(Several years ago, the following article was received with a request that it not be identified with a particular ecclesia. The ecclesia had been involved in extensive discussion on Bible class formats and the submitter did not want to stir up any more controversy. Yet they did want to see the subject given a broader exposure with the hopes of getting feedback through letters to the editor.
Our filing system has now assured anonymity as we have lost the cover letter and no signature was on the article. We agree with the original idea, however, that input on this matter would be useful.)
Low attendance
Recently, there has once again been concern expressed regarding the low attendance at our Bible class. Several suggestions were made about changes that might “attract” a larger audience. These suggestions involved a number of things which it seems to me are more concerned with pleasing the flesh than with pleasing God.
The format should not be all that important. A fervent zeal for God and a love for His word should be all that it takes for a true disciple to meet with others around His word.
Priority one is pleasing God
To please God in everything we do should be our first requisite. One of the things that pleases Him and is a part of loving Him is keeping His word in our hearts and teaching it diligently to our children (Deut. 6:6-9). This, of course, is only a first step for we must practice what we learn.
We must also remember that we are not free to keep some of God’s laws and ignore one or two we don’t like. Let us never forget that “all scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable…” (II Tim. 3:16,17). And to remember that, “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God [and] whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (I Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:23).
Part of “whatsoever ye do” will, of course, be conducting Bible classes. So let’s think how God would like us to manage them doing whatsoever will glorify God and not man. Knowing what is in the heart of man, this will not come naturally. The first thing to eliminate, therefore is the possibility that classes are structured to glorify ourselves.
A worship service
The midweek Bible class must be considered a worship service. If it is not, then we surely cannot be doing all things to the glory of God. If it is a worship service, then all of God’s principles as revealed in scripture should apply (such as sisters wearing a head covering).
My understanding of scriptural teaching is that whenever mankind comes into the house of God, it is to worship God. And why should anyone want it different? The only answer that comes to mind is that here is a desire to give praise to the flesh in some way (very probably unknowingly).
Conducting the Bible class as a worship service is most beneficial for several reasons.
Under AB control
Of greatest importance is the fact that the arranging brethren will then be more likely to have control of topics for study. They will recommend lessons that will be of the greatest benefit to all.
If classes are considered a worship service, the arranging board should readily agree that it must be a formal assembly having a presiding brother and a speaking brother with a prepared lesson.
Prepared lessons
With a brother giving a prepared lesson, as opposed to open discussion in which everyone freely participates, several things are gained. First, the ecclesia is receiving edification from the source that is typical of God being over mankind and of Christ being over the ecclesia. Second, by preparing lesson material, brethren are forced to really dig into scripture. They learn more and become more capable of speaking, thus providing the ecclesia of God with ministers to maintain His lightstand and be of real service to the community.
Third, the lesson material can be controlled so that only good solid standard Christadelphian teaching is presented. Questionable ideas and those things leading to strife are eliminated.
Pioneer teaching
Disputation is kept out of the ecclesia if we hold to wholesome doctrine. We should insist that material be according to the same information upon which the Christadelphian ecclesias were founded. Conducting Bible classes in this manner gives honor to God’s principles and glorifies His holy name. One of these principles is giving honor to our forefathers, “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set” (Prov. 22:28).
The foregoing principle is part of our serving God and fearing Him; yet we hear belittling remarks aimed at those who actually gave us the truth in this time of the end.
Majority control not that good
The majority will end up in control of things without doubt. But my prayer is that the majority here will agree that the facts set forth are based on solid scriptural evidence and that they will embrace them as the only way in which we can become really pleasing to our God and reap the most profitable benefit available from Him, ultimately, life evermore.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One