BIBLE CLASSES by G. W. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 11, 1861

BIBLE CLASSES.

By G. W. A.

WHEREVER there are a sufficient number of Sabbath-keepers to hold meetings, there should be a well organized Bible class. This is a most delightful and profitable way of spending a portion of the holy Sabbath. And it is an exercise which is too much neglected among this people.

We are coming into the perils of the last times, when every man should be able to give a ready reason of his hope in the manner the Apostle has said, 1 Pet. iii, 15. In the Bible class is a good place to get posted on the important points of our faith. By taking the word of God, and the publications issued at this Office, the uninformed brother or sister may be able to comprehend the length and breadth of our faith, and not be thrown into confusion when opposing views are presented to them.

Is it not our duty to be better booked up on the doctrines of the Bible? Is it not a little disgraceful to be unable to explain and prove the fundamental points of the third angel's message? Is not the Saviour's injunction to "search the Scriptures" just as binding now as ever? Are not many of the churches behind in this matter?

A word about the manner of conducting a Bible class. Let some one be elected to the office of leader who is informed in the Scriptures, and will enter into the work with a becoming zeal. Have the lesson given out the previous Sabbath, and let every member of the class be on hand promptly at the time of the appointment. Then, above all things avoid a spirit of discussion, for it will kill the interest in a Bible class, and drive out the Spirit of God; and without these two things nothing can be done.

The above accords with my experience in the Bible class and Sabbath-School for the past few years. G. W. A.