"Oh, the Worth of Bible Classes"

"So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading." (Nehemiah 8:8). The Bible praises teachers who touch lives with God's word. Moses was a teacher (Deut. 28-30). The prophets of old were teachers, and Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, was the Master Teacher. Our spiritual heritage can be found in the long line of passionate individuals who taught us the word of God!

Our congregations need to be committed to the teaching and edifying our members, and this necessarily includes a strong commitment to Bible classes (Eph. 4:12). We are having our Vacation Bible School for 2013 this week...Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. It will begin at 9:30 and continue through 11:00. There will be classes and the Bible will be taught. Please invite you friends, neighbors, family and co-workers to join us in Bible study. Consider the benefits:

Bible Classes draw us nearer to God - In James 4:8 he wrote, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." Who, among us does not want to feel nearer to God? Communing with Him through His Holy Word can and will bring us nearer.

Bible classes expand our horizons - Sometimes Bible passages seem obscure and difficult to understand. At times some Bible passages do not seem relevant to our lives today, but an able, skillful Bible teacher can make God's word come alive and can help to interpret what God is saying to us in our day and age. Remember, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Bible Classes provide essential nourishment - Our Lord said, when He was tempted by the devil, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4) Many physically healthy people are starving without the word of God. Many Christians wouldn't think of missing a meal, but still believes it's OK to miss a Bible study. If Jesus couldn't do without the word of God, how do we think we can?

Bible Classes edify and unite the church - Your presence at Bible class is important not just because of your own soul's welfare, but also because you are part of the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23).

Let's not let it be said of us what God said of His people through the prophet Hosea, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).