Legitimate Apostolic Colleges

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Rico

There's nothing wrong with that route. There's nothing wrong with wanting to go to some sort of college either. Wasn't Daniel (the one in the Bible) part of some school for prophets or something of that nature?

There was a school of the Prophets in the OT. That is seen in the NT in the ministry of Yeshua teaching the Apostles. Then it is seen in the Elders teaching the Church. It is NEVER seen as people coming and paying a set sum to be taught the word of God.

No one went that route in the New Testament Church.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

There was a school of the Prophets in the OT. That is seen in the NT in the ministry of Yeshua teaching the Apostles. Then it is seen in the Elders teaching the Church. It is NEVER seen as people coming and paying a set sum to be taught the word of God.

No one went that route in the New Testament Church.

I am not saying this to be rude, MTD, but so what? If someone wants to go to Bible School, and can actually find an accredited one among the apostolics, what does it matter to you that they didn't do it that way in the NT? There's nothing wrong with someone wanting to get a religious education apart from what they learn at church. What's sad is that apostolics really don't have many, if any, good choices.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Rico

I am not saying this to be rude, MTD, but so what? If someone wants to go to Bible School, and can actually find an accredited one among the apostolics, what does it matter to you that they didn't do it that way in the NT? There's nothing wrong with someone wanting to get a religious education apart from what they learn at church. What's sad is that apostolics really don't have many, if any, good choices.

The answer concerning so what is simple. Its not in the New Testamant. Its like saying "of course Christmas is not in the Bible but so what". And the thing that is SO WRONG is that they CANNOT be taught by the local Church. They are loaded down with the same errors as the Bible Colleges.

At least you are right about that.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

The answer concerning so what is simple. Its not in the New Testamant. Its like saying "of course Christmas is not in the Bible but so what". And the thing that is SO WRONG is that they CANNOT be taught by the local Church. They are loaded down with the same errors as the Bible Colleges.

At least you are right about that.

This is amazing. You want to come on here and slam people for getting an education at a Bible college? Sorry, Bro., but it just doesn't compute. There's no sin in going to Bible college. In fact, more people should go to Bible college. It's a shame us apostolics don't have any legitimate Bible colleges, but my guess is that is something that will eventually change. Even without formal accreditation, I don't see the harm in someone getting an education from a Bible college as long as they're not expecting their degree to buy them a job and as long as it's not from one of these $200 diploma mills.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Rico

This is amazing. You want to come on here and slam people for getting an education at a Bible college? Sorry, Bro., but it just doesn't compute. There's no sin in going to Bible college. In fact, more people should go to Bible college. It's a shame us apostolics don't have any legitimate Bible colleges, but my guess is that is something that will eventually change. Even without formal accreditation, I don't see the harm in someone getting an education from a Bible college as long as they're not expecting their degree to buy them a job and as long as it's not from one of these $200 diploma mills.

Is this not an admission that the whole counsel of God is not being taught in the local Churches? If it WERE there would be no need for young people to uproot and pay men somewhere else to teach them the truth.

Maybe we talking apples and oranges. When I speak against Bible College my definition is this:

A place where interested Students go to learn more Bible truth. They pay the Teachers and for all their materials and of course their living quarters. They are not there to learn how to be a Doctor or a Lawyer.

If one is working his education to prepare for a secular type job there are other places they can go and learn. Or are you talking about a College where they teach secular subjects and have some Bible classes here and there?

As far as "slamming" anyone that was not my intent. My intent is to show there is no basis for a Bible College in the Bible. The concept of it is not ordained by Jesus Christ. So if I am slamming anyone it is those Teachers and Admins who operate something so far off. Not the young people who dont know a better way.

And especially I am sounding out the message that every Pastor/Elder should be capable of teaching the whole counsel of God. If they cannot they should not be in Eldership.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Is this not an admission that the whole counsel of God is not being taught in the local Churches? If it WERE there would be no need for young people to uproot and pay men somewhere else to teach them the truth.

Maybe we talking apples and oranges. When I speak against Bible College my definition is this:

A place where interested Students go to learn more Bible truth. They pay the Teachers and for all their materials and of course their living quarters. They are not there to learn how to be a Doctor or a Lawyer.

If one is working his education to prepare for a secular type job there are other places they can go and learn. Or are you talking about a College where they teach secular subjects and have some Bible classes here and there?

MTD, I'm sorry, Bro., but the purpose of the Church is not be a college. I don't know where you got that idea either. Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible study, and all the preaching in the world will still not be the same as going to a college specifically for the study of the Bible. There are simply too many details involved to expect that kind of in-depth learning to take place during regular church activities. Should people be learning from what's taught at their churches? Most definitely. Does that mean churches are supposed to be set up like colleges? Of course not.

Also, Bible college doesn't just teach one about the Bible. Bible courses are mixed in with the other subjects being taught. At least I would think it's this way. Even in secular colleges you have to take English classes, things like advanced mathematics, and suchlike. This is assuming, of course, you aren't getting your degree from one of these degree mills.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Rico

MTD, I'm sorry, Bro., but the purpose of the Church is not be a college. I don't know where you got that idea either. Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible study, and all the preaching in the world will still not be the same as going to a college specifically for the study of the Bible. There are simply too many details involved to expect that kind of in-depth learning to take place during regular church activities. Should people be learning from what's taught at their churches? Most definitely. Does that mean churches are supposed to be set up like colleges? Of course not.

Also, Bible college doesn't just teach one about the Bible. Bible courses are mixed in with the other subjects being taught. At least I would think it's this way. Even in secular colleges you have to take English classes, things like advanced mathematics, and suchlike. This is assuming, of course, you aren't getting your degree from one of these degree mills.

Here is what I am saying. Paul taught the Elders at Ephesus everything he knew.

26: Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
27: For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28: Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts 20:26-28

He said he taught them ALL THE COUNSEL OF GOD. That means there was nothing he was holding back from them. He then charged THEM to feed the flock. With what?

The whole counsel of God they got from him. This was a primitive time and place in our eyes. Yet THEY had the truth. We on the other hand in this day with all our learning tools and Bible Colleges have produced Preachers that are in key issues at stark contrast to the simplistic gospel taught in the early Church.

Looks like I am outgunned in this belief so guess I should let it go.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Is this not an admission that the whole counsel of God is not being taught in the local Churches? If it WERE there would be no need for young people to uproot and pay men somewhere else to teach them the truth.

Secularly, I think Bible Colleges are ALMOST useless if not accredited.

Spiritually, God can use a Bible College to work out His Will in someone's life, but he can do the same without one going to Bible College.

Alas, when I think of Bible College, I think of it as a place where young folks go to get spouses because there aren't any suitable ones in their local congregations.

[Pro31:28]

Originally Posted by 1399

Secularly, I think Bible Colleges are ALMOST useless if not accredited.

Spiritually, God can use a Bible College to work out His Will in someone's life, but he can do the same without one going to Bible College.

Alas, when I think of Bible College, I think of it as a place where young folks go to get spouses because there aren't any suitable ones in their local congregations.

I didnt go for that purpose... But alas that's where I found my Hunk o' Hunk o' Burnin' love! (wow, almost 16 years ago...)

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

As far as "slamming" anyone that was not my intent. My intent is to show there is no basis for a Bible College in the Bible. The concept of it is not ordained by Jesus Christ. So if I am slamming anyone it is those Teachers and Admins who operate something so far off. Not the young people who dont know a better way.

And especially I am sounding out the message that every Pastor/Elder should be capable of teaching the whole counsel of God. If they cannot they should not be in Eldership.

Ephesians 4:11-12 speaks of the 5-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Who says the teaching has to be done only by the Pastor/elder in one's local church, [as you seem to be implying]?

What is wrong with creating institutions that prepare people for ministry and ministry-related work? I don't see how that violates any biblical principle.

As a matter of fact, Bible Colleges have been a useful tool to the body of Christ, having prepared tens of thousands of ministry workers to help fulfill the Great Commission. I don't think God has any problem with the existence of bible colleges at all, and I'm not sure why you do.