GOD’S WORD FOR OCTOBER 11

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

*** ***

LIVING IN BABYLON, YET NOT OF BABYLON

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you. 2 Corinthians 6:17

D.L. MOODY

I believe that a Christian should lead a separated life. The line between the church and the world is almost obliterated today. I have no sympathy with the idea that you must hunt up an old musty church record in order to find out whether a man is a member of the church or not. A man ought to live so that everybody will know he is a Christian. The Bible tells us to lead a separate life. You may lose influence, but you will gain it at the same time. I suppose Daniel was the most unpopular man in Babylon at a certain time, but, thank God, he has outlived all the other men of his day.

ERWIN LUTZER

Technology has made separation from the world more difficult than in any other period of history, past or present. The culture of Babylon is at our fingertips. With a smartphone in the hands of nearly every teenager (often in the hands of children), sensuality and every evil vice known to man is instantly and secretly available. The line between the church and world has been obliterated—a statement more true today than it was in Moody’s day.

Our life-long struggle with the culture of the world should follow three commands: We should flee from evil; each Christian should consider what that means for them. We should run from the temptations of the world, not seeking to get as close to temptation as we can. Cut yourself off from any temptation that leads you into evil. Second, we must fight, for we cannot win this battle unless we are blood earnest in warfare, praying, and standing together against the hosts of evil. Then we must also follow, that is, we must pursue godliness. The command still stands: “Go out from their midst, and be separate from them.”

    PRAYER

    Father, teach me not to love the world nor the things of the world.

*** ***

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

1 John 2:16

** *

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

John 18:36

** *

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Matthew 13:22

** *

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

** *

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

1 John 5:4

** *

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

John 16:8

** *

Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

James 4:4

** *

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

** *

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

John 17:15

** *

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14

Published by liveinthelightofourlord

View all posts by liveinthelightofourlord