What's the purpose of praying, fasting, solitude, giving, and all manner of what we might call good Christian practices?
My friend, Mart Green, and I set out to write a book on these practices called Learning to Be Loved. On that journey, we realized that many Christians view these practices as things God expects of us. He commands us to pray, fast, and give, expecting us to hit the mark. Failing to do these things, then, feels like we are letting God down.
But there's a story from Jesus's life that proves this view to be exactly backwards. |
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Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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August 28 — The American Bible Society has issued grants to four Christian universities to engage Gen Z with the Bible through innovative projects. An AI-powered "Bible Engagement Assistant" is being developed at Los Angeles Pacific University, and a YouTube series, "Beyond the Bible," at MidAmerica Nazarene University. These projects aim to make Scripture more accessible and relatable, while others, like Lectio Divina at Houghton University, focus on fostering deeper, personal interactions with Scripture. (RNS) |
| August 29 — A monumental 2,800-year-old dam has been uncovered in Jerusalem's City of David, dating back to the reigns of kings Joash and Amaziah. The largest dam found in ancient Israel, it was part of a sophisticated system — built to manage water shortages and flash floods — that also included the Siloam Channel and Hezekiah's Tunnel. The discovery reshapes understanding of the city's infrastructure during the Iron Age, suggesting advanced planning and resource management. (Biblical Archaeology Society) |
| August 31 — An "illuminating" discovery: Archaeologists in Yehud, Israel, have found 4,000-year-old lamp wicks, among the oldest ever discovered. Found in clay lamps from the Intermediate Bronze Age (ca. 2000-2500 BC), the wicks were preserved due to rare fossilization, despite the region's moist climate. Made from recycled linen, they highlight ancient recycling practices and were likely used in burial rituals, symbolizing the soul. (Jerusalem Post) |
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Many readers have missed the blessing awaiting them in the book of Revelation because they have been intimidated by its numerical symbolism or overwhelmed by its awesome imagery.
They read of mysterious lampstands and sacred seals, worldwide earthquakes and trumpeting angels, monstrous beasts and miracle-working dragons — and quickly turn instead to the soothing poetry of the Psalms or the simple promises of the Beatitudes. |
| September is "Promises of God" Month at Bible Gateway! Here's a daily promise of God with corresponding Bible verse. You can view the calendar either as a web page, image, or PDF, and click through to read each verse in your favorite translation. |
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Feeling overwhelmed and confused by the Bible? Bestselling author Zach Windahl breaks down its entire storyline in The Bible, Simplified, making Scripture clear, accessible, and life-changing so you can gain confidence in your faith. |
| Discover what the Psalms teach us about how we talk to God—and how it's possible to live a life of continuous prayer that's also a profound and life-sustaining relief. Through an exploration of 30 Psalms, you'll learn to let go of how you're "supposed to" pray and open yourself to the freedom of expression contained in the words of the psalmists—whether you're seeking joy, expressing gratitude, grappling with sorrow, or searching for answers. |
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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. |
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| Study Gateway's Back to Bible Study Sale is here and you can save 20% off for life on plans! Stream 10,000+ Bible study videos from trusted teachers anytime, anywhere. Start your free trial today! |
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VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER ► *The Bible Gateway Plus 'Back to Bible Study' sale is valid through September 18, 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 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. *Study Gateway Sale is valid for the Personal Plan, Small Group Plan or Church Plan, charged to the payment method you provided, starting at the end of your 7-day free trial. Valid for new and returning subscribers only. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Offer is valid through September 15, 2025. 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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VIEW THIS EMAIL IN YOUR BROWSER ► *The Bible Gateway Plus 'Back to Bible Study' sale is valid through September 18, 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 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. *Study Gateway Sale is valid for the Personal Plan, Small Group Plan or Church Plan, charged to the payment method you provided, starting at the end of your 7-day free trial. Valid for new and returning subscribers only. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Offer is valid through September 15, 2025. 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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