What does inspired mean?

Answer: Inspired describes the way God used the Bible writers to write down what he wanted them to write. (It doesn’t mean “perspired.”) It doesn’t mean dictated; that is, God didn’t say the words out loud while the writers copied them down.

Inspired means that God guided the writers, helping them to write everything he wanted them to write, so that all the words in the Bible would tell us what we need to know.

He gave the writers the ideas and the desire to write; then he guided them so that every word they wrote was what he wanted.

Key verse: The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God. It is useful to teach us what is true. It helps us to know what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and helps us do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Related verses: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Related questions: Who wrote the Bible – God or his followers? Why do we say the Bible is God’s Word? How do we know that God wrote the Bible?

Why are there four books about Jesus in the bible?

Answer: The Gospels are the books in the Bible that tell us about Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection. God used four books because each book tells the story of Jesus from a unique point of view.

Each one shows us something different about Jesus. When we read all the Gospels, we see the whole picture. It’s like seeing a house from all four sides.

The four stories about Jesus are all named after their writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew and John knew Jesus, went places with him, and were his close friends; they were two of Jesus’ original twelve disciples.

Matthew was a tax collector; Mark was a friend of the twelve disciples; Luke was a doctor; John was a fisherman.

Key verse: Jesus did many other things as well that aren’t recorded here. And if all of them were written down, the whole world wouldn’t hold all the books! (John 21:25)

Related verses: Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; 21:24-25

Related questions: Who wrote Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John?

Note to parents: If this question arises, open your Bible and show your kids where the four Gospels are.

When was the bible made?

Answer: God wrote the Bible over many, many years, a long time ago; long before computers, cars, and even before books. The people who wrote down God’s words used scrolls of paper made from papyrus leaves and animal skin.

They wrote it over a period of 1,500 years, from the time of Moses to the apostle John. Even though the Bible was written hundreds of years before we were born, it is still up-to-date.

When we read the stories and understand what God is saying, we learn how we should live today.

Key verses: Long ago God spoke in many different ways to our fathers. He spoke through the prophets in visions, dreams, and even face to face. Little by little he told them about his plans.

But now in these days, he has spoken to us through his Son. He has given his Son everything. Through his Son he made the world and everything there is. (Hebrews 1:1-2)

Related verses: 2 Peter 1:16-21

Related questions: Why didn’t Jesus write the Bible for us? Why did God get Moses to write part of the Bible? Why did Moses only write five Bible books?

How many people wrote the bible?

Answer: God used many people to write the Bible. Moses, King David, and the apostle Paul wrote a lot. God also used prophets to write down his words-Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to name a few.

We also know that God used many different kinds of people-old, young, kings, apostles – with many different backgrounds and personalities.

God used a lot of people to write the Bible because the events described in it took place over many, many years.

Key verses: No prophecy in the Bible was thought up by the prophet himself. The Holy Spirit within these godly men gave them true messages from God. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Related verses: Jeremiah 36:2; Hebrews 1:1; 2 Peter 3:16

Related question: Why did God get so many people to write the Bible?

What is a bible?

Answer: The Bible is God’s message to us. Actually, the Bible is not just one book, but a collection of many books that have been put together.

It came to be called the Book because it is so important because it is God’s book. (The word Bible means book.) The Bible serves as an instruction manual for living God’s way; it tells us what’s right and what’s wrong.

It has many stories and lessons that he wants us to know. The Bible tells us about God and Jesus and how we are supposed to live. You can look in the Bible to find out what God wants you to do.

Key verse: Your words are a lamp to light the path ahead of me. They keep me from stumbling and falling. (Psalm 119:105)

Related verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21

Related questions: What does the word Bible mean? Why are there sixty-six books? Why would God want to invent a Bible?

Did the bible stories really happen, or are they like fairy tales?

Answer: The stories in the Bible really happened. Some of the events seem amazing to us because they’re miracles, but they still happened.

We know that the stories are true because the Bible is God’s Word, and God wouldn’t lie to us or fool us. The Bible also says that every word in it is true.

Some people don’t believe the Bible because they haven’t read it. Some don’t believe it because they don’t think miracles can happen.

Others don’t believe because they don’t want to; they don’t want to learn about God and do what he tells them to do.

But we know that God can do anything, and he’s the best one to tell us how to live. We should pray for those who don’t believe the Bible or who think it’s full of fairy tales.

Key verse: All these things happened to them as examples to us. They warn us not to do the same things. They were written so we could learn from them as the world nears its end. (1 Corinthians 10:11)

Related verses: Luke 1:1-4; John 20:29; 21:24-25; 1 John 1:1-4

Related questions: How do we know that what the Bible says is true? How do we know the Bible stories are true? Why do some people think the Bible isn’t real?

Why don’t some people believe the Bible? Are the stories about Jesus true?

Note to parents: This question presents a good opportunity to take out a Bible and look at it together.

Why do people get baptized?

Answer: People get baptized because Jesus was baptized, and they want to follow his example. They also get baptized because Jesus told his followers to go into all the world, telling people about him and baptizing them.

Some Christians believe that babies from Christian families should be baptized to show that they belong to Christ.

Some Christians think that only believers in Christ should be baptized, to show that Jesus is their Savior. Either way, baptism is a very important event in a Christian’s life.

Key verse: And Peter replied, “Each one of you must turn from sin and come back to God. Then you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

For through him, you will find forgiveness for your sins. Then you also shall be given this gift, the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

Related verses: Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19

What Happens To People Who Don’t Go To Church?

Answer: Going to church doesn’t get a person into heaven. And not going to church doesn’t send a person to hell. A person becomes a Christian by faith — believing in Christ-not by doing good things.

Most Christians go to church because of what happens there. At church you can meet other Christians. You can find help for your problems and encouragement. You can learn from God’s Word and help others.

And you can experience wonderful worship, singing, and praying that glorifies God. People who don’t go to church miss all that. They miss a very special meeting with God.

Key verses: Then what can we brag about doing to earn our salvation? Nothing at all! Why? Because we were not forgiven because of our good deeds.

Instead, we were forgiven because of what Christ has done and our faith in him. So we are saved by faith in Christ, not by the good things we do. (Romans 3:27-28)

Related verses: Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 10:24-25

Related question: Does God send people to hell if they don’t go to church?

When is Jesus coming back?

Answer: Before Jesus left the earth many years ago, he promised to return some day. And after Jesus went up into the clouds, angels said he would come back eventually.

No one knows exactly when that will happen. It could be any day now. For Christians, this is a wonderful event to look forward to. Christ’s return will be the beginning of the end for Satan and all evil in the world.

Won’t it be great to see Jesus in person! Although no one knows when Christ will return, he told us to be ready. This means living the way he would want us to, using our time wisely, and telling others about God’s Good News.

Key verses: [Jesus is speaking] “But no one knows the date and hour when the end will be. Not even the angels know this. No, not even God’s Son knows this. Only the Father knows… So be ready at all times. For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24: 36,42)

Related verses: Matthew 24:27, 42-51; John 14:3;
1 Corinthians 1:7; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:2- 3; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; 2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 22:20

Related question: When can we really see Jesus?

 

How come my friends go to a different church?

Answer: In most homes, parents decide where children will go to church if they go. Some people go to a certain church because they grew up in that church. Even after moving across town, they drive there every Sunday to be with friends and family.

Some people choose a church because they enjoy a certain style of worship. There are many reasons for choosing a church. But some churches really aren’t true churches according to the Bible’s teachings.

Real churches honor Jesus, study God’s Word, tell people to give their lives to Christ, and emphasize obeying God. Churches are groups of God’s people, meeting together to worship, fellowship, serve, and learn.

Key verses: If someone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. He doesn’t love his brother who is right there in front of him. So how can he love God whom he has never seen?

And God said that one must love not only God but his brother too. (1 John 4:20-21)

Related verses: Acts 2: 1; Hebrews 10:24-25

Related question: Why are there different types of churches?

What part of the body of christ am I?

Answer: The Bible uses word pictures to explain how Christians relate to each other. We are a “family,” with brothers and sisters in Christ. We are a “building,” with Christ as the cornerstone.

We are a “body,” with each person serving as a special part. God talks about us being a body to show how Christians should treat each other and work together. God has given each Christian special gifts.

That means each of us has talents and abilities that can be used to help other believers. Not everybody has the same gifts. And, like the parts of a body, we need each other. All of our gifts are important.

Key verses: There are many parts to our bodies. It is the same with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his body. It takes every one of us to make it complete. We each have different work to do. We belong to each other, and each needs all the others. (Romans 12:4-5)

Related verses: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-30

Note to parents: This is a question usually asked only by older children (junior high or older) who have heard teaching on the body of Christ. Encourage them to get involved with a gift or talent they have.

 

Why do we go to church if god is everywhere?

Answer: In the Bible, God tells us to join other Christians and worship him. We should spend time alone, praying and reading his Word. But it is also very important to get together with others who follow Christ.

We can encourage and strengthen each other. We can pray for each other. We can learn from each other. We can sing and praise God together. We can serve and help each other.

All of this can happen in church. Church is also a place where Christians of all ages and types can come together – babies, grandparents, children, poor, wealthy, brown, black, white, American, Asian, African, weak, strong, and so on. Something very special happens when God’s family gets together.

Key verse: Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do. Encourage and warn each other. Do this especially now that his day of coming is near. (Hebrews 10:25)

Related verses: 1 Chronicles 16:29; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25; 12:12-31

Related question: Why do we have to go to church?

Note to parents: Many children find church boring. That’s because the service is usually geared for adults. But it also may be because children have not been taught how to worship.

Take time to explain the purpose behind the church programs (like Sunday school, church dinners, the worship service, and so forth) and each part of the worship service (for example, songs, Communion, offering, and so forth). Help your child understand what he or she should be doing and why.

Why do we worship god?

Answer: Worship means praising and thanking God for who he is and for what he has done. People worship in many different ways.

Worship can involve group singing, group reading, special music, giving money, prayer, Communion, Bible reading, teaching, preaching, and other activities.

God has given us everything good that we have. He loves us and wants the very best for us. Shouldn’t we spend time with him and tell him how grateful we are?

We play with our friends because we enjoy them. We worship God because we enjoy him.

Key verses: Jesus replied, “Something new is coming. Then we will not worry about whether to worship here or in Jerusalem.

For it’s not where we worship that counts, but how we worship. We must worship in spirit and in truth. For God is Spirit, and we must worship him in truth.” (John 4:21-24)

Related verses: Exodus 20:3; 1 Chronicles 16:29

Related question: Why do we have to do something that isn’t fun?

 

Give their kids such why did bible people funny names?

Answer: In ancient times, especially among the Jewish people, a person’s name was very special. Usually it said something about the person or about the parents’ dreams for their child.

For example, Jedidiah means “lover of God.” Sometimes God told prophets to give their children names with special messages. Hosea named his children Lo-ruhamah and Lo-ammi.

Lo-ruhamah means “not loved,” and Lo-ammi means “not my people.” By giving his children these unusual names, Hosea was giving God’s message to the people.

But usually names from other countries and cultures sound strange to us because we’re not used to them. Names may sound funny to us, but not to the people in that country.

Your name would probably sound funny to the people of Israel.

Key verses: Soon Gomer had another child. This one was a daughter. And God said to Hosea, “Name her Lo- ruhamah. This means ‘No more mercy.’ For I will have no more mercy upon Israel.

I will not forgive her again. But I will have mercy on the tribe of Judah. I will free her from her enemies. I will do so without any help from her armies or weapons.”

Once Lo-ruhamah was no longer a baby, Gomer gave birth to a son. And God said, “Call him Lo-Ammi. This means ‘Not my people.’ For Israel is not mine, and I am not her God.” (Hosea 1:6-9)

Related verses: Genesis 30:8; 1 Samuel 25:25; Isaiah 8:1-4; Matthew 1:21

Does satan know about the bible?

Answer: Satan knows all about the Bible. He even knows what it says. But Satan certainly doesn’t follow what the Bible teaches. In fact, he does every- thing he can to stop people from obeying God’s Word.

Just because someone knows the truth doesn’t mean that he or she will do it. Satan is a liar, the father of lies. He has lied and twisted the truth so much that he has fooled himself into thinking that what the Bible predicts won’t happen.

Satan thinks that he can beat God and escape his punishment. But the Bible tells the truth. Eventually God will totally wipe out Satan and his demons.

Key verses: Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Is believing in one God enough? Well, remember that the demons believe this. And they shake with fear! Fool! Don’t you know that “believing” is useless unless you do what God wants? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith. (James 2:19-20)

Related verses: Matthew 4:6; John 5:39-40

Related question: If Satan knows the Bible, why doesn’t he believe it?

Why do some bibles have pictures and some don’t?

Answer: The people who wrote the Bible didn’t put pictures in them. But in recent years, the people who print Bibles wanted to help us better understand the Bible stories.

So they put pictures at various places in the Bible to help us see what Bible people and places may have looked like. The pictures are drawings or paintings, not photographs.

These pictures were made recently – they’re not very old. The artists knew what to draw by learning about that part of the world and by reading what the Bible says about how people lived in Bible times.

Key verse: When you come, bring the coat I left at Troas with Carpus. Also bring the books, but especially bring the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13)

Related verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Related question: Why are there different Bibles?

Note To Parents: In the key verse, Paul was in prison, just before his death when he wrote this letter to Timothy. The “parchments” were copies of the Old Testament Scriptures.

With this question, children may also be asking why there are different versions of the Bible or why there is a difference between their Bible storybook and your Bible.

When did “bible times” stop?

Answer: The last book in the Bible was written about seventy years after the time Jesus lived on earth. That’s a very long time ago, almost two thousand years.

In one way that’s when Bible times stopped. But in other ways we are still in Bible times. God still speaks to us through his Word, he still cares about us, and he still does miracles.

We may not see God divide a sea like he did for Moses, and we may not see anyone walk on water like Jesus did, but God still answers prayer and changes lives.

Key verse: Tell each other when you do wrong. Pray for each other. Then you will be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results. (James 5:16)

Related verses: John 20:30-31; Hebrews 1:1-3;4:7

Related questions: How long ago was the Bible written? When was the Bible made?

How do we know that what the bible says is true?

Answer: The Bible is true because it is God’s Word, and God always speaks the truth. When you read the Bible, you will see that it says it is the Word of God.

The Bible also says that every word in it is true. But if that doesn’t convince you, read the Bible and see for yourself that everything makes sense.

When you read it, you will think, This sounds right! This is true. The Bible has also proven to be true over the many hundreds of years since it was written.

For example, many events predicted in the Bible have happened, just as it said they would.

Key verse: The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God. It is useful to teach us what is true. It helps us to know what is wrong in our lives.

It straightens us out and helps us do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16)

Related verses: John 10:34-36; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 3:15-16

Related question: Did the Bible stories really happen or are they like fairy tales?

Note to parents: Children usually will not raise this question as a matter of curiosity until they are older. Most will only ask a question like this if they are (1) mocked for believing the Bible, or (2) don’t want to do something God wants them to do. If your children ask it, you might want to probe further before or after answering.

Why Do We Have The Bible?

Answer: God gave us the Bible because he wanted to talk to us in a way that we would understand. Because God gave us his Word in a book, we can read it over and over.

We can share it with a friend. The Bible is like a map – it shows us the direction to go in life. The Bible is like a love letter-it tells us about God’s love for us.

The Bible is like food-it gives us strength to live. To find out what God is like and how he wants us to live, read the Bible.

Key verse: For whatever God says to us is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest sword. It cuts swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It shows us for what we really are. (Hebrews 4:12)

Related verses: John 5:39-40; 16:13-15; 17:20; 20:30-31; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How did they write the old testament if there weren’t any paper or pencils?

Answer: When the oldest books in the Bible were written, they didn’t have typewriters, computers, or printing presses. And there weren’t any ballpoint pens, felt- tipped pens, or number-two pencils.

But the people who lived back then did have other tools for writing. The paper they used was different, too. The paper they first wrote the Old Testament on was probably either papyrus or parchment.

Papyrus paper was made from a plant that grows in Bible lands. Parchment was made of animal skin. Either of these could be sewn into long pieces and rolled up into scrolls.

Museums have some of these ancient scrolls. You may want to visit a museum and see one.

Key verses: After the king burned the scroll, the Lord spoke to Jeremiah. He said, “Get another scroll. Write everything again just as you did before.” (Jeremiah 36: 27-28)

Related verses: Exodus 24:12; 2 Timothy 4:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21

Who wrote the bible?

Answer: The words in the Bible came from God. That’s why it is called “God’s Word.” God used people to write down the ideas, thoughts, teachings, and words that he wanted to put in the Bible.

The writers were very special people, chosen by God for this very important task. And God used many people, writing over many, many years.

These people wrote in their own style and in their own language, but they wrote God’s Word. God guided their thoughts as they wrote.

And God made sure that what they wrote was exactly what he wanted. He kept them from making any mistakes. Today we can read the Bible, God’s Word, which he wrote through those special people so many years ago.

Key verses: No prophecy in the Bible was thought up by the prophet himself. The Holy Spirit within these godly men gave them true messages from God. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Related verses: Exodus 31:18; 2 Timothy 4:13

Related questions: How was the Bible made? Why did God ask certain people to write the Bible?