Almost every Sunday, I teach the kindergarten through 2nd grade class at Emmaus Bible Church. Our current series is called the ABCs of God: A Study for Children on the Greatness and Worth of God. I really like the curriculum overall. However, one thing I am noticing as of late is how it assumes the gospel (or at least, leaves it up to the teacher to include it). I think at first I was okay with this, especially considering the curriculum itself says, "Jesus is not introduced until Lesson 14. This is by design and is important in the flow of the curriculum. We want children to see and understand that the Bible has a revealed order."
That makes sense, but is it the best way to teach children (or anybody for that matter)? How many of us as adults would be okay with it if our pastor said that he was going to preach from the Bible, but not talk about Jesus until he got to the New Testament? I, for one, would find another church.
More and more I am realizing just how important the gospel is, not just for unbelievers, but for believers as well. We need it every day. Moreover, trying to teach on the character of God without Christ is like...(any analogy here falls far short). It just doesn't make sense. In fact, it leaves us fearful and hopeless instead of comforted and full of joy, because we have to answer to that God without a Savior.
This drives me to want to include the gospel any way I can. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will teach the kids that God is jealous. This means he does not put up with idolatry. No Jesus, and that picture looks pretty bleak. With Jesus, however, there is the possibility of having that God on your side. Now that's glorious!
