back to top
Search
Home Blog Page 13

Selfless Serving vs. People Pleasing: What’s the Biblical Difference?

Jinger Duggar Vuolo
-
0
Selfless Serving vs. People Pleasing: What’s the Biblical Difference?

How cool would it be if there was a Control+F (Command-F if you’re Mac-fancy) function in life? Hear me out. If you could somehow look back over your life, hit Control+F, and “find” all the places where certain issues, patterns, and words come up. Think about how much faster that could make the process of figuring out why you do the things you do, why you say the things you say, why you feel the way you feel. 

I got to have a Control+F experience, literally, while working on my last book, Becoming Free Indeed. It revealed something about my life with greater frequency and importance than I’d ever realized before. If you were to go into a digital copy of that book, which is about my journey of breaking free from the harmful beliefs and influence of the religious system I was raised in, and you were to search for the words people pleaser, your screen would light up like a Christmas tree. Even though people pleasing wasn’t what that book was about, there was no denying that both by the way I’m wired and from the environment around me, people pleasing has had a grip on me for a long time. 

It makes sense now, but I have to tell you that it took me by surprise, realizing that people pleasing was a phantom heartbeat in my life. Someone recently asked me when I became truly aware that I was a people pleaser. After all, from the way I was raised to how I’m naturally wired, trying to keep everybody happy and on an even keel was simply part of my original operating system.  

I didn’t know why managing my emotions, my stress, and my jitters felt so hard. I was doing everything I knew to avoid any kind of confrontation or failure. I was doing everything I knew to be the most “perfect” I could be. I also knew that I was miserable. 

What I didn’t know was why. 

People Pleasing at Its Core

As it turns out, a lot of different feelings come with pleasing people. For me, people pleasing has felt like dread and anxiety. But I can remember other times it felt like sadness or nerves. And I remember still other times I felt really proud that I had accomplished or said or done something in the way that another person wanted me to.  

People pleasing feels a lot of different ways. 

But people pleasing at its core is this: when we put everyone else’s preferences and opinions above our own or above what we know is true and right for the purpose of gaining acceptance and approval or to avoid criticism. It’s when we feel like someone else’s approval is critical to our survival and our understanding of our worth. It’s when we lose the ability to stand up for ourselves in order to keep someone else happy. It’s when we’d rather just go along than have that tough conversation or confront harmful behavior in someone else. 

In a nutshell, people pleasing is when someone else’s approval, happiness, preference, or opinion comes before anything else in your world. And your whole world is built around accommodating those things for them in order to gain their approval, whether they’ve directly told you that’s what they expect or you’ve imagined it all on your own. 

Doesn’t God Want Us to Prioritize Other People?

If you’re someone who was raised in church, you might think, Now wait a minute, Jinger. I thought God wanted us to put other people before ourselves. And you’re not wrong; Scripture does talk about not thinking more highly of ourselves than we should (Romans 12:3). Jesus does teach about going the extra mile for others (Matthew 5:41).  

But here’s the difference. It’s all about motive — what you’re trying to get by people pleasing. Are you walking in humility? Are you walking in generosity for the right reasons? Or are you appeasing people around you because you want their approval and acceptance back? Seeking acceptance or seeking to avoid disapproval are the two big mile markers on the people-pleasing path. And both of those paths will get you twisted in knots eventually. 

Avoid the Snare of Fear

While some verses talk about serving others well and caring for them, there are plenty of other places in Scripture that talk about not trying to please others. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe” (ESV). It’s that word snare that really stands out to me. My people pleasing has always been about me trying not to get “snared” or “trapped” by someone’s upset or anger or disappointment. But in turning myself inside out in that effort, I was trapped in my own skin, mute to speak what I really thought or needed, caught between bars of the expectations of others and the ones I’d put on myself. 

I also entered the trap of seeking approval. My understanding of my own worth was so wrapped up in someone telling me I was doing a good job or that I was so easy to be around. And when all you know of yourself is what someone else is telling you about yourself, it’s a cage like no other. 

The Cost of People Pleasing

What has people pleasing cost you? Have you let yourself down, making a choice you wouldn’t have otherwise, were it not for the pressure you felt from others? I have. Have you put up with someone treating you in a way you wouldn’t let them get away with toward a friend? Maybe you have let the idea of possibly letting someone down consume you so much that you haven’t gone for a particular opportunity. Maybe you feel a pulse of people pleasing course through you when you know you should say something … but you don’t. 

Feel like I’m reading your journal? It’s because I’ve been there, and on bad days, I still go there a little bit, the muscle memory of people pleasing leading me down some of the same familiar paths and feelings. 

The Good News

But I’ve got good news for us. I’m learning that it is possible to get free from the web of it. It’s not easy. It takes staring down yourself and your motives and your behaviors with an honest eye. It requires honesty and courage and failing and trying again. It means you’ll have to let go of some patterns, definitions, and relationships that are keeping you tangled up. 

And you don’t have to do it alone. 

Cover of People Pleaser by Jinger Duggar Vuolo

Adapted from People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations by Jinger Duggar Vuolo.  

Are you a people pleaser? Can you even begin to measure how the approval of others has shaped your heart and mind? Your faith and relationships? Your habits and identity? In People Pleaser, New York Times bestselling author Jinger Vuolo shares her personal journey of constantly seeking approval from others and how she found her true identity. 

Through her faith and reliance on God, Jinger began to break free from the need for approval and discover true freedom. This book is a guide for anyone struggling with people-pleasing tendencies and seeking to find their true identity and purpose in life.

Do We Have a Guardian Angel? A Look at the Evidence

Lee Strobel
-
0
Do We Have a Guardian Angel? A Look at the Evidence

Beliefs about angels are typically an amalgam of what people pick up from popular culture, what they remember from childhood cartoons, and what they have culled from casual Bible reading.

Consequently, there are a lot of misconceptions — some harmless, others theologically problematic. For instance, the idea that people become angels when they die seems to persist, despite having no biblical support. (I blame Looney Tunes.) 

What Do We Know About Angels in the Bible?

The Bible refers to angels in sixteen of the Old Testament books and seventeen of the New Testament books, and yet the primary focus of Scripture is on God and our relationship with him. This means that a lot of details about angels aren’t spelled out with specificity. They aren’t supposed to be.  

Why?  

Because they are a sidelight to the central plot of the Bible and unnecessary information for us to have at this point. A lot of what we can discern about angels, then, is inferred from what is revealed in the text. 

Nevertheless, when we look at the totality of the Bible, we see that angels are active from beginning to end. Graham Cole, who served as a professor of biblical and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, highlighted how angels were present at these key moments of redemptive history: “The exodus of God’s people from Egypt (Ex. 14:19) and subsequent journey (Ex. 23:23), the giving of the law (Gal. 3:19), the incarnation of the Son of God (Luke 1:26), his ordeal in the garden (Luke 22:43), his resurrection from the dead (John 20:12), and his return in judgment (2 Thess. 1:5–8).” 

What Can We Know About Angels Today?

Although Cole recognizes that angels were “minor players in the drama of redemption,” their activities clearly made a difference in a lot of ways during biblical times and — if various accounts are credible — in the contemporary era as well. So when exploring the supernatural realm, it makes sense to delve into what we can know with confidence about these elusive celestial spirits. 

“The greatest of Christian thinkers have consistently recognized that angels and demons are far more than a divine embellishment designed to make the Bible interesting,” said theology professor Peter R. Schemm Jr. “Angels are actual beings whose existence affects human life.” 

Ron Rhodes agrees. “Angels are real. Angels are alive. And though we rarely perceive their presence, they are very much with us here on the earth,” he wrote in The Secret Life of Angels. “A vast world of intelligent, powerful, invisible spirit beings is all around us and warrants careful study.” 

To investigate how these spirit beings influence our lives, I flew to Charlotte, North Carolina, to meet with Douglas Potter, a professor who had collaborated with prominent theologian and apologist Norman Geisler to write a book called The Doctrine of Angels and Demons. 

Potter earned a master’s degree in apologetics and then a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES). Now in his mid-fifties, Potter serves as a professor of apologetics and theology and director of the Doctor of Ministry program at SES. 

What About Guardian Angels?

At one point in the interview, I broached a controversial topic that Australian theologian Michael Bird has conceded is “complex”: Does each individual have a “guardian angel” assigned to them by God to watch over and protect them? 

“The issue is not whether angels guard,” Graham Cole observed. “They clearly do. The issue is whether a specific angel is assigned guardianship of a specific human person. The great early church Bible translator Jerome (347–419) certainly thought so. … In the medieval period, Aquinas, following Jerome, whom he quotes, certainly thought so.” 

Catholic philosopher Peter Kreeft put it this way: “There are twice as many persons as we see in every place, every kitchen or classroom, every hospital or nursery. Only half are human persons. There is an angel standing next to each bag lady.” 

Moreover, the Orthodox tradition teaches that at baptism God assigns every individual a guardian angel. 

Theologian Herman Bavinck is among the scholars who disagree. “There is not even a hint that every elect person is assigned his or her own angel,” he wrote. “The idea is found only in the apocryphal book of Tobit.” 

I said to Potter, “One scholar says the idea of individually assigned guardian angels is a text-less doctrine. What’s your opinion?” 

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a text-less doctrine,” he said. “How many biblical texts do you need to establish a doctrine if there’s a fairly clear reference? And there is a reference to guardian angels in Matthew 18:10, where Jesus himself says, ‘See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven’” (NIV). 

Potter cleared his throat. “Notice that Jesus is referring to their angels. T-H-E-I-R. Jesus doesn’t elaborate, but that doesn’t diminish the reference here. This is Scripture, and it’s not denied anywhere else in the Bible.” 

I interrupted to point out that according to Graham Cole and Michael Green, the emphasis of that text is not on guardianship but on representation of these “little ones” before God. 

“Still,” said Potter, “it’s a reasonable inference that guardian angels exist based on the specific language of the verse. There’s another interesting passage too.” 

“Which one?” 

“In Acts 12, Peter, fresh from escaping prison, showed up at the house of Mary, the mother of Mark, where some Christians had gathered. He knocked on the door and the servant Rhoda recognized his voice and announced it was Peter, but the others doubted it because they thought he was still imprisoned. So in verse 15, they say, ‘It must be his angel.’” 

I pointed out that some scholars believe this reflects a popular Jewish belief in the first century that every Jew had a guardian angel and that the author of Acts is reporting this rather than endorsing this view. 

Potter shook his head. “Given Jesus’ teaching, I don’t think the author of Acts would intentionally mislead readers if the belief about Peter’s angel was a falsehood. Why would he do that?” said Potter. “All in all, it’s a reasonable inference that guardian angels are real. The texts are sufficiently clear, and they aren’t negated elsewhere. Besides, we know there are certainly a sufficient number of angels to carry out this task.” 

“How does it affect you personally to believe there’s an angelic being who is overseeing your life?” I asked. 

“It’s encouraging. It’s comforting. It’s such an expression of God’s love,” he replied. “You know, we can protect ourselves from physical harm by learning martial arts or getting a permit to carry a gun. But what protection do we have in the spiritual realm? There are battles going on there that affect us personally. And knowing I’ve got some protection immediate to me is reassuring.” 

He paused. “I’ll add this,” he said. “The overall study of angels has highlighted to me that what I see and touch — this physical world in which we live — is only part of reality. There’s an enormous but hidden supernatural arena populated by angelic spirits that are as real and active as you and me. And when I think that God created them to minister to us — well, that’s a blessing that deserves our gratitude.” 

Cover of "Seeing the Supernatural" by Lee Strobel

Adapted from Seeing the Supernatural: Investigating Angels, Demons, Mystical Dreams, Near-Death Encounters, and Other Mysteries of the Unseen World by Lee Strobel. 

Discover solid answers to the provocative questions you have been asking about the supernatural world — healings, angels, demons, mystical dreams, near-death experiences, heaven, hell, and more — through the investigative work of a former spiritual skeptic.

30 Bible Verses on Strength

Bible Gateway
-
0
30 Bible Verses on Strength

If you’re going through a period of trial or feeling sapped of strength and wondering if God is there for you, the Bible has good news: the Lord is with you especially when you feel weak and small.

With a few exceptions, the Bible is clear and consistent on this point: we are not to rely on our own strength, but on God’s. Nowhere does the Bible say “the Lord helps those who help themselves.” Instead, it says, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10), and “it is not by strength that one prevails” (1 Sam. 2:9), and “the Lord is my strength and my power” (Ex. 15:2).

In other words, human strength is weakness, and true strength comes from the Lord alone — so place your faith in him.

Here are over 30 Bible verses on strength for when you need encouragement. (We have provided them in a variety of different Bible translations; click on each verse reference to open it in your own favorite version.)

The Lord Is Strong

The Lord is my strength and my power;
    he has become my salvation.
This is my God, whom I will praise,
    the God of my ancestors, whom I will acclaim.
— Exodus 15:2 (CEB)

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
— 2 Samuel 22:33 (KJV)

Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
— 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NASB)

I love you, Lord, my strength.
— Psalm 18:1 (NIV)

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
    and with my song I give thanks to him.
— Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

God is our shelter and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
— Psalm 46:1 (GNT)

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.
— Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)

So You Don’t Have to Be

He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.
It is not by strength that one prevails.
— 1 Samuel 2:9 (NIV)

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart,
my portion forever.
— Psalm 73:26 (CSB)

The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.
— Psalm 118:14 (NKJV)

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
— Zechariah 4:6 (NRSVUE)

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
— 1 Corinthians 1:25 (NABRE)

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
— 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

But He Will Make You Strong

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

The wise are mightier than the strong,
    and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
— Proverbs 24:5 (NLT)

A woman of strength who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. … She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
— Proverbs 31:10,17 (NRSVUE)

But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.
— Isaiah 40:31 (GNT)

Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
— Isaiah 41:10 (NABRE)

He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
— 1 Corinthians 1:8 (NET)

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
— 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love.
— Ephesians 3:16-18 (CSB)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
— Ephesians 6:10-11 (NASB)

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
— Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.
— 2 Thessalonians 2:17 (CEB)

So You Can Strengthen Others

This is what the Lord says:
“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
    or the strong boast of their strength
    or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.
— Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)

We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves.
— Romans 15:1 (GNT)

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service,
— 1 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)

Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
— 1 Peter 4:11 (NRSVUE)

Above All…

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
— Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) (cf. Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27)

Dig deeper into all these verses and more with Bible Gateway Plus. Bible Gateway Plus has dozens of resources — from Study Bibles and commentaries to encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more — all for less than $5/month. Try it free today!

Look at the Book: John [Infographic]

Chris Fann
-
0
Look at the Book: John [Infographic]

“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The Gospel of John differs sometimes drastically from the other three (“synoptic”) gospels, presenting a more theological depiction of Jesus.

Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.

Summary

John wrote to all people to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God who operated with his Father’s full authority. John’s gospel goes the deepest theologically, touching on issues such as the incarnation and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

  • Category: Gospels
  • Theme: Belief
  • Timeline: Written around 85 AD by the Apostle John

Key Verse

“Jesus answered, ’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” — John 14:6 (NIV)

I Am Who I Am

Seven “I am” statements identify Jesus as God and Messiah:

  1. I am the Bread of Life (Jn 6:35)
  2. I am the Light of the World (Jn 8:12)
  3. I am the Gate (Jn 10:7-10)
  4. I am the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:11-14)
  5. I am the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25)
  6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6)
  7. I am the True Vine (Jn 15:1-5)

7 Day Reading Guide

(See 30-day guide below.)

Sons of Thunder

John and James, his older brother, were known as “the sons of Zebedee,” and Jesus gave them the name “Sons of Thunder.”

Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference. 

Infographic depicting major themes and content from John

How Jesus’ Boyhood Shaped Him Into the Man He Would Become

Joan Taylor and Falon Barton
-
0
How Jesus’ Boyhood Shaped Him Into the Man He Would Become

Our childhoods shape who we are for the rest of our lives.

Our relationships with our parents are foundational for how we form bonds with others. Our connection with our ancestors can shape our dreams for the future. The customs and values of the town we call home can influence everything from what dishes we serve on holidays to which policies are the highest priorities for us during election seasons.

It is with good reason that one of the first questions we ask someone when we meet them is, “Where are you from?” Even though the answer doesn’t tell us everything, it gives us a starting point for understanding who a person is now.

So, where was Jesus from? And how do we, 2,000 years and many cultures and languages removed, make sense of the answer to help us better understand Jesus in adulthood?

  • Jesus had a mom and dad with personalities and commitments that shaped him.
  • Jesus had younger siblings who followed him around, and maybe even relied on him.
  • Jesus had a weighty lineage that could be traced all the way back to King David and Judah, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
  • Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of a paranoid and violent king.
  • Jesus grew up in Nazareth under Roman colonization and amid whispers of revolt.

Getting to know Jesus the boy is a significant piece of understanding Jesus the man. But, besides the birth stories in Matt. 1-2 and Luke 1-2 (with a short story about 12-year-old Jesus at the Temple at the end of Luke 2), we have nothing in the Bible that addresses Jesus’ formative years. At least, not directly.

What we can do is use context clues from the gospels, Paul’s letters, ancient historians like Josephus, and archaeological discoveries to paint a fuller picture of what Jesus’ childhood was like.

Jesus’ Family

In many societies, especially those in the modern West, where we normalize and celebrate individualism, we often imagine Jesus as quite singular, solitary, and set apart. We might even impose individualistic narratives on him, like that he discerned and accomplished his mission alone or that he “pulled himself up by his bootstraps.”

But the truth is that Jesus was fully human, and like all humans, Jesus — his birth, identity, perspectives, priorities, and sense of purpose — did not emerge from a vacuum. He was heavily influenced by the people around him, and, being from a more collectivist culture than many of us alive today, it makes sense that the people around him would shape who he is.

Jesus’ Parents

First, we have Jesus’ parents. Much has been written about Jesus’ mother, Mary, since we hear from her at Jesus’ birth and glimpse her relationship with Jesus as an adult. The song Mary sings when she is pregnant with Jesus (Luke 1:46-55) reveals how well-versed she is in the Bible, and we can assume she passed that wisdom to Jesus. She also seems to know of Jesus’ power even before his ministry has begun at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12), and she ends up following Jesus all the way to the cross, presumably as one of his disciples (John 19:25-27).

Banner reading "Bible Gateway Plus, Less Than $5.00 per month, Free Trial"

Less has been written about Jesus’ relationship with his (human) father, Joseph. Besides his brief appearance in Matt. 1-2, Joseph is not mentioned at all in the Bible, and most scholars believe he probably died before Jesus started his ministry. However, that doesn’t mean that Joseph had little impact on Jesus’ formative years.

If we read Matt. 1-2 from Joseph’s perspective, we can see that Jesus would have been immersed in stories about his own birth and childhood, not just from Mary, but from Joseph, too. Joseph understood Jesus to be his own son, conceived miraculously before he and Mary consummated their marriage. He did everything, including flee his homeland, to protect his wife and infant son when their lives were threatened.

Having a model of protective, intimate, parental love from both his mother and father may have helped Jesus articulate a compassionate and present God, who is close enough to refer to as “Abba,” Father, and in whom Jesus urged us to place our unequivocal trust.

Jesus’ Siblings

The New Testament also gives us glimpses of Jesus’ relationship with his siblings: James, Joses, Simon, Jude, and his unnamed sisters. Because Jesus was the oldest, it is likely that Jesus was responsible for helping with his younger siblings in childhood, and depending on the age gap, also for caring for them after Joseph died.

While John 7:1-5 tells a story where Jesus’ brothers were skeptical of his ministry, Acts and Paul’s letters (1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:18-19) tell us that Jesus’ brother James became not only a disciple of Jesus, but one of the most important leaders of the church after Jesus’ ascension. It is James who makes the final judgment at the pivotal Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13-21; Gal. 2:1-10), where the Jewish leaders decided that Gentiles did not need to convert to Judaism to follow Jesus.

Because of James’ leadership in the early church, it is reasonable to guess that we have the stories of Jesus’ birth and childhood thanks to his siblings. They would have told their family stories repeatedly as they talked about Jesus. Caring for his younger siblings during his formative years and navigating his relationship with them over the course of his ministry would have been immensely formative for Jesus’ character and priorities.

Jesus’ Ancestries

It was not only Jesus’ immediate family that shaped and influenced him. Communities of the ancient world were far more tight-knit than what many of us experience today, especially in the modern West. Ancient communities also felt far deeper connections to the people of the past. It’s not just where a person was from, but who a person was from that defined how they saw the world — and how the world saw them.

Jesus as a Descendant of David

Stories about our birth and early childhood provide each of us with a sense of identity, belonging, relationships, and expectations. One of the defining elements of Jesus’ early life is that he was born into the royal line of David. It is unlikely that this sort of heritage would have or could have been invented, since genealogies were closely remembered and orally tracked in the ancient world, and since Jesus’ siblings were around to correct any outright fabrications.

As a descendant of David and first-born son, Jesus would have felt an immense weight. First, being in the Davidic line was a liability. King Herod, who was from a family who converted to Judaism, was verifiably terrified of losing his power, and he was willing to kill, including his own sons and countless innocent people, to keep it.

To compound that reality, having David in his ancestry would have provided Jesus with a sense of destiny, especially since there was the lingering promise from God of future leadership from David’s line. People believed there would be a king-Messiah from the descendants of David who would save Israel from oppression. This expectation weighed heavily on Jesus and influenced how other people perceived him. When he rides into Jerusalem on the donkey at the end of his ministry, it is with this identity-marker that the crowds greet him: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matt. 21:9).

This means Jesus was not only rooted in Jewish Scriptures as a story he could learn from; he was born into a family and a context where the story of Jewish Scripture was his story.

Jesus as a Jew, Judahite, and Judean

While many are familiar with the idea that Jesus was Jewish, we are not always familiar with the dimensions of what that actually means. Jesus was a Ioudaios, which is the Greek word that the New Testament uses as a rendering of the Hebrew word Yehudi. Our English word, “Jew,” is a contraction derived from these terms. To be a Ioudaios, for Jesus, was tridimensional:

  • Jesus was a “Jew,” in terms of his ethno-religious identity. To be Jewish in this sense meant identifying with a specific ethnic group that saw itself as chosen and called by God in a unique way. It also meant worshipping the one true God, under the guardianship of the Law and with a special focus on the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus was a born Jew, not a convert to Judaism, which heightened this identity for him. This dimension of Ioudaios is a theological and philosophical outlook, which means it would have shaped everything about how Jesus saw the world.
  • Jesus was a “Judahite,” in terms of his tribal heritage as a descendant of one of Jacob’s twelve sons, Judah. For those of us from the West, we probably have a hard time understanding the importance of Jesus belonging to a “tribe,” but in many indigenous cultures, tribal belonging remains an important part of identity. For Jesus to be able to trace his lineage back to a founding ancestor would have provided him with a sense of rootedness within his community and a shared history with his neighbors. In addition, the story of the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament) is largely the story of Judah, as a tribe, within the broader tribes of Israel (e.g. Gen. 35:22; 42:13,32; 49:28; Ex. 24:4). This story would have been told to Jesus over and over, at the family dinner table as much as in the synagogue. It was the story that belonged to him, his family, and his community.
  • Jesus was a “Judaean,” in terms of his physical regionality in the area known as Judea. As the ancestral land assigned to his ancestor Judah, Jesus would have felt a deep emotional tie to the land through his heritage. He would have been tangibly and intimately familiar with the landmarks mentioned throughout much of the Bible. As a native resident of the land, he would have spoken their language (Aramaic), dressed in their clothes, eaten their food, danced to their music, and felt most at home among their architecture and art.

Being Judean also means that Jesus would have experienced firsthand the violence and unrest that took place in Judea in the first century, too.

Jesus’ Traumas

Identity is about selfhood developed through social interaction. It governs how we relate to others and the world. It includes gender, ethnicity, culture, heritage, family, tribe, race, socio-economic class, occupation, politics, nationality, place, religion, physicality, sex, sexuality, parenthood, relationship status, age, ability/skill, and more.

One’s identity can also be linked to life experiences, and trauma is especially formative for a person’s perceptions of themselves and the world. Consider, for example, how survivors of crime, abuse, wars, health crises, or environmental disasters are shaped by their experiences.

As we consider Jesus’ formative years — where and who and what shaped him in his early life — we must include trauma. Before Jesus turned 12, he endured the threat of violence, escaped a horrific massacre, was hunted by political powers, lived as a refugee in a foreign land, and immigrated back to his own home, where political unrest and economic instability reigned.

Herod’s death and Jesus’ family’s move to Nazareth did not end the threats to Jesus’ life before he even began his ministry. There is a well-attested cultural memory of resistance to Roman rule in Judea during Jesus’ childhood. Rome met these rebellions with extreme violence.

Sociopolitical turbulence, imperial atrocities, and terrible pain and suffering at the hands of the Roman Empire defined Jesus’ childhood — and the hopeful expectations of his community as he grew up.

As we flesh out Jesus’ childhood, we get a fuller picture of how Jesus, having taken on human form, became the teacher, leader, and Messiah that we get to know in detail — and meet personally — in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Cover of Boy Jesus by Joan Taylor

Adapted from Boy Jesus: Growing Up Judean in Turbulent Times by Joan Taylor.

Dr. Joan Taylor, a world authority on the history and literature of the first century AD, draws both on the latest archaeological findings and on the historical clues to be found within ancient texts of the period. The result is a book that brings the story of Jesus’ childhood clearly and vividly to life as never before, while also pointing to the many ways in which Jesus’ experiences as a child are likely to have influenced his life, attitudes, and actions as an adult.

The Temptation of Jesus in the Bibles of the World

Jost Zetzsche
-
0
The Temptation of Jesus in the Bibles of the World

After Jesus had entered the water, God’s Sacred Breath entered Jesus to fill and indwell him, so he followed his voice into an area where all noise was cut off.  He went without food to worship for as many days and nights as two people have digits, and his hunger ate him. There his soul was tested by the head of the worldlings.

Does this sound vaguely familiar? You may recognize the passage as the first two verses of the fourth chapter of Luke — the beginning of one account of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness, but it’s been translated with an amalgamation of terminology from eleven different languages that renders a recognizable story strange and somewhat startling.

Some terminology might seem curious to English speakers, but these phrases are all drawn from real Bibles read by and for real people with real Christian faith.

This familiar story of Jesus’s temptation is told in all three of the synoptic gospels and holds a special place in how we view and think of Jesus, especially at this time of year during the 40-day season of Lent when many of us also fast or undertake other spiritual practices.

A New Lens for Lent

During Lent, as we take a step back from business as usual to reflect and remove distractions from our lives, it may be especially valuable to also take a step back and “unfamiliarize” ourselves with this pivotal passage of Scripture in order to understand and embrace it even more deeply — not just seeing it with fresh eyes, but bringing us closer to fellow believers the world over.

Let’s look at this passage in the hybrid translation above a little more closely. If you want, you can follow along with all this information and more in the Translation Insights & Perspectives (TIPs) tool on the pages for Luke 4:1 and Luke 4:2.

After Jesus had entered the water…

In the original Greek text and English translations of Luke 4:1, there is no mention that the temptation happens immediately after Jesus’ baptism. In fact, unlike the other gospels, Luke inserts Jesus’s genealogy at the end of chapter 3.

But in a recent Italian translation, the translator felt there was a need for a clear connection between these two events, especially because the episode about the temptations is placed at the beginning of a new chapter. When tempted by the devil, Jesus is full of the Holy Spirit because the Spirit had just descended upon him at baptism.

English uses “baptism” for “entering the water” — a transliteration of the Greek baptizo, which also means “immerse.” As a result, most languages use an actual translation of baptize, often as a form of “dip,” or, like the Indonesian Uab Meto, “to enter into the water.”

…God’s Sacred Breath entered Jesus to fill and indwell him…

Baptism as “entering into the water” seems particularly fitting since it corresponds so seamlessly with his then being “filled with (the Holy Spirit)” expressed right afterward as “fill and indwell.” This translation from Tagbanwa, a language in the Philippines, beautifully encapsulates how the Holy Spirit not only fills us at first but stays and “indwells” us.

Interestingly, the name used here for “Holy Spirit” is “Sacred Breath,” which follows the example of famed French translator A. Chouraqui, who drew his inspiration for that translation from one of the other meanings of the Greek Pneûma or the Hebrew Ruach. The translation for the Spirit as “Sacred Breath” connects the Spirit’s indwelling nature with God’s lifegiving breath in Genesis 2:7 and Jesus’s Spirit-giving breath in John 20:22.

…he followed his voice into an area where all noise was cut off.

After entering the water and being “indwelled” with the Spirit, Jesus “followed” the Sacred Breath’s “voice” (according to Bariai speakers and readers in Papua New Guinea) to a place where “all the noise was cut off.”

This spatial translation for desert comes from Australian Noongar speakers, and though it misses the important parallel to the desert where Moses and the people of Israel spent their 40 years, our own Lenten practices might also benefit from finding quiet places where “all the noise is cut off” — even if we don’t necessarily travel to a desert or wilderness.

He went without food to worship for as many days and nights as two people have digits, and his hunger ate him.

The Mexican language of Isthmus Mixe adds clear purpose to Jesus’s long fast, specifying that his intent in going “without food” was “to worship God.”

Using “as many as two people have digits” like the Mairasi of Indonesia to designate the number forty may seem unusually anatomical for English speakers, but many languages around the world use similar body part tally systems.

And the Ugandan Kupsabiny expression for Jesus’s intense hunger during his fast, “the hunger ate him,” gives a new physical intensity to his experience in the wilderness. You might reflect on this language if you do your own fasting practice this Lent.

There his soul was tested by the head of the worldlings.

We are familiar with the English account of Jesus’s temptation, but the “soul test” of the Tibetan Bible adds another layer that brings out the experience of spiritual warfare. It’s one thing to withstand a temptation (only to know that there’s another temptation right around the corner), but “soul test” reminds us that our soul grows during these tests — and becomes more equipped to handle them in the future (Rom. 5:3-5).

“Devil” is often translated with a term that describes the commander or leader of an army of evil spirits, but “head of the worldlings,” a translation from the 40,000 Ojitlán Chinantec speakers in Oaxaca, Mexico, seems to work very well for this passage in particular. After all, later in verses 5 and 6 the devil claims the power to offer Jesus authority over all the “kingdoms of the world.” And it calls to mind Paul’s designation of Satan as “god of this world” in 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Make More Room for God This Lent

There are many ways and reasons to observe Lent. Some believers choose to fast to prepare themselves for the glorious news of the Easter resurrection. Others fast as a form of sacrifice to ever-so-faintly shadow the sacrifice of Jesus. Some see it as a form of service or obedience.

In contrast to many of the other liturgical seasons throughout the year, Lent happens mostly quietly and privately, so the motivations and practices tend to vary greatly. Even so, most if not all practitioners of Lent share a common desire to make more room for God, to have a greater focus on him.

And one primary way to sharpen this focus on God so he gains more room in our lives and hearts is to study Scripture.

During this Lenten season, consider immersing yourself in a different kind of Scripture reading through the lenses of languages from around the world in the TIPs tool. If you’d like to immerse yourself more fully in the story of the temptation (or “soul test,” as our Tibetan brothers and sisters would say), you can start in Matthew, in Mark, or in Luke.

How Do I Pray Biblically? A Lesson on Learning to Pray Like Jesus

Barb Roose
-
0
How Do I Pray Biblically? A Lesson on Learning to Pray Like Jesus

The question “how do I pray?” has been searched millions of times on Google, but the first time we see it recorded in our human history is in Luke 11. As Jesus finished his prayer time, one of the disciples approached with this question:   

“Lord, teach us to pray.” 

It’s a question we’re still asking today, especially if it seems like nothing happens when we pray or we’re hearing conflicting teachings on what prayer should sound like. Others fear their lack of prayer skills will keep God from listening or helping us. The good news is, your prayers don’t change God’s love or faithfulness. But your prayers can change you. 

Jesus teaches us a framework, not a formula, for effective prayer. 

He wants your prayers to transform your life and for God to use your prayers to make a lasting and eternal impact on our world. One of the clues indicating that you’re using prayer like a formula is that you use prayer like God is your vending machine. Or you resort to calling on God when your life is on fire and God is your emergency fire extinguisher. One other clue is if you treat prayer like a monologue where you talk to God and tell Him what you want, but you don’t develop the skills to hear Him. 

Ultimately, the point of prayer isn’t for us to change God’s mind but rather to be willing for God to change us. 

Here are four principles we can draw from Jesus’s teaching on prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. We’ll use Matthew’s version for our time together. 

Begin Prayer with a God-Centric, Not Problem-Centric Approach

This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, — Matthew 6:9 (NIV) 

Jesus teaches us to begin prayer by remembering our relationship with God, our Father. The original Greek uses the Aramaic word Abba, which means a personal, trusting relationship, not cold or distant. We tend to begin our prayers by telling God our problems, but that’s like starting a conversation with a friend by handing them a to-do list instead of greeting them first. 

When we approach God as Abba, we release our stress and anxiety by stepping into His presence. God is safe. In prayer, heaven meets earth, and we step into God’s protective space. We’re reminded and reassured He is bigger than our biggest challenges or anxieties. This is why people often say they feel better after praying. 

As we open our prayers centered on God, we reconnect with the confidence that whatever the outcome of our prayer, we can trust in God’s goodness, love, power, and presence. 

If you tend to pray problem-first instead of God-first, here’s a helpful tool I developed called a “God-Centering Exercise.” It has four parts: 

  • God Is: Remembering God’s character, goodness, and love. 
  • God Has: Replaying God’s faithfulness in my life and others’ lives. 
  • God Can: Reflecting on God’s power. 
  • God Will: Reminding myself of God’s promises for my life and eternity. 

Prayer Refreshes Our Heavenly Perspective

your kingdom come, 
your will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven.  
— Matthew 6:10 (NIV) 

Our world gives us a near-sighted perspective. We react to what’s in front of us. But without prayer, we lose sight of God’s eternal perspective. 

Prayer gives us God’s spiritual vision and fixes our earthly nearsightedness so we’re able to see beyond the chaos and live out the gospel and God’s purpose for our lives. 

Prayer Nurtures Humility

Give us today our daily bread. — Matthew 6:11 (NIV) 

The phrase “daily bread” is connected to how God provided daily food for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4). They had no means or agency to provide for their needs. God gave them literal daily bread for their survival. 

Jesus teaches us to tell God what we need. One of the etymological roots of prayer is “to beg.” There are health crises we can’t fix, relationship problems we can’t heal, financial insecurities we can’t change, and dreams we can’t achieve without God. 

Not only that but notice how Jesus instructs us to pray using plural words like “us” and “our.” Jesus didn’t teach individual prayer. He taught us to pray as a community and for each other. It means that each body of Christ needs to check in with the different parts of the body and respond if there are needs, not ignore them. It’s not effective prayer if we’re not praying for others on a regular basis. God cares about everyone. 

More on humility in Jesus’s next teaching point: 

And forgive us our debts, 
as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
— Matthew 6:12 (NIV) 

For decades, medical professionals, including mental health experts, have known the importance of forgiveness on our physical and psychological health. King David writes about how his unconfessed sin weakened him but confession healed him (Psalm 32:3-5). God’s desire is for us to live free from guilt or shame, especially since those are easy tools for Satan to use to tempt us to lose faith in God’s love for us. 

On the flip side, forgiving others is just as important. When we hold onto resentment or bitterness, we hurt ourselves. Yet, Jesus teaches forgiveness must be a regular part of our prayers because we’re humbly reminded that God has forgiven us of far more than we could ever forgive of anyone else (Matthew 6:14-15). 

Prayer Keeps Our Spiritual Warfare Toolbox Close at Hand

And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from the evil one.’ 
— Matthew 6:13 (NIV) 

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told Peter and the disciples to stay awake and pray. Peter fell asleep and didn’t take time to pray as Jesus requested. Later, Peter succumbed to the temptation to anger by slashing off the ear of Malchus, a servant (John 18:10-11). He also denied Jesus three times and was devastated. 

Jesus knew spiritual warfare was cloaked from our earthly eyes until Satan saw an opportunity. We can stay prepared for spiritual opposition when we’re praying. As we pray, we’re more likely to keep other spiritual weapons like reading our Bibles, staying in the Christian community, and obeying God sharp and ready for battle. 

Conclusion: Pray Like Jesus and Be Transformed by Him

Jesus taught us to pray so we can experience God’s life-transforming love and power. This framework is for everyone!  

I love Corrie ten Boom’s well-known words: “Make prayer your steering wheel, not your spare tire.” Your next step is to apply Jesus’s teaching principles in your prayer life today and experience the transformative power of prayer. 

Cover of "Matthew: Pray Like This" by Barb Roose

When you pray like Jesus, you will learn more about God’s character and His eternal plan and purpose for you. In Matthew: Pray Like This, Bible teacher Barb Roose guides you on a six-week Bible study of the Gospel of Matthew, taking a deep dive into Jesus’s prayer patterns.

Along the way you’ll learn that prayer is the place where God meets you with His heart set on conversation and time spent with you.

Look at the Book: Luke [Infographic]

Chris Fann
-
0
Look at the Book: Luke [Infographic]

“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. The Gospel of Luke speaks most to the marginalized of society and how Christ came especially for them.

Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.

Summary

Luke presents the works and teachings of Jesus that are most essential for understanding the way of salvation. Also focuses on the grace of God as revealed in Jesus and given to those who seem least worthy in society to receive it.

  • Category: Gospels
  • Theme: Marginalized
  • Timeline: Written together with Acts around 60 AD

Key Verse

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10 (NIV)

A Feast of Grace

Jesus is called “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Eating and drinking were so important in the mission of Jesus because they were a sign of his friendship with the marginalized. His “excess” of food and “excess” of grace are linked.

Luke records 9 instances of Jesus eating with people, and at least another 11 instances of Jesus referencing eating.

7 Day Reading Guide

(See 30-day guide below.)

Hungry, Anyone?

“In Luke’s Gospel Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal.” — Robert Karris

Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference. 

Infographic depicting major themes and content from Luke

March 2025 Bible News Roundup

Bible Gateway
-
0
March 2025 Bible News Roundup

Here it is, your source for all the latest Bible-related and Bible-adjacent news from the month of March 2025 — from archaeological discoveries and academic research to cultural events and conversations, developments in the global church, and more.

Week of March 23

  • March 29 — A Russian court banned the “New Testament: The Restoration Translation” by Witness Lee, the Chinese Christian founder of the Local Church in Moscow, citing “linguistic signs of propaganda and humiliation” against other religions in Lee’s commentary. The ruling raises concerns about increased pressure on evangelical Christians in Russia and highlights ongoing challenges for religious freedom of Chinese Christians. (Christian Today)
  • March 27 — Declassified CIA documents reveal that in 1988 the agency attempted to locate the Ark of the Covenant using psychic techniques, as part of Project Sun Streak. A “remote viewer” described the Ark as a wooden, gold, and silver container adorned with six-winged angels, hidden in a dark, subterranean location, and guarded by “protective entities.” The psychic’s findings were never verified; the Ark’s location remains a mystery. (Jerusalem Post)
  • March 27 — Is March Madness distracting you from Bible study? Try slipping a little in during half-time — after all, that’s the point of the game. Basketball was invented in 1891 by a Canadian seminary grad at a Massachusetts YMCA as a character-building exercise for Christian young men during the long winter months. Within a few years, missionaries were using it as an outreach tool for unchurched youth in American cities and abroad. (RELEVANT)
  • March 27 — Forever 21, the iconic fast-fashion retailer known for its yellow bags stamped with “John 3:16,” has announced the closure of all U.S. stores due to competition from online brands and declining mall traffic. Founded in 1984 by Korean immigrants Do Won and Jin Sook Chang, the brand’s rapid growth reflected both the American dream and Christian faith, though it suffered controversies over labor practices and the ethics of fast fashion. (Christianity Today)
  • March 27 — Revive Europe, a student-focused evangelistic initiative that insists Europe is “pre-revival, not post-Christian,” is gaining momentum. Its next Awakening Project event will be held in London from April 30 to May 2. It will unite 300-500 participants for worship, prayer, teaching, and fellowship, culminating in an all-night prayer session with over 1,000 young adults. Future events are being planned, with Munich up next. (Christian Daily)
  • March 27 — A Pew study found that 20% of adults globally have left the religion they were raised in, with Christianity and Buddhism experiencing significant losses. Most of these individuals now identify as religiously unaffiliated, including atheists, agnostics, and “nones.” Western Europe and the U.S. show high rates of disaffiliation, while countries like South Korea see some gains in Christianity among those raised without religion. (Religion Unplugged)
  • March 26 — Three prominent Israeli archaeologists summarized the past decade’s biggest discoveries about Jerusalem’s development during the Iron Age (1200–586 BC). Highlights include monumental structures like the Stepped Stone Structure, possibly linked to biblical Millo, and the Large Stone Structure, which could be King David’s palace. Other finds include a defensive moat and luxurious reception hall (or “chamber“) in the City of David. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
  • March 26 — The first complete Chinese translation of the Bible, created by John Lassar and Joshua Marsham between 1815 and 1822, recently sold at auction for over £56,000 ($115,000). Initially donated to an Oxfam store in Essex, England, the rare Bible was expected to fetch £600-£800 but far exceeded expectations during a Bonhams auction. The proceeds will support Oxfam’s charitable efforts. (Christian Today, from BBC)
  • March 25 — A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that most U.S. clergy now support therapy and medication alongside faith. Historically, mental health struggles were often seen as spiritual failings. Now, 9 in 10 clergy recommend professional care and medication in addition to prayer and Scripture. This integrated approach is especially vital for younger generations, who report high levels of anxiety and depression. (RELEVANT)
  • March 25 — NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, who recently returned from space after his eight-day trip turned into a nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station, credited his faith in Jesus Christ for sustaining him during the long, challenging mission. Despite technical complications and emotional strain, Wilmore described his experience as a spiritual journey, quoting Scripture and emphasizing that God was always present. (Christian Today)
  • March 25 — This year, Easter will be celebrated on the same day, April 20, by all Christian denominations, a rare alignment of Eastern and Western calendars. This coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, which sought to unify the date of Easter. The shared celebration has inspired leaders from Catholic, Protestant, Coptic, and Eastern Orthodox churches to advocate for a permanent common date. (Religion Unplugged)
  • March 24 — Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has taken on a leadership role at Gloo, a Christian tech platform that aims to support faith communities with ethical and effective AI integration. Gelsinger hopes to shape AI as a “force for good and for God.” Gloo claims over 100,000 Christian leaders using its platform, which offers services like AI chatbots tailored to church beliefs, sermon kits, and tools for connecting congregations. (RNS)
  • March 24 — The Gafcon G25 conference, held on March 12 at Christ Church Plano, Texas, focused on renewing biblical authority and raising the next generation of Anglican leaders. Attended by 170 leaders from 25 countries, the event emphasized theological unity amid cultural diversity. It also revisited Gafcon’s origins and outlined future initiatives, with the next major gathering planned for Abuja, Nigeria, in 2026. (Christian Daily)
  • March 23 — Pope Francis was discharged from Gemelli Hospital after 38 days of treatment for bilateral pneumonia. At 88, his recovery was preceded by global prayers and well-wishes from people of all faiths. He said he “had the opportunity to experience the Lord’s patience,” and expressed gratitude for healthcare workers and others who care for the sick, as well as hope for peace in the Holy Land, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Africa. (Vatican News and The Guardian)
Banner reading "Bible Gateway Plus, Less Than $5.00 per month, Free Trial"

Week of March 16

  • March 22 — Excavations under the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem have uncovered traces of an ancient garden, aligning with the Gospel of John’s description of a garden near Jesus’ crucifixion and burial site. Archaeobotanical analysis revealed evidence of olive trees and grapevines from the pre-Christian era. The site was later converted into a church by Constantine in the fourth century. (Times of Israel)
  • March 21 — Evangelism in Kenya and other arid regions faces an unlikely obstacle to conversion: water scarcity. After surrendering to Christ, 68 new believers in Kenya dug a pit, lined it with polythene, and carried water 2 miles overnight to fill it so they could all be baptized. The mission also established Bible studies and connected the community with local pastors to provide long-term discipleship for the community. (Christian Daily)
  • March 21 — The Korea World Missions Association (KWMA) commemorated 140 years since the Gospel’s arrival in Korea with a meeting of denominational leaders to discuss the changing global missions landscape. Their “New Target 2030” plan focuses on international mission partnerships, sustainable mission models, and intergenerational participation, and emphasizes the Korean church’s pivotal role in bridging Western and non-Western missions. (Christian Daily)
  • March 20 — Jordan’s Baptism Site, traditionally recognized as the place John the Baptist baptized Jesus, has been named the Best UNESCO World Heritage Site of 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights the site’s excellence in preserving history, improving visitor access, and promoting sustainable tourism. Located on the eastern banks of the Jordan River, the site is a key Christian pilgrimage destination and a symbol of peace and cultural diversity. (Aleteia)
  • March 19 — If you’re fasting for Lent this year, we have good news: A new MIT study found several health benefits of the practice (beyond its spiritual significance). Intermittent fasting and low-calorie diets boost the regeneration of intestinal stem cells, improving gut health, aiding recovery from injuries or inflammation, and enhancing longevity. However, researchers caution that fasting could accelerate tumor development in people with cancer. (RELEVANT)
  • March 19 — Pastor William Devlin of Infinity Bible Church in New York has offered to sacrifice his life to save Nigerian Christian farmer Sunday Jackson, who faces a death sentence for killing a Fulani herdsman in self-defense. Devlin, a long-time advocate for persecuted Christians, expressed his willingness to exchange his life for Jackson’s, citing his faith and Jesus’ sacrifice as his inspiration. (Christianity Daily)
  • March 19 — Mission Eurasia, a Christian ministry based in Tennessee, U.S., has partnered with the city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, to provide spiritual and medical care in war zones. The agreement allows the ministry to deploy Christian medics and spiritual counselors to areas affected by Russian attacks. These “spiritual first responders” offer trauma counseling, distribute Bibles, and provide urgent care at no cost to patients or the government. (Baptist Press)
  • March 18 — We previously reported that U.S. Bible sales have been growing rapidly — but what about in the notoriously faith-averse UK? As it turns out, the answer is … even more rapidly. UK Bible sales grew by a whopping 87% between 2019 and 2024. As in the U.S., part of this shift is driven by Gen Z’s higher levels of spirituality: 62% of British 18- to 24-year-olds describe themselves as spiritual, compared to just 35% of those over 65. (Christian Today)
  • March 18 — The Magdala Stone, discovered in 2009 in an ancient Galilean synagogue, has continues to spur debate over the purpose of its carvings, which include menorahs, rosettes, and possible chariot wheels. Some scholars interpret its designs as representing God’s chariot and the Temple’s Holy of Holies, offering a “virtual visit” to the Temple for distant worshippers, while others suggest it served as a Torah rest or stand. (Haartez)
  • March 18 — Lifeway Research found that 52% of U.S. Protestant churches have seen at least 4% attendance growth post-pandemic, while others remain plateaued (33%) or declining (15%). Churches with 100 or more in attendance are much more likely than smaller churches to grow, suggesting the importance of capitalizing on momentum. And evangelical congregations are somewhat more likely than mainline to grow. (Lifeway Research)
  • March 17 — The Africa Bible Impact Summit (ABIS) in Rwanda gathered 144 leaders from 30 countries to promote Christ-centered transformation in Africa. Hosted by Community Bible Study, it emphasized Bible engagement and discipleship rooted in African experiences. Speakers highlighted Africa’s deep Christian heritage, arguing that Christianity has closer historical ties to Africa than to the West, and called for an African hermeneutic. (Christian Daily)
  • March 17 — The Serenity Prayer is famously used in 12-step programs and widely beloved — but not many know its origins. The prayer was written not in ancient times but in the 20th century by American Reformed theologian and Union Seminary professor Reinhold Niebuhr, for a worship service in Massachusetts. His original version differed slightly, focusing on collective action and moral responsibility rooted in Christian realism. (RNS)
  • March 17 — Young women, historically the backbone of church communities, are leaving at higher rates than young men due to shifting relationship dynamics, outdated gender models, and disproportionate volunteer expectations. Meanwhile, young men are slightly more engaged, drawn by cultural shifts in masculinity and faith as a stabilizing force. But churches wanting to preserve their future must adapt to better engage young women. (RELEVANT)
  • March 17 — Did St. Patrick really drive all the snakes out of Ireland? Probably not. Fossil records show Ireland (like many islands) has been snake-free since the Ice Age. But his real story, perhaps more amazing than the legend, includes being kidnapped, enslaved, and later returning to Ireland to spread his faith despite significant resistance. Scholars suggest the “snakes” represent the pagan practices he fought to end. (RELEVANT)
  • March 16 — Are science and faith at odds? Many believe they are, but others argue modern science would not exist without Christian theology, which views nature as a form of divine revelation (Ps. 19:1, Rm. 1:20). Early scientists like Roger Bacon and Isaac Newton sought to uncover God’s laws of creation (Jr. 33:25), and even modern breakthroughs like the Big Bang theory, proposed by Rev. Georges Lemaître, show Biblical overlap (Gn. 1:1). (Christian Today)
  • March 16 — The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) passed a motion calling for reforms in U.S. foreign aid while stressing gospel values and the call to care for the vulnerable in passages such as Luke 12:48 and 2 Corinthians 9:6–8. The NAE’s motion advocates for collaboration between private donors, faith-based groups, and government resources, inspired by passages like Nehemiah 2:1–10, Ezra 1:1–8, and Luke 7:1–6. (Christian Daily)
  • March 16 — Global benevolence declined last year according to Gallup, with fewer people helping strangers (56%, down 6%), donating money (33%, down 4%), or volunteering (26%, down 4%) in 2024 compared to 2023. Economic pressures and “philanthropic fatigue” are key factors, alongside reduced international aid from countries like the U.S. and U.K. Charitable activity still surpasses pre-2006 levels, but concerns about the future persist. (Baptist News Global)

Week of March 9

  • March 14 — The “Nun Study,” launched in 1986, involved 678 Catholic sisters from the School Sisters of Notre Dame and provided groundbreaking insights into Alzheimer’s and dementia. The sisters’ shared lifestyles allowed researchers to bypass variables and isolate factors influencing cognitive health. Key findings revealed that higher early-life cognitive abilities, such as education and language skills, reduced dementia risk later on. (Catholic News Agency)
  • March 13 — Islamists in Syria massacred over 1,300 people, mostly Alawite Muslims who traditionally lived side-by-side with Christians. The violence sparked fears among Christians who, though not directly targeted, often face theft, displacement, and vulnerability as an unarmed minority. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim leader, promised justice but ties to radical groups continue to generate scrutiny and doubt. (Christianity Today)
  • March 12 — Churches in Britain are releasing a special edition of the Gospel of John to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day. Designed to resemble the Bibles issued to British soldiers in World War II, the special edition includes the gospel text alongside four real-life stories of faith and courage from the war. The initiative, led by Hope Together and Biblica, also encourages prayer for peace during the celebrations. (Christian Today)
  • March 12 — Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Texas, was indicted on five counts of child sexual abuse stemming from allegations dating to the 1980s. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice concluded its sexual abuse investigations of the Southern Baptist Convention with no charges filed, aside from one count of lying to the FBI. (Christianity Today and RNS)
  • March 11 — Analysis of the 2023 Annual Church Profile (ACP) revealed a “complicated picture” for Southern Baptist churches (the largest Protestant denomination in America). Small congregations continue to shrink, with 70% of churches having fewer than 100 attendees. Baptisms increased by 47% over two years, with urban and younger churches showing higher rates. But the only region where membership grew was in New England. (Lifeway Research)
  • March 11 — Persecution of Indian Christians rose by 6.5% in 2024, with 640 verified incidents including physical violence, arrests, vandalism, and social boycotts, driven by Hindu nationalism and stricter anticonversion laws in 10 states. Christians face fabricated charges, denial of burial rights, and forced reconversions. Christian networks provide legal aid and advocacy, striving for the religious freedom promised by India’s Constitution. (Christianity Today)
  • March 10 — Archaeologists at Megiddo in Israel uncovered evidence supporting the biblical account of King Josiah’s death at the hands of Pharaoh Necho II around 609 BC. Excavations revealed a sudden influx of Egyptian and Greek pottery, indicating a significant Egyptian military presence during that period, aligning with the account in 2 Kings 23:29. This discovery provides the first archaeological link to this biblical event. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
  • March 9 — Pastor John MacArthur, 85, addressed the Shepherds Conference via video after a seven-week hospital stay due to complications from heart and lung surgeries. Appearing frail but optimistic, he expressed gratitude for prayers and support, acknowledging he is on his “last lap” of life and ministry. MacArthur, who has led Grace Community Church since 1969, shared his ongoing recovery journey, including physical therapy to regain strength. (Christian Post)

Week of March 2

  • March 8 — More women lead Christian ministries in the U.S. than secular businesses. A recent survey found that while the vast majority of Christian leaders (77%) are male, women leaders have increased from 16% last year to nearly 23%. (Only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have women CEOs.) The survey also found over half of ministers expect positive impact from Trump administration policies. Fundraising and staffing remain their biggest challenges. (MinistryWatch)
  • March 7 — Christian NGO leaders representing 35 organizations like World Relief and Samaritan’s Purse met with the Trump administration to address the USAID foreign aid freeze. The suspension has caused program closures and layoffs for many longstanding evangelical missions. Administration officials acknowledged concerns but emphasized reducing government reliance and increasing private donor support. (RELEVANT)
  • March 7 — Gather25 brought together 7 million participants in 21,000 locations last week. Hosted from seven global sites, including Rwanda, India, and the U.S., it featured diverse worship styles, languages, and performances aiming to reflect Rev. 7:9‘s vision of worship across all nations. A related album included songs in multiple languages but leaned toward Western pop worship styles. (Christianity Today)
  • March 7 — African theologians are marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea with major renewal events such as the Sixth World Conference on Nicaea in Egypt. Delegations across the continent are hosting lectures and discussions to highlight Africa’s rich theological heritage. Methodist Rev. Jackie Makena and Orthodox Rev. John Njoroge both emphasize the need to foster unity and address divisive theologies in the postcolonial era. (RNS)
  • March 7 — Greenland’s population of 57,000 are mostly native Inuit — and almost entirely Lutheran Christians, a legacy of Danish missionary Hans Egede, who arrived in 1721. Though not all members regularly attend services, the church’s traditions continue to unite the community amid discussions of the nation’s future. The quiet country was surprised to find itself in the global spotlight following President Trump’s recent comments. (RNS)
  • March 6 — Gen Z is sparking a spiritual awakening. While institutional religion struggles, young people are gathering for unpolished, authentic worship at universities across the U.S. and UK, such as the 16-day Asbury Outpouring in 2023. Leaders like Jennie Allen and Jonathan Pokluda note Gen Z’s hunger for integrity, accountability, and transformation, rejecting the polished megachurch programming and celebrity pastors of recent generations. (RELEVANT)
  • March 6 — Amid ongoing health issues, Pope Francis shared a voice recording from the hospital, thanking the faithful for their prayers during a rosary gathering in St. Peter’s Square. Speaking in a raspy voice, he said, “May God bless you and the Virgin protect you.” His condition has remained stable since Monday, but he continues to receive noninvasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy while alternating rest and work. (RNS)
  • March 5 — How does archaeology illuminate the Bible? The discipline’s emphasis has shifted from proving the Bible’s histories to better understanding them. For example, the absence of pig bones in the region of Judah sheds light on dietary laws in Deut. 14 and Lev. 11, while the discovery of artifacts such as altars and figurines clarifies household worship practices alluded to in Jdg. 17. (Biblical Archaeology Society)
  • March 5 — Jason Wilson’s Cave of Adullam in Detroit provides a Christ-centered approach to address the masculinity crisis. Inspired by 1 Samuel 22, the program uses martial arts, prayer, and scripture to teach both self-discipline and reliance on Jesus. The Cave of Adullam, Wilson writes in his book, strives to cultivate the “comprehensive man” who embodies “both courage and compassion, strength and sensitivity.” (Christianity Today)
  • March 5 — Pixar’s new animated series, Win or Lose, introduces the studio’s first openly Christian character, Laurie, the coach’s daughter. Set in the world of Inside Out, the series follows a middle school softball team the week before their championship game, with each episode highlighting a different player. In the first episode, Laurie prays aloud, saying, “Dear Heavenly Father, please give me strength.” (RELEVANT)
  • March 4 — A recent survey shows only 26% of Americans observe Lent. (Are you one of them?) Among those who do, key practices include fasting from favorite foods or beverages (50%), attending church services (49%), fasting from bad habits (37%), and giving to others (36%). Younger adults (18-29) are more likely to give (50%), while African Americans often incorporate prayer (54%). Protestants are more likely to read Bible verses (35%) than Catholics (12%). (Lifeway Research)
  • March 4 — A recent study showed a surprising shift toward traditional values in relationships among Gen Z, with 62% avoiding one-night stands and only 23% engaging in casual hookups, compared to 78% of young millennials in 2004. Only 21% of Gen Z believe marriage is irrelevant, a significant drop from the 39% of millennials 20 years ago. Rising divorce rates and the pandemic’s forced isolation have led them to prioritize commitment. (RELEVANT)
  • March 4 — Veteran rock radio DJ Matt Talluto found Jesus after losing his job during the pandemic. Now he has started Iron-FM, a Christian “dad rock” radio station targeting men age 25-51 and playing hits of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Though he enjoys today’s worship artists, Talluto says they are mostly targeted toward women — and he’s ready for a hard rock revival. (Christianity Today)
  • March 3 — Australian blood donor James Harrison died peacefully, age 88, having saved the lives of 2.4 million unborn babies (not a typo) between 1954 and his last donation (his 1,173rd) in 2018. Harrison’s plasma contained a rare and precious antibody called anti-D, which can prevent a potentially fatal disease in unborn babies in as many as 17% of pregnancies. He “never missed a single appointment, and expected nothing in return.” (NPR)
  • March 3 — Los Angeles Lakers center Trey Jemison III is using his platform to host Bible studies on Instagram. Not just posting inspirational quotes, Jemison encourages his thousands of followers to read along, ask questions, and engage in discussion. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Jemison’s faith became central going undrafted in 2023. He credits prayer and God’s guidance for his NBA career. (RELEVANT)
  • March 3 — How would you describe the Bible — in seven words or less? Here’s a project that asks that question of many different pastors, scholars, and laypeople (they are allowed to expound upon their answer in a few additional sentences), with more responses to come. (The Christian Century)
  • March 3 — The Church of Saint Paraskeva in Serbia, which dates back to 1331, houses a rare White Angel fresco. It depicts the archangel Gabriel dressed in a white chiton and himation, sitting on a stone of burgundy and indicating the place of Christ’s resurrection. Despite damage during Turkish rule (including the angel’s eyes being gouged out of the wall), the fresco remains significant, one of only three White Angel frescoes in the world. (Jerusalem Post)
  • March 2 — A look at the three oldest Bibles in the world — and the latest updates to the ESV. Why sheep were holy — and pork was banned — in ancient Israel. The overlooked impact of female ascetics in the early church, and Black nuns in America. Oh, and a guy who was literally swallowed by a whale. Go back through the biggest, strangest, and most inspiring Bible and church news stories of February!

View news archives here.

Reading news about the Bible is great — but reading the Good News of the Bible is better! Bible Gateway Plus offers Study Bibles, commentaries, encyclopedias, and tons more resources to help you get more from God’s Word — all for less than $5/mo. Start your free trial today!

1...121314...32Page 13 of 32