The Cell Phone verses the Bible
  • What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
  • What if we flipped through it several times a day?
  • What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
  • What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
  • What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
  • What if we gave it to children as gifts?
  • What if we used it when we travelled?
  • What if we used it in case of an emergency?
  • What if we used it to talk with God, as often as we use it to talk to others? Where would we be today?

This is food for thought. It should cause you to consider how often you open your Bible; once a week? twice a year? hmm....

Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Oh, and no more dropped calls!

Cell Phone Usage Statistics
Holy Bible Usage Statistics
In the middle of 2005, the number of subscribers to cell
phone carriers had dramatically increased and the number of
total users had reached 2.4 billion. If the numbers continue to
multiply at a steady rate, the number of subscribers is
expected to reach into the billions over the course of the
next few years. The reason for the rapid number of cell
phones is said to be the implementation of more towers giving
a wider range of cell phone capabilities. There is also the
theory that some of the more affordable cell phone marketing
strategies, such as pre-paid phones and low-minute plans, are
responsible for the increased number of users as well.

Cell phones have become more than just an accessory for the
masses; they have become an imagined necessity in countries
all across the world. In the United States, studies show that
over fifty percent of children own their own personal cell
phones. In the United Kingdom, there are now more mobile
phones than people in the country. The Russian market is up
89% in cell phone use while Italy, Sweden, Hong Kong and
Great Britain have shown an increase of 100%. China has over
400 million subscribers, while Indonesia is expected to have
over 50 million subscribers by the end of 2007.
Bible Ownership
Most Americans own a Bible. In fact, 92% of households in
America own at least one copy. Of those households that own
a Bible, the average number of Bibles is three. This includes
not only the homes of practicing Christians but hundreds of
thousands of atheists as well.

Bible Reading
Although most Americans own a Bible, use of the Bible varies
significantly. In a poll taken by the Gallup Organization in
October, 2000, 59% of Americans reported that they read
the Bible at least occasionally. This is down from 73% in the
1980s. The percentage of Americans who read the Bible at
least once a week is 37%. This is down slightly from 40% in
1990. According to the Barna Research Group, those who
read the Bible regularly spend about 52 minutes a week in the
scriptures. 

Which gender is more faithful at reading the Bible at least
weekly? The prize goes to the women. Women (42%) are
more likely than men (32%) to have read the Bible in the past
week. What version do people prefer? As of 1997, those who
read the Bible preferred the King James Version to the New
International Version by a 5 to 1 margin.

Bible Study
When it comes to going beyond merely reading the Bible to
actual study of the Bible, the numbers decline sharply. Only
one in seven Americans report an involvement that goes
beyond just reading the Bible. Fourteen percent of Americans
currently belong to a Bible study group. This is down a full
one-third from 1990 when 21% said they were involved in a
Bible study group.

Bible Knowledge
How about knowledge of the Bible? According to Gallup,
"Despite the impressive statistics concerning Bible reading and
study, it is apparent that ignorance about its contents is
widespread."  He gives evidence for this conclusion:

-- Only half of adults interviewed nationwide could name any of
the four Gospels of the New Testament.

-- Just 37% of those interviewed could name all four Gospels.

-- Only 42% of adults were able to name as many as five of
the Ten Commandments correctly.

-- Seven in ten (70%) were able to name the town where
Jesus was born, but just 42% could identify him as the person
who delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Researcher George Barna has also documented the lack of
Bible knowledge in the United States:

-- 38% of Americans believe the entire Bible was written
several decades after Jesus' death and resurrection (While this
is true of the New Testament, the entire Old Testament was
written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ).

-- 12% of adults believe that Noah's wife was Joan of Arc.

-- 49% believe that the Bible teaches that money is the root
of all evil. (The love of money is said to be the root of all types
of evil).

-- 75% believe that the Bible teaches that God helps those
who help themselves.

What is your cell phone devotion
teaching your children?
Children learn by watching our
example. They want what we have,
want to do what we do, want to be
like us. You learn what they are
being taught by the toys they desire
to play with, the imaginary
conversations they hold with
themselves, and what they want to
be tucked in bed with.

"Come, ye children, hearken unto
me: I will teach you the fear of the
Lord." Psa. 34:11
What throne do we find ourselves
worshiping at night and day?
"Therefore are they before the throne of
God, and serve him day and night in his
temple: and he that sitteth on the throne
shall dwell among them." Rev. 7:15
Which is more secure in our hearts?
We have become more concerned about
people taking our cell phones from us than
our Bibles, that we go to great lengths to
make sure it is kept secure. His word should be secured in our hearts with understanding.

"When any one heareth the word of the
kingdom, and understandeth it not, then
cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away
that which was sown in his heart. This is he
which received seed by the way side."
                                            Matt. 13:19

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee." Psa. 119:11

Shut in with???
Our cell phones have become a part of
our daily worship. We seem to be more
shut in with our cell phones than shut in
with Christ. We leave them on in church
as if we are expecting a call from Him
during the service. We answer them
during prayer as if that is how He will
communicate with us.

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into
thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy
door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
                                           Matt. 6:6

"And it shall come to pass, that before
they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isa. 65:24

Hello?...Hello?...
Can you hear me now?
Can you hear me now?
Christ is asking you that question.
"Seek ye the Lord while he may be
found, call ye upon him while he
is near" Isa. 55:6

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