Words from the Director
School Director: Russell Haffner
This is the time of year when some like to make New Year’s resolutions. A resolution is a firm decision to do or not do something such as losing weight, saving more money, overcoming a destructive addiction, or perhaps working on relationships. Some may question the value of making resolutions but it is certainly helpful to examine our lives and look for areas which could use improvement. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”
Allow me to suggest that for the coming year we should each resolve to study our Bibles more. There is nothing better for us than an improved understanding and more complete following of the teachings found in God’s word. The WVBS Online Bible School provides a wonderful opportunity to gain a better understanding of the will of God. It provides the structured systematic approach we all need to help us in our study of the scriptures. So let’s take advantage of the benefits provided by the school and make 2016 a great year!
In the year 1800 Alessandro Volta invented a remarkable device which still has a staggering influence on our lives today - the first practical battery. Imagine what the world would be like without this often overlooked and underappreciated invention. The ability of a battery to store power gives us the freedom of mobility we often take for granted in our fast-paced daily schedules. There is a battery in our cars, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc. The instantaneous and convenient power provided by a battery is truly amazing.
In a way the gospel is also a source of power and can even be stored-up like a battery. Paul said in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Paul makes it clear that the “gospel of Christ” (the good news of His death burial and resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:1-3) is “the power of God unto salvation.” When the purity and simplicity of the gospel message is taught and obeyed it brings about salvation. The gospel truth is full of power and like a battery its power can be stored.
As a student of the school you are storing-up the power of the gospel in your heart and mind like a battery stores energy. And if your “Bible” battery begins to lose energy you can recharge it repeatedly with more study of God’s word. This wonderful power is always on hand and ready to be used. The knowledge is available when you are talking with friends or even when you are confronted by a skeptic. God’s word stands as a constant help in your daily life. In Psalm 119:11 the psalmist declared to God, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Store up God’s word in your heart today and tap into the greatest source of power.
"I have been working on a couple of the courses and have been so impressed with the content that I truly wish to pursue working my way through the entire program. What is being provided is immensely valuable to anyone serious about Bible study."
(Canada)
"I love everything on this site and I want to learn about the word of God."
(Uganda)
"I am learning so much from your years of hard work in these scriptures and I appreciate it so much. It is amazing how I study the Word continuously year after year and yet receive knowledge of things I have overlooked. Thank you."
(Georgia, USA)
"Thank you so much! I am really enjoying this course. I love it. I love learning about God and studying His word. Thanks to you and the team for helping me with this course. I am truly grateful."
(New Zealand)
"Thank You for this wonderful opportunity to study the Bible and get back into learning something formally. I look forward to using my knowledge and sharing it with others."
(Minnesota, USA)
Extra Resources on the School Website
There may be resources on the school website which you have not noticed or have yet to investigate. Please take some time to explore the website. You may discover some things which are not only of interest to you but also extremely helpful.