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Weekly Brief is your 1-minute smart and fast report to keep you informed of important Bible-related trends, statistics, articles, and pivotal happenings on the Web and at Bible Gateway. Forward to your friends and share with your followers to encourage them to subscribe.


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Russian President Putin Signs Law Exempting Bible, Other Holy Books from Extremism Checks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law which bans the recognition of holy books as extremist materials following a scandalous law suit in the summer. The Bible, Koran, Tanakh, and Kangyur are included in the check-proof list. Read more from RT.

Lord’s Prayer Ad Banned in UK Movie Theaters

Movie theaters in the United Kingdom have banned a 60-second video ad produced by the Church of England in which everyday people each recite a phrase from the Lord’s Prayer. The agency that handles advertisements for the theaters rejected the commercial, saying it could offend people of differing or no faith. See the video ad.

See more Bible-related articles in this week's Bible News Roundup.

See previous editions of Bible News Roundup and Weekly Brief.

Bible Gateway Free Email Advent Devotions are Here!

Our Advent and Christmas devotions will help you renew your focus on God’s Word during this season. They all start on or shortly after the beginning of Advent. Tell your friends and followers to sign up today so they (and you) won't miss them. Here's what we're offering this year:

  • Bible Gateway Advent Devotions: Our classic Christmas devotional, bringing you Scripture readings and Christmas inspiration from Christian thinkers ancient and modern. (Runs daily through Advent.)
  • Christmas for the Faithful Woman: A "greatest hits" collection of the best Christmas devotionals from the popular Girlfriends in God and Encouragement for Today devotionals. (Runs daily through December.)
  • The Christmas Story: Do you know the Christmas story? Whether you're new to the story of Christmas or have read it a million times, this devotional will walk you through the amazing events of the first Christmas. (Runs daily through December.)
  • Christmas Devotions for Kids: Short, daily devotions that are perfect for reading around the family table throughout December. (Runs daily through December.)
  • Readings for Celebrating Advent: Start each day in Advent with a relevant reading from the Bible. (Runs through Advent.) Read more.

Browse our new Christmas section in the Bible Gateway Store.

Poll: How Did You Integrate the Bible Into Your Thanksgiving Family Celebration?

If you live in the USA, you know the Thanksgiving holiday was just celebrated. Before we close our Blog poll around this event, be sure to contribute your vote. Tell us how you incorporated the Bible into your family traditions. Take the poll.

See our Thanksgiving section in the Bible Gateway Store.

Understanding the Bible in Four Small Words: An Interview with Jarrett Stevens

When it comes to a story as theologically thick and rich with history, metaphor, and meaning as the Bible, the thought of trying to understand or communicate that story can be overwhelming. What if the essence of the story of God can be understood, applied, and shared in just four small words: Of. Between. With. In. Bible Gateway interviewed pastor Jarrett Stevens about his book, Four Small Words (published by Zondervan; will be released January 12, 2016; click to order now). Read this interview.

How to Study the Bible: Observation

In this fifth lesson about studying the Bible, pastor and author Mel Lawrenz says, "We read the Bible in order to understand, and that requires paying attention to the details at the same time that we look for the big picture. Bible study is a process of discovery, and that’s one of the reasons it's exciting." If you want to study the Bible better, read this installment of his series on our Blog and encourage your friends and followers to receive it by email.

See Bible reference books in the Bible Gateway Store.

A Summary of Bible Reading Surveys

The Bible remains the world's bestseller. But how familiar with it are the people who own? Read more.

The Book of Common Prayer Remains a Force: An Interview with Alan Jacobs

Since its first publication in 1549 during the reign of King Henry VIII, the language of the Book of Common Prayer has saturated English culture. It's become a venerable work that continues to touch the lives of multitudes around the world. Daily readings from the book are available on Bible Gateway. Bible Gateway interviewed Dr. Alan Jacobs about his book, The Book of Common Prayer: A Biography (Princeton University Press, 2013). Read this interview.

Stark, Slytherin, Sauron, or Scripture? Identify These Quotes

Here's a brief quiz containing 16 quotes to see how well you can discern Scripture from literary and movie script. It’s up to you to decide which ones are from the Bible, The Lord of the Rings, the Game of Thrones series, or the Harry Potter series. Once you do, encourage your Facebook and Twitter friends to try it for themselves. Take the quiz.

Bible Spotlight: Jubilee Bible 2000

This feature in the Weekly Brief is intended to help you become aware of the plethora of Bible versions available for you to freely read on Bible Gateway. This week, learn about and read the Jubilee Bible 2000 (JUB).

Reading the Bible in multiple languages and multiple versions is always just a click away online at Bible Gateway and in print from the Bible Gateway Store, where you'll save money while supporting the ministry of Bible Gateway when making a purchase.

[Learn about and download the free award-winning Bible Gateway App]


Bible Gateway Recommendation
NIV Zondervan Study Bible

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