If for no other reason, the plain and inspired command to "not to forsake the assembling together of ourselves" (Heb. 10:25), should be sufficient to motivate a Christian to attend Bible classes. However, there are other reasons why Bible study periods with Christians are beneficial. The Elders organize Bible classes and curriculum to help Christians grow and develop themselves into "workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). I offer two reasons why able-bodied members should prepare for and attend the Bible classes of the local church.

1. Searching the scriptures is a sign of refinement and fair-mindedness. Who would argue that "less" Bible study is better than "more?" Luke says of the Bereans, "these were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11-12). Bible study was not as important to the Thessalonians as it was to the Berean's. It was important enough to them to do so daily. Is it that important to you? Is Bible study important enough to you to desire to do so with Christians on Sundays and Wednesdays? Not only did they study the Bible because they were "more noble" (KJV), but studying the Bible increases one's "nobility" or "fair-mindedness." The Bible is the only source of true refinement - the type of refinement that makes us acceptable to God. And this is because it is the only source of information to learn the truth about Jesus.

2. Bible study teaches us about eternal life through and by Jesus. Jesus emphasized the importance of Bible study regarding this matter when He said, "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39). A primary reason people who study the Bible are more "fair-minded" is that they learn about Jesus. People who expose themselves to Jesus by studying His word are allowing the only source of enrichment, enlightenment and learning that leads to eternal life. Peter clearly understood that Jesus was the only source for words leading to eternal life when he said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Why then would we want to absent ourselves from a productive study about eternal life? John wrote, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13). Not only John's writings, but the Gospel as a whole was written to induce belief in Christ and reveal the truth about eternal life. Again, John states, "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31).

Bible students are on many different levels of knowledge and experience. By assembling together to study the Word of God, we allow ourselves to be strengthened by other's abilities and knowledge. And, we allow others to be strengthened by our abilities and knowledge. Who does not want to learn more about Jesus and eternal life? Who does not want to study more from the source of "Divine power that gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3)? Then be sure to attend Bible classes. Think about it.