Rhythm of the seasons                                                              4-11-12

I love the rhythm of the seasons.  Regardless of where you live in the Northeast, spring is in the air.   Even if you live in an urban setting the fragrance from the cherry blossoms that line the streets, new buds bursting forth in color, song birds singing their harmonies are all evidence of new life.   It is a time for planting, and if you are fortunate enough to have a small plot of land (my garden is 15' by 24'), it is time to process and prepare the garden soil, fertilize, and plant the seeds.   Of course we can't forget to water these precious embryos, and as they break through the soil, revealing their tiny green leaves, it is so thrilling to witness God's creation in action.   Every day I find myself checking and watering, and caring for these tender crops.  This reminds me of something I read in 2 Peter 1:5-8  (NIV)   5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Although we don't have time or space to expound upon the text entirely, we read here a process and a progression that will enhance our spiritual growth much like the process a gardener would use to enrich his crop yield.  In Gardening there is a need for the addition of nutrients to the soil, watering, weeding and tending to the plants; all 'additions' necessary in order to assure a fruitful harvest with a vegetable garden.   We are called upon to keep ourselves from being ineffective by the "making every effort to add to our faith"... the addition of the spiritual disciplines will keep us healthy, and fruitful disciples of Christ.   A healthy tree can bear good fruit, while a malnourished plant doesn't yield any healthy fruit at all.   We are all called to add to our faith, to grow spiritually for kingdom purposes, and to bring forth other 'seed' that will do the same.  Our growth process includes seed bearing and propagation.  Being a fruitful disciple means you are fulfilling the great commission:             

Matthew 28:(NIV)19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Being a fruitful disciple maker includes nurturing, weeding, pruning, and of course watering those tender new plants entrusted to our care and training.  It includes building nurturing relationships with purpose.   As we help them in tending their spiritual gardens, they too will become effective, productive disciples of Christ, and ultimately become disciple makers themselves.   It is the rhythm of the seasons.

Pastor Dr. Debra Schwartz

The Liberty Center Bible Institute is located at the historic site of the old Liberty Theater in the center of the city of Elizabeth.  We provide more than just bible study classes offered by a local church.  We have been affiliated with Freedom Bible College since 2003 when we were granted a branch campus status.  Upon completion of our courses of study you will earn a diploma of value.  We offer four levels of collegiate level studies which are outlined in our catalog book.  Our campus is currently accredited through the National Accrediting Agency of Private Theological Institutes.   Since 2003 our campus has offered the most affordable tuition in New Jersey, making it possible for any Christ follower to work hard, to earn their diploma. Previous life/work, ministry, college credits and military service will also be evaluated upon enrollment and may be translated into credits.

NEW & COMING THIS FALL.  We are excited about the addition of a Spanish BA degree IN Ministry which will begin in September 2012.   We currently have available several Spanish core courses, which can be applied toward any degree for our bi-lingual students. 

HOME STUDY OPTIONS/ASSISTED ACADEMICS IS AVAILABLE AND A FREE COURSE CATALOG LISTING ALL OF THE COURSES OFFERED AT LIBERTY CENTER BIBLE INSTITUTE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CONTACTING US Pastor Dr. Debra Schwartz  (908) 289-6322  E-MAIL  Eddebschw1@aol.com  (please put LCBI in the subject line)

Christian diplomas are awarded in Christian Education, Christian Counseling, Ministry, Youth Ministry & Biblical Studies.  You may enroll at any time, so contact us today!

Find our Face book page: Liberty Center Bible Institute (LCBI college) for additional insight and updated information about our campus.