PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD SEND QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR FAITH TO DR. STANLEY.

How do I know I'm going to heaven?

What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Does God want me to be happy?

Why is it important to go to church? Which denomination should I choose?

What does it mean to be justified in Christ? Is it the same as being reconciled in Christ?

 

 

    The queries are as varied as the backgrounds of those asking, and all point to one desperate need: discipleship. We know the importance of receiving salvation with child-like faith; that is, children are often satisfied with linear explanations, such as "God loves you and He forgives your sins." The truth is really that simple. But what about all of those questions—very legitimate questions requiring broader answers—that pour in? For Christians who deeply desire to succeed in the Christian life, the path to heaven can begin to look a bit complicated and even messy.

    Keep in mind that the way only looks convoluted. As adults, we're ready to comprehend why God loves us and how He forgives our sins. To borrow a phrase from Hebrews, we are ready for the solid food of faith rather than milk. (Hebrews 5:12–13) But meat requires some chewing—we must work to fully grasp God's plan, at least as much of it as He makes clear in His Word. Loretta Sevaaetasi, one of the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living students, says it best. "I am learning the meaning of words I used to hear a lot but didn't understand—like justified, sanctification, righteousness. It is really making a difference in my daily walk. I am learning that it is a process and the more I devote to the process, the more I will learn . . ."

    Part of God's plan for us is that much of the information we need to keep our faith simple comes from other Christians more mature in their faith than we. This is why the Institute for Christian Living exists. Represent-ing over 30 years of Dr. Stanley's preaching, the Institute goes far beyond merely offering information. Through its unique Internet tools, CSI provides students of the Gospel with online journaling, feedback, questions, personal goal-setting, and even email accountability, all at no cost to the user. Moreover, each student can interact with fellow disciples through online message boards and a global prayer community in which users can pray for the specific needs of believers around the world.

    Sensitive to the "next step" philosophy of discipleship, CSI's Faith Foundations core curriculum walks students sequentially through the fundamentals of the Christian life. "The Institute answers the question, 'If you were to sit across the table from Dr. Stanley and discuss the Christian life, what specifically would you talk about, at what pace, and in what order?'" says Allen Harris, Manager of Content Development. "There's a reason why this material is presented in this order. If you are ready for genuine mentoring, you must be willing to follow where your teacher leads. Discipline, after all, is a key part of discipleship." When a person has been a Christian for many years, it may not be his or her first thought to study the core truths of Scripture, but those values do not age or become irrelevant. As a matter of fact, a student may finally unlock an important truth only after reading about it for a long time. "I have been a Christian for almost 50 years," says student Wes McCracken. "The message [of the] lesson 'The Holy Spirit: An Absolute Essential' was a breakthrough in understanding I don't have to take on the guilt of my sinful nature when I can't be who I want to be—the Holy Spirit is in me to do things through me to bring glory to God."

    Upon completion of the Faith Foundations track, students can also participate in a number of targeted elective studies for greater concentration on particular areas. By 2012, the goal is to make the Institute available in ten key languages and to offer an additional program specifically aimed at English-speaking pre-teens. "You have to grow up disciples," says Melissa Smith, Curriculum Writer. "Statistics show that the best chance to impact people for Christ is before they reach the age of 14. Many of their beliefs are formed at or before this point, and lately pre-teens are heavily influenced by post-modern culture." In order to combat the slide toward relative truth, the Institute staff are concentrating their efforts on creating a website that encourages application of the absolute truth of the Bible to the every day life of young believers.

    Personal discipleship is disappearing from the church body, but that trend does not have to continue. The Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living encourages believers to be a part of their church and their community by continually growing in their faith and prompting other believers to stretch themselves as well.

—Tracy Hillwig