This is the 148th letter:
Text for the day: John 5:39 (King James Version)
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Our Theme for the day: STAND ON HIS WORD (Part 1) Search the Scriptures
Our Devotional
In a recent poll on the Bible it is said that the Christian Bible continues to be a revered book in the world. In fact, no other book comes close to having been read and re-read as much as the "Good Book". Every year, millions of Bibles are printed. But how do people use the Bible and what do they know about it? Recent research has produced important information about Bible ownership, reading, study, and knowledge in the world. The late researcher, George Gallup who was the founder the American Institute of Public Opinion -- which evolved into The Gallup Organization -- in 1935 was a man who was deeply concern with these questions. He was known to spend his time, which later became his work in assessing public opinion.
On a wide range of issues he assessed, such as political, social, and economic issues, including the hopes and fears of people around the globe, their leisure-time activities, their morals and manners, and even their religious beliefs. What a man! More recently in the United States, gallop polls have shown a lack on the part of people searching the Scriptures.
Bible Ownership
It is said that at least 89% to 92% of households in America householders own at least one Bible, with the average home owning at least three.
Bible Reading
Although most Americans own a Bible, at least 54% to 59% report that they read it occasionally. This is down from 73% in the 1980s. According to some researching group, they say those who read the Bible regularly spend about 52 minutes a week in the scriptures. The highest gender to read their Bible is women with 39% to 42%, verses men, at 29% to 32%.
Bible Study
When it comes to going beyond merely reading the Bible to actual study of the Bible, the numbers decline sharply. Only one in four, others have said one in seven persons in America report an involvement that goes beyond just reading the Bible. 11% to 14% say they currently belong to a Bible study group. But note in 1990, it was said that there was about 21% people involved in a Bible study group.
Bible Knowledge
According to the polls, despite the impressive statistics concerning Bible reading and study, it is apparent that ignorance about its contents is widespread. Only half of the persons interviewed nationwide could name any of the four Gospels of the New Testament. Just 34% to 37% of those interviewed could name all four Gospels. Only 39% to 42% of adults were able to name as many as five of the Ten Commandments correctly. Seven in ten (70%) some polls put this lower, were able to name the town where Jesus was born, but just 42% could identify him as the person who delivered the Sermon on the Mount. 35% to 38% of Americans believe the entire Bible was written several decades after Jesus' death and resurrection (While this is true of the New Testament, the entire Old Testament was written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ).
It is said that 9% to 12% of adults assessed believed that Noah's wife was Joan of Arc. 49% believe that the Bible teaches that money is the root of all evil. (The love of money is said to be the root of all types of evil). Lastly, 72% to 75% believe that the Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves. We may smile at these statistics, but is the seriousness of knowing Jesus importance to you? Our text today says; Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. What about an experiential knowledge of the Bible, do you have this?
Finally, George Lindbeck, the famous Yale theologian, has commented on the decreasing knowledge of scripture from a professor's perspective: "When I first arrived at Yale, even those who came from nonreligious backgrounds knew the Bible better than most of those now who come from churchgoing families.
The recent research that highlights the decreasing influence of the Bible in the United States and the importance of serious Bible study is alarming. Today we must ask ourselves this question, where do the people of my country stand on these issues? As our societies become increasingly pluralistic and subjective in its worldview, the more important it will be for Christians to know and study their Bibles. Only by doing so can we intelligently present a biblical worldview to those who know so little of the Word that is able to guide you to the Saviour.
Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.
Our Prayer for today:
Lord Help all your servants find time to study your word.
Share your prayer needs with our network
of intercessors.
Prayer Request
Pray for Beverly D. Evans seeking medical attention in Boston.
A person who loves the Bible, will also love to pray, and a person who loves to pray will
delight themselves in the Bible.
We are into our 45th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with
new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual
muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help
some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also.
Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at,
http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/
. Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers.
So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped
you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?
Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.
If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.
These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci
For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry:
http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/
Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual
faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for
your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment,
go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment,
follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how
little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our
faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods
riches Blessings.
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