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Establishing People in God’s WordPrecept ministries international • january 2012PlumblineAboutPlumblineThe plumb lineis pictured inScripture as thestandard of Truth.“ ‘Behold I am aboutto put a plumb linein the midst of Mypeople . . . ’ ” (Amos7:8b). Our goalwith Plumblineis to help Preceptsupporters like youmeasure all of lifeby God’s Word. Mayit bless you!Because of Godworking throughyou to Answerthe Call, even the“least of these” arelearning to studyGod’s Word forthemselves, likethese prisoners(and guards!)in Romania.Because YouPrayedpage 2The Secret ofBiblicalGenerositypage 3E-TeamMembersAnswer the Callpage 8Answering the CallInvestments continue to growThanksto You,a Vision IsBecomingReality!As we enter 2012, because of your faithful generosity,Precept Ministries International continues to fundstrategic projects as part of Answering the Call (ATC).What God is doing through your investment in Precept isnothing short of miraculous.For years, our international leadership has hadplans on paper that would significantly grow the reachof Precept and the Inductive Bible Study method, buteach year, those plans have been put on hold due to a(continued on page 4)

y DavidArthurThe Secret ofBiblical GenerosityUnderstanding your role as God’s stewardWhat if the pizza delivery man showedup at your door with pizza sauce onhis face? What would you say to him if you thendiscovered the pizza sauce came fromthe very pizza he was delivering to you?“Dude! What are you doing eating my pizza?”led the charge by giving to the workof the temple himself—first. Verse 6 tells us that hisgenerosity spurred on the giving of“the rulers of the fathers’ households, and the princesof the tribes of Israel, and the commanders ofthousands and of hundreds, with the overseers overthe king’s work,” all of whom offered willingly!The delivery man responds with surprisingboldness: “Your pizza? The cook gave it to me,not you.”Now with great angst in your voice, you try toexplain that he is the delivery man, not the ownerof the pizza! You are the owner; you paid for it so itbelongs to you, not him.This scenario relates to how many of usview our giving. Sometimes I wonder if webegin to think of ourselves as owners instead ofstewards. A steward is one who manages, takescare of, and distributes the owner’s resources—but never owns them.In 1 Chronicles 29, we read of theamazing event when King David led his people togive gifts to build the temple. Appropriately, DavidI love what we discover in verse 9 of thischapter: “Then the people rejoiced because they hadoffered so willingly, for they made their offering tothe Lord with a whole heart, and King David alsorejoiced greatly.”Wow! The people witnessing their leaders givesacrificially and joyfully first encouraged them togive with a “whole heart.” Wouldn’t that have beenan incredible scene to experience—people givinglavishly and with great commitment and joy?David’s prayer starting in verse 10 explainswhat is driving this great movement of generosity:“Blessed are You, O Lord God of Israel our father,forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness andthe power and the glory and the victory andthe majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavensand the earth . . .”(continued on page 7)1.877.234.2030Establishing People in God’s Word | Plumbline 3

This Malayalam language version ofGod Are You There? will soon be joinedby more Precept studies in the nativelanguages of India.Answering the Call (continued from page 1)lack of funds. But through a God-given vision to reach anadditional 10 million people by 2015, we are finally seeingsome of those projects implemented.Below are just a few examples of how God is usingyour investment to reach more people with the Truth ofHis Word.EURASIAKey components of our Eurasia ministry are camps andtraining conferences where participants are immersedin the Inductive Bible Study method. The majority ofthose attending are men, and many of those are pastors.Three new conferences have been scheduled in Iraq,Vietnam, and Nepal, thanks to ATC. Hundreds of new and existing Preceptleaders and trainers will study God’s Word together with countless pastors.Most pastors in these regions of the world have little, if any, formal Bibletraining, so the methods they learn through Precept become the standard forteaching and training in their own congregations.AfricaBuilding on the success of the pastors’ conference lastfall in Uganda, Precept Africa Director Stuart Kemsley willparticipate in five Bible conferences across Africa in 2012.At each conference, he will conduct training workshops forpastors and leaders using our book How to Plant and GrowStrong Churches. This key resource was written specificallyfor pastors and has become an essential tool for those following God’s directionto plant new churches and grow current ones using Inductive Bible Study. Weplan to distribute up to 35,000 copies of this book in the next year. Because theywill all go to pastors, the multiplication effect could be incredible.>>> Monzambique & AngolaOnce again, the lack of resources (books) has been the greatest hurdle toovercome for our work in Portuguese-speaking countries. But now, thanks toGod’s grace and your faithfulness, books are being shipped to countries likeMozambique and Angola where trained leaders are already in place and readyto put them into use immediately.IndiaA Closer Look atIndiaWith additional trainers beingadded in India, we must meettheir critical need for materials thatwill allow them to equip others withthe skills required to study the Biblefor themselves. Therefore, we aremoving ahead immediately withtranslation and printing of severalkey resources, including Lord, TeachMe to Study the Bible in 28 Days, twoPrecept Upon Precept studies, andtwo 40-Minute studies in variouslanguages spoken in India. Peoplewho speak Hindi, Telugu, Kannada,Malayalam, and Tamil will now haveaccess to a wider range of materials(and training) that will deepen theirInductive Bible Study skills. •India StatsCapital: New DelhiGovernment: Federal ParliamentaryConstitutional RepublicArea: 1,269,219 sq. mi.Population: 1,210,193,422(continued on page 5)4 Plumbline | www.preceptministries.ca

Answering the Call (continued from page 4)SOUTH AMERICA>>> Spanish-Speaking CountriesOne of the greatest (and ongoing) challenges forour work in Spanish-speaking countries is the needto provide resources for training. Precept has notprinted new books in Spanish in several years, andour inventories are nearly depleted. Without sufficienttraining resources, it is impossible to move into newcountries where people are waiting to be trained. In 2012, we will print (orreprint) 16 different books to be used across the Spanish ministry. We expectat least 65 percent of these books will be used by new students who will thenbe equipped to lead others in going deeper into God’s Word.>>> EcuadorOne of the key positions being filled throughATC is the National Director for Ecuador. Jhonand Cristina Alvarez are already on the job inEcuador, and we expect to see the ministryof Precept grow rapidly in this key country.Along with new trainer David Arias, theyJhon and Cristina Alvarezhave already begun to organize and retrain current leaders and will beadding students, leaders, and trainers throughout the year. By 2015 theyplan to have more than 1,200 Precept groups across Ecuador. •40-Minute studieslike Being aDisciple: Countingthe Real Cost, cowrittenby Tom& Jane Hart, arewidely used inSpanish-speakingcountries.Thousands more willjoin Precept UponPrecept studiesthis year becauseof additional fundsfor printing for keystudies—like this PUPcourse on Judges inRussian.Are youDistracted?by Tom &Jane HartHave you asked, “What in my life is holding me back from pursuing righteousness?” All of us commit individual acts of sin, butyou may have noticed that certain sins seem to be more of a problem. Sometimes we wrestle with habitual sin-behaviourswhen we try to get our needs met apart from God. The source of our struggle is called the flesh. If we live in the flesh ratherthan by the Spirit, these habitual sins will distract us from our pursuit of righteousness. The early church identified a numberof “capital sins” - the sins from which they believed most other sin originates. The church fathers named seven sins that areso corrupting, so evil and dangerous that for the last seventeen hundred years they have been called the Seven Deadly Sins—and they are deadly to your spiritual growth. That is why we call them fatal distractions. The new 40 Minute Bible study, FatalDistractions: Conquering Destructive Temptations, looks at what Scripture says about six of the seven deadly sins.Precept Ministries International has set a God sized goal of reaching 10 million new students withInductive Bible Study by 2015. This is a goal that seems unattainable without the power of the HolySpirit. To accomplish this goal we are recruiting dedicated people who will answer the call to partnerwith us in Mobilizing. In a few months when we begin to recruit leaders from across the county to joinus as we mobilize Canada, will you be one of those that God will call?Those who are aware of what hinders their pursuit of righteousness, are being discipled in God’s Wordand have seasoned disciples influencing their walk, will be key leaders in Mobilizing Canada. Weencourage you to get the Fatal Distractions study and prepare for what God has in store.To thank you for your gift this month to mobilize Canadians, we would like to send you a copy ofthe new 40 Minute, Fatal Distractions. Request it today when you make your donation. (On-linegiving available at www.preceptministries.ca/donate)1.877.234.2030Establishing People in God’s Word | Plumbline 5

BOOK SPOTLIGHTAccomplish your goalthis year toRead throughthe Bible!Cookies on the Lower Shelf,Part 1 provides a step-bystepguide beginning withGod’s beautiful creation inGenesis to the rabble-rousingdays of the Judges of Israel.Meet Adam and Eve, weatherthe flood with Noah, andsojourn with Abraham, Isaac,and Jacob. Go from the landof Canaan into Egypt withJoseph, then back out againas Moses and the children ofIsrael travel to the PromisedLand. See tremendousvictories under Joshua andchilling defeats during thetime of the Judges.Order yourcopy today!Workbook #22110 10 lessons $24.99About the “COOKIES” SERIES:Journey through the entire Biblein just 30 weeks. This three partseries-10 weeks each, coversGenesis to Revelation. With a studyformat designed to flex to theneeds of each student, “Cookies”puts Bible reading within reach forthe average person.Don’t Miss These . . .Upcoming Events!Brantford EventsLeader’s Meeting with David Arthur(watch live stream at www.preceptministries.ca/leaders)>> February 11, 2012Transform Canada Fundraising Dinner>> February 11, 2012How to Study OT History & ProphecyBasics of Precept Upon Precept>> March 31, 2012Boot Camp>> July 9–13, 2012Off-Campus OpportunitiesStudent Conference—Huntsville, Ontario>> April 20–22, 2012Disciple Now—Millarville, Alberta>> May 5, 2012Youth Retreat—Ottawa, Ontario>> May 25–27, 2012Live Workshops will be held in:Elmira, Ontario — How to Study a New Testament Letter>> March 24, 2012Halifax, Nova ScotiaWitnessing & How to Study a New Testament Letter>> September 29, 2012Other EventsOne Heart One Way Women’s Conferencewith Carol Kent (includes breakout sessions with Jane Hart,Jennifer Petersen, Judy Roach and others)>> March 24, 2012 - Brantford . ON (details at ncclive.com)Tune in OnlineListen to or watch Precepts For Life atwww.preceptministries.ca/PreceptsForLife6 Plumbline | www.preceptministries.ca

The Secret of Biblical Generosity (continued from page 3)David continues this doctrine-filled prayer withthis powerful statement: “Both riches and honorcome from You . . . but who am I and who are mypeople that we should be able to offer as generouslyas this? For all things come from You, and fromYour hand we have given You.”The last sentence says it all. We don’t give toGod from our own resources; we simply give backto Him what He has graciously given to us. We arestewards, not owners. It all belongs to God—everybit of it. Nothing we have is ours.This principle is the secret to biblicalgenerosity. We don’t give to help God out of a crisis;we don’t give to make a name for ourselves or toimpress others. We give because He first gave tous. Isn’t that beautiful? We can’t out-give God—because He already has it all!So let me encourage you to take inventory.What do you have that you “own”? What resourcesare under your control that belong solely to you?The answer is simple yet profound: Nothing!And this is exactly what King David proclaimed:“Yours, O Lord . . . everything that is in the heavensand the earth . . . both riches and honor come fromYou—all things come from Your hand, Lord.”May this year be a year of great joy andrejoicing for you as you steward the resources Godhas granted you for the work of His Kingdom! •Online Training Becomes RealityComing This Spring!When Precept Ministries International began trainingBible Study Leaders in the early ’80s, the workshopslasted multiple days, andthere were multiple levels oftraining required in order tolead a Precept Upon Preceptclass. Today, that training isdown to one day. But in thebusy world in which we liveand minister, it is difficult formany people to attend evena one-day workshop in theirown city, much less travel toChattanooga or some otherremote location.As a result, countlesspeople have been asking usfor online training. Althoughwe have had the desire to provide this for several years,only now are the resources and technology that will makethis a reality available to us. Soon, people will be able toreceive Precept training on their schedule. It will be thesame, high-quality, in-depth training currently presentedin our live workshops (whichwill continue), but it canbe done on a person’s owntime and pace. Through ATC,we are making a significantinvestment in the technologynecessary to make onlinetraining possible, and arecent generous foundationgrant has topped off theneeded funds to completethis project.Watch your inboxfor details about onlinetraining not just for PreceptUpon Precept, but also for40-Minute studies, our New Inductive Study Series and BasicBible Study Skills. Thank you for sharing your resources sothat others can know God’s Truth for themselves! •1.877.234.2030Establishing People in God’s Word | Plumbline 7

E-Team Members AreAnswering the CallFor more than 25 years, Precept’s E-Team membershave been faithfully giving and praying tosupport Precept around the world. The results havenever been more obvious than they are today aswe begin to see the results of the Answering theCall campaign—our goalof reaching 10 million newE-Teampeople with the InductiveBible Study method by 2015.membersmake up moreThe E-Team began in1985 during a particularlythan 42% of difficult time in ministry forJack and Kay. Crying out toall givers to God on her knees, Kay wasreminded of the apostlePrecept. Paul’s friend, Epaphroditus.As she opened her Bible toPhilippians 2:25 to read aboutthis important helper in ministry, she realized Godwas showing her exactly what was needed to moveforward. The result was the establishment of theE-Team for those who feel called to go deeper in theirpartnership with Precept as we co-labor in75 languages and 150 countries around the world.Each year, E-Team members make up morethan 42% of all givers to Precept. And while that is animpressive number, the actual financial support fromthe E-Team totals nearly 69% of all donation incometo the Ministry. God is using the E-Team to advanceHis Kingdom through Precept!In just a couple of weeks, Precept will be rollingout a new version of the E-Team and will be invitingeven more people to join this critical group of ministrypartners. If you’re not already an E-Team member, wehope you will begin to pray about this opportunity tochange more lives in the days ahead. •31%69%The gifts of faithful E-Teammembers account for 69% of allgiving to Precept in Canada.• E-Team Giving• All Other GivingNow Available Online!Announcing the 2012 Product eCatalogwww.preceptministries.ca/catalogGo online to view our new 2012 Product eCatalogue—it’s packed with great resources to keep you discovering Truth for yourselfthroughout the entire year!Please take advantage of the on-line 2012 Product eCatalogue. This digitaldelivery method is the most cost-effective means of distribution. We appreciateyour support of our efforts to be good stewards of the resources God hasentrusted to Precept Ministries International. If you do not have suitable internetaccess we will still provide a printed copy upon request.8 Plumbline | www.preceptministries.ca1.877.234.2030