Into the Word

The Word of God not only communicates the heart of God and the expression of it through His commandments, but gives us principles through which we can live in a manner pleasing to Him.  Not only can we read and study the Word and receive direction, but the Word itself can empower us to follow that direction.  Because, as Hebrews 4 states (ESV):
(12) ...the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

There is new research from the Barna Group that indicates that a resurgence is occurring with respect to Bible reading.  Consider these statistics, from the organization's website:

• A national rebound: Weekly Bible reading among U.S. adults has climbed to 42 percent, up 12 points since a 15-year low in 2024.
• Young adults lead the way: Bible reading among Gen Z and Millennials has surged since 2024, with nearly half now engaging Scripture weekly.
• Reading outpaces belief: While more Americans are reading the Bible (the highest rate seen since 2012), a smaller percentage strongly affirms its authority—revealing a gap between curiosity and conviction.

These are statistics of U.S. adults.  The survey summary notes, "Among self-identified Christians, the rate reaches 50 percent—the highest level in over a decade."

Broken down by generations, it's the Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, who show the lowest percentage of Bible reading, at 31%.  Gen X is 10 points higher, at 41 percent.  Even so, both of those groups made impressive jumps: 9 points for Boomers, 12 points for Gen X, those born between 1965 and '83.

But, Millennials, those born between 1984 and 1998, went up 16 percentage points, with 50% of those in that generation indicating they read the Bible weekly.  Gen Z - a 19-point rise, with just under half, 49%, engaging in weekly Bible reading.  That generation is defined as those born between 1999 and 2015.

A couple of other nuggets: among the younger generations, especially, men have a higher level of Bible reading than women.

But, there is a problem the study indicated, to which I alluded earlier: there seems to be a problem getting the Word from the head to the heart.  While faith comes by hearing the Word, we must allow the truth to penetrate our hearts. And, that may not be happening among a significant percentage of the population, according to the Barna study.  The survey summary relates:

While more Americans are reading the Bible, they are less likely to fully endorse the accuracy of its teachings. In 2000, 43 percent strongly agreed that the Bible is totally accurate in the principles it teaches. That number fell below 40 percent in recent years but now sits at 36 percent. Even among self-identified Christians, only 44 percent strongly affirm the Bible’s accuracy.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it provides an excellent opportunity to thank the Lord for His love, goodness, provision, and protection.  And, throughout the years, dating back to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a National Bible Week has been observed.   A website called, DaysOfTheYear.com, states:

This special week is celebrated annually, from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the following Sunday. It marks a period when individuals and communities come together to delve into the Bible’s teachings, share their interpretations, and reflect on its profound impact on their lives.

National Bible Week’s origins date back to 1941. The National Bible Association in the United States initiated the idea with the support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was born out of a desire to offer comfort and guidance to the nation during challenging times.

The website noted that subsequent presidents had designated that week as National Bible Week.  But, information, I have to say, is rather sketchy on whether or not this is being widely observed.  But, it needs to be, and we can observe it in our own families - if our Bible reading may have slacked off, then now is a great time to get back into the Word.  Faith Radio provides some resources for you:  we have a Bible, audio Bible, and Bible reading plan in our free app.  And, our annual Advent Guide is contained within the latest Faith Radio Ministry Magazine, which you can access online or subscribe to it and have it delivered to your home.  That guide is entitled, "The Story for the Ages," and features characters whom you see in the Christmas narrative, along with Scripture references.  I would encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to a deeper study of the Scriptures and consider the contributions of each of these players in the story.

And, as you'll hear more about in the coming days, America Reads the Bible, a celebration of the Word of God in American history, will be originating from Museum of the Bible in Washington April 18-25 next year.  Christian leaders will be reading Scripture and you will have the opportunity to join through a telecast through the Great American Family network.

Through our devotion to Scripture, we grow closer to the Lord.  Faith Radio provides quality Bible teaching day-by-day, but it's also important that you spend designated time with the Lord and His Word, so that you can become strong in Him, that your faith would be activated, and that you can know how to truly walk as Jesus walked, being empowered to do that.