Outside Assisi, Italy, there’s a small stone chapel called San Damiano. It isn’t much to look at, really. It has a plain rosette window, rickety pews worn smooth by eight centuries of use, a Byzantine crucifix hanging over what’s left of an altar. According to legend, it was here that a restless young man named Francesco Bernardone heard Jesus speak to him from the cross. “Francis,” the voice said, “go and repair my house. You see it is falling down.”
Francis took those words literally. He spent the next several months hauling stones to patch San Damiano’s crumbling walls. Only later did he realize the house Jesus meant was a lot bigger than one chapel. It was the whole of Christendom, worn thin and badly in need of rebuilding — in an age that wasn’t so different from our own.
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Bible News
The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news
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Frequent Small-Group Bible Study Linked to Stronger Discipleship — August 7: A recent survey of American Protestant churchgoers found that earned an overall discipleship score of 74.1, compared with 60.4 among nonparticipants. The sharpest difference came in “Sharing Christ,” while the only exception (where nonparticipants outscored frequent attendees) was in “Exercising Faith,” possibly reflecting greater self-awareness among mature believers. (Christianity Daily)
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Algerian Christians Churches Sealed, Bibles Confiscated — August 7: In 99%-Muslim Algeria, affiliated with the Protestant Church of Algeria, using registration problems under a 2012 law to justify waves of closures beginning in 2017. Believers now meet discreetly in homes, garages or beneath olive trees, privately celebrating Communion and baptisms. Bible imports are routinely confiscated, while isolation leaves many without regular guidance. (Christianity Daily)
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Christians Walk Hundreds of Miles for Peace in Memory of St. Francis — August 6: to mark 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi’s death. Organized by the Society of St. Francis, the pilgrimage began July 17 in Alnmouth and passes through Newcastle, Durham, York, Leeds, Bradford and Manchester before ending in London. Pilgrims prayed at Bishopthorpe Palace on August 1, reflecting on Jesus' call to be peacemakers () and that “Christ’s peace starts with each of us.” (Christian Today)
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Christian Group Advocates for Religious Freedom as China's 'Unity' Law Extends Reach
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This year marks the 30th anniversary of IDOP, the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, which in 2026 falls on Sunday, Nov. 1, although churches may observe the annual event on either the first or second Sunday of November. By some estimates, 500,000 churches in more than 100 countries will participate.
The anniversary comes at what some are calling a critical crossroads for the international religious freedom movement. The Everett Center for Global Religious Freedom, an initiative at Dallas Baptist University, noted a global rise in authoritarianism and intolerant ideologies in recent years.
Of particular concern, China this year is continuing its campaign to strengthen state control over ethnic and religious life under President Xi Jinping’s vision of the “China Dream” of national rejuvenation.
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Prior to his arrest in John 18, Jesus prayed fervently for himself, his relationship with his Father, his disciples (who are certainly experiencing confusion and perhaps fear), and for all who would become believers in Jesus for their salvation.
But what was the overall focus of his prayer? What was on his heart as he faced a cruel and unjust death by crucifixion? His family? His mother? Or perhaps his closest disciples, the ones who would be leading the mission in the years beyond Jesus’ crucifixion. Was he concerned about their ability to carry the mantle of leadership?
Before we dig further into the Scriptures, let’s imagine for a moment what might fill our thoughts. Would it be our families? The false accusations against us? Or, if you were Jesus, would you think of tapping the power you have to overcome the Roman and Jewish leaders, never facing any of this terror?
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Two thousand years ago, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13–17), and we’ll be able to celebrate that moment together on the banks of the very river where Jesus was identified as God’s Son and started his public ministry.
This is more than a blip on a religious calendar; depending on your faith tradition, it symbolizes repentance, renewal, rebirth, and resurrection. It’s the moment we hear the Father speak, watch the Spirit descend, and witness the Son revealed.
Yet while it is clearly a spiritual event, this anniversary is also a geopolitical event.
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Recommendations for Your Library
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This unique Bible study helps you explore the most important of God’s names and titles as they are revealed in the Bible.
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Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation.
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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 08/31/26 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.
*ChurchSource Semi-Annual Sale pricing valid on select products from 7/27/2026 through 9/17/2026 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.
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