Growing in Knowledge
I am continually amazed as people who are highly intelligent. When I watch shows like Jeopardy!, I am floored by how much these people know.
As one who works with young people, I want to see our young people grow in the most important knowledge they can ever have: a knowledge of the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with amazing stories, laws, people and many other things that help us on a daily basis.
That is one reason why I am so adamant about Bible school. The time young people (and adults) spend in the Bible classroom is vital. We only have them for about 90 minutes each week, and we who teach are instructed to teach a certain lesson for that day. That lesson–whether it is teaching the babies to pat the Bible, or teaching adults a deeply theological lesson–is one that could (and should) make an eternal difference.
There are times, though, where lessons are not learned. There are times when the 45-minute-period passes and nothing of any importance has been passed on. Is it a big deal? It absolutely is!
But let’s think for a moment: whose fault is it that nothing was learned? There are several answers.
1. Firstly, it could be the fault of the student. A student who stays up late on Saturday night, or who runs in late to class will not be mentally ready to receive the truths being taught. Other students “have to” be at Bible class and, so, are failing in their attitude. When we don’t care, we won’t listen.
As a student of God’s Word, I need to make preparation for my study. I need to make sure I sleep and that I come to class ready to learn as much as I can. I may not remember every single word, but I can still work at learning all I can. When it means something to me, I’ll do that.
2. Secondly, it could be the fault of the parents or guardians. Why was the student up until 2 AM on Saturday night (or Sunday morning!)? Why was he/she late? Why did he/she not have the Bible with him or her? Yes, the student has some responsibility, but, if that student is still living “at home,” he or she still needs parents who will direct him/her to be ready for class.
Parents, is Bible class important to you? Are you constantly running late for it? Do you ever think to bring your Bible? Do your children hear you pray for your class or theirs? If you wonder why your children aren’t interested, you may need to look no further than the nearest mirror.
3. Thirdly, it could be the fault of the teacher. As a Bible class teacher, I know it is hard to “make” students learn. I often have classes that, when they are over, I wonder if anything “sunk in.” However, I also know the responsibility. While I am no expert at teaching a class, students can easily see if I have given my best or not.
Do I just “read over” the lesson the night before, or do I prayerfully study so that I can impart something to my students? Here’s a biggie: Do I ever challenge my students? Teachers, don’t just ask a question and then answer it! It might be awkward, but you need to do your best to MAKE your students think. They may not show it at first, but they will love you for it.
4. Fourthly, it could be the fault of the elders (or education minister). Do we have Bible classes “just because we always have,” or do we expect our teachers to do their very best? Do we ever aid our teachers with seminars, workshops and new materials? Do elders ever go to (or record) classes to see what is really going on?
None of these things is mean or hard-hearted! These things have the good of the student in mind. And the good of the student is the good of the future of the Church! Elders need to constantly share with teachers what is expected. Good teachers need to be in front of students, and elders need to show appreciation for good teachers.
5. Finally, it could be the fault of the curriculum. I read a lot of “Bible class books.” There are many that are very good. Some are helpful. And, while I don’t want to be cruel, there are some that are nothing but drivel.
Without sounding totally mean, we need to rethink some of our curriculum! We have some books that are trying to teach 4-year-olds concepts! These young minds still need to learn facts! They can later move to how these facts should mold their lives. Teenagers don’t just need lessons on alcohol, sex, drugs, movies and smoking! They need lessons from the Bible. Teens need to be constantly finding out how to evangelize, why we don’t just instruments, why elders are men, etc. Adults don’t need to cover the same ground over and over again. They need to constantly be growing. Writers, please give us the Bible!!! There’s nothing wrong with a topical lesson, but get that lesson from a text!
How does your class compare? Is there an area in which you need to improve? Let’s strive every day to make our classes the best they can be. Our students–and the Lord’s work–demand the very best we can give.
3 Comments
Steve Austin
Thank you for reminding us of that. For more information on this subject, read this web page. “http://www.dushkin.com/online/study/dgen3.mhtml” The tips could also apply to Bible Class.
Sense this is a Bible Class, make sure that the teacher is not a false teacher. Make sure that the teacher is rightly dividing the Word of Truth and speaking as the oracle of God. How do you do this? By listening to make sure that you understand exactly what the teacher is saying, compare what the teacher is saying to the Bible (think) and ask questions. If the teacher is incorrect, then follow the example of Paul when he rebuke Peter right then and now. As Barney use to say, “Nip it, nip it in the bud”. Remind them what James 3:1 said and what the Bible said about false teachers.
You said “why we don’t just use instruments”. Why don’t you use instruments?
If porn is wrong, then why is it in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 6:9 (English Standard Version) “Or do you not know that the unrighteous[a] will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:(A) neither the SEXUALLY IMMORAL, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,” Where does the Bible define fornication as “sexually immoral”? Not 1 Corinthians 6:9 as we have seen or 1 Cor 7: 8-9,or Galatians 5:19-23.
God’s second greatest commandment was to love others. What better way to show love for others by making them “feel good”?
The Bible does say that getting drunk is a sin but where does the Bible say that drinking is a sin? Jesus did make wine, etc.
Why are elders are men but deacons can be men and women (Gal 3:28, Romans 16:1, 1 Tim 3:11)?
Steve Austin
almcfaughn
Steve,
Thank you for the link in your comment. The article is quite good and IS helpful.
You have asked several questions, and I will try to give a brief answer to them here. If you want more in-depth answers, please email me at adfaughn@centurytel.net or send me a message on Facebook.
1. We do not use instruments of music because the New Testament–which we are under and which we follow–does not give authorization for them. It teaches us to “sing” (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15) but does not give us authorization to “play” or “sing AND play.” Playing is another type of action which God has not allowed.
2. “Porn” is not in the Bible. The original work may be, but what WE in our society would label as pornography is not. It is sinful for a very basic reason: it causes the viewer to lust after a woman (or man) who is not his/her spouse. Jesus taught us that if we look upon a woman “with lustful intent” we are committing adultery. Pornography, whether online, in magazines, videos, etc., is built upon that sin.
3. You are right that we should make others feel good! BUT, we should never make others feel good by violating a command of God! There are scores of ways to help others feel good that are wholesome, healthy, and Biblical.
4. The wine that Jesus made was not intoxicating. The Greek word translated “wine” (oinos) can mean anything from wine to even grapes still on the vine. There was another Greek word that was used for intoxicating wine, but that word is not found here. We are not to drink for a very simple reason: how “drunk” is “drunk”??? The passages that teach us not to drink literally teach us to avoid anything WHICH LEADS TO drunkenness, so even one drink would violate such.
5. Deacons cannot be man and women, at least not the office of a deacon. The word translated “deacon” just means “servant,” and it is true that every Christian (man, woman and youth) should be a servant. However, there is a special “office” of deacon, and these serve as special servants for the elders of the congregation. The passage is First Timothy 3 is not talking about female deacons, it is speaking of deacons’ wives. Since deacons are usually new converts, Paul wanted to be sure that the wives were also the right kind of people, so that the man could serve without any blame on his family. Also keep in mind that, if this passage allows female deacons, they do NOT have to be married, but the men DO (verse 12). Why would there be a double-standard such as that?
Again, thank you for your comment. If you wish to discuss this further, please email or Facebook me.
In Him,
Adam
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