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Bible schools

Training to teach truth

by Dr A.J. Monty White, CEO, AiG–UK/Europe

First published in
Answers Prayer News–UK
July – September 2005

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables’ —2 Timothy 4:3–4.

In the UK there is a strange paradox—enormous apathy towards the Christian faith, while at the same time, Christianity is enthusiastically derided. Perhaps one reason for this is that many of our Christian leaders are not taking a firm stand on God’s infallible written Word, especially on origins—a particular focus of attack. Sadly, increasing numbers of them (even in our evangelical churches) put greater trust in the fallible words of men, such as Darwin, including anti-Christians like Richard Dawkins and Steve Jones, than the straightforward words of the Creator.

1 Corinthians 15:21–22 connects (the first) Adam and the Lord Jesus Christ (the last Adam). This makes no sense unless the account of Adam’s creation and subsequent Fall (the introduction of the curse of death), as found in early Genesis, is historically true. If untrue, the Gospel message becomes unnecessary and pointless—there would be no ‘Good News’!

I believe we have reached this sorry state of affairs largely because of our Bible colleges’ failing to take a stand on Genesis. Not any one in particular, nor is it so of all of them, but I believe it is true of most of them! They reduce the early chapters of Genesis to myths and fables to pander to ‘man’s thinking’ (evolution, long ages). I know from experience that some church leaders and Bible college lecturers (as well as students) do not believe that the early chapters of Genesis are the ‘Word’ of God in spite of the fact that the Bible teaches us that ‘all Scripture is given by inspiration of God’ (2 Timothy 3:16). If God plainly says that He created everything in six days—not only in Genesis 1 but also in the Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:11)—then how dare we, or any lecturer or student, argue differently!

One of the reasons Bible colleges take this stance on Genesis is their desire to offer accredited qualifications, which involves having their courses approved by the senate of the secular university from which accreditation is sought. Of course, non–Bible-believing members of senate won’t approve an evolution-denying course. What a price to pay—exchanging truth for academic respectability!

Every year an increasing number of students influenced, sometimes indoctrinated, by this approach to the Bible’s history are churned out into our mission fields and churches. Thus there are more and more church leaders teaching error about origins, such as theistic evolution (God used evolution). Many do not realize its serious implications—it puts death and suffering before sin, undermining the entire Gospel. Yet it is held by probably the vast majority of Christians and church leaders in this country. But it is wrong! Truth is not determined by majority opinion.

Several pastors have told me they refuse to endorse the application of their members to certain Bible colleges in the UK, because many members lost their faith while attending Bible colleges. Interestingly, more and more churches are setting up their own Bible schools and it has been my privilege to be invited to teach at a number of them—a wonderful opportunity to teach the truth about origins. These churches have a real desire to soundly equip Christians for ministry, so it is good to know that there are still institutions who will churn out students grounded in God’s Word, helping to redress the balance.

One such Bible school, where I teach twice a year, is in Handsworth, Birmingham. Most of the students are from India, Pakistan and countries in central Africa. Once fully equipped with the teaching of God’s Word, they go home and teach their local pastors and church workers in their own country so that they, too, can reach their own nation with the truth. What a privilege to be part of this worldwide teaching and evangelism!

I am sure the Lord will bless these Christians who want to remain faithful to His Word. Please join with us in praying for these Bible schools and the pastors and leaders who do stand firm on the impregnable rock of Holy Scripture.

 
Published: 12 February 2006