PODCAST

The Bible Provides Sound Instruction

December 30th, 2022

1 Timothy 6:1-10

John Wesley’s preaching in eighteenth-century Great Britain brought attention to the plight of the poor, and especially the children. That may be why Wesley’s friend, Robert Raikes, decided education would be the only way to improve the children’s lives. But since the children worked in factories six days a week, they would only be available on Sundays. Raikes opened his first Sunday school in July 1780.

The Sunday schools were an almost immediate success, but critics objected to having school on the “Lord’s Day.” Others thought educating the poor would upset the social order. Wesley, however, was a strong supporter. In 1784 he wrote: “Who knows but some of these schools may become nurseries for Christians.”

The Bible was the textbook for these Sunday schools. John Burton, one of the teachers, wrote songs to help the children remember what they were learning. One song, still sung today, was “Holy Bible, Book Divine.”

How is the Bible a “precious treasure”? What does it teach us about who we are?

Author: Karen Hiner