All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.  That the man may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  2 Tim 3:16-17

We recently learned from a 2014 Barna Group Study of 100 Cities across the U.S. that the Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA areas were tied for last place as the least Bible-minded.  The statistic of our area being last in Bible-mindedness brings me great hope.  There is only one way for us in this current situation—and that’s up!  

I was encouraged when a friend sent me an email recently which highlighted an opportunity to step up and to join others in declaring that Bible-mindedness in our area is indeed alive and well!    

Here is the heart of that e-mail message:

Dear Fellow Witness in Christ:

            After witnessing fifty years of Bible-honoring decline in our country,I am sending this email to challenge every pastor and believer in America. I am asking that someone in each congregation take the bull by the horns and organize a gathering somewhere in your town, where you will be visible and it is legal. Stand with Bible in hand and banners or signs and show the nation that God is alive and well. We are planning to stand for 1 hour and testify to the WORD. This is a grass roots event. There is no leader except the great I AM.

             My hope is that thousands upon thousands of brothers and sisters, all over the country, on this day, will show up on June 7, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon and let the TRUTH be known in their city or town. The only thing required is that you show up with your Bible and a sign if you wish. It must be orderly and loving. I am asking that everyone who receives this email PASS IT ON to other people you know in Christ. My hope is that this email will multiply itself across the country and will be read in every Christian church and home in America. Don’t just stand by and let the next person do it, organize it. All you really have to do is pick a spot and show up.

            How hard can that be?  Hopefully this will become a yearly event on the first Saturday of June. I end with this verse from the gospel of Mark 8:38

            “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

            Let’s make this happen. Amen

In response, a gathering is planned in our Town of Fairhaven on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. until noon.  We will meet in front of Fairhaven High School with our Bibles in hand and signs stating that we are people who read the Bible and believe its contents.

One way to improve any area’s Bible-minded ranking is to honestly read and study the Bible for ourselves.  Another way of support is to organize a gathering of your own or to join us on June 7, 2014 from 11:00 AM until noon in front of FairhavenHigh School.  Consider being part of the evidence—that in our area, a Bible-minded comeback has clearly begun!

2 Timothy 3:16; John 17:17