A few years ago, something happened in my life that really shook the foundation of my faith.
It was as if the whole world came crashing down around me, and it caused me to question everything I believed about the Bible, Christianity, and the church.
Even though at the time I felt like God was nowhere to be found, as I look back this trial fanned in me a passion for knowing God – truly knowing Him.
It was during this dark time that I began to really dive deep into His word, crying out desperately for the Holy Spirit to illuminate the scriptures and give me eyes to see and ears to hear and a heart that was content and rooted deeply in Him.
I asked for fresh faith to believe and to know once and for all that He really was the God of the Universe.
God answered those prayers.
As I read His word daily, systematically working my way through all of my questions and doubts, the Holy Spirit lifted the scales from my eyes in ways that I never dreamed possible.
What came out of this dark time was rich. Truly rich. Because I began to go to God’s word seeking to know Him more instead of going to His word merely to get my running orders for the day.
My perspective changed and I think that was the point. I was no longer illiterate in the Word of God and was for the first time in my life seeking Bible truth in a pure, unadulterated way.
I share all of this because I’m not alone. This is a common problem among believers.
As a culture we place a high value on academic education and intellectual knowledge, but sadly we have almost completely forgotten the necessity and treasure of Bible literacy.
Some shocking thoughts and statistics:
- Only 3 out of 5 Christians read their bible weekly. – Lifeway Research
- In their research, the Barna Group, summarizes the situation this way:
“Americans revere the Bible–but, by and large, they don’t read it. And because they don’t read it, they have become a nation of biblical illiterates.”
- Still, even more poignant on the status of Bible literacy is this excerpt from the Holman Bible Handbook:
“While Medieval Christians were separated from the Bible by ecclesiastical authority, many modern Christians are separated by apathy. Herein lies the first and most vital principle about the Bible for Christian living. In order to guide faith and life, the Bible must be read and used. The most potent enemy of Christian life has always been neglect of Scripture.”
If we don’t read and use our Bibles, Satan wins.
How NOT to Read the Bible. from Crossway on Vimeo.
So how do we as women respond to this situation of Bible illiteracy ?
We talk about it.
We are honest with ourselves about the true value we place on scripture in our lives.
We educate ourselves on what Bible literacy actually is.
Then we take actionable steps in our lives to make God’s word central.
I am not suggesting that you make Bible reading a BIGGER check box on your “Christian Should Do List.” I am simply saying that we become what we behold and may what we behold be Jesus Christ our Lord!
Bible literacy is essential to the life of a Christian.
We need to believe that Scripture is important, that God’s Word is alive and active, that it’s more than just reading the Bible but it’s also studying it and allowing it to soak into our hearts.
We have to be women of the word, and that’s why I want you to join us!
Join us for the Women of the Word Book Club!
I don’t want to just lay this burden of Bible illiteracy out there for you to chew on and then just walk away. No, I want to partner with you on this journey. I want to grab hands with women all over the world and seek Him together – to know Him and to make Him known.
Victoria from Creative Home Keeper carries the same burden in her heart, and as a result we are joining together to become Women of the Word by taking part in a 9-week book club discussion because we believe it’s that important.
You’re invited to join in the conversation every Tuesday afternoon at 3pm EST as we talk about How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds.
Join Victoria and me, your hosts, on Blab for some afternoon fun and discussion about one of our favorite things – God’s Word!
We will be using Jen Wilkin’s book, Women of the Word, as our discussion guide. In her book, Jen walks us through how to study God’s word for ourselves.
She is one of the better Bible teachers I’ve had the privilege of hearing teach and her book is the perfect tool for spurring deeper discussion about Bible literacy and how we can start being a solution to the problem.
What You Need to Know:
Each Tuesday, starting March 8th, you’ll meet us on Blab at 3pm EST. Be sure to follow me (n10tionalgrace) and Victoria (CreativeHomeKPR) on Blab so you’ll receive a notification when we go live. Not sure what Blab is – see the section below, What is Blab & How Do I Use It?
The Book Club Schedule:
Book Club #1: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Setting Expectations & Introduction
Book Club #2: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapters 1 & 2 (Turning Things Around & The Case for Bible Literacy)
Book Club #3: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 3 (Study with Purpose)
Book Club #4: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 4 (Study with Perspective)
Book Club #5: Tuesday, April 5, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 5 (Study with Patience)
Book Club #6: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 6 (Study with Process)
Book Club #7: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 7 (Study with Prayer)
Book Club #8: Tuesday, April 26, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 8 (Pulling it All Together)
Book Club #9: Tuesday, May 3, 2016 @ 3PM EST/2PM CST
Topic: Chapter 9 (Help for Teachers & Conclusions)
The Discussion Guide
Though simply reading the book is enough, if you want to be able to think through the discussion questions before hand, we’ll be using Crossway’s Study Guide for our discussion guide.
You can download a PDF copy of the discussion questions here.
What is Blab and How Do I Use It?
Blab is relatively simple to use once you get set up. Instead of me doing all the explaining, I thought it best to send you to a great tutorial. If you’re not sure how to use Blab, then read this article. It has you covered.
Women of the Word Giveaway
Want to win your own copy of Women in the Word? Two lucky readers will be randomly chosen to win a paperback edition of the book.
Entering is super easy, just use the rafflecopter below. The giveaway will be open until THIS Saturday, March 5th, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST.
**Two winners will be randomly selected and notified by email. All entries will be verified, meaning if you don’t complete the task, you will be disqualified. Due to shipping expenses, giveaway is only open to US citizens. You must be 18 or older to enter. The prize contains two paperback copies of Women in the Word to be given to two different entries. This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the author or Crossway.
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This sounds like an amazing study. One of my goals this year is to be more intentional about studying His Word and knowing Him more.
This looks like a great series as I would love to learn how to study the bible more effectively, however I am at work at 3 pm EST and cannot participate.
You can watch the replays! We will be making them available for those who can’t be there live. 🙂
I am struggling with my own “Bible illiteracy”. As a mom, I struggle to find the time to read my Bible consistently. Much as I try it seems to always the first thing to go..Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of this book. I have been on the fence to purchase this book..and am still waiting to see if its in our church’s library. Thank you!
I know the “being on the fence” feeling. Definitely check the library, but I think this is a book you’ll want on your shelf for references. 🙂
I am SO EXCITED about this! Thanks for organizing this, Leigh Ann!
I will be going the book club. Excited!
I can’t wait to join you in studying this book.
Hopefully I’ll join in. This is one of the books I was hoping to reread in 2016!
Even if you don’t join, please read the book. It’s such a treasure!
I would love to have a copy of this book. I don’t know if I will be able to be part of the book club. I am homeschooling my 5 year old and also have a 3 year old.
I have a five year old and two year old. I’m hoping rest times will suffice so we’re MOSTLY uninterrupted. 🙂 Just jump in whenever you can.
I’ve heard of this book and always wanted to go through it! Will try to join in!
I am really looking forward to this!
So excited about this, really looking forward to it!
This sounds like a great study; I’m in!
Can’t wait! This sounds like an awesome study!
❤️ the topic!
This will be awesome! I can’t wait. I’ve been wanting to read her book for a while now.
This is exactly what I need. I feel like most days I am so busy being a mom, a wife, and a housekeeper that I don’t have time for myself. I am really excited about this opportunity. And I truly love our blog with all of my heart! You have been an inspiration to me. Thank you.
Will be joining! Can’t wait.
I will try my hardest to be there. This is just what I need!
I really would like to read this book. It sounds like something I use right now.
I would love to win a copy Sounds like a wonderful study. I struggle with getting into God’s word daily.
This would be so helpful.
Thank you
This sounds like something I really need. I will do my best to make it a priority.
This is great Leigh Ann! I’ve loved this book and would love going back through it to glean more! Thanks!
I would love this and needing to start a spring Bible study
Sounds like a good book 🙂
I was so excited to see this. I have already purchased and read the book, at the recommendation of my daughter. I look forward to the study. I won’t be able to see the discussion live, where will the replays be posted, here or somewhere else?
We are still working out the details on where the replays will be posted. I will be sure to fill everyone in when we get there. We are learning as we go. I expect to be able to republish on my YouTube channel. Then, I might do a recap on Wednesdays here for everyone or just send the link in my newsletter. Again, I’m still working out the details with Victoria. 🙂
I will be joining in on this Bible study, very timely.
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Can’t wait to read the book.
I’d love to win these books and share them.
This sounds like a great book and a great study! Thank You for the chance to win a book! 🙂
I would like to do this study!
This sounds great!
I’d like to join you. I have a lot of questions that circle this subject, so it would be good, I think. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I am so excited i found this.. I will be tuning in when i can and watching replays when i can’t… this book looks amazing
What a perfect opportunity to learn how to study the Bible, not just read it. I will join the discussion as much as my littles permit.
What a wonderful opportunity to be more intentional…thanks
I’m looking forward to doing this study. I am currently working on putting together a prayer and Bible study notebook.
What a wonderful idea! Count me in!
I look forward to participating in this study even if I am unable to purchase the book at this time, I am sure I can still glean wisdom :).
Looks like a wonderful study. I already study the Bible daily, so I am always interested in new and enlightening ways to get more out of God’s word. Thank you
I am looking forward to this study.
Thank you
Leigh Ann, this was at the top of my wish list this year- a women’s Bible Study or Book Group. Thank you and many blessings!
Our God is awesome! I am glad to see that you will be offering a way to those, like myself, who could not make it “live” sessions! I feel I will benefit from this study greatly.
So glad to find your website! I will be joining you starting you! And I hope to get my daughter to join also!