There is nothing in this universe as powerful as the Word of God. It has the power to guide men unto salvation, bring new life into existence, renew depressed spirits, and equip both minds and hearts. God said that His Word would not go forth void. “So shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). As children of God, we have been given a precious gift in His Word.
We are all called and commissioned to carry His Word faithfully. We may be evangelists, elders, deacons, laymen, or simply parents with a mandate to instruct our children in the Scripture like Timothy's mother. But everyone needs to be well equipped so that we can teach it wherever the Lord leads us. To be well equipped, we must continuously study to show ourselves capable of understanding of what is meant in God’s Word. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).
However, there is something else that needs to be mentioned here. When the Scripture talks about “rightly dividing the Word of truth” it means just that. We have a responsibility to carry the truth of the Word of God. It is only the truth that will set people free. The Lord Jesus plainly says “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). If we aren’t careful we can fill our minds with matters that have nothing to do with our eternal destiny. We can spend endless hours discussing and debating issues of which God has no concern. Therefore, we must become acquainted with the Book which brings not only information but transformation. We must allow God’s Spirit to reveal His truth to our hearts. We must allow the Spirit to fill us so that when we preach or teach, worship or witness, it will result in life changing experiences.
The Institute of Biblical Studies (Chicago) has as its number one goal the purpose of equipping the saints to carry the Word of God in whatever aspect they have been called to do. Our motto is “Enlightened in the Word and Empowered by the Spirit” If ever there were a time when our society needs to be empowered by the anointed Word of God, the time is now. If ever there were a time when our sensate culture needs to be rooted and grounded in truth, the time is now.
Because without God and His Word, our efforts will turn to ashes and our sunrises into darkest nights. Without God and His Word, life is a meaningless drama in which the decisive scenes are missing. But with Him, we are able to rise from tension-packed valleys to the sublime heights of inner peace. It is only with God and the truth of His Word that we can find radiant stars of hope against the nocturnal bosom of life’s most depressing nights. Augustine was right when he said “Thou hast created us for thyself, and our heart cannot be quieted till we find repose in thee.”
So then, our desire is for you to study with us. Share with us and learn with us what God has given to us in His Word. If you should have any questions regarding our curriculum content, please do not be hesitant to inform us. We are here to serve you and assist you in your studies to the best our ability.