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The Crisis of Biblical Illiteracy
Series: Anchored in the Word with Dave JenkinsShow Summary
Dave Jenkins addresses one of the most pressing issues in the church today, biblical illiteracy. He defines what it is, explains why it is dangerous for discipleship and witness, and gives practical steps to grow in knowing, understanding, and obeying God’s Word.- Key Scriptures: Hosea 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Ephesians 4:14; James 1:22; Psalm 119:105
- Topics: Definition, dangers, and practical steps to avoid biblical illiteracy
- Speaker: Dave Jenkins
- Series site: servantsofgrace.org/anchored-in-the-word
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Episode Outline
Introduction
Many of us own Bibles, yet do we know what is in them and live it out? Hosea 4:6 warns that God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Neglecting Scripture leaves us open to deception, discouragement, and shallow faith.1. Defining Biblical Illiteracy
It is not the absence of a Bible, it is the absence of knowing, understanding, and applying it. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches that all Scripture is God breathed and equips us for every good work.2. The Dangers of Biblical Illiteracy
- Deception: Without truth we are tossed by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).
- Weak Discipleship: Faith reduces to feelings and trends.
- Poor Witness: A church that does not know Scripture loses its salt and light. Judges 2:10 shows how a generation can rise that does not know the Lord.
3. How We Can Avoid It
- Read Scripture regularly, whole books and chapters for the big picture.
- Study wisely, use tools but start with the text.
- Memorize and meditate, let the word of Christ dwell richly (Colossians 3:16).
- Obey what you read, be doers not hearers only (James 1:22).
- Stay rooted in a sound local church under faithful preaching and community.
Application and Call to Action
Shape your worldview from Scripture rather than social media or cultural voices. Start small. Read a chapter a day in the Gospel of John, pray, take notes, and ask questions.Closing
Biblical illiteracy is dangerous but not inevitable. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Let us know the Bible, love it, and live it out for the glory of Christ and the good of His church.Resources and Next Steps
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah, and lives in beautiful Southern Oregon. He is a writer, editor, and speaker who loves Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology.
Dave serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries and the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine. He is the Host and Producer of the Equipping You in Grace Podcast and a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word.
He is the author of The War of Worldviews: Truth, Lies, and the Battle for the Christian Mind (Theology for Life, 2026), Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021).
You can connect with Dave on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, or subscribe to his newsletter.
When he is not engaged in ministry work, Dave enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, sharing a meal at a favorite restaurant, or playing a round of golf with friends. He is also a voracious reader, particularly of Reformed theology and the Puritans, and is often found working through a stack of new books from a wide range of Christian publishers.
Dave earned his M.A.R. and M.Div. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
