Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Extra Helps #5 - Teach The Bible

The Bible is wonderful book! 
  • The Bible is able to save our souls (James 1:21) 
  • The Bible produces faith (Romans 10:17)
  • The Bible gives light in a darkened world (Psalms 119:130)
  • The Bible makes us free from sin (John 8:32)
  • The Bible is complete - we need no other book to guide us through this life (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). 
What other book can make these claims to aid mankind? Only the Bible! As Bible teachers, we need to treasure the Bible, lifting up God's Word for all to see. Do the students see our love for the Word of God as we speak of and read from it? Do they know that their class is a BIBLE class and not a room that simply keeps them entertained until Mom and Dad can pick them up in forty-five minutes? Bible teachers need to teach the BIBLE!

Are we putting enough emphasis on the beauty and the authority of God's Word in our Bible class? Do the students see us reading from the Bible and not only from our lesson notes? Do we encourage the students who are able to read aloud to read for themselves and their classmates, even if it is only one verse? Do we encourage the students to bring their Bibles every time to Bible class and worship? Students need to know that the Bible is taught and is honored in their class and the lessons and ideas presented are not only good, wholesome thoughts, but come straight from the Bible!

If students--and adults-- bring their Bibles to Bible class EVERY time, it soon becomes a habit. A habit then is nurtured and promoted throughout their childhood, resulting in good study habits as young adults, embedding the thought that the Bible is our only guide and map through this life. Then, as older adults, the Bible is cherished, highly valued, and brings great comfort in times of distress, loneliness, hardship, as well as in peaceful times.

Are you teaching, not only God's Word, but a love for God's Word? May we all humble ourselves in the Light of His Word and pray that He will help us.