The numbers are staggering. 85% of the world’s 2.2 million evangelical churches are led by pastors with little-to-no theological training. Let’s resolve to take the positive steps to read it, connect it, wrestle it, build it and share it.

While every Christian should be concerned about the lack of knowledge of the Bible in the churches, church leaders must be biblically literate and adept. Paul urged Titus to “hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9 NIV).

Here is a positive step we can take toward biblical literacy.

Read It

The survey found a couple of other preferences. The most likely to have never read the Bible were Millennials, while those over the age of 70 were the most frequent readers. Of readers over the age of 50, 91% preferred a print edition of the Bible as opposed to other formats.

Noticing the differences between an expressed interest in reading the Bible and actually doing it, the logical question asks, “Why?” What could be the possible frustrations and disengagement toward Bible reading?

I Don’t Understand the Language.

The Bible is difficult for some to understand either because its vocabulary is more advanced or more specialized than the reader is accustomed.

  • Today the Scripture is translated into several different English reading levels. Choose a translation or a paraphrase that best meets your vocabulary needs.
  • In addition to vocabulary differences, Bibles are produced to help meet your reasons for reading. Study Bibles, devotional Bibles, picture Bibles, and doctrinal explanations within the Bible help meet your needs in reading.
  • In this section of Step One, there is a detailed explanation of how the Bible is translated. You will learn about the difference between a paraphrase and a translation. You will also read about how the translators seek to bring the ancient languages into English and why the versions vary so much in vocabulary.

I Don’t Know Where to Start.

Opening the Bible can be an overwhelming challenge, especially since it is not like any other book on your shelf.

  • You don’t have to start on page one. The Bible is a collection of 66 different books and one way to start reading is to read through one of the books.
  • Start by learning about Jesus. He is the heart and soul of the message of Christianity. The first four books of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – present accounts of His life. Some of the stories are found in more than one book. Other stories are unique to the author. Matthew and John were written by an apostle – the twelve men who followed the rabbi during His ministry on earth.
  • In this section of Step One, there are three different reading plans to help you get started on your Bible reading journey.

I Don’t Really See the Benefits.

Let’s consider several benefits which will help you understand the worth of Scripture and the value gained when you read it.

  • The Word of God stirs and strengthens faith. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17 NIV).
  • The Word of God encourages us with hope. “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4 NIV).
  • The Word of God is the source of wisdom. Wisdom is the insight and sense of how to live in a way that accomplishes our goals.
  • The Word of God gives us critical warnings. The book not only points us to the right path, but sounds warnings when we are about to travel the wrong one.
  • The Word of God leads us to understand the heart of the Father. The more we read, the more we learn about God.

Here are several verses of Scripture that reinforce the value and importance of the biblical literacy.

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 NKJV

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

2 Timothy 3:16 MESSAGE

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Proverbs 30:5 NKJV

Proverbs 30:5 NLT

Proverbs 30:5 MESSAGE

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130 NKJV

Psalm 119:130 NLT

Psalm 119:130 MESSAGE

Let’s join together and make progress toward improving our biblical literacy.