Welcome to the Bible course, “Test the Spirits”!
Christianity has a firm foundation of faith. But did you know the Bible also commands us not to believe? This course takes its title from one such Scripture.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).
God’s wise command tells us, “Do not believe every spirit.” God also commands us to “test the spirits.”
As disciples, we heed God’s wisdom and we seek to obey God’s commands. In this Bible course, we do this by looking to His Son, Jesus Christ, and to the apostles He appointed, including John whom God inspired to write, “test the spirits.”
John was a witness to the miracles of Jesus. John wrote,
Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name (John 20:30-31).
In this course, we let what is “written”—the Scriptures—describe “signs” and their purposes. We do this in order to tell the difference between what is real and what is false. We compare the genuine miracles of the Bible to claims being made today. We examine their uses and their fruits. We test because we respect and follow God’s will. We also test because we love people who might be led astray since, as John says, “many false prophets have gone out into the world.” You will find this Bible study well worth the time, because these are matters of life and death for eternity.
OUR METHOD in this COURSE
To let Jesus and His first disciples define miracles and their purposes.
OUR AIM in this COURSE
To obey His command, “test everything” to distinguish the true from the false.
OUR PREPARATION
Read the Scriptures and lesson.
Answer questions.
Pray for discernment based on God’s Word.
Hold fast to what is good.
HOW TO USE THIS COURSE
Thank you for your interest in how to use this Bible course. Similar Bible lessons from World Bible School (WBS) have blessed over 35,000,000 people worldwide. Demand for the basic WBS Master Series continues to soar, with over 1,000,000 new applicants each year. As more people complete the WBS Master Series, the demand grows for Bible studies after the Master Series. Diligent students often express this need, especially those who have become committed disciples of Jesus. Their WBS Study Helpers seek to assist them with advanced studies of God’s word. This growing demand—from both learners and helpers—is one factor that has led to the creation of WBS Supplemental Courses. Any reader of this course can benefit from the next paragraphs, but they particularly address those who are using this course as a supplement, having previously taken WBS courses.
WBS Supplemental Courses are designed for “self-study” in which you study on your own, without requiring much help from your Study Helper. Yes, your Study Helper provides the course to you. But, unlike the WBS Master Series, you do not have to return answers to your Study Helper. To get the most from your personal study, make your own notes in answer to the Thought Questions. At the last Thought Question for each lesson, write down your decision about the specific action you will take as a result of that lesson. Seek the Lord’s help in taking this action, in making the necessary changes, in growing to be like Jesus. Again, there are no questions to be graded, and there is no requirement for you to send answers to your Study Helper. Why are we making this course, and similar Supplemental Courses, “self-study”? The first reason has to do with learning to depend more on the Lord and less on your Study Helper. You are learning to study God’s word for yourself. Also, this allows your Study Helper to take new students who have not yet had opportunities to learn the Good News. The second reason also has to do with the maturing process. You will begin by studying and applying this course for your own spiritual growth. You are strengthening your relationship with God Himself. As you become familiar with the material, you most likely will want to share its valuable lessons with others. You can then use these lessons to teach individuals or groups. “Extra Notes” at the end of the course may assist you with further study and preparation.
Let your friends, family and others know about World Bible School. All courses, whether part of the WBS Master Series or Supplemental Courses, are free of charge. We do, however, recommend that correspondence courses be taken in order, starting with the WBS Master Series. This order will lay a firm foundation and lead to the best use of supplements. It is our prayer that you will benefit from this course as you seek truth in Scripture. May you continue to grow in spiritual living with Jesus Christ, the Son of God!