E MOORE COLLEGE SPONSORED PAGE 8
EDUCATION
SEPTEMBER 2019
The value of theological education BEN P GEORGE Yes, Moore College is all about preparing men and women to love the Lord Jesus more, teach the Word of God, and have confidence carrying the precious gospel to the ends of the earth. But studying theology is primarily about leading you to worship God. This was my experience in studying the Bachelor of Divinity. My cohort had people from different backgrounds. We came together under a common goal, navigating life together as we sought to serve the Lord Jesus. We made investments in our cohort. We waded through the mess of lives as broken people and celebrated the joys. And as we did this, we learned a biblical model of ministry centred around family, community and relationships. We learned how to apply the truths we were learning in the Scriptures, to the everyday realities of life. And that formation mattered in developing resilience and perseverance as Christians. That formation mattered in providing a frame of reference from which we would love, serve and cherish God’s people. Community of course, was also significant in helping us to read the Scriptures well. It was important, as we studied the Bible from the original languages, to keep being reminded of King Jesus who reigns supreme. And it was important that we kept looking at Scripture through a Jesus shaped
Moore College students chatting with the Principal, Dr. Mark Thompson second from right. lens, for we weren’t just engaging in an academic exercise. The Bible is at the centre of all the teaching at Moore College, and working hard in the detailed exegesis of Old and New Testament classes, led to worship as three times a week we met together for chapel, and heard the gospel afresh. Learning together in community was also essential in thinking about how the Scriptures were applicable in our everyday lives. I am thankful for the study of the original languages, and the classes in philosophy, doctrine
and ethics, where we discussed and debated what the Bible was saying, and how it both affirmed and challenged our world views. I remember fondly, the nights spent discussing the implications of what we had been learning for our lives and for our ministries. I remember disagreeing, being humbled and corrected, realising truths from other perspectives and wondering how I had never thought of them myself. And this is significant. There are many theological topics that have not been written about. The world
we live in is changing. New issues are emerging. And in this hostile world for Christians, being able to put a debate into the context of the history of Christian thought, and understand it through a gospelshaped lens, is an invaluable tool. And it mattered that we did it with a community of likeminded people. Yes, we differed in opinions. Yes, we argued and learned much. However, our faculty helpfully kept reminding us of the things of first importance. The Bible is the good news of salvation that comes through Christ alone, in grace
moore.edu.au/bachelor
Want to preach and teach God’s word around the world?
Bachelor of Divinity (BD)
alone, by faith alone, and on the authority of Scripture alone. And all of this is for the glory of God alone! And finally, it was this same gospel that our community were preparing to take around the world. And speaking to others about what the Lord was imprinting on their hearts, and the opportunities they had to serve the Lord in gospel work, brought comfort and joy. My mission thinking was encouraged by the band of brothers and sisters all marching alongside me, wanting to proclaim King Jesus. Hearing of the varied locations and opportunities that were being considered by my cohort expanded my horizons to think beyond my own context. There were ministries I had never considered, places I had never thought about going, people I had never had the mind to pray for. College community changed this for me. It was obvious both from where my cohort came and where they were planning to go, that the gospel was huge, and it was unstoppable. And it helped me to see the magnitude of God’s global mission for salvation in a new and wonderful light. And how could that not lead me to worship God more? Would you consider joining the Moore College community, to study theology and equip yourself to love the Lord Jesus, teach the Word of God, and carry the gospel of salvation to the ends of the earth? www.moore.edu.au/courses
moore.edu.au/advanced
Want confidence to discuss the Bible?
Advanced Diploma of Bible, Mission & Ministry