If you're anything like me, it's easy to set high expectations when it comes to setting a new goal. Especially with something like Bible reading, it can be both exciting and intimidating!
Without some kind of guide, it's so easy to lose your way. That's why solid Bible study tools are so important. They give you a path to follow, helping you get the most out of your quiet time with God and understand how all those different stories fit together into one great story.
With so many choices in the Bible study market, this article will help you sort through the many options with curated recommendations depending on your needs. |
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Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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December 12 — Archaeologists in Iznik, Turkey, have uncovered a rare 3rd-century fresco of Jesus as the "Good Shepherd" in a Roman tomb. Depicting a youthful, clean-shaven Jesus in a toga carrying a goat, the fresco reflects early Christian symbolism of protection and salvation before the cross became Christianity's universal symbol. Found in Hisardere village, the artwork is one of Anatolia's best-preserved early Christian depictions. The tomb also features bird and plant motifs, noble portraits, and remains of five individuals. (AP) |
| December 13 — The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) released a report on Gen Z's spiritual priorities, highlighting their preference for short, authentic faith content. Growing up in a digital world, Gen Z values personal identity, intercultural respect, and mental health support. While open to spiritual change, they require guidance to navigate the flood of information and translate knowledge into a personal encounter with Christ, providing an opportunities and challenges for ministries. (Christian Today) |
| December 13 — For the first time since the 2019 fire, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has unveiled a nativity scene, following the completion of its restoration one year ago. The Provençal-style crèche features over 50 hand-crafted figurines, including villagers, shepherds, and musicians, surrounding the Holy Family. On display through February 2, 2026, the scene invites visitors to reflect on hope and renewal, symbolizing the cathedral's resilience. (Aleteia) |
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Feel like you need a seminary degree just to understand your Bible? Bible Gateway Plus is here to help (and save you from endless Google searches). With access to 30 study Bibles, 13+ commentaries, six dictionaries, and so much more, you'll have everything you need to go deeper—without the student loans. Unlock ad-free access to trusted resources that answer your toughest theological questions—wherever you are. for 7 days! After that, enjoy it for as little as $4.17/month—cheaper than the latte you'll sip while studying. |
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The Christmas season is a time for reflection, joy, and celebration. It's also a time of patience, yearning, and expectation. As we wait for Jesus to enter the world — and then rejoice in peace and exultation when he inevitably does — it gives us an opportunity to enter into the Bible story and experience it for ourselves. We re-experience the long, hopeful, sometimes desperate wait that God's people had to endure before Christ was finally, blessedly born to us on that night in Bethlehem.
As you enter into this time of waiting and celebration, here are Bible verses you can read, study, and reflect on — whether quietly to yourself or together as a family. |
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The journey to Bethlehem wasn't an easy day trip for the wise men, the magi who came from another part of the Ancient Near East (Matthew 2:1-12). Their pilgrimage to visit the young Jewish King was long and probably arduous.
Why would they embark on such an expensive and challenging expedition? Why this particular birth? How would know a child was coming? And why would it be so meaningful that they would bear such expensive gifts?
Let's begin by understanding who the wise men were: priestly astrologers who gave counsel to the kings of Persia and Babylon. They came from Babylon, which is modern-day Iraq, east of Israel. This fact is a crucial key to revealing the significance of their visit. |
| The Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) Annual Meeting is the world's largest conference for biblical scholarship, drawing an estimated 10,000 attendees every year.
I recently had the privilege of attending this year's meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, November 22-25, 2025. It was an incredible (and exhausting) whirlwind of information, authors and academics, and discounted books, and I'm excited to share some of what I discovered with Bible Gateway readers. |
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Step into each day with gentle encouragement that reminds you God is near and His grace is enough for every moment. With Scripture, uplifting reflections, and space to write your prayers and thoughts, this devotional by Max Lucado helps you rest in God's care and grow in trust as He meets you right where you are. Receive a FREE "Start the New Year in the Word" resource kit with each purchase. Included are a year-long Bible reading plan, a 7-day devotional, and a prayer resource. |
| 365 Devotions for a Thankful Heart |
Notice God's goodness in places you may have overlooked. Each day's devotional invites you to slow down, reflect on Scripture, and cultivate a grateful heart that draws you closer to Him. As gratitude grows, joy follows, and your walk with God becomes richer and steadier. With each purchase, receive a FREE "Start the New Year in the Word" resource kit, which includes a year-long Bible reading plan, a 7-day devotional, and a prayer resource. |
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Devotionals and Reading Plans Sign up to get daily inspiration, biblical themes, and guided studies that allow you to engage with Scripture in a meaningful and practical way. |
| Bible Gateway App Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere. | | Bible Audio App Listen to God's word in your favorite narration. Enjoy features such as setting a timer, adjusting the speed, or repeating verses to better absorb the Word of God. |
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| Save up to 60% on faith-building books, journals, Bibles, and devotionals-- perfect for getting the new year started! Plus, get a FREE "Start the New Year in the Word" Resource Kit with every purchase. |
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*All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 12/29/25 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
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*The Bible Gateway Plus sale is valid through December 8, 2025. All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 12/09/25 at 11:59pm CST. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free U.S standard shipping thru 12/09/25 at 11:59pm, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *FaithGateway sale price ends on 12/29/25 at 11:59 PM. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. This email was sent to alitealbum.biblegateway@blogger.com by Bible Gateway, 501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214, USA. You received this message because you signed up to receive updates and offers from Bible Gateway and its sponsors. If you have questions or comments about
this email, please contact us. VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER ► Manage all Bible Gateway subscriptions Opt Out of all Bible Gateway communication |
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