Faith is a powerful force in Jimmy Carter’s life, leaders say: ‘A servant’s heart’

While condolences are pouring in from all directions for former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Faith leaders Across the country they are sharing thoughts and insights into Carter’s religious beliefs and the ways he demonstrated them.

In 2018, Carter self-published the book “Faith: A Journey for Everyone,” in which he shares the lessons he has learned throughout his life.

“The most important example of faith in my life is the marriage vows I exchanged with Rosaline.” Carter wrote in his book.

Jimmy Carter spent nearly two years in hospice care before his death at the age of 100.

“At the time of our marriage, we could have said, ‘I love you now, and I believe I will always love you and I will be faithful.’” Instead, we both swore before God to “have and keep from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, for in sickness.” And illness.” In healthLet us love and cherish, till death do us part.”

Carter also shared that their love and faith made it possible to triumph over the differences and challenges they experienced.

He studied at Maranatha Baptist Church

Carter taught Sunday school at his home church at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia.

He continued to teach from time to time throughout his life, and in 2019, Carter spoke from the pulpit on Pentecost.

“When we feel God in our hearts, that is the Holy Spirit.”

“After his crucifixion and resurrection, he is still with us in the Holy Spirit,” Carter said of Jesus Christ.

“So whenever we feel like it The presence of Jesus In our hearts, that is the Holy Spirit.”

He added: “And whenever we feel God in our hearts, that is the Holy Spirit. So it is easier to explain, but it is also easy to forget.”

“Spirit of unity”

Carter was a longtime member of the Southern Baptist Convention until 2009, when he sent his resignation letter to the convention.

In media interviews, Carter cited the organization’s increasingly “stringent” views.

Why was President Jimmy Carter famous for his peanuts?

“I have finally decided that after 65 years, I can no longer be associated with the Southern Baptist Convention,” he wrote.

He continued to be a deacon and a Sunday school teacher.

“Our prayer is that we can avoid this divisive act, and adhere to the traditional beliefs that have supported us and our ancestors for generations in a spirit of unity and cooperation.”

he He continued as a deacon And Sunday school teacher.

“We have been honored”

Rev. Franklin GrahamThe CEO of both Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said others should pray for the entire Carter family.

“He served as our nation’s 39th president during a turbulent period in the 1970s and 1980s when we faced inflation, oil shortages and the Iran hostage crisis,” Graham said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday evening. Which he also posted on his Facebook page.

“He and my father, Billy Graham“We had a close relationship, and we were honored to have him join us at the opening of the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte in 2007,” Graham added.

“Commitment to those in need”

“Jimmy Carter grew up going to church and was baptized at the age of 11,” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington. “His parents were devoted, but he later admitted that his relationship with God was superficial.”

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Bradley added: “There was a renewal in his life in 1967, and he began reading his Bible regularly, and became a devoted follower of Jesus.”

“He began reading his Bible frequently and became a devoted follower of Jesus.”

He also said the former president “lived out his faith as a courageous and inspiring advocate for racial reconciliation. He was also passionate about taking practical action, with a commitment to providing for those in need. Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been advocates for affordable housing for all through Habitat for Humanity.”

Bradley said, “Carter’s life reminds us to be intentional about unity. Build real friendships, where we truly enjoy and appreciate each other… Remember there is nothing more important than knowing Jesus as your Savior and loving your neighbor every day.”

“The first to light a Chanukah menorah publicly.”

Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, director of the Florida-based American Faith Alliance, told Fox News Digital on Sunday evening: “Carter was the first American president to publicly shed light on Hanukkah menorahOpening of the National Menorah Ceremony in 1979.”

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Taylor added: “At the time, the United States was grappling with the hostage crisis in Iran, yet Carter found inspiration in a Hanukkah message full of hope and resilience, emphasizing the universal values ​​of freedom and faith. His impromptu words during the ceremony reflected a deep sense of hope.” Understand the symbolism of the menorah – that even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail.

He continued: “This work not only marked a milestone in religious pluralism, but also helped spread the lighting of the public menorah throughout the world.”

“A servant’s heart”

“Throughout his life, President Jimmy Carter has been an example of a servant’s heart,” Walker Wellmon, vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, and CEO of AFA Action, the government affairs affiliate of AFA, told Fox News Digital. Cases of disaster abound.”

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He added, “He also embodied the importance of family throughout his life and career. We pray that God will grant President Carter and his family peace during this time.”