In a recent article (http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/10/14/the-scandal-of-biblical-illiteracy-its-our-problem/) written by Al Mohler, president of Southern Seminary he says {Researchers Gallup and Castelli stated “Americans revere the Bible — but, by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates.” That is a strong statement but here is why they made that statement.
According to a poll, fewer than half of all adults can name the four Gospels. Many Christians cannot identify more than two or three of the disciples. According to data from one research group, 60 percent of Americans can’t name even five of the Ten Commandments. Americans may demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in the courthouse, but they seem unable to remember what exactly they are.
According to 82 percent of Americans, “God helps those who help themselves,” is a Bible verse. Those identified as born-again Christians did better — by one percent. A majority of adults think the Bible teaches that the most important purpose in life is taking care of one’s family.
One poll indicates that at least 12 percent of adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. Another survey of graduating high school seniors reveals that more than 50 percent thought Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife. A considerable number of respondents to one poll indicated that the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham. This is alarming.}
However, all of us live where we can access the bible freely. We have access to the word of God on our phones, on our bookshelves, bibles in the church pews, we can buy tapes or CDs of the bible so we can listen to it, and we have numerous websites and apps that have every translation known to man just a click away. Yet we continually neglect the Word of God.
Some of us may say to ourselves, “I just don’t have any free time to read, I don’t understand it, it seems irrelevant to me, or you may use the excuse that you go to church on Sundays and that is enough.” Today I want to talk about the importance of daily meditation on the Word of God and I’ve got great news! We do not have to be bible scholars or have graduated seminary or Bible College to approach the Word of God. You can experience Him today, you can approach His word just as you are. He is ready and able to transform you through his word. Let’s us consider 4 things.
- What is scripture? First I want us to consider scripture. How do
we think about it? If we are Christians we should think that it is the inerrant
literal words from God spoken through his prophets and apostles. Since God in His character
cannot lie, that would mean that the bible is completely trustworthy. It is
total truth. The FACT that God exists sets the Christians apart from other
views. We know our knowledge of God is entirely dependent upon the gift of
divine revelation. Not simply a
personal God who we make up for ourselves, but, a personal God who has revealed
Himself through His prophets and apostles by His Word. The bible should be our
source for all truth in this case. How we view God and His word will shape how
we approach or do not approach his word.
For
the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having
itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own
passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into
myths.
2 Peter 2:1-6 ESV
But
false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false
teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even
denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth
will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words.
Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not
asleep. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into
hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the
judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald
of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of
the ungodly;
The
word is how we judge not only what our pastors say but also what the world we
live in says. Consider what the world says about marriage. The world screams
that same sex marriage is good. God from the beginning created a woman to be
Adams help mate (Genesis 1:27) the world screams that a woman should have a
choice in terminating a pregnancy or not. The bible says God hates those who
shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16) the world says children are a burden, God
says they are a heritage from the Lord. (Psalm 127:3) The world says drunkenness is good and fun, God
says drunkenness is for fools ( Proverbs 20:1)
In
short, we need the word of God to judge what the world around us is preaching
to us. We need the word of God to be a thermometer in specific issues.
Otherwise, we go along with what the world and our hearts tell us to believe
and think. Since we are sinful people, our hearts are wicked and go after
things contrary to God. But the Word of God will renew our hearts and minds.
Psalm 19:7 says The Law of the Lord is perfect. Reviving the soul; the
testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. If we hide Gods word in
our hearts it will help us fight temptation and sin. If for no other reason you
go to Gods word go to it for this reason. God has said, be holy for I am holy.
- 3rd let us consider Ways God will use his word in our
lives: The Word of God is certain to renew our minds and soul. Romans 12:2 says
do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our
minds. How does the renewing of our
minds happen? This happens by regularly approach the Word of God to meditate
and pray over it. Otherwise the world will have reign in our hearts and
minds. If we are feeling depressed, lonely, grief, joy, overwhelmed by what is
on our plate. God has an answer for all of it in his word. God said in 2
Timothy 3:16: All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness. The word of God
will teach us how to respond in every situation we come across. What a mighty
savior we serve who was tempted in the same ways we were but without sin! If
Jesus, son of God looked to scripture and prayer for comfort in His life how
much more should we who are fallen look to it!
- 4th let us talk about Practical ways to get daily
intake of his word: Now most of you know I am a mom of 2 young children. This
is the 1st time I haven’t worked since having children so I
certainly know how busy life can get and I know how neglect of the word of God
can get easier and easier when we say, “I will read later or tomorrow” but that
time never comes. So I wanted to share some practical ways to get daily intake
of God’s word with you. There is no magical formula on how long you have to
stay in God’s word. I know life is busy. But consider the time you spend on
social media, reading novels, working out, TV or simple entertainment. If you
have time for those things I believe you can have plenty of time for God’s
word. Some ways to get daily intake are:
•
Just read it. Open it up and read it!
•
Listen to it. There are tons of tapes, DVDS, CDS and Smart phone
apps that have the Word of God spoken out so you can listen to it. Pop it in
the car so when you are driving you can hear it.
•
Bible reading plans with email reminders. These bible reading plans
can be broken down in 6 month, 9 month, 1 year and 18 month reading plans.
Generally if you go through the bible in 1 year it take 20 minutes a day.
•
Scripture cards: posted around your house, car, study books etc.
Post scripture cards in places where you are most often and every time you come
to that place, read it.
I want to close in the words of Phillipians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Gods Word is like a water well that never dries up. Its always there to quinch our thirst…. Don't go to empty wells to fill you up.
