Teach Men to Read

According to a report from the BBC last week 8.1% of American adults can not read.

This means if the twelve apostles were a cohort of Americans today, then when Jesus said “search the scriptures” one of them could not do his homework.

If you include those that don’t read well, then the numbers go up by a factor of 2 or 3.

Scripture is profitable, but scripture is the written word which must be read! (This is one good reason why it pleases God to save men by the foolishness of preaching, not required reading – 1 Cor 1:21; Rom 10:17.)

This may give insight into why few people understand the Bible rightly divided and the revelation of the mystery.

Paul says, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:4)

Because you can read you are equipped to understand the mystery of Christ from God’s book.

Reading is required for Bible study (2 Tim 2:15; 1 Tim 4:13).

When people can not read they will lack Bible understanding, and they will turn towards men who stand in pulpits rather than the Bible in their hands.

When the pastor fails, so does their faith.

Why do I believe the Bible is God’s word? Because I can read.
Why am I dispensational? Because I can read.

Because you can read you can minister to the 15% of Americans who either cannot read or who do not read well.

Teach them to read and understand what’s in the Bible for themselves.

Why can’t all men see? Some of them can’t read. You can teach them.

For His glory and grace,

Justin “A is for Adam” Johnson