LEARN - “...the good hand of God was on him for Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” (Ezra 7:9-10) The core of all we’re studying here at BCS is God’s Word. Whether that’s through reading Jonathan Edwards or learning Biblical Hebrew and Greek, our labor is in going deeper into the word of God. The biblical languages are forming a foundation for every class we take with the hope that when we graduate we’ll possess such a humble proficiency in them that they’ll serve as a foundation in whatever ministry to which God calls us.

SERVE - In John 13, before Jesus instituted the supper of the New Covenant and then went to the cross to accomplish it, he took up a towel and washed his disciples’ feet. One friend in my cohort pray regularly before class, especially our language classes, which can seem “impractical” at times, “Lord, make this study of Hebrew/Greek a labor of love for the people we'll serve someday.” For now we view our studies through this lens of service, for ultimately these are not to gain knowledge that puffs up, but skills and training that will allow us to then serve God’s people around the world.

TREASURE - “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers, but his delight is in the Law of the Lord...” (Psalm 1:1-2) Whoever might be credited with organizing the Psalter put this psalm first and this though is to govern our reading of the whole book. Delight in God’s Word, it’s not enough to simply learn and even live out unless there is a heartfelt affection for the things contained in God’s word. Chiefly is this, “rejoice in the Lord always!” (Phil. 4:4) We delight in the gift of God’s Word for in it we encounter His glory and His gospel.

OMNIA IN CHRISTO CONSTANT - “...in Christ all things hold together...” (Col. 1:17) The latin translation from this hymn in Colossians is a fitting banner to fly over our school. In the end it is not education we seek, nor practical skills, nor financial stability and security, nor ministerial prestige and power, nor a reputation and writings that last through the ages...we seek Christ! As has been said, he is the blazing center, like a sun in a solar system. “For from him, and to him, and through him are all things! To him be glory forever, AMEN.” (Rom. 11:36)