Biblical Illiteracy In America
"For the Word of God is alive 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."
(Hebrews 4:12; NIV)
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Israelites would set up altars of remembrance to commemorate important events. These were times when God was faithful to them. We see an example of this in Joshua chapter 4. After God has parted the river Jordan for the Israelites to cross it, they came together as a nation and built an altar of 12 stones—one for each tribe.
Psalm 78:3-4 tells us they would share stories about God's goodness and faithfulness down through the generations. They did this so God would always be honored and never forgotten:
"What we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us, we will not hide from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord."
The first settlers to America did the same. They would pass the remembrance of the Lord on from generation to generation, as well. For example, they used the Bible as a textbook into the last century. But somewhere along the way, we lost this tradition in America. With it, we lost the benefits of truth and salvation that come with knowing the Word of God.
This is not because we don't have enough Bibles available to us. An article by Dr. Michael Brown in The Christian Post tells us:
"There are more than 450 English translations of the Bible, many of them available free online. (Check out BibleGateway.com or download the YouVersion Bible app.). Many of us have numerous copies of the Bible in our home, and literally, at the tip of our fingers, we have instant access to dozens of translations of the Word. A simple click, and there it is: the Bible on your phone or tablet or PC. We can even set up a program to remind us to read the Bible every day, with the passages in question appearing right on our screens."1
Continuing, Dr. Brown asks an intriguing question:
"What is Satan's key tactic today? I believe it is distraction. Never before have we had so many things vying for our attention. It's just not emails. And texts. And direct messages on Facebook and Twitter and What's App (and a host of other platforms, all demanding our attention.) It's also endless cable TV channels, which are now being overshadowed by endless internet options, including the ability to watch almost any past movie or TV show or current sports event by the hour. It's constant social media posts. And a 24/7 stream of news. And limitless ads pulling us in a million different directions at once."2
Dr. Brown reminds us, "We can't blame the devil for keeping us from the Word. That is our choice and our choice alone. But we can recognize the temptations of our age, temptations which have even robbed us of the ability to concentrate. And we can make a fresh determination to put the Word of God first in our lives."3
Let me give you some examples from an article by Albert Mohler of the things that people believe about the Bible. These statistics come from a Gallup poll:
According to 82 percent of Americans, "God helps those who help themselves" is a Bible verse.
A Barna poll indicated that at least 12 percent of adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife.
A survey of graduating high school seniors revealed that over 50 percent believe that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife.
One poll indicated that the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.4
Decree with us for our Nation:
First and most importantly, the Word reveals to us who God is.
"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,"
(Hebrews1:3; ESV)
The Word of God is our standard of righteousness.
"Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.
(Psalm 119:11; KJV)
The Word of God guides us.
"Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
(Psalm 119:105; KJV)
It is important to make the Word a part of who we are. This is one of the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us.
"My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;"
(Proverbs 4:20-21; NIV)
Knowing the Word of God and the ways of God brings blessings, prosperity, and success.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
(Joshua 1:8; KJV)
The Word of God transforms us into the image of God.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
(2 Timothy 3:16; KJV)
The Devil's Latest Tactic https://www.christianpost.com/voices/the-devils-latest-tactic-to-keep-us-from-the-bible.html
Biblical Illiteracy https://albertmohler.com/2016/01/20/the-scandal-of-biblical-illiteracy-its-our-problem-4
