SUNZ Adventure Magazine May 2014

Reading the Bible

PRAYERFULLY

Reading scripture in

COMMUNION with others

Connecting with a

Do you know what you are

READING? RESOURCES

RELATIONAL GOD FOR LIFE May 2014

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WELCOME The news has been interesting lately.

One of the headlines that I am sure you have noticed has been about the Bible in Schools programme in our schools.

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OMETIMES THIS HAS BEEN WIDENED to a debate about the place of religion in our education system and it is all very challenging. It’s a debate that is also raging in various Australian states so we are not alone. It is also a debate about words and their meanings.

At the heart of the discussion are questions about truth and who has the answers to life’s big questions, and where does the education system give space for students to explore these questions.

Of course no one can attempt to provide any answers or guidance in a completely neutral way so excluding one particular group sees another non-neutral voice take the place.

Acknowledging the different voices in the public spaces of our communities may be a healthy thing to do.

WHEN IT COMES TO TRUTH and its source, evangelicals have always insisted that the Bible is its supreme authority. There is God’s revelation of himself and the purpose of the world he has made.

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At the same time we Christians could admit that the Bible is a lot stranger than we give it credit for, and that is where we get tripped up when the Bible is presented in public.

THIS ISSUE OF ADVENTURE takes a look at the Bible and how it shapes us as people of the book. As we have reflected on this and with this current debate in the air I toyed with the idea of Scripture Union NZ adding a second verse to our key verse.

I would suggest it could be “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” 1 This is a time to reclaim and be confident in knowing and presenting that story to a world looking for answers.

Wayne Fraser, National Director 1 John 1: 14-17 (NRSV)

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MAY

CONTENTS Features 04

READING THE BIBLE PRAYERFULLY

By Colin Prentice

Interviews 09

WHAT’S YOUR MOST USEFUL BIBLE READING TIP?

Updates

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CROSS COUNTRY TO CHRIST

By Wayne Fraser

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OUR NEWS

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CHILDREN IMPACTED BY THE BIBLE

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LIGHT FOR THE PATH

By Hilary Hague

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CONNECTING WITH A RELATIONAL GOD

By Neville Bartley

12 READING SCRIPTURE IN

COMMUNION WITH OTHERS

By Colin Prentice

Children’s Ministry 13

WAY2GO MAGAZINE

Resources 24

RESOURCES FOR LIFE

By Sylvia Coulter

17 DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU

ARE READING?

By Wayne Fraser

May 2014

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Reading the Bible

PRAYERFULLY

By Colin Prentice - Former school principal, as well as a former CEO of World Vision NZ and former President of Scripture Union NZ

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OR OVER FIFTY YEARS I have read the bible using Scripture Union notes and methods. It’s been “living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword” as the writer of Hebrews says and it’s been my “daily bread”, as the title of SU’s bible reading guide is called.

It has nearly always been just the right word for me personally and it’s reproved, cautioned, inspired, guided, encouraged, consoled and sometimes nudged me to share with someone else.

AS I SHARE WAYS in which to read the bible from a “Prayerfully” interpretation, it is important to acknowledge the Holy Spirit as a key to understanding the bible.

Private: Try to be alone and in private.

Remove distractions and come quietly before our great God.

you and talk to you, so listen and see with eyes wide open for what He has for you today.

Rhema’s “Word for Today” puts it tellingly, “The Bible is God speaking to you”. There may be a character to identify with, a theme to think about, a promise to trust, a warning to heed or a strong element of guidance.

Yourself: Be yourself and don’t pretend; be aware of yourself and your emotions; bring yourself into the presence of God and tell Him how you are.

If you’re angry say so, or exuberant or uncertain or downhearted or adoring or whatever emotions you are experiencing – He already knows. It’s good to be honest in the presence of our Creator and Redeemer.

Reverent: Be separate and reverent before Almighty God, the creator of the Universe; be aware of your shortcomings but know you are embraced by God’s mercy.

Expectant: Be expectant about this time of meeting; He has revealed things to you before and so expect He will do so yet again. This is a special, blessed time with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to make the words come alive right now.

Awake: Be awake to God and His message; He is delighted to meet

Receptive: Be ready to receive what God has for you; it would be good to have

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FEATURE

a pencil or pen handy. What does this passage tell you about God, yourself and your situation? This is the King of Kings, the Ultimate Designer, the Good Shepherd and the one who knew you before you were born. He is ready to talk to you. His word is truth and for your good. Receive it, take notice of it and apply it.

Fix your eyes on Jesus: As Hebrews 12:2 says, our redeemer and friend is with you in this time of quiet. He is reaching

“It has nearly always been just the right word for me personally” out to you. He is knocking on the door of your heart but you are the one who has to open the door and let Him in. He will warm your heart just as the Risen Christ did as He opened the Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Unique: There is a unique message today in this passage just for you. It will be as if God has sent you a letter

and its here in the Word at this time as you read.

It is just for you in your situation.

It would be a great idea to keep a record of this message in a diary or journal and especially memorising a special verse that has really helped you.

Loving: May you feel God’s love from reading the passage and then think about how to show and share the love of Jesus with others today. Who are you called to share this love with today?

As the parable about the wise person who built on the rock in Matthew 7:24-27 teaches: don’t just hear the word, but put the words into practice. For if you are just hearers you will be like the one who built his house upon the sand which was washed away by the flood, whereas those who hear and put the words into practice have built their house upon the rock and that will endure forever.

MAYBE ALL OF THIS SOUNDS too complicated, but don’t let it stop you reading your bible. These are just ways, through years of reading the bible, that I have found I have approached the bible from a “Prayerfully” interpretation.

Don’t feel too overwhelmed when approaching the bible. Instead, use a good daily bible reading guide, open your heart humbly and prayerfully to God, take your bible and read expectantly.

“Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.”

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Cross Country to

CHRIST T

HE BIBLE USES MANY WORDS to talk about God and how he reveals himself to us, but the most essential way to understand how God interacts with us is to realise that Jesus is God’s key Word. It is possible to find a line in any of the Bible’s stories that leads to Jesus, or to go ‘cross country to Christ’.1 It has been said that there are two parts to scripture: the law which indicates the sickness, and the gospel which provides the remedy. Jesus is the remedy to the questions life raises about a broken world.

As we read the bible, it is the Holy Spirit leading us into this truth. We can say with confidence that it is possible to get to Jesus because we know that all prophecy and the story of redemption and re-creation, intersects in his person, breaking into history’s timeline, revealing a surprising ending to God’s story.

Exodus describes God’s plan for his people in some pretty exciting chapters.

God refused to reveal his glory to Moses but the curtain is finally pulled back in John 1:14 where, full of grace and truth, Jesus is named as the revelation of God’s glory.

THE PROSE OF PSALMS pits words like lying, fear, hatred, anger, despair, injustice, guilt, and pride against an active God who is protecting, showing mercy, helping, restoring, judging, and forgiving his people. Jesus brought light to the darkened minds of desperate followers with revelations about himself (Luke 24:13-35).

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ByWayne Fraser SUNZ National Director

The minor prophets are not named so because their message is insignificant, quite the opposite. Words shape images of a plumbline, a basket of ripe fruit, and a sieve, to illustrate the God of Justice. Images of hope take over, just as the image of the cross casts a shadow over us where the God of Mercy allows where love and justice to meet in the redemption of all creation.

Acts 15 recalls this restoration to resolve the question of Gentiles needing to become Jews on their way to becoming Christians. In those is the revelation that the cross opens the door to adoption into God’s family.

“JESUS IS GOD’S KEY WORD.” Jesus, the one who has come to bring life in all fullness (John 10), counters the vanity and emptiness of Ecclesiastes.

And Nehemiah records the people of God re-established in Jerusalem following their exile, a tense story of re discovery, rebuilding and fruitfulness. In the end though the people once again abandon their call and give in to failure setting the scene for the Jesus of Hebrews, “once for all”, “better”, and “much more”, to deal decisively with this endemic sin-problem.

JESUS IS THE FULCRUM and the fulfilment of the Bible story. In John’s revelation we know that the story ends with the putting right of all things, dependant only on the return of Jesus, the beginning and the end. Always, and in all ways, read with Jesus in view.

1 Phrase and idea borrowed from Paul Windsor with his permission

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CHILDREN IMPACTED

BY THE BIBLE

Check out these stories about children at Scripture Union’s SUPAkidz Camps. It is so encouraging to see the Bible impact the lives of these children.* Rawiri was a reluctant reader with a lot of things going on in his life so when he became a Christian and he was given a new Bible the leaders wondered how he would get on with it. He took it away and the next day he announced that he had already read all of 1 Corinthians 13 and 14. He loved his Bible. He took it to his birthday party. “Have you ever read the Bible?” he asked all of his relatives.

“You should. It contains all you need to know about life.” *The children’s names have been changed to protect their identity.

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CHILDREN IMPACTED

BY THE BIBLE contd.

“I am a fantastic fire lighter and I am going to show you how good I am,” said the leader. “I need some wood, paper and a lighter. And then I need my magic ingredient – water, lots of water!”

The children watched in awe as the leader poured water all over the fire and then leant forward to see what would happen as the match was lit and held to the wood.

Predictably …nothing. “Add more water,” cried the leader, and the campers poured another jug of water over the wood.

Still it wouldn’t light.

As the fire smouldered and smoked one boy was heard to say “That’s not a fire, that’s failing with style.” What an introduction to the Bible story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal to a fire lighting contest and what a demonstration that our God is strong and dependable.

The reading corner was full of kids sitting on cushions reading Bibles and atlases and Bible reference books, chatting with their leaders, asking questions and finding out more about how amazing the Bible really is. It was an awesome sight!

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We asked some of our SUNZ staff:

What's your most useful tip for reading the bible?

NEVILLE BARTLEY

National Youth Director

MAURICE ROBERTS

Office & Resources Administrator

I often come at it from a couple of different ways. First way is to have the frame of mind that you are reading a letter from a friend you haven’t seen for ages. The second frame of mind is to treat it as a document that I have just dug up and it is the first time anyone has ever read it. Finally, I try to disregard chapters, verses, headings etc. and just read it as I think it was probably written (if I think about reading a couple of chapters it creates a barrier and a boundary which makes it a task, not a joy).

• Have some form of reading guide that can provide some structure.

• Keep to the same time slot each day.

• Just keep at it – there will be periods when you don’t – but just start again.

• Keeping a journal is really encouraging when you look back and can see God at work.

WAYNE GOODCHILD North Island Camps Facilitator

HILARY HAGUE

Children and Families Ministry Director

Reading the Bible is reading the words and understanding the text and context, but it is also about reading behind the words to see what God is doing and saying to me through every part. I’ve discovered that the most important thing for this is an open heart and lots of prayer.

I love taking a story or character at a time, reading two verses and either visualise or modernise it i.e. putting it into a modern day scenario or comparison, then reading the next two verses and repeat.

This builds a picture in my mind, makes the story or characters relatable and gives the Holy Spirit an opportunity to speak at each step. Plus it’s fun, easy to do and great to do in a group or with teenagers.

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Interview continued:

PAUL DADD

Children & Families Worker

ANNETTE OSBORNE

Children and Families Worker

I can tend to be in a bit of rush so I have found it very helpful to take the time to read the Bible slowly. To read and stop when a verse, phrase or word grabs my attention. Then I like to spend time pondering and praying, and occasionally journaling (in the tradition of ‘Lectio Divina’). It has helped me to read the Bible without the pressure of gathering information but rather to listen to what God is saying to me through the words.

‘We read under the eye of God until the heart is touched and leaps to flame’ 6th Century Benedictine monk, Abbot Marmion.

ANDREW RAMSBOTTOM Children and Families Worker (Auckland)

Find a quiet place, before the day gets started, to read or mediate on a part of the Bible. Try and do it every day and use a system or method to do so. In other words have an intentional plan in place to read the Bible. Keep notes in the form of a journal.

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When reading the Bible, we can often fall into the trap of jumping straight to this question: ‘What does this say to me today?’ Of course God can speak directly to us through his word, but the Bible is not predominantly about us; it’s about God. Four very simple but profound questions to ponder when opening up the Bible from Wendy Strachan (International Children’s Ministry Coordinator for SU): What is God like? What does he do?

What does he want? What is it like to live with this God?

NIGEL WINDER

Southern Regional Director & Southland/Otago Children and Families Worker (Invercargill)

Put what I am reading into context.

I do this by: • Reading through a whole book first before breaking it down into chapters • Reading a commentary’s introduction to the book so I know who wrote it, to whom and why?

• Rereading what I read yesterday before reading today’s chapter for revision and connecting the chapters • Reflecting on what it means for me today in my context • Asking for God’s help to respond appropriately

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Connecting with a

RELATIONAL GOD

“Engaging with the Bible is engaging in a deep personal relationship with God.”

By Neville Bartley - SUNZ National Youth Director

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N A WORLD SOAKED IN KNOWLEDGE, where information is at your fingertips, where you can find an answer to anything on Google we have learnt to mistreat the Bible and miss out on one of its most precious reasons for existence.

Through the Bible we find a book that is not just a book of knowledge but a gateway to a relationship with its instigator. Yes the Bible, the Holy Scriptures, is not just a book of knowledge, it is not simply a manual for life, it is the pathway to an intimate relationship with God. TOO OFTEN I HEAR people say they struggle to read and understand the Bible, they just wish the information was easier to understand. That I think is where we have gone wrong.

To me the Bible is first and foremost a way to have a personal connection with God. I truly do believe that the use of chapters and paragraphs and terms like Bible study have turned the Bible into something of which it should not be.

God gave us the scriptures so that as we engage with them and as the Holy Spirit brings the words on the page to life for us we experience a close and personal relationship with God. Enveloping ourselves in the Bible should be like a young child curling up on their parent’s knee to be told a wonderful story. A story of life, full of mystery and intrigue, a story that

weaves lessons to be learned with joy, shock and wonderment.

IT PAINS ME to hear people talk of the Bible as just a book to obtain facts and knowledge on how to live a Christ-like life. We do the scriptures a disservice, we do ourselves a disservice and we do God a disservice to look at the Bible this way.

I see it this way, if your father had died when you were born but had prepared a book for you, to help you to come to know who he was, how loving he was, and how much he loves you, as well as sharing the mystery and wonderment of life, would you not want to read it daily? Why then would you not want to do the same with the Bible?

ENGAGING WITH THE BIBLE is engaging in a deep personal relationship with God that develops, deepens and blossoms through the enlightenment and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Don’t think of it just as a book to read, think of it as a date with a lover, a storytime with a parent, an opportunity to be intimate with our creator.

If we don’t actively engage with the Bible, we miss out on a deep personal relationship with our God. So read the Bible with abandonment, read it with expectation, and read it with joy.

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Reading scripture in

Ch ab

COMMUNION with others

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By Sylvia Coulter SUNZ Auckland Regional Director

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HEN ILL HEALTH kept Susan from church, the pastor came to conduct Holy Communion with her. “This is my body broken for you… this cup is the new covenant in my blood.”

The familiar words brought reassurance.

But of course, it wasn’t the same as participating with others, the people in her local church, folk from many places, old and young, and at various stages in their journey with God. LONG BEFORE MATHEW, MARK AND LUKE included the Last Supper in their gospels; Paul described it in a letter to the Corinthian church – and I Corinthians 11:23-26 is often read in communion services today.

But if we go back to verse 17, we discover Paul’s anger with this group because their divisions and lack of love made a mockery of the “Lord’s supper”.

And if we read on after verse 27 we find him urging them to “discern the body” and when they come together to eat to “wait for one another”.

By “discerning the body” he means the church, the “body of Christ”, the “sisters and brothers” who care enough to encourage and admonish one another.

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Communion celebrates our corporate life.

It’s not just between God and me.

WHEN IT COMES TO READING THE BIBLE, we gain much from regular individual times with God, but there are also great riches in reading with others (considering the audience in the past for which it was written for, as well as the church today in its many contexts).

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“Communion celebrates our corporate life. It’s not just between God and me.”

How for instance is the Corinthian passage read in places of affluence and of poverty, in churches where long-time disciples meet with folk on the fringes seeking grace and fearing they may not find it?

In chapter 10 Paul wrote: “we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf”. We can add that we all read the same scriptures well when enlightened by skilled commentators as well as our Spirit-inspired fellow Christians.

1 Other names for this celebration include Eucharist, Mass, Lord’s Supper, Breaking of Bread, Love Feast.

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Issue 46

Children’s ministry leaders are all about the story – God’s story.

We are the story keepers and it is our role to make the story live by helping our children find their own place in God’s story and live it out in their lives in ways that are meaningful and transformational.

But while it is true that the story of God’s love for us has remained constant throughout the history of our world, it is also true that each generation need to find ways to communicate his story in ways that are relevant for the times in which they live.

This generation has been deeply impacted by technology. It has shaped the way in which relationships are formed and maintained in our culture and it has many implications for the church and how we carry out the work of faith formation. We need to think carefully about what it means for the way we work with children but at the same time we also need to remember that technology is only the tool – God’s story is the focus and sharing his story will always need to be interactive and relational.

We asked the SUNZ Children and Families staff how they liked to use technology with children and this issue of the WAY2GO magazine has some of the ideas they came up with. Work out how you can use their ideas to encourage your children to engage with God and with the Bible. And if you’re not too sure what to do, find someone in your church to help you – that can be a great way to draw others into children’s ministry.

Welcom e to the WAY2G magazin O e. It’s full of ideas people w for ho work with child in their c ren hurches and loca commun l ities. Pull it out and pass it a round.

TECHNOLOGY May 2014

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Technology idea Raewyn’s latest favourite is SUPERBOOK. It’s a free download with a Bible as part of it. The Bible has an audio function so children can listen to it – that makes it great for listening in the car, and hyperlinks throughout the text of the Bible allow readers to click into relevant activities within the rest of the SUPERBOOK. It also has Bible profiles, games, photos, video clips, and a question and answer section. I have it on my new Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 tablet and I’m still exploring it!

Andrew says Google! It’s a good place to search for things to use in the ministry, but there is so much more to it. You can use forms to survey parents or take online registrations for an event - the forms will automatically put the information into a spreadsheet, or you can use a private calendar for your team and a public calendar so that parents know when things are happening.

And don’t forget YouTube and Photos – for sharing photos and videos of your events privately. This is only the start of what you can use and it’s all free!

He is risen Annette

Everywhere you look people are holding up smartphones or tablets to capture moments. Children too! They know how to work these devices and they know how to take photos.

Annette suggests we capture that by reading a Psalm with the children, then sending them out to photograph something that shows an important part for them or something God is saying to them through it. It’s a great way to help children process and reflect and you will be amazed at the diversity of images and the creativity this experience generates.

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– a photo capturing the joy

Nigel recommends Bible Gateway.

He has found it a particularly useful tool for comparing what different versions of the Bible say on the same passage.

And when he prepares talks, memory verses and PowerPoint slides it is easy to cut and paste Bible passages without having to type them up from scratch. It also lets readers find and compare passages based on keywords, phrases, or the reference. Check it out on www.biblegateway.com

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a good place e ministry, but can use forms registrations for atically put the or you can use m and a public parents know e happening. et YouTube and aring photos and events his is only the at you can use free!

Hilary has always been a fan of the Beginner’s Bible and their website is an excellent place for young children to play safe, free online games with their parents.

Children can check out their favourite Bible characters, test their memories, practice colouring, and challenge themselves. It’s a good way to have fun and learn at the same time.

Try them out at www.thebeginnersbible. com

capturing the joy of the resurrection taken by a 10 year old.

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Paul Sparking children’s imagination is vital in helping them journey into a Bible story and Paul thinks that movie making is a great way to do that.

All you need is a digital camera and that’s easy because most hand held communication devices now have high quality cameras. Add some characters - Lego figures or puppets are great, and an appropriate backdrop. Point the camera, move the figures and add in some dialogue to make your movie. Download onto a computer or just play it back on the recording device to let the children enjoy their creation. Making a movie has never been easier and what a fun and engaging way for children to retell and creatively explore a Bible story.

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Psalm 78:1-4 Take some time and reflect on what these words from Psalm 78:1-4 might mean for you.

My people, listen to my teaching. Pay attention to what I say. I will open my mouth and tell stories.

I will speak about things that were hidden.

They happened a long time ago.

We have heard about them and we know them.

Our people who lived before us have told us about them.

We won’t hide them from our children.

We will tell them to those who live after us.

We will tell them about what the Lord has done that is worthy of praise.

We will talk about his power and the wonderful things he has done.

New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) Copyright © 1996, 1998 by Biblica

in this issue Most of the pictures m our of WAY2GO are fro Camp. z Southland SUPAkid t SUPAkidz Find out more abou Camps and Clubs at www.sunz.org.nz

May 2014

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The church is changing and forming a new kind of culture - and children’s ministry must follow suit. This is a unique resource that explores children’s ministry in light of true spiritual formation and discipleship.

We have a free copy to give away. Ring us and mention WAY2GO. If you’re the third person to ring, you can have it!

If you miss out you can buy it for $29.99 and it is well worth owning. Check it out along with our other resources at www.sunz.org.nz or freephone us on 0508 423 836.

Our WAY2GO conferences are over for 2014 but SUNZ is still training churches across New Zealand! If you would like us to come and train you, contact us at way2go@sunz.org.nz You might like to think about one of these options:

WAY2GO FOCUSED

Children’s ministry training especially designed to focus on you and your church. We will come and run a training programme for your children’s ministry leaders in your church at a time that suits you. There will be inspirational teaching and we will explore lots of practical ideas together. You choose the workshops and provide the venue and morning tea and we will do the rest!

YOU’RE LOSING

US

growing kids and young peo ple with faith

Research shows half our church membership will probably leave in the next 15 years. We can come to you and lead a three hour workshop looking at how to turn this around and do faith formation well with your children and young people. This workshop is for children and youth workers, but it is also for pastors, senior leadership and parents as well because this is a worrying problem and it will take all of us working together to fix it.

sunz He rama tãu kupu ki õku wae

Scripture Union wants to work with your church to create opportunities for children and young people to discover and follow Jesus, grow as leaders, and influence the world. Contact us and let us know how we can help you.

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Scripture Union in New Zealand – PO Box 760, Wellington 6140 way2go@sunz.org.nz – 0508 423 836 – www.sunz.org.nz

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FEATURE

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ki õku wae

Do you know what you are

READING?

By Wayne Fraser SUNZ National Director

H

AVE YOU EVER been in a country quite different from your own and had a chance to watch the TV news or read a newspaper?

If you have you will recall how stories only make sense in proportion to certain information. Things like how much is known about local politics, the current affairs of the nation, the personalities of the times, maybe your familiarity with local language, even how much control or censorship there is on those doing the reporting and broadcasting.

Those pieces of information create the landscape we are looking at, we can call that the context. Context helps us to put individual pieces of information or stories together to be able to see a larger picture.

IN THIS BRIEF SPACE I want to describe how context is vital in reading the Bible well. It has three indispensable aspects. They are ‘making an attempt to understand the Bible as it was written’, ‘realising that everyone interprets as they read anything in different ways’, and ‘the influence on understanding by how the Bible is lived out’.

A good question to ask when reading the Bible is “What is the message of this text in its unique historical and literary setting?” What has shaped the way it was written?

It is about understanding something about the author’s intentions when they wrote what they did. Reading Paul’s letters for instance is a little like listening to one side of a phone call; you need to use imagination and other information to understand the whole conversation and its purpose.

A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE that I find intriguing is noticing that what I am reading didn’t happen in a vacuum but there were lots of other interesting local and world events happening at the same time. They shape the world Israel, Jesus, and his followers were living in and responding to.

It is about recognising that the words in the Bible actually come in different styles. That is like reading a newspaper, a novel, or a piece of poetry knowing that they each have a different purpose and style.

May 2014

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FEATURE

“A BIT LIKE ZOOMING OUT, FROM THE BIBLE ITSELF, TO THE READER, AND THEN THE BIGGER PICTURE OF THE WORLD WE LIVE IN.”

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This kind of knowledge is available to be discovered. God did not give us a library of secret knowledge and hidden meanings, the ordinary readers can enter this story.

IT MAY BE BOLD TO SAY THAT every reader is an interpreter because we don’t feel like that when we are reading. But when we encounter the words and images of the Bible it is what we bring to that experience that is influential.

Most textbooks will tell you all readers read through a grid, or through lens’ that are coloured by previous knowledge, personal experiences, expectations of what we want to find, maybe even our mood at the time.

It is almost impossible to be truly objective and free from these biases.

That is why reading in community rather than in isolation can be so helpful (soft accountability).

Other interpreters and contexts enrich understanding of what the Bible is saying.

For instance read some commentary on Bible passages written by people who live in very different cultures from you own and see what other perspectives can bring to understanding.

Ultimately we must not neglect to let scripture interpret scripture. Authentic understanding will always be consistent with the whole message of the Bible.

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ANOTHER REALLY GOOD QUESTION to ask as a reader is; “What ought we to be and what should we do on the basis of these words?” This is about living out the Bible by putting it into action.

Making application to our world helps us understand truth better and may deepen our faith. Putting revelation and understanding into practice always shapes our reflection and modifies what we know. Biblical understanding gives shape to practice and reflection on that practice creates the depth needed for real convictions to grow.

I HAVE A PICTURE BOOK that tells a fascinating story that starts with a rooster’s comb and ends up somewhere very different. It is called Zoom. What has

been described in this article has been a bit like zooming out, from the Bible itself, to the reader, and then the bigger picture of the world we live in.

Likewise with the Bible, there is a bigger picture or story to be discovered and seen. And that picture only makes sense when the surroundings are in view.

It is important to read the Bible as a whole.

That statement means that we believe the Bible is a story that hangs together with common threads, rather than being a jumble of disjointed bits and pieces from an alien culture. This gift of revelation from God is unique, originating in a context, with a message that speaks to many others.

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OUT& ABOUT

OUR NEWS

WAIKATO/BOP Graham Fullerton

NORTHLAND Sylvia Coulter

We work with churches – to help all ages share faith and life together. Andrew Ramsbottom and Annette Osborne went to the Waikato to help an all-age church camp who had Trinity as their weekend theme. The children’s visual centres on God who is “three in one”, and people inter-connected with him and one another.

We work with churches – to help them reach their communities. In December Andy Banks and Steve Adams went to the Far North to help a church prepare for their January YOUTHSERVE event.

The local paper celebrated the result with high praise for this Christian initiative.

20

We ran two successful surf camps over the summer: Grommet Surfari and Surfari. Many of these youth campers were first time surfers but they picked it up quickly and couldn’t get enough of it.

We were very blessed to be able to run the camp for a whole week giving the campers plenty of surf-time.

There’s something about the culture of surfing that draws people together. In the small discussion groups back at the camp, it was obvious how surfing brought all these unfamiliar young people together, making it comfortable for them to open up to each other. It led to meaningful discussion where the youth were able to ask profound and mature questions, and where God could be included in every conversation.

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OTAGO/SOUTHLAND Nigel Winder

CANTERBURY

Down south we celebrated a couple of full and very successful summer camps at Stewart Island and Te Anau.

Our teams did a great job of navigating some tricky and unpredictable weather, but the warmth of camp fellowship shone through and was the winner on the day.

Heather, Bronwyn, Rosie and myself waded through the camper and leader administration requirements for the summer camps and were encouraged by all the positive feedback that reminded us of the value of the end result; leaders and youth meeting God. The first of the WAY2Go Children’s Ministry Training Days was held in Mosgiel and was hugely appreciated by all those attending. We were grateful for such quality workshop trainers.

Ben Necklen

This summer I spent my time at the Te Anau Wind ‘n’ Water camp. We had an amazing week filled with action-packed activities.

God blessed us with great weather the entire week which was very surprising for us, but it meant the campers could have a great time out on the water. The camp was filled with boating, biscuiting, kayaking, windsurfing which the campers thoroughly enjoyed.

It was a full camp with over 25 campers, all getting along from day one. There was a great sense of friendship at the camp, which made for meaningful and valuable conversations when campers broke out into their small groups to study the bible.

May 2014

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THE

SUMMIT HOPE TO LIVE 2014 R E G I ST E R NOW

W

e are excited to have Joe Kapolyo as our keynote speaker at this year’s SUMMIT. Joe is originally from Zambia and serves as lead minister at Edmonton Baptist Church, London, a very multicultural faith community.

Previously he has been principal of All Nations Christian College, London, worked with the Scripture Union in Zambia, and served as pastor of churches in Zambia and Zimbabwe. He has also

The SUNZ AGM will be held between 4–5.30pm on Saturday 30th August.

been principal of the Theological College of Central Africa in Ndola in Zambia.

Joe has written The Human Condition, Christian Perspectives through African Eyes, and contributed to the African Bible Commentary. He is passionate about studying and opening God’s word. He enjoys playing the guitar. He loves football, especially his favourite team, Liverpool.

Joe and Anne have two grown up children, Patricia and Laura. Joe will lead us in exploring the New Testament book 1 Peter with its emphasis on living faithfully and authentically as followers of Christ, as hopeful strangers to this world. Joe brings unique insights from his African heritage to how the good news of the gospel confronts culture and provides real hope.

Also built into this weekend is the chance to participate in leadership development workshops that will provide skills for living and leading where you are, and to mix with friends old and new from around the SU community.

We look forward to having you join us so put these dates on your calendar and register for this great event on our website soon!

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LI G HT FOR TH E PATH Carl Douglas - Experienced SUPAkidz Camp Leader and member of SUNZ Board

T

HE WORLD WE LIVE IN values us for what we do. We’re valued as productive or effective in our workplaces, for our impact, for getting things done and making things happen.

Because we’re so used to being judged and valued (or condemned) in this way, we start to do it ourselves. Our sense of self, of who we are, becomes dominated by our doing.

Valuing ourselves based on our achievements even leaches into our Christian work, and we become so taken up with being productive or effective that we lose sight of Jesus amongst the thickets of events, programmes and relationships to manage.

And even further, this emphasis on doing soaks in so deeply that it begins to eat away at our confidence in our position with God. We worry that God will be angry with us for not working hard enough, or making the most of our opportunities he has given us.

IN MY CONVERSATION WITH GOD in recent months I’ve been challenged about this. If we believe, as we often profess, that we’re saved by grace, entirely independently of our own merits, entirely in the strength of God’s own hand, then this fear has no place in our lives.

The world may tell us endlessly that we’re efficient (or inefficient), but God tells us something entirely different – we are loved:

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us… There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.”

(1 John 4:16-18) IF WE ARE LOVED, there isn’t any fear of punishment left. God isn’t waiting around to punish you, or to let you fall on your face. All the mistakes you’ve made, and all the ones you’re going to make are already covered by God’s love.

God’s love for you isn’t based on your doing but your being. We need to push back against the world’s idea of us because God loves us, endlessly, personally, and has laid out a path of good works for us: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“God’s love isn’t based on your doing but your being” THERE ARE BEAUTIFUL, God-honouring acts waiting for you today, tomorrow, and in the future. They’re designed just for you, and you’ve been prepared for them since before you were born. The world tells you that you are what you do, and your value comes from your works. God tells us that we do because we are loved.

May 2014

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Resources to help you on your journey of faith, build your church, and reach your community.

To place an order please call us on 0508 423 836, order online at www.scriptureunion.org.nz/store or email resources@sunz.org.nz.

Things are a changing

24

B

y the middle of the year we will have opened a dedicated Resource Centre at our Wellington offices – 9a Oxford Street, Newtown. The aim behind this is to expand our range of resources so we can better equip churches, families and individuals. Our hope is that it will be a place where people can come and browse over a coffee and, if they have booked ahead met with staff from our Children & Families & Youth areas to discuss suitable resources.

Also make sure you check out our online store at: www.sunz.org.nz for a great range of new titles. Plus most of our current titles (Scripture Union published) have experienced a reduction (you read that right!) in price due to better purchasing arrangements.

Also watch out for the next edition of our dated Bible reading guides for the July – September quarter (Encounter with God, Closer to God, and Daily Bread) which will be proudly printed in New Zealand for the first time, meaning we will be able to arrange for a more timely distribution of the guides each quarter. We can also add some local content to keep subscribers informed and help promote our work.

We are also working on digital platforms for some of the Guides and hope to have news on that before the end of the year.

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WAY2GO PROMO

RRP $19.99 $16.99

RRP $32.99 $27.99 (A4 Hard Cover)

STAFF REVIEW

These wonderful books were featured as part of this year’s Way2Go training held around the country. So while stocks last they are available at these special prices valid until 30 June 2014.

For each edition of Adventure from now on, there will be a book review by one of our staff of one of the new titles, we have added to our range recently (sometimes these will be on special to encourage you to grab one). This month we are featuring the Action Bible (reviewed by Hilary Hague, National Children & Family Ministry Leader): “The Action Bible is the best graphic version of the Bible I have ever seen.

It’s well written text and dramatic images are aimed at older boys and teenagers, but wherever I take it, people of all ages pull it out of my hands and start to read it. It includes more than 200 narratives in chronological order and is a great way to follow the Bible’s flow and understand how God’s divine plan works out throughout history.

It is available from SUNZ for $39.99 and I thoroughly recommend it.”

RRP $39.99 $33.99 (until 30/06/14)

Hilary Hague Team leader, Children and Families May 2014

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SEED & THE SOIL As the “Seed and the Soil” by Pauline Hoggarth is our reference source for the material in this edition of Adventure, it seemed appropriate that we offer a special price to our readers. The book explores the power of the Bible that brings about God’s transforming and liberating purposes, as well as its power as an often oppressively misused text. Characterised by a wide variety of storytelling, this book is accessible to all that read it.

Also of interest is that the consulting editor is Joe Kapolyo who is the guest speaker at “The Summit” in Wellington in late August 2014.

RRP $24.99 $17.95 (until 30/06/14)

DAILY DEVOTIONALS BIBLE READINGS FOR JUL–SEP 2014

ily ead

JULY AUGUST SEPTEM BER 2 0 1 4

Book orders

to God

I would like to order the resources featured in this issue.

Life

6,17

‘I want to know OnChrist the –road yes, to know the power

Reflecting of his resurrection and participation in his

Stick with sufferings, becoming like

8,19

him in his death …’

0,21

(NIV)

Title with Jesus

Qty Price ’Tricia Williams

Bruce Dutton

it!

Terry Clutterham

How to be great

Philippians 3:10

Daily Bread

The ideal guide for the thinking Christian who wants to interpret to God and apply the whole Bible in a way that is relevant to the issues word Spirit life of today’s world

is for anyone who longs to hear God’s voice in today’s noisy world. If you believe or hope that God speaks to ordinary people – loving, freeing, changing

EncounterWhy with isJames about insight me,God God? Leach on Job and maturity of outlook: The pressure cooker Sarah Wynter on Matthew

and healing them – then Closer to God is for you.

Phil Andrews

Providing informed comment from an international team of writers Living in the meanwhile Katy Holbird on Philippians Inspiring readers to explore the wonder of the gospel Encouraging thoughtful application to contemporary society

Words for Life

There’s a Bible reading for every day of the week, but

Who does he think he is?

Ali Walton

es 10–29

Delighting God’s heart

David Bracewell

1,22

Tricks and traps

Wendy Virgo

Not on our terms

Mike Archer

Partners in the gospel

Anthony Billington

1,2

to God

Total

on suffering

each weekly section is designed so that if you miss a couple of days you still won’t get behind. There’s lots to help with prayer, praise and reflection too.

Find more resources at www.WordLive.org

£

P&P (below)

£

Total

£

e at www.scriptureunion.org.uk/bible

BIBLE READINGS FOR JULY–SEPTEMBER 2014

‘Closer to God can help stir your passion for hearing

Subtotal

MATTHEW 16,17

God speak through his Word and by his Spirit in ways that will change your life…’

JOB 1 TIMOTHY

Mike Pilavachi, Director, Soul Survivor

MATTHEW 18:1 – 21:27

emory stick and DAISY CD in the UK and Eire for the sole use of those with Please enter the total price of your order in the ‘Order total’ section al impairment worse than N12, or who are registered blind. For details please on the form overleaf. ct Torch Trust for the Blind, Torch House, Torch Way, Northampton Road, Market rough, Leics LE16 9HL Tel: 01858 438 260 Email: info@torchtrust.org www.torchtrust.org Postage and packing costs

e type format

Order value UK Under £1.50 Braille version please contact Torch Trust for the £7.00 Blind (see above for ct details) £7.00 to £11.99 £2.50 £12.00 to £24.99 Free recycle Daily Bread £25 and over Free

Europe £2.50 £3.75 £5.00 20% of order value

Rest of world £3.50 £5.50 £7.50 30% of order value

9 UK

MATTHEW 21:28 – 22:46 AMOS PHILIPPIANS 1,2

Price £3.99 UK

The Bible guide for every day

207–209 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2EB Scripture Union is a member of the worldwide Scripture Union International community. For general enquiries phone 01908 856 000

Jan–Mar2014 20121 Jul–Sep

Colin Sinclair Emlyn and ’Tricia Williams Grace Thomlinson Ray Porter Ernest Lucas Fiona Barnard

362914 014030

Mike Hawthorne Terry Clutterhamon onGenesis 1 Timothy

Enough is enough

1 CHRONICLES JOB AMOS PHILIPPIANS 1 TIMOTHY

www.scriptureunion.org.uk

Penny Boshoff on Jonah Tricks and traps & Nahum Wendy Virgo on Matthew

207–209 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2EB

207–209 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2EB Scripture Union is a member of the worldwide Scripture Union International community. For general enquiries phone 01908 856 000 Please recycle Closer to God

Bring it on!on suffering Reflecting David Tolputt Mark Bruce Dutton on Job

1 23/10/2013 14:06

For general enquiries phone 01908 856 000

350513 014032

PRICE £3.99 UK EWG JS14

EWG JS14.indd 1-2

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Vivien Whitfield

God’swith great Stick it!plan www.scriptureunion.org.uk Closer to God Jul–Sept 2014

union.org.uk y–September 14

9 014032

1 CHRONICLES 10–29

Emmanuel Oladipo

Scripture Union is a member of the worldwide Scripture Union International community

‘CREATIVE BIBLE ENGAGEMENT’ ‘THE FACT IS THAT SCRIPTURE UNION IS INTERNATIONAL, WITH MORE THAN 130 NATIONAL MOVEMENTS AT THE LAST COUNT’

PLEASE RECYCLE ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

13/11/2013 10:02

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Be sure to visit www.sunz.org.nz and see some of the new exciting range available – here is just a taste‌.

May 2014

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THE

SUMMIT HOPE TO LIVE 2014 R EGIST E R NOW

STAY IN THE LOOP ‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com/sunz.nz FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

@newzealandsu VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.sunz.org.nz SUNZ is a member of the Scripture Union International Family

PO BOX 760, Wellington 6140 - 0508 423 836 - info@sunz.org.nz He rama tau kupu ki oku wae Your word is a lamp to my feet. Psalm 119:105 28

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