The Power of 4
Author: Michelle Wilson
May 04, 2021
The Center for Bible Engagement has compiled research after surveying over 400,000 people between the ages of 8 and 80, from 24 countries, and from all walks of life.
They discovered something quite astounding.
The Power of 4 Effect
The life of someone who engages scripture four or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. The lives of Christians who do not engage the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.
Someone who reads the Bible four or more times a week is:
- 59% less likely to view pornography
- 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
- 74% less likely to gamble
- 407% more likely to memorize scripture
- 228% more likely to share their faith with others
- 231% more likely to disciple others
The Consequences of Neglecting God's Word
Disengagement from the Bible is the most critical challenge facing Christians today. Of all the world religions, Christianity is unique in that it is about a relationship with God, not merely a checklist of do's and don'ts in an effort to appease God.
Relationships are a two-way street and a relationship with God is no different. Christ-followers who experience the most growth and maturity regularly listen to God through His word and talk to Him through prayer. When this relationship is neglected, it is not just the believer who suffers - the family, the community, and the Body of Christ is weakened as well.
As the Center for Bible Engagement puts it:
Like sheep, we tend to drift away from our Shepherd. Living in a world filled with temptations, disconnection from God’s Word can increase our chances of giving in to those temptations. Without a firm grasp of the Bible, nurtured through daily reading or listening, we weaken our ability to defend the faith we claim, [we are] less confident to share that faith with others, and [we are] more vulnerable to falling prey to false teachings. (Cole & Ovwigho, 2009, p. 6)
The Good News
The good news is that reading and reflecting on God's word at least four times a week can transform our lives, our families, our communities, and our churches. We must reject all of the "too busy" and "no time" excuses and schedule daily time with God in His word.
WORDview Ministries exists to help others experience the life-changing power of the Bible. How can we help you today?
"I remind you that God wrote a Book; and He only wrote one. I wonder what we’ll say to Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ if He asks us, 'Did you read My Book?'"
- Woodrow Kroll -
References:
Back to the Bible. (2021). Research | Back to the Bible. https://www.backtothebible.org/research
Cole, A., & Ovwigho, P. (2009, December). Understanding the Bible Engagement Challenge: Scientific Evidence for the Power of 4. Center for Bible Engagement. https://bttbfiles.com/web/docs/cbe/Scientific_Evidence_for_the_Power_of_4.pdf
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