This semester in Bible College SA chapel, we are preaching through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. The opening chapter of this letter are very well known, especially for the way it informs our doctrines of predestination and election. For example, verses 4–6 say
‘[God] chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.’
Here we have the most amazing truths that our standing before God is not a function of anything we have done, but something that was determined by the lavish and freely-given love of God before we even existed—indeed, before the world even existed! As a result, we cannot boast, but instead we make our lives all about praising him.
As true and critical as al of this is, we must remember that Ephesians is not a set of notes from an abstract doctrine lecture. It is a personal letter, written to a particular people at a particular moment in their corporate life. If we are to fully honour God’s word in Ephesians, we need to understand what chapter 1 is saying in its first context.
Paul addresses a number of issues in the letter, including the relationship between Jews and Gentiles (chapters 2–3), the order of the church and Christian households (chapters 4–6), and the spiritual battle that lies behind all of our lived experiences (chapter 6). Recognising all of this, we can see more of the reason that the letter opens with a discussion on God’s sovereign establishment of his people. Having this truth in the front of our minds helps us to welcome other elected people, act faithfully in ordered relationships, and not be fooled or distracted by the seemingly unspiritual ways of much day-to-day living.
At Bible College SA we teach biblical doctrine unashamedly. But we also seek to read the Bible in context and to see the biblical connections between good doctrine and on-the-ground practical living that we hope will bring ever more glory and honour to Jesus.
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Suzie holds a Master of Divinity, a Master of Teaching, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons 1), a Diplôme d'Etudes Universitaires Françaises and is now planning to begin her PhD studies. She has served as a Senior Staff Worker with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students, and has also held several posts as a French teacher.
Suzie is married to Des, and they have four children. She will begin at Bible College SA in October in a part-time capacity, with a view to growing her role over the coming years.
We are greatly looking forward to Suzie’s contribution in the College’s work of preparing the next generations of gospel workers for Adelaide, South Australia and beyond.
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PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Tim Patrick
On Saturday 17 August, we held our fourth annual Partnership Dinner. This is one of the biggest nights in our calendar and it has the sole purpose of introducing new contacts to the ministry of the College and growing our partner base.
We give great thanks to God that this year we had around 200 guests among a total attendance of 257. This also included many current partners, as well as some staff, students, and board members, most of whom hosted a table of friends and contacts from their churches and Christian networks. It was such a highlight to see people representing such a variety of churches, networks, denominations, ministries, Christian businesses and organisations all together, expressing their unity in Jesus and his purposes in Adelaide and South Australia.
We are still processing the evening, but can already report that many dozens of new people have decided to receive this newsletter, pray for us, and support us financially. And many of those had such a good time, and thought they were hearing something so helpful, that they have already expressed their desire to bring their friends and contacts along in 2020.
We are so pleased about all of this because we believe that our ministry is critical to the health of the gospel ecosystem of Adelaide and South Australia, especially as we think about future generations. So we really want to keep connecting with as many believers as we can, and labouring together for the future of the Kingdom in our state.
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Although it is now almost another year away, you can even now consider whether you might like to host or sponsor a table at our next Partnership Dinner. This is not only a way to help us in the ongoing critical work of growing our support, it is also a hugely encouraging night to be a part of. If you would like to find out more about how to be involved, you can contact our Partnerships Officer, Cameron Phillips at, phillips@biblecollege.sa.edu.au. |
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Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m originally from Sydney. Before coming to college, I was working as a furniture designer and maker, which brought me to Adelaide to join JamFactory’s Furniture Studio last year. Having decided to leave that career path, I took the opportunity to come to BCSA! I still really enjoy being creative though. I’m also a big fan of spending time outside, whether that be a walk/hike or heading to the beach. I’m thankful to have grown up in church and I am currently part of Trinity Church Golden Grove.
What are you currently studying?
I’m studying a Graduate Diploma of Divinity. Last semester I studied Old Testament Foundations, Jesus and the Gospels, Theology: Knowledge of God, and Christianity in History to 1550. This semester I’ll be doing Old Testament Prophets and Writings, The Early New Testament Church, and Theology: Doctrine of God and Work of Christ.
What do you like most about studying at BCSA?
It’s a great community at BCSA. I’ve loved all the things I’ve learnt in classes, but it’s the people (students and staff) that make college so enjoyable – great discussions (both inside and outside of class), chapel, prayer triplets, coffee runs, and of course table tennis during breaks. It’s a supportive and encouraging environment.
In what ministry do you hope to work when you finish at BCSA?
At this stage I’m not looking to move into vocational ministry. I came to Bible College to deepen my own knowledge and to be equipped to serve my church (or wherever else God may lead) better. I’m not sure what that will look like yet, but I’m confident my time at BCSA will not be wasted.
What is one thing you are learning at the moment that is particularly insightful?
I’ve learnt so much it’s hard to choose. I’ve definitely come through first semester with a deepened understanding of grace, particularly as we worked through Genesis to Kings in Old Testament class, and in reading the writings of Augustine for Church History. I think one of the main things I really love about college though is that it’s giving me the framework, knowledge and confidence to question things well; to interrogate my beliefs and my understanding/application of scripture.
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FOR YOUR PRAYERS:
• Give thanks for the incredible truth that we are God’s people simply because he has chosen us as an act of his unconstrained love. Pray that this truth would liberate us to live more and more for the praise of his glory.
• Give thanks for the appointment of Suzie Smith to our faculty team. Pray that she would settle into her role well, make a good start towards her PhD, and be a great help in preparing the next generations of gospel workers for our city and state.
• Praise God for a wonderful Partnership Dinner, for all those who worked so hard and faithfully to make it happen, and for all the guests who came along and responded to the call to partner with us through prayers, finances, and advocacy. Pray that we would continue to build our partnership over the years ahead, but never for the sake of the College as an institution in and of itself. Rather, we pray God would build us up as an instrument in his hand for achieving his gospel purposes in our city and state.
Please also remember the Reformed Theological College, one of our sister colleges, in your prayers. Pray that God would use them to prepare the next generations of gospel workers for Melbourne, Victoria, and beyond.
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Tuesday 27 August
City to City Incubator Day 2 - Cameron Munro
Saturday 12 October
Open Day 2019
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