Category Archives: Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley
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 1 Peter 1:3-9

Obviously, we don’t enjoy times of trial or conflict. Despite the assurance we have that God will always be by our side through any and every circumstance (Heb. 13:5), it is still natural to fear and bemoan such occurrences.

In hardships, however, we often forget the very words Christ spoke in John 16:33. We hear and certainly relate to the first part of His instruction: “In the world you have tribulation.” We’ve all faced enough problems to know that it is not possible to avoid them altogether. In fact, Jesus takes it a step further by asserting that our faith in Him will actually lead to even more attacks and criticism (15:18-20). Truly it is impossible for a devoted Christian to live trouble-free in a world that is hostile toward God.

What we tend to miss in Jesus’ statement, however, is the second half of the verse. After delivering the “bad” news that we would have tribulation in our life, He offers a word of hope: “But take courage! I have overcome the world.” Notice that He didn’t say, “I will overcome,” but rather, “I have overcome.” In Christ, the victory has already been won. He has victory over all things. Even the world’s greatest threat, death itself, has already been defeated by Jesus Christ.

Life certainly isn’t easy. However, we have a loving God who not only understands our suffering but also chose to experience it Himself. Because He did, we can now claim participation in the ultimate victory over every trial of life.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Hope for the Hopeless: Learning to Trust God in the Low Points of Our Lives

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Do you feel as though God is distant? Sometimes, when we can’t sense His presence, we wonder if He has forgotten us. Some people even believe God is merely a third-party observer and is no longer involved in the world. To them, He set the earth in motion long ago but is now uninterested in our daily lives. 

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Jesus is the Good Shepherd and we are His sheep (John 10). He promised to protect and provide for us, and we misunderstand Him if we think He doesn’t care.

Our spiritual lives are full of highs and lows, valleys and mountaintops. But some people panic, or grow bitter and angry, when they face a disappointing situation. They ask, Where is God? Why hasn’t He answered my prayer? Why is He silent while I’m hurting? Many believers become disillusioned and hopeless. And instead of seeing a valley, they see an endless tunnel with no light at the end.

This is a dangerous mindset, because it causes a person to lose confidence in the Lord. With such an attitude, trusting that the pain will end becomes increasingly difficult.

But there is a reason to trust in God.

If you are at a low point and feeling hopeless, be encouraged. The Good Shepherd, who is the Sovereign of this universe, is with you. You may not always sense His presence or see how He’s working, but He’s there. The Lord loves you unconditionally and is ready and willing to help. All you need to do is turn to Him.

God does not send anyone into a valley, but He may allow us to enter one to teach dependence upon Him. One day, perhaps you’ll look back and think, Thank you, God, for never leaving me, and for carrying me through the low place. You’ll never be able to thank Him enough.

So why do we get discouraged in dark times? I believe there are four reasons.

  1. We don’t have a solid belief system.

What do you believe about God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole spiritual world? Many people accept a little of this or that, but not the whole witness of God’s Word. You could say that their theology is “all over the place.” If we don’t have a clear understanding of the truth, we won’t be able to live an authentic Christian life and will have a difficult time making wise choices.

Some people may say, “This is over my head.” But we don’t need to be intimidated by theology. It simply helps us know Who God is and how to understand the Scriptures.

Knowing God’s character is a must. Failing to do so can cause us to panic in difficult times, and could lead us to make destructive choices.

  1. We don’t understand the ways of God.

Evidence of confusion about God is everywhere. For instance, some people think God shouldn’t allow His followers to suffer. They believe that if a person experiences pain or illness, it is because of sin or a lack of faith. They think that if you trust and obey God, you won’t get sick and will never be in want of anything.

But the Word of God doesn’t teach this. Not all suffering is punishment for sinful actions. Take a look at the life of the apostle Paul. God saved him on the road to Damascus and called him to preach the gospel. And yet he experienced much suffering in his life as a believer. Paul wasn’t living in sin when he was stoned in the streets or imprisoned. Because he persevered through each hardship, we are blessed with the epistles he wrote during those times.

  1. Our faith is based on emotion.

Sometimes we think, I can trust Him as long as everything’s going my way. But this leaves us feeling hopeless when things go wrong. We cannot base our faith on emotion, personal judgment, or perception—it must be grounded in the Word of God. When we feel discouraged, we need to ask, What is the clear teaching of Scripture? You won’t come across any kind of valley experience for which God doesn’t provide an answer in His Word.

  1. We don’t know God’s promises.

How can we feel hopeless when the Father promises to love, protect, and guide us throughout our lives? If we commit the Scriptures to memory, He will bring them to mind whenever we need encouragement.

Closing Thoughts

There are many things that happen in a valley, and God allows us to experience them for a number of reasons. The truth is, we tend to learn far more from the low points in our lives than we do from the high. When do you learn the most about trusting God? Too often we take the good things for granted. It’s in times of trial that we learn how to lean on the Lord.

If you haven’t discovered who God is and how He operates, then start now. Spend time reading the Bible each day, learning his promises and committing them to memory. Remember to trust Him with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understandings—or emotions (Prov. 3:5). Follow Him, and He will walk you—and you will never be alone again.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Door of Opportunity

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Revelation 3:7-10

In New Testament times, the city of Philadelphia was strategically located on travel routes between Rome and the east. This made it an important conduit for Greek culture and language. The church there received an exciting opportunity when God planned that the region would become known for a new export—the good news of Jesus Christ.

For the loyal church at Philadelphia, this was a tremendous blessing. In Revelation 3, Jesus Christ acknowledged the congregation’s deeds, which means they must have carried out their work with diligence and dependence on the Lord. That community of faith also followed God’s Word and didn’t deny His name, despite opposition from “the synagogue of Satan”—the worldly people who also inhabited the city.

The Lord opens doors, not simply for mission organizations and churches, but also for individual believers. A chance to do His will in any area of life must be taken seriously, as His opportunities always lead to the path He has designed for us. Some seem too good to be true, others are cloaked in hardship, and still others defy human reasoning. We need to know how to listen for and discern God’s voice so that we can be certain when it is His hand opening a door.

We all desire that the Lord give us His best for our life—in our vocation, finances, service, and spiritual growth. So we must build a proven record of faithful obedience, as the Philadelphian church did. When we serve Him with loyalty, humility, and diligence, God will open doors for even greater blessing.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Christ-Centered Confidence

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2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Confidently trusting the Lord brings many blessings. These include spiritual growth, personal achievement, peace, and influence.

When our reliance on God is steady, we will respond to difficulties by seeking Him for guidance and strength. In turn, we will experience the Holy Spirit’s presence, provision, power—and, as a result, spiritual growth. We’ll be capable of accomplishments far greater than imaginable when our assurance comes from the Lord. Perhaps we’ll demonstrate a depth of endurance while everyone else is in an uproar; we might receive a leadership position beyond our perceived abilities; or we might find pleasure and success in doing an unfamiliar task.

If we mix trust in God with reliance on self, our calm demeanor will waver. But when our security rests in Him and we show conviction about His promises, peace follows. Then others will notice that God has inspired our confidence. As they watch us achieve in unexpected ways, grow spiritually, or exhibit inner peace, they’ll want what we have, and we can influence them for Christ.

We build confidence in God by meditating on His Word, knowing who He is, and drawing near to Him through prayer. But we can lose our confidence by focusing on circumstances rather than Jesus, by allowing unconfessed sin in our life, and by heeding worldly advice.

What do your actions reveal about you—Christ-centered confidence or self-reliance? What steps will you take to deepen your belief in Him? The Lord is always worthy of our trust (John 14:1).

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Positive Power of Confidence

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Philippians 4:4-13

Paul was a confident man. During his earlier years, the apostle’s positive attitude came from trusting in his credentials—namely, his background, education, and position. However, his encounter with the Lord (Acts 9:1-6) caused him to realize those things were worth little. So what was the source of his new boldness?

Paul’s relationship with Jesus became the new foundation for his life. Viewing his former ways as a chapter that had ended, he embraced his new life in Christ. Not only did Paul recognize the inadequacy of everything he had previously relied upon—his knowledge, achievement, and authority—but he also relinquished any notion of living independently of God. The apostle became a man of action, who lived his life through total reliance upon the Lord (Gal. 2:20).

Paul’s unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness also played a key role. He believed God’s promise to strengthen and equip him; to guide him in every situation; to meet all his needs; and never to leave him. In facing trials, Paul experienced the power of the Holy Spirit flowing in and through him. Because he took God at His word, he could meet adversity with boldness. His confidence was not in himself but in the Lord’s presence, provision, and power; that’s why it remained strong.

Do you see why we can be confident followers of Christ? What matters isn’t who we are, what we believe about ourselves, or what strengths and abilities we have. Developing a wholehearted trust and reliance on Jesus is what brings about confidence. How much do you trust Him?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Developing a Spirit of Humility

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1 Timothy 1:12-13

Some people believe that thinking badly of themselves is a sign of humility. But Paul is a beautiful example of how we are to approach God. He does not berate himself and tell God how vile and sinful He is. Instead, Paul talks repeatedly with a spirit of humility about the grace of God. There are seven things we can do to allow the Lord to develop such a humble spirit in our life.

To pursue humility, it is necessary that we die to self. We must refuse to put ourselves first and instead ask the Lord what is His will for our situation. God wants us to be devotedto other people because He has made us reservoirs of His truth—something those around us greatly need. And when God blesses others, we who follow Christ are to delight in the good things that come to them (Rom. 12:15).

For ourselves, we must wholly depend on God. If we want to live with genuine humility, we must rely on Him in every circumstance. The Lord has many good things in store for us. When we direct our thoughts continually to His grace and goodness, our confidence in Him will grow. It is also important that we distance ourselves from whatever appeals to our pride, such as wealth, prestige, applause, or certain relationships—the list is different for every person. Finally, we must determine to obey God regardless of the earthly consequences. When you humble yourself before Him, you can mark that day as the beginning of the best part of your life.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Truth About Self-Love

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Galatians 5:13-14

Although a number of places in the Bible contain the command, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 19:19; Gal. 5:14), Christians often overlook the “as yourself” part. But did you know that no one can fully love the Lord or anyone else unless he loves his own being? This means reverencing oneself as a child of God, created for fellowship with Him.

All people are valuable to the Lord. But the believer’s self-worth is rooted in the fact that we have a relationship with God. We are to care for ourselves, based upon the fact that He has provided for our salvation, given us the Holy Spirit, and developed a unique plan for our life.

Love of self is essential to God’s plan for every believer. He desires that we exercise care for our own person, which helps us relate to Him. If we dislike ourselves, we may feel unworthy of God’s love and refuse to approach Him as Father. But love teaches us to see ourselves the way the Lord does—as available vessels, each with unique gifts and talents. Then we can offer greater usefulness to the kingdom. Using us to the fullest extent of our God-given abilities is the Father’s goal, and if we have a righteous love for self, that will be our goal as well.

Whoever you are and whatever your circumstances may be, I can tell you something about yourself: God has a special plan for you. But He cannot set you on the path to achieving His goals for your life until you recognize your worth and learn to love the person He created you to be.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Accepting God’s Gift of Love

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1 John 4:7-12

Many people simply can’t believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?

One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words “I love you” to our spouse, children, friends, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they’ve lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.

Another reason is a poor self-image. Considering ourselves unworthy, we refuse to accept God’s love. You know what? None of us are worthy of the heavenly Father’s goodness and mercy—so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We’re not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we’re coming to Him based on His grace, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as “beneath His grace” is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.

If you feel unloved or struggle to accept yourself, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of our heavenly Father’s love for you—and to sink it deep into your heart. Receive the truth He reveals. You’ll find it’s a refreshingly different story about your value as an individual.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How do I accept Jesus as my Savior?

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Do you want to know God?

Do you yearn to experience the Lord’s comforting presence, power, and wisdom? That’s good, because God loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you forever.

The problem is . . .

. . . one thing separates you from a relationship with God—sin. You and I sin whenever we fail to live by the Lord’s holy standard. In fact, Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Furthermore, Romans 6:23 explains that the penalty for sin is death—separation from God in hell forever. No matter how hard we try, we cannot save ourselves or get rid of our sins. We can’t earn our way to heaven by being good, going to church, or being baptized (Eph. 2:8-9).

Understanding how helpless we are because of our sins, God sent His only Son, Jesus, to save us.

Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (Rom. 5:8). Three days later, He rose from the dead—showing that He had triumphed over sin and death once and for all.

So how can you know God?

It all starts with accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ provides a relationship with the Father and eternal life through His death on the cross and resurrection (Rom. 5:10).

Romans 10:9 promises, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” If you have not yet begun your personal relationship with God, understand that the One who created you loves you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. He wants you to experience the profound depth of His care.

Therefore, tell God that you are willing to trust Him for salvation. You can tell Him in your own words or use this simple prayer:

Lord Jesus, I ask You to forgive my sins and save me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. Thank You for providing the way for me to know You and to have a relationship with my heavenly Father. Through faith in You, I have eternal life. Thank You also for hearing my prayers and loving me unconditionally. Please give me the strength, wisdom, and determination to walk in the center of Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations!

You have received Christ as your Savior and have made the best decision you will ever make—one that will change your life forever! Please let us know by emailing us at decision@intouch.org so we can rejoice with you.We know you will have questions about your new relationship with Jesus, and we want to help. Begin your new journey with God by clicking here to learn more about your new relationship with Him.

 

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How to accept Jesus as your Savior

How do you accept Jesus as your savior? Romans 10:9 promises, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” If you have not yet begun your personal relationship with God, understand that the One who created you and loves you no matter who you are or what you’ve done. (Watch How to accept Jesus as your Savior.)

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Confusion in the Church

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1 John 5:12-13

Numerous people believe in God, attend church, and are convinced that they will someday go to heaven. But of these, far too many are misinformed about salvation.

Some believe that a person’s eternal destiny depends solely on how much good he accomplishes in his lifetime. Others accept that Jesus died for us but think we have to contribute toward salvation through works. Both views are incorrect.

The Word of God teaches that we are saved only through a personal faith in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9). What He did—namely, living a perfect life and dying for our sins—is what makes us right with God. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, His completed work is credited to our account. Our sin debt is paid by His blood, and His righteousness is applied to us. Remember, we’re saved not by what we do but by whom we trust. We can’t add to or take away from Christ’s finished work on the cross (John 19:30; Acts 4:12).

Another common area of confusion involves the erroneous idea that once saved, we must do certain works for God to keep loving us. Attending church, reading the Bible, and praying are important practices for God’s children, but His love does not hinge on our actions. Scripture is clear that love is our heavenly Father’s nature (1 John 4 :8).

It’s essential that faith be grounded in biblical truth. Receiving forgiveness of our sins, belonging to God’s family, and dwelling with Him forever depend on it. Do your beliefs agree with Scripture?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Developing a Tender Heart

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Ezekiel 36:25-28

The Lord wants to give each of us a “heart of flesh” so that we will be pliable and responsive to Him. When touched by the finger of God, a tender heart yields to the pressure and assumes the form He desires, much like a lump of clay that allows the potter to determine the shape of the vessel.

To aid in this process, God has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell each believer and awaken responsiveness in him or her. By yielding to the Spirit’s promptings with ready obedience, the heart becomes increasingly tender and sensitive to His leading. The Lord is able to impart greater understanding of His Word to a soft heart because it has faithfully accepted and obeyed previous teachings.

Any resistance to God will result in hardening. But those who are accustomed to intimacy with Christ—which is the result of submission to Him—will be quick to deal with sin and return to the place of obedience and blessing.

People with tender hearts stay closely connected to the body of Christ, seeking to build up and encourage others in their walk of faith. Such individuals are not only receptive to what God wants to tell them; they are also teachable, in that they are willing to listen and are open to being corrected by others.

This week when you read your Bible and pray, let your heart be soft toward the words of God. As He pokes His finger into each hard area, listen to His instructions, and rely on the Spirit’s power to help you yield and obey. Let Him shape you into a beautiful and useful vessel.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Danger of a Hardening Heart

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Hebrews 3:7-9

God repeatedly calls to His children, but the condition of each heart determines the result. Those with soft and tender hearts hear His voice and yield to Him in obedience, but those with hard hearts resist His warnings and instructions. Surprisingly, upon hearing the same voice, believers will have different reactions.

Since hardening is a slow process that is often accompanied by excuses and rationalizations, the danger signs may not be readily recognized. How do you respond when the Lord speaks to you through His Word, your conscience, or messages based on Scripture? Carefully consider the following characteristics of a hardening heart:

  • Insensitivity or resistance to what the Lord says
  • Refusal to put yourself under His authority
  • Disobedience to what you know God is instructing you to do
  • Justification of sinful conduct
  • Resistance to the reproof of others
  • Preoccupation with the things of this world (career, relationships, possessions)
  • Little interest in spiritual matters
  • Absence of private devotion (Bible reading and prayer)
  • Avoidance of corporate worship (gathering with other believers)

A hard heart does not have to remain brittle. If you’ve discovered any of the above traits in your life, begin today to return to the Lord. Ask Him to give you a new heart and the desire to know Him (Jer. 24:7). Remember, He specializes in making all things new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Praying in a Crisis

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Read | James 5:13-18

Scripture says that “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16 NKJV). Effective—that is exactly what we want our prayers to be, especially in a crisis. When we meet God’s requirements, we can be confident that He’ll not only hear our concerns but will also act on them in accordance with His purposes.

Requirement #1—Fervent prayer. Motivated by a deeply burdened heart, fervent prayers are filled with passion and a strong sense of personal helplessness. They also have a narrow focus on some specific difficulty about which we care deeply. Scripture calls this type of prayer “laboring earnestly” (Col. 4:12).

Requirement #2—Righteousness. As soon as we place our trust in the Savior, we become rightly related to God as His children. At that moment, we are permanently sealed with the Holy Spirit and are declared righteous forever because of our position in Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:9). While salvation is by faith rather than by deeds (Eph. 2:8-9), genuine faith will result in an obedient lifestyle and good works (James 2:26). If we willingly and knowingly engage in sin, then we are not living righteously and our prayers will not be effective.

When the Lord hears an impassioned prayer, He knows who is praying. If it is a righteous person whose life reflects God’s ways, Scripture promises the Holy Spirit will begin His divine work.

God responds with great power to the prayers of even one righteous person. That person can be you!

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Grounded in Truth

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 Psalm 25:4-10

If we’ll let the truths of Scripture fill our minds, guard our emotions, and influence our conduct, God will richly reward us. By reading and meditating on His Word, you’ll learn to understand His ways. This isn’t something we can figure out on our own, because His ways are unlike ours—they are higher, bigger, and eternal.

Following God on His terms will lead to a deepening relationship with Him. That’s because He chooses to reveal Himself to those who seek Him and obey His instructions. And when you see that God always keeps His promises, your confidence in His faithfulness will soar. Whatever the situation may be, you’ll know you can trust Him. Then He will transform your worries into joyful anticipation about what He’s going to do next in your life. Even if hard times await, you’ll be convinced that the Lord will work them out for good.

A life grounded in truth is powerful. Those who live by the Word develop spiritual discernment, which guides their choices and guards against deception. Because they demonstrate wisdom and godliness, the Lord enables them to impact others greatly. Since He knows they can be trusted, He also gives them greater responsibilities and opportunities for service in His kingdom.

With all these benefits available to us, it seems obvious what the wisest course of action is: Invest time and energy in building the truth of God’s Word into your life. Other activities that clamor for attention may seem important or pleasurable, but none of them can offer us the spiritual riches of a life grounded in truth.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How to Build Truth Into Your Life

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John 8:31-32

Because there’s so much deception in our world, it is essential that we become grounded in the Scriptures. Some believers have accepted erroneous ideas simply because they haven’t incorporated truth into their thinking and lifestyle. But how do we go about building a firm foundation of righteousness?

The first step is to recognize that going to church and listening to sermons is not enough. You need a desire and commitment to begin letting God’s Word shape your mind, emotions, and will. Think of an area of need, interest, or struggle in your life. Now find a passage in the Bible that addresses that situation. For example, if someone has hurt you, find verses about forgiveness. If you don’t know where to look, check a concordance or the back of your Bible for a subject list.

As you read the passage, look for God’s instructions, and begin doing what He says. Then observe the results. What has the Lord done in your life? Did you discover anything new about Him or His ways? Once you’ve experienced the blessing of obedience in that area, you will be ready to apply what the Lord reveals about other aspects of your life. I have found that a good way to plant these truths firmly in the heart is to write them down and review them regularly.

One benefit of building truth into your life is freedom. Areas of sin or feelings of insecurity and inadequacy hamper us in so many ways. But when we believe Scripture and act on its truth rather than on the basis of our emotions or desires, we’ll realize that the Lord can overpower whatever holds us captive.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Together In the Christian Life

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No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith.

Hebrews 10:24, 25

The writer of Hebrews knew that his audience, made up mainly of Jewish believers who had just come to faith, was struggling with how to incorporate their Jewish heritage into their walk with Christ. The author therefore spends a great deal of time explaining that Jesus Christ prepared the way for uninterrupted fellowship with the Father. He is our great High Priest. His death provided the way for individuals to have personal access to God without going through a human agent.

At times, this principle was difficult for the Jewish Christians to accept. They were accustomed to participating in a variety of ceremonial washings and offerings to be cleansed from their sins; immediate access to God apart from those things was something new. But the writer assured them that since Christ died for their sins and rose from the dead, they could now go directly to the Father with their prayers and needs. The author also knew the challenge facing these converts to remain faithful to their new faith. So he exhorted them to “hold fast … without wavering” (Heb. 10:23)

He instructed his readers to help one another hold fast to their faith in God. He knew they would be tempted by trial and persecution to drift from the truth that God had plans for their lives. So he said, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). The Greek term translated “stimulate” literally means “to irritate” or to pressure one another to consider what the Lord has done in the past. He is faithful and does not abandon the work of His hands. We are His creations, and when we encounter difficulty, sorrow, rejection or any other distress, we can know without doubt that God will provide the wisdom and resources we need. Even in times of joy, He is blessed by happiness and contentment. In essence, the author was instructing his readers to spur one another along, to refuse to become ensnared by negativity, and to take responsibility for their lives in Christ as well as one another.

With this backdrop, the author made it clear that they should not stop meeting together (Heb. 10:25). They needed one another, just as we need other believers. To give up meeting together would spell disaster because it would provide Satan an opportunity to draw them away from the Lord. In meeting together, they found the mutual encouragement to keep going. The same is true for us.

God wants us to regularly meet with other believers. He wants His people in church! Many believers don’t take this admonition seriously because they don’t know the reason behind it. I have often heard this refrain: “I can worship God at home. I don’t need to go to church.” Many believers believe the sole reason we meet together is to worship—and understandably so. After all, we call it a worship service.

 

If worship were the only reason we are commanded to meet, then those who claim they can worship at home would have a strong argument. But worship is not the sole reason. Nor is it so that we can be taught God’s truth. We can turn on our radios and televisions and hear good Bible teaching. On the surface, it seems that anything we can do at church we can do just as well at home, alone.

So why are we commanded to meet? Why go to church?

The writer of Hebrews says it is to safeguard against drifting. We are the body of Christ, and when we are with other believers, we are doing what comes naturally and what we will do for eternity—being together in His presence. We make up the church, and together we provide strength for one another through prayer, fellowship, and encouragement.

Enemy forces are always at work around us, seeking to blow us off course. Sheer individual commitment is really not enough to keep us in line. We need the presence and accountability of other believers who love us and are willing to laugh, cry, and check on us. At times, when we feel as if our faith makes no difference—or we see no fruit in our lives, and we don’t think our testimonies make a difference—it does. When we surrender our lives to Christ, He uses us in countless ways, ways we may never know.

In the atmosphere, worship, and fellowship in God’s house, we discover that we are not alone. We hear others talk about how the Lord has miraculously provided for them. One may describe the pain he has suffered as a result of a loss. A new believer may tell her story of redemption, rejoicing in God’s grace. As we listen to others recount God’s work in their lives, something happens inside of us. We are spurred on to faithfulness and to praising God for His goodness.

The accountability and encouragement found in church anchor us against the tides that work to sweep us away. To neglect the regular assembly of fellow Christians is to miss out on this essential element in the development of our faith.

Throughout the Bible, we find that one of God’s principle desires is to have a close relationship with each one of us. By becoming active in a local church, you safeguard yourself against missing out on all that God has for you. Your participation in a body of other believers safeguards your personal fellowship with God. Remember, when you drift away from the family of God, it is only a matter of time until you drift away from fellowship with God.

Regular church attendance should never be viewed as something you do to gain God’s merit. We are not saved by good works. Instead, it should provide the catalyst for spiritual growth. Make sure the church you attend teaches the Word of God without compromising His truth. If yours doesn’t, I recommend you visit another church. Find one that accurately teaches the principles in Scripture while demonstrating God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. Remember that you also have a responsibility to actively use your spiritual gifts for the benefit of other believers.

Adapted from The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible,

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Result of Surrender

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Galatians 5:16-25

Ask most believers if they would like to accomplish what the Lord has planned for them to do with their life, and they will say, “Yes!” To be the person He calls each one of us to be, we must surrender our will to His. That means telling God that we are willing for Him to do whatever He must to drive selfishness out of our life. He may send pain and heartache, because that is a sure way to get our attention. But as a result, we’ll be wiser and more mature followers.

Yielding our will to God’s superior plan clears off the throne of our life, enabling the Holy Spirit to take His rightful place there. Then, as He discards any junk that’s been cluttering our perspective, we are transformed from the inside out as our spirit undergoes important changes: We begin to recognize when God’s hand is at work; we experience freedom from selfish pursuits and earthly attachments like money and wrong relationships; and we understand and appreciate what it means to operate under His power and authority. In serving the Lord, we gain a confidence that we never had while serving ourselves. What’s more, others will see the effects of God’s work in us.

A Spirit-filled believer knows how to love and be loved, maintain peace and joy even in hard times, and give others a second chance. He also wisely knows when to submit. Surrender is not an easy step. It requires courage and patience, as learning submission is a life-long process. But God’s compensation—a Spirit-filled life that attracts others to Jesus Christ—is well worth giving up selfish pursuits.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – God’s Protection and Peace in Life’s Storms

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John 14:27

Emotional storms within us can be as hard to handle as external physical ones. Grief, fear, and worry can cause us to be in great turmoil.

To see us through the rough times of life, God provides His protection and peace. But protection does not mean that troubles won’t occur. Jesus allowed the disciples to experience the fear and anxiety of being in a boat on a turbulent sea. He permitted them to suffer because He had something far more important in mind. He wanted to teach them to recognize their own helplessness, His sufficiency, and their need of Him.

The peace that God provides is not dependent upon the quieting of our circumstances or the removal of external pressures. Nor does it mean the absence of conflict. The promised peace comes in three ways. First, Jesus Himself becomes our peace. Through His death, He has reconciled us to the Father, and we are no longer His enemies (Rom. 5:1). In God, we can be at rest. Second, when in right relationship with the Father, we have the ability to live at peace with our fellow man (Eph. 2:14). Through God, we have the power to choose to forgive, to keep no record of wrongs, and to show love to people who oppose us. Third, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit enables us to experience an increasing sense of inner tranquility (Phil. 4:7).

The heavenly Father will provide what we need spiritually to both endure and grow stronger in our Christian faith. What challenges do you face? Are you using what God has provided?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Making Decisions God’s Way

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Psalm 119:103-105

Have you ever chosen a certain path, only to find yourself regretting that decision later? Life consists of a series of choices, some as small as what to eat for dinner, and others with eternal impact.

Facing these crossroads can seem overwhelming, but Scripture offers guidelines to give us confidence and direction. Therefore, when decisions are imminent, we should keep the following in mind:

First, God promises wisdom to His children who ask with faith (James 1:5-6). Remember, His Spirit resides within believers and is available for guidance. Too many Christians try to weigh the pros and cons themselves, and they miss out on the magnificent help from the all-knowing One.

Second, we should delve into the Bible, asking God to open our eyes to His truth and His way. The Lord promises that His Word never returns void (Isa. 55:11). And if we memorize and meditate on Scripture, He will bring the truth to our minds at the appropriate time.

Third, we are wise to be aware of our mental state as we approach decisions. The acronym “H.A.L.T.” stands for hungry, angry, lonely, and tired—four states in which we will likely make poor choices. When considering options, it is well worth waiting until a better time.

Our choices determine our direction, so consider carefully how you make decisions. Scripture is clear that we see dimly (1 Cor. 13:12); God alone views the whole picture. It is vital, therefore, to rely upon His wisdom, truth, and direction every time we select an option before us.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Spiritual Shortsightedness

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Genesis 25:27-34

Do you ever feel as though you are missing out on God’s rich blessings? Certainly hardship is a part of life, and we can’t have everything we ask to receive. But if we act foolishly, we might also miss out on some of the good things the Lord has in mind to give us.

That is exactly what happened with Esau in today’s passage. He was famished when he returned from a hunting trip. His brother Jacob offered a bowl of soup in exchange for Esau’s birthright. And the trade was accepted.

Doesn’t it seem foolish that this older brother would make such a swap? Yet if we’re not careful—that is, if we are spiritually shortsighted—we, too, can give up what is excellent for temporary satisfaction.

A person acting in this way exhibits certain characteristics. For one thing, he makes decisions based on today, without considering tomorrow’s consequences. Next, he is blind to life’s essential values and gives higher priority to his appetites and emotions than to the Lord. In addition, he’s willing to sacrifice what is lasting for something that brings only fleeting satisfaction. Similarly, his focus is on the temporal rather than the eternal. Finally, he makes decisions in moments of physical, emotional, or spiritual weakness.

At the time, it may seem desirable to base a decision upon an immediate want. But are you willing to pay the price for that kind of shortsightedness? It will never satisfy your heart. Instead, rely on God’s Word for truth, and let His Spirit guide you in making every choice.