The gifts of the Spirit, also known as spiritual gifts or charisms, are special abilities bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon Christians for the building up of the Church and the glorification of God. They are not earned, but graciously given according to God’s will (1 Corinthians 12:11). It’s important to remember that all gifts are valuable, and none are inherently “better” than others. Their purpose is to equip believers for service and ministry.
Christian spiritual warfare refers to the understanding and engagement of believers in the spiritual battle between good and evil, as they seek to overcome sin, temptation, spiritual oppression, and other forces that oppose God’s will. This concept is rooted in the Bible, which describes the spiritual realm and the ongoing conflict between God and Satan, the forces of light and darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
Choosing a Bible reading plan depends on your goals, schedule, and personal preferences. To help you decide, here’s an overview of the pros and cons of different types of plans:
Here is an exploration of some of the main attributes of God, structured to reflect His nature as revealed in Scripture. Each attribute includes biblical references to help clarify and support it.
The Christian doctrine of the Bible is founded on the belief that the Scriptures are the divinely inspired and authoritative Word of God. It serves as the primary source of faith, instruction, worship, and practice for Christians. Its importance lies in its role as the revelation of God’s nature, plan, and purposes for humanity.
The Christian faith includes a set of core doctrines (essential beliefs) that are foundational for salvation. Alongside these essentials are nonessential doctrines and practices, which, while important, often differ across denominations. These nonessential doctrines pertain to areas such as sacraments, church leadership, baptism, marriage, and other theological concepts.
There are spiritual disciplines and practices disciples can employ beyond those commonly mentioned (such as prayer, Bible study, fasting, and worship) that can significantly enhance spiritual growth. These disciplines have been used by Christians throughout history to deepen their relationship with God, grow in Christlikeness, and discern His will.
Spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life are about becoming more like Christ (Romans 8:29) by cultivating a deeper relationship with God, aligning one’s character with biblical principles, and increasing in faith, knowledge, and love. Below is a detailed framework to measure and increase Christian spiritual growth and maturity, supported by biblical references.
Christian servant training focuses on cultivating a servant-hearted attitude in alignment with biblical principles. It emphasizes selflessness, humility, and service to God and others, following the ultimate example of Jesus Christ.
Part of discipleship training includes spiritual training. Every disciple needs to understand that our primary battle is not physical, but it is spiritual.