Gilroy’s New Hope Community Church, 8886 Muraoka Drive, recently
announced two new Bible study classes that are open to all local
residents.
Gilroy’s New Hope Community Church, 8886 Muraoka Drive, recently announced two new Bible study classes that are open to all local residents.
Although the first sessions of both the classes began Jan. 18, participants can begin at any time during the 11-week period the classes will be offered.
The women’s class meets at the church from 7 to 8:30pm each Wednesday. “The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” is the latest in a series of Bible studies authored by well-known Christian educator Beth Moore.
The three great monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) all trace their origins to these historic figures of the Old Testament.
In this class, chapters 12 through 50 of Genesis will be studied in depth, and participants will find relevance to present-day life.
The study is video-driven, with the class viewing dramatic video messages that complement the written part of the class. Students are asked to purchase (for $20) a book-study guide, but copies may be made available for people who can’t afford to purchase.
This book contains many useful components, including:
_ Bible passages
_ maps of the travels of each Patriarch
_ “principal questions” to discuss in small groups each week
_ personal discussion segments to help relate events to personal life.
Although students will be asked to do 45 minutes of “daily homework,” there will be no tests. This is really an opportunity for participants to engage more deeply with the exciting material presented.
Moore is a popular Christian educator who “counts serving women of all denominations as one of her greatest privileges.” As the founder of Living Proof Ministries, she has written numerous books and spoken at conferences in 39 states in front of some 42,100 women. She also has a radio ministry to help people better understand the Bible.
A resident of Houston, Texas, Moore teaches a 700-member Sunday school at the First Baptist Church as well as an Interdenominational Bible Study for women in her city.
Kathy MacPhail is the teacher of the local Patriarch class. She has been involved in Beth Moore Bible studies for more than five years and says, “I truly believe Beth Moore is an important voice for women today to grow deeper in the Scriptures and personal knowledge of God.”
Meeting simultaneously at the church is a men’s Bible study called “Heart Ablaze,” based on a book by evangelist John Bevere. Malcolm MacPhail, senior pastor of New Hope, will be teaching this course, which he says “challenges men to exchange a mediocre relationship with God for a vibrant, fiery one.”
The course will follow the general format of the women’s group with time for fellowship, refreshments, video presentations, discussion and prayer. Participation in the class does not require a book.
There is still plenty of time to increase knowledge of the Bible and enhance relationships with God through these two free classes. With no previous knowledge or Bible experience needed, everyone is invited to attend. Call 842-4857 for more information.
