Russell Haffner
I recently came across a list that I think will be of great benefit to you. Please take the time to consider each of the points made in the following list that answers the question: "What are the qualities of a good Bible student?"
- You must have an open mind - The Bible cannot be effectively studied with "blinders" on. You must not be closed off to an open and honest examination of your beliefs (Acts 17:11).
- You must be spiritually minded - The Bible is a spiritual book and your motivation to study it should be based on a desire to gain a spiritual relationship with God.
- You must have a passion to know the truth - Sincere Bible study calls for a hungering and thirsting after righteousness. It requires effort and commitment (Matthew 5:6).
- You must be persistent - A diligent study of God's word requires making time to read and meditate on its great truths. Many obstacles will present themselves, but you need to make good use of your time (Ephesians 5:15-16)
- You must be willing to accept revealed truth - Finding the truth of God’s word will be pointless if you refuse to believe it and apply it to your life (John 8:31-32).
- You must be willing to rid yourself of preconceived ideas - One of the reasons the religious leaders of His day rejected Jesus as the Christ is due to the fact that He did not fit their preconceived ideas (Mark 12:10).
- You must consider the whole counsel of God - It is easy to justify your actions when you take passages out of their context. However, you must handle the Scriptures correctly (2 Timothy 2:15), accepting them as the only inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
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./p>
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.