Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

Why Go to a Bible College? / Dr. Les Ollila

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Description

Dr. Les Ollila explores the foundational reasons for pursuing a biblical worldview through the lens of Genesis. He highlights the importance of reflecting God's character, embracing responsibility, and understanding the protective nature of God's authority. By grounding life in God's absolutes, believers can counter the chaos of a fallen world and prepare to serve as faithful leaders in a society that desperately needs the light of Christ.

Scripture Text(s)
Genesis 1:26-27; 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Main Points or Ideas

  1. Reflecting God's Character:

    • Humanity was created in God’s image to reflect His communicable attributes such as love, holiness, and joy.
    • Our purpose is to mirror His nature and bring glory to Him through our lives.

  2. Embracing Responsibility:

    • Man was tasked to "dress" and "keep" the garden, demonstrating the biblical work ethic of diligence and stewardship.
    • Responsibility reflects God's character and builds discipline, preparing individuals to lead effectively.

  3. Understanding God's Authority and Restrictions:

    • God's commands, such as the prohibition regarding the tree of knowledge, serve to test obedience and offer protection.
    • Disobedience leads to three types of death: spiritual, physical, and eternal, underscoring the need for redemption.

  4. The Devastating Consequences of Sin:

    • Sin disrupted God's original intent, leading to rebellion against authority, hardened attitudes, and societal agitation.
    • The fall introduced broken relationships and chaos into the world, which only God's redemption can heal.

  5. Anchoring in a Biblical Worldview:

    • In a culture of relativism, believers must cling to the absolutes of God's Word.
    • A biblical education equips students to stand firm as salt and light in a decaying, dark world.

Conclusion

Dr. Ollila challenges students to cherish their opportunity to grow spiritually at a Bible college. By anchoring their lives in God’s unchanging truth and embracing their roles as responsible stewards, they can effectively lead and minister in a broken world. He exhorts students to cling to Scripture, develop a biblical worldview, and passionately pursue youth ministry to impact future generations.