Our Christian Faith

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else" - CS Lewis

We would like to provide some background about our Christian Faith, so that when we speak about how it influences our work as educators, there is shared understanding about what that means.

In a school like Regent College, the staff are all Christians. We come from diverse Christian backgrounds but are united in our desire to have a positive impact on our community. We have an obvious Christian flavour within the classroom with worship and devotions. We also follow a formal curriculum in a subject called Christian Living. We talk openly about spiritual themes and pray in class.

You may have questions about the relevance of Christianity in today’s world. We hope our college is a place where these thoughts and feelings can be explored without judgement. We believe that it is through God’s grace we are saved, not through good works or actions.

This is why we talk about the “Good News” of the gospels. 

“God saved you by his grace when you believed.
And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God”

Ephesians 2:8, New Living Translation

There are some other obvious differences at our school. For example, we don’t celebrate Halloween. For dress up days (ie Book Week) we avoid frightening or scary costumes. 

Our value system and culture is informed by Christianity. In this way, we aim to demonstrate the “fruit of the spirit” which includes “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT).  Practically, this  translates to encouraging students to look out for one another and consider other’s needs in and out of the classroom.

That the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God. In them we discover God’s plan for humanity, culminating in the wonders of the cross, resurrection and the birth of the Church. The Bibles serves as an owner’s manual – it is the authority for Christian faith and lifestyle.

In one God, creator of all things, who is infinitely perfect and eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That Jesus Christ is true God and true man, was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and is now at the right hand of the Father as our High Priest and Advocate.

That all people were created in the image of God but fell into sin and are therefore far from God. It is only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit that salvation and spiritual life can be obtained. That the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provides the grounds for justification and salvation.

That the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus Christ. During this age He indwells, guides, instructs and empowers those who believe for Godly living and service. Every believer should be continually filled with the Holy Spirit thus being empowered to be witnesses to the truth of the Gospel.

That healing of the body is part of the blessings of both the Old and New Covenant and that God has provided many different ways through which healing can be received. We are to have compassion with the sick and trust with them that God’s healing presence will touch their lives.

That there is one true Church universal, comprised of all those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. That this body of believers gather themselves together for worship, prayer, teaching of the Word of God, fellowship, service, and the observance of Baptism and Communion.

The local Church, under the watch and care of the Elders and other leaders, must work together in love and unity to fulfil its mission and glorify Christ.

It can be difficult to find a good starting point to explore the Christian faith. The Alpha program is a well established introductory course and is run online and face-to-face. In Perth, Alpha groups can be found by searching on the “Find an Alpha” page.  

“Alpha is an environment for anyone and everyone who wants to explore life and the Christian faith, ask questions, and share their point of view. Alpha is free and everyone is welcome.” 

Visit alpha.org.au to explore more.

We look forward to chatting with you about the ‘what’ and ‘why’ we believe. If you are comfortable, this could be facilitated through an initial chat with Principal Derek Nicholls or Deputy Principal Jacqueline Quinlivan.

The main role of the College Chaplain is pastoral care, supporting students, and focusing on healthy relationships and well-being. Parents/Guardians are welcome to leave a message with College Administration or their child’s teacher if they would like the Chaplain to speak with their child during the school day.

                   

Our Motto

‘Life in Christ’ acknowledges the growth, learning and abundant life found in following Christ. “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand”. Colossians 3:1, New Living Translation.

Regent College exists to educate students to become fully developed followers of Christ. The name “Regent” was chosen to acknowledge our role as representatives of Christ on Earth. According to the Collins dictionary, a regent is “the ruler or administrator of a country during the minority, absence or incapacity of its monarch”. Taking this further, as “regents” we should aim to be Christ-like (ie caring for others, being loving and compassionate) and focussed on taking good care of the kingdom. The good news is that eternal life is a free gift and it is not earned or deserved.

Represents the death and resurrection of Jesus, His love and salvation for all mankind. In modern times, the cross has become a widely used symbol in both faith and secular communities. However for Christians the cross holds multiple layers of meaning, including that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, that in overcoming death he offers us eternal life. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16, New Living Translation.  

Represents the crown of righteousness. “And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing”. 2 Timothy 4:8, New Living Translation.

Represents the Holy Spirit who gives power and guidance. “After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him”. Matthew 3:15, New Living Translation.

Represents the Bible – God’s Word and our handbook for life. The bible had many authors however it is the inspired Word of God. “For the word of God is alive and powerful”. Hebrews 4:12 (part). New Living Translation.

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