“An ignorant population is a perilous and expensive burden to any nation.” What J. C. Ryle (1816-1900) said about nations is equally true of churches. An ignorant congregation is a perilous and expensive burden to the church because all that God demands of his people requires knowledge. Knowledge of God, knowledge of the gospel, knowledge of the Scriptures, knowledge of one another, knowledge of the world, and even knowledge of one’s own heart is essential to a God-glorifying life (see Hosea 4:6; Psalm 119:152; John 17:3).
For this reason, our church publishes an annual reading guide with the goal of contributing to a biblically-literate, theologically-sound congregation. Herein, readers will find encouragement for reading God’s Word as well as good extra-biblical books. It is my prayer that you would avail yourself to the resources in this reading guide and that, as you do, you would experience the truth of Proverbs 3:13-18,
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.
Grace to you,
Omri Miles, Lead Pastor