WHY I ATTEND BIBLE CLASSES

INTRODUCTION:

1. During this fall we will attempt to have everyone in Bible class each Sunday morning

a. This goal is a worthy and reachable goal

b. The purpose of this goal is not so much to achieve a number as it is to reach out to those who are here this morning at worship but may not go to class

c. I want to lovingly encourage you to begin a new habit of attending Bible class regularly

2. I must confess that it seems odd to me that I must press the value of attending Bible classes

a. I cannot imagine one who loves the Lord and wants to go

to Heaven ever considering not attending class

b. Yet I know that several of this congregation will miss Bible class today

I. WHY SOME PEOPLE MISS BIBLE CLASS

1. some have health reasons for not coming

2. some have vocational reasons for missing

3. some simply are not interested in spiritual things

4. some believe "the preaching is enough for me"

a. that is very flattering to the preacher

b. but preachers know that many of the more important matters cannot be handled in a 20 minute lesson

c. classes provide opportunity for discussion and questions that are not considered in sermons

5. some believe the classes are dull and irrelevant

a. sometimes this is true

b. some foods I eat are "not my favorite" (never Jackie's cooking!) but my body gains from them anyway

c. I've never studied an unneeded lesson--many things I considered irrelevant in college were valuable later

6. many just get out of the habit and discipline of coming!

COME TO CLASS EACH TIME IT MEETS--START A NEW HABIT!!

II. WHY I ATTEND EVERY BIBLE CLASS

1. I love the Lord and His Word--I want to study the Bible and learn all I can about the One I love

a. Bible Study is the place to learn of God

b. the more I know of God the more I love Him 1 John 2:3-6

c. John 17:3 eternal life is knowing God

d. Illus.: "All My Children Go to Bible Class"

2. I am interested in improving the spiritual quality of my life, to be able to live the best life possible

a. Bible classes open the door to a richer spiritual life

b. Rom 11:33-36 I have searched this book for years and found many rich treasures--there are still more!

c. 2 Pet 3:18 grow in knowledge

d. 1 Pet 2:2 to be spiritually healthy I need the Word

e. James 1:22-25 when I study the Word, the Word also reveals how God sees me and where I need improvement

3. I am interested in the interaction and fellowship I gain from my brothers and sisters

a. None of us will ever get to know everyone who is here today in a close personal way (too many people)

b. Bible classes offer an opportunity to develop close and lasting friendships with people who are peers

c. Concerns that we cannot serve in worship can be handled in smaller groups

--classes

d. The opportunity to learn from each other is also greater in Bible class

e. Prov 27:17 "Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

4. I am interested in the example I set before others and before the world

a. I want children to know that the church is important, that God is important

*Hosea 4:6 I do not want children to be lost because I neglected my faith

b. I want all to know I am for the church, behind it, and support it in every way

c. I want the elders to know that I am willing to cooperate with them and do what is best for my soul.

d. I do not want to be a "stumbling block" or an "excuse" for some weak brother or sister to point to as the reason why they quit coming to Bible class.

*1 Cor 8:13 what is my example saying to others

Illustration: "DOES BIBLE STUDY MATTER?"

One day it will matter to you! One day you will need God. You will face

One day you reach out for God. One day you will be judged by the Word you