How did you first become interested in attending the Bible studium? When you heard about the Bible school, what were your first thoughts?
My desire for studying the Bible started four years ago so I was looking for some options that time. But because we had just moved from our apartment into a house, my job responsibilities had increased, and my children were still small enough to require a great deal of care, I realized that I must put the idea about Bible studium completely out of my mind. Two years ago this idea came to my mind and heart again. But, there was a difference this time: my desire to study the Bible had become even greater than before! My friends told me about the Bible school in Martin and highly recommended it. I looked at their web page, I saw more information about two years long Bible studium and I was thrilled by its offer.
Why did you choose specifically a two-year Bible course of study? And what appeals to you the most today, after two years of Bible school?
I really like the very interesting styles of teaching and preaching in the Bible school. From the beginning everything was different from my own expectations. I thought that we would read the Bible, chapter by chapter, and we would then discuss the text during the lecture. But during both years of Bible study we learned about the nation of Israel, and its view of God; about the Christian faith; about Jesus and His acts on earth, as well as His influence on people and society all around Him. I would say we learned the context of the Bible. Today I realize that I did not know these facts before these lectures started. During my course of study I realized that in every situation in the Bible we must discover the context and apply this understanding to the text.
Aside from this discovery of the importance of determining the Bible´s context, what other benefit has your study at the Bible school provided?
I can definitely say that the biggest benefit in this Bible school is the teachers. They are very educated people. They have many experiences from studying in other countries and, therefore, they can see things in a bigger context. They have seen many things, and they know many things, yet they are still very humble people with open hearts. These two things students can see. They create a really great atmosphere in the class! I would say it is like a family and has a friendly atmosphere, both of which are always very pleasant.
Has attending Bible school also provided some practical benefits for your personal life? Which experiences and knowledge can you use in your daily life the most?
Bible school has actually had a huge influence on my personal life. I have a totally different understanding of and appreciation for the importance of context in studying the Old Testament. In addition, I better understand some of the typical habits, behavior, and roles of people in biblical times. I enjoyed studying the nation of Israel the most. And now, when I am reading Paul´s letters in the New Testament, I realize more clearly who was receiving those letters and in what situations those New Testament people lived and so on.
In short, it is so wonderful to be closer and closer to God´s Word. I am very thankful to God for the opportunity to study in the Bible school!
