Russell Haffner
Consider for a moment Paul's inspired words in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." These words are very familiar to many of us.
"This is an amazing passage! It explains to us the power, importance and value of God's word. The Scriptures provide benefits to mankind. However, to gain these benefits one must learn, obey and continue in the instructions given in His word (2 Timothy 3:14). The Holy Scriptures are able to make us "wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15)."
If we did not have the Bible, all of its great benefits would not be available. We would not understand the gospel message of salvation. We would not know of God's mission to rescue men from sin through the sacrifice of Christ. We could not fully appreciate what it means to be saved from our sins, what it means to live a new life in Christ, and what it means to know God's forgiveness. Without God's word we would be lost in this world without hope. The power of God's word is its message of truth (John 17:17).
However, God doesn't just provide His powerful word to save us; He uses His word to transform our lives. Paul told Timothy to "continue in the things" which he had learned in the "Holy Scriptures" (2 Timothy 3:14-15). God's word is truth and when we obey and follow His word it enables us to "grow up" in Christ (Ephesians 4:15). God's word continually reveals our weaknesses (Romans 7:7), but He continues to pour out His abundant grace, in His word, showing us the way to a life of holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16). Therefore, we must continue in what we learn in God's word.
Do you want to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18)? Do you want to know the "living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:3)? Do you want to be "thoroughly equipped for every good work" as you "stand against the wiles of the devil (2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesian 6:11-17)? If so, you need to turn to God's powerful word. As a student in the school you are dedicating yourself to greater knowledge and understanding of the most powerful message in our world. May God bless you as you seek to know Him and His word.
The WVBS Online Bible School has no statement of faith, creed book or religious manual. The only statement of a Christian's faith which is needed is the Bible. If a statement of faith says less than the Bible it has left something out. If a statement of faith says more than the Bible it has added to God's word (Revelation 22:18-19). Let us abandon the opinions of men and seek to practice and teach only that which is found in God's word. The staff of the school is composed of Christians seeking to teach others about the Bible. The material produced is designed to be used by anybody seeking a greater understanding of God's word.
The goal of the school is to serve God and His people by doing His will to the best of our ability. We have a genuine desire to glorify the Father, His beloved Son, His word and His blood-bought church and not to glorify ourselves or any other men.