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Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – In the Book of Life

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“Everyone who conquers will be clothed in white, and I will not erase his name from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and His angels that he is Mine” (Revelation 3:5).

Perhaps you have rejoiced – as I have – at the reminder that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, God’s heavenly record of the redeemed.

Here are two more promises to the conqueror, the overcomer, the victorious Christian – one having to do with future reign, the other with our security in Him.

Not only to the believers in Sardis who should be victorious, but also to those in every age and every land, lies the hope – indeed the promise – of appearing with Christ in white robes expressing holiness and joy in that future day when He shall rule and reign on this earth.

If you are a believer in Christ, your name is in the that book which contains the names of those who are to live with Him throughout eternity. Not to have our names erased, of course, means that the names will be found there on the great day of final account, and forever and ever.

What better way could we use our time today – and tomorrow – and the next day – than to add names to the Book of Life, by faithfully witnessing to others about the good news of the gospel? Our privilege and responsibility is to share; God’s Holy Spirit does the work of convicting and saving.

Bible Reading: Revelation 3:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: “Dear Lord, help me to add names to Your Book of Life by sharing my faith in You at every possible opportunity.”

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – In the Book of Life

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dr_bright

“Everyone who conquers will be clothed in white, and I will not erase his name from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and His angels that he is Mine” (Revelation 3:5).

Perhaps you have rejoiced – as I have – at the reminder that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, God’s heavenly record of the redeemed.

Here are two more promises to the conqueror, the overcomer, the victorious Christian – one having to do with future reign, the other with our security in Him.

Not only to the believers in Sardis who should be victorious, but also to those in every age and every land, lies the hope – indeed the promise – of appearing with Christ in white robes expressing holiness and joy in that future day when He shall rule and reign on this earth.

If you are a believer in Christ, your name is in the that book which contains the names of those who are to live with Him throughout eternity. Not to have our names erased, of course, means that the names will be found there on the great day of final account, and forever and ever.

What better way could we use our time today – and tomorrow – and the next day – than to add names to the Book of Life, by faithfully witnessing to others about the good news of the gospel? Our privilege and responsibility is to share; God’s Holy Spirit does the work of convicting and saving.

Bible Reading: Revelation 3:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: “Dear Lord, help me to add names to Your Book of Life by sharing my faith in You at every possible opportunity.”

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Conviction or Condemnation

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Charles Stanley

Romans 8:1-2

Sometimes it’s easy even for believers to become confused, because emotions can be very tricky. For this reason, it is unwise to trust feelings or base our decisions upon them.

But what about those times when you are unsure? You can probably recall periods when you thought you were sensing conviction from the Holy Spirit but wondered whether it might instead be condemnation from the Enemy. There is a difference between emotion and true conviction, which means an awareness of wrongdoing (John 16:7-8). The Holy Spirit prompts conviction of sin as an expression of His love because He wants to keep you on the right path. One sure way to distinguish conviction by the Holy Spirit is that He will always identify something specific (Ps. 51:3-4; Luke 22:60-62). God won’t hesitate to put His finger on whatever is outside of His will.

Conversely, the Enemy will try to inspire feelings of condemnation and guilt by whispering something like, “You call yourself a Christian? You’re a poor excuse for somebody who claims to be one of God’s children.” The Enemy wants you so weighed down that you become ineffective for the Lord. When believers listen to that deceitful voice, they can become incapacitated by the untruths from the Father of Lies.

The Holy Spirit uses conviction positively—to warn against danger or lovingly nudge an erring believer back onto the course the Lord designed for his or her life. Thankfully, this is one of God’s unceasing acts of love.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Christ lifted up

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“And I, if I be lifted upfrom the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

Suggested Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Christ preached his own truth, and the common people heard him gladly, and the multitude flocked to listen to him. My good ministering brother, have you got an empty church? Do you want to fill it? I will give you a good recipe, and if you will follow it, you will, in all probability, have your chapel full to the doors. Burn all your manuscripts, that is number one. Give up your notes, that is number two. Read your Bible and preach it as you find it in the simplicity of its language. And give up all your latinized English. Begin to tell the people what you have felt in your own heart, and beseech the Holy Spirit to make your heart as hot as a furnace for zeal. Then go out and talk to the people. Speak to them like their brother. Be a man amongst men. Tell them what you have felt and what you know, and tell them heartily with a good, bold face; and, my dear friend, I do not care who you are, you will get a congregation. But if you say, “Now, to get a congregation, I must buy an organ.” That will not serve you a bit. “But we must have a good choir.” I would not care to have a congregation that comes through a good choir. “No,” says another, “but really I must alter my style of preaching a little.” My dear friend, it is not the style of preaching, it is the style of feeling. People sometimes begin to mimic other preachers, because they are successful. Why, the worst preachers are those who mimic others, whom they look upon as standards. Preach naturally. Preach out of your hearts just what you feel to be true, and the old soul-stirring words of the gospel will soon draw a congregation.

For meditation: Are we brave enough to do it? We ought not to expect the world to be attracted to Christ when we obscure him by our reliance on gimmicks and by being second-rate mimics of things they can find done better elsewhere. But the unbeliever cannot find the true Gospel and a crucified Christ anywhere else!

Sermon no. 139

5 July (1857)

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Guarding Our Hearts

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Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. —Proverbs 4:23

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace . . .which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6–7

I like to connect the verse from Proverbs with Paul’s words to the Philippians. We read that God tells us to guard our hearts—to watch over them carefully. But what does that really mean? It means to be alert or watchful about the ways of the enemy. It’s easy to become careless about guarding our hearts and being alert to Satan’s subtle tactics when things are going our way and God is pouring out His blessings on our lives.

All of us face struggles from time to time, but when we diligently stand guard over our hearts, we become more aware that God’s plan is for us to overcome.

Instead of using the word guard, I like to think of it this way: We need to post a sentinel around our hearts or, as it says above, “garrison and mount guard.” Think of what a guard or sentinel does—he’s on duty. He watches for the enemy to attack. He’s not just ready; he’s actively watchful and prepared to resist all attacks from the enemy.

That’s how we need to live—with a trustworthy sentinel. It doesn’t mean we live in fear or constantly have to check to see if the devil is sneaking around. Think of it more as posting a sentinel to do that for us.

What kind of sentinel do we need? I think of the two most obvious ones: prayer and the Word of God. If we pray for God’s Holy Spirit to guard our hearts, He will honor that request. When the enemy creeps up, the sentinel calls out, “Thus saith the Lord,” and the enemy flees. (The devil really is a coward and won’t openly fight us.)

Read Paul’s words again. If we push away our anxieties (which we do by prayer and supplication) and fill our heart with thanksgiving, God’s peace stands guard over us. God helps us resist any charge of the enemy.

We also must not minimize thanksgiving. That’s such a simple way to keep ourselves alert to Satan’s devices. As we give thanks to God through our words and our songs, we are guarding our hearts. As the old hymn says: “Count your blessings—­name them one by one; count your many blessings—see what God has done.”

It’s more than just singing a few words, however—it is actually pausing on purpose to remember all the good things that God has done in our lives. As we rejoice over past blessings, we open ourselves to more blessings in the future.

Another ally we sometimes overlook is other believers. When we’re aware of our weaknesses, we can agree in prayer with other believers. We can ask them to pray specifically that we won’t be misled or attacked by the enemy when we’re not as alert as we should be. Other believers can intercede for us—just as we can for them. What better guards can we post than those who cry out to God on behalf of others? The devil doesn’t like hearing such prayers.

Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me be alert against any attack of the enemy by posting the sentinels of prayer and Your Word at the door of my heart. I praise You for showing me how to guard my heart, and pray that I will have a continuously thankful heart. Amen.

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Max Lucado – Your Stuff Isn’t Yours

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When one of the wealthiest men in history, John D. Rockefeller, died, his accountant was asked, “How much did John D. leave?” His reply? “All of it!”  No one takes anything with him.  Think about the things you own—all your stuff. Then let me remind you—your stuff isn’t yours. And you know what else?  Your stuff isn’t  you.

Jesus explained in Luke 12:15 that life isn’t defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.  Contentment comes when we can honestly say with the Apostle Paul, “I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have.  I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty.” (Philippians 4:11-12).

You have so much! You have a God who hears you, the power of His love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. You have everything you need!

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Charles Stanley – What Is Obedience?

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Acts 5:29-32

The word obedience is defined as: compliance to the plan; conformity to the pattern; observance of the rules; adherence to the standard; and submission to another’s will. Obedience is the “bottom line” in the Christian life. Basic to every decision we make is the necessity of knowing what Scripture says about the issue, what action God wants us to take, what attitude would please Him, and what steps are required.

To obey means doing what God says in the timing and manner He says to do it. We must, then, know what His instructions are; we can’t comply with something we don’t understand. The Holy Spirit assists us in relating God’s commands to our situation and helps us in determining the wisest course of action.

Once we decide to obey and start down that road, however, we can expect a challenge from the Enemy. He might use distractions to divert us from a godly path. Or perhaps he’ll send temptations to weaken us gradually through small steps of disobedience. Though he wants us to compromise, we can counter by renewing our resolve to obey the Father as Jesus did. Commitment like Christ’s requires knowledge of Scripture (Matt. 4:1-10), obedient action, determination, and a willingness to suffer any consequences that derive from compliance.

Whenever you are tempted to disobey the Lord, your faithfulness and devotion to Christ are at stake. Ask yourself, Is my understanding of Scripture increasing? Am I able to hold to God’s plan without compromise? How committed am I to obeying Him?

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Joyce Meyer – A New Desire

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For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature]. —Romans 7:22

When we are born again, we get a new “want to.” The law says we “have to, should, and ought to,” but we want to do the right thing because God has put a new heart in us to replace the hard stony one that used to be indifferent to Him and His will (See Ezekiel 36:26).

Learn to recognize the difference between the desires of your flesh and the desires placed in you by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly…But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.”

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Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – You’ve Already Won

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“Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ, because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world” (1 John 4:4).

“I am afraid of Satan,” a young minister once told me.

“You should be afraid of Satan,” I responded, “if you insist on controlling your own life. But not if you are willing to let Christ control your life. The Bible says, ‘Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.'”

My friend lived in a city where one of the largest zoos in the world was located.

“What do you do with lions in your city?” I asked.

“We keep them in cages,” he replied.

“You can visit the lion in its cage at the zoo,” I explained, “and it cannot hurt you, even if you are close to the cage. But stay out of that cage, or the lion will make mincemeat out of you.”

Satan is in a “cage.” He was defeated 2,000 years ago when Christ died on the cross for our sins. Victory is now ours. We do not look forward to victory, but we move from victory, the victory of the cross.

Satan has no power except that which God allows him to have. Do not be afraid of him, but do stay away from him. Avoid his every effort to tempt and mislead you. Remember, that choice is up to you.

Bible Reading: I John 2:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will with God’s help, stay out of Satan’s “cage,” choosing rather to enlist God’s indwelling Holy Spirit to fight for me in the supernatural battle against the satanic forces which surround me.

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Presidential Prayer Team; G.C. – Two-Way Street

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Have you ever tried to convey important information to a distracted listener, someone who is not completely engaged? It’s a challenge: kind of like trying to get to your destination using only one-way roads. Poor listening is a major roadblock to achieving good relationships. Whether it’s with your spouse, kids, boss, realtor or hair dresser, one-way communication leads directly to misunderstanding.

This salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen. Acts 28:28

Can you imagine God having the same frustration at times, seeking to speak but finding only preoccupied people with plugged in and plugged up ears? In the Bible, Jesus identifies His disciples as the ones that actually hear His voice. Because they listen to Him, He interacts with them and gives them purpose and the power to accomplish meaningful things.

Tell those in your piece of the world about Jesus this week – but before you get up and go, sit down and listen. Start by spending a generous amount of time reading the Bible. It is God’s personal instruction book and road map for you. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide the thoughts in your heart and mind. As you sense His presence, be still, be quiet and really listen. His voice in your ear is a two-way street to the right destination.

Recommended Reading: John 10:24-30

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Charles Stanley – The Blessing of Loving Others

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1 Peter 1:22

If we responded simply out of natural impulses, we would probably be nice when people were kind. At other times, though, we’d most likely be vengeful, angry, or hurtful.

Yet Jesus clearly teaches us to love even when the people around us seem unlovable. And He lived out what He taught: Christ loved us enough to die for us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Surely, by acting out of His strength and with gratitude for what He did, we—His followers—can love others (1 John 3:14).

While it can certainly be challenging to respond to unkindness with love, such godly behavior can lead to great blessing. First, the Father is pleased; this realization should bring His children joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment. Next, believers ought to feel excitement and anticipation to watch how God will move in the relationship. Finally, there will be an awareness that the Holy Spirit is working from within, enabling divine love to flow through yielded human lives.

John 13:35 tells of another important benefit: Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Since unconditional godly love is uncommon in our world, people will notice.

Treating others the way that we want to be treated is what builds the deep, satisfying connections that all people desire. Without significant relationships, life lacks meaning—regardless of how many possessions or acquaintances we may have. So think about the people you come in contact with throughout the week. Are you treating them in the way that Jesus modeled?

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Charles Stanley – God’s Presence in Hard Times

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Genesis 37:12-36

There are points in life when we are hurting, the situation is clearly outside our control, and we can’t detect so much as a glimmer of relief for the future. At times like that, what can we be sure of?

• God is with us in our troubles. Our heavenly Father comforts us through His Holy Spirit. Because He knows each of His children intimately, He provides whatever is needed in a given situation. The Lord wants us to be mindful of His constant presence so we’ll know we are never alone. And awareness of His love and strength will undergird us with a sense of security. God understands what it is like to suffer, to be rejected, or to lose a loved one. He comprehends the temptations and obstacles we face. He has assigned Himself the task of carrying His children’s burdens (Ps. 68:1-9) and offers peace for our hurting hearts. The God who walks with us can’t be hindered or limited by anything, so we need not be afraid (Matt. 19:26).

• God has a purpose for allowing trials. This is clearly seen in the story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery. God, however, had planned that those years would prepare the young man to become Egypt’s prime minister. Joseph could not see God’s purpose—and neither will we, most of the time—but he knew the Lord’s character and trusted Him. Joseph’s faith was rewarded when he was able to rescue his family (Gen. 45:1-8).

We are called to live a life of faith. That means we’re to believe God’s promises even when our circumstances confound us. When troubles surround you, remember what is true. God will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5), and His good purposes will always be carried out (Prov. 19:21).

 

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Serving the Supreme One – John MacArthur

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God exalted Christ “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet” (Eph. 1:21-22).

Yesterday we saw that Christ has both an exalted name and an exalted, authoritative position. In verses 21-22 Paul elaborates on the extent of Christ’s authority, which is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.”

“Rule,” “authority,” “power,” and “dominion” are designations for angelic beings, whether good or evil (cf. Eph. 6:12; Col. 1:16). In His incarnation Christ was made lower in rank than the angels that He might suffer death on our behalf (Heb. 2:9). Now He has “become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they” (Heb. 1:4), and the Father commands all the angels to worship the Son (v. 6).

But Christ’s rule extends far beyond angelic beings. In Ephesians 1:21 the phrase “every name that is named” is a general reference to any form of authority–whether angelic or human, eternal or temporal. Now and forever Christ is the Supreme One! Ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

The implications of that truth are staggering. For example Christ precedes the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, the heart of Christian evangelism and discipleship, with this significant statement: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Ultimately your evangelism and discipleship efforts will bear fruit because they are backed by the authority of Christ Himself. Does that encourage you to seize every opportunity to share Christ and His Word with others? It should!

Be faithful today, realizing that you represent the One in whom lies all authority. Nothing can thwart His purposes.

Suggestions for Prayer:  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to a lost soul or anyone else you can encourage from the Word. Be sensitive to His leading.

For Further Study:  Read Colossians 1:15-23

What was Christ’s role in creation (vv. 15-17)?

What is His role in the church (v. 18)? In salvation (v. 23)?

What place have you given Him in your life?

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Go . . . and Make Disciples! – Greg Laurie

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And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching—Hebrews 10:24–25

Jesus gave what is known today as the Great Commission, which is to “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).

But here is what is often left out of the Great Commission: “Make disciples of all nations.” Listen, every Christian is called to go into the world and make disciples. But I didn’t say that everyone is called to be a preacher. Not everyone is called to be a Paul or a Peter. You might be a behind-the-scenes person. You might be someone whom few people know about, but you are where you are, and you want to do what you do for God’s glory. So we are all called to go and make disciples.

Here is the problem: There are a lot of Christians today that have never done this. They have never even thought about this, much less made an effort to do it. In fact, I actually think there can come a point in your Christian life where you don’t need to go hear more Bible studies. (Now, don’t take that out of context.) What I mean is, there can come a point when you are sitting down and having a meal, and it is time to push away from the table, digest your food, and let it be turned into energy to do something productive.

I love Bible studies. I love teaching the Bible, and I want to help others understand the Bible. But if all you do is listen to Bible studies and never do anything with what you’re learning, then you will be in danger of stagnating.