Reading the Scriptures

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: - 1 Peter 2:2

    I wish that I could convince all believers of the importance of reading the scriptures, studying the scriptures, and hearing the scriptures preached. I know that our sanctification, righteousness, and redemption are complete in Christ and are perfect; yet there is a need for spiritual growth and development in love, faith, humility, knowledge, and all Christian graces! Believers are first new-born babes, then young men, and later mature fathers in Christ. This maturity and growth in grace and in the knowledge of Christ is done by the Holy Spirit through the word of God. His word is infallible truth; and our spiritual growth depends not on feelings, visions, and resolutions, but on an ever-increasing love for, understanding of, and embracing of his word. As the word of God is the seed in regeneration, so it is the source of true holiness of life and conversation. Martin Luther said:

“Feelings come and feelings go,

And feelings are deceiving;

My hope is in the word of God;

Naught else is worth believing.

Though all my heart should feel condemned

For want of some sweet token,

There is one greater than my heart

Whose word cannot be broken.”