Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 16 May 2026 (In Touch) Saturday Message
Charles Stanley Daily Devotional TOPIC: The Church: God’s Design
SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 10:23-25
When you hear the word “church,” what do you picture? God created the church to be a fellowship of believers who encourage each other and carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).
As we saw yesterday, worshipping God, instructing and edifying believers, making disciples of all nations, and serving the needy are some of the things churches should be concerned with. Unless the leadership is careful, however, these purposes can get out of balance. For instance, congregations that overemphasize teaching or prioritize evangelism could easily neglect other needs.
Even within the church, our human weaknesses show themselves. When we make certain aspects of ministry our main concern, disagreements—even over minor matters like music choices or personal preferences—can challenge the unity Christ calls us toward (John 17:20-23). Our struggles with sin remind us how much we need God’s grace in community.
Yet Christ remains faithful to His church. As we continually focus on Scripture and the wisdom passed down through the centuries, God shapes us more fully for His purposes. The church, sustained by His presence, continues to be a place where the Lord meets His people and transforms lives.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Chronicles 18-20
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Despite our human weaknesses and disagreements, Christ faithfully sustains His church.
Dr. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life.