January 31, 2010

Dear Friend,

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ. The turning of the year is a natural time to reflect on things recently passed as well as the possibilities of the new year. Such contemplation is often evidenced in the New Year’s resolutions we make. I am particularly struck by the remembrance of one of Jonathan Edwards’ famous resolutions, entered into his diary on January 12, 1722:

“I have, this day . . . been before God, and have given myself, all that I am and have, to God; so that I am not, in any respect, my own. I can challenge no right in this understanding, this will, and these affections, which are in me. Neither have I any right to this body, or any of its members — no right to this tongue, these hands, these feet; no right to these senses, these eyes, these ears, this smell, or this taste. I have given myself clear away, and have not retained anything as my own. ...This, I have done; and I pray God, for the sake of Christ, to look upon it as a self-dedication, and to receive me now as entirely his own, and to deal with me, in all respects, as such, whether he afflicts many or prospers me, or whatever he pleases to do with me, who am his” (Jonathan Edwards, Works 1:xxv).

This sentiment echoes our desire to serve the Lord here at the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, individually and collectively. So, as the new year begins, allow me to pause and consider what we have achieved together in the year that has passed as well as our ministry opportunities for the future.

On the one hand, 2009 was a year characterized by improvement and development.

Our radio ministry continues as a key asset. There is no better way to share the word of God with the largest possible audience! The strong teaching ministries of James Boice, Philip Ryken, Richard Phillips, and Donald Barnhouse go out on radio stations across America, over satellite, and the Internet. There are few Bible teaching programs like these, but even fewer as widely heard as The Bible Study Hour.

The Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, the longest running, consecutive Reformed conference in North America continues at four national sites. This spring it returns to Sacramento, CA, Grand Rapids, MI, Greenville, SC, and Philadelphia, PA. 2009 marked the second year for the Quakertown Regional Conference on Reformed Theology with Steve Lawson and Steve Nichols. And in its sixth year, the Princeton Regional Conference on Reformed Theology continues to deliver sound doctrine, preached.

Praying the thoughts, concerns, and language of the Scriptures back to the true and living God who breathed them out: what a great way to root your heart and mind in truth as you begin each day! This is what MatthewHenry.org promotes, encourages, and assists with, biblical prayer. The core is the entire text of Matthew Henry’s A Method for Prayer. It is available in several Bible translations and soon in ten different languages. You can sign up to receive daily emails with self-contained studies. We trust that the Lord is using this exciting new tool to strengthen His people in both public and private prayer.

Further, 2010 promises even more growth.

Broadcasting will see one-hundred new spot programs air nationwide, all pointing back to the saving Word. These will interest the ear, resulting in the informing of the mind, prayerfully leading to God’s changing of the heart. Expect these small vignettes to go places our normal programming could not, would not fit.

Events continue to grow and expand through a new conference this summer titled Renewal for Pastors: Whose Responsibility? Many will engage in a Reformation Study Tour with Philip Ryken and Steve Nichols in May. And we look forward to a first annual conference in the Washington, DC region as well.

Reformation Societies across the country strive, through Christ, to encourage, embolden, and equip believers for the work of biblical reformation in His Church. As they continue to be served by our pastor-chair Rev. Bob Amon, they will also be joined by our new lay-chair David Welliver. We expect that work to skyrocket.

And reformation21.org will be launching a new devotional based on Robert Mc’Chene’s sermons. This will be led by many pastors, each providing their own favorite passages and personal biblical insight to encourage in our daily lives.

Conversely, 2009 was a year characterized by depressed giving.

As was the case with many relying heavily upon charitable giving, 2009 presented unique challenges. The budget felt the pressures imposed by serious economic uncertainties. The Lord provided a savings in the prior year, continues to sustain the ministry, and is our hope. And I thank God for the faithful giving of donors committed to the defense and propagation of the Bible and its core doctrines.

I have tried to share with you a variety of ways the Alliance ministers in the context of the Church. Were it not for the generosity of you, our supporters, our vision would become long on good intentions and short on results! I am excited by the many opportunities that the Lord has made available to us in recent years. It is my prayer that He would enable us together to faithfully discharge the duties laid before us now, that through our efforts the Kingdom of Jesus Christ would be strengthened, and that He would be glorified throughout.

Let me close by asking for your continued support. Our ministry is financially supported by the faithful, generous, and sometimes sacrificial giving of our friends. Please remember the Alliance as you plan your charitable giving.

Your friend,

Robert Brady
Executive Vice-President

P.S. Won't you consider supporting the Alliance in the New Year?