Back to Bible School

It is hard to believe it is back to school time again. It seems like the kids just got out of school. It has been a busy summer with trips and activities which can sometimes knock us out of our routine. For those who like routines, they might look forward to this time of year to just get some normalcy into their lives. As we get the kids back into school, let me encourage you who might have been absent from Bible class to get back into it.

The Bible teaches us that we need to be workers who are not ashamed but who accurately handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Do not get me wrong, Bible class is not the only time we should study the Bible, but it is a great opportunity to study the Bible. One thing that makes Bible study so important is that we are studying God’s message to us. If you are in a class not teaching the Bible, find another one. God’s message to us is the most important study we can have because it gives us what we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Another important aspect to Bible class is the fellowship it can help foster. The time before or after class of talking, sharing, and encouraging can be priceless. In fact, fellowship is one of the things the early church dedicated itself to do (Acts 2:42). Trust can be built in these situations so that when we are going through something in life we can turn to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I hope you see the value in Bible class. I hope that you will be there early to fellowship. Study the material that has been given or is being reviewed so that you can contribute to the class. Encourage your teacher if they are doing a good job. Teaching a Bible class can be tough. Pray for your class. Show others, including your kids, how important Bible class is by not just showing up at the building but being an active participant in class. Hope to see you in class soon.

Our Wardrobe

It was tax free weekend this past weekend on things for school. So, if you needed pencils or a computer, you could get them tax free this past weekend. One thing that was tax free was clothes. I told the kids to clean out their closets, get rid of what did not fit, and figure out what was needed. There were several things needed, so we went shopping. It is amazing all the clothes, styles, and colors out there. Let’s take a pair of pants as an example. You can get them in all different fabrics, colors, styles, etc. Why? Because people like different things. It made me think about life and the choices we make about what we clothe ourselves in.

Some clothe themselves in athletic wear because that is how they define themselves. They are either athletes or support a certain team. Some wear political shirts to show which side they are on or which candidate they support. Some wear only the latest styles or most expensive clothing because they are overly concerned with how they look or feel they are better than others. Some are always in their work clothes because that is what they see as the most important. The reason some find that important is the paycheck tied to it and the greed in their hearts. The list could go on. I am not saying that any of these types of clothing are bad, as long as they are used in the right way. I want to ask, “What is the best clothing for a Christian?”

I believe the answer to that question is found in Galatians 3:27. It says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” I am suggesting that to be clothed in Christ would be for people to see Christ when I speak because my thoughts are in Christ. For people to see Christ in my work and in my recreation. For Christ to be visible to others in me in my home or school. So that ultimately I will be seen in Christ on the day of judgment. What are you wearing?

Going For the Gold

It is hard to believe that it is time again for the Olympics. I remember as a kid watching and pulling for our country no matter the sport or even if I knew how the sport was played. I wanted the US to win the gold. It is amazing to think about the fact that these types of games were going on during the writing of the New Testament. I think Paul is probably referencing these types of games in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Verse twenty-five references the self-control involved in participating in these games. I am thoroughly impressed when I hear about some of the things these athletes go through to prepare themselves for competition. They have to say “no” to so many things because they are going for the gold. They might have to say “no” to a hamburger due to diet restrictions. They might have to say “no” to an event because it interferes with training, and I am sure the list could go on. Then they have to say “yes” to many things. They might have to say “yes” to getting up at four a.m. to practice even if they do not feel like it. They might have to say “yes” to certain exercises because those exercises build the strength or endurance they need even though they are painful. Again, I am sure the list could go on.

So what is the point? Paul is comparing the athlete to the Christian. These athletes practice all kinds of self-control for a perishable wreath. We are going for an imperishable wreath. Since that is the case, how should we live our lives? With self-control. That involves me saying “no” to worldly things even though everyone else seems to be doing them and having a ball. Sometimes it means me saying “yes” to things that are right even when I do not want to do them because they are hard or painful. Let me encourage you today to not give up. Jesus is with His people, and it is worth it.