March 5th, 2025
The Upward Look, by Jon Forrest
How well do you know the Bible?
George Barna wrote The State of the Church in 2002. Barna conducted a survey of self-pronounced Christians and here’s what he found about their knowledge of the Bible. These are Christians.
• 48% could not name the four Gospels.
• 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus’ disciples.
• 60% of American Christians can’t name even five of the 10 Commandments.
• 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.
• 71% of American Christians think “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.
George Barna said, "Americans revere the Bible, but by and large they don’t know what it says. And because they don’t know it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates."
-copied
Barna’s poll was taken 23 years ago. Unfortunately, nothing has happened in our world that would cause us to believe that biblical knowledge has increased. Remember, this poll was taken among church going people.
Do you find yourself at least somewhere in the Barna Survey? I would hope not, but the danger is always present for the future and there are still some people out there who would fit. First Christian Church offers opportunities for growth in the Word of God:
Bible School Classes on Sundays at 9:30 with exceptional teachers for all ages, Morning Worship Services on Sundays at 10:30 with Bible Based Sermons, Wednesday Night Special includes Bible teaching for all ages, preschool through adult. This begins with a meal from 5:30 to 6:05 and moves into studies and programs from 6:15 – 7:15.
We encourage folks to study at home too. Family and personal Bible Studies and devotional times are valuable especially when joined prayer times with God.
One thing I have noticed in the world today is the lack of interest in Bible Study opportunities in the modern church. People feel that Sunday School and Bible Study is either outdated or boring, or they just don’t think they have time for it. That is fine, if we find excellent ways to replace those opportunities to learn God’s Word. Many modern church kids don’t even know basic Bible stories. It’s getting to where their parents don’t either.
The thing to know is that this basic Bible knowledge is fundamental to living a God honoring life. How can you honor God with your life if you don’t even know what he wants you to do. Church attendance is important, but it really isn’t enough. Parents, do you make sure your children know the Bible? Do you give them an example of being a Bible student?
We would not have anyone to be ignorant of God’s Word. We hope you take advantage of every opportunity to increase your knowledge of God’s Word which should result in better knowledge of God and His will for your life.
This Sunday we will continue our series of messages called Holy Stories based on the parables of Jesus, with a message titled Prosperous Fools based on Luke 12:13-21.
Learning,
Jon
How well do you know the Bible?
George Barna wrote The State of the Church in 2002. Barna conducted a survey of self-pronounced Christians and here’s what he found about their knowledge of the Bible. These are Christians.
• 48% could not name the four Gospels.
• 52% cannot identify more than two or three of Jesus’ disciples.
• 60% of American Christians can’t name even five of the 10 Commandments.
• 61% of American Christians think the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham.
• 71% of American Christians think “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.
George Barna said, "Americans revere the Bible, but by and large they don’t know what it says. And because they don’t know it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates."
-copied
Barna’s poll was taken 23 years ago. Unfortunately, nothing has happened in our world that would cause us to believe that biblical knowledge has increased. Remember, this poll was taken among church going people.
Do you find yourself at least somewhere in the Barna Survey? I would hope not, but the danger is always present for the future and there are still some people out there who would fit. First Christian Church offers opportunities for growth in the Word of God:
Bible School Classes on Sundays at 9:30 with exceptional teachers for all ages, Morning Worship Services on Sundays at 10:30 with Bible Based Sermons, Wednesday Night Special includes Bible teaching for all ages, preschool through adult. This begins with a meal from 5:30 to 6:05 and moves into studies and programs from 6:15 – 7:15.
We encourage folks to study at home too. Family and personal Bible Studies and devotional times are valuable especially when joined prayer times with God.
One thing I have noticed in the world today is the lack of interest in Bible Study opportunities in the modern church. People feel that Sunday School and Bible Study is either outdated or boring, or they just don’t think they have time for it. That is fine, if we find excellent ways to replace those opportunities to learn God’s Word. Many modern church kids don’t even know basic Bible stories. It’s getting to where their parents don’t either.
The thing to know is that this basic Bible knowledge is fundamental to living a God honoring life. How can you honor God with your life if you don’t even know what he wants you to do. Church attendance is important, but it really isn’t enough. Parents, do you make sure your children know the Bible? Do you give them an example of being a Bible student?
We would not have anyone to be ignorant of God’s Word. We hope you take advantage of every opportunity to increase your knowledge of God’s Word which should result in better knowledge of God and His will for your life.
This Sunday we will continue our series of messages called Holy Stories based on the parables of Jesus, with a message titled Prosperous Fools based on Luke 12:13-21.
Learning,
Jon
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
January
September
November
2023
July
August
Categories
no categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments