One of our core commitments is to strengthen what local churches are already doing. Deploying the best of high-tech and low-tech resources, we are committed to equipping churches with anywhere, anytime access to God’s Word. We desire to serve alongside local church- es as they disciple new and passionate Christ followers, helping them live out the words of Scripture.


“RAIN AND SNOW FALL FROM THE SKY. BUT THEY DON’T RETURN WITHOUT WATERING THE EARTH THAT PRODUCES SEEDS TO PLANT AND GRAIN TO EAT. THAT’S HOW IT IS WITH MY WORDS. THEY DON’T RETURN TO ME WITHOUT DOING EVERYTHING I SEND THEM TO DO” (Isaiah 55:10-11 CEV).


was once seen as the completion of the Bible mission, but no longer. Now, a new and larger need has become clear. Namely, just because the Bible is made available does not mean people will actually read it.


We are standing on the precipice of a Western church in crisis. Biblical under- standing across our country continually dips lower with unsettling results. As study after study reveals, there continues to be a strong relationship between per- sonal Bible reading and how one lives. Consider the following:


• A recent Barna Research report reveals that about half of all adults now see Christianity as one religious option among several, undermining the long- standing assumption that being born in the U.S. suggests a high probability of growing up in and eventually affiliating with the Christian faith (January 2009, www.barna.org).


• The Center for Bible Engagement affirms that the more people read the Bible, the more they become involved in sharing the good news and discipling others. In fact, those who read the Bible at least four times a week are less likely to get trapped in a range of destructive behaviors (December 2009, www.centerfor bibleengagement.org).


Off the Back Shelf


In an environment where church attendance is declining and connection to God’s Word is receding, how do we begin to chart the journey of the Bible from the back of our shelves to the front of our lives? As president of the American Bible Society, I have affirmed our com- mitment to join with the Church—the whole Church—to reach this generation with the good news of God’s Word. Our message is simple and true: Reading God’s Word is good for you and good for all.


We’ve created a number of free tools to help strengthen your Bible engagement experience. I invite you to explore some of our recently launched resources:


• ABS Bible Search Engine: verse and topical search of God’s Word for find- ing, tagging, sharing, and digging deeper within linked Scripture resources (bible search.americanbible.org) • Journey Maker: an everyday delivery of Scripture based on your chosen track of interest (journeys.americanbible.org) • Share Your Story Now: an online com- munity of people sharing their stories of help and hope found in God’s Word (sysn.org).


The message of the Bible is unchang- ing, but how we deliver its message not only can change, but it must change. Join us in a quiet but serious reformation of Christian character and compassion inspired by the daily practice of Scripture engagement among millions of Ameri- cans. My prayer is, Let it begin now. Let it begin with us.


In Isaiah 55:10-11, the prophet says: “Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing every- thing I send them to do” (CEV). With the Lord’s help, we can light a spark, fan a flame, and build a bonfire of grace, peace, and love that will warm our country and change the hearts, minds, and lives of many people.


R. Lamar Vest is president and CEO of the American Bible Society in New York City, and former general overseer of the Church of God.


EVANGEL • AUG 2010 13


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