And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
God gave the instructions above from Deuteronomy 6 as part of his plan for the continued growth and survival of his people. In order for Israel to persist as a nation, it was necessary that the current generation pass on the teachings of God to succeeding generations. It follows naturally that the current generation could only pass on the teachings of God if it was well acquainted with those teachings. In other words, the existence of Israel depended upon people being committed to knowing and living the word of God.
This is true in every generation of God’s people. As parents and other adult mentors, we are charged with passing on the Word to our children. In order to be able to do so, we ourselves must be diligent in knowing and living God’s Word in our lives. The best way to do this is to spend time regularly in the Word. There is no substitute for regular, personal study of scripture. At the same time, there is ample opportunity to become involved in classroom study with other believers. If you are already participating in bible classes, you are doing a very good thing. If you have not yet committed to being here for Sunday and Wednesday classes, please consider making that commitment starting today.
There are several opportunities available in this new quarter. The Hollands and Thompsons continue to lead a class on practical Christian living for 25-39 year olds entitled In The Works. Our elders are doing the same for people of other generations. Tom Clark is continuing his study of 1 Corinthians. Our ladies are focusing together on the theme of the upcoming ladies’ retreat, Life in the Son. Finally, I am beginning a study of Psalms. There are many choices, all of which will benefit you. Please decide today to take advantage of this opportunity to grow in the Word.
–Ricky