This year on Easter Sunday, after months of guiding the church school through the life, miracles, and teachings of Jesus, a children’s minister I know finally got to tell them about the glory of the Resurrection. She explained how everything led up to that moment, its incredible significance for Jesus’ followers, and its enduring power for us today. And then a little boy raised his hand and said, “So, when can we go and visit him?”
For many Christians, like that boy, there’s a bit of a mysterious gap between Easter and Pentecost. Jesus is risen, then poof, he’s gone, sending the Holy Spirit in his stead.
But the Bible does not present the Ascension as Jesus simply “leaving the story.” Instead, it is a major event inaugurating the enthronement of the risen Christ, the beginning of his heavenly ministry for us, the launch of the Church’s mission to the world — and the enacting of an eternal promise.
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Bible News
The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news
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Young Christians More Bible-Engaged Than Older Generations — May 9: The Patmos Youth Report revealed that Christians aged 15–30 are engaging with the Bible more frequently than older generations. The study found that 50% of Christians aged 18–24 across 85 countries read the Bible weekly. They are also more confident in discussing faith and applying scripture to daily life, such as volunteering and giving to charity. Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa show stronger engagement than Western regions. (Christian Today)
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New Study Reexamines Pilate’s Role in Roman Judea — May 11: Missed in April! A new study challenges long-held assumptions of Pontius Pilate’s role as governor of Judea that were based on a single line from Roman historian Tacitus. Tacitus referred to Pilate as a “procurator,” a term that was not used in Pilate’s time. Archaeological evidence, including the Pilate Stone discovered in 1961, identifies Pilate as a “prefect.” Scholars now suggest Pilate held both titles, combining administrative and financial duties. (Greek Reporter)
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American Churches Suffer Increasing Pastor Shortages — May 11: The U.S. pastor pipeline is shrinking, with seminary enrollments dropping 14% from 2020 to 2024. Top factors include low pay, high stress, and rising religious disaffiliation. Rural and Black communities are hit hardest, while Catholic dioceses rely on priests from Asia and Africa to fill gaps. While Pentecostalism grows and clergywomen reach record numbers, leadership shortages persist, threatening the future of local church leadership. (Axios)
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I began reading the Bible at my father’s bedside. His agony lasted two months. And though that period was brief, it became a deeply meaningful time for him and for us to say goodbye. Among the many moments we shared with each other — until Christmas Eve 2023, when he passed away — one conversation stands out.
Throughout my career as a journalist, I’ve made a habit of asking interview subjects if they believe in the afterlife and how they imagine it. Papa was determined to give me his answer, too: “Aldo, the afterlife exists.”
“Are you sure, Papa?”
“Am I sure? No. But I am convinced.”
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Access an additional $5,300 worth of commentaries and resources and go even deeper in your Bible study. Try it free for 7 days
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Have you ever been sick with a mystery ailment no one could explain? You felt it inside, but no one knew what it was. You got so frustrated thinking it all might be in your head.
Once you finally discovered what it was, you immediately felt better. You were still sick. You still suffered from the same symptoms. You still felt crummy and weak. But something about naming the problem helped you cope with it a little better.
Naming means knowing. It means knowing what you're up against.
Here's the bottom line: We have a God who loves us. We also have an enemy who hates us. And the way he gets to us is through lies.
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As you probably know if you’re shopping for them, kids and teens come with a lot of questions. Research also shows younger generations are increasingly struggling with staying engaged and attentive while reading — and let’s face it, the Bible has a lot of words!
That's why, when it comes to buying Bibles for kids and teens, I highly recommend getting Bibles that come with additional, age-appropriate study and devotional material.
Whatever age range you're shopping for — whether storybooks for littles, entry-level Bibles for grade schoolers, or heftier teen and student Bibles, this article — fully updated for 2026 — will have you covered.
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NKJV, Grace for the Moment Daily Bible
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Drench yourself in grace as you spend a few moments each day in God's Word.
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Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress.
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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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Bible Gateway App
Connect with God's Word anytime, anywhere.
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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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ChurchSource's Summer Ministry Sale has trusted Bible study resources to help you stay connected to God’s Word.
Save 10% on orders of $80 or more with code 10SUMMER — or if you're stocking up, save 15% on $180 or more with code 15SUMMER.
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*All prices are in USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The free trial is available to new subscribers only.
*FaithGateway sale price ends on 05/09/26 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.
*Offers valid until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST or while supplies last. Offer valid online and by phone only. 10SUMMER and 15SUMMER offers cannot be combined with each other or any other offers. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. 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. Offer only available to customers in the United States age 18 and older. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other discount offer. ChurchSource reserves the right to de-activate the offers in the event of fraud or technical issues and limit quantities of individual items eligible for purchase with this discount. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Not valid for resale.
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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*All prices are in USD. Additional sales tax may apply. The free trial is available to new subscribers only.
*FaithGateway sale price ends on 05/09/26 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.
*Offers valid until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST or while supplies last. Offer valid online and by phone only. 10SUMMER and 15SUMMER offers cannot be combined with each other or any other offers. Shipping, gift cards, or customization of products does not qualify towards minimum purchase requirements. 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. Offer only available to customers in the United States age 18 and older. Cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with any other discount offer. ChurchSource reserves the right to de-activate the offers in the event of fraud or technical issues and limit quantities of individual items eligible for purchase with this discount. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law. Not valid for resale.
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.
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