Monday, December 14, 2009

Are Bible Colleges Necessary?

Often times, a Christian may seek to advance themselves with higher learning of the Bible via Bible College, extended studies at churches that may offer certificates or degrees, and some churches may teach that it is of utter importance to attend a Bible University. Yet, is it Biblical? Some pulpits will blatantly teach it is Biblical to do so, but let's see what the Bible says about it.



We see in the Bible that the disciples were unlearned men. They were uneducated and lowly fishermen but when they spoke, others could see they had been with Jesus. It was evident that the Spirit of God was manifest and working in them. Yet, we are not taught that anymore but taught that we need to seek teachings from other men or classes. There is no credit given to having the Spirit of God being our teacher.

Let us observe what the Bible says about receiving the Holy Spirit as our teacher.

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." 1 John 2:27

It is an anointing when the Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide and teach us all things. An illustration of the anointing was the Holy Spirit as a dove coming upon Jesus as he was baptized.



Paul called it the revelation of Jesus Christ in 1 Galatians:

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11, 12
We also notice that these verses say that the truth was not received from man, but from the Spirit of God.

"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13, 16

When we receive Christ Jesus, we also receive his mind. He dwells within us and manifests Himself in us and He gives us His Truth.

Education is nothing when it comes to the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is so powerful that it can do all things through us, and if we worry about having inadequate training, then we are underestimating the Spirit of God.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. " Acts 4:13



We also shouldnt practice or worry what we shall say to others about the Lord, for He himself will give us the words and things to say the moment we need to. It is not of ourselves to be trained or memorize words to say to others, but let us allow God to do this for us.

"But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost." Mark 13:11

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26


Here is a final warning,

"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:5

Avoid those who appear godly yet they do not teach the power of God and His Spirit. Many will deny that you are able to receive knowledge and vast teachings through the Spirit of God and many will try to convince you that you must receive a Bible College degree or a studies course to be a good Christian and a good "soulwinner." It is nothing of ourselves, but of God alone. Let us not hinder His spirit to do a full work in us. Let us submit to the Lord and allow Him to teach us all things. Pray for truth and He shall give it to you freely.






A Voice in the Wilderness



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