Developing a Sophisticated Child-Like Faith

By Paul Kasch

The Apostle Paul described faith as being a shield for Christians, which of course is an important piece of weaponry in our daily spiritual battles. It is a wise warrior who takes the time to fortify his shield, and trains himself to better use it. When our faith is strong and we are walking close to God, the troubles of this life lose their power over us and we become better witnesses to the world.
 
In this book, Paul Kasch takes Christians at all different levels of maturity on a mission of developing stronger personal faith. Whether you are a new believer, a devout follower, or have been off on a prodigal son episode lately, this material will draw you nearer to God (and according to the scriptures, He will then draw nearer to you). 
 
Different stages of spiritual development are also examined, through musings on self-perceived levels of Christian sophistication. We eventually arrive at the final attainment by following directions from Jesus himself when we "become as a child" again. The result is finding ourselves possessing both unconditional love and deeper understanding, two traits the Bible greatly encourages

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andy Kasch
• Release date: Oct 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393960386

Book preview

Developing a Sophisticated Child-Like Faith

Solid Food for Biblically-Based Spiritual Growth

Paul Kasch

© 2012-2019 Andrew Kasch

All Rights Reserved.  No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including scanning, photocopying, or otherwise without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

Disclaimer and Terms of Use: The Author and Publisher have strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this book, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the Author and Publisher assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. Any perceived slights of specific persons, peoples, or organizations are unintentional.  This book is not intended for use as a source of legal, business, accounting, medical, or financial advice. All readers are advised to seek services of competent professionals in the legal, business, accounting, medical, and finance fields.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Your Salvation

Guidance for New Believers

Of Pilgrims and Prodigals

Morning Devotional Time (Even 2 Minute's Worth)

Developing a Fulfilling Prayer Life

How to Read the Bible

Finding the Right Church

Becoming the Salt of the Earth

Seven Easy Ways to Stay Spiritually Charged

Three Levels of Christian Maturity

The Final Sophistication: Becoming as a Child

About the Author

Introduction

This is a book about getting close to God, a subject which Christians in all different stages of maturity often find themselves concerned about. We are told in the book of James:

James 4:8: Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. – NLT

Have you ever looked up at the sky near sunset and suddenly become overwhelmed with love for God, and instilled with the innate knowledge of how much He actually loves you? This has happened to me while driving home on occasion. I have even pulled over to the side of the road once or twice in an attempt to spiritually connect with God in some new special way. I just want to capture those moments and melt in them - but they always slip away, sometimes followed by a long period of time passing before I have any other kind of meaningful spiritual experience.

God doesn’t want that. He wants us to dwell in His spirit, to feel His love around us at all times, to realize He is always there with us, and to know that fellowship with Him is always as close as a single thought away. Accomplishing this requires effort. Those overwhelming spiritual moments happen too infrequently (and are too fleeting) if you do not actively seek to include the Lord in your everyday life.

Many of us feel an urgent need to become closer to God and to have Him more involved in our lives. This is an honorable desire which originates deep within our hearts. The Holy Spirit came to reside in our hearts when we received Christ. Therefore, the desire to get close to God is planted in us by God Himself. There is a part of us which knows we need Him in order to be complete, understands how much He loves us, and knows He is seeking further fellowship with us. God’s preference is to have a close, loving relationship with His children, and to be acknowledged often.

Proverbs 3:6: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. – KJV

There’s a problem, however. Although we may feel desperate at times in our desire for closeness with God, we are just too easily distracted from it. The James verse above illustrates the primary stumbling block which keeps us from fulfilling our heart’s sincerest desire: Our loyalty is divided. The things of this world pull us away from God.

Why is this? Doesn’t it seem as though we should be able to walk closely with God at all times while navigating life in the physical dimension? The reason we have so much trouble doing that is twofold:

First, within our own heart lurks the spirit of rebellion. This can never be completely sequestered. We were born with a sin nature, which we inherited from our great, great ancestors. When the Holy Spirit comes into us, he helps us to purify our hearts, but that purification can only be temporary. As long as we retain these fleshly bodies, it is only a matter of time, perhaps only seconds, before our heart becomes polluted again by our flesh and the world around us. Purifying our hearts is a continuing process, kind of like doing housework. It is not a one-time job and then over. We must continue to repent, wash our hands of our sin, seek forgiveness, and draw close to God. During this mortal lifespan, we exist in a perpetual state of spiritual warfare. The good news is we will win that war, eventually, with the help of God. The bad news is the victory comes only