Do you remember the time(s) you told your parents, “I don’t want to study”, when they

told you to get busy on that homework. Even in our adult years there are times when we are not

in the mood to study.

Studying often involves quiet time and a lot of reading and both are not likely to be in our

daily schedule. The fast moving society we live in today just doesn’t allow for much quiet time.

The television has taken away a lot of our reading time. Schools today assign very little, if any,

homework and thus many of our youth do not see the need for study time.

The demise of quality study time has certainly impacted our knowledge of the Bible.

Remember when most members could quote great portions of the scriptures and would know

when a Bible class teacher or preacher was misquoting or misapplying? It is difficult for false

teaching to enter a congregation familiar with the Holy Word.

The lack of Bible knowledge was very visibly pointed out in a survey done by the late

brother Guy N. Woods. He found:

- 40% of our brotherhood attends only one service a week.

- 50% do not know why we do not use instrumental music in worship.

- 35% of the 50% would not mind the use of instrumental music in worship.

- 10% believe that one church is as good as another.

- 75% do not know how to find the plan of salvation in the New Testament.

The above points out the great need for renewed effort in our Bible study. Hosea said,

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” (Hosea 4:6). We need to renew our interest

in the Bible school programs, godly teachers, teaching lessons from the inspired word every

week. This is why we need to make sure we are here (Hebrews 10:25). The meeting together

allows each of us to share in the following:

1. Helps us hold fast to our beliefs… Hebrews 10:23.

2. Helps us in encouraging one another in love and good works… Hebrews 10:24.

3. Helps us to keep focused on eternity… Hebrews 10:25.

“No Mamma, I don’t want to study,” but in order to understand God’s plan for me...in

order for my faith to grow...in order for me to be able to tell the difference between true and false

teaching and in order to be completely equipped for every good work, I must study.

(edited for space) ~Billy Joe Thrasher, 29th & Yale church of Christ, Tulsa, Ok (March 1995)