Statista, a research company discovered that in 2020, 34% of those surveyed NEVER read the bible. The also discovered that only 3% of those surveyed read the bible 4 or more times a week.
Remember this is the “…the word of God LIVING and POWERFUL, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)
This is the most POWERFUL and the most IMPORTANT book in the universe!!! Why is there so little interest in it?
Because, “The thief comes only to STEAL and KILL and DESTROY (our desire to read God’s Word); I have come that they may have life (zōē: this is the born again life), and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
Why does Satan want to steal away our desire to read God’s word? Because: “Every WORD OF GOD is flawless; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” (Proverbs 30:5)
Also because: “…the word of God is ALIVE and POWERFUL. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider (Jesus) is called Faithful and True…He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is THE WORD OF GOD.” (Rev. 19:11-13)
- Every WORD OF GOD is flawless!
- The WORD OF GOD is alive and powerful!
- Jesus is the living WORD OF GOD!
Every day we are tempted to yield to the lusts of the flesh, we are tempted to act out in a hateful manner if someone wrongs us, we are faced with all kinds of distractions to keep us away from the word. Satan is very determined to keep us from putting God’s word where it will provide the most effective weapons for our spiritual warfare – IN OUR HEARTS! It should somehow be obvious to us that if we are to truly be overcomers we must ARM OURSELVES with the necessary weapons to defend ourselves. Well, God’s word is: “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
-Bill Stockham