As we look to Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us will be with extended family. But those times can also carry undercurrents, can’t they? Because families can have a down side. If there are those in your family who are not Jesus followers, or are deemed not “qualified” to be Jesus followers, consider those in His extended human family. Some of the most poignant examples of God’s love, mercy, and grace are stories highlighted by names of women that appear in the genealogy that begins Matthew’s Gospel—a list of names that make up His Family Tree.
I. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LOVELESS Matthew 5:3
II. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LOST Matthew 5:5
III. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LAWBREAKER Matthew 5:6
As you celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, remember His Family Tree. If God could transform the human family of His Son into a testimony of His amazing grace, why do you think He can’t do the same for you and your family?
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Fall 2022 Newsletter.
I can almost hear the echo of the battering ram that is destroying America’s foundation of faith as I read the following statement by the president of Barna research…. “With each passing year, the percent of Americans who believe that the Bible is ‘just another book written by men’ increases. So too do the perceptions that the Bible is actually harmful and that people who live by its principles are religious extremists.”1 We see evidence of it in the soaring rate of violent crime; in the toxic public discourse; in truth that is spun as lies and lies that are spun as truth; in the sharp decline in church attendance; in the breakdown of trust in our national institutions and government leaders; in the homelessness and hopelessness of thousands living on the streets in our major cities; in the rising suicide rate among our young people until it’s the 2nd leading cause of death; in the plague of fentanyl and other illicit drugs…and the list goes on and on.
What can you and I do? We are in an epic spiritual battle! Therefore, our weapons are not worldly, they are spiritual …weapons of prayer and God’s Word.2 So first and foremost, we need to pray for the next generation. Pray against the unseen spirits that are trying to hijack the faith of those who come after us. Then we need to be intentional as we seek to pass on the Truth by our example and our words. To this end, my daughter, Rachel-Ruth, and I wrote Jesus Followers: Real Life Stories to Ignite Faith in the Next Generation. While the subject is extremely serious at this critical time in our national life, we have written this book as a combination of Biblical exposition and personal stories. You will find it very easy to read as it will make you laugh and cry while sharing practical wisdom that will also challenge and encourage you.
When the publisher approached me about producing a video-driven Bible Study based on the book, I was thrilled. As a result, the video crew assembled the week before Easter at my father’s house nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Spring had not yet come which seemed to emphasize the emptiness and lifelessness of the house. But I believe the message is powerful. What my father left behind was not a beautiful home filled with treasured possessions. What he left behind was a legacy of faith…specifically a legacy of the Gospel…a legacy that lasts.
Perhaps the video session that blessed me the most was the Bible Study workshop that I led with three generations of my family discussing the Scriptures together. It surely was a tribute to my mother and father’s legacy of faith that they successfully passed down to me, my children, and my grandchildren.
So as you view the videos and travel through my father’s house, I pray you will not only be thoroughly blessed by the context I give for each message Rachel-Ruth shares, but that you also will be recommitted to being a Jesus Follower yourself, then pass the Truth on to the next generation. This Christmas, strengthen the foundation on which you are building your life so that you leave a legacy that lasts.
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
For His Glory,
When I was in elementary school, each Christmas my mom would come in to share the gospel through the Christmas story. I attended a public school that did not look favorably on the Bible or any type of Christian teaching. To share the Christmas story openly without using a Bible, my mom had to be creative. She had the clever idea of using the encyclopedia. As she sat surrounded by my classmates, teachers congregated in the doorway and the principal made a show of being present. But no one could argue with what the encyclopedia said about Bethlehem, the angels, baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
While writing this, I took a moment to look up the words Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angel, cross, forgiveness, resurrection, heaven, eternity, and peace in the dictionary. And do you know what? The same thing is true! The explanations are right there. You can share the gospel from the dictionary! Try it the next time you feel led to share the gospel and someone tells you not to read the Bible in a public setting. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
This Christmas give The King something I know He wants for His birthday. Share the Gospel with someone else.
For His Glory,
1 https://www.barna.com/research/the-bible-in-america-6-year-trends/
2 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:17-18
As we look to Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us will be with extended family. But those times can also carry undercurrents, can’t they? Because families can have a down side. If there are those in your family who are not Jesus followers, or are deemed not “qualified” to be Jesus followers, consider those in His extended human family. Some of the most poignant examples of God’s love, mercy, and grace are stories highlighted by names of women that appear in the genealogy that begins Matthew’s Gospel—a list of names that make up His Family Tree.
I. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LOVELESS Matthew 5:3
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
On August 20th I was given the privilege of speaking to a group of people who had gathered on our state’s capitol grounds in order to seek God’s blessing on our city, state, and nation. I then led them in prayer, by faith believing that our God is a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering, miracle-working God. The group was also led in prayer by Pastor John Amanchukwu who brought a sizeable contingent of his delightful and dedicated church members.
Tony Perkins is the President of the Family Research Council, as well as a dear friend, who is on the front lines in the battle for Truth. His recent summit was held in the beautiful sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta. He gave me the privilege of challenging those gathered to look up and ask God to give us a fresh vision of Jesus. I am more convinced than ever that Jesus is The Answer to our national crisis.
I was privileged to speak to the Executive Directors and their spouses at the Adult and Teen Challenge Retreat held at the Cove, followed by a Q & A with questions from the audience. The President and CEO, Gary Blackard, invited those gathered to pray over me and my daughter, Morrow. We were thoroughly blessed!
Who has impressed you with his or her confidence in God?
What a blessing to have parents and grandparents with confident faith. What a blessing to be a parent or grandparent, an aunt or an uncle, a friend or a neighbor, who has confident faith!
What will people think of you when you’re gone? What will your grandchildren know about you? Perhaps you see shadows of this ancient generation in your own family tree as you consider those who chose faith and those who did not. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you are remembered throughout generations to come as one whose life bore unmistakable witness to your faith in God? The choice is yours.
The Jesus Followers Bible Study has been written to encourage and challenge you to think through the legacy you are building. We pray you will be blessed. Then share the Bible Study with someone else this Christmas.
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Since January 1st, our family has been caught up in a whirlpool of suffering on many levels. Our beloved pastor and dear friend, Ray Bentley, suddenly and unexpectedly went to be with Jesus on the 4th. The shock and suddenness seemed to make our grief more intense. Four days later Rachel-Ruth was admitted to the hospital with her first of two SCAD heart attacks. On Easter Sunday she was back in ICU where she was additionally diagnosed with pericarditis. My son has been told his lungs may never improve beyond the 64% capacity they now have. And while arthritis is progressing in my hips and back, I had a bad fall when walking the dog that resulted in a cracked rib and other injuries.
All of this makes me wonder two things: Is my family…and am I…under an assigned assault from our spiritual enemy? And are you also under attack? Disease, death, danger, disasters and the darkness of corruption and chaos, disruption and division, stress and suicide, wars and rumors of wars, are all markers, I believe, to indicate we are living at the end of human history as we know it. The enemy knows his time is running out, and he is waging all-out war on God’s people. The battles are intense, frequent, and to be honest, they can be discouraging. They seem to drain our reserves of strength and energy.
So…what would the Lord say to you and me at such a time as this? 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 has come to mind. King Jehoshaphat faced a vast enemy army that was poised to attack. God instructed him: Do not be afraid or discouraged…for the battle is not yours, but God’s…Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you…Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. Early the next morning Jehoshaphat challenged the people to stay focused in their faith on God. He then appointed a choir to sing and praise the Lord as they went out before the army to confront the enemy. The result? The enemy was defeated!
As I go out to battle against the unseen enemy, I am learning the power of praise. Because the name of Jesus is one of our most effective spiritual weapons,1 I have alphabetized a list of His names that I say out loud when I can’t fall asleep, when I awake during the night, or when I am aware again that I am under specific attack. I can testify that although my circumstances may not change, my attitude and perspective do. I am strengthened in my spirit and receive peace that quiets my heart. I would like to share my list with you.2 Keep in mind, of course, there can be more names for each letter than just the ones I have listed, but this should help you start your own list:
Next time you feel you can’t take one more sleepless night, one more disappointment, one more painful procedure, one more slanderous lie, one more hurtful rejection, one more_________ (you fill in the blank), lift high the banner of His name. There is power in praise!
For His Glory,
1 Psalm 60:4; Isaiah 11:10; Proverbs 18:10
2When I couldn’t think of a specific name for a certain letter, I have used an adjective. Which is another suggestion for you. Make an alphabetical list of adjectives for Jesus.
Read 2 Chronicles 19:1-2, 4 and 20:1-30
I. THE BLESSING
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
It was a privilege for me to share a message of encouragement to several hundred pastors and church leaders who gathered for a Refuel Conference, then engage in a Q & A with Jonathan Falwell. I continue to pray they will rely on the Holy Spirit as they present the truth of God’s Word with boldness.
I have been honored to be with North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, Mark Robinson, on two different occasions in the past few months. Each time, his remarks were riveting. He unashamedly identifies himself as a Jesus follower. His opening remarks each time were the same: I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In light of the recent SCOTUS decision overturning Roe vs. Wade, his personal testimony concerning abortion is powerful. Click here to watch.
Getting up early in the morning to fix your eyes on Jesus through prayer and reading His Word is like setting your spiritual compass. Because no matter what faces you during the day, or how “lost” and confused you can become…He invariably leads you on the right path. Our prayer is that the devotions in this updated deluxe edition will help you fix your eyes on Jesus every day, so that you, too, can set your spiritual compass. Click here to learn more about Fixing My Eyes of Jesus.
Each dated devotional in The Joy of My Heart includes a Scripture verse and reflections from Anne on topics such as eternity, grief, and faith. With a gift presentation page and a ribbon marker, The Joy of My Heart is a beautiful gift for anyone looking for a concise collection of daily devotions. You will enjoy this newest release, as will those looking for a way to add variety and consistency to their daily devotional time. Anne’s depth of thought makes this a welcomed gift for pastors and church leaders, while her accessible tone makes The Joy of My Heart appropriate for any layperson seeking scriptural truth. Click here to order The Joy of My Heart.
In this volume, Anne shares her heart and God’s teachings on the universal problem of suffering, using the familiar story of Lazarus. This small book presents a simple, powerful message that is sure to bring comfort and new meaning to all who are suffering themselves or know others who need a special touch from God. It will help you understand and deal with suffering by leading you to the One Who knows your needs, shares your grief, sheds your tears and promises glory to come! Based on John 11. Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada. Click here to order Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand.
If you would like to receive AnGeL Ministries’ full newsletter by email or postal delivery, click here to sign up for our free resources!
Read 2 Chronicles 19:1-2, 4 and 20:1-30
I. THE BLESSING
II. THE BATTLE
III. THE BANNER
I praise the Lord for who He is_________
I praise the Lord for what He has done__________
I praise the Lord for what He will do__________
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Summer 2022 Newsletter.
Our beloved nation is melting down. The jettisoning of traditional Judeo-Christian values has seemed to erupt at warp speed. Lying, corruption, deception, betrayal, and greed are becoming the norm. Fear, rage, lawlessness, murder, suicides, drug and alcohol abuse seem out of control. The signs the Bible gives which characterize the last generation of human history are warning indicators. Could it be our world is coming under God’s final judgment? If so, then the time before Jesus returns for His followers is running out.
How, then, should we live? It’s critical that we be about His business.1 First and foremost, you and I, as followers of Jesus, need to know what we believe. Then we need to be willing to stand up for it and speak out about it. The apostle Paul wrote the Roman believers with deep conviction: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.2 What is the gospel? The following is a summary of the gospel from God’s Word…
Everyone born into the human race is born with a sin nature, so that all are sinners.3
The consequence of sin is not only physical death, but spiritual death—separation from God now and in eternity.4
But God so loved the entire world of humanity that He sent His own Son, Jesus, into the world to die as an atoning sacrifice for our sin, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish separated from God, but will have eternal life.5
When we confess that we are sinners, ask God to apply the death of Jesus to our sin and forgive us, He will.6
Following the crucifixion of Jesus, God raised Him from the dead to give us new life here and life in Heaven when we die.7
When we respond and receive Jesus by faith into our hearts, He comes into us in the person of His Spirit, so that we are born again as children of God, forgiven of our sins, and receive eternal life.8
When we claim Jesus Christ by faith as our Savior and Lord, we pass from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, from death to life.9
And the gospel is this…
Jesus said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ 10
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Just the name of Jesus.11
If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.12
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all…13
Click here for printable PDF
So…do Jews need to be saved? Do Muslims also need to be saved? Do Russians, Iranians, Chinese and Hispanics need to be saved? Yes, they do. According to God’s Word, whatever their religion is, or is not, no one is exempt from being a sinner. Each one of us needs a Savior. Which is why God has given Jesus to be the Savior of the world.14
Yet how can they believe unless they hear? And how will they hear unless you and I tell them the Good News that God loves them?15 That regardless of what happens, they can have peace in their hearts at present and hope for the future?
That’s the gospel that Paul was talking about. And that’s the gospel we are to proclaim.
For His Glory,
1 Matthew 24:46
2 Romans 1:16
3 Romans 3:23
4 Romans 6:23
5 John 3:16
6 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7
7 Romans 8:11
8 John 1:12; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 John 5:11-13
9 Acts 26:18; 1 John 3:14; Romans 8:10
10 John 14:6
11 Acts 4:12
12 Romans 10:9-10
13 Romans 10:12-13
14 1 John 4:14
15 Romans 10:14
The five sessions for our new Bible study, Jesus Followers, were filmed in my father’s house in Montreat, NC. It is now empty, emphasizing that what he left behind was a legacy, not of possessions, but of the gospel. The above session is on worship and was filmed in the front yard that, even on a cloudy day, gives a spectacular view from the top!
My dear friends, JoAnn and Tom Doyle, flew to our AnGeL Ministries office to film two installments for JoAnn’s TV program, Flourish, that is viewed by tens of thousands of women in Iran. Rachel-Ruth, along with her youngest daughter and my granddaughter, Riggin, and I were blessed to engage in conversation that emphasized the legacy of faith through the generations.
What a blessing I was able to share with my youngest granddaughter, Riggin, as we enjoyed the Museum of the Bible together! Then I was given the privilege of speaking to several hundred people who gathered in the theater as part of the Museum’s Sunday Sermon Series. I praise God for the light of His unchanging Word that is displayed at the Museum with such excellence, as it shines in a world that is increasingly dark. John 1:5
Anne led thousands of women to study their Bibles and raise white flags of surrender to Jesus in Kyiv, Ukraine, 2005. Where are they now?
This Spring/Summer share Anne and Rachel-Ruth’s book with your family and friends as you prepare for the new study…
In the book, Anne and Rachel-Ruth offer a warm and inspiring glimpse into their family life, sharing stories that reveal spiritual wisdom and practical insight for raising the next generation of Jesus Followers.
If you would like to receive AnGeL Ministries’ full newsletter by email or postal delivery, click here to sign up for our free resources!
