The research, conducted by the US based 'Center for Bible Engagement', used multiple measures of spiritual growth including moral behaviour, emotional struggles, proactively living out the Christian faith and self-perceived growth.
"Our 'Live Light in 25 Words' campaign, set to run during October in over 2,000 churches, is aimed at encouraging people to read the Bible for a month and then create a lifelong habit," said Bible Society Australia's Chris Melville, Programme and Campaigns Manager.
"The results from this extensive research shows what an impact daily Bible reading can have on a person's spiritual growth," he said.
Key findings of the research include:
- If a person engages the Bible four or more times a week, their odds of giving in to temptations significantly decrease.
- Receiving, reflecting on, and responding to God's Word four or more times a week decreases a person's odds of struggling with issues such as feeling bitter, thinking destructively about self or others and feeling discouraged.
- Engaging in scripture produces a more proactive faith among Christians.
- People who engage with scripture most days of the week are less likely to feel spiritually stagnant and to feel that they can't please God.
The 'Live Light in 25 Words' campaign is an invitation to Christians to make a fresh start on their Bible reading habit with just 25 words. It can grow from there. "When they do, they'll begin to experience more of what Jesus promises â€" to lighten the burdens we all carry," said Bible Society CEO, Greg Clarke.
Bible Society Australia has produced a range of resources to help churches and individuals start their daily Bible reading habit. All who register on-line will receive a daily e-mail with that day's reading, together with one or two questions.
"We're asking people to take just 10 minutes each day to read that verse and consider the questions – either by themselves, or with a friend. We pray that by doing this for a month, they will start the habit of a lifetime," said Chris Melville.
"The findings by the Center for Bible Engagement show what an impact a daily Bible reading habit can have in the life of a Christian," said Chris. "We're excited that over 2,000 churches and 2,700 individuals will be a part of this campaign during October," he said.
Registration for the campaign is FREE at: 25words.biblesociety.org.au