Synergy Resources

Grow deeper in your faith so you can live more like Christ and share the Gospel with confidence. Each Synergy Initiative blog and Foundations training video will help you understand today’s culture and respond with biblical truth so you are equipped to reach those who do not yet know Christ.

To effectively engage in church multiplication efforts, it is essential to cultivate not only godly character but also solid convictions. Knowing what we believe and why is a crucial foundation for any ministry work, especially when it comes to expanding the church and the Kingdom of God.

God’s Revelation: Through the World and the Word

God has revealed Himself to us through two primary means: His world and His Word. Psalm 19:1 reminds us that “the heavens declare the glories of God,” emphasizing that His creation is a testament to His existence and divine nature. Similarly, God’s Word is God-breathed, inerrant, and infallible, serving as the perfect and true revelation from God, necessary for salvation and Christian living. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 highlights that all Scripture is divinely inspired and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness. These two forms of revelation work together to reveal the truth about God’s nature and His purposes in the world.

While nature can point to the existence of God, our deepest convictions are rooted in the Scriptures. The Bible is authoritative and provides clear, detailed instructions on how to live in alignment with God’s will. It is through the Bible that we understand the full scope of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

The Storyline of Scripture

The overarching narrative of the Bible can be summarized in six key themes:

1. Creation: God created everything perfectly from nothing, establishing the foundation for all life and existence.
2. Catastrophe: Humanity rebelled through the fall of Adam and Eve, introducing sin and death into the world and separating humanity from God.
3. Covenants: Throughout the Old Testament, God made covenants with key figures such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, each of whom pointed forward to the coming of Christ. The new covenant brought by Jesus fulfills these promises.
4. Christ’s Work: Jesus came, lived a sinless life, died sacrificially on humanity’s behalf, and rose victoriously to secure salvation for those who believe, freeing them from the penalty of sin.
5. The Church: Following Christ’s resurrection and ascension, the Church was established as the community of believers tasked with making disciples and spreading the Gospel.
6. Consummation: The final chapter of God’s story will be the return of Christ, where He will make all things new, establishing a new heaven and new Earth.

This story serves as the foundation of the Christian faith and informs our understanding of God’s character, His plan for salvation, and the mission of the Church.

Practical Steps To Strengthen Convictions

To live out these convictions, Christians must actively engage with Scripture in several ways:

1. Study Scripture Personally: Reading the Bible is key to deepening one’s understanding of God’s Word. Consider using study Bibles and commentaries to enhance your study. Reading large portions of Scripture at a time, much like binge-watching a favorite show, can help you grasp the narrative and teachings in greater depth.
2. Study Scripture in Community: Engaging with others in studying the Bible provides valuable insights that you might not have noticed on your own. Whether in small groups, with friends, or in church services, studying in community helps foster spiritual growth and accountability.
3. Hear and Obey the Word: As James 1:22 teaches, Christians are called not only to hear the Word but to act on it. When Scripture is preached, it's vital to reflect on how it calls for transformation in your life and obedience to God’s commands.
4. Pray for Transformation: Prayer is essential in asking God to work through His Word to transform your life. Pray for the power to overcome sin, grow in righteousness, and live out God’s will.
5. Encourage and Teach Others: Colossians 3:16 urges believers to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in them, teaching and encouraging one another through Scripture. Sharing the Word with others, whether in conversations or structured discipleship, helps to build a convictional community.

Living a Convictional Life

By integrating these practices into daily life, individuals and communities can cultivate a convictional lifestyle. The goal is not just personal transformation but also contribution to others’ growth in their faith and understanding of God’s Word. As believers deepen their convictions, they add to the spiritual health and multiplication of the Church, making a lasting impact for God’s glory.

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at Cedarville University, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church in Beavercreek, Ohio. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Character: Formation for Mission