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.
Named by God
Other than Jesus, who in the Bible was given a name by God? —J. MacMichael Jr., via e-mailGod named a number of people. - Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (Genesis 35.9-11). - Sarai’s name (Abraham’s wife) was changed to Sarah (Genesis 17.15, 16). - Abram’s name was changed to Abraham (Genesis 17.4-6). - God named Isaiah’s son Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah…
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Winter 2009 – Please Pray
BURUNDIPray for the literacy program conducted through the local Bible Society in Burundi. Sixty-five percent of the nation is illiterate: School dropout rates are high as a result of civil war and poverty. Pray for those who accept the Bible as reading and literacy learning material.IRAQPraise God for the 8,000 people of Iraq who received Scripture in Arabic at a…
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A Savior is Born
With Christmas just around the corner, I’m reminded once again how often God starts with small things to bring about his biggest changes. We remember that God came to dwell among us as an infant, tiny and vulnerable — starting small to accomplish the world’s greatest good.I’m realizing that for many, the first crucial encounters with God’s Word start very…
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Rebuilding
Photo by David SingerI was about to leave a restaurant in New Orleans when my waiter, Rick, complained about the lack of business. “This lunch hour was so lousy my pockets are empty,” he said.I motioned Rick back to the table. “So times are tough?”“Lunchtime used to be full of tourists and businesspeople, conventioneers,” he responded. “Now only three tables…
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Braille Celebration
Scripture for the blind owes much to Louis Braille, who was born 200 years ago. Photo by Dag Smemo. Louis Braille was three years old when an accident in his father’s harness workshop left him permanently blind. He was sent to a village priest for private tutoring. By the age of 15, he developed a new reading and writing system…
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A Happy End
A church planter from End to End, left, follows up with a young man in Nigeria. Photo by Pascal Folly. In Tonti, Nigeria, a man is so moved by watching The JESUS Film that he expresses his faith in Christ. The moment is life-changing. “He used to talk to me harshly, drink excessively and never cared to stay home,” says…
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