2. Not everyone sees the Bible the same
2 Tim. 3:16-17
Time is short
We have work to do!

3. Recent trends/findings (2014 American Bible Society, State of the Bible)
Americans viewing the Bible as sacred fell from 86% in 2011 to 79% in 2014.
88% of households own a Bible (average 4.7 Bibles per household. But only 37% read it once or more a week.
47% of Bible readers say their number one frustration is never having enough time to read the Bible.

4. Recent trends/findings (2014 American Bible Society, State of the Bible)
From 2011 to 2014 Bible reading on smart phones or tablets rose from 18% to 35%.
2014 preferred method of Bible reading was 84% print, 10% digital and 5% audio.
“The Bible brings me closer to God” fell from 64% in 2011 to 56% in 2014.
“The Bible brings me comfort or helps solve my problems” rose from 26% in 2011 to 32% in 2014.

5. Millennials and the Bible (2016 American Bible Society, State of the Bible) Born early 1980s to early 2000s
Christian Millennials
Non-Christian Millennials
Source of moral truth: Bible 39%, church 16%, parents 14%.
35% the Bible is the actual word of God to be taken literally.
50% the Bible is inspired with no errors but some figurative language.
11% the Bible is inspired but has some factual or historical errors.
62% have never read the Bible.
30% the Bible is a useful book of moral teachings.
27% the Bible is a dangerous book to oppress people.
19% the Bible is an outdated book with no relevance for today.

6. What can be done?
Read! A disciple must know what the master says to do, how to act, etc.
Discuss! Ask questions, share your reading with others, speak up in class.
Teach! Teaching is a great way to learn.

7. What can be done?
Commit! Make a vow to God to read the Bible. How often do you think others read? How often should you read?
19% every day
26% few times/week
14% once a week
22% once a month
18% rarely/never
(Lifeway research)

8. What can be done?
Take responsibility! Others can influence you, but only you can decide to grow in your knowledge of the Scriptures.
Apply! Use what you learn from the Bible in your life each day!
Search! Find your answers in the Bible.