Reflections on Newton Bible Christian School: Our Name

Every time I write or type the name of our school, Newton Bible Christian School, I think that it must be the longest organization name that exists, and I wonder if it should somehow be shortened. Thinking through this long name, however, I’ve concluded that it accurately represents who we want to be. The Newton and School parts of the name are obvious. We are here to serve the Newton community, and our purpose is to do it through school education. Is it necessary to say Bible Christian? Would one of those be enough? There is a justifiable reason for both of those parts of our name, and the order in which they occur is also significant.

The second part of our name, Bible, provides our foundation since we hold the Bible as the basis for all that we do at Newton Bible Christian School. If we are teaching any subject, the Bible directs us to truth. If we are counseling students who are struggling with their emotions or behavior, the Bible determines what is right and wrong. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. “(ESV) We teach the Word of God to the next generation so that they will know right from wrong, have direction, and walk in wisdom. Partnering with churches and parents, we teach our students how to live, in light of the Word of God, with the desire of seeing them grow to maturity in Christ. Unlike those who teach children good morals because it is a good way to live, we teach children right and wrong based on God’s authority as revealed in His Word. It is through the Bible that we can also give children hope for this life and the next by pointing them to a Savior.

This leads to the next word in our name--Christian. The word Christian can mean many things even in our church culture, but the true definition is one who has a relationship to Christ. One primary goal of teaching the Bible is to lead students in trusting and following Christ. Second Timothy 3 continues with the purpose of Scripture, “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Our goal is to train disciples who will leave Newton Bible Christian School and go on to follow their Savior. We want to equip Christians who are ready to serve.

I’ve been interrupted numerous times in writing this by students from Mr. Triana’s 3^rd and 4^th grade class coming to my office to quote for me our theme verses for this year, I Timothy 4:6-10. How precious it is to be able to encourage these students to memorize, study, and then live the Word of God. What could be more worth the investment? I Timothy 4:10 says “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” Passing on our hope is the heartbeat of Christian education.

Yes, we have a long name, but it represents a high calling. We have a community to serve-Newton. We have a sure foundation for everything we teach-the Bible. We have a goal for the lives of our students-Christian. We are a place of academic excellence-School. Newton Bible Christian School-- it is a big name to live up to. By the grace of God, may we be all we say we are every time we call ourselves Newton Bible Christian School.