4 Principles to Deepen How You Read Scripture

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4 Foundational Principles for Reading the Bible as Literature by Dr. Bill Creasy For many years I taught a popular course on The English Bible as Literature at UCLA. That means reading the Bible not as an anthology of ancient writings but as an intentional unity. The Bible has a beginning (Genesis, creation), a middle (Exodus through Jude), and an end (Revelation, a new creation), and it has a clear overarching structure and narrative shape. Its main character is God, its conflict is sin, and its theme is redemption. But truly understanding the Bible as a unified story requires building a literary study of Scripture on four foundational principles. Read More Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news August 6 — Jewish sages in Late Antiquity actively engaged in the Roman-Byzantine wine industry, shaping halachic rulings to align with agricultural practices. A study from the University of Haifa revealed that vineyard spacing mandated by sages mirrored Classical-era vineyards in Italy and France. The researchers used rabbinic texts and archaeological evidence to highlight the sages' practical knowledge of viticulture and their efforts to harmonize divine law with economic and environmental realities. (Jerusalem Post) August 7 — Militant Islamist groups in Africa have caused over 22,000 deaths in the past year alone, with Christians being primary targets. The Sahel region, Somalia, and the Lake Chad Basin account for 99% of fatalities, driven by groups like Al Shabaab and JNIM. Political instability and restricted media access exacerbate the violence, with militant groups controlling vast territories. (Christianity Daily) August 8 — Archaeologists uncovered a carved ivory head, less than an inch tall, in Jerusalem's City of David, dating to Iron Age II (1000–586 BC). The unusual artifact, likely used to decorate furniture, depicts a woman with an Egyptian-style wig and headband. Found in a seventh-century BC layer, it may predate Judah's Assyrian vassalage, offering intriguing hints about early cultural and economic exchanges in the Near East. (Biblical Archaeology Review) See All News Access an additional $3,100 worth of resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 7 days Start Your Free Trial Look at the Book: Jude [Infographic] Traditionally attributed to Jesus' brother, Jude's letter urges believers to hold fast to truth in preparation for Christ's return. Here's your quick reference guide to the letter, including summary, key verse, important info, and reading guides. LEARN MORE ► In Case You Missed It Finding the Water of Life: A Commentary on John 4 The extraordinary woman we meet in chapter four of the Gospel of John has forty-two verses devoted to her tale (John 4:1-42). For a Gospel writer such as John to dedicate such a significant portion of his book to this single episode suggests the lessons it contains are supremely important. Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman is remarkable simply because of the fact it happened. At that time, Jewish rabbis taught, "Let no man eat the bread of the Samaritans," and, "Let no one talk with a woman in the street, no, not with his own wife." Jesus broke both of those social norms in speaking with the Samaritan woman. Read More 23 Bible Verses About Anxiety We live in an age of anxiety. From large-scale concerns like natural disasters, political turmoil, and economic uncertainty to personal issues around technology, social media, health, and relationships, we are surrounded daily by more things to worry about than we have time to address. If you're experiencing anxiety, rest assured that God is with you, and he knows your heart. Jesus himself experienced anxiety (Mt 26:37-38, Mk 14:33-34). Bring your stress, fear, and anxiety to God, and he will help you. Read More Must-Have Resources Tame Your Thoughts When was the last time you awakened to a swirl of out-of-control thoughts? Perhaps you were overwhelmed with the weight of worry, the fear of failing, or the grip of guilt. The way we think directly impacts our joy and peace. In Tame Your Thoughts, Max Lucado provides three biblical and practical tools to renew your mind and transform your life. $19.49 35% OFF Shop Now Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children As parents of adult children, we often worry about whether our children will make good choices when they're on their own. Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children provides you with biblically based prayers and encouraging stories to guide you as you pray for your adult children through anything they face.   $11.99 40% OFF Shop Now More Ways to Engage 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. Sign Up Now 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.    ChurchSource Semi-Annual Sale Want to bless your church and share God's love? During the ChurchSource Semi-Annual Sale, save up to 50% on Bibles in bulk and outreach resources. It's a meaningful way to give back and spread the gospel. Shop now! Shop Now VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER  ►   *All prices are USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The 7-day free trial is available to new subscribers only.    *Sale price ends on 8/31/25. Limited quantities available.  Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks.  Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii.   *Semi-Annual Sale pricing valid on select products from August 4th, 2025, through September 15th, 2025 until 11:59pm CST, or while supplies last. Excludes digital products and pre-orders. Free shipping on order $35+ (excludes AK & HI). 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Limited quantities available.  Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks.  Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii.   *Semi-Annual Sale pricing valid on select products from August 4th, 2025, through September 15th, 2025 until 11:59pm CST, or while supplies last. Excludes digital products and pre-orders. Free shipping on order $35+ (excludes AK & HI). Receive free standard ground shipping on non-rush orders of $35 or more, valid within the 48 continental United States or to an FPO/APO address; offer does not apply to Alaska, Hawaii, the U.S. Territories, rush orders, or expedited shipping methods.    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. 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