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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Bible News
The latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news
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Young Women’s Religious Decline Raises Concerns for Families — August 5: Women historically showed stronger religious commitment than men, but that has reversed among young Americans. The share of young men calling religion “very important” rose in recent years, while young women ranked lowest among demographic groups, often citing gendered expectations and abuse scandals as reasons for leaving. Studies link mothers’ religiosity to greater family cohesion, raising concerns about the transmission of faith. (Religion Unplugged)
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Religious Freedom Movement Reaches a Global Crossroads — August 5: A recent report warns that rising authoritarianism, armed conflict, mass migration, religious nationalism, and waning Western support are eroding protections for believers of every faith. U.S. policy changes such as halted foreign-assistance programs and reduced human-rights staffing have added pressure. The report urges churches, advocates, and civil-society groups to develop new partnerships and strategies against growing persecution. (Baptist Press)
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Who Were the Mysterious Mercenaries Roaming the Biblical World? — August 5: The Shardanu, likely originating in Sardinia, were celebrated Late Bronze Age warriors who served competing Mediterranean powers. Egyptian reliefs show them with horned helmets, round shields and longswords — even fighting fellow Shardanu while defending Ramesses III. Their tradition later appeared among the Philistines and even David, who served as mercenary for Gath’s king before ruling Israel (1 Samuel 27). (Biblical Archaeology Society)
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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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Ever read a passage and wish someone could explain what it really means? With Bible Gateway Plus, it's easier than you think.
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The female body is a beautiful part of God’s design. Many in the Church may not feel comfortable thinking about how the menstrual cycle demonstrates this and without taking a careful look at the whole of God’s word, we can miss what he has to teach us through the cycles of women.
To do that, we must look back to the ancient laws and cultural views that shaped how women — and their menstrual cycles — were perceived.
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Stillness makes many of us uncomfortable. To the optimization-minded, the pause of sleep can feel intrusive. We don’t like to be forced to stop.
Yet God — who certainly had no need to stop — stopped. He had limitless capacity to keep going, doing, and creating, endlessly tinkering like an artist with an infinite canvas and infinite ideas. But he did stop. Genesis 2:2–3 makes this clear by mentioning no less than three times that God did not work on the seventh day.
Clearly this is an important idea. But why? What does it mean that God rested from his work? God doesn’t sleep or grow weary (Isa. 40:28). He doesn’t need anything, including rest. And yet Genesis 2 is clear. God chooses rest. How are we to understand the meaning of this divine seventh-day rest?
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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 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.
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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