Running To Win

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

The Lie That God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

September 27, 2007
#3 of 4
All the good deeds in the world cannot erase the guilt of sin that every member of the human raced bears before a holy God. The Bible says that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Only God's righteousness opens heaven's doors. That is why we are deceived if we believe that "God helps those who help themselves." Stay with us, as we unmask a final lie about God.

Featured Offer

Living With Your Passions
In a hyper-sexualized culture, sex is either reduced to pleasure-seeking or conflated with our identity. But God designed us as sexual beings for emotional and spiritual intimacy whose highest calling is to worship Him. In this revised edition, Pastor Erwin Lutzer draws on forty years of ministry experience to present a rationale for sexual purity. He gives an honest answer to the sexual pressures we face like extramarital relationships, self-gratification, same-sex attraction, and more. As desire-driven creatures, we don't have to pursue happiness at the expense of character. With our identity grounded in Christ, we can live victoriously with our passions. Click below to receive this book for a gift of any amount or call Moody Church Media at 1.800.215.5001.

Archives

#2 of 4In one sense it is true that God helps those who help themselves. But when it comes to salvation, that saying is a lie. Only those who are helpless can avail themselves of a salvation only God can give. We cannot add anything to the work that has already been done to secure our eternal future. Today: more on a common misconception, one that is a life and death matter.
September 26, 2007
#1 of 4There is a phrase a lot of people mistakenly think is found in the Bible. It is this: "God helps those who help themselves." Certainly we need to take the initiative in many areas of life, but when it comes to the vital issue of salvation, it is crucial to understand what God really says: we cannot help ourselves. Only He can save. Today: why another lie about God must be unmasked.
September 25, 2007
Pleasing God And Pleasing Ourselves #4 of 4Americans value their heritage. It is one that makes possible "the pursuit of happiness..." a pursuit God approves of. Sadly, many think pursuing happiness means not pursuing the will of God. They falsely think the two are mutually exclusive. Today: we will hear some final thoughts, and then ask some questions about this common misconception.
September 24, 2007
Pleasing God And Pleasing Ourselves #3 of 4It is true: long-term financial gain is often short-circuited by investor's desires to make short-term, fast profits. The same is true in life. Going for immediate pleasures can short-circuit our potential to enjoy the overwhelming pleasures of God...pleasures that can last a lifetime. Today: some good reasons why you and I should think long-term.
September 21, 2007
Pleasing God And Pleasing Ourselves #2 of 4Somehow a lot of believers have gotten the mistaken impression that pleasure and God's will are mutually incompatible. The good news is that God wants you to experience pleasure. The bad news: a lot of us do not know what real pleasures are. Those who think sinking in sin opens pleasure's doors have no clue what satisfaction God wants to give His children.
September 20, 2007
Pleasing God And Pleasing Ourselves #1 of 4We have all seen those cartoons where someone is tempted: the devil whispers into one ear, and an angel whispers into the other. The implication is that choosing sin means happiness, and saying "no" means a humdrum existence. Now that is really the devil's advice: follow the Lord and kiss all your fun goodbye. Today: we will combat another lie about God that you might already believe.
September 19, 2007
#4 of 4The problem of evil is perhaps the thorniest issue facing theologians. Clearly, God could prevent evil, but He does not. Since He is in charge, the wars and suffering around us must be a part of His plan for the world. For some, this creates a dilemma they cannot resolve. Are you among those who feel this way? Well, today we will face the issue head-on.
September 18, 2007
#3 of 4For centuries we have all wrestled with the problem of evil in the world. If God is in charge, why is there such suffering? And if He is in control, was the fall of humanity something God intended in the first place? Today: we are heading into some really deep waters. Grab that life preserver and get ready to swim.
September 17, 2007
#2 of 4 Most of us are preoccupied with the here and now. But take a moment to look up, way up, and see God as He really is. We are running today's lap of life's race asking this question, "Did the fall ruin God's plans?" The answer has to be "no," because nothing can ruin God's plans. What are the implications for you and for me? To find out, stay with us.
September 14, 2007
#1 of 4 Get set for a tough lap in the race of life. Consider the possibility that the fall of mankind was planned from the beginning. Is it even possible that God wanted Eve to pick that fatal fruit from the tree in the Garden of Eden? Join us on a mind-expanding journey into God's intentions for the newly created human race...a journey that may not go where you think.
September 13, 2007
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Featured Offer

Living With Your Passions
In a hyper-sexualized culture, sex is either reduced to pleasure-seeking or conflated with our identity. But God designed us as sexual beings for emotional and spiritual intimacy whose highest calling is to worship Him. In this revised edition, Pastor Erwin Lutzer draws on forty years of ministry experience to present a rationale for sexual purity. He gives an honest answer to the sexual pressures we face like extramarital relationships, self-gratification, same-sex attraction, and more. As desire-driven creatures, we don't have to pursue happiness at the expense of character. With our identity grounded in Christ, we can live victoriously with our passions. Click below to receive this book for a gift of any amount or call Moody Church Media at 1.800.215.5001.

About Running To Win

Running the race of life is hard. But with the Bible front and center and a heart to encourage, Pastor Erwin Lutzer presents clear Bible teaching, helping you make it across the finish line. Since 2011, this 25-minute program has provided a Godward focus and features listeners’ questions.

About Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church where he served as the Senior Pastor for 36 years (1980-2016). He earned a B.Th. from Winnipeg Bible College, a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, a M.A. in Philosophy from Loyola University, and an honorary LL.D. from the Simon Greenleaf School of Law (Now Trinity Law School).

A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on two radio programs: Running to Win—a daily Bible-teaching broadcast and Songs in the Night—an evening program that’s been airing since 1943. Running To Win broadcasts on a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. His speaking engagements include Bible conferences and seminars, both domestically and internationally, including Russia, the Republic of Belarus, Germany, Scotland, Guatemala, and Japan. He has led tours to Israel and to the cities of the Protestant Reformation in Europe.

Pastor Lutzer is also a prolific author of over seventy books, including the bestselling We Will Not Be Silenced, One Minute After You Die, and the Gold Medallion Award winner, Hitler’s Cross. Pastor Lutzer and Rebecca live in the Chicago area and have three grown children and eight grandchildren. Connect with Pastor Lutzer on X (@ErwinLutzer) or moodymedia.org.

Contact Running To Win with Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer

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