The Barna Group recently released a survey that they claim reveals the most and least Bible-minded cities in the USA. The survey results can be seen at
http://cities.barna.org/americas-most-and-least-bible-minded-cities/
We should be happy that many people in some major cities in the USA state that they read the Bible and believe it to be accurate. That’s great! They claim to be “Bible-minded.” Wonderful!
At the same time, we should wonder if it should be accepted that people are Bible-minded because they say they are. Does the statement that one reads the Bible regularly or believes “in the accuracy of the Bible” really impress the Lord God? The Bible answers these questions.
Consider James 1:22, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Proverbs 20:11 declares that “even a child is known by his doings . . .” Interesting. “Known by his DOINGS.” Jesus dealt with some people during his physical ministry on earth who called Him “Lord” but did not obey Him. Luke 6:46 records that He asked, “And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Matthew 15:7,8 tells us that Jesus quoted the prophet, Isaiah, stating, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”
Many more instances could be given from Scripture of the Lord warning that it is not enough to merely say that you honour Him, or even read the Bible. God demands that people actually agree with His Word and OBEY it.
Instead of looking for cities that Barna says are Biblically minded, we would be better served to ask ourselves, “Am I Biblically-minded and actually obeying the Word of God.” The answer to that question is the one that will matter in the end. Never forget the warning of the Lord Jesus Christ found in the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 7:21-23: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
If you need help concerning learning and obeying the Bible, please contact Pastor Bobby Mitchell by clicking on the email link on our home page.