​When God gives a command, it is not optional, and it usually isn’t something that comes naturally to us.  For example, the command to “love your enemies” is not something we naturally want to do (Mat. 5:44).  In the same way, “Repay no one evil for evil” (Rom. 12:17) goes against everything inside of us in wanting to fight back. So, it is interesting that God would command thankfulness.  Paul said, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15).  It seems like this should come naturally to everyone, but it could be that our natural inclination is to forget the blessings of being in “one body” (the church; Col. 1:18). The body of Christ is the only place salvation is found today which should motivate us to be thankful like many who were saved in various ways under the Old Testament.

When Noah was spared from the rampant wickedness of the world and the violent flood waters that destroyed the earth, he showed his thankfulness by building an altar and sacrificing to the Lord (Gen. 8:20).  When Israel was being heavily burdened by the Egyptians afflicting them, God brought them out with a “mighty hand” and “outstretched arm” (Exo. 1:11; Deu. 26:8).  They sang a song of thankfulness to God exalting Him (Exo. 15:1,2). When the Jews in the days of Esther were saved from death by her request to the king and God’s providence, there was gladness and feasting in thankfulness (Est. 9:17-19).  Finally, when Jonah tried to flee from the presence of the Lord and was swallowed by a great fish, he realized his error and said, “I will sacrifice to the Lord with the voice of thanksgiving” and God gave him a second chance to follow His will (Jon. 2:9,10).

In each of these events, God’s people may not have been as thankful as they should have been.  However, by realizing God’s wonderful care in blessing them by bringing them through hardships and sparing them from death, it produced thankful hearts.  With this in mind, the command to be thankful in the body of Christ is produced by the fact that God has spared us from death through the sacrifice of Jesus (Rom. 8:32; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 3:18).  As we are richly blessed in our lives each day, it can be easy to forget that we’ve been spared from death and that is why we have this simple, yet pointed command is here.  In humbleness and loving obedience to God, let each Christian remember the benefits of being in the kingdom of God and be thankful for the blessing of salvation.  
~Derrick Coble

When it comes to Bible class, there are those who are indifferent, those who never miss it, and those who never go.  The indifferent appear every now and then with a "take it or leave it" attitude.  They may even come in a few minutes before worship and mingle with other indifferent people catching a verse or two just before the class ends. In stark contrast, there are those who never miss Bible Class if they can help it.  These are the ones who are eager to learn and be challenged, excited to be reminded of God's principles, and ready to go out and tell others.  These are people like Timothy (2 Tim. 3:15; 2:2) and Apollos (Acts 18:26-28).  Then, there are those who suddenly appear at worship, but not at Bible class.  There are numerous excuses that are given as to why they cannot attend.  It is a shame that the indifferent and absent are simply not interested in: following the lead of the elders (whom the congregation must respect and obey in these matters-Heb. 13:7), their influence of others (Rom. 14:13), or their own spiritual welfare (1 Tim. 4:8-16).   
Concerning reading the Bible, one man said there are two kinds of Bible readers--those who skim the surface and those who dig deep.  He describes them by comparing them to two common insects. Think about what he said as it applies to those who attend Bible class too.  He writes, "One is remarkable for its imposing plumage, which shows in the sunbeams like the dust of gems; as you watch its jaunty gyrations over the fields and its minuet dance from flower to flower, you cannot help admiring its graceful activity, for it is plainly getting over a great deal of ground.  But in the same field there is another worker, whose brown vest and businesslike, straightforward flight may not have arrested your eye. His fluttering neighbor darts down here and there, and sips elegantly wherever he can find a drop of ready nectar; but this dingy plodder makes a point of alighting everywhere, and wherever he alights he either finds honey or makes it. If the flower-cup be deep, he goes down to the bottom; if its dragon- mouth be shut, he thrusts its lips asunder; and if the nectar be peculiar, he explores all about till he discovers it. . . His rival of the painted velvet wing has no patience for such dull and long-winded details. . . The one died last October. The other is warm in his hive, amidst the fragrant stores he has gathered."   The two insects in this comparison are the butterfly and the bee.  It is the bee mentality that sees the real benefits of Bible class.
So, what are the benefits of Bible class?  First, we will gain a great love for the Scriptures.  God's Word is supposed to dwell in our hearts (Psa. 119:11).  Furthermore, it is His Word that we should desire to meditate upon day and night (Psa. 1:2).  Why?  It is done because we love it!  "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Psa. 119:97).  How can that love be developed without nourishing it with regular Bible class attendance?  Think about it.  It is only 2 hours a week, and not even in one sitting.  Some show much more love for sports, gardens, television, the internet or other hobbies than they do for God and His Word.  Second, Bible classes foster a greater knowledge.  Many who lack wisdom may pray for it (James 1:5), but never obtain it because they lack the knowledge wisdom requires.  Two Bible classes a week can never exhaust all the knowledge that the Bible offers; however, they can help peak interest and cause us to further our study on Bible characters, topics, or books.  After all, we are commanded to do our best to present ourselves approved to God (2 Tim. 2:15).  We can only do that with a working Bible knowledge.  Finally, Bible classes offer great encouragement to everyone involved.  There is fellowship with others who are likeminded and a kindred spirit that cannot be surpassed.  Bible class helps us to follow the command to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10:24).  When this is accomplished, it naturally leads them to not forsake the assembly of the saints anymore (Heb. 10:25). Bible classes are beneficial for everyone.  Let us never neglect the opportunity to open God's Word giving more light to our life (Psa. 119:130).  
~Derrick Coble