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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Power of the Holy Spirit

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Charles Stanley

Acts 1:1-5

The week before He would die by crucifixion, Jesus talked to His disciples about what was to come: After His resurrection, they would receive a Counselor—the Holy Spirit—who’d be with them forever (John 14:16). He would indwell each believer, providing His power to make it possible to live a victorious Christian life. The Lord will also empower us with His divine strength if we cultivate certain Christlike qualities:

  • Purity of heart. Prior to our salvation, sin separated us from the Father. When we received Jesus as Savior, God washed us clean (Titus 3:5), clothed us in Christ’s righteousness, and purified us so we could become His people (2:14). Now, our part is to pursue holiness so we can become more like the Lord. Regular confession of our ungodly thoughts and actions brings forgiveness and purifies us from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
  • Obedient spirit. Before we were adopted into God’s family, our nature was in rebellion against His authority. But since trusting in Christ, we have both freedom from sin’s power over us and the ability to choose obedience. While we will live imperfectly, the Lord looks to see if our minds and hearts are committed to following Him. Our sincere effort to obey Him brings a release of His power as we carry out His work.

When we make holiness a priority and demonstrate obedience to the Lord, we’ll receive supernatural strength to choose righteousness. Each day, we will be filled with power as we confess any areas of sin (Ps. 51:1-2, 10), maintain our commitment to God, and follow the Spirit’s lead.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Lessons on Impossibilities

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Charles Stanley

John 6:1-14

God’s Word is a treasure for many reasons—one being that it’s so practical. The stories and principles found in the Gospels are just as applicable today as they were in Jesus’ day. We’ve all experienced times when our backs are to the wall, our problem seems to have no solution, and we don’t know what to do. When that happens, we need to remember that impossible situations are opportunities for the Lord to teach us valuable lessons that we’d never learn any other way.

God’s supremacy trumps human resources. When Jesus asked, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” (v. 5), Philip quickly recognized his own inadequacy. Although Christ knew all along what He would do, He was teaching His disciples that the perfect plan and the power to implement it come from God, not from human solutions and resources.

The Lord often invites our participation. Though Christ could have spoken bread into existence, He chose to use people to achieve His purpose. Andrew scouted around for something to eat, a young boy gave up his small lunch, and the disciples organized the crowd and distributed the food Jesus handed them. Each step required trust and obedience, especially since Christ’s method seemed so illogical.

God knows how to solve your problem, but He may choose to require your cooperation, possibly even asking you to do something that seems unreasonable. But remember that whenever we yield our flawed solutions and meager resources to Him and step out in obedience, He does great things in us and through us.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When Things Seem Impossible

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Charles Stanley

Jeremiah 32:17-22

What is your initial reaction when you encounter a difficult circumstance—one that looks impossible? Some people go into overdrive searching for an answer or a way out. Others curl up in defeat or withdrawal, either declaring the situation hopeless or trying to avoid it altogether. Hopefully, as a Christian, you turn immediately to the Lord, seeking His guidance. But what you ask Him is very important.

  • O Lord, what am I going to do? At first glance, this seems like the right thing to ask, but is it really? The problem with this question is that even though we are seeking the Lord’s guidance, the focus is on our actions. That means the way we think about how to handle the situation is limited to our abilities, resources, and understanding. Often, our minds begin to devise possible plans, and we soon resort to manipulating and maneuvering in an attempt to fix the problem.
  • God, what are You going to do? This is the right question because now the focus has shifted to the omniscience and omnipotence of almighty God. He blows the sides out of any box that confines us and untangles any situation we find baffling. He has the power to carry out His plans, which—unlike our solutions—are perfect and always bring Him glory.

To truly pray the second prayer, you must be willing to surrender all your plans into His hands. Not only does He know what to do and how to accomplish it, but He can also make a way through any impossibility. Your job is simply to trust Him and be obedient by following His directions.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – A Passion to Know God

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Charles Stanley

Philippians 3:7-12

As Christians, we should desire to be centered on knowing God through His Son Jesus Christ (John 14:9). What does that kind of ardent desire look like?

First, we’ll have an eagerness to know the Savior. Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, Bread of Life, and True Vine. He invites us to discover who He is in each aspect of His character. Complacency—resting on what we already know—has no place in the Christian life.

Second, we’ll demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the Lord. That dedication will have an enduring influence on our finances, workplace, friendships, and home. Building a close relationship with God is a lifelong pursuit with no shortcuts.

Third, our top priority will be knowing Christ and loving Him (Jer. 31:34; Mark 12:30). When He has first place in your heart, quiet times with the Lord will be sought after and precious. Our days will be structured around receiving and obeying instruction from Him. Prayer will be as much about listening to Him as about speaking.

Finally, any desire that interferes with or supersedes our fervent longing to know the Savior will be laid aside. Turning away from ungodliness and worldly pursuits will appear a small price to pay for the blessings of intimately walking with God. Over time, as we maintain both a strong desire and a firm commitment to know God, keep Him in first place, and replace our desires with His, our passion for Him will grow. Who do you see when you look in your spiritual mirror—an ardent believer or a lukewarm one?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Living Triumphantly

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Charles Stanley

Read | Matthew 4:18-20

The man who stepped forward to preach at Pentecost was flawed and known to be impetuous. Peter had not only disagreed with Jesus but had even denied knowing Him. Yet he’d developed into a man whose impact for the kingdom surpassed his impulsiveness.

When studying Peter’s life, believers often focus on his negative actions—the doubt that nearly drowned him when he walked on water, and his aforementioned rebuke and denial of Jesus. But Peter is also an example of triumphant living. An uneducated fisherman who likely had few other skills, Peter put down his nets and followed Jesus the instant he was asked. He was the first to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God (Matt. 16:16). And after the Lord’s resurrection, Peter’s spontaneous nature led him to leap into the water and swim for shore when he noticed his Savior waiting there (John 21:7). The disciple’s devotion cannot be questioned.

Peter is an inspiration for us today. God does not choose servants who are solid rocks with no cracks or crevices. Instead, He selects people who have weaknesses, failures, and a need to be forgiven repeatedly. The Lord looks for believers who are teachable, willing to repent, and prepared to surrender to God’s greater will—folks who are a lot like Peter.

Too many Christians have already decided how much the Lord can do with them, based on education, personality, or talent. But God isn’t interested in qualifications. He seeks willing followers who echo Isaiah’s call, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa. 6:8). That’s triumphant living.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Key to the Christian Life

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Charles Stanley

Life Principle 24

To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us.

Galatians 2:20

Many Christians today seem content to live what they think is an adequate Christian life. They believe that if they go to church, read their Bibles occasionally, and say their prayers once in a while, they will be all right with God. Occasionally, they may be inspired to go above and beyond their normal routines and volunteer to serve others as ushers, members of a church committee, or even go on a short-term mission trip. Though they go through the motions of being a “good Christian,” they do not enjoy the power, peace, and joy that should come with the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). Eventually, the counterfeit Christian life they are living becomes a burden and does not comfort them when the storms of adversity assail.

This was not what you were created for. God does not call you or any believer to a marginal Christian life characterized by chores and rituals. He desires to have a daily relationship with you where you experience His presence and trust Him for wisdom, courage, and strength in all situations. With every step you take, decision you make, conversation you have, and thought you entertain, the Lord wants to glorify Himself through you. He desires to shine in your life—with His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control illuminating your unique talents, traits, and personality as you walk in obedience to Him.

In other words, to live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live in and through you. That is why Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Gal. 2:20).

How do you allow Jesus to do so? In what way does He live in and through you? If these two questions seem difficult or confusing to you, you aren’t alone. Many people never realize how powerfully Christ could demonstrate His life through them. This is because many believe that the key to living the Christian life starts with pious acts, when it really begins with a deep, intimate relationship with Him.

Therefore, to answer the first question: How do you allow Jesus to do this?—you must realize the answer comes by working on your relationship with Christ. You do this through Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. You not only learn about Him, but you must also listen to Him, because He will teach you how to love Him, live for Him, and walk in His ways.

The answer to the second question: In what way does He live in and through you?—is as unique as each believer who follows Him. This is because He has a special purpose for your life, and the most important thing you can ever do is simply obey Him—no matter what He tells you to do. God will allow situations and troubles in your life that only He can solve. This is so He can demonstrate His glory, power, love, and wisdom through you.

Is there anything distracting you from having an intimate relationship with the Lord? Have you failed to trust God’s sovereignty? Are you worried that you’re not doing enough to deserve a relationship with Him or that you could lose the eternal life He has given you? Then you need to return to the basic truth that your salvation is through faith in Christ and not by works. There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn it or be worthy of it. Therefore, there is nothing you can do or fail to do that would cause you to forfeit it either.

The issue is not your salvation but the impact of your life for Christ and the joy and fulfillment you receive from Him. God does not call you to an adequate life—He wants it to be extraordinary. However, for you to experience the life He planned for you, you must stop being distracted by peripheral issues and focus your attention completely on Him. Can you do it? Can you trust Jesus to live His life through you and take care of all that troubles you?

Of course you can! The God who redeems you can teach you how to live for Him. The Savior you trusted for your eternity is more than capable of taking care of all the matters that burden you daily and shining through you brightly so that others can know Him and be saved. Therefore, die to your notions of what the Christian life should be so you can experience true life in Him.

Adapted from The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, © 2009.

 Open to go to 30 Life Principles

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Your Body: God’s Temple

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Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

The world’s primary interest in the body is how it looks on the outside: How can it be shaped differently? How can it become more attractive or gain more attention? Regrettably, by worldly standards, success is often dependent on the condition of our bodies.

In contrast, how do you think God views the human body? Do you believe that He is interested only in the soul and spirit, or would you expect Him to also be concerned about our physical bodies?

Despite many popular misconceptions, the Lord is deeply concerned about our human bodies. In today’s passage, Paul confirms this truth when he writes, “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” Again, in 2 Corinthians 6:16, the apostle describes the human body as the temple of God. The context of this passage reveals many of the same errors in thinking that are common today. The Corinthian people had a low view of the body. They believed that it was unimportant and even described it as a tomb in which the soul is incarcerated.

Paul’s response is dynamic. He essentially cries out, “No! The body is not a tomb—it is a temple!” It merits our respect and esteem in the same way that the most holy place of worship deserves upkeep.

The viewpoint of Scripture is crystal clear: Your body is the temple of the living God. This should say something to you about its value and the way you ought to treat it. Furthermore, you should take God’s words as a warning against abusing, misusing, or ignoring your own body.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Prevailing Peace During Conflict

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Charles Stanley

John 14:27

Conflict is part of every person’s life. A common problem today is that most people don’t know how to deal with conflict—nor do they understand the source of real peace. As a result, we have become somewhat ignorant. We see the issues around us, but we often choose to ignore them. It seems that most people have a common goal of avoiding conflict at all cost.

People tend to define peace as the absence of hostility and anxiety, but the biblical term actually refers to something far broader. The Greek word eirene means “to bind together.” So in today’s verse, peace has the sense of wholeness or inner completeness that brings stability to a person’s walk, regardless of what is happening in his or her life. Jesus spoke not of the kind of peace that comes today and goes tomorrow but of prevailing, or undefeatable, peace.

The key to lasting peace is found in a relationship. If you want tranquility that is unending, you need to build a relationship with Jesus Christ. We, too, can enjoy the oneness that He and the Father experienced. When the Lord says, “My peace I give to you,” He is not referring to a loan. His peace is a free gift, available to every one of His children.

If we focus our attention on the Son of God, He will give us perfect peace (Isa. 26:3). That does not mean we are immune to sudden shocks or occasional times when we are thrown off balance by circumstances. But the power of the Lord’s prevailing peace is adequate to carry us through anything He allows us to experience.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Letting Go of the Past

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Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 5:17-19

John Newton worked in one of the vilest businesses of his day—slave trading. But later, after receiving Jesus as his Savior, he penned the now familiar words to “Amazing Grace” as well as these lines: “In evil long I took delight / Unawed by shame or fear / Till a new object met my sight / And stopped my wild career.” Faith in Christ separated Newton from his dark past. The hope of a bright future is also ours if we accept God’s offer of new life.

No sin is so great that God will not forgive. Certainly some sins wreak havoc on our life as the consequences are played out. We will have to deal with whatever fallout our wrong choices bring, but we don’t have to live with guilt and shame. And when there are repercussions, we don’t have to face them alone.

First, we must accept responsibility for our sin. Confession and repentance mean we must drop our guilt burden at the foot of the cross. Only when we are willing to lay aside the sin and its accompanying shame can we take the second step—accepting forgiveness. We could never do enough to earn God’s pardon, so He freely offers mercy to anyone who will receive it. Christ’s death at Calvary bought every person a life free from the weight and wages of sin, but each individual must accept that salvation gift for him- or herself.

Our newfound liberty is maintained by taking a final step: believing we have a new life in Christ. If we will face our sin, accept forgiveness, and look toward the future, we cannot be weighed down by wrongs of the past.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – A Call to Repentance

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Charles Stanley

Hebrews 4:13-16

How often have you been caught in a “guilt cycle”? This involves confessing the same old sin, telling God you’re sorry, and promising not to do it again (knowing that you probably will). Around you go, over and over. You’ve come clean dozens of times but still have no victory. Yet there is a biblical promise that states, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, emphasis added).

Friends, God is holding up His end of the promise. It’s people who fall short— we have turned confession into a rote recitation of our shortcomings. The attitude is, I’m disappointed in myself, but I am weak. God knows that. True confession, which means agreeing with the Lord about sin, is inseparably linked with repentance; they’re two sides of the same coin. To repent is to turn away from wrong. By looking at our sin from God’s perspective, we’ll see a vile, wicked habit with terrible consequences and will want to run from that as fast as possible.

In practical terms, to confess and repent requires the intentional decision to say, “By the Holy Spirit’s power, I’m turning away.” Satan will still tempt you, and failure remains a possibility. But God can break the chains of your sin, and He wants to set you free.

Victory can be immediate, or it can be a process of trading wrong choices for right ones. In some cases, temptation involving habitual sin never goes away. Then it becomes necessary to face each day in God’s strength. When you forsake sin, the power of heaven is there to help you.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Solving Problems Through Prayer

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Charles Stanley

2 Chronicles 20:4-15

When the king of Judah called for a nationwide fast to seek God’s help, the people from every town convened to pray. Jehoshaphat’s actions and words teach us some important truths about solving life’s problems through prayer.

  • God is bigger than our problems. The king stated that God was the all-powerful ruler of nations, against whom no one could stand (v. 6). Many issues are beyond our ability to solve, but nothing is impossible for Him (Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26). If we pray while focusing on His greatness, our troubles will shrink to proper proportions.
  • God wants to involve others in praying with us. Entire families from throughout Judah answered the king’s call and came together before God (2 Chron. 20:13). Prayer had a central role in the life of the early church as well (Acts 2:42).
  • Through prayer, the Lord will give us a solution to the problem. His answer could be just what we asked or something entirely unexpected; He might tell us to wait in our current situation instead of taking action, or He could direct us to become involved in something new. In any case, God’s direction will be according to His perfect will. What’s more, He may ask us to take a step of faith. The Lord uses every opportunity to strengthen our trust and grow us in righteousness.

We don’t know how long the people waited for an answer, but they didn’t act until they heard from God. He told them not to be afraid or discouraged, but to trust Him. Prayer likewise brings us into God’s presence so we can receive strength and direction for life’s challenges.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Seeking God Through Prayer

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Charles Stanley

2 Chronicles 20:1-3

During the reign of Jehoshaphat, a vast army assembled to attack the nation of Judah. His response to the situation can guide us in handling our own crises.

The Bible records that the king “turned his attention to seek the LORD” in prayer (v. 3). Likewise, when we face hardship, our best response is to cry out to our heavenly Father. As God’s children, we can be certain that He loves us and cares about the details of our lives.

Through the cross, God established a new covenant for those who place their trust in the Lord Jesus (Luke 22:20)— He agreed to forgive our sins, adopt us into His family, and watch over us. This salvation depends not upon our good actions but upon the completed work of Jesus, who died in our place (Eph. 2:8). God also sent His Spirit to live in us as proof of our salvation and to be ever- present with us. He is interested in every aspect of our lives and promises to hear our prayers.

Jehoshaphat was ready for this crisis because he had developed the habit of seeking the Lord in various situations. If we want to be prepared for the unexpected, then we must discipline ourselves to seek God every day, acknowledging both His Lordship and our dependence upon Him.

By examining our habits and thought life, we can know whether our attention is on the Lord or other things. If we start our day thinking about Him instead of our own plans, and regularly read and apply Scripture, then we demonstrate a heart that is pursuing Him.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Passing Down the Faith

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Charles Stanley

 

Have you thought about what you will leave behind when you die? Most people think of possessions—family heirlooms, investments, and other property. But what kind of spiritual heritage will you leave for your children? Will they walk in the Lord’s ways as a result of your influence?

Leading a godly life doesn’t always mean that your children will follow the Lord, and forcing your beliefs on them usually backfires. What are some effective approaches to handing down your faith?

Godly parenting takes . . .

1) Principle: We must instruct our children in the ways of God.

  • Read Deuteronomy 6:4-7. How often were the people of Israel supposed to talk about their faith?

 

Notice they were told to teach their children “diligently” (Deut. 6:7). You may want to have a formal Bible study with your kids on a regular basis, but that isn’t always necessary. It can be more effective to connect daily events to principles in the Word of God during supper, for instance. At bedtime, read and discuss Bible stories with your children. When appropriate, tell them about your failures and the spiritual lessons you learned as a result.

  • Write out the spiritual truths—biblical principles or life lessons—that you would like to pass on to your children.

 

  • What can you do differently to instruct them more effectively in spiritual matters?

 

2) Pattern: Children learn more by watching us than by listening to what we say.

Your example is a key ingredient to passing down your faith. For example, if you blame others when things go wrong, children may learn to avoid taking responsibility. If you pray as a family when life is difficult, children learn they can go to God with their worries.

  • Jesus spoke about dealing with our own sins before trying to correct others (Luke 6:41-42). In what areas do you fail to make godly choices, especially around your kids?

 

  • Write down one way you could be a better example to your children.

 

3) Persistence: We pass on faith by doing the right thing consistently.

No parent is perfect. But those who do the right thing day by day—not just when it is convenient—make a powerful impression on their children.

Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

  • What areas of parenting or living righteously have the potential to wear you out?

 

  • What motivates you to persevere in doing the right thing?

 

4) Participation: When we get involved in the lives of our children, we establish a caring relationship that makes it easier to communicate with them about our faith.

Without taking on their responsibilities, do your best to help your children with their problems. For younger kids, this may mean giving advice outright or helping them find the answer in God’s Word. Older children may prefer to talk through their ideas with you to reach a solution. If they say something with which you strongly disagree, try not to overreact. Instead, ask how they came to that conclusion. Keep the lines of communication open so you can guide them toward a biblical perspective.

  • Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” How does this verse encourage you in your parenting struggles?

 

  • Name a specific way you could show more interest in the concerns or pastimes of your children.

 

5) Praise: The greatest motivation for learning is praise.

As a motivator, encouragement is more effective than constant correction. Spend more time praising your child for what he does right than you do critiquing his mistakes. Offer help if it’s needed, but don’t be overly demanding (Col. 3:21).

  • Proverbs 12:25 says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up” (NIV). How does encouragement affect your children?

 

  • How could you apply 1 Thessalonians 5:14 to parenting?

 

6) Prayer: If you consistently pray with and for your children, you will demonstrate the importance of prayer.

Jesus set an example for us by praying in all types of situations. He prayed for the sick, for calm weather, and for miraculous provision. He prayed at the height of His popularity and when He anticipated persecution and suffering.

  • How should we pray, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17? What do you think that means?

 

  • What are some situations in which you could pray with or for your children to make prayer a greater part of your relationship?

 

Prayer: Father, parenting is tough—I can’t do it without You. Grant me wisdom to respond appropriately in every situation. Draw each of my children closer to You, that they may honor You with their lives. Amen.

Adapted from “How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team” by Charles F. Stanley (1986).

 

Related Resources

 

Related Video

The Impact of a Godly Parent

Mothers and fathers have a tremendous influence on the success and happiness of their children later in life. That’s why it’s so important for parents to model the Christian life and purposefully instruct their sons and daughters in the ways of God. (Watch The Impact of a Godly Parent.)

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Scripture: God’s Perfect Book

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 119:9-16

Even in this age of technological marvels, there are still many people who suffer a deficiency exposed by a telltale sign: a flashing “12:00” on the oven clock. Isn’t it odd that a person can operate a motor vehicle at 70 mph, microwave an entire meal in three minutes, and navigate through the Internet’s information superhighway and yet not know how to set a simple clock?

Is the solution so complicated? Is the answer to this riddle so deeply hidden that only a few brave souls dare to seek it out? No, of course not! There’s only one reason why this technical tip-off is so common: people do not read the instruction book.

When we purchase a new gizmo or appliance, we always find within the package an instruction book. And what does this book contain? It has all the answers we need to get the most out of our new purchase.

Do you realize the Christian life is like that? Scripture declares that when a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, he or she is a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17 NIV). To get the most out of our new life, we are given an instruction book: the Bible. This is far more than a simple guide that teaches how to act or what to say; this Book tells us exactly how to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Is your Christian walk stuck? Do you have the proverbial “12:00” flashing in your life, indicating that you have set aside your Instruction Book? Pick it up today for a fresh look, and enjoy God’s perfect how-to manual. You will not be disappointed.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Wandering From God’s Word

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 119:33-40

Assembling a toy or mechanical device rarely turns out to be as easy as the instructions claim. First, there is a myriad of parts that are expected to go somewhere. Next, the amount of time set aside doesn’t seem to be enough, and interruptions come more often than we want. Then, there are the instructions themselves, which typically leave out key points on how to finish the job.

Perhaps you have been viewing God’s instruction book—the Bible—in a similar way. There are those 66 books to read and apply. Then there’s the obstacle of insufficient time or interruptions that distract you. Or, it may seem as if additional training is needed to understand divine truth. Any one of these could cause us to veer away from Scripture. Even mature Christians can find themselves inattentive to the Bible. But when we wander from God’s Word, we soon wander from God and His ways.

What is it that you desire for your life? To please the Lord? To glorify Him? To rise above worries and fears and experience the abundant life (John 10:10)? For all of us who answer yes, our priority needs to be drawing closer to God. We do that by studying and applying His Word.

Are you willing to give God your undivided attention in order to nurture your relationship with Him? Will you put yourself under the control of His Holy Spirit to learn how to live an increasingly godly life? The rewards are great: knowing our Savior in ever-increasing fullness and living a life pleasing to God.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Understanding Salvation

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Charles Stanley

Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 2:21

Many people have an unscriptural idea of what salvation means, but the term is so basic to understanding Christianity that it merits our careful attention. We can define salvation as the gift of God’s grace, goodness, love, and mercy, whereby He provides forgiveness for your sin and mine.

The Bible explains that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). All of us are sinners deserving of death (Isa. 53:6), but in His love and mercy, God made provision for our forgiveness: He allowed for atonement to be made by the shedding of blood (Lev. 17:11).

All of the Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed what was to come, pointing to the once-for-all, substitutionary death of God’s sinless Son on the cross. Jesus took our place, receiving the punishment that was rightly ours. Indeed, mankind’s redemption was the purpose for which Christ came into the world (Luke 19:10). And so, salvation is related strictly to the person of Jesus Christ. That’s why John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

There is no acceptance before almighty God—no way to come to Him—apart from the Savior (John 14:6). Throughout Scripture, we see that salvation is a free gift that derives from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not a result of good works; rather, a person who is saved will naturally produce good works. Have you chosen to receive God’s gift?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Moving Heaven and Earth

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Charles Stanley

Hebrews 12:25-29

God wants us to be aware of Him, and He will shake our world—literally and figuratively—to make that happen.

The Old Testament records that to gain mankind’s attention, the Lord moved heaven and earth. Mt. Sinai quaked before Moses received the Ten Commandments (Ex. 19:18-19). God also told Judah that He would shake things up by overthrowing kingdoms, armies, and nations (Hag. 2:20-22).

God did the same sort of thing in New Testament times. At the crucifixion, an earthquake signaled destruction of the old way of life and establishment of a new covenant (Matt. 27:51). Shortly afterward, a group of believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, and the ground trembled again (Acts 4:31).

But geological and societal turmoil aren’t simply tactics of the past. God still shakes the world today. Every nation on earth “trembles” with concerns about the environment, health, famine, and its economy. Yet current issues will seem mild compared to the disasters and epidemics that will take place during the tribulation (Rev. 6). At that time, judgments of all kinds will be unleashed on the earth in order to get people’s attention.

God is sending the world a message: Mankind is not in control. Because He loves us, our Father will remove anything that we’ve trusted instead of Him—until we ultimately seek security only in our unshakable Lord.

Does God have your attention? Don’t wait for Him to take drastic measures. Be sure to give Him your undivided attention each day.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Requirements of a Godly Influence

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Charles Stanley

Daniel 1:1-17

Every believer has the responsibility to be a godly influence. Through our example and testimony, we are to help people gain a better understanding of Jesus Christ and the way to follow Him. From what the Bible tells us about the prophet Daniel, he was a man who used his influence wisely. His consistent witness impacted not just his friends but also four kings and their kingdoms.

Daniel possessed a strong conviction that every word of Scripture was true. He consequently declined to eat food from the king’s table, because Exodus 34:15 forbade consuming anything offered to idols (this was a common practice in Babylonia). Daniel’s commitment to God outweighed any fear of reprisal for turning down royal provisions.

The Lord honored Daniel’s conviction by ensuring that he found favor among powerful men. God also gave Daniel and his friends wisdom and knowledge that would serve them well as royal officials—positions that guaranteed godly influence would spread throughout the kingdom.

In all likelihood, very few of us will have opportunity to influence kings. But our example can have impact in a workplace or neighborhood, or even across generations. As was true of Daniel, a godly influence is rooted in the belief that the Bible is God’s inerrant Word. If our convictions aren’t based on scriptural principles, the pattern of our life cannot be consistent—then, we’ll chase after preferences instead of standing upon doctrine. Therefore, a commitment to stand on the bedrock of God’s Word is not negotiable.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Walking With God for a Fruitful Life

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Charles Stanley

John 15:4-8

Here’s a conversation with several more lessons about fruitfulness:

Child, there’s a third thing I want you to know: I’m bringing others along on the journey with you. Look out for them.

But, Lord, I have enough to do—taking care of my stuff, reading Your Word, and overcoming obstacles.

Child, you need to let go of your preoccupation with yourself and help others make the journey.

I can’t do more. I’m too busy.

I’ll sort through your priorities.

I’m too weary.

I’ll give you rest. Now, here’s the fourth lesson: You need to submit to My plan whether you like the plan or not.

Will You explain what You are doing?

Sometimes, though not always.

But what if Your plan makes no sense to me?

Do not rely on your own understanding; just keep walking where I direct.

But, Lord, what if I don’t want to go that way? What if it makes me too uncomfortable?

Ah, now we are at the heart of the matter, lesson five: A fruitful life is found only in a life surrendered to Me. It is characterized by an ever-increasing resemblance to Jesus in His fullness. In other words, the fruitful life is one filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). In this relationship, I, the Lord, am in charge. Your part is to cooperate and submit to My plan. Now that you know the instructions, do you still want to follow? Think carefully.

Yes, Lord. To whom would I go? I believe You and want You as my guide.

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Strengthening God’s Church

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Charles Stanley

The church is in danger of growing weaker every day. False doctrine, apathy, and a lack of discipline work together to diminish the local congregation’s influence in the community and the world. But the apsotle Paul reveals three simple ways to strengthen the church.

  1. Be alert to false doctrine. There is no more effective church-killer than wrong spiritual beliefs. We are living in a culture of immorality and iniquity, and some philosophies mix a bit of truth with falsehood. Believers not firmly planted in God’s Word are susceptible to those lies. Standing firm requires that pure Scripture must be preached from the pulpit and studied by individual church members.
  2. Appreciate God’s servants. Too often church members criticize their leaders more than encourage them. Certainly ministers and others in authority can make mistakes or fall into sin—they are human. But these Christians have devoted themselves to ensuring that people hear and understand Scripture.

    The congregation is responsible to show support and love; those who know the Lord most deeply will appreciate the pastor. God will not reveal Himself to those who can’t be bothered with caring for His chosen servant.

  3. Accept one another. Since we are a fellowship of believers, we are to develop a spirit of oneness. Everyone is loved by God and shouls be welcomed. This truth is based not on performance, but on the fact that each believer is the Lord’s child with a unique role in this life.

The church’s great potential lies in its members. Begin today to practice these strength-building exercises.