Scripture engagement leads to knowing God—and lives changed forever. Now more than ever, Americans need to know God’s Word and the hope we have in its transformative message. The State of the Bible is a yearly, in-depth study, asking Americans their opinions and practices relating to the Bible, all made possible by generous supporters like you.
These Bible insights can provide critical information and give you direction for your Biblical ministry to help better serve the needs of people in your community.
Jesus Reads the Words of Isaiah
In Luke 4.16, 17, Jesus reads the words of Isaiah in the synagogue: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” What were the rules governing readings in those days?—Will K., Clinton Township, Mich.The reading of the Parascha, or section from the Law, by another person would have preceded the reading of Isaiah by Jesus. There is no way of…
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Blessed are the Débonnaires
An obituary for Kurt Vonnegut said that he preferred the French “blessed are the débonnaires” to the English “blessed are the meek.” That sounds odd. Are these words equivalent?—Jane M., via e-mailIn a discussion of the French use of débonnaires, The Interpreter's Bible says that “a meek, little man is a title no one covets,” and that the French word…
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Cremation and the Bible?
What does Scripture say about cremation?—Ms. P. L. WidnerNo preferred method of burial is mentioned in Scripture. One traditional view of burial was influenced by a popular interpretation of statements about the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3.16, 6.19).Since the early 1960s, there has been growing interest in cremation in the United States due to…
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A Child's Faith
Photo by David SingerThe party for Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is coming to a close in the Nasugbu municipality of the Philippines. The brightly colored packages from America have been distributed and gleefully opened. Joy lights up each young face. And each pair of little hands now holds a new and precious possession: a Bible to own and cherish from…
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More Than One Mary?
There seem to be a lot of Marys in the accounts of the Resurrection. Who are they?—Christina Galanes, via e-mailThere were many witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection, but women were the first. Mary Magdalene is the only person who appears in all four gospel accounts. She returned to the tomb on the day after the Sabbath to find it empty. In…
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Unstoppable Love
Across the region where Christ proclaimed his message and was resurrected, the Word is taking hold and transforming lives. In this traditional world, children from across the Middle East have new opportunities to hear and experience his message of hope.Swirling minor notes from a flute evoked the atmosphere of a souk, or marketplace, from Bible times — the kind of…
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