Return to The Book

During my early years as a follower of Jesus (between 1968-72), I settled one of the biggest questions of life: What will be my authority for truth and goodness?” 

Answer: The Bible (The Book)

It became my moral compass for living, the only absolute source of wisdom about God and reality. Today you might liken the Bible to a GPS for a successful life and eternity.

And following the recent election, Bibles are flying off the shelves.

Is it your “Book of books?”

Return to the Book

Nothing in all the world compares to the truthful beauty of the Bible–a library of 66 books written by some 40 authors over nearly 2000 years. No wonder it’s the world’s biggest seller year after year.

Right now it is flying off the shelves.

Gary Randall shares this good news in “Why Are Bible Sails Soaring?”

God’s truth is reaching new eyes, with Bibles reportedly flying off the shelves this year.
In fact, Bible sales are up 22% through the end of October when compared to last year’s sales during the same time period, making for “a golden age of Bible publishing,” according to The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. print book sales were up less than 1% during that same period, meaning the Bible’s growth in sales far outpaced what was happening more generally in the publishing industry. What’s going on?

The Wall Street Journal says, “Sales of Bibles Are Booming, Fueled by First-Time Buyers and New Versions.”

Publishers attribute a 22% jump in Bible sales this year to rising anxiety, a search for hope, or highly focused marketing and designs. WSJ says, “Hallelujah! Bibles are a bright spot in books this year.”

They conclude that the reason is “because of worries about the economy, conflicts abroad and uncertainty over the election pushed readers toward the publication in droves.”

The WSJ crunched the numbers and found Bible sales increased from 9.7 million in 2019 to 14.2 million in 2023. In the first 10 months of 2024, 13.7 million copies were sold, with still two months left to count.

So, why the increase, you ask? Chaos and uncertainty in the world, among other factors, could be turning people back to the Lord.

“People are experiencing anxiety themselves, or they’re worried for their children and grandchildren,” Jeff Crosby, president of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, told the WSJ. “It’s related to artificial intelligence, election cycles…and all of that feeds a desire for assurance that we’re going to be OK.”

One bookstore manager said she’s seeing many first-time buyers come in looking for the Scriptures — people she said are on a quest for “hope.”

Young people, in particular, could be looking for answers to some of life’s tough questions, especially as cultural confusion grows. And with new editions and versions of the Bible hitting the market, there are more options than ever for these individuals to engage in Scripture.

I would add that all new versions do not accurately communicate what God’s Word is actually saying.

The WSJ mentions some other potential reasons for the increase, such as celebrities speaking out about faith and influencers on YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms sharing their beliefs with new audiences.
Many athletes, particularly professional and college football players, share their personal testimonies each time they have the opportunity with the tens of millions of Americans who follow sports, particularly football.

As Faithwire reported in 2023, research backs the idea young people have a growing curiosity about faith. The “State of the Bible 2023” report released at the time did reveal a steady decline among young people engaging with Scripture. Yet, 44% of Gen Z adults between the ages of 18-26 were either very or extremely curious about Jesus and/or the Bible.

This significant increase in Bible sales is being discussed not only by a few national and international news organizations but also by local news organizations.

For example, Kentucky Today suggests that “the surge may be due to an increase in anxiety, uncertainty about the future, and a search for hope.” Tomi Lahren said on Fox News Radio, “Bible Sales are Booming!” Does this mean America is having a true “come to Jesus moment?”

Goods are still far too expensive in Joe Biden’s economy but there is one thing the American people are willing to drop some dollars on, Bibles! So, what accounts for this sudden interest in God’s holy Word? She says one aspect could be social media influencers who are taking to their various platforms to declare their newfound or newly resurrected interest in the Bible, its stories, and faith as a whole.

Lahren concludes, “But perhaps this spike in sales will give way to a new generation of godliness, love, and light,” adding, “Lord knows we need it!”

I believe we are on the threshold of a great revival—a spiritual renewal in America. This is one of several signs we are seeing.

Biblical churches should pray about how God would lead them in sharing the Gospel with the unchurched, unsaved in their communities. As individuals, we should be paying attention to the opportunities the Lord gives us to share our own testimony of faith with family, friends, and acquaintances.

Cheryl Chumley also wrote an excellent article about this renewed interest in the Bible. 

Here are a few of her points: 

• The good news is President-elect Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris and Republicans won majorities in both the House and Senate and that means the adults are poised to enter positions of influence and leadership in the new year.
• The better news is Bible sales in America are booming.
• People are anxious; people are worried; people are wondering what’s going on — and rather than relying totally on government to solve their problems and salvage their futures and save their families, they’re turning to the true source of provision for solace and answer: God. That’s fantastic. And in this nation in particular, that’s the place to look. Why?
• The Founding Fathers provided a formula for long-lasting liberty that was rooted in individualism and reliant on a model of self-governance. But, as they warned, self-government is only sustainable when the people are moral and virtuous enough to restrain their fleshly, secular and oft-wicked desires.

That’s where the Bible comes in as our GPS for wisdom and virtue.

I’ve been reading the Bible from cover-to-cover each year since 1972. That’s 4-5 chapters a day and takes about twenty minutes. This morning I marveled at Daniel’s amazing historical visions in chapters 11-12, the incredible words of wisdom on speech and sex in Proverbs 5, and Jesus intimately talking to his disciples in John 16 about sending the “Helper” (Holy Spirit). 

Daily Bible reading is like a fresh shower of of truth each morning that warms and cleans you and makes you ready for the day. I’ve used the YWAM Prayer Diary for decades to both organize my prayer life and reading God’s Word.

I use a new Bible translation each year to get a fresh look at various verses. That’s like looking at a large, sparkling, diamond from many different angles. This year I used one of the more modern Bible translations–The Message–by Eugene Peterson (2005). Fantastic. In 2025 I am choosing the Geneva Bible–the one the Pilgrims used (updated of course).

It was first published in 1599. (How’s that for variety?)

I can’t wait.

Keep praying for the Bible explosion in the USA and around the world. It’s God love letter and principles for living for all people. 

Make the Bible your Book of books.

That’s a decision you will never regret in all eternity.