CHRIST-CENTERED : The Christ-centered philosophy of kingdom education recognizes that Jesus Christ is our authority and Lord of truth : “ I am the way , and the truth , and the life ” ( John 14:6 ). Jesus Christ is our foundation : “ For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid , which is Jesus Christ ” ( 1 Cor . 3:11 ). The Lord is our wisdom and knowledge : “ In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ” ( Col . 2:3 ). The Son of God is our stability : “ Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith , just as you were taught ” ( Col . 2:7 ).
Christ is to have preeminence in all things . Dr . Paul Kienel said , “ The purpose of Christian school education is to show children and young people how to face Christ and then with the vision of Christ in their hearts to face the present world and the world to come .” We should lead our students to salvation in Christ , build them up in their faith , and equip them to serve Him . The result will be a spiritual haven where Christ reigns and learning is paramount . Oswald Chambers said it best : “ The sweet sign that God has done a work of grace in our hearts is that we love Jesus Christ best ; not weakly and faintly , not intellectually , but passionately , personally , and devotedly , overwhelming every other love of our lives .” This is the work of a Christ-centered philosophy of kingdom education .
HOLY SPIRIT-CONTROLLED : The Holy Spirit-controlled philosophy of kingdom education acknowledges the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of parents , teachers , and students . The parents and teachers must have His guidance to impart the truth to their students effectively and appropriately : “ And I will ask the Father , and he will give you another Helper , to be with you forever , even the Spirit of truth , whom the world cannot receive , because it neither sees him nor knows him . You know him , for he dwells with you and will be in you ” ( John 14:16-17 ). Parents and teachers must rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to think Christianly and communicate the truth in the education of their children effectively .
Students need the leadership of the Spirit to be image-bearers of Christ . Romans 12:2 tells us , “ Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewal of your mind , that by testing you may discern what is the will of God , what is good and acceptable and perfect .” The Holy Spirit correctly focuses the student ’ s knowledge to bring about moral conformity to the image of God ’ s Son . Ultimately , this image-bearing will result in godly character .
PUPIL-RELATED : The pupil-related philosophy of kingdom education focuses on what God intends every child to be . Parents and teachers understand that each child is a special creation of God ( Ps . 139 ) and made in the image of God ( Gen . 1:27 ). Yet , due to sin , they are fallen and in need of a Savior . Ephesians 2:8-9 says , “ For by grace you have been saved through faith . And this is not your own doing ; it is the gift of God , not a result of works , so that no one may boast .” Every child can be saved and be who God intended them to be . Ephesians 2:10 shares that “ we are his workmanship , created in Christ Jesus .”
Kingdom education is to instill in a child the knowledge of God , guide him in developing his personal faith , and help him establish his biblical worldview . Parents and teachers are to teach children to love God with all their heart , soul , mind , and strength . They are to share that they can have a transforming , personal relationship with Jesus Christ . Their ministry is to assist students in formulating a Christian mind able to think and act according to biblical principles : “ As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to
RENEWANATION . ORG 49