What is the full meaning of the transfiguration? Is it related to John 17, when Jesus asks the Father to glorify him?—Frank Rogers, via e-mail Transfiguration is a change in appearance: a glorifying, spiritual change. This event in Jesus' life appears in three of the Gospels: Matthew 17.1-13,… Read More

Since the earliest days of the United States, those charged with leading the nation have found wisdom and courage in God's Word. In the spirit of Presidents' Day, we offer the following words from those who would have been in frequent need of a steady and trustworthy guide. “Almighty God,… Read More

October 2008 – Let Your Light Shine and Pursue Peace and Justice Wednesday, October 1st – Job 34.1-37 Thursday, October 2nd – Job 35.1-16 Friday, October 3rd – Job 36.1-33 Saturday, October 4th – Psalm 85 Sunday, October 5th – World Communion – 1 Corinthians 11.17-34 Monday,… Read More

There is mention of the Book of Jashar in the Old Testament. Is this a missing book of the Bible?—Joe O., via e-mail The Book of Jashar is one of the lost source books of early Israelite poetry from the Amarna Age (15th and 14th centuries B.C.). It… Read More

The words “the disciple whom Jesus loved” in John's Gospel, referring to John himself, trouble me. Isn't this the epitome of conceit?— Ms. Caryl A. Reid, Leesburg, Fla. Congratulations on raising a question that has sparked many lively discussions through the years. The traditional view is that the… Read More

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… Read More

There seem to be a lot of Marys in the accounts of the Resurrection. Who are they?—Christina Galanes, via e-mail There 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… Read More

Photo by David Singer The 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… Read More

What does Scripture say about cremation?—Ms. P. L. Widner No 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… Read More

Dr. Dickerson and Sister Wang Shuyun, who helped found China's first rural church. Photo by James Sheldrew With other American Bible Society board members, I traveled to China for the opening of the Amity Printing Company's new facility in Nanjing. We watched as new pages of Scripture moved forward… Read More