Hcrtf to Build an
Enduring Bible Class
With a Report from the Men’s Class o f the Church of the Open Door, Los Angeles By T. C. HORTON
Don’t adopt the slipshod methods of some Bible Classes, discussing social problems, politics, history, etc., to fill in the time, arouse interest, or keep men from dropping out. The Bible is a Book with a Purpose, a-Plot, a Program. You must know it well if you would do your best. (4) You must have a KNOWLEDGE of MEN. This knowledge comes from the Bible, and from experience with men. You will find that the Bible is the great delineator of human character. There is not a sin known to men that is not delineated in the Bible. If you have a knowledge of the Bible, you will never be surprised at anything that occurs in life, for you have already read about it. You have seen the liar in Eve; the murderer in Cain; the political mur deress in Jezebel; the traitor in Judas; the backslider in Peter. You have seen Abraham’s faith; Joseph’s forgiveness; Moses’ passion; . Joshua’s courage; David’s devotion; Paul’s soul-saving zeal. You cannot be surprised; you have passed that stage. (5) You must TEACH the Bible. You must know how to impart what you know. Compel your class to see things as you see them; compel interest. You will learn to do by doing. (6) You must be a BURDEN- BEARER.* “ Bear the class upon your heart in prayer. Make them know that you are deeply interested in them. (7) You must PUT YOUR CLASS TO WORK.
The word “ building” instead of “ starting” is used advisedly. Anyone can start a class, but few build them. You “ start” a class with a supper and an address by someone who never “ built" one. (1) The first thing in building is to have a FOUNDATION, There is but one foundation for a Bible Class, and that is THE B IB L E . Not something about the Bible; not something asso ciated with the Bible, but THE BIBLE! (1 Cor. 3:11.) “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ/* (2) You must have FAITH in the Bible, as the Word of God,— a God- inspired Booh; a supernatural Book; a supernatural power. Faith in the Bible as the wonderful and wonder-working Book,—-the Seed that saves men born again. (1 Pet. 1:23.) “ Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth .and abideth forever/' The Word that sustains,— soul-food: (Jas. 1:21.) “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and super fluity of naughtiness and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” The Word that builds: (Acts 20:32.) “ And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace which is able to build you up, and. to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (3.) You must have KNOWLEDGE of the Bible: (Col. 2:7.) . “ Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” You must know what you teach. You may not know the whole Bible, but you must know your lesson.
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