The Bible and UK Culture:  Returning to the Word of God

Personal Reflection That Sparked the MessageDuring an early morning beach walk and prayer time, I noticed a young woman ahead. Feeling a prompting to engage, I refrained from approaching directly but walked by while reading my Bible. On the return walk, she removed her headphones and asked, “I saw you reading the Bible—are you a Christian?”

I replied, “I love Jesus and serve Him as a pastor.” That led to a heartfelt exchange. She shared her love for Jesus, desire to serve in missions, and we ended in prayer. She was just 16 years old. A few days later, I had a dream in which suited men spoke to me about the British majority. We were at an outreach table, and members of our church began arriving. The message was clear: the UK needs to be reminded of its Christian roots, rooted in the Word of God.A Biblical Parallel: King Josiah’s RevivalIn 2 Kings 22–23, King Josiah discovered the forgotten Book of the Law during temple repairs. When he heard the words, he tore his clothes in sorrow, realising the nation had turned away from God. The prophetess Huldah confirmed judgment was coming but promised peace to Josiah because of his humble response. “Then the king went up to the house of the Lord with all the people… and he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant.” — 2 Kings 23:2Application for Today:Like Josiah’s time, many today benefit from Christian foundations but have forgotten their source. It’s time for a resurgence of the Bible—placing it back in the hearts of the people.

Foundations of the UK Built on the Bible

Education & Literacy

• 1382: John Wycliffe’s English Bible—first full Bible in English (hand-copied)
• 1517: Protestant Reformation begins, emphasizing that all should read the Bible in their own language
• 1526: William Tyndale’s printed New Testament from Greek
• 1539: The Great Bible—first English Bible authorised for public use by King Henry VIII1696: Scotland’s Education Act mandated parish schools to teach reading, driven by the need to read Scripture
• 1780s: Robert Raikes founded Sunday Schools to teach poor children to read using the Bible

Literacy became a moral duty