Our Bible study has come to a close for the school year. While current students will have access to the list of lessons to review or experience for the first time, our Bible study teacher, Ms. Kaptein, has graciously summarized what was covered through the weeks.
Community. This year in Bible Study we spent the year focusing on what building community looks like. We used the Bible verse from Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) which states “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds . . .” to guide our learning and discussions. Starting in the Old Testament, we discovered why community is so important. God, being triune, is always in fellowship with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Since we are made in His image, we are called to be in community with fellow believers, too. God values community and so should we.
Throughout the Old Testament we were shown example after example about how God used the nation of Israel to encourage one another and spur each other on. From the 12 tribes of Israel, to the way their camps were set up and even through their exile and return to Jerusalem, God reminded the Israelites, and us, of the importance of being together.
In the New Testament, Jesus became our ultimate example of answering ‘who is part of my community?’ By reaching out and touching a man with leprosy, He showed care and compassion to someone suffering a very lonely disease. Jesus spoke and interacted with a Samaritan woman at the well, urging her towards the Living Water. Jesus even showed us what being a part of a smaller, more intimate, community looked like when He was calling the disciples. Jesus was intentional and thoughtful as He showed love and mercy to the people around Him.
Finally we discussed our church family. Although we are a part of our local church, we are also in community with the global church. We are unified in our mission, as Jesus calls us to ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20 NIV), but we are unique in how we are called to act out that mission. God has created us uniquely, with different strengths and gifts, and we are able to serve Him and uphold this mission in our own special ways, too.
We, the people, are the church, We serve a living, risen Christ, and we are on mission to bring as many people into the community of believers as possible, until Jesus returns. Amen.
Ms. Michelle Kaptein is one of our newest team members having started in the fall of 2024. She has been expertly teaching Grade 7 Language, Science, Social Studies, and Health and Physical Education, as well as guiding both our elementary and secondary students through weekly Bible studies. Her interests include gardening, volunteering at her church, and participating in local theatre.
As we wrap up this year’s Bible study, we are reminded that our journey of faith doesn’t pause with the school year. Community isn’t just a theme we studied—it’s something we live out daily at Christian Virtual School. We are so thankful to be able to offer a live opportunity for students to gather, connect with their peers, and build meaningful fellowship even within an asynchronous setting. It’s a joy to witness our students encouraging one another and growing in their faith in ways that glorify the Lord.
We pray that as the summer months approach, may you continue to be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened in your walk with Christ. We can’t wait to roll out next school year’s Bible study and once again partake in the excitement and thoughtful discussion our students brin. Together, let’s keep answering the call to love, good deeds, and Christ-centered community, online and beyond.
