Any dispensational Bible stuff for K or 1st?

[Guest Xapis10]

It doesn't necessarily have to specifically be homeschool curriculum.

 

Thanks!

[Guest Xapis10]

:lurk5:

[Donna T.]

Well, it sounds like we have similiar beliefs and I have to tell you, it's difficult to find resources. :001_smile: I used Egermeier's Bible Story Book, Leading Little Ones to God, and various picture books. We read straight from the Bible and used an audio Bible. Sometimes I would just take a hymn book and teach them the hymn and explain to them the theology that was being communicated through the hymn. You may want to take a look at Abeka's Children's Ministry materials. They have a flashcard series that is really nice. The card packs can get expensive (depending on the set) but I have purchased many of them used and have found them for about half of retail. Calvary Chapel has a free Sunday School curriculum on-line and I would print coloring pages from there. I don't know alot about Calvary Chapel, so I'm not necessarily endorsing them but the coloring pages are nice. We would just read a Bible story straight from the Bible and then color the page. We used them to make a timeline.

 

One of my children completed My Father's World's First Grade curriculum. He was six when we started it. It includes a Bible Reader. I was very comfortable with the teaching and he became an excellent reader in that one year of their phonics program. We don't use MFW anymore but that year was full of good Bible teaching.

 

Abeka Cards:

http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=181552

 

Calvary Chapel's Children's Curriculum:

http://www.calvarycurriculum.com/curriculum.php

 

Here is my absolute favorite picture book, not specifically for dispensationalism, but a great way to explain the Trinity:

http://www.amazon.com/3-1-A-Picture-God/dp/075860680X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333605738&sr=8-1

Edited April 5, 2012 by Donna T.

[Donna A.]

Abeka

BJU

ACE

Rod & Staff

CLE

 

All of those have a "Bible curriculum" that would fit your beliefs that you can buy separately from the rest of their curriculum.

 

MFW isn't denominational specific, so this would work well for you to teach your family's denominational specifics. Their 1st grade curriculum simply goes through an overview of all the "main" Bible stories. In fact, the Bible stories/reader/notebook is a big part of the reading lessons in MFW 1. http://www.mfwbooks.com/products/M50/30/0/0/1

 

And then there's also the AWANA clubs that many churches hold on Wednesday evenings. Perhaps you can find a church near you that does AWANA.

[Guest Xapis10]

Thanks for the suggestions

 

Maybe I should clarify that dispensationalism is not a denomination, and in fact there is not any mainline denomination that is always dispensational.

[SunnyDays]

Xapis - I'm pretty familiar with dispensationalism. Looking at the BJU Bible, their materials seemed to fit the bill pretty well; I would take a look that direction. :)

[Donna A.]

Thanks for the suggestions!

@Donna T., I didn't expect there to be much out there that would not be covenant or arminian :)

 

Maybe I should clarify that dispensationalism is not a denomination, and in fact there is not any mainline denomination that is always dispensational. (like some Baptist churches ARE, but many are not, etc)

 

No, Dispensationalism is not a denomination. It's a definition of one's view of the end times, and you're right some Baptist churches are Dispensational and others are not. Likewise, being Arminian has to do with the way one is saved (vs. Calvinism). Many churches and individuals are both Arminian and Dispensational. Some are Dispensational but Calvinistic; some are Calvinistic but not Dispensational.

 

All of those curriculums that I named above (except where noted, i.e.; MFW does not teach specifics such as mode of baptism or how and when the Lord's Supper is to be taken) are both Arminian and Dispensational and should fit your needs.

 

ETA Rarely will you find a church that's Arminian and NOT Dispensational.

[Heathermomster]

Why don't you speak with your Pastor? What does your husband want you to use? What does the Bible study committee of your Church recommend for children's Sunday school? Does your denomination's seminary run a bookstore? Perhaps those individuals can help you most.

[SebastianCat]

Abeka

BJU

ACE

Rod & Staff

CLE

 

I am looking for something along the same lines, and this list was exactly what I was planning to look through at our homeschool convention.

 

You may also consider looking at some of Lifeway's materials for churches to see if something they produce may fit your homeschool.

[4Kiddos]

No, Dispensationalism is not a denomination. It's a definition of one's view of the end times, and you're right some Baptist churches are Dispensational and others are not. Likewise, being Arminian has to do with the way one is saved (vs. Calvinism). Many churches and individuals are both Arminian and Dispensational. Some are Dispensational but Calvinistic; some are Calvinistic but not Dispensational.

 

All of those curriculums that I named above (except where noted, i.e.; MFW does not teach specifics such as mode of baptism or how and when the Lord's Supper is to be taken) are both Arminian and Dispensational and should fit your needs.

 

ETA Rarely will you find a church that's Arminian and NOT Dispensational.

 

As far as I understand Calvinism/Arminianism are sotieriological positions (dealing with theological positions on salvation). Dispensational/Covenant views are hermeneutical positions (dealing with understandings of biblical interpretation- ie. Israel and the church in end times).

 

I am also quite picky about my Bible selection and have yet to find one that I am completely satisfied with. It could be that I still have smaller children and am looking for one with lots of pictures. I have about thirteen different children's Bibles and thought perhaps you might find this useful.

 

I do hold to a dispensational veiw but I have yet to see this really come out in a children's Bible. Are you looking for one that specifically mentions dispensational views on Israel/church? It seems like a lot of children's bibles just tell stories straight up and don't really go into the meaning or theological issues. I think that the distinction that is more important to me is how the children's Bible shows salvation and views God (or Calvinism/Arminianism). I believe in a moderate (not extreme) Calvinist veiw so this might make my opinions useless to you. I have also included information on illustrations because I am quite opinionated on that as well.:D

 

Some Bible publishers make a children's Bible that is the actual text with pictures. We have the ESV Children's Bible and love it (the older one with white cover and picture of Jesus and the children). It is the actual text of the Bible with pictures. I personally feel like this is the best option when the child is a little older. We have one for my oldest son (4 yrs old) and he loves it. He likes to look at the pictures and pick out stories for us to read to him. I think that this will be even better as he gets older. But, the real Bible is special to him. I made him a case and he loves to take it to church and read it when Daddy does in the service.

 

Below are Children's bibles that are not actual text:

 

My favorite right now: I really like the text of "The Gospel Story Bible" by Marty Machowski. We just got this as a birthday gift and are about half way through it. I love the text so far. The illustrations on the other hand are not my cup of tea. (I think that they are awful). But the text is wonderful bringing everything back to Christ and his saving work on the cross so it is worth it. He uses actual phrases from the Bible and includes references within the text. He also cross references other section in the Bible with the narrative of whatever story he is telling at the moment. I think that this is the most doctrinally sound book I have for my kids. My kids like the bright colors. These are longer stories so in using this right now we are stretching the kids a little. There is another gospel centered children's bible called "The Jesus Storybook Bible". We have it and the CD. I don't like this one as much because it is all narrative and seems less Biblically accurate. The illustrations in this one are better than the above but I still don't like them.

 

We also have both Egermeirs and Vos Children's Bibles. I like them both a lot but there is a high amount of text with less pictures (i.e. not a picture for every story). I think that these two and Hurlburt's below will be our favorite later on but right now it is hard with my little ones. My four year old almost has the attention span to get through a story but my two year old does not. We tend to loose the four year old too when there is a long story with no picture. I would also place Hurlburt's Story of the Bible in this category. It has a few full color picture plates and some black and white and red drawing in the text. We have not used these three too much but I have read through them myself briefly. I like all of these so far. They all seem to be Biblically accurate and tell of the stories in the Bible without added narrative, which I like. Hurlburts has pronouciation marks over all of the proper names. All of these are older books but I am excited to be using all of them.

 

I do like "The Rhyme Bible Storybook" for little ones. It is basic, simple, and they remember it very well. "The Beginner's Bible" is also a favorite. I use these as the first Bible my children have and we read to them- infant to probably around 3. Once they have a greater attention span then we graduate them to the next one up. We used "A Family Treasury of Classic Bible Stores" by Caldwell and liked it a lot. It has lovely realistic illustrations. (I secretly wish that we had the text from "The Gospel Story Book" and the illustrations from "A Family Treasury". Then we move to something like "The Gospel Story Book".

 

I also have "The Word and Song Bible Story Book" with the CDs. We like this but use it more as a fun thing for my son to do as it has the CDs and a book to go with it. We use it a lot in the car.

 

I have "The Early Readers Bible" and have not really used it with my son too much. I have read through it myself briefly and hope to use it more with teaching my son to read. I like it a lot so hopefully it will work out well for him.

 

I also have "The Children's Bible" by Golden Press. We do not use this one really at all. I don't like the text but the pictures are nice.

 

I have "Bible Stories for Children" by Horn and Cavanaugh. I got it at the thrift store and haven't used it much. I like the text. I do find it a little odd that it ends at Jesus going back to heaven. It has lovely illustrations and seems to be purely a straight telling of the stories so far. I do like others better than this.

 

Well, I hope this helps!:D

Edited April 6, 2012 by Mommyof3boys

[AnnaM]

I fall in where you do and we are going to try AOP's Life Pacs. Honestly I dont expect that to come up this early though. Guess I am not really much help LOL

[Donna A.]

Yeah, I just don't think most curriculum (homeschool, Sunday School, or otherwise) gets much into doctrinal specifics at this age. That may be part of the reason you (OP) are having a hard time finding anything that teaches the end times doctrines (specifically). Most "Bible curriculum" at the early elementary age -- regardless of denominational preference -- generally teaches the same thing: the main Bible stories and a somewhat simplified version of the Gospel. Eschatology (like the Trinity) is kind of an abstract concept, and many adults don't even get it! :tongue_smilie:

[Guest Xapis10]

What does your husband want you to use?

I am mostly shopping around for friends who are looking for some "hand-holding."

 

Dispensationalism is not a denomination. It's a definition of one's view of the end times,

 

ETA Rarely will you find a church that's Arminian and NOT Dispensational.

 

Dispensationalism is now often thought of as dealing only with end-times. But it is as full in its scope as Arminian views or Covenant theology.

An issue in some kid's materials: the dispensations are confused quite often, such as the temple being equated with a church.

 

 

 

Thanks for your thoughts everyone

[Guest Xapis10]

As far as I understand Calvinism/Arminianism are sotieriological positions (dealing with theological positions on salvation). Dispensational/Covenant views are hermeneutical positions (dealing with understandings of biblical interpretation- ie. Israel and the church in end times).

 

I do hold to a dispensational veiw but I have yet to see this really come out in a children's Bible. Are you looking for one that specifically mentions dispensational views on Israel/church? It seems like a lot of children's bibles just tell stories straight up and don't really go into the meaning or theological issues. I think that the distinction that is more important to me is how the children's Bible shows salvation and views God (or Calvinism/Arminianism). I believe in a moderate (not extreme) Calvinist veiw so this might make my opinions useless to you. I have also included information on illustrations because I am quite opinionated on that as well. :D

 

I don't know if I've heard things categorized that way, but I can sort of understand that as being one kind of division.

[Donna A.]

I don't know if I've heard things categorized that way (soteriological positions and hermenetical positions), but I can sort of understand that as being one kind of division. Yet, I tend to think that a view of soteriology and one's hermeneutics are hard to disect. People's ideas of soteriology would stem from how they see the Bible hermeneutically etc. A chart that I have, depicts Arminianism and Covenant Theology as being on the left and right end of a theological spectrum, with Dispensationalism in between (although it has more in common with Covenant Theology than Arminianism).

Your opinions aren't useless to me :) - we may well view salvation quite similarly. I was glad to read elsewhere that you saw much value in Hudson Taylor's book (as far as spiritual growth). The "exchange" truths that he speaks of are quite dispensational. Do you happen to be familiar with the Green Letters by Stanford?

 

(I mentioned you above in the previous post... thanks again!)

 

I'd really like to see that chart, because Dispensationalism *is* a view of Eschatology (the church in the end times). One can be Calvinistic in Soteriology, yet Dispensational in eschatology (i.e., James Macarthur).

 

Dispensationalism has NOTHING to do with Covenant Theology.... polar opposites, in fact. (Although there are varying "degrees" or specifics within both camps, but those are the two main camps on the doctrines of the end times.)

 

Dispensationalism mentions or acknowledges the various covenants that God has made throughout the ages, but that's not the same as "Covenant Theology".

 

I think something has confused you on the different views of Soteriology and Eschatology. Soteriology is defined as "The Doctrine of Salvation". Eschatology is "the study of the end of things".

 

My dh has read "The Green Letters", but it's been many years and so he may not be remembering correctly. But he describes it as "kind of a laid-back Christianity, like if you just trust, then everything will come to you." (His words based on a very vague memory, so please don't be offended if that isn't accurate. ;) )

 

You might be interested in a book or chart called The Four Views of the End Times. Although there are more than four when you start splitting hairs over some little things, this book/chart gives a very fair, factual, side-by-side comparison of the four MAIN views of the end times and the return of Christ (Eschatology). http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=the+four+views+of+the+end+times&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=CsW&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=1291&bih=548&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12819180181971497408&sa=X&ei=eb6IT6-fCLT4sQLsh-zDCQ&ved=0CGwQ8wIwAQ

[toawh]

My six year old son loves The Picture Bible. I think the author is David C. Cook, or aybe just the illustrations.

[4Kiddos]

I would hope for material that constantly points children to Christ and their need for Him in all things, instead of character building based on "reforming" the old nature.

 

I think I am a little confused about what you are looking for. But, I think that you might like the "Gospel Story Book" by Machowski . Here is a link that will allow you to preview a lot of the text. It is the best Christ Centered Bible that I have found. Like I said, the illustrations are not my cup of tea, but the text is what is most important. I also have his "Long Story Short" book and like it as well, although it is a little old for my children. Are you interested in other materials besides a children's Bible? I have recommendations for other materials I like a lot but are not a Bible.

 

I am not sure what I said in the other post but the two volume set here on Hudson Taylor is just completely wonderful. I think I will have to read it every year! If you have opportunity to read it seize it!

 

I am sorry but I am not familiar with the Green Letters. I will have to look at it!

Edited April 14, 2012 by Mommyof3boys

[Donna A.]

I think I am a little confused about what you are looking for.

 

I'm a little confused, too. Our old natures ARE "reformed" when we come to Christ, if we truly are in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:17) But regardless, I still think that most children's Bible curriculum will be suitable whether one is Dispensational or not. Most children's curriculum just doesn't get into specifics about the end times. I've seen a LOT of Christian curriculum in my 12 years of homeschooling, and I can't think of a single one that doesn't point our children to Christ and their need for Him in all things.... whether it's from a Dispensational (end times) perspective or not.

[vtbowman]

I should have been more clear, since dispensationalism is now often thought of as dealing only with end-times. But it is as full in its scope as Arminian views or Covenant theology. Arminianism is probably what I want to steer most clear of, since I do not believe the Bible teaches us to "work" our way to heaven. Dispensationalism is focused on Christ's finished work and His grace. So one thing that can come up in children's material is an idea of obtaining God's favor through being good. I would hope for material that constantly points children to Christ and their need for Him in all things, instead of character building based on "reforming" the old nature.

Another issue in some kid's materials: the dispensations are confused quite often, such as the temple being equated with a church.

 

 

I understand where you are coming from. We are "New Covenant" as well. We believe in the different dispensations and rightly dividing the Word. I haven't found any curriculum for the younger ages, in fact I have to omit alot of what our current bible-study entails (came with our boxed curriculum).

 

The Berean Bible Society has some material for older kids, but I have not really looked at the material that closely. http://www.growingupingrace.com/index.html

Edited April 14, 2012 by vtbowman

[Guest Xapis10]

I'd really like to see that chart, because Dispensationalism *is* a view of Eschatology (the church in the end times). One can be Calvinistic in Soteriology, yet Dispensational in eschatology (i.e., James Macarthur).

 

Dispensationalism has NOTHING to do with Covenant Theology.... polar opposites, in fact. (Although there are varying "degrees" or specifics within both camps, but those are the two main camps on the doctrines of the end times.)

 

Dispensationalism mentions or acknowledges the various covenants that God has made throughout the ages, but that's not the same as "Covenant Theology".

 

Dispensationalism includes eschatology, but it is about dividing the Word (from Genesis through Revelation).

 

I understand where you are coming from. We believe in the different dispensations .

 

The Berean Bible Society has some material for older kids, but I have not really looked at the material that closely. http://www.growingup....com/index.html

I don't know that I've heard the term "New Covenant."

[Donna A.]

Yes, "classic" Dispensationalism is different than "New Covenant Theology".... the latter doctrine is actually very new. Dispensationalism goes back to about the 19th century. Covenant Theology goes back much farther.

 

I still think, Xapis10, that you're somewhat confused on Soteriology and just how many Dispensationalists actually ARE Arminian, but I'll let you talk to John MacArthur and maybe John Piper and few other guys about that. ;)

 

I'm bowing out of the discussion now because many good suggestions have been given for "Dispensational curriculum" that line up very well with the teachings of Darby, Chafer, and Ryrie. :)

[Guest Xapis10]

I'm wondering how Abeka presents two topics mainly: salvation, and then the O.T. law