Growing Faith

ÒFaith development cannot be divided into components. Rather it can be likened to the growth of a plant: seed, root, stem, leaf, bud, bloom. Each step happens in sequence, yet all are dependent on the earlier and continuing phases. All phases are the plant; the bloom is no more the plant than are the leaves or roots. So it is with faith: all phases are faith. Yet there is a distinct pattern of development.Ó --from Chapter 1

Churches have tried all kinds of ways to attract new and younger members - revised vision statements, hipper worship, contemporary music, livelier sermons, bigger and better auditoriums. But there are still so many people who aren't being reached, who don't want to come to church. And the truth is that attendance at church on Sundays does not necessarily transform lives; God's presence in our hearts is what changes us. Leaders and laypeople everywhere are realizing that they need new and more powerful ways to help them spread God's Word. According to international church starter and pastor Neil Cole, if we want to connect with young people and those who are not coming to church, we must go where people congregate. Cole shows readers how to plant the seeds of the Kingdom of God in the places where life happens and where culture is formed - restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, parks, locker rooms,and neighborhoods. Organic Church offers a hands-on guide for demystifying this new model of church and shows the practical aspects of implementing it.

This classic treasury of messages on faith can help believers understand the basic principles vita vital to the lifestyle of faith.

Have you pulled up anchor and deliberately sailed away from God, or maybe you're just slowly drifting? Until one day, God's voice calls to you like the lighthouse will beckon to the nearby ships, alerting them to danger. God comes for us shining His light into the dark and dismal place that has us trapped. I made many mistakes in my life while being away from God, from the small barely noticeable ones, which seemed easy to fix, to the earth-shattering, knee-bending ones that I couldn't crawl out of without help. Today, I know that a strong relationship with God takes time and effort. Faith isn't stagnant. Faith involves active participation. Like a seed develops its roots beneath the soil, our faith grows deeper as we take our time getting to know God intimately through His Word. The more we understand and see His faithfulness throughout the Bible, the more we will love Him. Then our faith strengthens and becomes rooted in Him. In being faithful to my relationship with God, I found myself anchored in place by deep roots, and every gardener knows deep, strong roots are hard to uproot. These devotions were written to share my I-finally-get-it moments when God would teach me through my work, my relationships, and my daily activities. It didn't matter whether I was gardening, traveling, or cooking. God used these moments to open my eyes to certain truths He wanted me to know. On a roller coaster, where only death was expected, faith was finally understood. While chasing a storm with my mother, I understood a reason for trials. As I wrote, I prayed for the readers, and I longed that they, too, would draw and stay closer to Him, and I hope that you will be one of them.

Over 3 million copies sold! Essential reading for Catholics of all walks of life. Here it is - the first new Catechism of the Catholic Church in more than 400 years, a complete summary of what Catholics around the world commonly believe. The Catechism draws on the Bible, the Mass, the Sacraments, Church tradition and teaching, and the lives of saints. It comes with a complete index, footnotes and cross-references for a fuller understanding of every subject. The word catechism means "instruction" - this book will serve as the standard for all future catechisms. Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a positive, coherent and contemporary map for our spiritual journey toward transformation.

We are taught to doubt but commanded to believe. Somehow we think that admitting to doubt is tantamount to insulting God. But doubt is not a sign of spiritual weakness--rather it's an indication of spiritual growing pains, says Alister McGrath. He explores the origin and nature of doubt and the specific doubts that often plague Christians in a postmodern culture.

Where can women get the wisdom that will help them make the right choices in the many decisions of life? How can they develop a faith that won't waver or crumble when they're overwhelmed by life's trials and temptations? The book of James answers these questions and more and provides practical guidance on many issues that affect Christian women daily, such as: persevering through life's troubles putting on a heart of patience planning the future with God in mind An encouraging resource for women who yearn to experience real spiritual growth!

Christianity is more than a system of beliefs or even an experience—it's a completely new life. In this fresh new look at the essentials of the Christian walk, Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz offer practical wisdom and penetrating insights into such foundational topics as... The Bible—why to read it and how to understand it Prayer—how to have an authentic conversation with God The Holy Spirit—how to experience God's power and presence every day Readers will find the encouragement they need to continue making steady progress in their spiritual lives. Chapter summaries, reading lists for further study, and questions for reflection and discussion make this a perfect tool for personal or group use.