Discipleship and Bible Engagement
Discipleship and Bible engagement … A disconnect. What we say and do doesn’t always seem to line up. While 66% of churchgoers say they want to “honour Jesus in all I do,” only 11% read the Bible daily – this according to the October 2011 LifeWay Research, Transformational Discipleship Study, of more than 4,000 American […]
Hearing the Word
Since becoming a Christian 45 years ago, I’ve lost count of the number of preachers who have emphasized the importance of reading the Word (I’m one of those preachers). It’s good counsel. I’ve read the Bible from cover to cover many times, and as a result, I have come to love the Lord more deeply, […]
Scripture Engagement Pastor Alert!
Scripture engagement pastor alert! Bible reading research. Studies by the Barna Group, Gallup Poll, and others reveal that regular Bible reading in North America is in sharp decline. There are approximately 25% fewer people than a generation ago who would be characterized as even occasional Bible readers and about 700 people in the USA quit […]
Why Christians Don’t Read the Bible
Yes, you read the title correctly. Research indicates that most Christians don’t read the Bible regularly. Here are their reasons: I don’t understand it. It’s intimidating. Difficulties comprehending the language in which the Bible is written are usually tied to this issue. Using older translations, like the King James Version, is often associated with the language […]
What Bible Should I Read?
I’m often asked, “What Bible should I read?” Associated comments and questions include: “There are so many Bibles to choose from. I don’t know which one to pick. Why the different versions? Does it matter which one I read?” Choosing a Bible. I respond by asking several more questions: What do you like to […]
A Pivotal Point: The Future of Bible Engagement
The future of Bible engagement … Bible engagement is at a pivotal point. Smartphones, tablets, and other devices make the Scriptures more accessible than ever before. We live in exceptional times, and digital technology provides proximity and unprecedented connectivity to the Bible. Beyond Gutenberg. New technologies and social media make it possible to dream about […]
Assimilate God’s Word: Let the Bible Shape Your DNA
Assimilate God’s Word … assimilate vb. to learn and understand thoroughly, absorb, incorporate, and be changed into another. The Borg assimilated Starfleet Captain Jean-Luc Picard in late 2366. His assimilation allowed the Borg to acquire all of his knowledge and experience. I’m not a Star Trek fan like my wife, but I’m big on assimilation. […]
Scripture Reading With Purpose
Scripture reading with purpose … More than words. People read the Bible differently. Some read it flippantly, fancifully, dismissively, selfishly or subjectively. Others read it academically or ardently. How do you read it? Do you mine the text for nuggets, seek solace, seek an encounter with God, seek guidance, or simply go with the flow? […]
Family Faith Formation: Bible Engagement At Home
Family faith formation begins at home as parents, grandparents, and caregivers help children know Jesus and engage with Scripture in everyday life. Reading the Bible together, praying as a family, choosing age-appropriate Bible resources, and modelling personal Bible engagement all help children and teens grow in faith. Family faith formation is the intentional process of […]
Opposition to Bible Engagement: Why Some People Think the Bible Isn’t Relevant
Opposition to Bible engagement … Why do some people think the Bible isn’t relevant? Many people reject the Bible because they distrust it. The reason why they distrust the Bible is because they do not believe in metanarratives*. Distrust in metanarratives has arguably done more to alienate people from the Bible than any other aspect […]