hear what people who have taken "The Christ, the Cross, and the Church" have to say about the class:
People just like you have taken "The Christ, the Cross, and the Church: A Survey of the New Testament" and have benefited from it. Take a few minutes and hear what they've got to say:
- “The greatest strength (other than God’s Word itself) is the teachers - their approach, knowledge, and humility. You make God’s Word understandable and accessible.”
- “Because I so often study the Bible piece by piece, I rarely have (or take) the opportunity to read large portions in one sitting. I found it both refreshing and beneficial. It is something I will continue to do.”
- This class should be offered to others because “I feel there be more people like me who have never read or studied the Bible. They may feel intimidated or scared to take it. I did not feel this way at all because there was no ‘pressure.’ I was able to go at my own pace.”
- “Growing up in the church, I have repeatedly heard the stories in the Bible. I then went to a Christian college, where I heard even more. Over time, the Bible was becoming commonplace and rote for me. I would read because I knew I needed to, but I wasn’t soaking up God’s Word. This class helped give me a fresh appreciation for the Bible. I find myself now reading with new eyes. I am learning new things that I never noticed before. Once again, I am getting excited to learn from the Bible.”
- “It is neat to interact in a group where people have studied and are eager to grow in their knowledge of Scripture.”
- “I had never read all of the New Testament before and I thought this would be a great way to get an overview of it before continuing with more detailed studies of certain books or concepts. [This class] met my expectations - I got the overview I was looking for as well as some resources for independent study.”
- “It seems like the seasoned Christians were just as challenged as the ‘newbies.’ I like that it gave us foundations for further study on our own.”
- “I wanted to learn more about NT books and move closer to Jesus through them - I feel I have begun a new journey toward Jesus.”
- “[The class was] well done and informative - have already recommended and shared some materials with others.”
- “While I have been a Christian since I was a child, it is only now that I’ve begun to really read the Bible as a whole. I’ve been trying to read through the OT, and simultaneously reading the NT has really begun to cement the foundation of my Christian belief. Those things I read in the OT tie into the NT, and it just amazes me the way God works!”
- “[This class] refreshed my love for the One who is the Word made flesh. Continually amazed how the Word all fits together.”
- “It was my New Year’s resolution to read the New Testament. I learned it was very doable and I look forward to going back and spending more time with it.”
- [I chose this class] to mature in my faith. Yes, my expectations were more than exceeded. I had pieces of the New Testament, but this class opened my eyes to the reality and deeper character of people, places, and especially Jesus. It peaked my interest in pursuing in more detail experiences like Paul had and linked his life for me.
- Excellent. Learned a lot. Increased my faith and encouraged me in my faith.
- This class helped me see the “real people” and understand the “real times” they lived in. I understand Jesus’ plan of salvation in a fresh and new way. He has become more real to me. There were also a thousand hundred little things I learned I did not know, that I had wrong. I’ve read Acts, but shied away because of a bad past experience decades ago. Now I am seeing, and through new and hopeful eyes. The power God intended for us was very vague to me. I’m learning to live in the full power God gives us.
- This class specifically fell in a time I have chosen to increase my knowledge of Scripture. It was a great “first” class, increasing my appetite for more. Not having any expectations the class easily met those. I will be back.
- Obviously the oldest person in the class and the least biblically schooled. The course along with a few men’s studies have lit my fire. Because of who I was and who I have become I have ample opportunities to reach others, but I am ill equipped. My goal in the fourth quarter of life is to resolve that. Spending decades in an academic environment to grow in my career I now realize I need and can devote that time to Christ. Every class I take leaves me thirsty for another. Tim has been a huge influence on maintaining this drive. What is next?
- I took a NT Survey class in college. I loved it. I wanted to do it again. For the time, cost, audience and subject this class was perfect.
- An overview of the entire NT is very valuable. Many times we focus on only a short segment. Probably because we are used to 1 hour sermons and have become conditioned to only focus or look at small segments.
- ...I’ve read more of the Bible during this time than I did all year.
- I experienced a feeling of burnout or spiritual attack during the class, and being committed to coming each Sunday and spending time in God’s Word really helped me fight through. I was able to double my efforts/persevere and dig into God’s Word to come out of the spiritual attack renewed and more committed.
- [I chose this class] to gain in understanding of the New Testament. My expectations were met due to the curriculum and homework involved. It was motivating and pushed me. I have read most of the New Testament now.
- The class has impacted me in many ways, but specifically it has helped me see more of the richness in Scripture. I loved to be able to connect different parts of the Bible to see the picture God intended for me to see. Even though it was a survey I saw depth and richness.
- [I took this class] to get more into the Word, become more equipped. This expectation was more than met.
- Definitely recommend it. Because it’s a great overall picture of the New Testament. It gives historical background that helps us understand the content of the material. It also helps us understand the gospels in a more practical, applicable way.
- Rich and rewarding experience all around!
- Great overview of NT. Created a heart change and challenge to evangelize.
- One thing I have learned by taking numerous Institute classes is the long term impact. While this class has opened my eyes in new ways to the New Testament, I see the effects from the very first Institute [class] I took. Recently in our small group we were able to take many of the resources and things learned from that class to help others in our group to dig into the Word of God for the first time. I’m excited for the future impact that this class will have as well. Also, I starred many books in the “Additional Resources” section. I really appreciate the suggestions.