Tag: society

AMERICA

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Some familiar words from one of our most popular patriotic songs . . .   

America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

In the refrain above, one sings of God’s grace being poured out, or “shed” on America.  Undoubtedly this has been true throughout certain periods of our incredible history and undeniably, according to the scripture (See Daniel 2:21, Acts 17:26), this nation was birthed and exists to glorify the Lord.  When our Lord formed and raised up the nation of Israel as a witness to the world of the One True God, He Himself declared:

So keep and do them (the Lord’s commands), for that is your wisdom and your understanding in sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’  For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him?  Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

While we, as believers and Americans, fully understand that this scripture refers specifically to the Hebrew people as they walked in obedience, the underlying spiritual principle remains true for any and every nation that understands their formation was by Him, and their very existence is perpetuated according to His ultimate plan and purpose.  Thus, the admonition of Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (people group, culture, nation, etc.),” remains distinctly true for us in America today, as well as for every nation currently functioning on our planet. 

However, there is one great distinction that exquisitely, yet blatantly and irrefutably appears in the formation of these United States …the biblically-based faith of our nation’s founders and the influence of those beliefs upon the design, development, and organization of this great land. 

While certainly the structure wasn’t (and still isn’t) perfect, and obviously reflected several human flaws such as those of slavery and women’s rights, the understanding of it’s imperfection was undoubtedly a divinely inspired building block offering opportunities for spiritual development.                                          

America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

Today in our somewhat hostile environment towards anything labeled Christian (admitably not that everything labeled Christian is biblical Christianity), many choose to argue, or attempt to refute in ignorance the simple facts, the overwhelming, absolutely undeniable evidence, that a firm belief in one true God and Jesus Christ as redeemer of mankind provided an unyielding and stable foundation for our nation’s then inventive and resourceful paradigm of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine!

When it comes to America, I’m always drawn to topics of study that include the concepts of both  political and spiritual liberty/freedom.  That’s primarily due to the fact that political freedom can only be achieved and maintained in a society that experiences spiritual freedom, and has been liberated from the holds and bondage of sin’s separation from God, and its consequential spiritual depravity, destruction, and death.  Therefore, consider these irrefutable words that provide unambiguous transparency and obvious, comprehensible evidence of our forefathers’ persevering convictions and biblicaly-based faith!

… with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. — The Declaration of Independence

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.  Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. — John Adams

Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.–Benjamin Franklin

The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts.  — John Jay

Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all government and in all the combinations of human society.–Samuel Adams                                                           

And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious and civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land. — James Madison

The Hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. — George Washington

Nothing but grace, peace, hope, liberty, and freedom for all through Christ Jesus our Lord!  — Pastor Frank

MOTHER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Genesis 3:20 declares, “The man called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living.”  Two very interesting concepts are uniquely intertwined in this verse.  First, we see the name Eve given to the first female of the human race.  Second, we learn that this name is given because she is “the mother of all the living.”  Previously, she had been called woman (“Ishah” in the Hebrew), as a wife; but now, even before conception, she is called the Life-giver or Life-spring (“chavvah” in the Hebrew) as a mother!  

As the human Life-giver, Eve, along with all mothers of all times, is uniquely called by God and blessed by Him in her inimitable position of honor.  The degraded position which mothers and/or women occupy in many modern cultures, such as in the middle/far east, principally in countries under intense Mohammedan influence, is absolutely unbiblical and totally erroneous!  The false views held by some in western cultures and in liberal socialism that our Bible, and/or Christianity somehow dishonors, debases, or attempts to enslave women is totally unfounded, unacceptable, and illogical when compared to the actual biblical text!

Throughout the O.T.,  there is plenty of evidence that moms move on a social plane equal to men and enjoy a unique significance. While the roles of male/female may be distinct, neither party is presented as of less importance. Among the Hebrews, mothers occupied a higher position than that enjoyed by women in other nations. While a mother’s duties may have been primarily domestic, she was held in high regard by her family, as well as the entire Hebrew society, with many moms/women occupying leadership positions. 

In Exodus 15:20-21, Miriam the prophetess (Aaron’s sister) leads in worship with expressions of praise offered through timbrels and dancing. Judges 4:4-6 reveals that Deborah, a prophetess, (wife of Lappidoth) judged Israel and the “sons of Israel came up to her for judgment.”  Later in that chapter, she commands the military leader, Barak, and provides leadership in a battle against Sisera. Biblically/spiritually speaking, her rule was extremely successful because “the land was undisturbed for forty years.” (See Judges 5:31)  Undoubtedly the love for family/children was deeply imbedded in the heart of every Hebrew mother/woman — consider the actions of Moses’ mom! 

Among the patriarchs, women, especially mothers, occupy a prominent place as well.  In Rebekah’s marriage, her mother seems to have had equal voice with her father and Laban, her brother.  (See Genesis 24:28, 50-55) In Genesis 28:7, Jacob “obeyed both his father and mother.”  Evidently, mom was his chief counselor.  I Kings 2:19 states that Solomon rose up to meet his mom, Bathsheba, bowing, and preparing a throne for her at his right hand.

All human life (matchlessly designed and incomparably created in the plans of our omnipotent Creator) would be conceived and developed within, as well as birthed through, God’s Eves (mothers) in fulfillment of His commission to mankind, “be fruitful and multiply!”  Not only would all human life spring forth from woman, but she would be chosen to bear God’s Son and birth the one and only Messiah/Redeemer to/for/in our world!  In her (mother Eve), and through her descendants, via Abraham, “all the families of the world would be blessed” (see Genesis 18:18, Acts 3:25, Galatians 3:8), and Satan’s head would be ultimately, permanently, and victoriously crushed. (See Genesis 3:15)     

Initially, Adam named his “woman” (see Genesis 2:23) in reference to her relationship with him and her gender; however, now she is distinguished by a new name (just as Abram became Abraham in Genesis 17:5 and Sarai became Sarah in Genesis 17:15-16), according to her circumstances, position in life, and God’s enduring, immutable covenant with humanity through her seed and  offspring.  She now stands as a memorial, a prophetic intimation (hint, inkling, indication), of her importance and the destiny of all her promised descendants.

While Adam’s wife appears to be the mother of death, having participated in condemnation upon all mankind, now, she is called “Eve” … the mother of all the living, preeminently of Christ, and all who live and have life through Him.  According to II Timothy 1:9-11:

[He] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

John 1:4 reminds us, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.“  

Thus, an entire history was comprised within the folds of a single word.  Eve would be mother, and in the early ages of our world continuing generation after generation, preserving among God’s people the promise (covenant) and blessed hope of our Saviour/Redeemer!  

When I think of my mom (God’s Eve for me), I’m assuredly grateful for life, nurturing, practical and spiritual training, godly counsel, and the wisdom I received under her wings.  Indeed, I certainly regret that by the age of 18, when my parents were taken home to be with the Lord, that I wasn’t fully cognizant of her blessing in my life and wasn’t personally afforded the opportunity to offer her appropriate praise and thanksgiving before she departed. 

Nonetheless, few days pass that I don’t thank my God upon every remembrance of her (my dad as well), gratefully rejoicing in the time and experiences I enjoyed with them throughout my childhood and adolescence.  Indisputably, I fully recognize that not everyone has a mother whose “children rise up and bless her.” (Proverbs 31:28)

Nevertheless, mom’s position was designed and appointed by God and you’re here right now according to God’s purpose through Eve.  So, whether she was lacking in much or extremely awesome, you can still praise God for His impregnable and indestructible blueprint established in/through “Eve … the mother of all the living.“ HE IS INDISPUTABLY WORTHY!                             

Think about it.   — Pastor Frank      

CRIME

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Is all crime, sin?  Is all sin, crime?  The answer to both is a resounding no!  However, that doesn’t mean the two concepts aren’t closely connected or related, or that a society that refuses to appropriately connect them can achieve a peaceful, respectful, divinely blessed, and flourishing community or society!

IS ALL CRIME, SIN? 

While the definition of crime (which used to be closely connected to that of sin) has changed over time, and is constantly changing, most would agree to a simple understanding … “an act that’s against the law.”   In the case of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego (Daniel 3), the law required a cessation of activity and the worship of a golden image upon the sounding of a “horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music.”  It was unquestionably a crime for them to disobey the law of their government; however it was not a sin, due to the fact that they were under a higher obligation to their Lord!  Therefore, what was a “crime” to humanity and that society was a righteous act of obedience unto the Lord.

IS ALL SIN, CRIME?

Now the discussion potentially gets complicated!  The very idea of “crime” seems to be originally based upon the concept of sin … an act or conduct against others, specific property (possessions) or society.  Therefore, at the root of what is deemed a crime, one finds a biblical moral foundation.  However, modern-day society and contemporary world views are consistently working against the reality and certainty that all civil law is based upon moral values expressed to mankind by a supreme being we know as God.  As a result, crime is currently and conveniently defined (without any reference to sin) as being: 

1. an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government.  

2. an activity that is against civil law                                                                                             

3. illegal acts in general (WHATEVER THAT MEANS).

A simple, cursory look at the 10 Commandments, given to the nation of Israel in order to regulate their society, sees laws based upon distinguished moral values and character.  While the first 4 deal with one’s relationship with God, rather than others, as found in the last 6, that did not negate the criminality of breaking any of them.  It was undeniably a crime to break any  one of the 10 because it was the law for God’s people.  In addition, certain punishments were outlined for particular sins/crimes in Deuteronomy chapters 21-25.

Sin is often not considered a crime because much of one’s sin is birthed in the heart out of fleshly/worldly passions.  While adultery is still a crime in many states, no one is prosecuted for it in America.  However, in the Hebrew law of the OT, it was a sin against God as well as a criminal act against individuals and society.  You may recall the incident of the lady caught in adultery during the ministry of Jesus, (See John 8:1-11)  She faced criminal punishment according to Hebrew law. 

Today, adultery is sin in most people’s eyes, against both God and individuals, but definitely not a crime with described legal punishment.  Scripture agrees that adultery is sin, even if committed only in one’s heart, like greed or jealousy may be.  Nonetheless, in our society, this act, not the thought, of adultery no longer constitutes a criminal wrong-doing that would require prosecution and punishment.

Yes, crime is everywhere … we all know that, and most of us have experienced it.  Perhaps that is why our nation is all concerned, almost obsessed, with crime stats like white-on-white crime, black-on-black crime, white-on-black crime, black-on-white crime, poor-on-poor crime, rich-on-poor crime, poor-on-rich crime, rich-on-rich crime, etc., etc, etc.! Why can’t seemingly anyone honestly seek to know the answer, discuss the issues openly, find the answer, and share it freely?  (See Matthew 12:33-37)

There is just too much fear in truth!  Why are the facts like – almost 90% of crimes/sins in the US against young minority men are carried out by young minority men – hidden?  Why is it that a police officer (of any race) is 6 times more likely to be shot by a minority than vise versa and that 98% of minority shooting deaths do not involve police officers (of any race or gender)?  The simple answer is … that the simple answer doesn’t spin politically for anyone’s benefit.  Crime is everywhere because sin is everywhere! They cannot be disconnected! The secret (which is really no secret at all) to reducing crime is curtailing sin, and whether anyone wants to discuss it or not, that’s a spiritual issue.  

However, even in societies that we might consider pagan prior to the days of Moses – murder, adultery, theft, and false witness were treated as immoral acts … simply wrong, as well as considered criminal behavior among the Babylonians and the Egyptians.  Intelligent humans even figured out that it was wrong to … dishonor a god by the improper use of a god’s name, … show lack of respect to parents, … to covet the property (possessions) and particularly a wife, son, daughter, or  slave of another.

Crime, no matter what the stats say, is a direct result of sin. The only answer is godly, righteous living which is only achieved in genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.  So the fear comes, and the truth is avoided!  The government of the governed can’t fix society by increasing the punishment for certain sins, like hate crimes or trying to force the manufacturing of safer bullets, which have no morality except that found in the hands of their user.  When people shoot people in sin, that’s a criminal action.  

Therefore, the heart of mankind is desperately wicked (See Genesis 6:5 & Jeremiah 17:9) and evil. Aberrant behavior cannot/will not be changed without a valid spiritual and moral basis for every law, and individuals who believe the values presented in those laws to be right and true.  So crime reduces, even whole societies are transformed, by the redeeming power of Christ’s gospel.  Then individuals will uphold laws that call sin, sin, support indisputable moral values, and conform their lives to immutable truth!  Brothers and sisters in Christ, don’t give up on our society or our world (I know you may feel like throwing in the towel) … our God’s not finished with us yet!  He can do anything, even change the spots of a leopard (See Jeremiah 13:23).  

Pastor Frank

AMERICA

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

When one thinks about America, what pops into your mind?  Currently, the greatest nation on earth?  What a blessing it is to be an American?  The “land of the free” and “the home of the brave?”  A nation once again thrown into the divisiveness of minority/equal rights struggles?  A country at war with terrorism?  A people embattled with economic, health-care, social security, immigration, and defense issues?  Perhaps we are seeing what once upon a time may have been referred to as a “Christian” or “Judeo-Christian” America/nation, quickly sinking into the vast cavity and hollowness of pagan secularism. 

In addition, while I’m not proposing that these United States of America were ever 100% Christian, nor were its founding fathers all believers in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, or our faith and practice, unquestionably these brave individuals were influenced by a both a belief in deity and fear/respect of Almighty God! Nonetheless, in these latter times of the “Information Age,” is it possible that our nation’s obsession and quest for data, digital communication, and information has actually exalted itself above a need/desire for God?  In II Timothy 3, the scriptures declare that difficult times will come, and thus issue a clear and distinct warning concerning this scenario. All those who choose to listen and truly/faithfully believe, are provided with the Lord’s counsel concerning those who are “lovers of money” and “lovers of self,”  that they are, or always will be, “learning and/but (are) never able to come to the knowledge (or understanding) of the truth!” They would rather have gratification and information than become subject to the transformation of our Lord and the presence/indwelling of His Holy Spirit!

Doesn’t all information require proper sorting and thorough sifting before it can be effectively applied to any situation?  As faithful believers, we must, “take every thought captive” (II Corinthians 10:5-6) by applying the discerning and discriminating filter of God’s Holy Word/Truth to each and every slice of information that comes our way.  One might ask, “Exactly how does one select information and use it in the process of personal transformation?”  When it comes to a nation, or people group, how does one determine the authenticity and proper value/importance of information, and then select and process pertinent information in order to affect or impact national transformation?

Listed below you’ll find some biblically-based concepts, that if incorporated into your Christian life and that as an American, will help provide some spiritual understanding as we move into the difficulties of serving Christ within the framework of a pagan secular society.  

  • Confront current issues with an eternal perspective (divine viewpoint).  (See Colossians 3:1-2)
  • Move your personal life “from information to transformation (in Christ Jesus) … from rhetoric to righteousness (living righteously)… from finger-pointing and blame-shifting to personal responsibility.  (See Titus 2:11-14)
  • Stop being a labeler . . .  we must avoid labeling. Labels have become “libels” (vilifications).  (See Ephesians 4:31) They increasingly paralyze relationships, legitimate conversation, communication and the exchange of creative and/or beneficial ideas.
  • Be committed to the restoration of Biblical/Scriptural authority in every aspect of one’s life. (See II Timothy 3:16-17)  It is not talk, but living the truth, which has the potential to restore the foundations of faith and freedom in Christ’s church and our society/nation.
  • Always remember, we are first Christians! God did not call us to be conservative, liberal or libertarian, but men and women of faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. We must call things as they are (by “The Book”) (See Ephesians 5:25) — not by our political persuasions, political correctness, or in light of our rhetoric defined by any/various label(s).
  • Never forget, we speak the truth in love when confronting issues, as well as people who disagree with us.  (See Philippians 2:3-4)  People are sinful and driven by fleshly passion(s)  … we all know that!  (See Ephesians 2:1-5)  Therefore, let us rise above with a proper attitude towards every individual, because every human is created in the image and likeness of God — whether we agree with their lifestyle or not! Our attitude towards the confused, lost, and dying world speaks volumes.  (See James 3:8- 18) 
  • We must overturn the rotting logs and mossy rocks that hide our personal sins (See Psalm 32:1-5) as well as those of our nation (See Proverbs 14:34) . . . openly, yet honestly confronting the deepest issues of our society and Americans’ hearts and homes.
  • Let’s be solution-oriented . . . not just provide tough talk. (See James 2:14-26) Transformation can always occur — even in the toughest and most troubled times! Let’s demonstrate Christian hope and Christ’s healing in our own hearts and homes, as well as for America’s broken families and our nation/society. (See II Timothy 2:23-26)

By employing these concepts and principles, we might just see a genuine transformation.

Don’t just think about it, let’s do it! — PF

CONSIDERATIONS FOR GIVING THANKS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As most believers already know, the first thanksgiving celebration was held in December of 1621.  The first winter had killed 44 of the original 102 colonists and at one point their daily food ration was down to five kernels of corn for each person.  However, history records that an unexpected trading vessel arrived, and the early American settlers were able to swap beaver pelts for corn which provided for their severe need.  The next summer’s abundant crop brought great hope, and Governor William Bradford decreed that December 13, 1621, be set aside as a day of feasting and prayer for the colonists to express their gratitude to the Lord, which continued for three consecutive days.


These settlers openly and willfully gave thanks to God for His provision of:

1. 20 acres of cleared land.

2. Peaceful, non-hostile Indians in the region

3. The freedom they enjoyed allowing them to live openly and worship as Bible believing Christians.

4. Squanto, (A member of the Patuxet tribe, Wampanoag Confederacy. who had previously crossed the Atlantic Ocean six times, traveling with colonists to London and back) who could interpret for the 80+ friendly local Indians (who contributed to the first thanksgiving feast by bringing wild turkeys and venison).

From that time forward, Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a day to give thanks to God for His gracious and sufficient provision. US President, Abraham Lincoln, officially set aside the last Thursday of November, in 1863, “as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father.”  Then In 1941, Congress declared that the fourth Thursday of November should be set aside as “Thanksgiving Day”  and observed as a legal holiday.

As believers, the biblical admonitions related to the ideas of giving thanks far proceed that of our American culture and celebrated holiday.  Almost cover to cover throughout the scriptural text, one finds continued references to the idea of thanksgiving or the giving of thanks. The Israelites sang a song of thanksgiving when they were delivered from Pharaoh’s army after their crossing of the Red Sea (See Exodus 15:1-18) declaring …

The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will extol Him. The Lord  is a warrior; the Lord  is His name.

Later, the Mosaic Law set aside three times each year when the Israelites were to assemble and give thanks to the Lord for His provision and grace:

1. Unleavened Bread (also called the Feast of the Passover) — Exodus 12:15-20

2. Harvest or Pentecost —  Leviticus 23:15-21

3. Feast of Tabernacles or Ingathering —  Leviticus 23:33-36

The celebrations of both Harvest and Tabernacles took place specifically in relation to God’s provision as related to certain fruit trees and crops. In addition, the book of Psalms is packed full of songs declaring thanksgiving to the Lord God for His grace to the Israelites, as a people/nation, as well as for His outpouring of blessings upon individuals. (See Psalm 36:1, 106:1; 107:1; 118:1)

As Christ’s faithful followers, we must consider these following New Testament scriptures as well, where we are consistently prompted and coached to offer God  thanksgiving:

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. — Philippians 4:6

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.– I Timothy 2:1

For God’s greatest gift, that of His Son, which meets our greatest need, the Apostle Paul says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! — II Corinthians 9:15

Nonetheless, just like the early colonists, we have many choices in life.  There will always be those things that we can find adequate reason, or at least some personal justification to complain about (those early settlers had lost many loved ones).  However, there will also always be much to be grateful/thankful for!  As our society becomes increasingly secular, the actual “giving of thanks to God” during our annual Thanksgiving holiday is being severely neglected and generally overlooked, leaving behind only feasting with family and friends.

 I’m praying for all of us at WOF, that He might grant us much better understanding and a heart filled with genuine gratitude – not just as we approach the holiday season, but that we be found grateful/thankful every day for all of His precious gifts, both spiritual, relational, and material!  According to His Word, He is good and “every good gift comes from Him” (See James 1:17). In addition, for those that know Christ and are called according to His purpose(s), we know that He causes all things … “Everything to work together for good,” even events we would not necessarily consider good (See Romans 8:28-30).

In light of these truths, Lord please help us to become, and find us to be, grateful children who continually, openly, and unashamedly offer an abundance of thanksgiving to You … from Whom all blessings flow!

His & Yours, PF

THE BIBLE & AMERICA

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The foundation of our society and government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.

President Calvin Coolidge

Much like the threads of a huge, carefully woven tapestry, God’s Word is a natural fiber stitched throughout the fabric of America!  Our history speaks clearly … the Bible has been consistently valued and held in high esteem by individuals in our nation even before its revolutionary birth.  In addition, the scripture’s influence in science, education, law, society, government, and politics is historically undeniable even though many intentionally fail to recognize or acknowledge the scripture’s contribution in these areas of human development and America.  Truly, America would not be America without the Bible!

Simply put, the Bible is the most influential book ever written.  

Time Magazine, March 22, 2007

Even today, in what some call “a post-Christian America,” a recent ARG (American Research Group) poll recorded that only 26% of our parents never (or refuse to) read the scriptures to their children.  This statistic alone reinforces the idea that many in our nation still look to the Bible as an authoritative source for morals, ethics, and spiritual direction while believing in (holding to) the precepts that it presents for our society.

WE OWN IT

No other book of any title or kind comes remotely close to Bible ownership in America.  Currently 94% of adults in our nation own a least one copy/version of the scriptures and many homes have multiple copies.  (2 – 28%; 3 – 21%; 4 – 10%; 5 – 4%: over 5 – 12%, more – 3%)  Accordingly, at least 47% of American households have at least 3 copies of God’s Word!  In addition, Bibles are given as gifts to friends and relatives more than any other publication in the United States.       

WE SAY WE BELIEVE IT

According to a recent ARG survey, Americans say they have significant confidence in the scriptures.  Actually, 90% said they still believe that the Bible applies to today’s problems and/or issues.  This statistic confirms that the scriptures hold a place of sacred significance within our culture/society.  When asked in a recent Barna survey, the vast majority (86%) of U.S. adults said the Bible came to mind “first” when asked to name books they consider to be sacred literature or holy.  FYI … That’s 10 times greater than the Koran! The book of Mormon and the Hebrew Torah both rank at less than 4%. It’s also interesting to note that only 17% of Americans actually believe that the Bible, Koran, Torah, and the book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same spiritual truths.

WE READ IT (sort of) 

In current American homes, 40% read the scriptures to their sons and daughters on a weekly basis, and about 75% manage once a month.  On an individual basis, an ARG poll discovered that 52% read the Bible weekly and 75% at least once a month. 

Now all these statistics seem incredibly encouraging, but also somewhat confusing when one considers the spiritual condition of our country.  Here’s the facts … 94% of Americans own Bibles; 90% of our nation believes that the scriptures are still applicable today.  A large number read God’s Word to their children somewhat regularly; however, only 29% of American adults read or study God’s Word in any form outside of their own/family’s church attendance. 

While we own and declare we believe the Bible, Americans just don’t read it very much/often on their own initiative.  Is there something wrong with this picture?   How about this stat … when asked, “Do you think it’s time for Americans to go back to reading the scriptures?” … 88% answered, yes!  When asked, “Is America in more need of the Bible today than ever before? … 91% answered, yes!  Even 84% said they’d like to learn more and have greater knowledge about God and His Word!  Even the brilliant, genius physicist, Albert Einstein once stated:

I want to understand the thoughts of God.  

Fellow believers and faithful participants of West Oaks Fellowship, the implication of this data is pretty simple and woefully stunning.  We, as Americans, seem to have a built-in longing for these Holy Words of God, yet many are living in starvation and continued malnourishment even though the Bible is readily available right under our noses, right in our homes – on demand, or right at our finger tips — via cell phones, tablets, media devices, and computers, etc.   

If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered the loss which he had better make all possible haste to correct … a thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.                       

President Teddy (Theodore) Roosevelt

I wonder … What would it be like if Bibles weren’t so easily available or if there was a great price to pay? 

Think about it.                 — Pastor Frank