I find myself frequently marveling over the comments and complaints of others about the type of lessons we have in Sunday School, or for that matter, the material of sermons. If they lessons are on books of the Bible, people want touchy, feelly lessons. If they are touchy, feelly, they want books of the Bible. Same way with sermons where you have expository versus topical. Then, people want rewards for studying, or stickers for attending Sunday School.
I understand the need to occasionally motivate people to study so I do not object to the idea of stickers, diplomas or certificates. In fact, these extra awards can be beneficial. But they should not be the reason for study.
The question of topical versus verse-by-verse is more difficult and will never be resolved. People’s emotional and intellectual make-up are different and so this choice will always be present. On the other hand, does it make a difference. They key is to learn God’s Word.
So, why don’t more people want ot read their Bibles and study them just because they are the Word of God? This is the question I struggle with. Why do only ten people sign up for the Bible class instead of 100? I know price and time are two reasons but only ten people? Aren’t there more people out there with a fire in their guts to learn the Word of God? Don’t they want to pick up their Bibles and read, just because God gave us the words and stories?
I believe the issue is that for most people God is important, but no more so than jobs, family, friends, and free time. He should be the most important, above all else. Why don’t more of us place Him there? Then the questions of expository or topical would not be important.
At the Bible Institute we provide a framework whereby a structure is provided to study the Bible in an organized manner, in the order God provides it. Further, the doctrinal topics are studied in an order that “fits” with the progressive development of Scripture and helps us better understand the words we read. My approach, our materials, and the classes are not perfect, nor for everyone. I would not want a class of 100. The smaller classes provide an intimate structure where the exchange of ideas and thoughts add to the learning process. Our goal is to help you form a more in-depth foundation for your study. This is not the end of your study, but the beginning. These courses will help you understand how the entire Bible fits together and why the various doctrines have developed in their current fashion to assist you in understanding the sometimes seemingly disconnected verses of Scripture.
Do you love God? Do you love the Word of God? If so, join us and learn how to better read and understand his Word, and this will help you better imitate God in your daily walk. The goal is to become a better Christian, not a smarter one. You may become smarter about Scripture, but the goal is to walk a better life. Understand why we are to change and the change will be easier to accomplish. Come join us and become a better Christian.
Jim