Richard’s Remarks
If there was one thing that I could press upon the minds of others it would be the vast importance of being a student of God’s word. God has communicated with mankind in a variety of ways. Initially, He communicated directly with the patriarchs - individuals such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. Later, within His plan, God delivered the Law to His chosen people through Moses and continued to teach them through the prophets. God eventually revealed Himself and His will through Jesus. This process was summarized by the Hebrew writer: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” (Heb 1:1-2).
Following the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was sent to bring to the apostles’ remembrance all that Jesus had taught them (John 14:26). He would guide them into all truth and reveal things to come (John 16:13). These truths were recorded by inspired men (2 Tim 3:16, 1 Cor 2:9-11) and, in accordance with the wonderful wisdom of God, we have them available to us today in His written word.
Through the avenue of the written word, God is still speaking to us. The question is: Are we listening to Him? To know what God wants, expects, commands and promises we must listen to what He says. To do so, we must study the scriptures. So, please, designate some time to read and study God’s word daily - Purposely set aside some time to study the scriptures. We are creatures of habit. So, if we will set aside some time to study and do so for a while, it will become a habit. What a good habit to have! As you study more and more, you’ll enjoy it more and more and you’ll continue to benefit greatly in your walk as a child of God!