of God's Word. The depth and accessibility are excellent!"
—JOHN PERRITT
Author; Director of Resources for Reformed Youth Ministries; host of The Local Youth Worker podcast; father of five