Reflections from the President

Jesus is the ultimate illustration of commitment.  There were many instances during His earthly life that, from a human perspective, would have caused the faint of heart to quit.  The text of Scripture repeatedly allows us to see His unbreakable resolve to fulfill the mission decreed by God, described by the prophets and displayed on the cross of Calvary.   His mission was not an ordinary mission.

 

“For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:19

 

I am glad while pursuing this extraordinary mission experiencing the crucible of some of the most intense hardships known to man He didn’t quit.   Some of the most stressful and painful moments Jesus faced occurred during the time of year we know as Passion Week.

Arguably one of the most pivotal moments occurred in the garden when Jesus experienced what could have been a crisis moment in the program of God.   He wanted freedom from the “cup” of suffering.  Yet Jesus yielded to the Father’s will in the face of personal pain and struggle. 

 

Luke chronicles this moment using language that captures the intensity of the struggle Jesus faced. 

 

“When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation. And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.” Luke 22:41-44

 

Notice the text indicated that as Christ agonized in prayer over His temptation, He began to sweat.   His sweat came as a result of the agony he was experiencing.   It was not ordinary sweat.  Jesus’ pressure was so great that His body produced clots “thrombosis” of blood.  

 

Jesus experienced a medical condition called hermatidrosis.    It is very rare but possible for a person to be under such great pressure that the blood vessels around the sweat glands constrict and produce drops of blood.   I am so glad that even though the pressure was so great on Him that Jesus experienced hermatidrosis, He did not turn back.

 

This season gives us a chance to celebrate the fact that placing our personal faith in Jesus Christ reconciles us to God and provides us an opportunity to participate in God’s eternal purpose for others because Jesus did not turn back.  I hope during this special season of the year we take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and thank God He allows us to share in His eternal purpose.

 

 “Father thank you for reconciling us to you through Jesus’ sacrifice.  Thank you for allowing us to participate in your eternal purpose.  As we reflect on your love may we commit ourselves to investing our lives in knowing you and helping others experience the power and joy of a life committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ!   In our moments of struggle please strengthen us so we can fulfill your mission for our personal lives.  In Jesus Name.”

 

May you and your family experience a blessed resurrection season!  He is risen!

 

Dr. Larry A. Mercer
President

 

You are invited to join the WBC/CBS community in a celebration of the season on Saturday evening in Miles Chapel:

 

DayBreak Celebration!

Join us for a night of worshipping the One who overcame the world.

 

6:00pm-9:00pm

Washington Bible College Miles Chapel

Lanham, MD

 

 

Thanksgiving is a great season!

It shifts our focus from problems to blessings. The cultural tradition celebrates God’s blessing through a time of sharing food, fellowship and tradition. It is a great tradition that often includes a fabulous turkey dinner. What a great time to share a joyful experience with family and friends!

Hopefully, the cultural focus on food, fellowship and friendship will take our minds back to the source of all “good, and perfect gifts.” The source of all “good and perfect gifts” is God himself. Once we think about the source of joy and celebration of the season we move from a horizontal to a vertical perspective of life.

As we approach this day of rest and celebration, God has shifted my attention to a very short but profound biblical statement penned by the psalmist in the thirty-fourth chapter and first verse:

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

What does it mean to bless the Lord at all times? Does that mean we walk around all the time saying: “I bless you” repeatedly? No. That could be a mindless, heartless repetition of words.

I believe he is speaking of something far more profound and practical than that. I believe the psalmist is saying “I will give honor to God and speak well of Him at all times.” He is speaking of a disposition that speaks well of God in spite of the circumstances of life we are experiencing. It is a wonderful parallel to the words of the Apostle Paul in eighteenth verse of the fifth chapter of his letter to the church at Philippi:

“…in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

As you enjoy this wonderful day with family seize every opportunity to speak well of God and His abundant blessings. Let others know that you recognize that the source of your blessings is God.

Dr. Larry A. Mercer

Honoring the Life of a Great American

January 15, 1929- April 4, 1968

Today, our nation celebrates the memory of a great American.  Dr. Martin Luther King’s life was a bright moment in our nation’s history because God used him to raise the moral vision of our entire nation and provide a beacon of light to the entire world.
 

What Made Martin Luther King a Great American?

Martin Luther King had the ability see things that others could not see.  He dared to dream things that others would not allow themselves to imagine.  In addition to those very special qualities, God gave him the extraordinary capacity to speak in a tenor and tone that inspired people to look beyond color and class to respect the importance of character.  If you back, through the lens of history into the crowds attentively listening to the words of Dr. King; it is evident that the diverse audiences normally mesmerized by his words were galvanized into action that placed their focus on how they could use their lives to benefit others even at their own personal sacrifice.

 

What are the Lessons from the Life of Martin King?

There are many lessons Martin Luther King’s life taught us including:

 

The entranceway for the road to greatness starts at a point of anonymity for each one of us.  Each of our roads is filled with choices and opportunities to take the paths of least resistance and most attractive circumstances.  Often those paths lead us to lives characterized by personal insignificance.  The faithful few people who achieve greatness have lives defined by clarity of purpose and the courage to live out their convictions.  One of the most powerful lessons we see illustrated through the life of Martin Luther King is that excellence transcends race, place and space.

 

What is My Dream for You?

My dream for each you is that you would achieve God’s divine design for your life.  The result could be that we could see a contemporary embodiment of a life with the depth of character and range of impact of Martin Luther King.

 

One of the greatest ways we can honor Dr. King’s life is seize the platforms created by the challenges facing our contemporary society and use the gifts and talents God provides each one of us to show our love for God by serving Him and our fellow man.   I hope you take the personal challenge of settling for nothing less than God’s best for you.

 

Dr. Larry A. Mercer, President

Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary/Equip Institute

 

The Opportunities “Christmas” Brings

Food, family, fun and lots of fellowship come with most Christmas celebrations. Family time will be especially meaningful this year since last year at this time we had just buried my father. My heart reflects back to memories of Christmas past and I find myself experiencing moments of celebration and sadness.

Once I reflect on the true meaning of the season my mood shifts. I remember we have the opportunity to tell all who will listen that Jesus is the Light of the World and can bring purpose and direction to their personal experience.

After I remember the central meaning for the season the overwhelming feeling I have is a sense of opportunity. Christmas brings all who know the heavenly father’s love a special time of opportunity. Let me list three special opportunities we have this year and every Christmas season.

Celebrating Christmas Offers those who Love God an Opportunity to Affirm the “Good News” God Entered Human History through Christ

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”      Isaiah 9:6

Remember God lives among us.

Celebrating Christmas Offers those who Love God an Opportunity to Acknowledge Christ as the Central Figure of History

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile R all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven…” Colossians 1:15-21.

Remember history is His story.

Celebrating Christmas Offers those who Love God an Opportunity to Accept the Blessing of His birth and Challenge of Being His Ambassadors of Hope to a Lost and Dying World

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold,
I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.”      Luke 2:10-11

Remember to seize this year’s fresh opportunity to celebrate His presence, honor His place in human history and help others come to know and experience the love He came to give them.

Merry Christmas

Dr. Larry A. Mercer

Please Join Me in Giving Thanks to God!

On a personal note, I am grateful to God that my wife and I recently celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. After thirty-six years of being best friends and thirty-one years of being husband and wife, we are both committed to making the next years God gives us, even more powerful and positive. We give thanks to God!

On a professional note, I am also excited that against the backdrop of financial challenges God has chosen to allow some very special things to happen on our campus over the last three years. I was reflecting on all the things we have to be thankful for and a number of opportunities we have had to improve our service to students and the community came to mind:

•  Achieved Regional Accreditation with Middle States Commission on Higher Education so we are the only regionally accredited Bible College in the entire state of Maryland
•  Added Online Educational Classes for Our Undergraduate Students
•  Added a New General Studies Degree Program with Authorization to Add Three Concentrations (Business, Communication and Social Work)
•  Added an Accelerated Degree Completion Program (Biblical Studies, Management & Ethics)
•  Increased Number of Full-time Faculty Positions in the College and Seminary
•  Made Significant Investments in the Campus Property, Plant & Equipment
•  Secured a long-term location to house our Northern Virginia Educational Extension
•  Upgraded Our Technology Infrastructure to Improved Services to Our Students
•  Facilitated Capacity for Students to Complete all Transactions Related to Registration for Classes Online
•  Opened a Conference Center that allows us to Use Our Campus Facilities to Expand Services to the Broader Community
•  Established a Number of Strategic Partnerships with Local, State, and National Organizations
•  Updated our website to make it more user-friendly

God has positioned our school to have a local, national and regional impact that we cannot even imagine. This was high-lighted to me in a powerful way when I saw a recent report that over the last couple of months that people visits our website from one hundred different countries. It will not be easy and we will need the support and prayers of everyone who loves our school and embrace our mission, but I believe, on the other side of the challenges some great days.

Yes! There are plenty of challenges but there is a lot to be thankful for during this season.

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100

Dr. Larry A. Mercer

His Story in the Making?

As Annie and I stood in line it was clear to us we were witnesses to and participants in history in the making. At 5:45 a.m. a small line had already formed. The atmosphere was electric as people walked up from seemingly every direction.

The line illustrated democracy at work. People were sitting in lawn chairs, wheelchairs, walkers and even on the ground. Others were standing on canes, leaning on the side of the building.

After we completed the process of fulfilling this part of our civic responsibility my wife and I settled on a deep conviction-this moment in history can become part of His story if each of us take the full scope of our civic responsibility seriously.

That raises a very simple question. Does God speak to how a Christian should relate to secular society? If the answer is yes, what is the guiding framework that should shape our interaction with civil society?

The Bible gives the serious believer some clear guidelines on our responsibility to civil society. It starts with the right perspective.

Perspective

The right perspective transcends party affiliation. A perspective that converts history to His story begins with our judge and audience, clearly identifies our source of guidance and grid for decision-making.

    • Judge and Audience:         God
         Colossians 3:17
    • Source of Guidance:         The Holy Spirit 
         John 16:7-15
    • Grid for Decision-Making    Principles from  Scripture
         Psalm 119:105

What happens after we develop the right perspective?

Principles

Once we develop the right perspective then we should be guided by the right principles. Here are a few foundational principles:

    • Every Believer is a Citizen of Two kingdoms (Heaven/Earth) (Col 1:12–13). 
    • The Kingdoms of Heaven and Earth are in Constant Conflict with One Another (John 12:31; 16:11; 14:30, John 5:19).
    • The Believer has the Responsibility of Supporting Civil Government (Matthew 17:24-27, Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17)
    • The Believer’s Ultimate Allegiance Should be to the Kingdom of Heaven (Acts 5:29/Phil 3:20). 
    • Every Believer Should Reflect God’s Kingdom in their Sphere of Influence (Matthew 5:13-16).

Correct principles lead to right practices.

Practices

So what do we do after the election is over? Do we go to our separate corners and prepare for the next election? Undoubtedly, some will do that.There is another more appropriate response!

It comes from Scripture. Therefore, it contributes to the development of His story. Here is how each committed follower of Jesus Christ can convert this moment of history into His story.

    • Exercise Good Citizenship (Acts 23:1)
    • Obey Civil Authorities (Romans 13:1)
    • Pray for Political Leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
    • Honor Political Leaders (1 Peter 2:17)
    • Serve as Salt & Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
    • Be An Advocate for the Voiceless (Proverbs 31:8)
    • Address Unrighteousness – Personal, Corporate and National (Proverbs 31:9)

Participate in history by fulfilling your civic responsibility. Then after all the votes are counted let’s make His story visible to a watching world together.

Dr. Larry A. Mercer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have been working on a totally different introductory presidential blog but the loss of our colleague and friend, Anthony Eldridge, calls for a totally different opening. I offer these reflections for our encouragement....

 

“Living In the Valley of the Shadow”

Presidential Reflections

 

How do we explain the loss of our colleague and friend, Anthony Eldridge, in light of our conviction we serve a “good” God?

 

If God is loving and all powerful, how could this unexpected tragedy happen? We have to accept the seemingly harsh reality that -from a human perspective -there are no easy answers to the unexpected death of a loved one or friend.

 

Remember we cannot address all of our pain in a sound byte.

 

There is a subtle temptation to spin off quick answers that erase all the questions and ease the pain. But offering, only, easy answers often adds to the hurt and increases the confusion. Job’s story is a classic example of what can happen when well-meaning people offer superficial answers to human pain.

 

This time of loss brings us face-to-face with our human frailty.

 

We have to come to terms with the facts: God has chosen to limit our understanding of all He allows to happen in the world He created. He determines when and if we receive explanations and insights. But that raises a fundamental question- what do we do while we wait for the email or letter from God helping us understand what He is doing in our lives?

 

God gives us permission to express our questions and pour out our hearts to Him.

 

The psalms are a window into the heart of man’s response to the reality of life’s struggles. We see repeated instances where the psalms are raw and real. Sometimes, we are left to raise our hands and simply say: “I don’t have answers to all the questions!”

 

Our human frailty can give way to either an avalanche of fear or an affirmation of personal faith in the character of God.

 

Sometimes the weight of the pain disorients us and causes physical, intellectual, social and emotional distress. We ultimately reach a point where a critical decision needs to be made. We are forced to decide whether to place our trust in the character of God or our limited human assessment.

 

Suggestions for Responses to Our Loss

 

Let’s Pray Fervently for Wisdom and focus on the priority and practice of prayer. (James 1:2-8)

 

Let’s Search the Scripture for God’s Guidance to deepen our understanding and give us the basis for faith and confidence. (Psalm 119:105)

 

Let’s Practice the Ministry of Comfort by seizing opportunities to respond to each other’s emotional and spiritual needs. (2 Corinthians 1:1-7)

 

Let’s Act Compassionately by being a channel of God’s love and compassion whenever and wherever God provides the opportunity to each other and Anthony’s family. (Luke 10:30-37)

 

Let’s Live Without Regret by doing the right thing when and while God has given us the opportunity. (James 4:13-17)

 

Dr. Larry A. Mercer,

President