“Search the Scriptures.” – John 5:39
As a pastor I’m often asked to give counsel, or to recommend a program or a book etc. The best advice I, or anyone else, could give you is found here in the words of our dear Savior—“Search the Scriptures”. Mark it down, if you neglect this nothing else will help. James Smith (1840) wrote the following:
“The Bible is God’s Book, a favour bestowed on man; intended to lead him to a knowledge of the nature, perfections, purposes, will, providence, and salvation of God. It contains all that is really necessary to be known.
It should be read carefully, prayerfully, frequently, and in course: every part of the Bible should be read, meditated upon, and prayed over. It makes us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. We cannot understand the Scriptures, or gather spiritual profit therefrom, but by the Holy Ghost; nor should we expect to be taught the mind of God but by the Scriptures.
Praying, reading, and thinking, should go together; and no one, but he who has proved it, can possibly tell the profit which may be thus gained. Let the Bible be the every-day-book. In it God speaks to your soul, by it He will sanctify your nature, direct your steps, and give you joy and peace. Let not the works of man occupy the place of the Book of God; but search the Scriptures daily, and exercise faith therein.
“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of Thy law.” Unfold to me the riches of Thy grace, revealed in Thy word.”
O may Thy counsels, mighty God,
My roving feet command!
Nor I forsake the happy road
That leads to Thy right hand.
