Wednesday, 18 May 2016

12 GREAT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ATTEND CHURCH BIBLE STUDY SESSIONS



Ready??? Good, let’s get started right away!

1.     BECAUSE THE SCRIPTURES ARE PROFITABLE.
It is in our own best interest that we study the scriptures. It is good for us spiritually to make an effort to come out to Bible study and to have the opportunity to search the scriptures as often as possible.  Paul tells us that the scriptures are profitable (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). In this passage, he mentions 5 things that will happen to a child of God. The scriptures are profitable for (1) doctrine, (2) reproof, (3) correction, (4) instruction in righteousness (5), and to furnish unto all good works.

2.     TO AVOID FALLING AWAY.
The Word of God declares in Hebrews 3:12,13… “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” When you are separated from other believers, it becomes easy for the enemy to begin turning you away from the truth. Before Eve was deceived, she was first separated from Adam. Ensuring that you are always connected to other believers will protect you from falling away. Why? Because you are encouraged by your fellow believers.

3.     BECAUSE YOU WILL GROW FAST AS A CHILD OF GOD.
Every Christian who is concerned about growing will attend Bible study. Sufficient spiritual growth is impossible without a proper diet of God's Word.
There are too many Christians who are not as mature as they should be because they do not spend enough time in the Word of God (Hebrews 5:12-14). Do you study the Word of God like you should? Do you take advantage of opportunities to attend services that might enhance your spiritual knowledge? Most people who avoid making a commitment to attend Bible study usually do not study very much outside of the fellowship time. They become stagnant and grow weak spiritually.
Are you allowing that to happen to you? If so, the only person who can do something about it is you. Make a commitment to Christ. Determine to start coming to all Bible Study sessions so that you can grow in the Lord the way you should.

4.     BECAUSE BIBLE STUDY PRODUCES FAITH.
It was Paul that told us that faith comes by hearing the “...Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life” (Phil 2:15-16) Word of God (Romans 10:17). It is no coincidence that those who attend every service the church offers are those who are strongest and have the most faith. The Word of God makes a person strong in the faith. This is why the devil wants to keep people away from the Bible. He knows that faith leads to a pleasing relationship with God, and he knows that the Word of God is the source of faith. Don't let the devil beat you. Equip yourself with the Word of God so that you can stand against his assaults. Attend every Bible Study session and build up your faith.

5.     TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, OR TO DEEPEN EXISTING FRIENDSHIPS.
Attending Bible Study sessions helps you to develop closer bonds with your fellow church members. It is almost impossible to form connections with other church members during the Sunday service. This is because almost everyone is either busy, or looking forward to spend the rest of their Sunday time elsewhere. Bible study gives you a great opportunity to share more of your life with those who are in attendance.

6.     FOR ENCOURAGEMENT.
You get to hear testimonies from transformed lives and real life stories that help to build up your faith. Sharing your life story and experiences is encouraged during our Bible Study sessions. You can never tell whose story will greatly impact your life by speaking to your current situation.

7.     FOR PRAYER.
We get to write down and randomly share our prayer requests with one another for private intercession within the next one week. [this is new]. In this way, you can always know that someone is standing with you in prayer. This will also encourage your faith.

8.     FOR CELEBRATION.
We get to hear of one another’s life achievements and celebrate these blessings with them. You have heard the saying that you only live once. However, whenever life is shared, we get to live it double. Joy in your heart for something God has done is good, but joy when it is shared is multiplied. Anything good that we share in this life will always result in an enhanced life for us. Come share your joy with others, and let them share theirs with you.


9.     BECAUSE IT WILL HELP YOU DEVELOP A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
All good relationships require an investment of time. They require talking, but also more importantly listening. They require giving and also taking. When you attend the Bible Study sessions, you put yourself at a position of learning how to love God more with your life. You learn how to pray; how to come before God in worship; how to serve God with the gifts He has placed in you, and how to hear from God. Your personal fellowship with God will benefit immensely from attending the fellowship sessions.

10. BECAUSE IT TEACHES YOU TO LIVE PEACEFULLY WITH OTHERS. WE LIVE IN A WORLD IN WHICH there is great diversity, and God speaks to each of us in many different ways. Bible study gives you a wonderful opportunity to both share your world view [in relation with the scriptures], but also to value other people’s opinions though they vary from your own thoughts and mindset. It gives us an opportunity to work together with us and come into agreement concerning the great teachings that are found in the Word of God.

11. BECAUSE IT HELPS YOU TO BUILD SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE IN YOUR LIFE.
Your walk with God is a lifelong commitment. When you attend Bible study, you are making the statement that you recognize this fact. You are also stating your dedication to walk together with others of God’s children towards divine destiny. When you join others for such sessions, you are affirming the truth that we are not called to walk alone as children of God, but have been commanded to support one another in the walk of faith. For those who may feel that they are spiritually strong, attending Bible study is their statement that they want to participate in strengthening their fellow believers in the Body of Christ.

12. BECAUSE IT TESTIFIES OF YOUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST TO THOSE WHO ARE AROUND YOU.
Whether you know it or not, there are people who are born again, and not born again within your community [work or residential] who are watching your movements. When you attend Bible Study, and they see you going into church, you are testifying to them that you are committed to having a deeper relationship with God. You are reminding your family, friends, neighbors and workmates of the need to constantly connect to the Father. You are also communicating to them that you are not just born again, but you also are living up to the life you are called into in God.

Do you now see why it is important for you to be a part of a continuous Bible Study Group at your church? God bless you as you take positive steps in this important area of your spiritual growth. 

At Apostolic Revival Church, we have ongoing Bible Study sessions where we get to have a great time in fellowship and study of the Word every Wednesday from 6-8pm. If you are in the Nairobi area, you are always most welcomed to join and grow together with us.

Blessings!

Apostle Paul A Williams
Lead Minister
ARC