I spent last semester with John Calvin. That is, during the Spring semester, I had the privilege of reading Calvin’s Institutes and teaching a course on the book to twenty-two Bethlehem College & Seminary undergraduates. It was wonderful. Teaching a course on Calvin is no small task. The Swiss theologian, Karl Barth, after teaching just […]
But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2b In an era of ever-increasing contentiousness and divisiveness—even among Christians—this amazing verse from the book of Isaiah is clear, straight-forward, and true. Feelings and attitudes of self- righteousness abound in […]
Perhaps no theologian worked harder than Augustine to help his fellow believers grasp the truth that we live as pilgrims in this world “for here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city to come.” Reflecting on Augustine’s tome The City of God this summer recalibrated my own sense of viewing this life […]
The summer between school years is the season during which we annually appeal to you to consider a contribution to support the extraordinary financial needs of international seminary students at Bethlehem College & Seminary. The Alex Steddom International Student Fund aspires to be a means of God-stirred generosity that permits four students from elsewhere in […]
My family just returned home to Minneapolis after spending a sabbatical for the first six months of 2018 in Cambridge, England. I would like to say thank you to five groups of people. To the Bethlehem College & Seminary Board and President’s Council. Thank you for including sabbaticals in your vision for our school. I […]
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our […]
One of the most precious promises that Jesus offers us is this: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20). With us. If this is true, then we are never alone—ever. When prosperity covers us, Jesus is with us. When hardships surround us, Jesus is still with us. When David […]
“Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come.” This line from the well-known hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” offers a fitting response to the eighth annual graduation service of Bethlehem College & Seminary. We typically link “Ebenezer” to surly old Scrooge in The Christmas Carol, but the hymn writer draws […]
Theological education is, as a whole, one method of equipping the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). In the seminary, our goal is somewhat narrower. Our aim is to take what we have heard and entrust it to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2). Among the […]