The Health of the Church is at Stake
Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith. . . . — Jude 3
My dear friend, like the days of Jude, the health of the Church is at stake. In Jude’s day, the Gospel was starting to spread beyond Judea toward “the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8) . . . and there arose a threat. “Certain persons” had “crept in” (Jude 4) to pollute the Church with godless teachings, divisions, and sinful worldliness.
Today, as then, the Church is under attack. We need holy conduct, godliness, and the ability to be able to spot false teachers and handle mockers. Our nation is being seduced—and strong voices are trying to silence anyone who holds biblical standards. Jude had to write—and I have to write.
Jude had to rally believers to “contend earnestly for the faith.” Just as in Jude’s day, we too have a responsibility to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to teach God’s Word.
As you probably know, there is a spiritual war raging inside the Church and outside of it. Within the Church, false teaching and error have arisen because too many Christians don’t really know God’s Word and how to study it for themselves. Our culture increasingly mocks or tries to suppress the only Truth that can save people from sin.
Yet God is opening doors. The economic recession is driving people to desire to know how to study God’s Word—for themselves! People want answers—Truth.
All across America, Precept Upon Precept classes are expanding as Americans see the emptiness of materialism and turn to God’s Word. All across Europe, South America, and Asia, we’re seeing demand for Precept classes and materials expanding as the global recession—and the challenge of false religions—forces people to choose between Truth and the lie.
And I believe Jude’s words also speak to you and me today. He wrote to “those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude1)—that’s you! And he said to “contend earnestly for the faith . . . handed down to the saints” (Jude 3)—that’s you and me!
For these reasons, will you join us to “contend earnestly for the faith” by praying for Precept Ministries International and consider giving financially? The recession is a tough time, it has also affected Precept Ministries as well. But this is also a time to “display strength and take action” (Dan.11:32b), trusting God in faith-testing times. Trials are always times of testing—testing to see if we really believe God and will “seek first His kingdom” (Matt. 6:33—read verses 19–34).
More people than ever are crying out to know God through inductive study of His Word—and we must get them ready for what lies ahead. May the Lord richly bless you as you “contend earnestly for the faith.”
In His Peace and Unfailing Love,
Kay Arthur
Host, Precepts For Life
Co-CEO, Precept Ministries International
Precept Worldwide
 United Kingdom – Introducing the Inductive Bible Study Method to Families
Precept UK has an active presence in England where many conferences are held through the summer months. During July, Precept UK will host bookstands and conduct seminars at the Keswick 2009 Convention and Creation Fest 2009, both events attract many families and individuals from across England. Precept UK volunteers will help at Precept’s book table where they are able to introduce Precept materials to attendees of all ages. Precept seminars hosted at these events help introduce the Inductive Bible Study Method as well as Precept Ministries UK. Please pray during the month of July for Precept’s staff and volunteers attending the Keswick Convention and Creation Fest. Pray for those being introduced to Precept Ministries and the Inductive Bible Study Method, that they will learn to discover Truth for themselves.
Eurasia – Rapid Student Growth as Truth is Shared in Bible Study Groups and Public Schools
Precept Ministries recently hosted two-week training sessions in six different Eurasian countries which led to 95 Bible study groups containing a total of 724 students! After a recent strategy session with Precept leaders in these countries, leaders planned a goal for an additional 149 groups and 1,100 more students attending. Pray for these leaders’ safety as they continue to share truth, some in persecuted areas. Pray that students attending these studies would share the Truth they learn with others around them. Precept materials are also presented and taught in public schools in Eurasia and have been expanded to 18 news schools in Moldova, Ukraine and Mongolia. Books, including “The Truth About Sex” and “God, Are You There?” were taught to 1,780 present in the schools, including 39 teachers and principals. Teaching sessions are also planned to continue in the fall months. Pray that the students, teachers and principals in the public schools would grow in their desire to learn more about God and His Word.
Partner with Precept to reach the world...
Transform Student Ministries
Leading the Next Generation
 Students today are living under tremendous pressure. Pressure for acceptance—pressure to excel in school—pressure to excel in sports—pressure to excel in music—and somewhere along the way having a true relationship with Christ gets lost with all the demands that many teens live with. What’s going to hold them during these challenging days? What will be their anchor? Precept Ministries’ Transform Student Ministry is helping to radically change the lives of thousands of students by teaching them to study God’s Word for themselves.
Learn More …
 What is the problem with evil?
How would your students answer “How could God allow evil to exist?”
God's Word has the answer…
Precepts For Life
Award Winning Program
CURRENTLY AIRING
Daniel–Dare to be God's Messenger
Have you ever found yourself in a desperate situation and you were afraid to really trust God? Where did you turn? Did you cling to His Word or to the world for answers? As you study the Book of Daniel, it’s going to strengthen you and help you stand even when your circumstances look hopeless.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego went into that fire bound and came out free with no ties on them (Daniel 3:21, 27). This is what happens when you stand for the Lord. When you refuse to bend, when you refuse to bow, when you choose not to compromise your God, there’s freedom to your radical obedience. You’ll have a new understanding, a new strength because you have chosen to be obedient. You will come out victorious!
Join Kay in this life-changing study, Dare To Be God’s Messenger, a study in the Book of Daniel.
We have two Inductive Bible Study resources for you to engage with the Bible and study along with the broadcast...
 |
Study Companion
Complete daily Bible texts plus cross-references, marking notes, thought-provoking questions, maps and charts help you get even more from the passages. Perfect for leading small group studies. Order your copy
Study Guide FREE
Daily Bible references, marking notes and questions help you study inductively.
Download your free Study Guide, Daniel–Dare to be God's Messenger.
|
STUDENT STORY
“I would have done anything to become popular! Then–God got my attention.” Brittany F.—North Canton, OH
 My main concern heading into high school was my chance to start over and I would have done anything to become popular! Then—God got my attention. By the end of middle school my parents felt I didn’t have a strong enough foundation in the Lord. I attended Boot Camp before I went to a public high school. Attending Boot Camp [put on by Precept’s Transform Student Ministries to establish youth leadership in His Word] completely interrupted my plans for high school. God used Precept to introduce the Word of God to me in a way that made sense. I learned in Scripture that I couldn’t serve two masters. I needed to pursue God or pursue self-gratifying popularity. I realized through His Word, I could not have both. Needless to say, His grace was irresistible. God has continued a work in me, specifically using the Precept staff to help train me in His Word.
I’ve had the opportunity to share what I’ve learned by leading multiple Bible studies. My passion has been to share what God has taught me through Precept. I want so badly to see people seeking God through His Word, allowing Him to be the Lord of their life and in their actions. I want people to know God because of what God tells them, not simply relying on what others have told them. I have personally seen the Lord’s hand working through Precept Ministries in my own life. I’m so thankful for those who have been faithful to serve though this ministry!
Check out the Transform Student Website...
Tips On Leading Bible Study
Precept Ministries is dedicated in helping equip you to study Truth for yourself. It’s also our desire to help you with leading great Bible Study discussions. Our prayer is that your students are passionate about studying God’s Word and applying it to their lives. Thank you for your love for God’s Word and your obedience to disciple others.
THIS MONTH'S VIDEO:
Training Workshops
Are you ready to mine the treasure of the Bible for yourself? Do you desire to disciple others toward biblical maturity? If either of these describes you, Precept Ministries’ Training Workshops are a great place to start. Precept offers workshops to help you develop study skills to deepen your understanding and build your own Biblical knowledge. For those who want to disciple, Precept offers biblical workshops to equip you to lead others in discovering the Truth of God’s Word for themselves.
Connect with Precept Ministries Online...
Bible Study Resources
July Featured Items
Inductive Bible Study Curriculum 
Train up students to know and enjoy God! Equip your Christian and home school students with foundational truths and study skills that will last a lifetime through the Inductive Bible Study Curriculum.
Read More...
Sweeter Than Chocolate
 In six brief lessons you will journey
through the Bible’s greatest Psalm
devoted to the theme of the Word
of God. Learn more about this
great study!
Read More...
God’s Blueprint for Bible Prophecy – Daniel
 Though you don't know what tomorrow
holds, you do know who holds tomorrow.
Strengthen your faith in a steadfast God
through this study of Daniel.
Read More...
How to Study Your Bible for Kids
 Your kids will learn how to discover
God's powerful truths from the Bible all
by themselves with this fun study!
Read More...
|
|
