Graduates told of calling to serve

God’s love is everlasting!Reverend Dr Alvah Hunte made this abundantly clear when he addressed the  2010 graduation class of the Barbados Bible College at the River Road New Testament Church of God, recently.“God’s love is everlasting and unending,” he said, as he looked at God’s love for Israel, even though they had forsaken him at times.In his short sermon, Hunte, a minister of the New Testament Church of God, turned his attention to Isaiah 29:14 which, states: “Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder.  For wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.”He told the graduates: “I believe we have the privilege of serving God in the best part of the Church age, and we have not seen the best of God yet.He added: “I believe that after spending three years at Barbados Bible College you are convinced that you were not here by chance. I seem to hear the voice of Christ saying as recorded in Luke 10: 3, “behold I send you forth as lambs among wolves”. He also told them: “Jesus Christ is well aware of the hostility one may face as a follower of Christ in this present age.“As a matter of fact,” he added, “the day will come when whoever kills you will think that he offers God a service (John 16: 2), but the only sword we are advised to carry is the Word of God. I send you forth as lambs – the most defenceless, docile animal.”He warned them that just as Jesus was treated they must be prepared to suffer as well. (Jesus said): “Remember what they did to me, they will want to do to you.  But lo, I am  with you always!‘The flood of iniquity is upon us but Isaiah 59:19 tells us “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.  The standard is about to be lifted. Be thou faithful until death,”  he added.Hunte also reminded the 20 graduates that “no man having put his hands to the plough, and looking back is fit for the kingdom”.“Let us therefore do well that we may hear, well done,” he stressed.President of the college, Reverend Dr Louise Joseph, told the graduates they were created in the image of God and loved by Him.“He has gifted, blessed you and has brought you good success. Note, however, that success is not a bus stop – it’s a journey. Continue on the course with Him, with joy, even when circumstances seem unfavourable.“Never entertain thoughts, which are sent by the adversary to daunt your spirit and negatively affect your service to the Most High God and your fellowman,” Joseph admonished.She advised the graduates to serve with excellence, bear good fruit, and always be an ambassadors for Christ.The graduation ceremony was attended by a wide cross-section of individuals and ministers of the gospel, and was punctuated by special ministry in song and worship.Graduate Shelly Carter emerged as the valedictorian of the three-year diploma in theology programme.