Dear ABR Family,
It is hard to believe that we are so quickly coming down to the end of the year, a year that has been full of important accomplishments in our work and ministry. On behalf of the board and the staff of ABR, I thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support for our expeditions to Israel, our intensive and ongoing research and publications, and the many conferences and presentations held throughout the year. All of these ministries proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ and faithfully affirmed the authority and reliability of the Word of God.
I was thinking today about the level of resistance that human beings can offer when confronted with the truth. In particular I reflected on the apostle John’s words—Jesus “came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:11–12).
In our work throughout 2024 we have raised the awareness and the resistance of those whose worldview depends upon the Bible being a simple book of myths and fairy tales—or at best a pseudo-historical text good only for study as literature. Even among some conservatives we read and hear commentary that mocks our efforts to interpret the Scriptures as rooted in unfolding literal chronological and historical realities. The many important archaeological discoveries we have made that affirm the biblical accounts have caused leading scholars to devote incredible amounts of time and intellectual energy to trying to discredit the clear implications of these discoveries. Some of their efforts have led to conclusions that are nothing short of ridiculous.
As I consider God’s plan for the incarnation of Jesus and for offering Him as the Savior of the world in a space-time historical context, I am reminded of all the doubt, deception, and resistance that surrounded those real events. In our days, more and more evidence will continue to come forth from our archaeological efforts that will affirm the Bible. It will affirm the history of the Bible from Creation to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection—and will point us faithfully to Christ’s return for us.
I encourage you now more than ever to boldly proclaim the Bible and the saving work of Jesus Christ. Hold forth the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit before this generation where dark and evil minds are being stirred to resist the light and truth of God. We also know that many in the coming year will repent and return to the Lord, in spite of the unbelief, obstinance, and resistance of many.
Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you. I’m profoundly encouraged in the knowledge that God is going to mightily open the hearts of people to the gospel around the world in the months ahead. In light of this, I would ask you to continue to faithfully support the ministry of ABR and to regularly pray for us.
Finally, if the Lord prompts you, would you kindly consider a generous year-end gift as we seek to meet all of our financial obligations for 2024 and to move ahead boldly in 2025. Your support will be greatly appreciated! Now may our Lord grant you and yours a most blessed Christmas season as you gather with family and as you celebrate the Light that has come into the world. And may God bless us all with a joyous and happy New Year. Thank you again for all of your love and support.
With Joy in Jesus,
ABR President
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
