The Big Theology for Little Hearts by Devon Provencher is a collection of six books published by Crossway Books. They introduce young children to Biblical theological truths in a way that they are able to understand. Theology is a BIG IDEA explaining God's complexity, the concept of the Trinity, Creation, Christ's role in God's plan, man's sin and need for salvation, and the role of the Church. This series provides concise definitions and captivating illustrations that will engage young minds. Each book complements the others thus providing a purposeful foundation on which to begin teaching the framework of theology. This framework includes God, Creation, Humanity, Jesus, the Gospel, and the Church. The books are targeted at children ages 1-5. All of the books are 22 pages in length.
God
In the first book God children will learn that God is the Creator, King, Trinity, Holy, Eternal, Unchanging, Just, Good, Loving, and Glory. The explanations are simple and straightforward. I love the simplicity of the illustration. The vibrant colors and the way the colors radiate out from the center of the Trinity symbol speak of the magnificence of the Godhead.
Creation
In the second book Creation children will learn everything was made Out Of Nothing, The Garden, Image Of God, God Rested, Marriage, Roles, Be Fruitful, God Declared Good, Fall, New Creation. With a colorful creation theme, the book's cover features the sun, rainbow, and earth. We need to teach our young children that the RAINBOW is a Christian symbol of God's promise to man. I love this explanation of marriage. Husband and wife...to learn what it means to love like God loves. In today's world it is so imperative that we teach our children what the Bible teaches about marriage.
The Holy Spirit
In the third book The Holy Spirit children will learn the terms Triune, Regeneration, Pentecost, Indwelling, Conviction, Sanctification, Gifts of the Spirit, Fruit of the Spirit, Guide, and Perseverance. Yes even young children need to learn that only the Holy Spirit can open our eyes to see how bad our sin is. Only the Holy Spirit can help us to turn away from our rebellion and obey God instead. These are concepts that our young children need to understand from an early age. The lamp on the book cover and the flashlight on the page that speaks about CONVICTION is an excellent way to represent how the Holy Spirit takes us, convicts us of our sin and need for salvation which then brings us from darkness into the light.
Jesus
In the fourth book Jesus children will learn the terms Deity, Incarnation, King, Son of God, Rescuer, Sinless, Prophet, Priest, Atonement, and Resurrection. The book cover is precious. I love how the illustration has Jesus on a boat with outstretched arms and a billowing wave behind Him. Christ is sinless and these calla lilies represent purity, holiness, faithfulness, and Christ's resurrection. Do you know that the calla lily isn't actually a true lily? The beautiful blooms are related to caladium which is more leaflike. A calla lily is unique in that it is made of a single fragrant petal that wraps around the stem to create a beautiful bloom. The yellow spike in the middle is actually the flower.
The Gospel
In the fifth book The Gospel children will learn about God, Man, Rebellion, Punishment, Jesus, Perfect Man, Sacrifice, Resurrection, Response, and Eternal Life. Many do not want to hear ALL of the Gospel. It is so imperative that our young children have a true understanding of the fact that they were born into this world separated from God. They are sinners in need of a Savior, and salvation can only be obtained through Christ's sacrifice as a substitute for man's sin. Children need to understand man's REBELLION. All people have chosen in their hearts to disobey God and have rejected Him as King. Through the Holy Spirit, an individual receives Christ's free gift of redemption that cannot be lost.
The Church
In the sixth book The Church children will learn about Adoption, Gathering, Worship, Prayer, Preaching, Elders, Pastors, & Deacons, Communion, Baptism, Evangelism, and Discipleship. When I think about the Church I think about the hymn written by Samuel Stone,
The Church's One Foundation
The church's one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is his new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her
To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her,
And for her life he died.
Elect from every nation,
Yet one o'er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endued.
Mid toil and tribulation,
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore;
Till, with the vision glorious,
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great church victorious
Shall be the church at rest.
Yet she on earth hath union
With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
Like them, the meek and lowly,
On high may dwell with thee.
The New Testament biblical pattern of church leadership is elders/pastors and deacons. The role of elders and pastors is synonymous. Their role is to lead, teach, counsel, and watch over. The role of deacons is to serve the physical needs of the church. The idea of a congregation voting and hiring a pastor to lead a church is not biblical. To be "fit" for leadership a MAN should be sober-minded, not greedy, self-controlled, dignified, gentle, and above reproach.
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