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A Great Cloud of Witnesses is the latest Bible study for women produced by Moody Publishers. This study about Hebrews 11 is the second one in the series written by Trillia Newbell. In this study, she does an excellent job of helping women understand how to approach the Bible. In the intro to the book, she provides women with four steps for studying the Bible. These steps are 1. Read the Passage Straight Through in One Sitting, 2. Clarify the Context, 3. Consider What the Passage Says – and What It Means, and 4. Apply the Text to Your Life.
While the study is designed to be completed in six weeks, it is set up so that it can be an eight week study if one is desiring to study for a longer period. Each week of A Great Cloud of Witnesses begins with an introduction that contains devotional type content as well as response questions. Following the section introduction, there are five days worth of reading, devotional content, and reflection questions. I really appreciate this aspect of A Great Cloud of Witnesses because it is set up to help women establish discipline in their Bible reading but it also gives some wiggle room for completing the questions in a timely manner.
The book takes women through Hebrews 10 and 11 in order to help them have a fuller understanding of what was occurring in chapter 11. Since Hebrews 11 lists names of saints whose stories are contained in the Old Testament, much of A Great Cloud of Witnesses is spent examining the stories of these saints. I am really thankful for this aspect of the study because it helps women increase their understanding of the Bible. It often seems to be the case that the Old Testament is discounted when Christians approach the Bible. I believe this is generally due to the literary styles used in the Old Testament seeming to be harder to follow than the literary styles used in the New Testament. I’m thankful that in A Great Cloud of Witnesses, Trillia drew in the Old Testament accounts in a way that helps women realize that studying the Bible isn’t as intimidating as it may appear.
One of my favorite aspects of this study is that it makes Scripture approachable. Establishing Bible literacy is often daunting initially due to not knowing where to begin but this study helpfully and gently provides direction. I’m really grateful for Trillia Newbell and her heart to make the Bible approachable for women and I highly recommend A Great Cloud of Witnesses.
I received A Great Cloud of Witnesses compliments of Moody Publishers in exchange for my launch team participation.
