It is encouraging to have the company here of others who are learning the Lord´s word so consistently with such dedication. I don´t know any of you personally, but just being part of this learning with all of you strengthens my feeling of being "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses".
I agree with what all have said, and would like to add, that the study of God's Word is so important in this day and age. Well, it always has been. But it is so important today because we live in such a feeling-oriented world. Feelings come and go; experiences are subjective. But God's Word is objective truth and does not change. His Word is a rock upon which we can stand, and we will not be disappointed.