Lessons

Preach The Word. It is increasingly rare to hear Scripture quoted in public, partly because of legal constraints, but largely because the Bible has become unfamiliar territory. Pollster George Gallup Jr. refers to us as a “nation of biblical illiterates.” Although 95 percent of Americans profess a belief in God, only 4 in 10 know that Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Only 3 in 10 teenagers know why Easter is celebrated. Only 3 in 10 Americans admit they look to Scripture for truth. The lack of Bible knowledge is a christian epidemic of tremendous consequences. Without the word, it makes it easy to stray from God’s will in our lives. David knew the importance when writting Psalms 119. He wrote in Psalm 119:9-11 (KJV) “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” It’s no difference with christians today . We are called to study the word to be approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15). What is the conequence of scriptural ignorance? Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” The lesson on February 23, 2003 shares some insight into this problem . Click here to listen now. You may also read the handout while you listen.