The sinner's prayer, as we know it today, was invented by twentieth century preachers as a quick and easy way they thought would save people. However, when we examine the New Testament we clearly see that the "Sinner's Prayer" was never taught by Jesus or the apostles.

Today, people are led to believe they can simply pray a "sinner's prayer" to be saved. Preachers and teachers "suggest" various prayers for sinners to pray -- some are several sentences long and some are only one or two sentences. Sometimes these preachers even say that people can "receive Jesus" any way they want. However, people who believe they have been saved by praying a "sinner's prayer" have believed a false doctrine created by men (Ephesians 4:14).

What Does God Say?

The doctrine of Christ and His church (2 John 1: 9) is the same today as it was during the first century. In the Scriptures we find that God's plan for salvation has five steps:

• The first step is to hear the saving message of salvation (Romans 10:17). In other words, one must learn the truth before they can obey it.
• The second step is to have faith, or believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ the Son of God (John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16). However, this is not the only step. Faith alone will not save (James 2:14, 17, 24).
• The third step of God's plan is repentance. The sinner is required to repent which is composed of sorrow for sin, a change of will, which results in a changed life (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 7:10).
• The fourth step is confession. The sinner is required to confess their faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:10).
• The fifth step is baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21).

As we see baptism is a crucial part of God's plan for man's salvation.

• We must be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-20)
• Baptism is for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38).
• Our sins are washed away when we are baptized (Acts 22:16).
• We are saved when we are baptized (1 Peter 3:21).
• The Lord adds us to the church when we are baptized (Acts 2:38-39, 40-41, 47).

No one is saved by praying a so-called "sinner's prayer." The Scriptures are very clear about what it takes to become a child of God. The right plan is revealed to us in God's word. Let us reject the many plans which have been invented by men and obey God's plan for man's salvation.

If you have already watched several lessons you may have noticed the “Mark Complete” button located below each video. This feature helps you to track your progress as you view the videos. We encourage you to always click this button when you finish viewing a lesson. The marking of lessons serves as a guide for your own information to mark your place in the study. Even if the lesson is marked complete you can return to watch it again as many times as you want.

For additional information please see the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) at the school website. In the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) you will find an article which will walk you through the necessary steps to track your progress by marking each lesson complete. It is titled: How-to: "Mark Complete" Lessons (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/mark-complete-lessons/).

There are four types of worship mentioned in the New Testament and only one is acceptable to God.

1. Will Worship (Colossians 2:23) is a voluntarily adopted worship, whether unbidden or forbidden. It is a worship based upon our will (likes and dislikes), rather than the will of God. It is not in reality worshiping God. Therefore, God will not accept will worship.
2. Ignorant Worship (Acts 17:23) is a worship that is void of a knowledge of the true and living God. It is based upon superstition, tradition and the imagination of men, not on a revelation from God. Naturally, ignorant worship is not acceptable to an all-wise Holy God (Acts 17:30-31).
3. Vain Worship (Matthew 15:9) is defined in Matthew 15 as a worship that is based upon the teachings of men rather than the commandments of God. Vain is defined as empty or worthless. When men leave the teachings and example of the Bible for their own teachings, worship becomes vain and void. God will not accept it (Leviticus 10:1-2).
4. True Worship (John 4:23-24) is defined as worshiping God in Spirit and in truth. The word "truth" means "real, genuine and authentic." There are some worshipers who are true, while others are hypocrites. God seeks worshipers who will submit to worshiping Him in His way. God's word says that our worship must be done according to His word. To "worship in spirit" the heart must be involved. God will not accept worship that does not come from the heart, and He will not accept worship that is not “according to the divine standard” (John 17:17) - the New Testament. Our lives must be in a right relationship with God for our worship to be true.

Let us worship God in spirit and in truth "for the Father is seeking such to worship Him" (John 4:23-24; Romans 8:1-8; Galatians 5:17).

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to upgrade your enrollment from Auditing to Informal or Formal Student status. I want to thank you for making use of the videos provided by the school, but I encourage you to consider the advantages of upgrading your enrollment. If you upgrade your enrollment you will not only have access to the video Bible lessons, but you will also have free online viewing access to the teacher’s course notes, exams and some course books.

Formal Students follow a set course order which is designed to make the progression through the Bible easier. The assignments include viewing all video lessons, taking exams and writing research papers. Formal Students are issued a certificate of completion when they fully meet the requirements of a course. They receive a diploma when they have successfully completed all required courses.

Informal Students have the same requirements to meet for each course and cover the same material but they are allowed to take the courses in any order they desire. Informal Students receive certificates for each course but no diploma is awarded.

If you would like to change your status you will need to click on ENROLLMENT (https://school.wvbs.org/enrollment/) which is on the blue menu bar at the school website. When you have reached the enrollment page please select either the Formal or Informal Student Registration button. This will provide you with the form to fill out to change your status.

I completely understand if you have no interest in upgrading your enrollment. I commend you on your hard work and devotion to learning more about the Bible. God bless you as you continue in your studies. If I can answer any questions for you about the school please let me know (https://school.wvbs.org/about/contact-us/).

Our salvation is not based on the way we feel. Our feelings are much too fickle and subjective to be sure guides concerning our salvation. A preacher once wrote, "Feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving; my warrant is the Word of God-- naught else is worth believing."

2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."

In Acts 8, we read about a man who served as the treasurer for the queen of Ethiopia. He had been to Jerusalem to worship and was on his way back to his homeland. As he traveled in his chariot, he was reading from the book of Isaiah the prophet. A preacher by the name of Philip came to him and asked if he understood what he was reading. The Ethiopian replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to study with him. "Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him" (Acts 8:35). We know that when Philip "preached Jesus" to the Ethiopian he included the proper response to the good news of Jesus, because when they came to some water, the Ethiopian asked, "What hinders me from being baptized?" Then both Philip and the Ethiopian went down into the water where Philip baptized him.

Now notice the effect his obedience had upon this Ethiopian. The Bible says, "He went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Why? Because he knew he had done what the Lord commanded him to do to be saved from his sins (cf. Acts 2:38). His feelings of gratitude and joy followed his obedience to the truth of the gospel of Jesus. His salvation was not based on the way he felt, but knowing that he had obeyed the truth. His emotions of relief and joy were only justified after his obedience.

Our salvation is not based on the way we feel, but upon our obedience to Christ as commanded in the written Word of God. "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have not yet started your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you have logged-in to your account, you simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website (https://school.wvbs.org/course-schedule/). The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you will need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

An ambassador is defined as, "an official envoy, especially: a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government." Throughout history, the office of an ambassador has been one officially endowed with full authority; and it is this aspect of Paul's ministry which is stressed in 2 Corinthians 5:20.

2 Corinthians 5:20, "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God."

There is also a revealing passage in the Gospel of John that teaches us that even when a gift is offered, there can be conditions required to receive that gift. Jesus once said, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you" (John 6:27). Even though "everlasting life" is called a gift, the Lord emphasizes that there is "labor" (work) to be done (by us) in order to receive that gift.

From the context, 2 Corinthians chapter 5, it is clear that the "we" in this verse refers to the apostles. The apostles were the ambassadors of Christ. They had a relationship to the gospel that no other preachers in their day or since has ever had or could have. They were the REVEALERS of the gospel. All others are only proclaimers of what the apostles revealed. No preacher today has any direct revelation, nor can he claim to be a witness of the resurrection. Preachers today can only point to the teaching revealed by the apostles. Modern preachers can proclaim the gospel, but they cannot reveal it. Preachers today have no message of revealed truth that has not already been made known by the apostles.

Modern preachers also do not have the credentials of an ambassador; they cannot work miracles; and God will not work with them in signs and wonders confirming the words that they preach (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). The apostles were instructed to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, and it is said: "they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs" (Mark 16: 20).

Today the gospel message that was revealed through Christ's ambassadors, the apostles, is given to the church to proclaim that the whole world may know the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:8-12). Paul in his instruction to a preacher of the gospel said, "the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2). Today we cannot be true ambassadors of the gospel, but we should be "faithful" preachers and teachers of what has been revealed in the Scriptures by God to His ambassadors, the apostles.

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password "please let us know"

Our worship to God must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). In other words, it must come from the heart and be according to the teachings of the Scriptures. The early church engaged in five acts of worship. There is no authority to add any other acts of worship. We must have authority for all that we do in worship. Colossians 3:17 teaches, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." "In the name of the Lord Jesus" means by the authority of the Lord Jesus. This means that we must have biblical authority for all that we do. We do not have the freedom or liberty to add to or take away from God's word (Revelation 22:18-19). Let us consider each of the five acts of worship found in the early church:

Praying to the "saints," burning incense, baptizing babies, bowing down to statues or giving a personal testimony has never been authorized as part of the worship of the church. These practices were added by those who fail to respect the teachings of the Scriptures. When God tells us the five ways to worship Him through instruction and examples in the New Testament it eliminates all other ways. We must respect the silence of the Scriptures.

For instance, when Noah was commanded by God to build an ark made from gopher wood (Genesis 6:14), His specific command eliminated the use of any other type of wood. It would have been wrong for Noah to use oak, maple, pine or any other wood because God specifically said to use gopher wood.

When God commands us in His word to preach, sing, pray, give, and partake of the Lord's supper all other actions that man may want to add to the worship are eliminated. He told us how to worship Him and we must follow His plan if we want to please Him. There are too many in the religious world who are only seeking to please themselves. Let it never be so with us.

If you have already registered for a course you may have noticed the tab which is labeled "Instructions." This is where you will find the course syllabus that has information about the course and the requirements needed to earn a certificate for the course. This is a very helpful reference for the Formal and Informal Students who are taking the courses for credit. However, Auditing Students will also find the Syllabus to be an excellent starting point to understand the purpose of the course and the structure of the lessons. All students should begin each course by reading the Course Instructions.

When students create their account, they are automatically registered as Auditing Students. However, it is a simple process to upgrade your enrollment. Also, it is completely free. If you upgrade your enrollment you will not only have access to the videos and syllabus, but you will also have free online viewing access to the teacher’s Course Notes, exams and any Course Books published by WVBS.

If you choose to be an Informal Student the requirements for each course are the same but you will be able to choose which courses you want to take and you may take them in any order you desire. Informal Students will receive certificates for each course but no diploma will be awarded.

Formal Students follow a set course order which is designed to make the progression through the Bible easier. The assignments include viewing all lessons, reviewing all course notes, writing term papers and taking written exams. Upon completion of all requirements of a course you will be issued a certificate of completion for that course. You will receive a diploma when you have successfully completed all required courses in the designated order. A recent graduate from the school wrote-

"I enjoyed the course very much! It was challenging, and well organized. I learned so much from you, and all the rest of the instructors. As only having a high school diploma before this I am very proud to have achieved this diploma at 58 years old in the most important subject of all. My whole family has benefited from this course. When I first started the course, it seemed like a daunting task, and I was not sure if I would stick with it to completion. After starting though I’m not sure if there was a day that I did not work on it in some form or another. My only regret is that I have not met any of you at WVBS in person. Again, I would like to thank all of you at WVBS for everything you have done for the Lord, and also to Rafael for reading, and grading all my term papers."

To change your status, you will need to first login to your account (http://school.wvbs.org/#loginform) and then click on ENROLLMENT which is on the blue menu bar at the school website (http://school.wvbs.org/enrollment/). When you have reached the enrollment page please select either the Informal or Formal Registration button. This will provide you with a form to fill out to change your status.

I look forward to working with you as you study God's word.

If you have already watched several lessons you may have noticed the “Mark Complete” button located below each video. This feature helps you to track your progress as you view the videos. We encourage you to always click this button when you finish viewing a lesson. The marking of lessons serves as a guide for your own information to mark your place in the study. Even if the lesson is marked complete you can return to watch it again as many times as you want.

For additional information please see the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) at the school website. In the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) you will find an article which will walk you through the necessary steps to track your progress by marking each lesson complete. It is titled: How-to: "Mark Complete" Lessons (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/mark-complete-lessons/).

If a church after the pattern of the New Testament (https://school.wvbs.org/video-bible-study/#church-of-your-choice) does not exist in your community you should begin one, and the natural place to meet would be in your own home. Many Bible references indicate the first century believers met in homes (Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Philemon 1:2). For over two centuries, the government did not permit the church to own property, and yet it grew and prospered like no other time in history. There may be circumstances where buying or renting a meeting hall would be helpful, but you should never think that you must buy property to start a congregation of the Lord's people. The true church is God's people, not a building.

After you have obeyed God's plan of salvation by being baptized for the remission of sins (https://school.wvbs.org/video-bible-study/#the-bible), you should set a regular time on Sunday for your worship service. The church can begin meeting in your home or some other building for worship. You should sing (psalms, hymns and spiritual songs), pray to God in the name of Jesus, preach God's word (read scripture and explain its meaning), observe the Lord's Supper and give a contribution (funds to be used to fulfill the growth and development of the church). It is important that you worship according to the pattern set forth in the New Testament (https://school.wvbs.org/video-bible-study/#the-church)

You should also try to teach your friends the truth. The early church "went everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4).

The WVBS Online Bible School is designed to provide students with an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The courses cover every book in the Bible, plus four additional subjects which help you in your understanding of the scriptures (Christian Evidences, Hermeneutics, Greek and How We Got the Bible). The school is designed for anyone who wants a focused, organized and thorough study of the Bible.

The Bible is not simply a book of rules and regulations. It does have laws for us to follow, but it is also a very practical guide teaching us how to LIVE. People have many ideas about what it means to be a Christian. What do the Scriptures teach about being a Christian? Christians are followers of Christ who belong to Christ. Let us look at the example of Paul (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12) to see what it means to be a Christian:

1. Being A Christian Means Being BIBLICAL (1 Thessalonians 2:1-4). In verse 2 of this text Paul says, "we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict." Being Biblical means speaking the truth, even in conflict (Acts 16:19-24). This requires boldness (Acts 4:29). Christians must be Biblical by speaking the gospel of God. The goal must be to please God by speaking His message, not the message of the crowds.
2. Being A Christian Means Being AUTHENTIC (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6). In 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Paul states, "For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness." Paul's preaching was always authentic. He never manipulated people or tried to make a profit through godliness (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Paul was authentic. He was sincere! The power of the message of truth is in God and His word (2 Corinthians 4:7).
3. Being A Christian Means Being GRACIOUS (1 Thessalonians 2:7-11). In 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Paul says, "But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children." Paul was bold and spoke the truth, but he did so with love and gentleness (Ephesians 4:14-15).
4. 4. Being A Christian Means Being RELEVANT (1 Thessalonians 2:12). In this verse Paul commanded them to, "walk worthy of God." Paul's preaching was intended to help them live a worthy life before God. Preaching that isn’t practical or has no application is not helpful. Christianity is a way of life. It is a daily walk!

Paul was one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. In the text Paul reveals some challenging characteristics about his life that help us to be better Christians. Let’s all work to be more: BIBLICAL, AUTHENTIC, GRACIOUS and RELEVANT.

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have yet to start your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you have logged in to your account, simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website (http://school.wvbs.org/course-schedule/). The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link. From each lesson page you will be able to view a 30 to 40-minute video lesson presentation.

If you are a Formal or Informal Student you will not only see tabs on the course page for Description and Syllabus, but also for Exams, Course Notes (for some courses) and Course Books (for textbooks published by WVBS). Click on the appropriate tab and the document will be displayed. These materials are provided to Formal and Informal Students completely free online. If you desire printed pages, there is a "Print" button located to the upper-right of the displayed document where you can print personal copies.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

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?"

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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)
5. 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).
6. 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).
7. 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.

In Paul's letter to the Romans, he wrote, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). The word "gift" is a translation of the Greek word (CHARISMA). This term is related to the original Greek word that is often rendered as "grace" (CHARIS). Therefore, it indicates a gift that is given strictly as a favor; it is unmerited (undeserved). In Romans 6:23 the term "gift" is set in contrast to the term "wages" (OPSONION), that represents a deserved payment for services provided.

It is wrongly assumed by some, that since salvation is an unmerited "gift," there is absolutely nothing we need to do to gain the remission of our sins. However, that is very far from the truth. Jesus said, "Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). This shows us that receiving pardon is conditional on obedience. Acts 2:38 states, "Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

There is also a revealing passage in the Gospel of John that teaches us that even when a gift is offered, there can be conditions required to receive that gift. Jesus once said, "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you" (John 6:27). Even though "everlasting life" is called a gift, the Lord emphasizes that there is "labor" (work) to be done (by us) in order to receive that gift.

It is obvious the disciples understood the meaning of Jesus' words because they asked, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" (John 6:28). They knew that there was something for them to do. The phrase "works of God" refers to those things He has commanded us to do. Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent" (John 6:29). It should be noticed that the phrase "work of God" literally means "work from God" (a genitive of source). This shows us that even believing is classified as a "work" which must be done by those who desire heaven. Everlasting life requires faith and obedience. They work together for our righteousness.

There is no reason for the confusion in the religious world today concerning the issue of faith and works. One extreme says faith only and the other extreme says works only. The Bible is clear that neither extreme is correct. God's word teaches that we are counted as righteous when faith and works of obedience combine (Galatians 5:6; James 2:18-22). The "gift of God" is given to us only if we meet the requirements commanded by our God.

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password "please let us know"

God’s desire is for His people to understand the Scriptures (2 Peter 3:15-18). In order to properly apply God's word to our lives we must seek the true meaning of the biblical text. This is the concept of exegesis – "rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Exegesis is the explanation of a text based on a careful, objective analysis. The word exegesis literally means "to lead out of." That means we lead out conclusions based only on the biblical text.

However, there is a common problem in the religious world today of distorting the Scriptures by means of forcing a meaning into a passage that is not original with the text. This hostile takeover of the text is known as eisegesis. Eisegesis is the mistake of reading meaning into a text rather than drawing meaning from it. It may also be stated as reading into the text meaning that one wants to get out of it. Eisegesis is interpreting a text, or portion of a text, in such a way that we introduce our own presuppositions, agendas or biases into the text.

The point is: eisegesis is the exact opposite of a faithful interpretation of the biblical text. The distortion of the Scriptures is clearly condemned by God (Galatians 1:6-9). D.R. Dungan once wrote, "The Bible is not a book with which to prove doctrines; it is doctrine itself." Eisegesis involves assuming a doctrine and then twisting the Bible text to make it look like it supports it (2 Peter 3:14-16). We must not overlook the importance of patiently studying the Scriptures in order to faithfully find the true meaning of the text. To state it another way, we must never impose our "theology" over what the Scriptures actually teach. Such a behavior prevents us from finding the truth and we cannot obey the truth if we cannot find it.

In the end, let us remember that eisegesis is a dangerous handling of the Scriptures. Obviously, only exegesis does justice to the text. An honest student of the Bible will be an exegete, allowing the text to speak for itself. Of course, exegesis takes more time than eisegesis. But if we are to be those unashamed workmen who rightly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), then we must take the time to truly understand the text. Exegesis is the only correct approach to the Scriptures. May we always be submissive to His word (Psalm 119:18).

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.

Someone once said, "Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom." We find this to be especially true when it comes to learning God's word. If we blindly hold to our predetermined notions as we study the Bible we will learn nothing! Some may think they have a pretty good understanding of God's word, while what they actually have is a good understanding of someone's theory concerning what the Bible teaches. They may have learned these theories well, but have they ever really studied for themselves to see the teachings of the Scriptures? Only then will they know if those things being taught to them are in fact true. Well-meaning individuals may mislead us simply because they never consider the possibility that they have been taught someone's opinions instead of Biblical truth. As dedicated students of God's word we must always seek to overcome and eliminate our preconceived ideas.

A gospel preacher once wrote, "A good Bible student must be willing to toss aside all creeds -- whether written or implied -- and reject all assumption, and then accept the Bible as God's revealed truth (John 17:17)." When it comes to God's word we all have had our preconceived ideas. We were taught something about the Bible before we actually study it for ourselves. We must be careful to never see our predetermined ideas as the standard of truth. We should always look to God's word as the final authority for right and wrong. Let us eliminate our preconceived ideas and be open to God's word. In Acts 17:11 the Bereans were commended concerning their attitude toward the things they were being taught. The Scriptures explain, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password "please let us know"

We sometimes receive emails from students asking how they can help the school. We currently do not have any available employment/volunteer positions available in the school. However, please consider the following ways your congregation can help:

If you have already watched several lessons you may have noticed the “Mark Complete” button located below each video. This feature helps you to track your progress as you view the videos. We encourage you to always click this button when you finish viewing a lesson. The marking of lessons serves as a guide for your own information to mark your place in the study. Even if the lesson is marked complete you can return to watch it again as many times as you want.

For additional information please see the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) at the school website. In the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) you will find an article which will walk you through the necessary steps to track your progress by marking each lesson complete. It is titled: How-to: "Mark Complete" Lessons (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/mark-complete-lessons/).

As a student in the school you are to be commended for your desire to gain a better understanding of the Bible. Most of the people in the world do not really understand the Scriptures. Searching God’s word for the spiritual principles of life will reward you with a greater appreciation of why you are on this earth and what you should be doing with your life. Bible study will not only enhance your present existence, but it will also give you hope for an eternal life with God.

The courses in the school will educate you concerning the revealed facts and principles taught in the Bible. However, the courses will not present the countless speculations of some people in our day concerning things which have not been revealed in the Bible. It should be remembered that God's word is not designed to answer every idle curiosity we may have. If something is not revealed in the Scriptures it is not revealed for a reason - it is simply something we do not need to know for our salvation. The Bible gives us all the information we need to understand the glory of God and the salvation of man through Jesus Christ our Lord. We are always better served focusing on the things that we can actually know that God has revealed to us in His word.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to upgrade your enrollment from Auditing to Informal or Formal Student status. I want to thank you for making use of the videos provided by the school, but I encourage you to consider the advantages of upgrading your enrollment. If you upgrade your enrollment you will not only have access to the video Bible lessons, but you will also have free online viewing access to the teacher’s course notes, exams and some course books.

Formal Students follow a set course order which is designed to make the progression through the Bible easier. The assignments include viewing all video lessons, taking exams and writing research papers. Formal Students are issued a certificate of completion when they fully meet the requirements of a course. They receive a diploma when they have successfully completed all required courses.

Informal Students have the same requirements to meet for each course and cover the same material but they are allowed to take the courses in any order they desire. Informal Students receive certificates for each course but no diploma is awarded.

If you would like to change your status you will need to click on ENROLLMENT (https://school.wvbs.org/enrollment/) which is on the blue menu bar at the school website. When you have reached the enrollment page please select either the Formal or Informal Student Registration button. This will provide you with the form to fill out to change your status.

I completely understand if you have no interest in upgrading your enrollment. I commend you on your hard work and devotion to learning more about the Bible. God bless you as you continue in your studies. If I can answer any questions for you about the school please let me know(https://school.wvbs.org/about/contact-us/).

The WVBS Online Bible School is designed as an online only education facility. There are no live classes and no physical campus to visit. However, all across the world in homes, offices, schools or internet cafes people are going online to study God’s word using WVBS material. As an online school our desire has always been to provide an in-depth comprehensive Bible education through the convenience of the internet. The school is designed so that as a student you can do all things required easily online. The school provides a learning opportunity to those who want a focused, organized and intensive study of the Bible.

I am delighted that you have the desire to devote yourself to a deep study of God’s word. Perhaps you are anxious and maybe even a little nervous about the courses, but I hope you are also eager, excited and full of anticipation. You are preparing yourself for the battle against evil in our world. You are training yourself to effectively spread the good news of salvation. I understand and share in your excitement. I expect wonderful things from you both now and in the future. Because of your dedication to grow in your knowledge of the scriptures God is able to use you for great accomplishments for His glory.

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have not yet started your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you have logged-in to your account,
you simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website https://school.wvbs.org/course-schedule/. The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you will need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

Every journey in life starts with a first step, so congratulations, because when you enrolled in the school you took your first step to a better understanding of the Bible. Beginning an education in God's word is the start of a new adventure. Your journey has begun, but now is the time to dedicate yourself to its completion.

The thousands of students who have already enrolled in the school are known to be lovers of the Scriptures and the courses are designed to provide an in-depth, comprehensive study of the Bible. We are here to help all the students accomplish their goal to have a better understanding of the Scriptures, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

We commend you for your ambition to learn and the humility and respect you are willing to show your instructors. You will benefit greatly from their knowledge and experience as you explore together the Holy Scriptures. If you do hit a few bumps in the road, don’t panic; always look to the Bible as the perfect road map. Simply adjust your route a little to align with the Scriptures, and continue on your way with confidence. You never know what the future will bring as you devote yourself to this journey.

Whether you are young, making a mid-life change, or in your twilight years you have probably chosen to enroll because you are deeply interested in learning more concerning the Scriptures. If that is the case, then good news! We want you to be successful and we will do everything we can to help you as you walk this path. The staff is here for you and if you truly want to complete this journey we will help you every step of the way.

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password "please let us know"

The church you read about in the New Testament (church of Christ - Romans 16:16) was not a denomination. Therefore, the church of Christ today is not a denomination. The members of the Lord's church are just plain Christians – Christians only! They are not hyphenated Christians (Methodist-Christian, Lutheran-Christian, Baptist-Christian, etc.). The church of Christ follows no creeds, because creeds are made to denominate (to separate a specific group of religious people from other religious groups).

The true church of Christ follows the New Testament only, as the guide to salvation, worship and Christian living. To add to God’s word or detract from it is to change His word and this is condemned throughout the Bible (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:8; Galatians 1:7-9; Revelation 22:18). Creeds, disciplines, catechisms, etc. are not the Bible. They always add to or take away from the Bible (or both). If they are identical to the Bible we don't need them because we have the Bible.

The true church of Christ is not a denomination and has no denominational views about the Bible. To teach denominational views is to teach views other than what is taught in the Bible. God has specifically condemned that kind of teaching. We must reject all denominational teaching.

To denominate means to mark as different. To do this means to change from the original standard. We must not do this! We must go directly to the Bible and follow it exactly without any changes. Our goal should be to stay true to what the Bible says and we dedicate ourselves to teaching only those things which can be proven to be true from the Scriptures.

If you have already registered for a course you may have noticed the tab which is labeled "Instructions." This is where you will find the course syllabus that has information about the course and the requirements needed to earn a certificate for the course. This is a very helpful reference for the Formal and Informal Students who are taking the courses for credit. However, Auditing Students will also find the Syllabus to be an excellent starting point to understand the purpose of the course and the structure of the lessons. All students should begin each course by reading the Course Instructions.

The idea of ordination is to choose or appoint a man for an office, such as Titus appointing (or ordaining) elders (Titus 1:5). According to the New Testament elders and deacons were appointed in each congregation (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; Acts 20:17, 28). The elders lead the congregation and the deacons are servants of the congregation (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

The church we read about in the New Testament is composed of independent congregations (1 Peter 5:1-4; Philippians 1:1; Acts 20:17-28). There is no higher earthly headquarters. The true church's only headquarters is in heaven. Each congregation answers to Jesus Christ only and that will be done on judgment day. Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23) and it is Christ who has authorized or appointed the duty of an evangelist or preacher (Ephesians 4:11).

Some religious groups use "ordination" papers to state that a man is approved by their group to preach their doctrine. However, as we have seen, outside of each congregation, there is no organization with ruling authority and this practice is not found in the New Testament. We find no teaching in the New Testament that requires a man to make another man a preacher. There are no verses in Scripture referencing their practice for the ordination of a preacher. No one is mentioned in the New Testament as being selected for the role they claim..

Therefore, "ordination" for preachers (ministers) is a foreign concept to the Bible. God never authorized this practice of ordination. These are man-made rules often created to keep preachers under the control of those doing the ordaining.."

Our desire is to be of service to anyone who wishes to learn more about the Bible. The content of the lessons is pure non-denominational teaching based on accurate exegesis of the Bible. It is designed for the student who wants a focused, organized and intensive study of the Bible. The purpose of the WVBS Online Bible School is to prepare students to be better Christians, elders, deacons, preachers, Bible class teachers or personal workers.

If you have already watched several lessons you may have noticed the “Mark Complete” button located below each video. This feature helps you to track your progress as you view the videos. We encourage you to always click this button when you finish viewing a lesson. The marking of lessons serves as a guide for your own information to mark your place in the study. Even if the lesson is marked complete you can return to watch it again as many times as you want.

For additional information please see the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) at the school website. In the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) you will find an article which will walk you through the necessary steps to track your progress by marking each lesson complete. It is titled: How-to: "Mark Complete" Lessons ,(https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/mark-complete-lessons/).

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 states, "But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

How are men "called"? They are "called" by the gospel. "Called" is another way of saying "invited" or "encouraged to come." The word "gospel" comes from the Greek word (EUAGGELION) that literally means, "good tidings" or "good news." It is the good news that salvation is now possible because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-5). The gospel is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16). The gospel is God's plan for man's salvation from his sins. The "good news" is an invitation to have fellowship with God. Sin separates man from God

Isaiah 59:1-2 teaches, "Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

The preaching of the gospel has gone out into the world telling the good news that there is a solution to man's problem of sin. Fellowship with God is possible again because of the sacrificial blood of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God has provided to all mankind a way of salvation.

God calls people to Himself through the message of the gospel. 1 Corinthians 1:21 says, "For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." The calling goes out to all people equally. Whether they heed that call or reject it depends on their attitude toward the "message preached."

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 states, "You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."

This passage tells us that it is "God who calls," and we are called, "into His own kingdom and glory." But it doesn't directly state how that calling takes place. Unfortunately, people have a habit of filling in missing information with imaginative answers. But we don't need to guess. We merely look to our text for the answer (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). It is through the gospel that we are called to God.

The WVBS Online Bible School is designed to provide students with an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The courses cover every book in the Bible, plus four additional subjects which help you in your understanding of the scriptures (Christian Evidences, Hermeneutics, Greek and How We Got the Bible). The school is designed for anyone who wants a focused, organized and thorough study of the Bible.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we find King Solomon seeking to answer this question. At the beginning of his reign, the wise king asked the Lord to give him wisdom and an understanding heart, which he considered to be more important than wealth, longevity, or victory over his enemies (1 Kings 3:9; 2 Chronicles 1:10-11). Solomon went on to explore every aspect of life on this earth, all its joys and sorrows, to discover the purpose and meaning of man's existence. He recorded the results of his findings as follows: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The word "fear" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word that means, "to revere or show reverence." This is what motivates one to obey God's commands.

After all his searching Solomon found that the purpose of life is not in wealth, nor fame, nor power, nor physical pleasure, but in reverence for God and keeping His commandments. The life of a Christian is truly a life of meaning. It is lived with a sense of purpose. Barnabas encouraged Christians that "with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord" (Acts 11:23). Paul praised Timothy because he had "carefully followed" Paul's "doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance" (2 Timothy 3:10).

Let us think about the purpose of our lives. All lives make an impact in this world, and our lives cannot be a power for good unless we make them a power for good. Let us strive to live meaningful lives submitting to God and Hs word.

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have yet to start your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you have logged in to your account, simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website http://school.wvbs.org/course-schedule/. The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link. From each lesson page you will be able to view a 30 to 40-minute video lesson presentation.

If you are a Formal or Informal Student you will not only see tabs on the course page for Description and Syllabus, but also for Exams, Course Notes (for some courses) and Course Books (for textbooks published by WVBS). Click on the appropriate tab and the document will be displayed. These materials are provided to Formal and Informal Students completely free online. If you desire printed pages, there is a "Print" button located to the upper-right of the displayed document where you can print personal copies.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

There is a great misunderstanding in the religious world today. There are some who are teaching that the Old Testament is still in effect or binding today. However, Colossians 2:14 tells us that Jesus "wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." Our Bibles even show the distinction that should be recognized by separating for us the Old Testament from the New Testament. In Hebrews 10:9 we find Jesus saying, "'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.' He takes away the first that He may establish the second."

Therefore, the Old Testament was made null and void when Christ died on the cross. Jesus' New Testament could not take affect and remove the Old Testament until after He died. Hebrews 9:16-17 tells us, "For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives." His death fulfilled the old law and made His New Testament active and in force for everyone. When Christ died on the cross, the Old Testament fulfilled its purpose, and the New Testament was enacted as the will of God. Therefore, it is the New Testament that sets forth God's conditions for salvation, regulates our worship, and guides our conduct.

The Ten Commandments were thus removed as a binding force on mankind. However, nine of the ten were stated again and made binding in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 4:8; Acts 14:15; 17:29; Matthew 6:9; Ephesians 6:2; Romans 13:9). We must obey the nine because they are a part of the New Testament not because they were a part of the Old Testament. The only one not stated again and made binding in the New Testament was the Sabbath Law. In the New Testament the first day of the week (Sunday) is the special day of worship for Christians.

We cannot be justified by the Law of Moses because it is no longer in effect (Romans 7:4; Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 2:13-14), but we are under a law, the Law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2; James 1:25). We study the Old Testament and learn from it (Romans 15:4), but it is the words of Christ and the New Testament that will judge us in the last day (John 12:48).

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.

There are many benefits to studying the Bible. Several books could be written describing the numerous benefits. However, for this article let use consider three important advantages to a study of God's word.

As you can see, there are important advantages to a study of God's word. To gain the many benefits you should read the Bible and "observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password "please let us know"

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.

As one of the students in the school you probably know that your fellow students come from many different countries and cultural backgrounds. However, they share many things in common with you. For example, I think all the students are looking for a better future and seeking that better future in God's word. A student from Singapore recently wrote to say:

"I have learned a lot and will learn a lot more as I embark on this wonderful journey with the WVBS Online Bible School. My relationship with God is already strengthened by the lessons and will continue to get stronger. The school has been an immense blessing. Words won't be enough to say how much I appreciate how you are preparing me for my future."

God wants you (and indeed all mankind) to have a blessed future. The instructions God has given in His word are there to direct us to that better life. We simply need to learn these truths and obey them. God will reward those who obey Him. Your desire to study God's word shows your dedication to a better future.

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password "please let us know"

Each new year brings new opportunities. Young poet, Juansen Dizon wrote, "I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written." Spiritually we should remember that each new year, and each day of that new year, is an opportunity to increase our faith and draw closer to God.

As we begin the new year it is exciting to see more seekers of truth finding the school's website (https://school.wvbs.org/). There are currently over 70,000 students enrolled, making the WVBS Online Bible School one of the largest Bible schools in the world with students from over 190 different countries. Thank you for being a part of the school. I commend you for your desire to increase your faith and draw closer to God through a study of the Scriptures.

Former law professor, Michael Josephson, once said, "Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day." Each day of this new year we have an opportunity to grow in our faith. So how do we grow in faith? The Bible has the answer! Romans 10:17 states, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." It is God's word that produces faith in our lives. Let us never forget that faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4) and our faith is made perfect by our actions (James 2:22). One such action to build a stronger faith is studying the Bible Courses provided in the WVBS Online Bible School.

The school is designed to provide you with an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The school is designed for you to receive a focused, organized and thorough study of the Bible.

You have your priorities right by studying the Bible. The new year will surely be a blessing to you as you grow in your knowledge of the Scriptures. Make this new year a year of knowledge and spiritual growth!

If you have already registered for a course you may have noticed the tab which is labeled "Instructions." This is where you will find the course syllabus that has information about the course and the requirements needed to earn a certificate for the course. This is a very helpful reference for the Formal and Informal Students who are taking the courses for credit. However, Auditing Students will also find the Syllabus to be an excellent starting point to understand the purpose of the course and the structure of the lessons. All students should begin each course by reading the Course Instructions.

As you study in the school you will soon discover that the level of instruction is equal to and even far superior to many degree granting colleges and universities. If you have completed your first course, then you already know this to be true. The instructors have had years of combined study and experience teaching these courses in a classroom setting. These men are among the finest teachers available today. We are honored to have them as part of the school’s faculty. As you study the courses you will be blessed. A student wrote to say -

"I recently completed courses of study on the Old Testament books of the Pentateuch. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study God’s word through your program. I really enjoyed the study of these first five books of the Bible, which was so aptly taught by Chuck Horner. Mr. Horner’s passion for the word of God and his presentations made me dig deeper into the word. I thank him for his enthusiasm and his engagement with the online audience which made the courses most interesting. I look forward to continued studies in the school. Thank you so much for making these courses available to the public."

If you have not yet started your first course you can begin today. The courses are designed to be studied at-your-own-pace. You can view the lessons on your own time schedule. The school material is always here for you to use in a manner that best fits into your life. May God bless you as you study His word.

The WVBS Online Bible School is designed to provide students with an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The courses cover every book in the Bible, plus four additional subjects which help you in your understanding of the scriptures (Christian Evidences, Hermeneutics, Greek and How We Got the Bible). The school is designed for anyone who wants a focused, organized and thorough study of the Bible.

In John 14:15 Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." This is a fascinating verse that teaches a fundamental principle. It shows us the connection between love and obedience. True love for Christ will always produce obedience.

In the world today, obedience is sometimes thought of in a negative way. Some think it is beneath them to obey. However, that is simply not true. In God's word, we find that obedience is the expression of love.

1 John 5:2-3, "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome."

We should not think of obedience as some difficult, oppressive requirement of our God. Obedience is simply the product of our gratitude and love for God and all that He has done for us through His Son. We should always think of obedience in this way.

There is no doubt that there is a connection between love and action. Love is more than a simple emotion or feeling. True love produces action. Obedience is foundational to living the Christian life. If there is no obedience, then we are not living the Christian life.

In the Bible the words translated as "obey" are automatically connected to hearing. Obedience is the correct response to listening to God's word. In Luke 11:28 Jesus states, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" The standard of measuring our love for God is our obedience.

John 14:21, "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

John 14:23, "Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'"

The relationship between love and obedience is easy to see. If we truly love our Lord, we will seek to know and obey His commands. If do not keep His commands, we cannot honestly claim to love Him. Actions speak louder than words.

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have yet to start your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you login to your account simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website (http://school.wvbs.org/course-schedule/). The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link. From each lesson page you will be able to view a 30-40 minute video lesson presentation.

If you are a Formal or Informal Student you will not only see tabs on the course page for Description and Syllabus, but also for Exams, Course Notes (for some courses) and Course Books (for textbooks published by WVBS). Click on the appropriate tab and the document will be displayed. These materials are provided to Formal and Informal Students completely free online. If you desire printed pages, there is a "Print" button located to the upper-right of the displayed document where you can print personal copies.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

A willingness to learn is often defined as a desire, wish or readiness to acquire new knowledge and development. To grow spiritually is always the correct goal. We should never seek to learn the Bible as a means of impressing other people with our knowledge. In order to be a successful learner, it's important to avoid pride and arrogance. The "I-know-it-all" attitude will destroy our spiritual development. The humble, willingness to learn needs to be developed in our lives. Humility is an important key in the learning process.

Psalm 25:9 states, "The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way."

Proverbs 11:2 adds, "When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom."

We must increase our knowledge of the Scriptures, not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others in teaching them God's truth. To be a successful teacher we will need knowledge and humility.

In 2 Timothy 2:24-25 Paul wrote, "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth."

This should help us to appreciate the importance of humility. It is essential in our learning and also essential as we teach others what we have learned. We must cultivate in our hearts a willingness to learn. It may seem hard or even impossible at times to understand the Bible, but we must humble ourselves to seek a better understanding of the Scriptures. This skill can and must be developed. Our own spiritual growth and the spiritual growth of others depends on it./p>

While the WVBS Online Bible School is not accredited by any government agency, we are authorized under Texas State Law to grant degrees within the fields of theology, religion, ministry, biblical studies, etc. Thus, our courses and curriculum supply the required education needed for a degree in Biblical Studies.

The level of work required by the WVBS Online Bible School is equal to and even superior to many accredited religious universities and colleges. Any graduate of the school will be fully qualified to teach the Bible.

We have not sought secular accreditation or approval to do what God commands us to do in teaching and training souls to obey and serve Christ. We have no quarrel with schools that choose to be accredited by the government and outside agencies. However, our aim is to be a work for, and on behalf of God; thus, we are only in need of His approval. Therefore, we seek to be accredited by His word, which should please any who are involved in biblical education.

The Bible is not like any other book. It is actually a collection or library of 66 books, all bound together in one book. These individual books were written by many different writers over an extended period of time. What makes the Bible unique is that its human writers were all inspired by one Divine Author—God!

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."

The Greek word for "inspiration" literally means "God-breathed." The words of Scripture are directly from God.

2 Peter 1:20-21, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

The inspired writers of the Bible were directed by the Holy Spirit concerning the actual words they wrote. These God breathed words have the power to change and transform our lives. Therefore, we should all have a great desire to learn what the Bible teaches.

We should understand that a deep study of God's word requires more effort, dedication and determination than simply reading. The Bible can be a difficult book to fully understand. That is why a comprehensive, in-depth study of God's word as is found in the WVBS Online Bible School is so valuable.

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.

There are many reasons to be excited about studying the Bible. Not only is it the word of our Creator, but it also teaches us how to live our lives pleasing to Him. The Bible is filled with guidelines for the real life situations of our day. It reveals the truth about who we are and who we should be as we obey and serve our Lord. Knowing God’s Word gives us wisdom and understanding. The Scriptures instruct us concerning the priorities we should have in this life. The Bible guides our decision-making, our responses to day-to-day situations, our relationships with others and how we see the world.

The Bible does many things for us:

1. It encourages us and gives us hope (Romans 15:4).
2. It instructs us concerning how to live this life (Romans 15:4).
3. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
4. It keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
5. It restores and revives our souls (Psalm 19:7).
6. It gives us wisdom (Psalm 19:7; 2 Peter 3:15).
7. It warns us concerning temptations (Psalm 19:11).
8. It teaches us how to save our souls (James 1:21).
9. It gives us spiritual life and health (Proverbs 4:22).

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form.
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password please let us know.

People from all over the world enroll in the school for various reasons. These sincere students have a love for the Scriptures and want to learn all they can about God and His word. In order to do this, some choose to be Auditing Students who simply watch the video Bible lessons to grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures. Others choose to be Informal Students so they can not only watch the video lessons, but also be tested on the things they have learned doing exams and writing term papers. However, a special few choose to be Formal Students wanting to watch all of the videos, read all of the course notes, take exams and do the term paper assignments so they can earn a diploma. Perhaps, this is your dream - to graduate from the school with a diploma. If this is your goal you are in good company. A recent graduate of the school wrote to say -

"Thank you, Mr. Haffner! You and all the staff at the WVBS Online Bible School have been very kind and very helpful. I have enjoyed every single second of my schooling. I honestly believe it's the best Bible school in the world! I have just told a friend about the school and to my knowledge he will be researching it after he gets off work today. I will stay in touch with him and try to encourage him to pursue the classes. I've also shared information about the school with a friend at work. Every single instructor is tops!!! I am so pleased to be able to finish my courses! God has allowed me to stay healthy throughout and to find the time and energy to hang in there (Deuteronomy 8:18). As the videos say, "To God be the Glory!" Thank you so much to all at the WVBS Online Bible School!"

Having a goal to look forward to can serve as a great incentive if you begin to grow tired or discouraged. My dream is for all the students in the school to grow in their knowledge of God's word so that they obey Him and serve Him all the days of their lives.

If you have already watched several lessons you may have noticed the “Mark Complete” button located below each video. This feature helps you to track your progress as you view the videos. We encourage you to always click this button when you finish viewing a lesson. The marking of lessons serves as a guide for your own information to mark your place in the study. Even if the lesson is marked complete you can return to watch it again as many times as you want.

For additional information please see the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) at the school website. In the Help Center (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/) you will find an article which will walk you through the necessary steps to track your progress by marking each lesson complete. It is titled: How-to: "Mark Complete" Lessons (https://school.wvbs.org/about/help/mark-complete-lessons/).

I appreciate your love of the Scriptures and desire to learn more. We must always stay true to what the Bible teaches. Even if we discover it teaches something different than what we have been told before.

To discover the requirements for salvation we must consider all the verses that deal with the topic. One verse may emphasize one aspect while other verses could add other requirements. By looking at the totality of the Bible's teaching we can learn what a sinner must do to obey God's plan for salvation.

In the Scriptures we find God's plan for salvation has five steps:

• The first step is to hear the saving message of salvation (Romans 10:17). In other words, one must learn of the truth before they can obey it.
• The second step is to have faith, or believe that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16). However, this is not the only step. Faith alone will not save (James 2:14, 17, 24).
• The third step of God's plan is repentance. The sinner is required to repent, which is composed of sorrow for sin and a change of will which results in a changed life (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 7:10).
• The fourth step is confession. The sinner is required to confess their faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:10).
• The fifth step is baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:18-19; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21).

Ananias told Saul in Acts 22:16, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Saul was a man who already had faith, being repentant and in prayer (Acts 9:1-18; 22:1-16), but he was still in sin and needed to do something more. He needed to obey the final step of God's plan for salvation.

Our sins are washed away not by the water of baptism, but by the blood of Christ when we submit to God's plan for salvation to hear, believe, repent, confess and be baptized (Acts 8:38-39). Only then are we saved from past sins and added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:38, 41).

We do not earn our salvation and there are no works of merit which will save us (Ephesians 2:9), but there are works of obedience which God requires (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:19-20).

I commend you for your desire to learn more and would encourage you to carefully consider the Scriptures I have given to see what they teach for yourself. Please don't put your trust in my words or the words of any man. Men can be wrong, but God's word is always right.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to upgrade your enrollment from Auditing to Informal or Formal Student status. I want to thank you for making use of the videos provided by the school, but I encourage you to consider the advantages of upgrading your enrollment. If you upgrade your enrollment you will not only have access to the video Bible lessons, but you will also have free online viewing access to the teacher’s course notes, exams and some course books.

Formal Students follow a set course order which is designed to make the progression through the Bible easier. The assignments include viewing all video lessons, taking exams and writing research papers. Formal Students are issued a certificate of completion when they fully meet the requirements of a course. They receive a diploma when they have successfully completed all required courses.

Informal Students have the same requirements to meet for each course and cover the same material but they are allowed to take the courses in any order they desire. Informal Students receive certificates for each course but no diploma is awarded.

If you would like to change your status you will need to click on ENROLLMENT which is on the blue menu bar at the school website. When you have reached the enrollment page please select either the Formal or Informal Student Registration button. This will provide you with the form to fill out to change your status.

I completely understand if you have no interest in upgrading your enrollment. I commend you on your hard work and devotion to learning more about the Bible. God bless you as you continue in your studies. If I can answer any questions for you about the school please let me know.

Christians should not expect a life without problems. It isn't realistic, and it isn't taught in the Bible. Jesus told His followers in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (trouble); but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Christians often face ridicule, discrimination, insults and mistreatment. The "trouble" for the Christians can also include accidents, illness, job layoffs, broken relationships, financial setbacks, family strife, the death of a loved one and similar problems that unbelievers suffer as well. We will have to face problems in this life. Christ never promised Christians a life without struggles, pain and hardships. Jesus never told His disciples, "If you follow me your life will go smoothly, and you will get everything you want." He never offered His followers a life without challenges.

However, no matter whether our problems are caused by ourselves (sin), others (crime, cruelty, selfishness) or circumstances (illness, accidents, loss, disaster), Jesus is always there for us. He is the answer to this problem-filled life. That doesn't mean our problems will end, but that He can bring us through everything that happens to us. Psalms 34:19 says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." He doesn't spare us or shield us from trouble, but He can deliver us. We may come out the other side with scars and losses, but we will come out the other side if we obey Him. Even if a Christian's suffering results in death, he/she will be delivered into the hands of God.

Once we understand that trouble is normal and to be expected (sometimes even helpful for our spiritual growth), we will be prepared to face the difficulties of this life. James 1:2-4 explains, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." We don't have to like it and we certainly won't enjoy it, but we can count on God's help to always get us through it, if we stay true to Him. A problem-free life is a myth on earth, but a reality in heaven. Revelation 21:4 promises, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

We hope you are enjoying the free courses provided by the WVBS Online Bible School. The school is designed to give students an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The courses cover every book in the Bible, plus four additional subjects which help you in your understanding of the scriptures. The 45 courses are currently available to the students for free online viewing. We would love to hear your opinion of the courses. Your comments, suggestions and even criticisms would be appreciated.

The study of the Bible develops within us a desire to worship our God. The more we know about our heavenly Father the more we want to offer up praise to Him. Knowing who He is and what He has done for us generates appreciation and reverence.

God is deserving of worship and we want our worship to be pleasing and acceptable to Him. Since God is the one being worshipped it is He, not us, who decides how He is to be worshipped. We must offer up true worship to our Creator (John 4:21-24), not uninformed (Acts 17:23-31) or vain worship (Matthew 15:9; 2 John 1:9-11). This can only be done when we fully follow His instructions concerning how He wants to be worshipped. There is a right way to worship God! In the New Testament we are given five (5) acts of worship:

1. The Lord's Supper - Christians are commanded to observe the Lord's supper on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7: Acts 2:42). The elements of this memorial to the Lord's sacrifice consists of unleavened bread (which represented His body) and unfermented grape juice (which represents His blood). It was Jesus who instituted this remembrance of His death on the cross (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20).
2. Giving - Also, on the first day of the week disciples are commanded to give back to God as He has blessed us (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The money is to be used for the work of the church (evangelism, edification and benevolence). Christians are commanded to give willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:1-7).
3. Preaching - We also know the Lord's church had preaching during their worship services (Acts 20:7). God's word was proclaimed. Christians are commanded to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
4. Praying - The first disciples prayed when they met together (Acts 2:42) as God's word commanded (1 Timothy 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We can actually speak to the Creator of our universe by praying to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17).
5. Singing - The Christians in the first century sang praises to God when they met together for worship on the first day of every week (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). In the New Testament singing (without mechanical instruments) was done as an act of worship (Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15; James 5:13).

Whatever we do in worship must only be done as authorized by the Lord and as His word directs (Colossians 3:17; John 4:24). There is a right way to worship God. Please use this information to make sure you are worshiping according to the Scriptures. As you continue in your study of the Scriptures it is vital that you find a faithful church which is following the pattern set forth in the New Testament concerning how to worship God.

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have not yet started your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you have logged-in to your account, you simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website. The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you will need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

I commend you for enrolling in the school. Your decision is proof of your desire to learn more concerning God and His word. This wonderful attitude reminds me of the inspired words of the psalmist who wrote in Psalm 119:104-105, "Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

The entirety of Psalm 119 serves as a great source for developing a deep respect and love for the word of God. It expresses the affection we should have for God's revealed will. It stirs within our hearts a deep and abiding love for the Scriptures and motivates us to study the deep things of our Creator that we might know Him better, love Him more and obey Him completely.

In verse 17 we find, "Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word." This request made by the psalmist is not a plea for blessings simply for the sake of blessings; but rather, that he might live and obey God's word. In the next verse he says, "Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law." The psalmist understands that he must open his eyes to the "wondrous things" of God's law. If we are not willing to open our eyes we will never truly understand and appreciate the Scriptures. God has given us free will to choose to open our eyes or keep them closed to His truth. We must have open eyes and indeed open minds to receive the instructions found in the Bible. An open mind is the first step to understanding and loving God's instructions.

In verse 97 the psalmist writes, "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day." We must develop in our hearts a love for God's word and a love for learning. Your decision to enroll in the school is evidence of your love for the Scriptures and desire to gain understanding of the Bible's truth. May you search the Bible daily with an open mind and loving heart dedicating yourself to obeying its teachings.

Perhaps you have lost your password and don’t know how to proceed. In our records student passwords are encrypted and not visible, but there are steps you can take to reset your password if it has been lost:

1. From the homepage of the School, select the "LOGIN" button on the blue menu bar at the school website, which will take you to the bottom of the page to the login form.
2. Choose the "Lost Password" link below the form (https://school.wvbs.org/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword).
3. A new page asking for your email address will be presented. Simply enter the email address you used when setting up your account, click the reCAPTCHA checkbox and then click the "Get New Password" button.
4. At this point an email will be sent to the email address you entered. In the email there will be a reset link to verify that you do indeed own the email address you entered.
5. After clicking the reset link in your email, you will be given the opportunity to create a new password. The website will auto-populate the input field with a randomly generated set of characters, but you can type-in whatever you choose. Click the "Reset Password" button, then click on the WVBS Online Bible School logo to go to the main page and login using your new password. If you experience problems in resetting your password please let us know (https://school.wvbs.org/about/contact-us/).

Each new year brings new opportunities. It is exciting to see more and more seekers of truth find the school's website (https://school.wvbs.org/). There are currently over 30,000 students enrolled, making the WVBS Online Bible School one of the largest Bible schools in the world with students from 186 different countries. Thank you for being a part of the school. I commend you for your strong desire to study the Bible. You have demonstrated your commitment to increasing your knowledge of the Scriptures.

American author, John Naisbitt, once said, "We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge." This is certainly true in our religious world today. There is an ocean of information concerning religion, but very little of it is actually based in God's word. To gain true knowledge we must look to the Scriptures, not to the doctrines of men. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Jeremiah 10:23 adds, "O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps."

The WVBS Online Bible School is designed to provide students with an online, comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible. The lessons are pure non-denominational teaching based on an accurate "drawing out" of what the Bible teaches, not reading into the text what someone might think it teaches. The school is designed for anyone who wants a focused, organized and thorough study of the Bible.

We must stay true to God's word and dedicate ourselves to believing and teaching only those things which can be proven to be true from the Scriptures. It really doesn’t matter what any man may think; it only matters what the Bible teaches. Men can be wrong, but God's word is always right. Let us make this new year a year of knowledge.

If you have already registered for a course you may have noticed the tab which is labeled "Syllabus." This is where you will find information about the course and the requirements needed to earn a certificate for the course. This is a very helpful reference for the Formal and Informal Students who are taking the courses for credit. However, Auditing Students will also find the Syllabus to be an excellent starting point to understand the purpose of the course and the structure of the lessons. All students should begin each course by reading the Course Syllabus.

In Matthew 5:3 Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." In the original language the Greek word translated as "poor" carries the idea of one who is reduced to begging, destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor. In the days of the New Testament beggars were common. They were unable to support themselves and had no other option but to beg for their daily needs. They were totally dependent on the kindness and generosity of others. In much the same way we must realize that we are totally dependent on God.

In His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus preached the principles of His spiritual kingdom. We should notice that as He began the lesson He emphasized man's dependency upon God. Our journey to becoming a child of God begins with having an honest and good heart (Luke 8:15) that realizes without God we can do nothing. We have no ability to save ourselves. We must look to God and be willing to obey what He has commanded us to do. If we do not accept our complete dependency on God, we will never obey Him or serve Him. We must accept our own lost spiritual condition and our need for guidance. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). It is not possible to live faithful to God if we are not willing to submit to His guidance.

Notice again in Matthew 5:3 Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The word "blessed" means that the "poor in spirit" will be eternally happy. How is this possible? Because they will be the ones who recognize their dependence upon God for salvation and will both seek and obey His commands. In this way "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Those who submit themselves in obedience to God will be added to the kingdom. The "kingdom of heaven" is defined as that spiritual body composed of those who are saved. On earth, that kingdom is the church and when the end of the world comes Christ shall, deliver "up the kingdom to God" (1 Corinthians 15:24). Those who are in the kingdom, shall then be blessed to be in the presence of God throughout eternity. Those who refuse to recognize or accept their spiritual poverty will never seek and submit in obedience to God's commands. They will be eternally lost.

If you have already watched several lessons you may have noticed the “Mark Complete” button located below each video. This feature helps you to track your progress as you view the videos. We encourage you to always click this button when you finish viewing a lesson. The marking of lessons serves as a guide for your own information to mark your place in the study. Even if the lesson is marked complete you can return to watch it again as many times as you want.

For additional information please see the Help Center at the school website. In the Help Center you will find an article which will walk you through the necessary steps to track your progress by marking each lesson complete. It is titled: How-to: "Mark Complete" Lessons.

There is no doubt that God is loving, compassionate and merciful. He has done everything possible to save us from our sins (John 3:16). But, we should never assume that God's desire to save man overrides His attitude toward sin. In the same context as John 3:16 we find:

"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (John 3:18-19).

Our God loves us, but we must come to the light to have a relationship with Him. This is why Paul said, "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off" (Roman 11:22). The God who loves and cares for us is the same God who upholds justice. Our responsibility is to "continue in His goodness."

It is true that God is rigid and strict when it comes to His law and obedience. He will not change His law to accommodate us. However, this does not mean He is not merciful, kind and compassionate. It would be wrong to think that God is just waiting to punish us as soon as we get out of line. God is longsuffering and patient. He is giving us time each and every day to turn our backs on sin, and turn to Him in obedience. However, if we refuse to turn our backs on sin, God cannot have a united relationship with us. Some may see this as God being too rigid and strict, but what they fail to realize is that God cannot have fellowship with sin. It goes against His very nature. When we sin, God does not leave us, we leave Him.

Isaiah 59:1-2 says, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear."

We cannot negotiate with God concerning His attitude toward sin. We must approach Him through our Savior Jesus Christ with an attitude of obedience and deep repentance, understanding that we are sinful and in need of His forgiveness. He is always eager to forgive us when we obey Him. He is like a loving parent who forgives His children when they admit their mistakes. Parents are often strict, but they love their children and want the best for them. The Father's strictness does not take away from His love.

Have you ever wished to visit the Bible lands? If you are not able to make the journey yourself the next best thing could be watching these programs. These instructional video presentations, shot on location, let you explore many of the religious and historical sites in Israel, Jordan and Palestine. They are produced by WVBS and are completely free to view online. completely free to view online.

"Passage 15 | Shiloh: The Place Where God Once Dwelt" - Nestled deep within the heartland of the West Bank in Israel lies the biblical city of Shiloh; the place where God’s tent of meeting was located for over 300 years. Today this storied city lies in ruin, but archaeologists are determined to unearth its secrets. In recent years a number of important discoveries have been unearthed in Shiloh and Bible Land Passages was there to document the evidence, discuss the significance, and provide faith-building lessons from the land of the Bible.

• Volume 1
  • Passage 1 | Jerusalem: An Unforgettable City
  • Passage 2 | The Ministry of Jesus in Northern Israel
  • Passage 3 | Dan: City of Unfaithfulness
  • Passage 4 | In the Shadow of Gilboa: Reaping & Sowing
  • Passage 5 | Treasures of Qumran: The Dead Sea Scrolls
• Volume 2
  • Passage 6 | Judah: David's Training Ground of Faith
  • Passage 7 | The Southern Steps: Coming into the presence of the Lord
  • Passage 8 | Masada: Fortress of Misplaced Faith
  • Passage 9 | Jericho: City of Rahab
  • Passage 10 | Khirbet Qeiyafa: Witness to David's Kingdom

• Volume 3
  • Passage 11 | The Power of Jesus in Galilee
  • Passage 12 | The Tomb of Jesus
  • Passage 13 | Caesarea by the Sea: Rome's Capital in Israel
  • Passage 14 | Bethlehem: Of Tyrants and Kings
  • Passage 15 | Shiloh: The Place Where God Once Dwelt

These videos may be found under the “About” option on the blue menu bar by clicking the “Recommended Videos” link. When you click this button you will be taken to a page which will be continually updated with information concerning free videos available for online viewing which may be of interest to you.

An accomplished business leader once said, "Be humble to see your mistakes, courageous to admit them, and wise enough to correct them." This is excellent advice, not only in the business world, but in Bible study as well. Sometimes when we study God's word we discover we were wrong in what we thought was being taught in the Scriptures. We must have the humility to see when we are wrong, the courage to admit our mistake and then the wisdom to correct our misunderstanding. The steps to help us through this process are very important.

1. We need to see our mistake. This requires an honest study of God's word. It is important that we study the Scriptures without preconceived ideas. We must know what the Bible teaches, not what some person told us it teaches. God's word should be treated with respect. This demands humility, understanding that we don't know everything. If we do not have humility we will never see our mistakes.
2. We must admit the mistake. The next important step is to admit that we sometimes get things wrong when it comes to the Scriptures. We will never be able to make a correction without this admission. We must have the courage to see our error and accept that we made a mistake. However, at times our pride stands in the way. Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." We will be better learners when we have the courage to overcome our pride.
3. We must have the wisdom to make corrections. It would be foolish to make the same mistakes over and over again. If we persist in making the same mistakes, then we really haven't learned to improve our approach to the Scriptures. We want our study of the Bible to be a learning experience. The goal is to overcome and grow from the misunderstandings we have had in the past. By choosing to learn from our mistakes, not only will we become better students of God's word, but we will also grow in our wisdom.

It is often painful to learn we have made a mistake in our understanding of the Bible. That's why we should always strive to humble ourselves and admit our lack of knowledge. Remember, admitting when we are wrong is a sign of courage and readiness to improve.

Perhaps you have enrolled in the school but have yet to start your first course. Beginning your studies is easy to do. Once you login to your account simply choose the course you would like to study from the "Course Schedule" option located on the blue menu bar of the school website (http://890353b685.nxcli.net/course-schedule/). The "Course Schedule" reflects the designated order that Formal Students must follow. Informal and Auditing Students are recommended, but not required, to follow this schedule.

Once you have selected the course you would like to study you need to register for the course by clicking the "Register" button located on the course page. When this is done, you will have full online access to the course. You can begin watching the videos immediately by clicking the "Lesson 1" link. From each lesson page you will be able to view a 30-40 minute video lesson presentation.

If you are a Formal or Informal Student you will not only see tabs on the course page for Description and Syllabus, but also for Exams, Course Notes (for some courses) and Course Books (for textbooks published by WVBS). Click on the appropriate tab and the document will be displayed. These materials are provided to Formal and Informal Students completely free online. If you desire printed pages, there is a "Print" button located to the upper-right of the displayed document where you can print personal copies.

You may register and begin viewing the courses at any time. There is no official start time for any of the courses. They are always available - 24/7. Why not start your lessons today?

Jesus has not promised Christians a trouble-free life (Matthew 10:16-28). Christ warned His disciples, "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub (ruler of the demons), how much more will they call those of his household!" (Matthew 10:25).

Living the Christian life requires enduring persecutions and hardships. Christianity is not easy. It takes true commitment and complete devotion. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 the apostle Paul called Christianity "work" and "labor" because it is hard and it requires effort. If we are to be successful we must give ourselves fully to the ongoing work of the Lord.

The life of a Christian is like paddling a canoe upstream. Some areas of the river are wide and slow, but some areas of the river are narrow and fast. We should not think the trip is going to be easy when we reach those wide, slow places in the river. There is often a temptation to relax and forget that we still need to paddle. If we don't paddle the current will soon slow us down and gradually send us backward.

The lesson is this - there is no time in our lives when we should take time off from serving God. If we don't keep paddling we will soon drift away. James 1:22 tells Christians to "be doers of the word, and not hearers only." James 4:17 says "to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." Luke 10:27 says "we must love the Lord with all our heart, soul, strength and mind." Matthew 6:33 tells us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

Too many Christians think they can simply "float on the river" to heaven without any effort. James 2:24 says, "You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." Those who teach "faith only" salvation have missed the point. We must pick up our paddles and keep paddling our way up the river that leads to our heavenly home.

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.

There are some in the religious world today who teach (or imply by their teaching) that the Bible is not sufficient. They think the Bible does not give us all the information we need. They imply by their actions that God's word is inadequate. However, Paul wrote to Timothy, "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" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Notice, the verse says the Scriptures will make the man of God complete. We do not need more! Peter wrote that God's "divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:2-3). It is clear from the Scriptures that God's word is sufficient. It is all we need for our spiritual lives. In the New Testament we find how to be saved, how to remain saved, how to live a life of service to God and how to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

There are some in the religious world who really don't believe the Bible is sufficient. They say things like, "My church teaches...", or "Our church (council, convention) has decided to start allowing...", or "We follow the Bible and our creed book." Jesus addressed this type of attitude when He said, "Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'" (Matthew 15:6-9).

Since the Bible is sufficient (providing all the information we need) we know that creeds and the doctrines of men are condemned. There is no authority for them found in the Bible. In Galatians 1:6-9 Paul explained, "If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." In 2 John verse 9 we find, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son."

The only creed (or doctrinal statement) of a Christian’s faith needed is the Bible. If the creed says less than the Bible it has left something out. If the creed says more than the Bible it has added to God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19). If the creed says the same thing as the Bible it is not needed because we have the Bible.

Yes, the Bible is sufficient! Let us study, learn and obey God's word, and not be distracted by what some men or churches teach. Men can be wrong and churches can be wrong, but God's word is always right. It is the standard for all that we do and teach.

While the WVBS Online Bible School is not accredited by any government agency, we are authorized under Texas State Law to grant degrees within the fields of theology, religion, ministry, biblical studies, etc. Thus, our courses and curriculum supply the required education needed for a degree in Biblical Studies.

The level of work required by the WVBS Online Bible School is equal to and even superior to many accredited religious universities and colleges. Any graduate of the school will be fully qualified to teach the Bible.

We have not sought secular accreditation or approval to do what God commands us to do in teaching and training souls to obey and serve Christ. We have no quarrel with schools that choose to be accredited by the government and outside agencies. However, our aim is to be a work for, and on behalf of God; thus, we are only in need of His approval. Therefore, we seek to be accredited by His word, which should please any who are involved in biblical education.