Link to Ted Edwards Home Page
Every so often I become engaged in a conversation that leaves me scratching
my head and wondering, "Does that person really believe that?"
One such conversation took place when I was living in Iowa and talking with
an individual that I had known for a couple of years. We were talking about
Bible classes, and I asked the question, "Is there a reason why you dont
attend Bible classes anymore?"
"Well, Ted," he responded, "Ive been to Bible College and have taken a
class on every book of the Bible. Besides that, Ive read the Bible more
than 5 times from Genesis to Revelation. There is nothing that I can learn
or gain from attending Bible classes on Sunday or Wednesday."
I walked away thinking, "How sad!" because you know he was right
with his
attitude and mindset
there is nothing that he could learn from studying
the Scriptures.
What about you? Have you gotten out of the habit of going to Bible class on
a regular basis? If so, Id like to ask you the same question, "Is there a
reason why you dont attend Bible classes anymore?"
Let me suggest three reasons why you should consider coming back and
actively participating in Adult Bible Classes. First of all, Adult Bible
Classes are valuable when you realize that the Bible should be taken
seriously because the Creator of the universe is talking to us through His
Word and that's exciting. Secondly, when we make the text "personal" it is
never dull or boring. For example, instead of simply discussing forgiveness
intellectually we should be asking someone if they have forgiven anyone
lately. Or instead of talking about forgiveness in generic terms, how about
thanking God for forgiving me of a specific sin. Classes only get dry
and dull when we quit asking the real questions. And thirdly, the Adult
Bible Class is one of the few places where the adult has the opportunity to
sharpen his thinking. In most other settings, we expect him or her to sit
quietly and have learning poured over him like syrup. When adults are
allowed to ask the "yes, but" questions, real learning takes place that is
able to transform our lives.
So if youve not been to an Adult Bible Class in a while, why dont you come
back this week with an open mind and open heart? Who knows?
you may even
learn something new.
See you in Bible Class soon.
Link to Ted Edwards Home Page