Back to the Book

The month of October is almost here, and by now students in our schools and universities should be back into the routine of daily education. They should all be back to their books. The time they spend reading and studying these books can be valuable for a life time. Obviously, reading alone will not guarantee learning, but it is a crucial first step toward knowledge that can change a person’s life.

The same is true for those who claim to have a relationship with God. Reading, knowing and obeying the Word of God is crucial for any life-changing, personal relationship with him. In fact, apart from knowing the Bible, a person can have only a limited knowledge of God.

The author of Psalm 119 wrote this about the Scriptures: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

The writer of the New Testament book of Hebrews said: “The word of God is living and active … It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The Apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” (2 Timothy 2:16-17)

People who think they don’t need to read and obey the Bible are mistaken. It is God’s one and only “letter” to us. It is his eternal written communication to the whole world. That is why all we all need to be good students of the Bible. We need to be students who read it, study it, understand it, and obey it. As we get back to that book, we will grow in our faith and relationship with God.

Pastor Doug Birky

Evangelical Free Church