7
Jan 2021
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

Top 10 It Is Written Episodes of 2020

Although the COVID-19 pandemic shut down travel for most of the last year, It Is Written was still able to conduct online evangelism, create new faith-building resources, and produce new and uplifting Christian programming. We thank God that He used the ministry of It Is Written to reach thousands across the globe! 

Here’s a look back at the top 10 most popular It Is Written episodes from 2020, based on YouTube and broadcast viewership info. 

To watch an episode, click on its title or image.

1. Black Wall Street

In 1921, more than 300 people were massacred, thousands were left homeless, and an entire town was destroyed when people turned on their fellow citizens—in the United States of America. Which raises an important question: What kind of person would do that? The answer is surprising. Join Pastor John Bradshaw on location in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as we look at the challenge faced by every person: the sinful heart.

2. 500: The Reformation

In 1517, on October the 31st, a priest in a small town in Germany changed western civilization forever. As Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Castle Church door, the Protestant Reformation began. Five hundred years later, is the Reformation over? Or is there still work to be done? Join John Bradshaw on location across Europe in the opening program of It Is Written’s 500 series. Filmed on location in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Rome. Features special guest Dr. Gerard Damsteegt.

3. Great Chapters of the Bible: Matthew 24

In Matthew 24 we are given a glimpse of what the earth will look like just before Jesus’ return. Follow along as John Bradshaw compares Bible prophecies with what is happening in our world today, and learn what we can expect in the days ahead. Don’t miss “Great Chapters of the Bible: Matthew 24.”

4. The Trail of Tears

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced American Indians to leave their ancestral lands and travel over 1,000 miles on foot. Thousands died on the journey that would come to be known as the “Trail of Tears.” Join John Bradshaw as he illuminates this tragic chapter in American history, and learn how a God familiar with suffering will one day wipe away all our tears.

5. David and Goliath

It’s one of the great stories of the Bible. A shepherd boy and a fierce giant face off in an unlikely battle. That battle’s unlikely result speaks to us today about faith, faithlessness, and the power of God in your life. Join John Bradshaw for “David and Goliath,” filmed on location in Israel, and discover how the God who brought victory to David can bring victory into your experience.

6. The Scottsboro Nine

It was a colossal miscarriage of justice: nine young men found guilty of a crime they didn’t commit, and the deciding factor was the color of their skin. Join John Bradshaw in Scottsboro, Alabama, for this story of brutal discrimination, and learn why it’s so important to serve a God who is just.

7. Great Chapters of the Bible: Revelation 14

Messages and warnings about the end of the world are given to mankind through signs and symbols in the New Testament. Join John Bradshaw as he decodes these messages in “Great Chapters of the Bible: Revelation 14.” Learn what you can do to prepare for earth’s last days.

8. Great Chapters of the Bible: Hebrews 11

Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are all considered luminaries of faith, yet they all made mistakes. Join John Bradshaw for “Great Chapters of the Bible: Hebrews 11” as he digs deeper into the stories of these imperfect heroes, and find inspiration in a God who promises to never quit on us.

9. “I Shall Return”

In his famous speech, General Douglas MacArthur boldly declared, “I shall return.” Having left the Japanese-occupied Philippines, MacArthur’s words brought hope to a captive people. Two thousand years earlier, Jesus made the same promise to a world held captive in sin: “I will come again!” Join Pastor John Bradshaw on location on Corregidor Island in the Philippines and learn what the Bible says about the Second Coming of Jesus.

10. Health Care God’s Way

John Bradshaw and Dr. John Westerdahl discuss a few of the health principles found in the Bible and show how some well-known biblical characters benefited—mind, body, and spirit—from God’s original diet.

17
Dec 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

ReCharged and Ready to Go: Report

Everything was in place for ReCharge, the annual It Is Written Evangelism and Church Growth retreat.

☑️ Topic: Preaching that changes lives—check.

☑️ Guest speaker: Dr. Henry Wright—check.

☑️ Date: December 13-15—check.

☑️ Location: Cohutta Springs Conference Center—check. 

Everything was ready and then, of course, COVID-19 showed up.

We considered canceling this year’s ReCharge for about two seconds and then decided to do it virtually like we had done with Hope Awakens, our April evangelistic series. What happened next blew us away. Transitioning to online allowed over 500 individuals representing 34 conferences to register and participate. About half of the registrants were pastors and lay pastors, and most of them are a part of ACTS 20:21, the one-year evangelism initiative from It Is Written. 

These numbers are not the real story, though. The real story is the vibrant presentations on preaching by Dr. Henry Wright. Dr. Wright, now retired after 53 years of faithful service, is one of the great preachers of the church. During his five presentations, he shared practical insights, not just theories, from his own journey as a preacher.

The webinar included interesting conversations between Pastor John Bradshaw and Dr. Wright that went well beyond the lectures. They talked about the kind of stuff that really connected with the hearts of those who want to take their preaching to a new level. One point that Dr. Wright made that resonated loud and clear was that one should never preach a sermon that doesn’t move them first.

One attendee reflected that by the end of ReCharge, “I was certainly recharged.” Another individual indicated that as a new elder he was eager to put to practice the things he had learned. And another wrote to us to share that ReCharge had filled him with joy. 

Here are some additional comments attendees shared: 

“Thank you so much for the preaching seminar! It was excellent, and I learned much.”

“Thank you so much for the ReCharge presentation. It did just that, recharged me for service!”

“The virtual sessions were very informative and practical.”

“Each session was a blessing, a real mountaintop experience for me.”

“I very much enjoyed and was blessed by the content of this workshop. I look forward to attending the next one.”

“It was a great blessing for me. I was so filled with joy that I couldn’t keep quiet. I shared many things that I learned with my wife. To top it all, I had a Bible study in the evening so I was able to use many things that I learned. What a wonderful day.”

“It was really good, and I appreciate the time and effort all of you put into making it available and presenting this training for our pastors.”

“Great seminar. Thank you for tapping Dr. Wright. I have long wanted to sit at his feet with regard to how to preach.”

These testimonies and the many others are the real story—the reason It Is Written organizes this annual event. Our desire is to impact pastors and members in their work of evangelism. 

29
Oct 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

You Can’t Be My Friend If You Vote for…

To say that politicians are worse today than ever before is probably an indicator that we have selective memories. Politics and politicians in “the good old days” weren’t squeaky clean and didn’t always aim their blows above the belt. Moral questions go back just about as far as does the presidency, as do political scandals. The Burr-Hamilton duel; the Trail of Tears under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren; Watergate; and much more. There has been political trouble for as long as there has been politics.

But this election season seems to be more vitriolic than ever. Voters themselves seem to be reacting differently in this election. It is far from uncommon to see social media posts saying, “If you’re voting for Candidate X, you cannot be my friend.” Which is beyond disconcerting. One of the great strengths of the United States of America–arguably the great strength–is that people are entitled to their opinion. If we have not been able to agree with each other, we have historically been able to agree to disagree. It’s not simply that the first amendment protects the right to free speech. It’s that free speech flows out of free thought. One of the truly frightening things about Eastern European communism was that people could be punished on the basis of what they believed. In the United States, you are still free to say publicly that you don’t approve of a certain elected official or that you dislike the way the country is being run. But while the constitution guarantees free speech, increasing numbers of people today are tolerant only of their own point of view. Dissent might be a constitutional right, but it seems more and more people aren’t willing to extend that right to their fellow humans. And that attitude of intolerance can easily be found among people of faith. That is, even in the church.

While the media has every incentive to traffic in sensationalism and polarizing politics, the truth is that politics really isn’t that important. That is, while foreign policy, economic policy, and social policy have a direct bearing on the way society operates, the Christian stands where Jesus stood. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight… but now my kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36). As much as you may or may not like Candidate X or Candidate Y, presidents come and go. Some are perhaps better than others. Some are more popular than others. But the Christian remembers that she or he is not on this planet to be primarily concerned with election results. Regardless of who is voted into public office, the believer’s mandate does not change: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Anger about the political process and vilification of those who don’t share one’s views are evidence that one’s priorities are in a mess. If Christians campaigned for Jesus as energetically as some campaign for politicians, if believers posted their views about the gospel as much as they post their views about politics, the gospel might have by now gone to the world.

It’s natural to care about the way your country is being run. Entirely appropriate. But beyond a certain point, there is nothing to be gained from investing emotional energy in politics which would better be invested in sharing Christ. Translation: Whether President Donald Trump is reelected or former Vice President Joe Biden unseats him to claim the White House, the Christian’s role is unchanged. Our job is to lift up Jesus that He might “draw all peoples to” Himself (John 12:32). We have been informed that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations” (Matthew 24:14). Followers of Jesus can’t afford to lose their focus now, election season or not. Satan hasn’t lost his focus. It is too easy to get sidetracked by good things, let alone bad. Our ability to effectively share the gospel is not enhanced by taking strident political positions. However the election result goes, things are almost certainly going to be messy. If you can’t be someone’s friend because of the way they vote, it’s time to rethink your relationship with Jesus.

As Christians, we have to be better than that. 

28
Oct 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

Answers in Prophecy: Lives Transformed

Uncertainty seems to be the new standard. No one is quite sure about what to expect tomorrow. The global COVID-19 crisis has impacted people as nothing else has in decades. Questions abound. Big questions like where is the world headed, whether God cares, and will this mess ever come to an end. Pastor John Bradshaw recently tackled these questions in a 10-part virtual series called Answers in Prophecy.  

Over 13,000 people registered to watch Answers in Prophecy, the first of six virtual series that It Is Written is conducting over the next 13 months to lead individuals to God. Since people cannot or are less likely to come in person to meeting sites, we are coming to them through the internet. Just log in, watch, and be blessed. And people have been and continue to be blessed.

Rose,* who had been diligently studying the Bible, was so excited to watch Answers in Prophecy. Just a few days after the series concluded, she was baptized.  

Pastor Bill is thankful that one of the Answers in Prophecy viewers is a person who had walked away from God many years ago. This series is giving Pastor Bill the opportunity to reconnect with her. 

A few weeks ago, Dana wanted to take her life. However, she stumbled upon Answers in Prophecy, and it totally changed her outlook on life. She’s now studying the Bible and preparing for a life with Jesus.

As a member of the Answers in Prophecy team, Betty made a courtesy phone call to June, who had registered for Answers in Prophecy, to see whether she had enjoyed the series. June did not remember ever registering. That did not deter Betty from asking if there was anything she could pray with June about. That’s when June opened up and shared about her daughter’s battle with cancer. Betty prayed and has been praying on a weekly basis with June. June told Betty, “I don’t know how I got on your list, but I’m glad I did.”

Warren was spiritually listless. He went through the motions of going to church but that was the extent of his relationship with God. Then he watched Answers in Prophecy, and it was like a light came on. He’s not been the same ever since.

Even though the Answers in Prophecy presentations were released from October 9 to 21, they can be viewed on demand at answersinprophecy.com. Discover for yourself and tell others about this life-changing series that digs deep into the Word of God for answers.

As you savor Answers in Prophecy, mark your calendar for the next virtual six-part series entitled, NO LIMITS: A Life of Power. The NO LIMITS presentations will be released from January 24 to 29. It’s the kind of series that will help you experience God’s power in your life. What a way to start the new year! More details about NO LIMITS will be released soon.

*All names have been changed.

22
Oct 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

The Last Mission Trip: Video

Just as international travel shut down in Europe, It Is Written mission volunteers arrived in Siberia. It was the middle of March, and the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning to extend its grasp around the globe. We didn’t know it then, but this was to be the last It Is Written mission trip of 2020.

Some volunteers had to leave immediately, but those who could, stayed, and God multiplied their efforts. Here are some stories from those mission volunteers.

To read more about the Siberia mission trip, check out our latest issue of Impressions.

21
Oct 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

#GivingTuesday 2020

It Is Written is pleased to participate in GivingTuesday, an annual global celebration of generosity. Your donation on #GivingTuesday enables us to continue sharing the gospel around the world through television programs, mission projects, online and in-person evangelism, and faith-sharing resources. Despite the pandemic, our ministry has been busier than ever this year! 

Donate

Pastor John Bradshaw will broadcast live from the It Is Written Facebook page to say thank you to supporters. He’ll also have an inspiring testimony or two to share. Join him live on Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. EST.

When you make a gift of any amount on #GivingTuesday, December 1, you will receive a FREE In the Word Volume 2 DVD as a thank you. The DVD features four uplifting sermons from Pastor John Bradshaw, perfect for you, your church, or a small group. Get your free gift by clicking the button to donate above, calling 800-479-9056, or mailing a check or cash donation marked “Giving Tuesday” to It Is Written, PO Box 6, Chattanooga, TN, 37401.

Here are other ways to support It Is Written throughout the year.

Shop on AmazonSmile.

Amazon has partnered with It Is Written through its AmazonSmile program. When customers select It Is Written as their designated charity while shopping on smile.amazon.com, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates a portion of every purchase to It Is Written. Add It Is Written » or Learn more about AmazonSmile »

Order an Eyes for India mission kit.

There are endless ways that you can raise funds to support It Is Written projects like Eyes for India. Whether it’s a church fundraiser, small group project, or birthday activity, you can make a big difference in the lives of others and have a great time doing it. This kit provides everything you need to make your fundraiser a success!

Learn more about the Eyes for India kit »

Set up a monthly recurring gift. 

Give a gift every month automatically through your credit or debit card or checking account. Call 423-362-5800 or visit our donate page » to get started.

Become a ministry Partner.

Partners support It Is Written with a commitment of at least $125 per month or $1,500 annually. Special events are held for Partners every year. Learn more about becoming a Partner »

Make a Planned Gift.

You can help It Is Written make an eternal difference with a planned gift, will, or trust through your financial and estate plan. Learn more about Planned Giving and Trust Services »

6
Oct 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

It Is Written Partnership Goes Online for the First Time in 45 Years

Since 1975, hundreds of It Is Written ministry Partners have gathered with the It Is Written ministry leadership team at weekend Partnership events. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, It Is Written will be conducting most of its 2020 Partnership events virtually for the first time.

“While we really love getting together with friends of the ministry, I’m excited that anyone can now attend a Partnership event,” said Pastor John Bradshaw, It Is Written president. “These events are mountaintop experiences. Many people have been attending for years, decades, even. I’m looking forward to meeting virtually and having more people join us than ever.”

The free Online Partnership will broadcast live from the It Is Written studio in Collegedale, Tennessee, on November 6-7, 2020. It may be watched on itiswritten.tv, Facebook, and anywhere It Is Written TV airs, including Roku, YouTube, FireTV, and Google Play TV. Broadcast times are as follows:

  • Friday, November 6, 2020: 7:00-10:00 p.m. EDT
  • Sabbath, November 7, 2020: 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-10:00 p.m. EDT

An additional broadcast will occur December 4-5 either as a livestream from the ministry’s Partnership weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, or as a live event filmed at the It Is Written studio. 

“We have a lot to share about what God is doing through the ministry of It Is Written,” John Bradshaw said. “While church services were canceled, evangelism was not. We have been busier than ever, and we’ll be talking about incredible things we’ve seen the Holy Spirit do.” In addition to outstanding music from Partnership musicians, the event will also feature inspiring messages from the Bible and reports of many ministry initiatives.

Business owner and It Is Written Partner shares his personal story.

Historically, It Is Written Partnership weekends are attended by those who support It Is Written financially. “In a certain sense, these events are shareholders’ meetings,” said Yves Monnier, evangelism director at It Is Written and the Partnership emcee. “We would normally be getting together in Tennessee, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, or Oregon and sharing exciting reports. But this year will be especially inspiring. I’m thrilled we can have more people attend than ever before from the comfort of their own homes.”

To watch a special invitation video from John Bradshaw and register for Online Partnership, visit itiswritten.com/partnership. You may also become an It Is Written Partner and register for next year’s in-person events at the Partnership website.

Partners share their stories of why they are passionate about supporting It Is Written.

30
Sep 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

It Is Written Online Series Answers in Prophecy to Begin Oct. 9

Pastor Joseph Ikner II, left, and John Bradshaw film for Answers in Prophecy, the new virtual evangelism series from It Is Written. Answers in Prophecy begins October 9.

Answers in Prophecy is an exciting, new virtual evangelism event from It Is Written. Starting October 9, Pastor John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written, will examine what ancient Bible prophecies say about current world events. Each presentation will livestream starting at 7 p.m. EDT then will be available on demand. The 10-presentation series will conclude October 21. Attendees may register and watch the series at answersinprophecy.com. 

“Answers in Prophecy is a great opportunity to reach out to your community,” said John Bradshaw. “We’re looking at prophecy in a way that is very user-friendly. We’re demystifying prophecy and really showing how it points to Jesus. People will see how the Bible really makes sense of what’s happening around us. I hope you’ll invite as many people as possible to attend.”

Pastor Joseph T. Ikner II of the Central States Conference will host the event. Presentation topics include “Surviving the Election,” “Who Really Controls the World?,” and “Plagues and Promises.” 

Free promotional resources for this event are available at itiswritten.com/rtresources. Answers in Prophecy is the first event of ACTS 20:21, a one-year evangelism initiative. To get your church involved, visit ACTS2021.church.  

28
Jul 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

Eight Original It Is Written Programs Now Available as Podcasts

Updated: 5:25 p.m. July 29, 2020

From weekly episodes to daily devotionals to shows in Spanish, eight original It Is Written programs are now available as podcasts on Apple and Google Podcasts. It Is Written, Sabbath School, Every Word, Line Upon Line, Conversations, Escrito Está, and Una Mejor Manera de Vivir join In the Word to provide uplifting content on the go. 

The new podcasts allow It Is Written to spread the gospel even further. “Podcasts are extremely popular, so it is important for It Is Written to utilize podcasting as another effective way of sharing life-changing messages,” said John Bradshaw, It Is Written president. “The new podcasts extend the scope of It Is Written and give us a greater opportunity to reach people for Christ. In a short time, our podcast audience has grown significantly, so I’m encouraged that God is powerfully using this.”

A new episode of It Is Written is posted every Saturday morning. It Is Written, the flagship program of the ministry, is presented by John Bradshaw and takes viewers to locations around the world while presenting the transforming teachings of the Bible. Listen on Apple, Google, or Stitcher.

Sabbath School is an in-depth study of the Bible featuring the author of the current adult Bible study guide, international evangelist Pastor Mark Finley. The weekly lesson study is posted Friday morning. Beginning August 1, a short review of the daily lesson study will also be released. Listen on Apple, Google, Spotify, or Stitcher.

Every Word is a one-minute, Bible-based daily devotional. Listen on Apple, Google, Spotify, or Stitcher.

A new Line Upon Line episode is posted weekly on Mondays. Hosted by Pastors John Bradshaw and Eric Flickinger, Line Upon Line answers Bible questions submitted by listeners. Listen on Apple, Google, Spotify, or Stitcher.

Released every Monday, Conversations takes you into the heart of inspirational experiences and unforgettable testimonies that will encourage you in your own walk with God. Listen on Apple, Google, or Spotify.

Presented by Pastor Robert Costa, Escrito Está is a Spanish-language program that discusses a variety of biblical topics, pointing people to Jesus as the only hope for our world. The weekly program is published on Saturdays. Listen on Apple or Google Podcasts.

Una Mejor Manera de Vivir is a brief daily devotional presentation in Spanish by Pastor Robert Costa. Listen on Apple, Google, Spotify, or Stitcher.

Taking you deep inside the Bible, In the Word presents inspirational preaching by Pastor John Bradshaw on a wide range of biblical subjects. A new episode is posted every Friday. Listen on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, or Castbox.

In addition to podcasts, these programs and more may be viewed at itiswritten.tv. 

28
Jul 2020
AUTHOR Cassie Hernandez

Eyes For India COVID-19 Impact and Response

Eyes for India is the long-running It Is Written project restoring sight to the blind through cataract surgeries in India.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Jacob Prabhakar, Eyes for India ophthalmologist and medical director of Ruby Nelson Memorial Hospital in northern India, had to postpone planned Eyes for India surgeries and hospital services. We recently received a report from Dr. Prabhakar about the scope of the COVID-19 impact in his area and his team’s response to it.

Response to the Pandemic

“Eyes For India was progressing very well until March 21 when the pandemic set in, bringing all planned surgical activities to a standstill,” Dr. Prabhakar reports. “About 5,000 blind people who were scheduled and awaiting their turn for cataract surgery in various remote locations within India were disappointed that their dreams of getting their sight back through Eyes For India were delayed. We assured them that our services would resume once the pandemic settled down.”

Community response

Despite curtailed hospital services, the ministry of Eyes for India continued. Many migrant laborers in local villages were left without food and essential supplies during the lockdown. The Eyes For India team visited these villages and provided free food and essential items to about 50 families. It was such a joy to share the love of Jesus in this simple way.

Base hospital services re-opened 

Dr. Prabhakar and his hospital team worked diligently to reopen hospital services. He reports, “After ensuring all protocols for the safety of staff and patients were in place, the base hospital outpatient services began again on June 1 and surgical services started on June 14. The flow of patients at the base hospital has been steadily increasing.”

Screening centers

Due to safety protocols and staffing, the high-volume remote surgical eye camps of the past will not be possible for a few more months. Despite that setback, Dr. Prabhakar and his team have not stopped services altogether. 

Eyes For India has been operating satellite clinics and vision centers to conduct screening activities for future patients in seven strategic locations throughout the country. Services have been able to continue in three centers each week. It is expected that by September all seven of these satellite clinics will again become operational. Patients needing cataract surgeries will be registered in these clinics and will be given appointments for surgery. 

Surgeries resuming

Once surgeries recommence, Eyes for India will transfer about 10 to 15 of these registered patients each day to the base hospital for surgery. This will translate to about 75 surgeries performed per week and about 300 surgeries per month. This strategy will continue until regulations and infection rates allow for the resumption of our high-volume, on-location surgical camps. We are implementing the best practices to ensure the full safety of the staff, their families, and patients while attending to community needs. 

Even though the situation is unpredictable, we have scheduled our weekly surgical camps from September 13 onwards, hoping that the pandemic may settle down to a certain degree, allowing us to carry on our regular yearly schedule. It is our prayer that our services will resume full strength soon. 

Thank You 

While the current pandemic has changed things, Eyes for India is still moving forward. Dr. Prabhakar wants to personally share the following message to those of you who faithfully support this project: 

Thank you, dear donors, for your kindness and generosity that has literally transformed thousands of lives. Eyes For India is committed and strategies have been put in place to continue to serve people across needy communities amidst this changing scenario. The need for restoring sight to the masses continues to be great. 

I thank God for each of you. And with your kind help and support, we look forward to helping thousands who are desperately waiting for their sight to be restored. We are honored to share the precious gift of sight and share personally with them the love of Jesus. 

I remain truly grateful on behalf of thousands of blind who now see!

Jacob Prabhakar