The wise J.C. Ryle (an English Anglican bishop and author) said, "In regards to the Bible: They [children] cannot be acquainted with that blessed book too soon, or too well." At CPA, we wholeheartedly agree! Helping children become more and more familiar with Scripture is an invaluable investment. One small, but important way to help develop children's "acquaintance" with Scripture is to help them know the books of the Bible in order so that they are better equipped to open God's Word and begin the lifelong journey of spending time with God in His Word. 

To help facilitate and encourage this learning, lower school students are invited to recite (by speaking or singing) the 66 books of the Bible in a special challenge that happens every spring in Veritas Hall. 

Recommended learning songs for grades K-1

• "The Old Testament Song"
• "The New Testament Song" by Randall Goodgame

Recommended learning songs for grades 2-5 

• "Gotta Know the Books" by Shai Linne
• "Books of the Bible" by Karolyne Roberts
• "Books of the Bible Song (Old Testament)"
• "Books of the Bible Song (New Testament)" by Seeds Family Worship

This is our sixth school year to attempt this challenge, so some of your children really have this down already. That’s wonderful! You could take this knowledge a step further with your children by learning more about the different types of literature found in the 66 books of the Bible. These simple videos of the Old Testament and New Testament books of the Bible provide a helpful visual of the different categories of books. Talking with your children about which categories familiar Bible stories or passages are located in is a great, but simple way to continue to develop their familiarity with Scripture. If you would like to dive deeper, The Bible Project has several great videos in a series about the Bible that dig into how the Bible is made up of a group of smaller books that are diverse in style, but unified in the story and message. These Books of the Bible Playing Cards can be used in 13 different games, which could provide a fun way to spice up how you practice and build familiarity.

While this challenge is a totally voluntary undertaking for students, I would so appreciate you encouraging your child to attempt this challenge and engaging with them to help them learn. At CPA, it is our sincerest hope that these students will be lifelong followers of Christ who pursue him and spend time with him through his Word. As Charles Spurgeon said, “Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years.” The reverse concept is true too. No one is too young, uneducated, or immature to begin to grasp valuable aspects of what God has revealed about himself in Scripture. 

Let's partner together to help children begin a lifelong pilgrimage of loving God's Word!