Renewing Faith: 5 Steps to Deepen Your Christian Beliefs

Losing Faith

Losing faith in the church is a concerning trend, particularly among young people. Numerous studies have shown that a significant number of today’s youth are becoming disenchanted with the church, leading them to either leave altogether or explore alternative spiritual paths. Surprisingly, more young adults leave the church during their middle and high school years than during their college years. In fact, over 60 percent of young adults who attended church in their teens will become spiritually disengaged at some point in their twenties ¹.

The Importance of Scripture

One of the key factors contributing to this exodus is the lack of understanding about the power and significance of Scripture. The Bible alone has the ability to give life and bring sanctification to a sinful soul. It equips us with the tools to discern truth from error ¹. However, as the apostle Paul pointed out, how can people believe if they have not heard the Word of God? (Romans 10:14). In a world that increasingly rejects Christianity, it is crucial to teach children the Word of God and how to defend it (1 Peter 3:15).

Influences Outside the Church

There are three primary places where children develop their worldview and belief system: school, church, and home ¹. Starting around age five, kids spend a significant portion of their lives in educational institutions. Unfortunately, many public school systems and universities indoctrinate children with humanistic beliefs, effectively replacing the Christian worldview with an atheistic one. Science and history are taught without any reference to God, resulting in a skewed understanding of the world ¹. Additionally, schools emphasize tolerance for all beliefs and viewpoints, which can lead young adults to believe that all beliefs are equally valid ¹.

Within the church itself, there is also a growing deviation from scriptural truth. This departure from biblical teachings was predicted by the apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:3). Charles Spurgeon, a renowned preacher, voiced concerns about the church’s diminishing adherence to God’s Word, warning that this would have detrimental effects on future generations ¹. Christians must not passively accept compromise and worldliness within the church but instead remain faithful to the truth.

The Role of Parents

The foundation of a Christian worldview must begin at home with parents. Children are a gift from God, and it is the responsibility of parents to pass on their faith and values to them. Moses emphasized the importance of teaching children about the Lord and His commands, decrees, and laws (Deuteronomy 11:19-20). In the New Testament, parents are instructed to raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This requires parents to have a thorough understanding of Scripture themselves and to impart that knowledge to their children ¹.

It is disheartening that by the time children leave for college at age 18, many have never read the entire Bible or even opened it. In contrast, they have spent thousands of hours watching television, which undoubtedly influences their worldview ¹. To equip children to defend the Word of God, they must be familiar with it. Barna Research shows that only about 6 percent of individuals who are not Christians by age 18 will become Christians later in life ¹. This sobering statistic underscores the urgency for parents to instill a Christian worldview in their children from an early age.

Building on a Solid Foundation

Jesus Christ compared those who hear His words and put them into practice to wise individuals who build their houses on rock. Even when storms come, their foundation remains secure (Matthew 7:24-25). As our secular world increasingly challenges Christian beliefs, it is essential to construct a Christian paradigm in the hearts of our children. King Solomon advised parents to train their children in the way they should go so that when they are old, they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Why This Matters

The loss of faith among young people is a significant concern for the future of the church. As more and more individuals become disenchanted with Christianity, it becomes increasingly difficult to pass on the faith to future generations. Recognizing the factors contributing to this loss of faith allows us to address them effectively and work towards ensuring a strong foundation in the next generation.

Think About It

1. How can we better equip young people to defend their faith in an increasingly secular world?
2. What steps can parents take to instill a Christian worldview in their children from a young age?
3. How can the church remain faithful to God’s Word and prevent compromise and worldliness from infiltrating its teachings?