Running To Win on Oneplace.com

After a long period of nation-wide disobedience, God judged Israel by allowing Babylon to carry them off into captivity. They became a minority in a pagan land, just as Christians are fast becoming a minority in America. The parallels are crucial to understand. In this message, Pastor Lutzer is interviewed about his new book, The Church In Babylon.

The Lie That God Helps Those Who Help Themselves, Part 2 of 2 (Ten Lies About God)

A lot of people think the Bible says: God helps those who help themselves. It doesnt. When it comes to salvation, heres what God really says: we cannot help ourselves. Only He can save. In this message, another lie about God is unmasked.

Long-term gain can be short-circuited when investors go for short-term, fast profits. The same is true in life. Going for immediate pleasures can ruin the potential to enjoy the overwhelming pleasures of Godpleasures that last a lifetime.

When we sin, our consciences become defiled. We move from the light to the shadows, hoping to hide from the consequences of what weve done. And sadly, when our deeds are exposed, our first response is to blame someone else.

Ever since the beginning of mans existence, Satan has lied to us. In the Garden of Eden, he lied to persuade Eve to take fruit from the forbidden tree. And Satans lies continue even today.

Deep in every human heart is a consciencethat sense of right and wrong that we cannot avoid. A clear conscience gives us freedom. When our sin is troubling us, were in bondage. In this message we begin a series that will help us clean up our lives, and our consciences.

While many people prefer to mind their own business, Esther got involved at a crucial point in the history of the Jewish people. She spoke at great personal risk. We must do the same to face the daunting challenges that lie ahead.

To save her people from extinction, Esther faced the risk of execution to beg the king of Persia to rescind a royal edict. She didnt try to avoid the situation. She knew that at that key moment, the responsibility was hers.

At crucial times, great leaders arise, often from simple roots. Theyre seen at the turning points of history, and they are often called upon to make momentous choices. In this message we meet one such leader, a woman named Esther.

Real love seeks the good of others first, seeking its own benefit last. This is truly counter-cultural, and it undermines our own innate selfishness. But believers are held to a higher standard than the surrounding cultureGods love, as found in the Bible.

As Christians running the race of life, were blessed to be a part of an invisible assemblythe body of Christ worldwide. Its vital to understand the body of Christ and our part in it, because God designed His church to work together.

Each Christian has been given a unique spiritual capability and opportunity. And without its exercise, the body of Christ is incomplete. In this message we find some details on the three different kinds of gifts the Spirit bestows.

In the body of Christ, believers need each other in the common task of ministryall serving in the local church by using their unique spiritual gifts. In this message we learn what those gifts are all about, and why we need to use them.

Inside an alarm clock is an array of gears all working together. If one is out of place, the whole clock grinds to a halt. Its similar in the local church. If people are not serving where God wants them to serve, the ministry and effectiveness of the church is damaged.