Basics for Believers : Foundational Truths to Guide Your Life

Just as athletes must master certain physical skills to dominate their sport, Christians must master certain basic principles of the faith to reach spiritual maturity. But because many of us don't have a good grasp of the fundamentals, we find our spiritual lives stagnant. With 54 brief topical discussions, Basics for Believers includes subjects like the Trinity, life goals, worship, budgeting and evangelism - making the basics of Christianity accessible and understandable for everyone.

WILLIAM THRASHER, JR. author of the Basics for Believers trilogy (Moody Press) is associate publisher of Moody Press. He is the visionary behind the Believer's Life System, a life-planning system that helps believers order their lives according to God's priorities. He is also the general editor of Life Essentials, A Guide for Spiritual Growth. Bill lives in suburban Chicago with his wife Mary; they have two grown children and two grandsons. bc06 **NOTE: Update b/c he is no longer with MP and BLS is OP.

Foreword / 9 Acknowledgments / 11 Introduction / 13 Section 1 GOD OF ALL 1. God / 18 2. The Trinity / 20 3. Names & Attributes of God / 22 4. The Lord Jesus Christ / 24 5. The Holy Spirit / 26 6. The Bible / 30 7. Doctrine / 32 Section 2 GOD FOR ALL 8. The Fall / 36 9. Sin / 38 10. The Incarnation / 40 11. The Crucifixion / 42 12. The Resurrection / 46 13. The Gospel / 48 14. The New Birth / 50 Section 3 GOD WITH US 15. Eternity / 54 16. Worship / 56 17. Bible Study / 58 18. Time Out with God / 60 19. Talking with God / 62 20. Thinking About God / 65 Section 4 A GODLY LIFE 21. Stewardship / 70 22. Love / 74 23. Marriage / 76 24. Family / 78 25. Relationships / 80 26. Sharing Your Faith / 85 Section 5 AN ORGANIZED LIFE 27. Getting Started / 90 28. Developing Good Habits / 92 29. The Little Things / 96 30. Discipline / 98 31. Focus / 100 32. Gifts and Abilities / 103 33. A Calling / 106 Section 6 A FOCUSED LIFE 34. A Mission Statement / 110 35. Life Goals / 113 36. Goal Setting / 116 37. Planning / 120 38. Work / 122 39. Leisure / 124 40. Time Management / 127 Section 7 A DISCIPLINED LIFE 41. Reading / 130 42. Journaling / 132 43. Organizing / 135 44. Budgeting / 138 45. Diet and Exercise / 142 46. Studying / 144 Section 8 A GOAL-ORIENTED LIFE 47. Balance / 148 48. Moderation / 150 49. Simplicity / 154 50. Commitment / 156 51. Perseverance / 158 52. Contentment / 162 Summary / 164 Appendix A: Tools for the Journey / 166 Appendix B: How to Use This Book / 169 Appendix C: Bible Reading Plan / 171 Appendix D: Recommended Reading List / 177 Appendix E: Scripture Verses by Topic / 181