Josh Maule, 1st Year student at Moore College

Joshua Maule began a Bachelor of Divinity at Moore Theological College in February. He reflects on studying God full-time.

Traffic and the occasional landing aeroplane echo through my room as I pore over Greek flashcards. All of a sudden I feel a surge of the Lord’s peace—everlasting arms beneath me—and a statement from one of my lecturers comes to mind. “For many of you, stepping back from ministry in order to deeply study God’s word will be a huge lesson in justification by faith.”

In my third week at theological college, I already see that principle working. Somehow the not-being-able to spend time in church groups, catch up with people for one to one Bible study, and hang out at Friday night youth group reminds me God not only sees all people but has them within his able grasp. Until I enrolled in this four year degree—a venture that will usher me to the front door of my 30s—I’d been doing plenty of those things. Now, between verbs and paradigm lists, my spare time is curtailed.

Resolving to shut myself away brings a contrasting burden too. Outside my dormitory on one of Sydney’s most congested streets are the never-resting crowds of business owners, Aboriginal people, students, builders, the unemployed, rich, poor, creatives, the free and the suffering. Walk by and it’s easy to see lost sheep like those Jesus spent his ministry with. And that begs questions. What does compassion look like right now? Am I really called to labour over iotas when so many souls are wandering around without Christ? Aren’t I equipped enough with my English Bible to share with them the Good News?

Then there is what theological study does to those who take it up. How does one safeguard their faith in this environment? Older students have told us of the pressures Biblical study can bring. I’ve heard of people doubting God’s existence—even losing their belief—during their degree, if not years later. To paraphrase that advertisement, I’d like to remain a member of the kingdom, not a number.

As I see it, that I have enrolled myself in an institution where we are studying God is no guarantee that I either know Him or am walking closely with Him. While this place may help promote and refine my faith, it does not create it. For that I must look elsewhere, as Hebrews says to “the source and perfector of our faith”. That is Jesus Christ, the historical man, “who for the joy that lay before him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne”. (Hebrews 12:2, ESV).

The work and activity of Christ in and for me is where I must place my faith. Surely, there’s zero point following a call into ministry if I don’t know who the Caller is.

Top image: the streets of Newtown, where Moore College is located. Source: flickr.com/kencta