What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Learn how you can know God personally.
Learn the basics of what Christians believe.
Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices.
Explore answers to life's biggest questions.
We all have a story. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith.
Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth.
Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God.
Find resources for personal or group Bible study.
Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus.
Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring.
Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are.
View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages.
Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others.
Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world.
Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries.
If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals.
Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact.
Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? We need you.
Find a Cru event near you.
Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve.
Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.
Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city.
Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs.
Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation.
Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage.
Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school.
Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide.
How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus.
Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Cru’s annual report and more.
What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation.
Learn about Cru's global leadership team.
When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen.
Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit.
Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach.
Showing God in action in and through His people.
Hear what others are saying about Cru.
Your gift today will ensure no teen will be denied an opportunity to attend a Christ-centered camp.
Remember: The Holy Spirit can empower you to live a Christ-directed life. As you continue to breathe spiritually (exhale – confess your sin; inhale – yield control to Christ), you will experience a deepening fellowship with God enabling you to grow in Christian maturity ...
Maturity takes time – there are no shortcuts.
IT'S A LIFELONG PROCESS.
It means to increase in knowledge of Christ and love for Him.
Read Philippians 3:7-10.
Read Matthew 22:37, 38.
Just as it is a natural process for a child to grow in a loving relationship with a parent, so it is also natural for you to grow in your love relationship with God.
If you met a guy or girl whom you enjoyed, what would you do to get to know that person better?
Communication is vital to any relationship, including your relationship with Christ. Since communication must be a two-way street, you need to let Him speak to you and you need to speak to Him.
Four principles of communication that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ as you walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
God communicates with you through the Bible, revealing His character and His will.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
You communicate with God through prayer, sharing your thoughts, your needs, and your desires to do His will.
Read Philippians 4:6, 7.
Pray about everything.
Pray specifically – so you can see God answer specifically.
Pray honestly – share your needs and desires to do His will (1 John 5:14, 15).
You communicate with Christians (fellowship); gaining from their experience and helping them through yours.
Just as logs burn more brightly when placed together, so Christians need each other for warmth and encouragement.
Read Hebrews 10:24, 25.
The Greek word for fellowship, koinonia, means “sharing in common.” We desperately need to share our Christian experience with others who love God and walk with Him, and likewise allow them to share with us. The church where we can meet other Christians and hear God’s Word is God’s appointed place for Christians to meet. Bible studies and meetings on campus are also extremely helpful. – Dr. Bill Bright
You communicate with non-Christians (witnessing); sharing your relationship with Christ.
Read 1 Peter 3:15
SUMMARY: Read 1 Corinthians 3:6, 7. God is the source of your growth. You cannot develop spiritual maturity just by “trying real hard.” As you read the Bible, pray, tell people about Christ, and spend time with other believers, God will be at work in you producing fruitfulness and maturity.
List some characteristics that you expect to occur as God produces growth in your life.
2 Peter 1:5-9 gives us a picture of growth.
Try to set aside time for personal Bible study and prayer.
A good passage is John 15:1-17.
As you read, underline particularly meaningful verses.
When a verse speaks strongly to you, 1) copy the verse on a sheet of paper, 2) summarize what the verse means, and 3) write down how you can apply that verse to your life.
In addition, some other suggested passages are the ones in this lesson: Colossians 1:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
Join a Bible study group where you can enjoy fellowship with others who are also learning more about this new life in Christ.
Talk to someone about Christ.
©1994-2023 Cru. All Rights Reserved.