Five Words Rather than Ten Thousand

Not much on titles, just ask my congregation! Our country is in a catastrophic moral and religious crisis. It stems from basic ignorance of God's word. And unfortunately the consequences are progressive. Isaiah 5:13a (NASB95) Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge... First we are exiled or castaway in a sea of moral relativism. No absolute truth makes for a stormy existence. The Bible is supposed to be our moral compass and our guide for everyday life. But if truth is viewed as subjective then what is there to guide our life? Only one-third (34%) of Americans believe in absolute moral truth. The writer of Judges gives this chilling and familiar statement, "and each man did what was right in his own eyes."  What is the cure?  Systematic study and application of the Bible. I applaud Bible reading and scripture memorization but it needs to be purposeful. Too many of us stick to the stuff we like. It's time to strike out into the unfamilia...

How do I begin to study the Bible? Do I need a workbook or study guide? How about a Bible study from one of those well known Bible teachers or preachers? Many people are overwhelmed when they think about Bible study and quite often we pastors can tend to complicate matters with Greek and Hebrew, word pictures and all sorts of extra stuff. Here is the key to effective Bible study that has been hidden in plain sight for 2,000 years.   Romans 10:17 (NASB95) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Here's the challenge: For 30 days listen to the word of Christ every time you have an opportunity. This means that you will put away Christian music and Christian radio (teaching, preaching and praise & worship music) for one month and listen to the New Testament only. Listen while you shower and getting dressed in the mornings. Listen while you drive to and from work. Listen in place of devotions and other Bible readings. Look for any down time that you ca...