Beyond the Classroom

In times of distress, darkness, and hopelessness, the Psalmist exhorts believers to turn to the Lord and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. God who is faithful will answer and will show his people His salvation.

As stewards of the gospel, Christians are called to share in Christ's afflictions in order to take His gospel to the nations.

God led his people through the rushing Jordan River to demonstrate that his power and presence are more than sufficient to meet his people’s needs. We serve a God who takes a particular delight in ordaining difficult circumstances to serve as the perfect context in which he proves his unrivaled power on our behalf.  

Saving faith is vindicated by Spirit-wrought good works.

Dr. Bitner reads through the letter of James in its entirety in this special morning devotion.

In the story we see the hopelessness of seeking salvation through the law and the beauty of salvation found in Jesus Christ. He is the merciful king who seeks, saves, and loves us.

How do I know if I am called to ministry? What is the pathway to becoming a pastor? How can I grow and explore my gifts? These are some of the most common questions and considerations of those contemplating seminary. As Christians, our primary calling is to follow Jesus. First and foremost, we are made followers by him and for him.

In the last year, we also have all been reminded about the fragility of life and the uncertainties that can come with disease and death: COVID, a plummeting economy, violence in the streets almost unparalleled in history. Often in such times, we turn to the Psalter for comfort. Today, I’d like to take the reader on a brief survey of a familiar Psalm: Psalm 91.

That same vision to prepare Bible specialists was taken out West with the original WSC faculty, and it continues to guide the school today.

Undoubtedly this Synod and its Canons were vital to seventeenth century Calvinism theologically and ecclesiastically. But beyond providing a four-hundredth anniversary about which church historians can write, are the Canons actually valuable for Christians today? Not surprisingly, I answer that question with a resounding, Yes!

“It has been my pleasure to serve the church as a minister and, on loan, as a professor at Westminster Seminary California (WSC) for two decades. Many reasons come to mind when I consider why I feel so privileged to be a part of this institution. But one that stands out is its identity as an old school in a new age.”

Now, cultivating wisdom in hearts and minds is a daunting enterprise. It cannot be produced merely by classroom lectures, research papers, and final exams. Rather, wisdom thrives at the intersection of divinely-revealed truth and life’s confusing experience. And we can only grow in wisdom as a community.

The Westminster Seminary California Graduation Reception is an evening for graduates and their families to reflect upon their time here.

The Westminster Seminary California Graduation Reception is an evening for graduates and their families to reflect upon their time here.

The Westminster Seminary California Graduation Reception is an evening for graduates and their families to reflect upon their time here.

The Westminster Seminary California Graduation Reception is an evening for graduates and their families to reflect upon their time here.

The Westminster Seminary California Graduation Reception is an evening for graduates and their families to reflect upon their time here.

As Christians we may be confident that God is indeed for us in Christ even when our circumstances tempt us to doubt God’s favor toward us and presence with us.