If you are a churchgoer, no week goes by when you do not hear the Bible read multiple times in worship. Furthermore, you likely hear repeated exhortations from the pulpit and in more informal conversations to read the Bible on your own. Christians are people of the book, so we should read our book and love it — this much is uncontroversially true. But what does this mean for other reading we might do in our lives? Do we even need to read any other books?
Over the years, I have heard different opinions on the matter from other Christians. In particular, some have felt wary of reading books written by unbelievers, ancient or modern. Caution with regard to some modern books is well warranted. And yet, as a historian and a classicist, I want to encourage Christians today to not miss out on the treasure trove of wisdom that are great books, including ancient literature. |
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Bible News The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news |
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November 8 — Catholics bishops have warned against visiting the controversial Marian shrine in Naju, South Korea, with some imposing automatic excommunication on those who do. The shrine, linked to unapproved claims of miracles by Julia Kim since 1985, has been repeatedly condemned by the Archdiocese of Gwangju. Bishops in Asian archdioceses like Malaysia and Singapore urge adherence to approved pilgrimage sites, such as those in Namyang, South Korea, and Akita, Japan, instead. (Aleteia) |
| November 7 — The United Methodist Church (UMC) has approved a global restructuring plan, granting its nine regions autonomy to adapt practices like ordination and marriage rites to local contexts while maintaining core doctrines. Passed with 91.6% support, the plan aims to decentralize U.S. influence and rebuild trust after years of division over LGBTQ+ inclusion. Leaders call it a "defining moment" for unity and renewal in the UMC, enabling the denomination to better serve its diverse global communities. (RNS) |
| November 6 — The State of the Bible report found that 55% of practicing Christians said reading the Bible made them more loving toward neighbors, while the median charitable donation of the Scripture-engaged was 4x higher than the disengaged. Even non-Christians who read Scripture reported positive changes. Yet the Scripture-engaged and -disengaged showed more similar pro-social behavior than those who felt neutral about the Bible, recalling Jesus' warning against lukewarm faith (Rev. 3:15-16). (American Bible Society) |
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Gratitude is woven into the fabric of biblical faith. From Genesis to Revelation — and especially in the Psalms and the writings of Paul — God's people are called to remember his goodness and respond with thanks.
Thanksgiving isn't limited to moments when life feels full; it's an act of worship that recognizes God's hand in every circumstance. Here is a selection of Bible verses about giving gratitude to God in good and bad times, and generally how to live in a posture of praise. |
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| Access an additional $3,100 worth of resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 7 days |
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In our culture, hopeful means we want something to happen or be true, and we have a pretty good reason for thinking it might happen.
Some hope to win the lottery, a free trip to an exotic part of the world, or a new car at a raffle. How much hope a person has is based on how much trust one has in themselves or in someone else to make it happen.
Hope in our culture is not based on a solid foundation. It is wishful thinking more than expectant confidence. Christian hope is different. |
| The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus' foundational ethical and spiritual lesson. It's his first major speech after his baptism and temptation in the wilderness, and it includes some of the most-quoted passages in the gospels — if not the entire Bible. It's also one of the longest speeches he gives in any gospel and comprises all of Matthew 5-7.
In these chapters, Jesus lays out a comprehensive overview of his message to his followers: who is blessed by God; how to apply the Law and Jesus' relation to it; and how to get into the kingdom of heaven.
This article will walk through each section of the Sermon, its context and interpretation, and how we might apply it today. |
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Anne Neilson's Christmas Angels |
Find peace and wonder this Advent with Anne Neilson's Christmas Angels. Featuring 28 devotions and the author's radiant angel artwork, this book invites you to slow down and reflect on the hope, love, joy, and peace of Christ's birth, helping you stay centered on His presence amid the busyness of the season. |
| Celebrate the meaning of Christmas with O Holy Night by Ace Collins, a NEW keepsake book that shares the inspiring stories behind eight beloved carols. Each includes a devotional, Scripture reflection, and a beautifully crafted pop-out ornament to treasure year after year. Perfect for gifting or beginning a new holiday tradition. | |
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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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| FaithGateway's 10 Days of Deals is here! Today only: get 3 books for $30. Mix and match your favorite reads from this curated collection of bestsellers. New 24-hour deals launch each day through November 19, so check back daily for fresh savings. Hurry—today's offer ends at midnight! |
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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 11/30/25. Limited quantities available. Sale pricing excludes ebooks and audiobooks. Free Standard Shipping for U.S. orders over $35 excluding Alaska and Hawaii. *Offer valid until 11/11/25 at 11:59 p.m. or while supplies last. Offer valid online and by phone only. 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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