When we consistently use a “God-sized” lens to share God’s Word with our family, it broadens our children’s understanding of who God is and how He acts in our world. It also changes how our children view themselves, their blessings, and their purpose.

Sharing the Bible with our children through a “God-sized” lens does not have to be difficult. It just requires that we consistently frame every story with these truths:

• God is the main character of every story.
• God is always at work to make Himself known.
• God blesses His people for a greater purpose that includes others.

Bible Time Tip:

As your family explores God’s Word together, reinforce the concept that God is always working to make Himself known to unbelievers. Unbelievers are often present in Bible accounts, but can be overshadowed by more familiar characters like Moses, David, or Paul. For older children, add a short introduction about the story setting, focussing on religious practices of the surrounding peoples. Example: “Daniel served in Babylon, an empire with many false gods.” For young children, insert phrases like these into the story itself: “Who else is watching?” “Who needs to learn about God in this part?” After a few times, children will add these phrases themselves. 

Family Bible Activity:

Bible Story:

Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony. The Romans and Greeks living there worshipped many gods and goddesses. Idols of these gods filled their temples. Romans also considered their emperor, Caesar, to be a god. Some people in the city made money through fortune-telling, something that God forbids in His Word. When Paul and Silas came to bring the gospel to this city, they were opposed by many people, arrested, beaten, and thrown in prison.  As they sat in a dark dungeon, God performed a miracle that would lead to a new family of Jesus-followers in this city. 

Grab your Bible and gather your family. For older children, use information in the paragraph above to introduce religious customs in Philippi. Then Read Acts 16:16-34 together. For young children, insert questions like those in the Bible Time Tip when Paul and Silas are in prison and after the earthquake.Then do the following related activity.

Family Activity:

You will need: blocks or Legos; towel, small blanket, or pillowcase

Spread out your cloth on the floor or table. Work together to build a tower on it. When your tower is complete, hold the edges of the cloth and shake hard. Observe what happens to your tower. Talk about the destructive power of earthquakes on natural objects, buildings, and people. Then discuss how God used an earthquake to bless Paul and Silas. 

Use a “God-sized” lens to identify God’s greater purpose for this miracle. Who else experienced the earthquake and what was the result? Pray that God would demonstrate His power in your family’s circumstances in a way that draws unbelievers to Himself.

(This Bible story activity is framed with a “God-sized” lens. For more stories and activities shared through a “God-sized” lens, download One Big Story for free!)