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

As tributes pour in from every corner of the world for former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, religious leaders across the country are sharing thoughts and opinions about Carter’s religious beliefs and the ways he manifested them.

In 2018, Carter self-published “Faith: A Journey For All,” sharing lessons he’s learned throughout his life.

“The most important example of faith in my life has been the wedding vows I took with Rosalynn,” Carter wrote in her book.

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“During our marriage, we could have said, ‘I love you now, and I believe I will always love you and be faithful.’ Instead, we both make a vow before God to ‘hold on from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.’

Carter also explained that their love and faith enabled them to overcome the differences and challenges they faced.

He was educated at Marantha Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

“So whenever we feel the presence of Jesus in our hearts, that is the Holy Spirit.”

Former President Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church. (OUR NEWS)

He added, “And whenever we feel God in our hearts, that’s the Holy Spirit. So it’s a very easy thing to explain, but it’s also easy to forget.”

‘Spirit of unity’

Carter had been a long-time member of the Southern Baptist Convention until 2009, when he submitted a letter of resignation to the convention.

In press conferences, Carter expressed the church’s increasingly “radical” views.

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

He continued as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

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

He continued as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

‘We were honored’

Reverend Franklin Graham, CEO of 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 time in the 70s and 80s when we were dealing with inflation and oil shortages, and the Iran hostage crisis,” Graham said in a statement shared with Fox News Digital on Sunday evening. , and posted it on his Facebook page.

Former US presidents George HW Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter (L to R) pose with evangelists Billy Graham and Franklin Graham before the dedication of the Billy Graham Library on the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 31, 2007. . (REUTERS/Chris Keane)

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

‘Giving to the needy’

“Jimmy Carter grew up going to church and was baptized at age 11,” said Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington. “His parents were devout, but he later admitted that his relationship with God was not high.”

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Bradley added, “There was a revival in his life in 1967, and he began to read his Bible regularly, becoming a faithful follower of Jesus.”

He began to read the Bible consistently, and became a faithful follower of Jesus.

He also said that the former president “lived by his faith as a courageous and inspiring promoter of racial reconciliation. He was interested in taking practical steps, and committed to providing for people in need. Since 1984, the President and Mrs. advocates of affordable housing for everyone through Habitat for Humanity.”

Former President Carter speaks to the congregation of Maranatha Baptist Church before teaching Sunday school in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, April 28, 2019. Carter taught Sunday school at the church regularly after leaving the White House in 1981. (Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Said Bradley, “Carter’s life reminds us to be intentional about unity. Build true friendships, as we enjoy and sincerely know each other… Remember that nothing is more important than knowing Jesus as your Savior and loving your neighbor every day.”

‘First public lighting of Hanukkah menorah’

Rabbi Pinchas Taylor, director of the American Faith Coalition and based in Florida, told Fox News Digital on Sunday evening, “Carter was the first American president to publicly light the Hanukkah menorah, launching the National Menorah ceremony in 1979.”

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At the time, Taylor added, “the United States was dealing with the crisis of Iran, yet Carter found inspiration in the Hanukkah message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the values ​​of freedom and faith around the world. understanding the symbol of the menorah – that even in the darkest times, light and unity can prevail.”

He continued, “This act not only marked a milestone in religious pluralism – but also helped popularize menorah lights in the community around the world.”

‘Heart of a servant’

Walker Wildmon, vice president of the American Family Association in Tupelo, Mississippi, and CEO of AFA Action, AFA’s state media arm, told Fox News Digital, “Throughout his life, President Jimmy Carter has been an example of a servant’s heart . donations in the humanitarian and disaster arena are many.”

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