It is my joy to report that the Lord has shown his favor once again to Bethlehem College and Seminary. In February, a group of faithful supporters pledged to match all contributions up to $500,000, and a small army of contributors has met and even exceeded this match basis to supply full funding for The Serious Joy Scholarship. Thanks be to God!
As I reflect on this act of grace, I am reminded of Paul’s words of Godward gratitude in Philippians 4:
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Notice how the apostle describes the support and help he received from these dear Christians in Philippi. They shared his “trouble” (ESV) or “hardship” (CSB), not shrinking back from Paul when he was in chains for Christ. They partnered “in giving and receiving,” benefiting from his teaching and gladly supporting his work. This church did not only make a one-time gift but sought to meet Paul’s needs “once and again.” These contributions were not merely helpful to the apostle but expressions of true worship to their Lord: “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” So Paul gives heart-felt thanks to these dear gospel partners and responds with a prayer to the Giver of all good gifts: “And my God will supply every need of yours…”
Once again, Bethlehem College and Seminary has been well supplied this year in our work of education in serious joy. For the second year in a row, our friends have contributed $2.5 million to fully fund The Serious Joy Scholarship. Thanks to the lavish grace of our God channeled through the open-handed generosity of his people, pulpits are being filled, ministries resourced, nations reached, families formed, Classical and Christian K–12 schools supplied with teachers, workplaces influenced, and the theological academy seasoned by a new generation of men and women committed to spreading a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.
As we prepare to welcome another strong incoming class of Bethlehem students in a few short months, we trust that God will continue to supply what is needed for this ministry in the months and years to come. This summer we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting the modest needs of the Alex Steddom International Student Fund, currently aimed at preparing men to deliver theological education in Cameroon, India, South America, and Canada. We have been well supplied indeed, and we ask you to join us in praising the God of all grace and seeking his continued favor for the ministry of Bethlehem College and Seminary so that we might continue to spread a passion for his supremacy in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.
With Godward gratitude,
Brian J. Tabb, Ph.D.
President