Growing up under communism in the largest city of Siberia, Eugene Secaron never knew a single person who believed in the Bible. Although his questions about the Bible were discouraged, this brilliant young man purchased a Bible on the black market at the cost of one month’s salary and, even though he was working on his doctorate in organic chemistry, it became his habit to arise an hour or two early every morning to study the Bible.
We are amazed at the sacrifices some are willing to make to read and study the Bible! In comparison, polls reveal that only about twelve percent of Americans read the Bible as much as one time a month. At least one-third of America’s children are being raised in a biblically illiterate environment. They hear no Bible stories. They learn no Bible songs. They do not attend worship or Sunday school. Could this be a key contributing factor in many of the social ills we face in today’s world?
Proposed solutions to our problems are offered by the best thinkers of our day. But, because few have defined these problems as moral and spiritual, we have seen little agreement or effectiveness in meeting the real needs of our children. Humanly originated solutions change like the seasons. What we think will work one day is discarded as worthless the next. What we need is a consistently relevant pattern for the home. God’s word is that pattern. David prayed, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:89). And, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (vs. 105). Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Mt. 24:35). The Bible is as relevant today as it has ever been.
Centuries ago, Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun (Eccl. 1:9). No new sins. No new virtues. No new needs. What we need in our homes today is exactly what people needed thousands of years ago. We need to know answers to three basic questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? And, where are we going? Without the Bible’s answers to these questions, we will wander aimlessly through life, sinking into ever increasing depths of depravity and despair. Are our children receiving God’s answers to these questions?
— Glen Elliott —