Let’s not assume that children understand deep theological terms – but let’s look for creative ways to explain them.  Here are some (less than perfect) ideas:

·      Redemption – buying something back, paying a ransom

·      Gospel – Good News

·      Justice – Getting what we deserve

·      Mercy – Not getting what we deserve

·      Grace – Getting what we don’t deserve

·      Righteous – Made right with God

·      Atonement – Jesus is punished in our place

·      Justified – Just as if I never sinned

From toddler to teenager, what are the best Christian apps in the app store? Read our reviews and recommendations to help you make the best choice for your child’s screen time.

by Angela Jelf, writer, poet, mum of 2

There are two stories in the New Testament which I think capture the dynamic power of forgiveness so clearly. Interestingly, both of these stories share the same three elements:  Dinner, a sinner, and a Saviour.

Story number one takes place when a Pharisee named Simon invites Jesus round for a meal. … As they are reclining at the table, things take an interesting turn.

by Angela Jelf, writer, poet and mum of four

Looks like we made it through January.  Phew!

Were you one of those people that started the New Year by embarking on a new diet or exercise programme?  If so, are you still going strong?  Or like me, did your good intentions begin to slip several days ago?

by Janet Wilson, Dernier Publishing

As Christian parents, none of us ever think that our children are going to leave the church. It’s unimaginable!

But the reality is, around half of all children who are brought up in church, walk away from the faith of their parents. That hurts, doesn’t it?

Most people nod and smile politely when they ask me what I do, and I tell them I’m a publisher of Christian fiction for young people, but when I applied for a visa to visit a certain country in SE Asia a few years ago, I had a totally different reaction.

by Joanne Gilchrist, author of God for Kids app and books

I think the line from the Westminster Shorter Catechism “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever” is inspired. It is an excellent answer to the overarching purpose of the human race. But that’s not enough. In those moments of personal crisis when we question our purpose, direction and even existence, we need a deeply personal answer from our deeply personal God. 

by Amy Scott Robinson

“As I once wrote in a series of Tiny Advent Poems, Advent is like turning out the lights before you bring in the birthday cake. The celebration afterwards is just not the same without it.”

by Jenny Sanders, Children's Author

Have you ever seen a caterpillar turn into a butterfly? Nature is amazing! A butterfly looks completely different from a caterpillar. It seems like a brand new creature; that’s because it goes through a massive change. The caterpillar hides inside a chrysalis for two to four weeks before it breaks out and emerges, totally transformed.

The butterfly becomes strong by pushing its way out of that chrysalis. If you try to help it by taking the outer covering off, it may never be able to fly because it won’t have grown strong enough. That struggle is what makes it the beautiful creature it is.

by Margi McAllister

God is no good at limits. Giving is what He does.

A while ago I was commissioned by Lion Publishing to produce a book about Women of the Bible. I started with Mrs Noah (yes, I know what you’re thinking, but there must have been a Mrs Noah) and worked my way up to Lydia. I really took to Lydia.

By Jess Wolstenholm, M Ed, VP of Education & Publishing for Minno

With crazy schedules full of school, homework, sports, and activities, gone are the days we can spend an hour together as a family daily. Though it’s important to find occasional time to linger over the Word and worship, this simple family Bible study method will fit more easily into your busy, everyday lives.

by Joanne Gilchrist

God was and is and will be forever. He is the Alpha, the Omega, the Ancient of Days, our very present help in times of trouble. Even if someone does not believe in God, God still exists. Even when we are unaware of God’s presence and work upon the earth, His Spirit has been hovering and present since before the dawn of creation and His Spirit is there in Revelation, compelling us to “Come” to the Father. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God long before any of us were ever born, let alone aware of Him.

By Anna Hawken, Parenting for Faith

God makes us the most unbelievable offer... to be our parent. Yes, even when we’re all grown up and have children of our own! ‘To all who did receive him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God’. John 1:12 This is an invitation from God, to you, to be His child. But many of us don’t take up this offer. Or we don't live fully experiencing the connection, guidance and support that He wants to give us. Why? Because we're so busy doing the day-to-day grown upping of looking after everyone else. We've forgotten how to 'live on the child side'.