November 20, 2024
by Pastor Chuck SwindollScriptures: 2 Timothy 4:1–2
DURING MY PASTORING DAYS in New England, I heard of a teacher who quizzed a group of high school students on the Bible.
DURING MY PASTORING DAYS in New England, I heard of a teacher who quizzed a group of high school students on the Bible. The quiz preceded a Bible-as-literature course he planned to teach at the Newton (Massachusetts) High School, generally considered one of the best public schools in the nation. Among the most astounding findings he got from the students:
Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers.
Jezebel was Ahab’s donkey.
The four horsemen appeared on the Acropolis.
The New Testament Gospels were written by Matthew, Mark, Luther, and John.
Eve was created from an apple.
Jesus was baptized by Moses.
The answer that took the cake was given by a fellow who was in the top 5 percent of the graduating class, academically. The question: What was Golgotha? The answer: Golgotha was the name of the giant who slew the apostle David. I laughed so hard I nearly fell from my chair!
In a land filled with churches and chapels, temples and tabernacles, there is only an insignificant handful of well-informed students of the Book of books. God’s people have never genuinely learned to search the Scriptures for themselves, let alone develop a foundational knowledge of the Bible.
It’d be so easy to push the blame around, pointing fingers at any number of people, trends, or educational institutions—even the church where you worship and serve Christ. But in the final analysis, ignorance is a personal choice—your choice. And mine, too. I love how the seasoned apostle Paul stated it for his young apprentice, Timothy: “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1–2).
The responsibility belongs to each of us to be students of God’s Word so that we can be ready to supply the world with the hope of Christ.
I urge you: turn off that TV and mute your cell phone. Then open your Bible—every day—and search the Scriptures for yourself. You, and everyone you serve and lead, will be so glad you did.