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.
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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Obama or God: Who said It?
Photo by Caleb KomorowskiA national survey conducted by Harris Interactive® for the American Bible Society found that a majority of Americans are having trouble recognizing some of the Bible's strongest promises for those who are struggling.Of the 1,001 U.S. adults surveyed, 54 percent attributed a Bible verse about caring for the poor and oppressed to celebrities and politicians rather than…
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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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Always There in a Crisis
Soldiers unload supplies for Haitian earthquake victims (Photo courtesy of Water Mission International)“The thought of my pain, my homelessness, is bitter poison. I think of it constantly, and my spirit is depressed. Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue, fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.” Lamentations 3.19-24…
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