BACK TO SCHOOL

 It is that time of year in many parts of the country and perhaps the world. Children of all ages prepare for school. It is exciting for children to see friends again and meet new teachers.

We as Christians should be going to "spiritual school" every day and by that I mean reading and studying God's word. Don't make it a chore or obligation that you think is required to get into heaven, as it is not. Do it because you want to be closer to Christ. There is no way possible you can learn about the character of Christ unless you get into the Bible. Someone once said the word Bible could be turned into an acronym meaning " Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth". Pretty good example of what it truly is!

I can imagine Satan loves it when the different denominations try to claim they are the "one" or the best. He probably also loves when a church goer identifies themselves by their particular denomination and not just say "I am a Christian". Another good one that keeps some away from the truth is when they are captivated by a denomination just because they were raised that way and may not even be growing in Christ but simply punching their weekly ticket for attendance. Christians are those who have asked Jesus into their hearts and follow His commands not just a person who goes to some particular church.

In John 14:6(NIV) it says 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'

Just as students in classrooms around the world strive to please their parents and learn what they need to succeed in life and in their future, by being "spiritually" trained we prepare ourselves to face hardships that will come on Earth and help us become more like Him. 2 Timothy 2:15(KJV) tells us to 'Study to show thyself approved unto God,a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.'

There are many false religions and counterfeits out there to attempt to lure believers away from the truth. There are many dead churches too.

If you have a loved one that has learned the truth as a child but perhaps strayed from the path he or she was taught, you can gain comfort from several verses one of which is Proverbs 22:6(NIV) which many may be familiar with. It says 'Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.' There are deceptive spirits out there. Also in 2 Timothy 3:15(KJV) says 'And that from a child thou has known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.'

2 Timothy 3:5-7(NKJV) gives us a warning. 'Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.'

Too many people are just "religious" and cling to a denomination and not to Jesus. Just because their granddaddy and his granddaddy went to a certain church so do they. Perhaps they just go through the motions and quite frankly feel bored. It is okay to change denominations as there will not be separate churches in heaven. If you are not getting fed the word of God and getting excited about Jesus and growing in Christ where you attend perhaps it is time to change churches. It is not about a denomination but about Christ.

Do you want to be a good spiritual student and get excited about learning His word. If you have not done so already ask Him into your heart today. Then go be a student for Jesus!!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be a "student" of the word and not be one who has to cram for tests some day. I know Lord you are sad when I treat my Bible like a table decoration but do not use it as a spiritual tool daily. Give me wisdom Lord about what church I should attend and keep me away from those who would not follow the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a powerful worship song.

http://youtu.be/kGVazfjJPLo