Most of us don't actually read the Bible.
Sure, we might read the "Verse of the Day" or follow along with a devotional or even review our notes from last Sunday's sermon, but when it really comes down to reading it like a book, we fall flat.
We know we're supposed to read the Bible. We even want to read it. But a lot of the time it gets pushed to the side with our busy schedules and we chalk it up to "reading it one day." As if it's only a history book that doesn't offer insight into our current situations.
But the problem is much deeper than poor time management and the busyness of life. It's how we have been taught to interact with Scripture. |
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| Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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December 16 — Nicaragua has banned travelers from bringing Bibles into the country, along with other books and items like cameras and drones. This policy, quietly enforced for over six months, is part of a broader crackdown on religious freedom under President Daniel Ortega's regime. Since 2018, over 5,000 civil organizations, including 1,300 religious groups, have been shut down. Churches, often critical of the government, face surveillance, service cancellations, and clergy detentions. (Christianity Daily) |
| December 17 — Myanmar's military junta has ordered Christians in Kachin State to celebrate Christmas early, mandating that festivities conclude by December 20 to avoid overlapping with elections on December 28. The decree sparked outrage and lamentation among locals, who note that violations could lead to arrests or charges of rebellion. The Christian community in Myanmar already faces significant repression, including the forced conscription of religious leaders and restrictions on worship. (Christian Today) |
| December 17 — Recent profiles of Handel's Messiah and the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" show how both emerged from times of deep societal division and personal grief. Messiah, composed in England during an era of political unrest and personal struggles, reflects themes of redemption and comfort, while "O Little Town of Bethlehem," written after the American Civil War, channels the author's mourning into a call for faith and peace. Both remind us that beauty and hope can arise even amid despair. (Christianity Today, RNS) |
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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. |
| 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 they 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. |
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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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