Bible College Education: 4 Reasons Why This Means So Much

Coming to the end of my Bible college education, I will be graduating from Acts College this year. To me, this has been an exciting journey. At the very least, I was a single guy when I first matriculated and will be graduating as a father. I have already reflected on the importance of theological education. Now, it is a good time for me to reflect on what I have learned in seven years of Bible college education.

1. Bible College Education helped me to learn how to study the Bible systematically

When I first started my Bible college education, I was a novice in Bible study. In fact, I was not very skilled in writing a blog post that carefully and respectfully exegetes the Bible (see this post from my previous blog for an example).

However, over the course of the seven years in Acts College, I have learned how to interpret the Bible using various techniques, bearing in mind the historical and literary contexts of the texts. Moreover, I had the opportunity to study the Hebrew and Greek language, enabling me to read the Bible beyond the English translations.

As at now, I can say that I am confident to do a proper Bible study on my own in a systematic manner. In fact, it helps me to identify inaccurate Scripture usage in sermons and teachings when I first hear them.

2. Bible College Education helped me to sharpen my understanding of theology and doctrines

The seven years of study has helped me to look deeper into the theologies that I had subscribed previously and sharpen my understanding of them. For example, in the areas of Holy Spirit baptism, I used to feel uncomfortable with the way people in my church imparts the doctrine. However, after learning how to interpret the Scripture systematically and having gone through so many discussions on the Holy Spirit in my theology classes, I am more confident in understanding the Holy Spirit baptism as a subsequent experience to conversion.

This helped me to form more biblical and consistent views about God and the faith that I believed in.

3. Bible College Education empowers me to become a better minister of God

The culmination of the first two points is the maturing to become a better minister of God. Of course, the skills I learn help me to identify false doctrines and beliefs among the people I lead and teach. But on top of this, learning about theology and the Bible bears a responsibility – that is to teach, edify and equip the people of God to fulfill the Great Commission.

As a result of my training, this has empowered me to step up and teach classes in church and outside of the church in the mission field. I remember that the first time I do a classroom style teaching, my teaching was at best amateurish, fuelled only by the naivety of my own knowledge of the Bible. However, along the way, I was able to receive guidance from many people in Acts College, teachers and fellow students alike, and these helped me to mature in my own teaching ministry.

While I am still learning how to teach and lead in my ministry, I have to say that without the journey of my Bible college education, I would not be where I am now.

4. My own Bible College Education is itself a testimony of God’s leadership in my life

It was in 2012 when I first received a clear calling from God to start my Bible college education. The story of how this came about is documented here. Over the seven years, I have largely lived my life based on this calling. This was one reason why I decided to leave my previous job – to make time to fulfill my study requirements.

Therefore, when I reflect on my own journey these seven years, it is a testimony of God’s leadership in my life. God has called me to do my theological studies and His faithfulness shows at every turn. This comes in the form of his financial provision in my life even when I had to take a pay cut leaving MOH to Eagles Communications and had to prepare for my wedding. In conjunction with that, God actually provided sufficiently for the college such that the school fees I pay did not increase much with inflation.

As I look back at the seven years of study, I can’t help but give thanks to God for His faithfulness and leadership throughout this journey. I have learned much and gained much so that I can indeed give much.