I am confident that most of you, if asked, believe that the Bible is God’s infallible word, and that it contains the most important, and powerful words that have ever been given to man. But let me give you some statistics about the role of the Bible in American households from the Barna Research Group. It is reported that 92% of the households in America have a Bible, among those having bibles the average household has three. And less than half the people in the United States can name the first book of the Old Testament. In 2002 a survey was taken, where 42% of those questioned had read their bibles within a weeks time. Today it is reported that 88% of evangelicals have read their Bible in the past seven days. It is reported that 61% of those having bibles believe that the Bible is totally accurate in all its teachings, and 75% believe that the miracles mentioned in the Bible actually took place. Those are the positive statistics, other statistics show that there is a real lack of knowledge about the Bible.
It is reported that 92% of the households in America have a Bible, among those having bibles the average household has three. And less than half the people in the United States can name the first book of the Old Testament. In 2002 a survey was taken, where 42% of those questioned had read their bibles within a weeks time. Today it is reported that 88% of evangelicals have read their Bible in the past seven days. It is reported that 61% of those having bibles believe that the Bible is totally accurate in all its teachings, and 75% believe that the miracles mentioned in the Bible actually took place. Those are the positive statistics, other statistics show that there is a real lack of knowledge about the Bible.
With just a few research polls from Barna we can see that our nation is in trouble. Not because of politics, but because we as a nation, as a people, don’t know Scriptures that speek of God because we don’t know the God of Scripture. Yes there is a remnant in our nation that does, but as a whole, not so much. What is needed today is for Christian’s to actually study the word of God with all diligence, so that they can rightly divide it, and teach it. The problem is that so many don’t read and meditate on the word of God, so then that has given to the confusion in our culture of who God is, what He is like, and what He demands from us.
The Bible is the best-selling, least-read, and least understood book in the world.” “Biblical illiteracy is rampant.” The solution to Biblical illiteracy?Read the Bible! However, the goal of our reading the Bible is not merely to gain information, but to experience a transformation (Romans 12:2). In (2 Timothy 3:16) we read what the word of God is used for in our life. God’s Word shows us “which” road to take (doctrine). It tells us “when” we get off track (reproof); “how” to get back on track (correction); and “how” to stay on track (instruction in righteousness).” In (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB), the Apostle Paul by inspiration of the Holy Spirit penned these words…..“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handing accurately the word of truth.” Profitable Bible study involves more than just opening to a chapter and reading the words on the pages. The following are seven guidelines to help us make the most of our study of God’s word:
- Set aside a regular time — Unless you schedule a specific and uninterrupted time for Bible study, you will more than likely neglect Bible study.
- Before you start reading ask God for help in understanding the text.
- Carefully think about what you are reading. Not all of the Bible’s Nuggets are found on the surface of your study. To mine the gold, you have to dig.
- Seek to understand what the author was communicating to the people who first read the book or letter before you decide how to properly apply it today.
- Write down at least one truth or principle you can put into everyday practice.
- Try different translations of the Bible. f you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new translation might focus our mind on a passage in a new way.
- Don’t get discouraged, some parts of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not understand immediately. But there’s enough that you can understand, revolutionizing your life if you apply it.
Please read (Colossians 2:1-3) (Proverbs 2:1-9) with the above guidelines in mind. Then try studying again tomorrow, remembering that the Bible’s Nuggets are found by those who dig for them.