By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries
December 27, 2025

In the pages of the Old Testament, we see God communicating with His people in extraordinary ways—through audible voices, vivid dreams, angelic visitations, and even theophanies, where His presence manifested in dramatic forms. Think of Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6) or Elijah hearing the still small voice after the whirlwind (1 Kings 19:11-13). These moments were profound, yet even in those times, they were rare and not the everyday norm for most believers. Today, as followers of Christ, our primary source of hearing from God isn’t through momentary supernatural experiences but through the timeless, living Word of God—the Bible.

At En-Joy Ministries, we believe that true spiritual growth and guidance come from being deeply rooted in Scripture. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV), “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the bedrock of our faith. When we face uncertainty, seek direction, or long for a word from the Lord, we must turn first to His written revelation—a constant, free, and open line of communication that strengthens, guides, and directs us.

I recall a conversation with a woman who approached me with great enthusiasm, claiming God had given her a prophecy for a local church. She shared it confidently, but as we talked, she admitted something startling: she didn’t read her Bible because she found it too difficult to understand. Instead, she relied on watching sermons by respected teachers like David Jeremiah. To her credit, there’s value in solid biblical teaching—God has indeed gifted the church with pastors and teachers to equip the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12). However, her “prophecy” didn’t align with Scripture at all. What surprised me even more was how many people in the church accepted her words without question, simply because they sounded spiritual.

Friends, this is a cautionary tale. All prophecy, teaching, or claimed revelation must be tested against the unchanging truth of God’s Word. As 1 John 4:1 urges, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” If something doesn’t line up with Scripture “through and through,” we must reject it. And crucially, we should only heed those who are themselves rooted in the Bible—not just casual readers, but diligent students who study and meditate on it daily.

Reading God’s Word is far too vital to delegate entirely to others. While we need teachers to help unpack its depths, the responsibility for personal study falls on each of us. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 set a powerful example: “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” They didn’t take even the Apostle Paul’s words at face value; they verified them against the Bible. Imagine the spiritual maturity that comes from such a habit!

Moreover, Scripture itself promises that the Holy Spirit will illuminate its truths to believers. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 explains, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” Once we believe and invite the Spirit into our lives, the Bible comes alive. It’s not about intellectual prowess but about a heart surrendered to God. Joshua 1:8 reinforces this: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

So, how do we become students of the Word? Start simple: Read it daily, not as a chore but as a conversation with God. Study it—dig into contexts, cross-references, and meanings. Meditate on it, letting verses simmer in your mind throughout the day, as Psalm 119:97 declares, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” And yes, supplement with trustworthy teachers, but always return to the source yourself.

At En-Joy Ministries, we’re committed to fostering this kind of biblical literacy. Join us in our Bible studies, where we learn together but encourage personal engagement. Remember, in a world full of voices claiming divine insight, the surest way to hear God is through His Word. Let’s commit to being rooted in it, so we’re equipped, discerning, and truly transformed.

Blessings,
Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries