Matthew 18:20 English Standard Version (ESV) “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Any study of the bible by two or more individuals should discover Christ in our midst.

Hebrews 1:2 English Standard Version (ESV) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

If we are to have a right understanding of God’s Word, then we should hear from the author Himself.

Before we discuss anything about hearing God let this be known.

God cares more about you as an individual than anything you might ever do for Him.

Back in Exodus God spoke from His Holy Hill and those that were freed from slavery trembled in fear and begged Moses to speak to God and not allow God to speak directly to them.

God spoke to Moses and Moses wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books of the bible in order that the people might come to know God. Ever since God has used prophets to reveal His mind to His people.

Before we go astray with the issue of prophets and prophecies, allow me to make it clear that the gift of prophecy differs greatly from the office of the prophet. The office no longer exists. There is no place in the administration of our churches for the office of prophet. It is nothing more than a voice and has no authority over church business.

The bible has its role in introducing us to God’s character, purpose and plans. Knowing that does not constitute a relationship with God.

Placing our faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Cross allows us to believe by faith, hear by faith, see by faith, and to walk by faith.

Faith presents itself to us according to our ability to handle it.

Hebrews 1:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,

Long ago, we were not there.

Moses had the enviable task of writing the first five books of the bible. Until the Pentateuch mankind had no authorized written documentation of the history of the world from God’s point of view. Moses had a special relationship with God and during his forty year journey through the wilderness experience penned that great work.

What do we make of that?

It is open for discussion and has been written about by an inexhaustible line of bible scholars over the years. We could not read all that has been said by every scholar that has spent a lifetime documenting their findings.

Who do we rely on for help in  our private studies of God’s Word?

The more accessible works are from authors that have been commended to us by our pastors and teachers who have found comfort in their commentaries. Who among us has not heard of Matthew Henry? Born in 1662 Pastor Henry began preaching at the age of twenty-four and sustained pastoral duties until his death in 1714. His widely used commentaries are just part of his library of works.

While not widely known Author Wellington Pink has a long history of work that only the strong hearted seem to be able to study for any length of time. He was declared a heretic by the Catholic church for his disdain for the papacy. While his words are very hard on the conscience his exposition on Exodus contains amazing insights into the wilderness tabernacle.

In the modern era it would seem that every doctoral candidate had a published bible study of some reputation. The list of bible study authors is too long to list here and many Christian readers avail themselves of their help.

I personally do not recommend any of them. That is not what I am called to do.

Matthew 18:20 English Standard Version (ESV) “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”