The Acrostic Theology for Kids Series Makes Learning About the Bible Fun
New addition to series provides young readers with an A-to-Z introduction to biblical theology
The Acrostic of Scripture: A Rhyming Biblical Theology for Kids (New Growth Press/February 23, 2023), by Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle gives parents and teachers a unique and enjoyable way to teach theology. An alphabet of words introducing biblical theology, written to a rhyming beat, paints a detailed and varied portrait of the unfolding story of the Bible, as it is fulfilled by Jesus.
Gibson and Brindle present an alphabet of words featuring people (such as Adam, Hannah, and Zacchaeus), places (including Babel, Eden, and Sinai), and events (like the flood and the eXodus) written to a rhyming beat. Together, all the words help children learn theology so their “knowledge of God’s big picture is better.”
Each page has a person, place, or event from the Bible
To show it’s one big story leading to Christ’s arrival.
He says, “In all your ways, acknowledge me”;
Kids, let’s learn biblical theology!
What’s biblical theology? It’s the study of Scripture,
That shows how all the stories point to Christ—the wonderful victor.
Not just to see how Scripture connects together,
But to see God’s Word as our precious treasure.
The Acrostic of Scripture introduces children ages five to eleven to systematic theology uniquely on their age level. Families will find the book not only educational but entertaining to read and reread. The book may be read in one sitting (either by parent/teacher or child), or it may be used for family devotions, taking one letter per day for families to meditate on, with the accompanying Bible verses listed on each page. Each letter is illustrated by C. S. Fritz to visually reinforce the characteristic described and aid in making the memory connection. To help children get a feel for the rhyme and rhythm of The Acrostic of Scripture, readers will find a QR in the back of the book so they can scan and listen to Brindle read the book in rap style.
Using the alphabet to teach about God has a rich history in the Bible, especially in the Psalms and Lamentations. Several of the psalms—notably Psalm 119—form an acrostic that spells out the entire Hebrew alphabet. “These acrostic books are not strictly catechetical (questions and answers), but they are written in that same tradition of instruction. As such, they are a means of planting the good seed of God’s Word into the hearts of children, so that they might grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus,” the authors explain in the opening pages.
“Every Christian parent, as well as pastors and leaders of Christ’s Church, are always in need of Biblically faithful and effective instruments to assist in communicating the Gospel clearly to the ‘lambs’ in the flock,” writes Harry L. Reeder III, pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama. “These volumes fulfill that desire beyond expectation with its effective teaching style, as well as interest-attracting presentation, while communicating the life-changing power of the Gospel and call to Christ allowing children ‘to come unto Him.’”
The Acrostic of Scripture is the fourth book in the Acrostic Theology for Kids series. Currently available are The Acrostic of God, The Acrostic of Jesus, and The Acrostic of Salvation. The Acrostic of the Church will release in the fall of 2024. As he has with each release in the series, Timothy Brindle will also be releasing The Acrostic of Scripture: Rap Album in coordination with the book. The album will include songs based on the content of the book. The album will be available for purchase at timothybrindleministries.com in both MP3 and CD formats.
The Acrostic of Scripture: A Rhyming Biblical Theology for Kids
Book Four in the Acrostic Theology for Kids series
By Jonathan Gibson and Timothy Brindle, Illustrated by C.S. Fritz
February 27, 2023 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN 978-1-64507-337-6
Religion / Christian Education / Children and Youth
Jonathan Gibson, PhD, is ordained in the International Presbyterian Church (UK) and serves as Associate Professor of Old Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. Gibson served as coeditor with Mark Earngey of Reformation Worship and was a contributor and coeditor with David Gibson of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her. He is the author of Isaiah: Good News for the Wayward and Wandering and The Moon Is Always Round and coauthor of the Acrostic Theology for Kids series. Jonathan is married to Jackie and they have four children.
Timothy Brindle, ThM, MDiv, is a pastor at Olive Street Presbyterian Church (PCA), and a candidate for the PhD in Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he serves as the Senior Stewardship Officer. He is the author of The Unfolding and has released several Christian hip-hop albums. He is coauthor of the Acrostic Theology for Kids series. Timothy and his wife, Floriana, have nine children and live in Philadelphia. Learn more at timothybrindleministries.com.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
C. S. Fritz grew up on a farm in Oregon, where he milked cows and had a pet pig. To escape the endless chores C. S. would draw. As a young child, his family moved to Arizona, and it was there he has spent most of his life, married the love of his life, and had two wild kids. C. S. is an award-winning author and illustrator of The Cottonmouth Trilogy, Good Night Tales, The Moonman Cometh, Seekers, Good Night Classics, and An Acrostic Theology for Kids series.
For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com
