Russell Haffner
If we are going to have success understanding the Bible we must have the right attitude toward the scriptures. Many people today do not approach the word of God correctly. Some approach God's word with preconceived ideas based on what they have been taught by someone in their past. Others look at the Bible as an interesting book which presents an optional view of life, but not as the inspired word of God. There are also those who see the Bible as a collection of mysterious writings which can never be understood or simply an outdated book which does not apply today. There are even some who see it as good instructions, but only for others. They never apply the scriptures to their own lives. How should we approach God's word?
- We must approach it as eager hearers. Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6).
- We must desire only the word of God. In Matthew 15:9 Jesus warned, "And in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
- We must read it with good and honest hearts. Jesus explains, "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).
- We must allow God's word to "cut" (penetrate) our hearts. Acts 2:37 says, "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'"
- We must receive the word with gladness. In Acts 2:41 we read, "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them."
- We must desire to hear and know all of the word. In Acts 10:33 we find the attitude of Cornelius who said to Peter, "So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God."
- We must study it as discerning hearers. Acts 17:11 describes the people of Berea by saying, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
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 The Bible from God to Us). The school is designed for anyone who wants a focused, organized and thorough study of the Bible.