ESTABLISHING PEOPLE IN GOD’S WORD

Plumbline PRECEPT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL n NOVEMBER 2013

ON THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM The journey begins here . . . and we’re with you every step!

3 GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

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ANSWERING THE CALL REPORT

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A MESSAGE FROM DAVID

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In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. (Luke 2:1, 4 ESV)

CHRISTMAS . . .

the best place to start Beloved, My wish for you, dear one, is that on your journey of life, you experience all the joy and hope that Christ came to give. That’s a tall order, I know! Where do you begin? In a small stable on a starry night in Bethlehem. That’s where the fulfillment of God’s plan for mankind starts to take shape . . . in the form of a child, God’s own Son. Jack and Kay Arthur Co-Founders of Precept Ministries David Arthur CEO of Precept Ministries

The Vision of Precept Ministries International To establish people in God’s Word to live as exemplary followers of Jesus Christ, studying the Bible inductively, viewing the world biblically, making disciples intentionally, and serving the Church faithfully in the power of the Holy Spirit.

About Plumbline The plumb line is pictured in Scripture as the standard of Truth. “ ‘Behold I am about to put a plumb line in the midst of My people . . . ’ ” (Amos 7:8b). Our goal with Plumbline is to help Precept supporters like you measure all of life by God’s Word. May it bless you!

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“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given . . . and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NASB). Beloved, I wish I could be there to place my hand on your shoulder, look you in the eye, and share from God’s Word so much incredible truth surrounding our Savior’s birth. But at Precept, our mission is to equip you to dig into Scripture for yourself. In this special issue, you can read more about how your support is helping people around the world discover the Good News of God’s Word for themselves on page 4. You’ll also be blessed by the incredible testimony of the Lee sisters on page 3. Thank you for helping Precept Ministries International give many thousands around the world the gift of understanding God’s Word this Christmas. Remember, every journey of faith begins in Bethlehem.

Plumbline | www.precept.org

Blessed by your partnership,

3 GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

Sisters share their story of God’s blessings, passion for Precept Darlene and Deanna Lee are New York City natives who have led various Precept Bible studies, including an annual weekend Bible retreat using the Inductive Bible Study Method.

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ach Christmas, Darlene and Deanna Lee give thanks for a few gifts you’ll never find under the tree.

Precept helped us unleash a powerful depth of understanding and confidence.”

GIFT #1: SISTERS

The most incredible gift the sisters give thanks for at Christmas and every day is the hope found in Jesus Christ. And they made a commitment to share God’s Word with others by hosting Precept Bible studies. Deanna says, “It has been an absolute blessing and our hope is to continue to let people know you can learn the Bible on your own.”

First, they give thanks for each other. Just a decade ago, they were reminded just how special they were to each other when the planes hit the World Trade Center. Darlene had been offered a job on the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center. “From the moment I got the offer, I felt an uneasiness. I declined the offer,” she says. “Had I taken the job, I would have been right there when the planes hit.”

GIFT #2: PRECEPT Darlene said that was a turning point in both their lives. “What did God spare me for? How do I devote my life?” Deanna says, “When I was searching and trying to get to know God better, Precept was His answer to me.” Darlene explains, “It’s not that we had not read the Bible before. But

GIFT #3: JESUS CHRIST

This Christmas, your gifts and prayers can help Precept Ministries International continue to create critical resources that help people like Deanna and Darlene discover God’s Word for themselves and share these life-changing gifts with others. MEET THE LEE SISTERS: Watch this touching video as they share their incredible story at www.precept.org/plumbline

Establishing People in God’s Word | Plumbline

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Answering the Call TESTIMONIES FROM EURASIA n

At one Precept camp, 140 people studied Lord, I Want to Know You in English, Russian, and Romanian. Praise God, 40 people received the Lord and most started attending the church!

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Our partner Mia led a camp in Romania for young girls and those age 18 and 25. She taught the 40-Minute Bible Study on the family, Building a Marriage that Really Works. As a result, the participants who work with children in orphanages decided to host 10 camps to work with youth and Sunday school children, teaching them Precept studies.

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Inductive Bible Study opening up God’s Word around the world!

One of our partners, Sergey, saw a man with a New Testament as he walked through a park. He stopped and asked the man, “Do you like what you read?” The man replied, “I read but I cannot understand.” Sergey started meeting him in the park weekly to study the Bible. The man received the Lord, was baptized, and now has a Bible study in his home!

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A MINISTRY UPDATE

 recept training leaders Mia P and Costel traveled for 10 days in Romania for regional conferences where they trained 400 people who will reach more than 2,000 people with Precept studies.

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MOMBASA CONFERENCE EMPOWERS WOMEN IN KENYA WITH INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY Women in Kenya had the opportunity to learn the Inductive Bible Study Method recently during a Mombasa conference led by Precept Ministries International partner Karen Ragan. “It was a joy to serve the Lord in Mombasa, Kenya, bringing Precept’s Inductive Study Method to women who had

never experienced teaching like this before,” Karen says. “I cannot describe the immense joy I had doing this conference and meeting strong, mature, Kenyan Christian women. We had such a sweet, like-minded, spiritual connection in the Lord. They blessed my life in profound ways. I sensed that it was mutual.”

Women from churches in the Mikindani area met for a Mombasa conference to study God’s Word inductively.

QUICK FACTS In one month alone: n

358,741 people participated in 45,969 Precept groups

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135 seminars, conferences, and workshops involved 20,100 people

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At the Eurasia Training Center, 350 people participated in events

Plumbline | www.precept.org

A Message from David

ON THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM

A journey you don’t have to take alone I wonder what went through Mary and Joseph’s minds as they journeyed to Bethlehem. Most scholars say it probably took about a week for the couple to make their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be “registered” as decreed by Caesar Augustus. That is a lot of time to think about where you’ve been . . . and where you are heading. The months prior had been tumultuous. Mary was visited by an angel and told she would give birth to the Messiah. Joseph found out his betrothed was pregnant. Their lives had literally been turned upside down. On top of it all, they had to hit the road.

David Arthur CEO of Precept Ministries

I’m sure the journey was unsettling, not just because of what they were dealing with in their young marriage, but also because traveling was tough. Robbers, thieves, and enemies of the Jews were always a threat, as well as wild animals. When they arrived, where would they stay? They must have felt all alone, every step full of anxiety and doubt. In fact, their worst fears were realized in Bethlehem when all that was available to a very pregnant Mary and a worried Joseph was a stable. They must have wondered, “Was this journey a mistake?” But then came Jesus. If you’ve ever held a newborn in your arms, you know. Whatever the journey, the child is worth it. Others who arrived in Bethlehem— shepherds, wise men—no doubt felt the same. I believe their journey to Bethlehem is similar to our path today. Whatever trials lead us to Jesus Christ are worth it once we grasp our Savior. You realize you were never really alone on the road to Bethlehem. You are not alone today, my friend. God is leading you . . . and we are on the path alongside you. I invite you to join me in unlocking the peace, hope, and joy of Scripture this season. It all starts with Bethlehem. Your continued prayers and support will help reveal the truth of Christmas from God’s Word to people around the world who are on the journey. Thank you and Merry Christmas! —David Arthur, CEO

Establishing People in God’s Word | Plumbline

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ISRAEL

Join us for the

TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

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TOUR 20 1 4

MAY 13–24 PETRA EXTENSION MAY 10–14 Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Holy Land. Imagine studying the Book of Revelation at Megiddo and seeing the valley of Armageddon where the armies of the world will be gathered together against Jerusalem. Imagine standing on the shores of Galilee, walking the streets of Jerusalem, and being in the Garden of Gethsemane. There are so many events and outstanding places you don’t want to miss.

Kay and David Arthur will teach throughout the tour as you laugh, pray, and worship together in the very steps of Jesus!

WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE ISRAEL TRIP: “I loved the experience and would love to go back!” “There is nothing compared to this out there! The teaching, fellowship, and overall experience was amazing!” “Highly recommend this tour!” “AMAZING!!! Best trip ever!!!” “Awesome experience! Very organized. The trip of a lifetime!” For more information and to register go to www.precept.org/israel_tour

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MAKE THE CONNECTION! PRECEPT ONLINE COMMUNITY: Connecting, Equipping, and Making Disciples Join the Precept Online Community for ongoing support, training opportunities, and exclusive resources. If you are a Bible Study Leader or student, join our online community to become more effective in your study of God’s Word and discipling.

BENEFITS

INCLUDE:

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� CONNECTING WITH

LIKE-MINDED BELIEVERS WHO LOVE GOD’S WORD � ACCESSING PRECEPT’S RESOURCE LIBRARY � ONLINE BIBLE STUDIES � LEADER ENRICHMENT GROUPS

Plumbline | www.precept.org

� HOSTING ONLINE GROUP

FOR YOUR LOCAL BIBLE STUDY CLASS � EVENT LISTING � TOOLS TO PROMOTE YOUR OWN EVENTS � AND MORE!

Join today at www.precept.org!

Precepts for Life Airing Schedule:

Marriage Without Regrets Living for God’s Glory Christmas: Receiving & Giving Love Sermon On The Mount Philippians: Count it all Joy National Women’s Convention Israel

September 30 – November 22 November 25 – December 13 December 16 – 20 December 23 – January 3 January 6 – February 12 February 13 – 14 February 17 – March 14

Special Events: 2013 December Student Conference 2014 March Training Workshops 2014 Spring Women’s Conference 2014 Israel Tour

December 6 – 8 March 10 – 15 April 4 – 6 May 13 – 24 (Petra Extension: May 10 – 14)

LOOKING FOR THE “PERFECT” CHRISTMAS GIFT? LOOK NO FURTHER . . . With Christmas just around the corner, there’s no better gift you could give yourself or a friend or loved one than the gift of God’s Word. Using the NEW ESV Inductive Study Bible will help you or someone you love discover God’s truth like never before! This is the only Bible based on the Inductive Method— observing what the text says, interpreting what it means, and applying it to your life. So get your copy now by visiting store.precept.org and let God’s Word change your life forever!

ORDER NOW!

When you purchase any New Inductive Study Bible (ESV or NAS) from our eStore, between November12 – December 1, you will receive: • 40% Off • Free Shipping* • Free Online Training with Kay and David Arthur * Continental US only. Additional charges for expedited or rush delivery before Christmas.

Establishing People in God’s Word | Plumbline

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Precept Partner Profile IRA ROLLOVER GIFT GUIDELINES Thinking about an IRA rollover gift? Consider these facts:

1. This giving opportunity applies only to individuals age 70½ and above. To qualify for this rollover opportunity you must have attained this age before directing the distribution to charity. 2. This rollover opportunity applies exclusively to traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. Other retirement plans such as 401(k)s, Keoghs etc., are not eligible. 3. IRA rollovers to charity are limited to $100,000 per individual for the remainder of 2013. 4. T o qualify, the distributions must be made directly to charity. A sample letter to send to your IRA can be found on our website at www.precept.org/ planned_giving. 5. T hese distributions to charity will count against an individual’s minimum required distribution requirement for the year. Many individuals will find that they can lower the tax burden by funding charitable contributions through IRA accounts, and proportionally reducing or eliminating the required distributions that they take into income. 6. IRA distributions to fund split-interest gifts such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts are not eligible. 7. It is very important that donors do not receive any benefit or value from the charity as a result of these IRA gifts. Doing so would disqualify the gift from the special IRA rollover treatment. 8. I t is very important that you alert the charitable organization regarding your contribution. Since the transfers will come directly from an IRA administrator, this communication will be necessary to ensure that the charity understands the origin of the gift. Please be sure to notify all charities receiving your IRA gifts. If you have questions, or are interested in making a gift to Precept from your IRA, please contact Stan Latham at 423-296-8694 or by email at [email protected].

GIVING GENEROUSLY BY GIVING WISELY

One believer’s journey of faith and giving Barbara has been “hooked” on Inductive Bible Study ever since her first experience with Precept Upon Precept (PUP). “Being able to dig deep into Scripture and learn God’s Word with the help of the Holy Spirit is such a wonderful blessing.” As Barbara has studied over the years, God has revealed His sovereignty to her through His Word and through her experiences. God’s sovereignty is a great source of comfort knowing, as Kay often says, that absolutely nothing comes into her life unless it has been filtered through His fingers of love. “By understanding who God is through His Word, I can have confidence that I can walk in His will,” she explained. “I am so thankful that God protected me from false doctrines until I understood the importance of His Word in my life.”

We are thankful for Barbara and her commitment to His Word and the ministry of Precept. If you are at least 70½ and are interested in learning more about how a gift to Precept from your IRA can not only impact the lives of people around the world who are hungry for the true Bread of Life, but can also help lower your taxes, please see the related information on this page or go to www.precept.org/planned_giving.

As part of her “journey” with Precept, Barbara was trained as a PUP leader, joined the E-Team, and began supporting Precept with her giving. “I believe in giving where you are [spiritually] fed so it was just natural to support Precept after my church.” While Barbara has been a faithful supporter over the years, this year she was able to increase her giving by taking advantage of the IRA Charitable Rollover. The IRA Charitable Rollover is a provision in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that allows those who are at least 70½ to make a gift directly from their IRA without being taxed. “It was a double blessing to be able to make that gift,” Barbara said.

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“Directing this year’s gift through my IRA allowed me to keep my required minimum distribution from pushing me into the next higher level of taxes and enabled me to increase my giving to Precept.”

Plumbline | www.precept.org

Barbara has studied with and supported Precept for many years. She is pictured here with her dog Shadow. The pair serves as a therapy team with Canines for Christ at hospitals and other facilities near her home in Florida.