Bible class topics for study

By Jim Killebrew

[July 12, 2014]  Bible class members frequently discuss topics for study with their teachers. Since the time for study is so short at various Bible studies in Church or Sunday school classes, most members want to study something relevant and useful to enhance their Christian living. A general consensus is for topics like the need for evangelism, growth, fellowship and caring. Perhaps as class members ponder their possibilities, the following topics might be helpful.

Many Christians believe that ours is a very hostile society which has become uncultured with the so-called “normal” Christian values being relegated as atypical. What has traditionally been “good” is now sometimes considered “bad.” That which in the past was considered “bad” is now okay, and even common practice.

In some parts of our country, especially in some inner-cities, living with high murder rates is a planned-for way of life. Drug abuse is rampant with sellers boldly dispensing their product on the open market. But since most people are already in constant contact with the reality of the daily news, they need not list every social ill when it comes to their Bible study.

More importantly, perhaps, is the effect this society has on the life of a Christian person. It is not unusual for a Christian to be surrounded by fellow workers who lie, cheat, steal, practice profane verbal behavior, and in general, increase the stress level for the Christian. Christians must be in the world, but try desperately not to be a part of it; especially the part that is profane toward God.

This is not always easy for those who cannot insulate themselves from the harsh realities of our present culture. So what the Christian receives during that brief period on Sunday or any time during a Bible study must focus on being an uplifting experience, offering hope and comfort, and in some way offering strategies to cope with the pressures of a reality-centered life-style. It should be focused on some facet of the Gospel. Therefore, during that time, for the Christian, Jesus must be the focus of learning.

So, to the Bible Class Teacher, the Jesus-centered Christian member pleads…

• Please do not give us philosophy. Philosophy has only given us ideas of relativity which has only resulted in the destruction of the absolute, which in turn has contributed to society’s despair. Just keep telling us about and showing us Jesus and His absolute power to offer hope and salvation.

• Please do not give us sociological strategies to help alleviate our daily stress. Sociology has only pointed out examples of the worst behavior; provided only a reflection of what is. Just keep telling and showing us about Jesus and His Sermon on the Mount. Tell us about Jesus, His teaching about the kingdom, and our part in it.

• Please do not give us humanistic, educational self-help methods as a means to make ourselves better. Humanism has only aided in building the ego of mankind to the point of haughty rejection of God’s intervention into man’s affairs. Humanism is simply another euphemistic word for secular atheism. Instead, please educate us as to the methods Jesus used as He taught the multitudes. Help us understand the humble attitude that Jesus had as He gave up the glory of Heaven to present Himself at the cross as our substitute. Help us to focus on the fact that, as Jesus depended on His Father for strength, so too should we be dependent upon Him.

• Please do not give us a review of the secular or liberal theological literature. Much of that literature is simply a reflection of the rebellious spirit of mankind and a lack of understanding of truth. Please give us the Word of Jesus, from His perspective of personal authority, not as the scribes speak.

• Please do not give us a study of world religions. World religions can be counterfeit, and has nothing to offer which adds to our salvation. Please give us an understanding of a personal relationship with Jesus. Help us to understand that He is our friend and His words and shed blood are the power to our salvation. Keep reminding us that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

• Please do not give us a study of science and its technological power. Science has bought into the relativity of philosophy and is constantly changing, offering no stability or hope. Please give us an understanding of the power of the gospel of Jesus. Help us to understand the power of the cross, the death, the resurrection, and the blood of Jesus. Show us how to put our faith into what He has done for us, and how His power will sustain us.

Simply put, saturate us with Jesus. Constantly tell us the story of His love, and what He has done for us. If teaching the reality of Jesus is our constant focus, then evangelism, growth, fellowship and caring will be a natural by-product of our class.

[By JIM KILLEBREW]