Bill Gothard

"Life Chapters" Part 4: Discovering Personal Vows

As I was growing up, I wanted to be as effective as possible in leading others to Christ and helping them to grow spiritually. Therefore, when I became aware of a potential temptation that would threaten my effectiveness, I made a vow. The essence of a vow is a predetermined decision to do good or to reject evil so that when a temptation comes up, there is no need to struggle over a decision. The choice has already been made.

During the past sixty-plus years, these vows have given me a powerful freedom to say “no” to many things that could have potentially damaged or destroyed my walk with God and my ability to reach young people.

I can still see the horror on my father’s face as he “rescued” me from a sin-laden street in Chicago. He had taken me with him to the Pacific Garden Mission when he was the chairman of their board. I was about 12 years old. After the meeting, I walked down the street, intrigued by what was going on. … More…

The Power of Personal Vows: Many youth growing up in today’s church have turned their backs on the faith and moral standards they once embraced. Various methods have been used to try to reverse this trend, yet it continues. “Why is this?” many people question, and “What can we do to help preserve the faith of our children?” Among the factors that help maintain commitment to the Lord is the power of personal vows. In this 64-page book, you will discover how a vow is far deeper than simply making decisions in our minds. It is making promises to God in our hearts. Order your copy today by visiting store.iblp.org.
How to Write a Four-Part Testimony: No one else has had the unique set of experiences that God has given to you. However, many people probably have had similar experiences and will identify with your problems, because “there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man …” (I Corinthians 10:13). Learn how to share your personal struggles with others by writing a four-part testimony.
The Exceeding Power of God’s Grace!: Is God’s grace simply unmerited favor, or is it the power God gives to us to accomplish His will? Every New Testament reference to grace is examined in this book, The Exceeding Great Power of God’s Grace, by Bill Gothard. The verses not only reveal nine distinct categories of grace but also explain how to experience its power to overcome temptation, live without burnout, give generously as God supplies resources, and more. Order your copy today by visiting store.iblp.org.
Daily Success Update: Now you can get the life-changing Basic Seminar in “bite-size” portions. Each morning, Daily Success subscribers receive a one-page message about a command of Christ—for free! God guarantees success if we meditate on His’s Word and obey His commands. (See Joshua 1:8.) Subscribers are exclaiming, “These meditations are helping me realize another level in my walk with Christ.” “Just what I need to begin the day!” “A treasure of God’s wisdom!” To enroll at no cost, visit dailysuccess.org.
Build Your Family by Listening: When a 17-year-old girl was asked if she thought that her father understood her, she immediately said, “No. He does not ask me questions or listen to me when I try to tell him my problems.” Learn the importance of bonding with your teens by asking key questions and designing practical projects to meet basic needs. More…