Growing up it was always tough to see the summer come to an end. I felt like my vacation had only just started and that I hadn’t gotten to do nearly as much swimming or playing ball as I should have. But I must admit that going back to school wasn’t all that bad. There was the freshness of a new start, a new grade, and some new clothes. It was a time to get back to work and take on new challenges.

Many of us have graduated and no longer go back to school in September. But that’s not true in our Christian lives. We don’t graduate from studying God’s Word until we are walking the streets of gold listening to God speak His Word face to face. The Bible is God’s guide to abundant and eternal life. We need to continually hear from God’s Word to grow in our faith and knowledge of Him. Jesus said, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4, NIV)

This September I want to encourage you to go "back to school," back to Bible study. Sunday mornings there’s Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. with classes for the whole family. Monday night is First Place, which will feature Bible study even for those not interested in the weight loss program. Beginning this September 2, Tuesday nights at 7:00 I will be leading an in depth study of Bible books and topics. And Wednesday nights at 7:00 George Larson leads a Bible study in his home.