“The two most popular podcasts in the United States right now are not about sports, news, or even pop culture. They’re about the Bible,” according to an article by Christian Headlines contributor Michael Foust.
Foust reports that “The Bible in a Year,” hosted by Mike Schmitz is No. 1 in the U.S. on Apple’s podcast charts. And No. 2 is “The Bible Recap” by Tara-Leigh Cobble.
“The podcasts rank higher than podcasts by The New York Times, NBC, Joe Rogan, and NPR,” writes Foust.
Possibly this is the reflection of a trend that’s showing renewed interest in the Bible. In December, Lifeway Research released a survey showing 29% of U.S. adults had made a New Year’s resolution that involved their relationship with God. This was tied with financial as the second most popular resolution.
Jeff Cavins, a frequent speaker on the “The Bible in a Year” podcast claims “The hunger for God in our culture is not a flash in the pan, but an enduring desire. Interest in the Bible is expanding.”
If these surveys and statistics are accurate, this is good news in a culture that seems to grow increasingly corrupt.
Of course, listening to podcasts or reading blogs doesn’t replace reading the Bible. For resolutions to become reality, change must occur. And good intentions must result in action.
In a world deceived and darkened by sin, the Bible illuminates our minds and hearts. The Psalmist expressed it well in these passages from Psalm 119.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it imparts understanding to the simple.
Ps. 119:130Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Ps 119:105
Of course, as James Merritt reminds us, “The primary purpose of reading the Bible is not to know the Bible but to know God.” Or as another writer opined,
“Reading the Bible is not where your engagement with the Bible ends. It’s where it begins.”
The apostle Paul provides some simple, practical reasons for our engagement in God’s Word in his exhortation in 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Note these 5 things that the Scriptures can do for you.
1. The Bible shows you what is right.
Right is not determined by culture, custom, or human creed. An accepted popular practice is not necessarily right. And human legislation enacted by a government doesn’t make something right.
2. The Bible shows you what is wrong.
While the Bible is not a list of “thou shalt nots,” it does offer some specific warnings about what is wrong. Wrong attitudes, wrong actions, wrong associations do not change with the times. If God says it’s wrong, then it’s still wrong today.
3. The Bible helps you get right.
When we’re on the wrong path religiously, morally, or ethically, we need to get on the right path. The Bible, when properly applied, will direct you in the right way in every area of your life.
4. The Bible helps you stay right.
The Bible provides the inspiration, encouragement, and motivation to keep on keeping on. To stay the course. And remain faithful regardless of Satan’s carnal enticements.
5. And the Bible equips you for every righteous work.
What is righteous work in God’s eyes? The Bible defines it. Both collectively in His church and individually in our personal lives. The Bible furnishes us with just what we need to be successful spiritually.
Make 2022 a year of Biblical renewal. Get into the Word. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it. Live it.
D. L. Moody was right when he proclaimed, “The Bible was not given for our information, but for our transformation.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Reblogged this on Preach The Text and commented:
Here is a post by Ken Weliever that I hope will be as encouraging to you as it was to me.
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I am working with a couple of men and some of them have challenges when reading through the Bible. One of them voiced certain frustrations and sense of feeling overwhelmed because he started reading Revelations.
This is not the first time I have encountered people who grew frustrated with their renewal to read through the Bible. They find it difficult, some even said parts of it were boring, and end up putting it down.
My suggestion to this young man was to start with either the Psalms or the Gospel of John. To take notes, jot down thoughts and impressions received from the verses reading. Asking questions on how to apply these things into his life. Ask what is being said and what his thoughts are what is being said.
What are some recommendations you found helpful to people who are wanting to read yet find it daunting, discouraging, and even overwhelming?
As for me – by the by – I am doing a 40 day challenge based on Exodus 14:13-15 and not focusing on a new years resolution. Currently studying through the Old Testament as well.
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