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Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a noted researcher who's been writing on trends in churches for two decades. He offers observations of what to look for this year, including (1) church security as the fastest growing ministry, (2) decrease in worship center size and capacity, (3) increase in successfully revitalized churches, (4) fewer segregated churches, and more. Read the rest from Thom Rainer.
The Philippines National Bible Week January 25-31 has as its theme “God’s Word: Hope for the Family, Strength of the Nation.” The official resolution declares, "Whereas the Philippines being identified as the only Christian country in Asia should give utmost importance in the foundation of Christian faith, which is the Holy Bible, recognizing its importance as a primer to our social, moral and spiritual existence." The annual celebration in the country began when former President Ferdinand Marcos signed Presidential Proclamation No. 2242 on October 27, 1979, “to encourage the reading of the Holy Bible as an instrument to develop moral character, personal discipline, understanding and unity among our people.” Read more from the Philippine Bible Society. Also see a list of Bible translation organizations on Bible Gateway.
⇨ See previous editions of Bible News Roundup and Weekly Brief.
The Bible devotes 50 chapters to the tabernacle, the portable tent complex that God instructed Moses to build and transport when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness in their escape from slavery in Egypt. It was meant to reassure the 12 tribes of Israel of God's presence. While the original tabernacle existed thousands of years ago, it's being recreated today in a mobile life-size exhibit. Bible Gateway interviewed Jeanne Whittaker, founder and guardian of The Tabernacle Experience. Read this interview.
The Tree of Life Version of the Bible is now available on Bible Gateway! This Bible translation emphasizes the Jewish roots of Christianity. In addition to using Hebrew names and terms (like "Yeshua" instead of "Jesus") throughout, it features a re-ordered Old Testament book list (in accordance with Jewish tradition) and a translation approach that reflects Hebrew, rather than Greek, sentence structure where appropriate. Read an excerpt at our blog, and then start reading the Tree of Life Version for yourself!
In this week's lesson about studying the Bible, pastor and author Mel Lawrenz examines the challenge of studying and understanding specific words in the Bible. What tools can you use to help you cultivate a stronger biblical vocabulary? Read this week's lesson to find out. Encourage your friends and followers to receive it by email.
See Bible reference books in the Bible Gateway Store.
Most of us believe that when we “cry out” to God—that is, appeal to him through prayer—he always hears those prayers. “Ask,” we read in Matthew 7:7, “and it will be given to you.” But what about Bible passages that suggest that sometimes God doesn’t listen to our prayers? Read more.
At Easter, Jesus made it possible for us to have the loving, personal relationship with God that our Creator always intended. Since the days of the early church, Christians have used the 40 days leading up to Easter (a period called Lent) to focus their hearts and mind on Jesus Christ. Whether you're a longtime Christian or are simply curious about Jesus Christ, these free email devotionals will inspire you during the Easter season. Read more.
ENJOY SAVINGS on Lent and Easter resources in the Bible Gateway Store!
Bible illiteracy is rampant even as countless Bibles reside on bookshelves the world over. Why is it a problem and why is it vital that it be solved? Bible Gateway interviewed Dr. Kenneth Berding about his book, Bible Revival: Recommitting Ourselves to One Book (Weaver Book Company, 2014). Read the interview.
Christians tend to shy away from it and informed Bible skeptics tend to emphasize it, but there's no doubt about it: sex and violence are present in the Bible. Some references may be obscured by idiom and cultural differences between now and when they were first written; others may be startlingly clear and uncomfortable to read aloud. Bible Gateway interviewed Joseph W. Smith III about his book, Sex and Violence in the Bible: A Survey of Explicit Content in the Holy Book (P & R Publishing, 2014). Read the interview.
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 New Century Version (NCV).
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.
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