Christianity & Christian Values Resource Guide | VBI Education

Christianity & Christian Values

A Resource Guide for Youth, Parents, and Seekers

Understanding faith, building character, and living with purpose

In Remembrance

Following the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, we are reminded of the preciousness of life and the importance of sharing God's love with urgency and compassion. This resource page is dedicated to helping others find hope, purpose, and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16

Core Christian Beliefs

Salvation by Grace

The Foundation: Salvation is a free gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by good works.

  • We are all sinners in need of forgiveness (Romans 3:23)
  • Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins (Romans 5:8)
  • We receive salvation by believing in Jesus (Acts 16:31)
  • Good works follow salvation; they don't earn it (Ephesians 2:8-10)
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
- Ephesians 2:8-9

Authority of Scripture

The Truth: The Bible is God's inspired, inerrant Word and our final authority for faith and practice.

  • Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16)
  • God's Word is truth and light for our path (Psalm 119:105)
  • The Bible reveals God's character and will
  • We study Scripture to know God better
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
- 2 Timothy 3:16

The Trinity

One God, Three Persons: God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct persons but one God.

  • God the Father: Creator and sustainer (Genesis 1:1)
  • God the Son: Jesus Christ, our Savior (John 1:14)
  • God the Holy Spirit: Our helper and guide (John 14:26)
  • All three are equally God, working in perfect unity

Local Church

Community of Believers: The local church is God's plan for fellowship, growth, and service.

  • Gathering for worship and teaching (Hebrews 10:25)
  • Baptism by immersion after salvation
  • Communion to remember Christ's sacrifice
  • Supporting missions and ministry

For Youth: Building Your Faith

Questions Young People Ask

Is Christianity Real?

Yes! Christianity is based on historical facts about Jesus Christ. Archaeological evidence, historical documents, and the transformation of lives throughout history all point to the truth of the Gospel.

Key Evidence:

  • Historical records of Jesus' life and resurrection
  • The apostles' willingness to die for their faith
  • Changed lives throughout 2,000 years
  • Prophecies fulfilled in Jesus

How Can I Know God's Will?

God reveals His will through His Word, prayer, wise counsel, and circumstances aligned with Scripture.

Practical Steps:

  • Read the Bible daily
  • Pray regularly
  • Seek counsel from mature Christians
  • Look for open doors that honor God
FAITH Framework for Young Believers

F - Follow Jesus daily through Bible reading and prayer

A - Ask questions and seek wise mentors

I - Invest in Christian friendships and community

T - Take action to serve others and share your faith

H - Hold fast to truth in a changing world

For Parents: Raising Children in Faith

Building a Christian Home

Creating an Environment of Faith:

  • Regular family devotions and prayer
  • Consistent church attendance
  • Christian music and media choices
  • Open discussions about faith and life
  • Modeling Christ-like behavior
  • Celebrating God's blessings together
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
- Proverbs 22:6

Answering Tough Questions

When Your Child Asks Hard Questions:

  • Listen without judgment
  • Admit when you don't know something
  • Research answers together in Scripture
  • Seek help from your pastor or Christian resources
  • Emphasize God's love and wisdom
  • Pray together about doubts and questions
PARENT Framework for Faith-Building

P - Pray regularly for and with your children

A - Always point them to Scripture for answers

R - Remain patient with their spiritual journey

E - Encourage questions and honest dialogue

N - Never stop demonstrating Christ's love

T - Trust God's timing in their spiritual growth

For Seekers: Finding Your Way to God

Taking Your First Steps

If you're curious about Christianity:

  • Start by reading the Gospel of John
  • Visit a local church with a welcoming atmosphere
  • Ask questions—doubt is not the enemy of faith
  • Talk to Christians you respect
  • Pray, even if you're not sure anyone's listening
  • Be open to what God might be showing you
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
- Matthew 7:7

How to Become a Christian

The Gospel in Simple Terms:

  • Admit you are a sinner (Romans 3:23)
  • Believe Jesus died for your sins (Romans 5:8)
  • Confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9)
  • Decide to follow Him (Luke 9:23)

Prayer to Accept Christ:

"Dear Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again. I want to turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I trust You as my Savior and choose to follow You as my Lord. Amen."

Defending Your Faith with Love

Speaking Truth in Love

How to Share Your Faith Effectively:

  • Listen more than you speak
  • Ask questions to understand others' perspectives
  • Share your personal testimony
  • Use Scripture appropriately, not as a weapon
  • Demonstrate Christ's love through your actions
  • Pray for those you're speaking with
  • Plant seeds; let God bring the harvest
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
- 1 Peter 3:15

Common Objections & Responses

"All religions lead to God": Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). While we respect others, Jesus claimed to be the unique path to God.

"The Bible contradicts science": God is the author of both Scripture and creation. True science and correct biblical interpretation never contradict. Many discoveries confirm biblical truth.

"Christianity is just a crutch": Faith in Christ provides strength, not weakness. It takes courage to follow Jesus and stand for truth in a fallen world.

"What about suffering?": We live in a fallen world. God doesn't cause evil but uses it for good. He suffered with us through Christ and promises to end all suffering in eternity.

GRACE Framework for Difficult Conversations

G - Greet others with genuine love and respect

R - Really listen to understand their heart

A - Ask thoughtful questions to learn more

C - Care more about the person than winning arguments

E - End with prayer and continued relationship

Additional Resources

Bible Study Resources

  • ESV Study Bible
  • LifeWay Bible Studies
  • Blue Letter Bible (online)
  • Got Questions (gotquestions.org)
  • Desiring God (desiringgod.org)

Books for Growth

  • "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
  • "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren
  • "Knowing God" by J.I. Packer
  • "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel
  • "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper

Finding a Church

  • Look for biblical preaching
  • Emphasis on personal salvation
  • Active missions and outreach
  • Opportunities for service
  • Welcoming community
  • Strong youth programs

Take Your Next Step

Whether you're just beginning to explore faith or looking to deepen your walk with Christ, God is calling you to take the next step. Don't wait—eternity is real, and God's love is available now.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
- Matthew 11:28

If you prayed to accept Christ today, or if you have questions about faith, please reach out to a local church or Christian friend. Your journey with God is just beginning!

Created with love by Dr. Sara Baker | VBI Education

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes." - Romans 1:16