It is thrilling that to mark the reopening of the National Library in Wellington, the Turnbull Gallery, will present some of the most impressive exhibits from its Bible collection, recognising the 400th anniversary, last year, of the first publication of the King James Bible.

How significant that the Bible should be presented, centre stage, in our National Library.

Alongside this there is the news brief (page 4) reporting the 100 millionth copy of the Bible, printed in China. But more than just a news brief in Challenge, it is reported in big headlines in Chinese newspapers.

Early this morning, there was a knock on my window. A friend was returning from China and on his way home from the airport brought me a copy of the English version China Daily. Alongside the enthusiastic reports on the state of the nation coming out of the 18th National Congress there was a major story with the heading, “100 millionth Bible printed.”

Who would have imagined China becoming the biggest publisher of the Bible, which the Chairman of the printing company described as “the holy book”?

Gou Wei, spokeswoman for the State administration for religious affairs, speaking at a ceremony to mark the unveiling of the 100th millionth copy said, “The Chinese Government respects and protects religious freedom and will continue to support printing and publishing the Bible in China. China encourages further cooperation between Chinese and overseas churches and Christian circles”.

While being a committed Christian never comes without a cost, and China is no exception, we can be encouraged by the invitation extended to partner with Christians in China. My friend returning today told of the open door he experiences in his ministry with students, each time he visits.

But more significant are the Bibles that will continue to roll off the presses in Nanjing for distribution in China and worldwide. Each of these powerful missiles offers peace, hope and salvation to all who read them, which is so different from the missiles being exchanged in places like the Middle East, seeking to intimidate and impose a “peaceful” solution. The Holy Spirit of God uses the Bible to expose us for who we really are. He uncovers what we think, our innermost motives and offers the power to change.

To discover who God is and enter into a personal relationship with him is just the beginning. From there the Holy Spirit uses the Bible to lead us on our daily journey. Every time I read the Bible, not to just see what it says but to see what it is saying to me, I am refreshed, enriched, inspired and find direction in all I do. What an unbelievable difference it makes.