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5 Ways to Grow Your Faith Today

September 17, 2019 by Kristi 22 Comments

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Looking for ways to grow your faith? If you’re whispering, “Yes,” then you’ve landed in the right place. Read on! Here are 5 ways to help you grow in faith.


The Importance of Growing in Your Faith

Little by little, day by day, we learn to hear His voice, to trust God, and to soak in His love. But just as a toddler doesn’t enter their bed one night a youngster and rise the next morning an adult, a strong faith doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and intentionality on our part–seed-watering on God’s. According to 1 CO 3:6, it is He who causes the seed to grow. And that’s a good thing. So God, as we venture through this list together, we look to and trust You to become stronger in our faith.


1. Grow Your Faith Through Salvation


What Does the Bible Say about Good Works and Salvation?

According to Ephesians 2:8-9, good works don’t, well, work when it comes to salvation. No matter how many good acts we offer, it’s only the unmerited favor, that which we know as grace, of Jesus Christ that saves us.

Here are three Bible passages addressing good works or salvation:

  • “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”
    (Eph. 2:10 WEB)
  • “[T]hat if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made resulting in salvation.”
    (Rom. 10:9-10 WEB)
  • “[F]or all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
    (Rom. 3:23 WEB)
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What Was Jesus’ Role in Salvation?

Without Jesus, there would be no salvation. He stars in that role–thank goodness! Acts 4:12 makes it clear. Salvation is found in no one else.

God sent His only Son because of love. According to John 3:16, all who believe in Jesus will have everlasting life.

Read more of my salvation story here.

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2. Grow Your Faith Through Prayer


What the Bible Says about Prayer

The Bible tells us to pray, or communicate with God, continually in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. God’s Word also urges prayer in place of entertaining anxious thoughts in Phil. 4:6 and sounds a call for healing in James 5:16.


How Should a Beginner Pray?

Simply talk with God—that’s how a beginner should pray. It’s a conversation with our Father, one that can be silent or spoken, short or long, eloquent or not so much.

The beautiful part about prayer is that our Father hears. According to Matthew 6:8, He knows our needs before we mention them to Him.

And if you’re still uncertain how to pray, use this passage as a guideline.

“…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matt. 6:9-13 WEB)

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3. Bible Studies


How Do You Do a Bible Study?

A flurry of Bible study methods await us. We can simply read the Bible daily and study the verses we encounter. There are topical studies, the SOAP Method, inductive or word studies, and so many more approaches to understanding the Bible.


Bible Studies for Adults

Here are several Bible Studies I’ve enjoyed over the years or ones that come highly recommended. There’s also a new one on the list–right there at the bottom. 🙂 Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study, a downloadable study, RELEASES September 24, 2019. (Btw, it’s on sale for just $4.99 through Sept. 30. The price goes up to $6.99 come October, so grab your copy soon!)

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By Jennifer D. Lee
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By John Bevere
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Becoming His Princess Bible Study by Wholly Loved Ministries


Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study by Kristi Woods

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Find out more about the Bible studies available at KristiWoods.net, some free and others for purchase.


4. Reading the Bible Daily


Do I have to Read the Bible Every Day?

The beautiful part about God is that He doesn’t force us into anything–not even reading the Bible every day. In fact, He doesn’t strong-arm us into reading it ever. But why miss the golden opportunity to commune with God and learn from Him through His written Word?


What are the Benefits of Reading the Bible Daily

Ephesians 6:17 calls the Bible a sword. It’s used offensively and defensively–but we must know what’s in the Bible in order to use it effectively. Through Scripture, we’ll know about God, how to handle relationships and disagreements, how important offering forgiveness is, and how to love others. We’ll also find encouragement for life’s rough seas and those times of calm.

As a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (PS 119:105), God’s Word helps us navigate life’s path. And the more we spend time among those beautiful words of His, the more likely we are to walk in His righteous ways. Why not read the Bible daily?

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5. Community with Others


What Does Being Part of a Community Mean?

We weren’t created to live life alone. God offers community for our benefit. Genesis 2:18 introduces us to the first community of people: Adam and Eve. Eve was created as a “helper.” Likewise, being a part of others’ lives helps us just as we help others, too.

In the Old Testament, we find a community with the Israelites. Some of people were judges, priests, artists, kings, and so forth. They lived together and helped one another.

New Testament verses refer to us as part of a body (1 Co. 12:12-27.) Each body part has its specific gifts–for helping take care of others. Also, the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-16 lists various members of the spiritual community who were given skills and gifts to help mature God’s people.


What are the Types of Community?

Types of community today within the Christian world include:

  • Church
  • Small Groups
  • Sunday School Classes
  • Discipleship/Mentoring
  • Outreach
  • Missions
  • Family
  • It can also include friends, school, neighborhoods, and so much more.


Grow Closer to God

God helps us grow our faith and grow closer to Him. He causes us to grow–and that’s good. Very good. It all begins with Jesus and salvation.

So go ahead, grab your Bible and read it daily. Dig into Bible studies, and rely on prayer often. And don’t forget to involve yourself in a community of others–or several of them!

Other Helpful Faith Growth Tools:

  • 30-Day Bible Reading Challenge
  • Bible Studies (Free & for Purchase)
  • Free Christian Resources (Including a 3-Day devotional, graphics, and more)

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Filed Under: Faith Resources, Mentoring, Spiritual Growth Tagged With: Bible, Bible study, God, Prayer

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Comments

  1. Lisa Appelo says

    September 18, 2019 at 9:25 am

    Studying the Bible for myself as a young mom was a huge step in deepening my faith. And it came with a community of women of all ages from all walks of life. Bonus!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 18, 2019 at 3:07 pm

      Isn’t it great that God gave us His Word…and women (of all ages) who’ll come alongside us to help us grow in faith? I can think of several older women who left a lasting imprint in my life as well. Thanks for sharing, Lisa. I’m thankful for you!

      Reply
  2. Cassie says

    September 18, 2019 at 10:49 am

    Growing your faith can sometimes be such a challenge but I love that you made it practical and manageable! Thank you Kristi!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 18, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Love hearing that it’s practical and manageable. It’s a part of real faith and an approachable God. Thanks for stopping by, Cassie! I appreciate you and your thoughts.

      Reply
  3. Jessie | jessiesynan.com says

    September 18, 2019 at 11:54 am

    When I read the first sentence I thought you said “whimpering yes” instead of “whispering yes”, haha- and either way I’m right there! This could not have come at a better time. I think we need to always be looking for ways to grow our faith, so I am definitely going to pin this and save this. This was written so beautifully and thoughtfully.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 18, 2019 at 3:09 pm

      Yes–always. Complacency can be dangerous. Hey, and thanks for pinning this, Jessie. I hope others will find encouragement from this post. I thank God for you!

      Reply
  4. LeeAnn @ Kingdom Bloggers says

    September 19, 2019 at 6:13 am

    The thing that has helped me most in growing my faith is being in community with other Christians. By serving at church and joining life groups, and even starting my own life group, it helps you grow closer to God and to stay humble.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 19, 2019 at 7:13 am

      Love hearing this, LeeAnn. The body of Christ is so important and influential, isn’t it?

      Reply
  5. Dwan says

    September 19, 2019 at 6:46 am

    I love this post, Kristi! I love spending time with the Lord. As believers, we need encouragement to dig deeper into God’s Word, but it is helpful to have the “how-to.” Thank you for including resources to help us grow in our faith. I will be checking them out!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 19, 2019 at 7:00 am

      I so agree with you, Dwan. “How-to” allows faith to have legs of sorts. Thanks for visiting! Come back anytime, you hear? 🙂

      Reply
  6. Katie says

    September 19, 2019 at 3:56 pm

    Loved this! I think I had all of these in place somewhat but didn’t realize how hungry I was to actually study the Bible for a long time. I’ve spent much more time this past year reading and studying scripture and it has really helped me grow. Love the resources you listed- your “Created To Believe” study looks great!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 20, 2019 at 11:33 am

      It’s wonderful to hear of your hunger for God’s Word, Katie. He’s a faithful Provider.

      Reply
  7. Christina Dronen says

    September 19, 2019 at 4:42 pm

    Great tips – spot on! I think if we keep asking, seeking, and knocking – by doing just what you said – relying on Christ, digging into the word, studying it, praying, and staying in community – He will reward us with growth!

    God desires us to grow in faith and relationship with Him – thanks for all these tips and resources!!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 20, 2019 at 12:40 pm

      Asking, seeking, knocking–yes! He’s a good Father and does long for that relationship to be ever-growing, Christina.

      Reply
  8. Melody Laney says

    September 23, 2019 at 7:53 am

    This is great! I love all the practical tips you give and the abundance of resources. All of these tips work so closely together and are so integral to our walk with Christ. Thank you so much for the encouragement and tools!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 23, 2019 at 3:34 pm

      You’re right, Melody, they do work closely together. Thanks for stopping in today!

      Reply
  9. Stacey says

    September 23, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    Ok first – I love the colors of your blog! So beautiful and everything matches. Second, I love that there are so many different things to click on within the post to take me to other items that may be helpful. And 3rd – I love the solid advice! I concur, faith is like a muscle. It will not grow unless you exercise it!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 24, 2019 at 2:56 pm

      Stacey, you brought a smile. I love these colors, too. They’re peaceful. Faith is like a muscle, and I pray you’re building yours daily, my friend. Blessings!

      Reply
  10. Marcie Cramsey says

    September 24, 2019 at 3:02 pm

    I love reading my Bible and learning new ways to study it. I also love doing other people’s Bible Studies; it’s refreshing to hear how God speaks to them and the insights the Holy Spirit gives them. I’m definitely a book worm, but my favorite way to grow is to read the word and pray it as I go. I love this post, and I love your website! Very inviting. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      September 25, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Love that you read and pray as you go, Marcie. There’s nothing quite like tasting God’s Word, is there?

      Reply
  11. Shivam says

    March 3, 2021 at 1:33 am

    I communicate to God through prayer, every morning and before sleeping.
    Thanks for sharing these valuable thoughts of you.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      March 4, 2021 at 3:09 pm

      He is good. Glad to hear you’re spending time with the Almighty. God bless!

      Reply

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Welcome!

I’m Kristi. I write stories: God’s, yours, & a few pretend people. (Christian romance and Christian nonfiction)

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