At the heart of this message lies a profound truth that echoes throughout Scripture: faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Drawing from Romans 10:14-17, we're reminded that our spiritual growth isn't accidental or mystical—it's rooted in the consistent, intentional hearing of God's word. Just as God spoke creation into existence in Genesis, declaring 'Let there be light,' He continues to create new life in us through His powerful word. This isn't about religious ritual or emotional experiences; it's about the transformative power of Scripture working in our hearts. We see this principle beautifully illustrated in Nehemiah 8, where Ezra and the priests didn't just read the law—they explained it so the people could understand. True preaching means opening the text, giving the sense, and helping people grasp what God is saying. But hearing isn't passive. The Bereans in Acts 17 show us how to receive the word with 'active discernment,' eagerly examining the Scriptures to verify what they heard. We're called to be like them—personally accountable for what we believe, growing in our ability to read and understand Scripture for ourselves. This means wrestling with the text, asking questions, taking notes, and allowing the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth. When we prioritize hearing God's word in community—through preaching, teaching, and sharing—we position ourselves for the ongoing transformation that conforms us to Christ's image.