Take Stock Of Your Life

Dear Faithful One,

This month The Living Truth Fellowship is concluding its thirteenth year of ministry. As I look back at all that God has done for us over the years, my heart overflows with thanksgiving. In this final newsletter for 2022, I would like to share my heart with you and say THANK YOU for all your love and support for what we have accomplished together.

Now that December is upon us, more people are thinking about the birth of Christ then at any other time of the year. Despite much of the teaching about him and his birth being skewed, our Lord and Savior is near to anyone who turns to him. Most of you understand that Jesus was born in September, not December, and are aware of the many pagan trappings cluttering this supposed observance of Christ’s birth. The traditional story of His birth contains many errors, which is why I have asked John Schoenheit if he would teach this month’s Connected in Christ on “The Real Christmas Story.” It’s a fabulous presentation of God’s Word that explores and reveals a deeper, more accurate understanding of His birth. You can find more info to join our online fellowship Monday, December 12 at 8pm ET for this special presentation in the Connected in Christ section of this months newsletter.

To share some wonderful news with you, my wife, Christina, and I just had a beautiful baby boy, Gianni, who was born on Sunday, November 13. The thoughts and emotions that have flooded my soul since he was born have led me to reflect upon many things: my personal growth in Christ, how I have functioned as a minister in the Body of Christ, how many people I have won to Christ, the state of my closest relationships, what weaknesses do I want to become my strengths, and how thankful I am for all God has done for me and those I love.

As you take stock of your life at the end of another year, ask yourself and the Lord, how can you know him better, love him more, and serve him more effectually in 2023. In this coming year, do something with lasting significance by sowing seeds of permanence. That’s what Jesus did, and you can do likewise. How? Faithfulness – be full of faith – trusting the Word of God like Jesus did, one thought at a time.

As some of you may know, I am the last remaining founder of TLTF and have been serving as its CEO for the past ten years. Over the years, we have produced many resources to help people learn the greatness of God’s Word. You can find an abundance of materials we have published on our website at TLTF.org. But there is still much we would like to do in the next year. We have a great group of dedicated believers who are committed to seeing this ministry grow and reach as many hungry hearts with God’s Word as possible.

In this regard, I graciously ask you for as generous a year-end gift as you can, and to consider giving a monthly donation in 2023. Every little bit helps us, especially in these financially hard times. For those of you who know us, I’m sure you will agree this is a unique ministry, in that, not many Christians are exposed to the truth we understand and teach. Which is why I am not holding back in encouraging people to give, because I know what the Word says about how God will richly bless those who do. If you have been blessed by the work we are doing in TLTF, and you would like to see others benefit from it, please partner with us by helping us financially.

2 Corinthians 8 and 9 (per the following excerpts)
“They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us…”

“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have…”

“Show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it…”

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Philippians 4:17
“Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.”

Yes, we need money to run TLTF, but we want you to reap the full harvest of your material giving in this life – and in the next. God and the Lord long to bless you, both now and at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

1 Peter 1:7
“Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away – and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”

Sharing of our material possessions is a very concrete way by which we can measure both our own commitment and the degree to which God blesses us for doing so. As we draw near to the Christmas celebration, consider these words:

Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of holy spirit.”

That’s what the angels proclaimed at the birth of our Savior: “great joy” to the world and “peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

I pray that you and yours enjoy this holiday season, thanking God for another year of spiritual growth and fellowship with Him and His Son. Let us resolve to stand with our Lord Jesus even more boldly in 2023, come what may.

On behalf of our entire leadership team: the Board of Trustees, Elders, and workers, we love you and thank God for your stand for truth. Thank you for your prayers as we head into what we believe will be the best year yet. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

In Christ’s love,
Franco Bottley