49 Million
"Americans are less engaged with the Bible and are less likely to say the Bible influences their lifestyle than in previous years, the American Bible Society (ABS) said in its 2022 State of the Bible report. Scripture engagement is down 21 percent from 2021. Only 49 million Americans fit the ABS criteria of Scripture engaged in 2022, down from 64 million in 2021 and 71 million in 2020. (Baptist Press, April 7, 2022)"
When I read the article this morning, I'm sorry to say that I was not surprised by the information from ABS, and I was also convicted. While I would like to think that I am one of the 49 million who regularly engage with Scripture, I also wonder what I can do to foster an environment that would drive someone to want to read, learn, and apply God's Word? However, back to not being surprised. We see this truth playing out every time we open our social media feed when we watch the news or look at the national and international headlines. Each generation can proclaim that "Now more than ever, the world needs the Good News of the Gospel!" We are outstanding at acknowledging that the world needs the Good News; however, there is much more than just saying it. There is so much more than just recognizing it. Changing this trend is by doing the simplest things; going against the trend and reading the Bible.
The Bible beams with the truth about a man and his thinking "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he" Proverbs 23:7. Paul challenged the Roman culture and church when he wrote, "And to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God" Romans 12:1-2. Friends, I have been taught that when your mind is not right, you don't think right. If my routine does not include reading God's Word, then struggles ensue. Difficulties arise. I believe that Jesus wants me to stop compartmentalizing my life so He can sweep through every aspect of my mind in order to work something amazing and new in my heart every day.
When we read the Bible, our minds will be more focused, our bodies sharper, and our souls more refreshed (Deut 6:5, paraphrased). See Isaiah 50:7; "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." Communion with God can lead to confidence even in the most challenging situations. When we actively read God's Word, we will receive help, not be disgraced, and we have no reason to be shameful. Psalm 19:14 reads, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto thee, O God, my strength and my Redeemer." Take just a moment and focus on the word "acceptable." The literal translation is "approved in worship." Now read the passage; "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be APPROVED IN WORSHIP unto thee, O God, my strength and my Redeemer. Friends, when God's word is read, learned, and applied in our lives, we should desire to bring this offering to Him, one that He approves.
When I'm focused, sharper, refreshed, and in daily communion with God via a suitable heart for Worship, I am then ready to reverse a trend. So how do we respond to Bible reading being on the decline? We read the Bible. We teach the Bible, and We proclaim the Bible!
I look forward to Holy Week this year as we will have time each day to interact with God's word. Each day, April 11-16, the Sanctuary will be open from 11 AM - 1 PM and 5 PM - 7 PM for prayer and mediation. In addition, there will be a 20-30 minute looped presentation playing in the Sanctuary that will guide you through a visible engagement with the daily historical activities of Holy Week.