August 5, 2024
Officially more than halfway through 2024, Bible Society New Zealand (BSNZ) begin their Bible Month – throughout the month of July. This year, the theme is ‘The Bible is Truth’ – BSNZ Chief Executive Officer Neels Janse van Rensburg describes, “The Bible offers timeless truths that can guide us through life’s complexities.”
Janse van Rensburg shares that greater and more consistent Bible Engagement drives Bible Month in New Zealand, seeking to reverse a declining cultural trend:
“Our primary goal for Bible Month is encouraging New Zealanders to engage with the Bible actively. This could involve daily reading, joining a study group, or simply reflecting on scripture. We want to inspire a renewed interest in God’s word. Promoting the Bible as Truth: Aligning with our 2024 theme, “The Bible is Truth,” we aim to reinforce the Bible’s enduring wisdom and relevance in today’s world. Bible engagement has become quite problematic amongst Christians, with fewer daily readings and engagements with it or sharing with others, so all our initiatives are geared towards changing this downward trend.”
BSNZ’s Relationships Director, Steve McRobie appeared on a local Christian radio station in New Zealand and shared some of the intention behind the Bible Month theme.
*Note: Video is only available in English.
As part of the celebrations, a collection of digital and print resources has been created by the Bible Society, available online here. These materials are designed to help local ministries, families, and individuals engage with the Bible to discover the profound truths – the unwavering foundation that Scripture provides in a world filled with uncertainty. The resources include:
- 31-Day Calendar on Truth
- Comprised of the 31-Day Verses on Truth
- 31-Day Reflections on Truth Devotional
- In addition to the PDF, this devotional program can be accessed via YouVersion’s Bible App.
Throughout the month, the BSNZ team are reading from the devotional every day, filming it and posting on their social media pages to reflect the importance of engaging with scripture. The setting for this devotion changes daily to reflect that the Bible can be read anywhere, at any time. As an example of this, Janse van Rensburg shared the reflection for Day One from one of the BSNZ logistics centres.
*Note: Video is only available in English.
In addition to accessing these resources, there are a number of ways individuals and groups can encounter Bible Month. The BSNZ leadership have 26 speaking engagements – almost one a day – at different churches nationwide where they will advocate for Bible Mission during Bible Month and to encourage greater Bible Engagement. Among BSNZ’s Manna retail stores, customers are able to purchase almost any Bible at a 25% reduced price for the month of July – enabling people to purchase a Bible in a format that is better for them, or to buy a Bible for a friend or family member.
Janse van Rensburg sees Bible Month having a transformative impact on New Zealand culture:
“We hope that engaging with our theme of “the Bible is Truth”, will help build a bridge between the different cultural groups and perspectives and strengthen the Christian Community. Bible Month allows churches and individuals to come together in shared reflection and celebration of scripture, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.”
