In a culture drowning in noise, distraction, and deception, something quietly remarkable is happening. After decades of spiritual drift toward secularism, Americans are beginning to turn back to the Word of God. New research from Barna’s State of the Church 2025 shows that 42 percent of U.S. adults now read the Bible at least weekly — a stunning 12-point increase from just one year ago, when Scripture engagement hit a 15-year low.
Even more encouraging, nearly half of all self-identified Christians (about 50 percent) are now in the Word each week—the highest level in more than a decade. But that also means the other half remains spiritually unanchored. We can—and must—do better. After all, the Bible teaches us:
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ~Hebrews 4:12~
This resurgence in Bible reading — especially among younger Christians — is very encouraging. As the world grows darker, God’s Word shines ever brighter (John 1:5; Psalm 119:105). When lies multiply, hearts hungry for truth instinctively turn back to what is holy, pure, and true (John 17:17). In an age when even many who call themselves Christians struggle to know what they believe — or why they believe it — the Bible remains our sure and unshakable foundation.
Regular, faithful Bible reading is not merely a task to check off; it is a necessity for anyone serious about following the Lord Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). Through consistent time in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers, we come to know more clearly God’s perfect will, His unchanging character, and His redemptive love for a fallen world (James 1:17; John 3:16-17).
And knowing God’s Word is also how we take up the full “armor of God” and prepare to stand firm in a culture increasingly hostile to the Christian worldview. Without Scripture shaping our minds and anchoring our hearts, we are left vulnerable to the spirit of the age. With it, we are equipped to stand, speak, and serve faithfully—no matter the cost.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ~Ephesians 6:11-17~
At Illinois Family Institute, we are convinced that the renewal of our churches, our families, and our state begins right here — with God’s people humbly and consistently opening His Word. If we want to think biblically, live faithfully, and act courageously in defense of life, family, and freedom, then we must be grounded in the Word of God.
That conviction is reinforced by the encouraging news that Bible sales have been surging in recent years — “skyrocketing” in 2024 and continued to climb in 2025, with about 2.4 million copies sold in September 2025 alone. We pray this reflects a growing awareness that Americans — and people around the world — are searching for truth, direction, and meaning in an increasingly godless age. Our desire is to see that interest turn into daily, disciplined engagement with God’s Word.
Such faithfulness does not only bless the individual believer; it strengthens families and blesses society as a whole. Regular Bible reading is essential if we hope to develop a truly Christian worldview — one that shapes how we see reality, informs our decisions, and guides how we live.
By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we are better equipped to face the spiritual battles of our day — whether over the sanctity of life, sexual morality, gambling, drug use, or the many other pitfalls and snares confronting us and our families. As we study and apply God’s truth, we grow in discernment and develop a deep, resilient faith that can stand firm against the godless philosophies and “empty deceit” so prevalent in our society (Colossians 2:8).
Where to start
For those who commit to read the Bible daily going forward, some of the pastors on the IFI Advisory Board suggest beginning with the Gospel of John, followed by Proverbs, Psalms, and then Ephesians.
If you prefer an audio version, I recommend the Daily Audio Bible podcast. For a few years in a row, my family and I took time in the morning to listen to Brian Hardin or his daughter read passages. Another audio option is the YouVersion Bible App, in which you can pick from many versions and plans and it will “read” it to you on your cellphone while you listen.
Mark Johnson, a Christian Counselor and Elder in the local church we attend, published the following encouragement in our weekly bulletin,
One of the three commands given to us to walk as Christians is in Ephesians 4:22-24, specifically verse 23 “… be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” This command is repeated in Romans 12:1-2.
Let me encourage you to continue reading God’s Word in 2025. Reading your Bible is essential to praying, discovering His will, worshiping Him, and obeying Him.
There are several ways to exercise this spiritual discipline of reading God’s Word. Of course, one way is to start at Genesis, reading along at your own pace. However, many find it helpful to use a specific reading plan – let me recommend three such plans.
1.) The Robert Murray M’Cheyne (pronounced McShane), a Scottish pastor from the 19th century, is a classic. The link to the plan is here.
2.) The 5-Day Bible Reading program is very popular. The goal here is to read five days a week, which builds in some slack time if you get a little behind. The link to the plan is here (regular size) and here (large print).
3.) In addition to the 5-Day Bible Reading program, consider reading Proverbs in a year. That may sound underwhelming, but reading Proverbs in this way allows you to meditate on each idea throughout the day. You can see a copy of that plan here.
Christian believers throughout the ages have found that beginning your day with Bible reading and meditation fuels your prayer life and fellowship with God. Why not give it a try this year?
“Your word I have treasured in my heart,
that I may not sin against You.”
~Psalm 119:11~
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God
as a workman who does not need to be ashamed,
accurately handling the word of truth.
~2 Timothy 2:15~
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Rev. Billy Graham on how to read the Bible (VIDEO)
American Bible Society daily reading plan
The Moody Church Bible reading list of plans
Dr. Del Tackett’s Bible Study Together
Chronological Bible Reading Plan
10 Reasons to Read the Bible Every Day
Why Is Reading the Bible So Important?
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
~Psalm 1:1-2~
