Why am I at Heartland? With so many other options, why an unaccredited school? Why go to a Bible College when I could learn on my own? Is Bible College not just a glorified Sunday school? What am I really learning at Bible College? From that, what am I learning that I couldn’t learn at home? Certainly there are many degrees I could have went after. Photography, graphics, a business degree, cosmetology, interior design, pediatric or sports therapy, nutrition, homeopathy, chiropractic, and the list of options goes on. There are plenty of occupations that interest me that could profit monetarily, they would in the long run pay me to earn degrees, and I could thereafter get a job with my newly received degree. Why do I then continue to seek schooling from an unaccredited “Sunday School” unsupported by federal grants that won’t benefit me to get a job in the future? Why am I doing this? First and foremost as I am completely convinced it is the Lord’s will for my life. Bible College is not for everyone, but for me, I know the Lord has led me to Oklahoma City for such a purpose. College years will shape a worldview, perspective, and significantly impact the rest of your life. What is better to shape your life than the world of God? Without being said, Bible College is a safe, godly environment which attempts to lay a solid Bible foundation for life. Could I learn Bibliology, Eschatology, or Christology on my own? Certainly. God hasn’t singled out Bible Colleges to reveal Himself any more than He has already revealed Himself in His Word. Bible Colleges simply provide a safe environment that puts the Word of God in front of you constantly, and hands out such knowledge so it is readily received in large quantities. Bible colleges emphasize the Bible, are focused on the local church, and provide strong ministry preparation. In many ways, Bible College is a greenhouse. How so? Thanks for asking, I shall explain. ;) The Bible refers to us being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3.17), rooted and built up in Him (Colossians 2.7), as well as being a planted tree in the first chapter of Psalms. While John 15 uses metaphors such as fruit, vines, and the Husbandman. We are to grow in Christ and be a plant full of spiritual growth, producing fruit. Certainly a plant could learn to grow in the elements, but it has a much more difficult time doing so. Matthew 13 explains some difficulties. A greenhouse, on the other hand, can extend a plant's growing season and protect plants from harsh weather conditions. Greenhouses create a sheltered environment for plants by using solar radiation to trap heat. This system of heating and circulating air helps to create an artificial environment in a greenhouse that can sustain plants when the outdoor temperature is too cool or variable.(howstuffworks.com) A Bible College is like a greenhouse. It provides an optimal environment for growth. It doesn’t create growth, but it supports growth by encouraging godly character, igniting a fire within the students for missions, church planting, and evangelism, and providing a godly environment with influences that encourage growth. The allow you, help you, and encourage you to grow while providing an atmosphere that protects you from the world, and radiates a godly fire within you. You experience some of the struggles of life, but in a controlled, safe, loving environment. But why stay? Why should I stay in school? Bad things have happened while I have been there. Why not drop out? Is this not the Lord’s way of telling me that I should stay home for a semester, or complete my schooling all together? Why not graduate with a two or three year degree? The degree isn’t accredited, it has no weight in my future anyway, right? Why should I go back next year? Certainly I have considered it and prayed about it. I have been flooded with questions the past few weeks. Finding encouragement to ‘stay in school’ is difficult sometimes. Honestly, there are moments where I don’t want to stay there. It is difficult. I have faced some difficult situations down there, but I am not in rebellion; I am not running away. He is blessing, He is working, and I have peace that where I am is where I am supposed to be. I do not regret being there at all. Simply because ‘bad things happen’ does not automatically mean that it’s a sign the Lord does not want me there. The “bad things” I have been subjected to have been incredible blessings in my life. I have grown through them, they have tried my faith, and strengthened my relationship with Him. They are the practical side of ministry preparation. So...why am I here? Why do I stay? This.
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Lizzy parkerMarriage.
Motherhood. Ministry. Missions. Archives
January 2023
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