Dear ABR Family,
We are living in profoundly turbulent times as we watch in shock as our culture continues to regress in the name of “progress”. Marriage, family, and the individual are all under relentless assault by those who are providing endless streams of money and media access to those who seek to bully America and western civilization into submission. Marxism has clearly come to life in the current degradation of our institutions of higher education and in the lack of meaningful public discourse. What are we to do? How can we live ordered lives in peace when there is so much chaos in our world?
It is at this time of year that God reminds us of His superintending hand over human affairs. When we look back, we hear the Scripture declaring, “in the fullness of time God sent forth His Son” (Gal 4:4). As we look around us, our Father reminds us that He is “our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). As we look to the future, He reminds us that He “works out everything to its proper end – even the wicked for a day of disaster” (Pr 16:4).
When Jesus came into the world, there was chaos, confusion, and corruption. Yet when God wanted to announce the incarnation of His Son, He didn’t go to kings and those of high repute. His angels appeared to shepherds, Gabriel spoke to Mary and Joseph, and mysterious wise men from the east saw His star and came to Bethlehem. The Romans, Parthians, and other worldly governments were raging in their assertions of power and in the subjugation of people everywhere. Israel, the apple of God’s eye, cried out for their deliverer to come and to rescue them from the heavy hand of oppression. It was into this violence and unrest that Jesus came to offer Himself as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” for His people. His kingdom was not an earthly kingdom of human aspiration, but the Kingdom of Heaven, where the true authority of God was found. The kingdom of God is ruled by the Prince of Peace, who rules in the hearts and lives of those who love Him, and who look forward to His return from heaven.
Today, conflict abounds, and Israel is again the center of worldwide attention as it confronts the hatred and violence (Hebrew: hamas) of demonic terror. We are praying for Israel amidst this turmoil. We are praying for Christians of the region who are caught up in the midst of it all. We pray for ALL to come to know the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
My heart’s desire for you is that you will know the Lord’s sustaining grace and the powerful working of His Spirit in your life. As we celebrate Christmas may His peace fill you, and may we together reflect in wonder upon the reign of God in our lives and His reign in the world He created, even while the nations rage.
Dear friends, this is the time of year we ask that you come along side of ABR to help us meet our ongoing financial needs. As you know, ABR has seen significant growth in the past several years and there are strong economic pressures and demands upon our ministry. As I write today, we are currently facing a $40,000 shortfall in donations. If you are able to help us at this time, please give generously so that our ministry outreach will continue to grow throughout the New Year. We know that many are asking for help at this time of year, and we ask that you prayerfully consider ABR in your year-end giving plans. Thank you.
As I close this brief letter, let me express again my heartfelt thanks for all of your prayers and support throughout the year. As you celebrate Christmas, may the Lord bless you and your family with the peace that passes understanding, a peace that strengthens and calms us even through seasons of chaos and conflict.
On behalf of the board and staff of ABR, may you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Scott Lanser
President,
Associates for Biblical Research
To make a donation online: https://biblearchaeology.org/supportabr
Donations can be mailed to the address below:
Associates for Biblical Research
PO Box 144
Akron, PA 17501
