Holding Up the Truth

In an age where godless ways are normalized and there is advance of policies that are not consistent with God's ways, we have to make sure that our lives are centered on Biblical truth, that the Bible is foremost in our thinking and our actions, recognizing that His principles are absolute.  In John 17 (ESV), we find these words of Jesus:
14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Pennsylvania lawmakers are being asked to consider a radical package of bills that, if passed, would, according to Live Action, make the Keystone State, according to pro-lifers "one of the most extreme pro-abortion states in the nation."  The article says that, "The House Judiciary Committee passed seven bills last week — to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right, shield abortionists, target pro-life activity, and eliminate a 24-hour waiting period."  The article also notes that a proposed amendment to the state Constitution "would create a constitutional 'right' to abortion, thereby opening the door for the removal of most of the state's preborn protections and allowing abortion up to birth 'when the pregnancy poses a serious health risk or threatens the life' of the mother."

This came just days after the announcement by Pennsylvania legislators of a push to recognize the Bible on a special day, to go into effect next year, the 250th anniversary year of the nation.  David Brody, writing for CBN.com, stated:

This move to create a national "Day of the Bible" got its start in Pennsylvania, where Keystone State legislators are already fighting back with the Word of God.

This year, Pennsylvania state legislators Stephanie Borowicz and Doug Mastriano spearheaded a move that now declares September 12th the "Day of the Bible" in Pennsylvania.
 
"I can't think of anything more important than to put and restore the Bible back before (America's) 250th anniversary," State Rep. Borowicz told us.

The article notes that there is also a resolution in Congress for a national day of recognition for the Bible.  Brody said:

It really makes sense that the Bible would be celebrated in a place like this, inside Congress Hall. This place is historic—the first Congress ever in United States history met here for 10 years, from 1790 to 1800. Some of the original founders literally sat right here in these exact seats. And of course, the Bible was at the center of it all.

The September 12th date is the anniversary of the Continental Congress's approval of the printing of the Aitken Bible, the first complete English-language Bible printed in America. It's also known as the "Bible of the Revolution." And in America, the view among conservative Christian legislators is that it's time for another Bible revolution.

Borowicz recognizes the spiritual stakes, stating: "We're restoring the Bible back. And this is, like you said, this is a battle of good versus evil, right? And we don't fight flesh and blood. We fight principalities and rulers of this dark world..."  Unfortunately, that includes these pro-abortion bills her fellow legislators are trying to push through the state Legislature.

And, she has seen the effect of the public reading of the Bible. The state representative is quoted as saying: "They read through the whole Bible at our State Capitol in Pennsylvania every year. So this amazing group comes and reads through the Bible in like seven days. Crime goes down. They said every time they read at each State Capitol, crime goes down..."

No wonder it's important to have people gather to read God's Word, which happens every year in the capital city of Montgomery, for the Bible Reading Marathon.  Other cities across the state have had public Bible reading, as well.

And, next year, Christian leaders will gather in Washington, DC for "America Reads the Bible," which is a 7-day celebration of God's Word, in which Scripture will be read at Museum of the Bible and transmitted throughout the nation through the Great American Family channel.

This is important - imagine what could happen if our nation took the Bible more seriously. If we, as believers in Christ, people who love His Word, are devoted to speaking and living out the principles of Scripture.  I resonate with what the Pennsylvania state lawmaker said about the reduction in crime around the time period in which the Bible is read.  I don't believe that's a coincidence.  Because the counter to lawlessness is righteousness, and the proclamation of righteous truth has the power to change hearts.

We can celebrate the Bible and develop a greater love for God's Word.  As we do that, we can discover more about how the Scriptures are "living and active," as Hebrews chapter 4 says. We can reflect on the Biblical foundation and influence on our nation, and realize that it's through our hope in the Lord and His Word that spiritual awakening can occur.  Faith Radio is devoted to the proclamation of God's Word through sound Bible teaching and music that helps to remind you of the presence of God and draw you into worship.  You can find us not only on-air, but online and through our free app.  You can find a rich assortment of teaching programs at your fingertips through Faith Radio On-Demand, which is new, easy to use, and free.