The Bible & Us

Bible Ownership...
Most Americans own a Bible…. 92% of households own at least one copy.
Of those households that own a Bible, the average number of Bibles is 3.

Bible Reading...
In 2000, 59% of Americans reported that they read the Bible at least occasionally. (73% in 1980s)
The % of Americans who read the Bible at least once a week is 37%. (40% in 1990)
Which gender is more faithful at reading the Bible at least weekly? Women (42%) vs. Men (32%)!

Bible Study...
When it comes to going beyond merely reading the Bible to actual study of the Bible, the numbers decline sharply. Only 1 in 7 report involvement that goes beyond just reading the Bible.
(14% currently belong to a Bible study group… This is down a full one-third from 1990 when 21% said they were involved in a Bible study group)

Biblical ignorance is a serious challenge...
Our movement was blessed by God in the beginning because we were a people of the Book. Let’s not lose that emphasis. Our movement is at its best when we clearly teach God’s Word. “The Bible only makes Christians only.” Now some churches have a new slogan, “Biblically based and culturally relevant.” That’s good. But let’s make sure the attempts to be culturally relevant don’t override the need to be biblically based.

I love what Phil Johnson wrote: "That’s why preachers ought to preach the Word instead of telling stories and doing comedy. That’s where the power for ministry resides: in the Word. It’s not in our cleverness or our oratorical skills. The power is in the Word of God. And our task is simple: all we have to do is make the Bible’s meaning plain, proclaim it with accuracy and clarity. And the Spirit of God uses His Word to transform lives. The power is in the Word, not in any technique or program."

Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.