I’ve never understood why people deliberately ignore the opportunities afforded by Bible classes.

“Why do I have to be there?” they ask. “Why wouldn’t you want to be there?” I ask.

“You can’t produce a passage that says I have to be there,” they say. “What about James 4:17, ‘To him that knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin’?” I ask.

Look at what you miss when you don’t attend the Bible classes:

A better understanding of the word of God. Bible classes are just that—classes in which the Bible is taught. The classes inform us about the most important truths available to man. They instruct us as to what pleases God, warn us about what is not good for us, and the teach us how to be better people, fitted not only for living life more effectively here, but how to become fitted for eternity. Now what better way could you spend your time?

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17).

A closer relationship with His people. We tend to be like the people with whom we most often associate. To be around those who have spiritual concerns is to more likely have those same spiritual concerns. To have associations with those who are struggling to become more Christ-like is to share those same aspirations. To be around those who have the hope of heaven will likely cause us to see the way more clearly, hold the desire more fervently, cherish the expectation more fervidly.

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:23-25).

A better equipped spiritual body. To exist in a culture which more and more is given over to secularism, subjectivism, and other post-modern philosophies, all of which not only deny God, but elevate man to an inordinate place in the order of things, is an ever- increasing difficulty. It requires faith, determination and courage to stand up against a culture that ridicules God, mocks His creative skills, and pokes fun at sin and its consequences. Bible classes broaden our knowledge, strengthen our character, and steel our resolve. And, believe me, we need such spiritual armor to stand against the Devil’s cultural innovations and cleverly disguised lies.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph. 6:13-18).

A stronger, more clearly defined mission. “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through,” Albert Brumley’s song says. It is so. Bible classes teach us how to exist as sojourners in a troubled land. Bible classes make us aware of where we're going, how important it is not to get side-tracked because of the allurements of our current dwelling place. Bible study shows us the way home.

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:11-12).

It only takes an extra hour on Sunday morning and an extra hour or so on Wednesday evening to attend the special Bible classes provided by the congregation here. Where could you possibly go that is better for you, that offers more of what you really need?

If you knew Jesus was going to be there, would you come? “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20).

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