The Bible in America

2 TIMOTHY 3:12-16 NLT
Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will
suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They
will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must
remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are
true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have
been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given
you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in
Christ Jesus. ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND IS
USEFUL TO TEACH US WHAT IS TRUE AND TO MAKE US
REALIZE WHAT IS WRONG IN OUR LIVES. IT CORRECTS US
WHEN WE ARE WRONG AND TEACHES US TO DO WHAT IS
RIGHT.
2 TIMOTHY 4:3-4 NLT
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and
wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look
for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to
hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
3 Major Shifts Happening in America:

1. Increased skepticism
2. A new moral code: self-fulfillment
3. Digital access
   New Moral Code of America:
   “To be fulfilled in life, you should pursue the things you most desire.”
   Agree: 91% all adults 76% practicing Christians
   “People can believe anything they want as long as those beliefs don’t
   affect society.”
   Agree: 79% all adults 61% practicing Christians
   “The highest goal in life is to enjoy it as much as possible.”
   Agree: 84% all adults 67% practicing Christians
   “The best way to find yourself is by looking within yourself.”
   Agree: 91% all adults 76% practicing Christians
   “Any kind of sexual expression between two consenting adults is
   acceptable.”
   Agree: 69% all adults 40% practicing Christians
   Americans and the Bible:
   Americans who consider the Bible a Holy book:
   All Adults: 81%
   Men: 77%
   Women: 85%
   Millennials: 71%
   Gen-Xers: 79%
   Boomers: 87%
   Elders: 88%
   The Bible is a comprehensive guide to a meaningful life:
   All Adults: 68%
   Men: 64%
   Women: 74%
   Millennials: 56%
   Gen-Xers: 66%
   Boomers: 74%
   Elders: 79%
   Today in America, 1/3 of American adults read the Bible at least
   once a week.
   Elders highest: 49%
   Millennials lowest: 24%
   Bible Literacy Test:
   “To thine own self be true.” — 17%
   “God helps those who help themselves.” — 13%
   “The truth will set you free.” — 24%
   “God works in mysterious ways.” — 36%
   The Future Church and the Bible:

1. The Bible will be the key to set young people apart.
   2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 NLT
   You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very
   difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money.
   They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their
   parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will
   be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no
   self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray
   their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure
   rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power
   that could make them godly. STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE LIKE
   THAT!
   Teens with high levels of Bible engagement:
   • have better relationships with parents and purpose for living
   • engage in significantly less sexual activity, substance abuse,
   crime, lying, and physical aggression
   • are 9 times more likely to believe the Bible provides a clear and
   indisputable description of moral truth
   • are 10 times more likely to find their faith is important to them
   • are nearly 4 times more likely to believe that prayer can change
   what happens in life
2. The Bible will be our guide for cultural discernment.
   2 TIMOTHY 3:13-17 NLT
   But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others
   and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the
   things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know
   you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy
   Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to
   receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. ALL
   SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD AND IS USEFUL TO TEACH
   US WHAT IS TRUE AND TO MAKE US REALIZE WHAT IS WRONG
   IN OUR LIVES. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to
   do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do
   every good work.
3. The Bible will be the truth we can build our lives on.
   Pluralism: many different paths to God, many different paths to Truth
   • Doctrine of Multiplicity: There is no one correct logic over
   another.
   • For emerging generations: A NEW DEFINITION OF THE
   CONCEPTS OF TRUTH AND AUTHORITY, WHICH ARE
   UNDERSTOOD TO MEAN FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR
   EVERY PERSON
   Syncretism: a union of different religious thoughts and philosophies
   combined to form a belief system; blending of two or more religious
   belief systems into a new system
   JOHN 8:31-32 NKJV
   Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My
   word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and
   the truth shall make you free.”
   JOHN 17:14-17 NKJV
   “I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because
   they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray
   that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep
   them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of
   the world. Sanctify them by Your TRUTH. YOUR WORD IS TRUTH.”