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.
His Boots were Made for Walking
The idea started in a casual conversation with his parents. Garth Poorman, a former executive assistant at the American Bible Society, was musing that he'd traveled cross-country by bus and by car. The only thing left was to travel by foot.It would take five years of dismissing the idea, embracing it and then dismissing it again before he finally knew…
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Helping the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely
James Macklin, director of outreach for the Bowery MissionJames Macklin, 70, is a modestly dressed, simple black man with short, curly salt-and-pepper hair. He smiles as he shares his life's story, a grandfather-like poise communicating a love for the people around him.“One of my favorite sayings is ‘Never look down on another human being — whether man, woman or child…
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God Set Them Free
A small group of inmates holds prayer during their Bible study. Photo by Chris Leaman.In the minds of many, prisons are one of the last places people go to find hope. Television news reports often show the poor living conditions, the overcrowding and general lack of humanity the incarcerated must endure every day.In the midst of such despair, prisoners often…
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Changing Lives in Midtown Manhattan
Anthony Kravit shares how the Bible is showing him the love of Jesus. Video still by Eliu CornielleIn mid-January, hundreds of volunteers gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City, preparing for a citywide homeless outreach event called “Don't Walk By.” The American Bible Society and The Bowery Mission, New York City's largest spiritually based homeless outreach program, provided…
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A Dream Comes True in Appalachia
Railroad in Logan County, West Virginia. Photo by Chris LeamanPastor Michael C. Hartwell is a jolly, talkative man who likes to tell funny stories, do impersonations and preach the Scriptures to the broken and needy who live in the heart of Appalachia in southern West Virginia. A former coal miner, he was given a copy of the New Testament one…
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30 Years Strong, the JESUS Film Still Changes Lives
Sill from the original JESUS film movie. The JESUS film, an internationally renowned movie that recently hit a landmark number of 1000 translations, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The American Bible Society played a key role in the film’s development as the boundary-breaking translation of ABS’ Good News for the Modern Man was the version of the Bible upon which…
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