Recently, I spoke at a Men’s Conference, and my subject matter was “Listening to God: Biblical Discernment.” My basic outline for the men was simple; if you truly wish to have the ability to discern, and to make right decisions, it starts with the right view of God. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” The word “fear” in the verse doesn’t refer to cowering in a corner, hiding from the Lord, but it has to do with coming to God reverently, with a heart that wishes to learn. I truly believe that the overwhelming majority of Christians in Western culture, basically America and Europe, don’t see the need and have no desire to know more about God. Make no mistake, when trouble comes, they want the Lord to help them, but during the good times, just leave them alone to live their life with all the happiness their wealth brings.” They would never say that publicly, but they say it with their lives each and every day. One glaring example of Christians not really wanting too much God or too much Bible knowledge, is how they spend their time.
In the past 250 years, there has never been a better method for systematically learning the Bible than what we refer to as Sunday School. I know names have changed, and the days have changed in some churches. Robert Raikes is credited with beginning the first Sunday School. Children were forced to work six days a week during those early years. Child labor laws would come into being in the coming years, mainly because of Christians. Education was only for wealthy children. The only day off from work was Sunday. He would pick kids up in a horse-drawn wagon and, on Sundays, teach them to read and write using the Bible as the textbook. The concept of Sunday School exploded in popularity. These days, the popularity has waned greatly. It is no longer a priority for Christians. Today, most churches have a morning worship service but leave studying the Bible for a weekday activity in homes or at coffee shops, calling them various names such as life groups or discipleship groups. I am sure some of these are wonderful. I have also known some of them to turn into gossip sessions under the name of a Bible study.
I am a dinosaur. I know I don’t think like the overwhelming majority of pastors these days. I have many things I would like to see happen at our church, but one of the great priorities for our people is to learn more about the Lord. Reverencing “the fear of the Lord” is seen by our desire to learn about our Lord. Our knowledge of God increases when we want it to increase. There is no greater place to have this happen than at the church during all the services. The Sunday School hour is a place to learn truths week by week. I want to share with you “Eleven Good Reasons Why You Should Attend Sunday School.” This is material that we put together over forty years ago. It still stands as truth today.
We are commanded to study the Bible (1. II Timothy 2:15).
We are commanded to assemble together (Hebrews 10:25).
All the Bible examples from the early church period indicate that those early Christians met daily for Bible study (Acts 5:42).
The study of the Bible will make a person “wise unto salvation” (II Timothy 3:15).
Sunday School builds Christian character—doing the right things over and over in word and deed.
Sunday School is the place to form the right kinds of friendships. Water seeks its own level, and birds of a feather flock. If you wish to be a better man or woman, hang out with good men and women.
Sunday School teaches people the Bible so that they will know how to practically serve Christ. It is most often the feeder system to another ministry.
Sunday School helps prepare people to face life’s problems with spiritual solutions.
Sunday School teaches a Christian philosophy of life. It teaches a biblical worldview. It makes us realize we must prepare for a life beyond the mortal grave. It encourages us away from a life of materialism to a life of spiritual values.
Sunday School has practical benefits. Learning the Bible cleanses us from sin (Ps. 119:9). It keeps us from sin (Ps. 119:11). It brings peace to our hearts (Ps. 119:105). It produces the right kind of learning and character for us to live victoriously. Learning the Bible produces true education. It trains the mind and heart along the lines of eternal things. Studying the Bible builds strong families. We have a class that everyone in the family can attend, learn, and grow.
Sunday School protects the future of the church. In these last days, perilous times, churches are closing their doors one after another. Our church has been blessed, but we are one generation away from losing everything spiritual and godly that was given to us by those who came before us. We are one generation from complete heathenism and spiritual darkness. One of the mottos we have used over the last four decades is “Building lives by the Book since 1913.”
It takes commitment and discipline to learn the Word of God. Are you up for that? It would please the Lord and would be best for you and your family.