The ABC’s of Our Christian Faith

Sometimes we lose sight of the basics to our Christian faith. The elements of Christianity setting us apart from the world and other religions.

They are essential to help us grow in relationship with Christ. And they are the spiritual tools we need to live as a believer.

So, here are the ABC’s of a Christian life.

A-F Basics for Our Christian Faith

Abide in Christ. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5, ESV.

Believe God. Believe what God says and who He is. Because when the journey turns bumpy, our Christian beliefs carry us over life’s potholes. “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” Romans 4:3b, NIV.

Believe what God says and who He is. Because when the journey turns bumpy, our Christian #beliefs carry us over life's potholes. #Christian #ChristianLiving Share on X

Confess. Confess our sin against God, own it, and take responsibility for when we go in the wrong direction. Because sometimes we fall into sin or we fail to walk in the direction God instructed (Proverbs 28:13 and James 4:17).

Declare God’s glory and works. We declare His glory and works to others and ourselves. In other words, preach it. Then preach it to the choir. “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Psalm 96:3, ESV.

Encourage other believers. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV.

Forget what’s behind. Looking back on our life may help us move forward. But Jesus never intended for the past to paralyze us (Philippians 3:13-14).

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5 Ways to Cultivate an Unstoppable Faith

The Christian journey is founded on faith and lived in faith.

There’s this thing in my life that I continue to pray over, wait on, and hope for. And it’s kind of a big deal. Something to give God glory in and for.

Meanwhile, I often teeter between excitement and feeling a bit overwhelmed.

So, I sometimes smile in anticipation. Or, I jump up and down on the inside when I imagine the possibility of it happening.

Then, only moments later, a knot forms in the pit of my stomach wondering what if never happens? 

This thing required I take a leap of faith. And I’m learning these leaps should be the “norm” for believers. But we often hesitate about stepping into the unknown. Still, Hebrews 11:1 defines it exactly that way:

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (NIV)

Faith is not a receive-it-all-at-once deal. Because the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see, grows and strengthens while we live out our Christian lives on this earth. 

God uses our circumstances today, whatever tomorrow brings, the things we pray over, wait on, and hope for, to cultivate a mature #faith in us. #FaithInGod Share on X

Here are 5 ways to cultivate an unstoppable F-A-I-T-H:

F – Find God faithful. 

We come to God in faith, believing He is Creator and Lord, and accepting His salvation by faith through Jesus Christ. This faith continues in our life as we find God faithful and learn He always fulfills His promises. 

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Empowered Kids – Everyday Life with the Holy Spirit

Excited to introduce my guest author, Jessie Mattis. Her message to Christian parents, adults, and the church about kids who follow Jesus is eye-opening.

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The 4-14 Window

I don’t know about you, but the 4-14 window lights a fire in me. If this is a new phrase for you, the 4-14 window simply refers to the age range in which people are most receptive to learning about Jesus.

Approximately 70% of Christians chose to follow Jesus when they were between the ages of four and fourteen.

I’m guessing we can agree it’s an absolutely crucial period in a child’s life!

Sometimes, it seems, kids between the ages of 4-14 don’t get the credit they deserve. Teachers and parents don’t always understand the capabilities and potential of these children, bubbling under the surface, just waiting for guidance and encouragement to rise to the occasion. 

More than Capable

The truth is, through the power of the Holy Spirit, kids who follow Jesus are capable and empowered to:

• Speak to God
• Hear from God
• Pray for others
• Be led and gifted by the Holy Spirit in various ways

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, #kids who follow Jesus are capable and empowered to: Speak to God; Hear from God; Pray for others, be led and gifted by the #HolySpirit in various ways. Share on X

Even at the tender age of four, I can remember my own children being more than capable of understanding the basics of God. And applying it in their own lives. When my youngest daughter was around age four, she had (and still has) deep compassion for those around her. If one of her big siblings hurt themselves (as happens with kids all. the. time.) it wasn’t uncommon for her to reach her chubby little hand out and pray a simple, four-year-old’s prayer: “Dear God, please help my brother/sister feel better.” (Cue me trying not to let my heart explode with joy.)

Showing Kids an Active Relationship with God

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Good News and God News About Love

I’m not going to say, I have good news and bad news, since that’s not true.

But I am going to share good news and God news.

And this particular news piece features an extraordinary love story.

Love is one of those loose and hard to define terms we overuse and misuse. Instead of like, we use love for everything from possessions and food to our favorite sports teams and celebrities.

We love ice-cream, brands, songs, books, and our favorite movies.

News That’s Not New

Honestly, I use love to describe my affections for cinnamon rolls, pasta, Chai tea lattes, boots, the Hallmark Channel, and sunsets.

And that’s only a few of my loves.

Still, we struggle to understand love—a feeling or an emotion?

In life’s hard moments, we may lose the loving feeling. For me, abandonment extinguished the emotion. Like when my dad vanished from my life for a few years.

Furthermore, culture woos us with a shallow love from people, things, and false ideas and religions.

Sometimes love fades when hearts break. My heart broke after friendships dissolved and family members died including a baby in utero. I lost hope in love.

Good, Good News

Then, there’s this: For a portion of my life, I wondered, Am I lovable?

Inside chatter tried to convince me otherwise. Internal voices mocked true love. Only the lovely, the best, the deserving—basically, the cream of the crop—meet the standards. 

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