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.
In Memoriam – Spring 2010
Alan Boardman Given by First Presbyterian Church, IthacaMy mother, Louise V. Flessner, Given by David H. FlessnerHelen M. Hahn, Given by Helen M. and Harry O. Hahn, Fund of the Berks County Community FoundationMy Wife Mary, My Son James and My Daughter Jennifer, Given by Mr. Loren Kendall HarperMy wife, Gloria R. Heiss, Given by William E. HeissRuth Chastain Hulsey,…
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Passing the Baton
Dr. Lamar Vest chats with Mrs. Nellie Bicksler at a tribute celebration in her honor. Photo by Malorie Tull“American Bible Society volunteers should understand and feel one thing: joy!” So declared Mrs. Nellie Bicksler at a recent tribute hosted by the American Bible Society to thank her for more than 50 years of service.Born in 1912, two months before the…
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History of Translation in China
Scripture portions distributed to the homelessMore than 1.3 billion people speak some form of Chinese as their heart language. God's Word has been translated into Mandarin, as well as nine minority languages. But, there are 55 minority languages and an unknown number of dialects within each minority language. This means there are still millions of Chinese people waiting to hear…
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I found a “Life Boat Bible.” What can you tell me about it?
The Scripture you have is a New Testament in the King James Version produced by the American Bible Society during World War II. It was probably printed in 1942. Between 1941 and 1945, ABS distributed to our service personnel 4,440,119 copies of the New Testament and a total number of 7,419,366 Scriptures. Some of them were packaged like yours and…
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St. Samuel's Spirit Resurrected by Witch in Scripture?
The 1 Samuel 28.3-25 narrative provides no details about the rituals or conjuring process.In the ancient world, the belief in magic, sorcery and witchcraft was common. Witchcraft and consulting the dead was forbidden by the Law of Moses (Leviticus 19.26, 31), because relying on spirits or powers other than God showed a lack of faith and trust in the one…
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Meeting Spiritual Needs in the American Military
In January 2009, the leading cause of American deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan for the first time wasn't combat. It was suicide. In fact, nearly twice as many active-duty service members killed themselves as were killed on the battlefield. Frequent exposure to death, injury, harsh conditions and separation from loved ones have prompted many active-duty service members and veterans to…
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