From ancient scrolls to smartphones, the Bible continues to reach more people than any other book in history. This November, we celebrate Global Bible Month, a celebration of Scripture’s past, present, and future impact.
What Is Global Bible Month?
Global Bible Month is a worldwide celebration of the Bible taking place this November. It’s a chance for the global Church to come together, celebrate the Bible’s impact, and spread its message to the world.
Why Celebrate the Bible?
The Bible is a global book with a local impact. It’s not just an old book gathering dust on the shelf. It’s alive and relevant, and continues to change lives every day.
Right now, somewhere in the world:
- A teenager is opening the Bible App to find purpose.
- A grandmother is sharing wisdom from Scripture with her grandchild.
- A church in a remote village is listening to recently-translated Scripture in their heart language.
Global Bible Month celebrates these moments and countless others like them.
The Bible’s Impact Throughout History
The Bible is almost certainly the most translated, most read, and most quoted book in history.
The Bible’s story has left its mark on every corner of culture and continues to inspire today.
The Bible’s story has left its mark on every corner of culture and continues to inspire today. Laws, art, music, and literature have all been shaped by Scripture. But more than that, the Bible has brought hope, healing, and life change to people in every season of life.
The Bible’s Influence on Human Rights and Justice
In his widely read book on Western civilization, Tom Holland (the historian, not Spider-Man) argues that many ideas people often consider secular today, like human rights, equality, and care for the vulnerable, have deep roots in Christian teaching.
Even when modern advocates don’t acknowledge it, their visions of justice often flow from biblical foundations like:
- The Sermon on the Mount, a message of Jesus that introduced an upside-down perspective on what it means to live a meaningful life. Jesus invited His followers to pursue humility, mercy, and peacemaking, and His teaching continues to shape how people think about justice and morality.
- Humans being created in the image of God, the radical idea that every person has worth and dignity, regardless of status or background.
- Jesus dying on a cross, which redefined power, demonstrating that true strength lies in self-sacrifice.
These themes have inspired generations of reformers, activists, and ordinary believers to work toward a more compassionate and just world. Here are a few examples.
- Martin Luther King Jr. quoted the prophets, Jesus, and Paul as he called for justice and equality during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
- Abraham Lincoln used biblical imagery in speeches (like his second inaugural address) to frame the Civil War as a moral crisis.
- William Wilberforce drew on the Bible’s teaching about the value of every person as he fought to abolish the British slave trade.
- Mother Teresa lived out Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 (“whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”) in her life of service to people experiencing poverty.
- Florence Nightingale called nursing her God-given mission and quoted Scripture as she cared for sick and vulnerable people.
These are just a few voices from history that show us the impact of Scripture and how it can change our world for the better.
How Can I Celebrate Global Bible Month?
Celebrating Global Bible Month can be simple and personal, or it can be something you share with others. Here are a few ways to join in:
- Spend time in Scripture every day. Open your Bible or the Bible App and read a passage that speaks to you. If you need help getting started, try this simple Bible Plan about Jesus.
- Share the Bible’s impact. Post a favorite verse, share a story of how God’s Word has encouraged you, or invite a friend to read along with you.
- Support Bible access. Consider giving to organizations that translate and distribute Scripture around the world.
Why Global Bible Month Matters for the Church Today
The global Church has had its disagreements throughout history. But we can all agree that God’s Word is alive, it matters today, and it continues to transform lives all over the world.
It teaches us who God is, reminds us of His promises, and shows us how to love Him and others.
Global Bible Month offers us a chance to come together as one body and remember that the Bible is still our foundation.
Will You Celebrate With Us?
What about you? When was the last time you stopped to remember how the Bible has shaped your story?
How has it brought hope, pushed you to grow, or changed your life?
The Bible may be ancient, but it has a way of meeting us exactly where we are today. It’s still insisting that we’re loved by God, our lives have meaning, and we can make a difference.
This November, you’re invited to remember the past, present, and future impact of God’s Word.