Torch, Spring 1987: Centennial Issue

ian Education Throughout history, believers and unbelievers alike have recognized the importance and the influence of education. An ancient Chinese saying states , "Leaming is a treasure which follows its owner everywhere!" Education . It is something to which everyone, especially Christians , should be committed. Proverbs 4:7 states , "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. " King Agrippa in the book of Acts indicated that he thought much learning had made the Apostle Paul mad! Agrippa' s opinion notwithstanding, Paul's learning at the feet of the great teacher Gamaliel provided a fantastic background for his ministry of evangelism and church planting . Furthermore , it can ' t be said of Paul that he "was ever learning and never coming to the knowledge of the truth" (II Tim. 3:7). He knew the truth and it not only set him free but it enabled him to communicate the truth so well that thousands accepted Christ. I believe a truly biblical approach to education must include three inseparably linked aspects. II Peter I :5 capsulizes it well: " ... giving all diligence , add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.... " Faith. A Christian is "in the faith" - he is one in whom Jesus Christ lives as a result of personally receiving Him as Savior and Lord . This is the Christ who is the embodiment of all wisdom and knowledge . And Hebrews 11 :6 states: "But without faith , it is impossible to please him ... ." Thus , the only learning that ultimately pleases God is by those with faith. While all students at Cedarville profess faith in Jesus Christ, each year some accept the Lord as Savior in reality through teaching in classes , chapel, and at Bible conferences . Virtue. The word implies kindness, goodness, love - godly character. Leaming without virtue is incomplete. Said Sydney Harris , "Nobody should listen to a man giving a lecture or a sermon on his 'philosophy of life ' until he knows how he treats his wife , his children , his neighbors, his friends, his subordinates - and his enemies ." Cedarville encourages character building particularly through its broad Christian Ministries program. Students practice kindness , do good , and express their love for others not only locally , but also throughout Ohio , the nation, and abroad. Knowledge. It ranges from a child's understanding of how to tie his shoestrings to a scientist's solving of an advanced physics problem. Proverbs 8: I0 indicates how valuable knowledge is to the believer: "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than gold ." And 10:14 states , "Wise men lay up knowledge .. .." Cedarville students can accumulate much knowledge in over 40 academic areas of study available. Christians should be committed to learning throughout their lives . The real power of a Christian education to affect our world for good becomes evident when a believer (one with faith) performs acts of character (virtue) using the know-how (knowlege) he or she has gathered . Rightly done , this results in a quality of life which cannot be surpassed in terms of satisfaction and accomplishment . Dr. Robert Gromacki Dr. Robert Gromacki repre– sents excellence in scholarly Christian education. Because of his academic record in high school, he could have taken his ministerial training at prestigious universities on scholarships. He chose instead to attend a God-honoring Bible college. The Lord rewarded him by providing for his financial needs, by giving him his life companion, and by opening the way for him to pursue graduate work in preparation for the minis– try He had for him. Gromacki had learned early in life that "...only doors that the Lord opened were safe to enter." He came to Cedarville College in 1960 to teach in the Biblical Education Department and has chaired the department since 1967. Having a heart for the stu– dents, he has spent many hours counseling future pastors and seminarians. As his gifts lie in teaching and preaching the Word, he has a concern for the local church and has held seven inter– im pastorates. His fine Bible scholarship is evidenced by the 13 books and numerous articles he has pub– lished. He is also a popular con– ference speaker. This scholarly man's commit– ment to excellence has contrib– uted much not only to Cedarville College but also to the rest of the body of Jesus Christ. " ...giving all diligence , add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge ... ." 2Pet.1:5 15