Memorizing on Mondays

Since school began a few weeks ago, we have been diligent to have a morning routine most days in order to have family worship before Brandon goes to work. In an effort to help our children grow up knowing why they believe things regarding God, we've decided us use "A Baptist Catechism" as the core of our morning time together. (This is also GREAT for us adults who need to learn why we believe things about God...which is all of us.)

We divided the questions by 3 (as in 3 years) and have decided to work on about 40 questions per year. We'll use the remaining 12 weeks in each year to have built in review time when the questions/answers and scripture references are longer and need more than one week to get into our brains. Each Monday we introduce a new question and its answer. We slowly add on the scripture references throughout the week. We look up the references, read them and discuss them as necessary. Sometimes, we make up motions, songs or whatever is helpful to encourage these things to get in our heads.

There are other elements to our family worship time. We also read or watch stories from The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones. (This is a treasured resource for any believer to have. We all love it!) We share prayer requests and praises and keep them simple by jotting them down in a spiral notebook. Then, we take turns praying for the things we've just mentioned. Sometimes, we will sing. This a great time for Libby to share a hymn she's been learning to play on the piano. Each day looks a little different. Praise God that He has put it into our hearts and schedules to be able to do this! :-)

So far, we're on question #3. Everyone is doing a great job memorizing! I hope to post videos of our catechism work soon. Here is the work that we have been doing (this is taken from The Baptist Catechism, adapted by John Piper):

Question 1: Who is the first and best of beings?

Answer: God is the first and best of beings.

Scripture: Isaiah 44:6; Psalm 8:1; 96:4; 97:9, 1 Samuel 2:2

Question 2: What is the chief end of man?

Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 16:11; 37:4; 73:25-26; Isaiah43:7.

Comment: "Glorify" does not mean make glorious. It means [to] reflect or display as glorious. Other words you could use for "end" are "goal" or "purpose".

Question 3: How do we know there is a God?

Answer: The light of nature in man, and the works of God, plainly declares that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only, do effectually reveal him unto us for our salvation.

Scripture: Romans 1:18-20; Psalm 19:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:9, 10; Matthew 11:27.

Comment: The question distinguishes two kinds of knowledge: one is natural and comes from conscience ("the light of nature in man") and from the works of God in nature; the other is spiritual or saving, and comes from the recognition of the true value of God and the beauty of his character. Natural knowledge is possessed by all people and thus makes all people accountable to honor and thank God. Spiritual knowledge is possessed only by those whose natural blindness has been overcome by the Spirit of God. (1 Cor. 2:14-16). Our children must come to see the difference between these lest they think they are saved by much natural knowledge about God—which the devils also have James 2:19).