What does it take to begin a relationship with God? Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Learn how you can know God personally.
Learn the basics of what Christians believe.
Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices.
We all have a story. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith.
Everyone has their own spiritual journey with the Lord. How can we help you move forward in yours today? Take the next step in your faith journey with devotionals and other resources for spiritual growth.
If you were created for community, why can relationships — family, dating, co-workers, neighbors — be so hard? Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God.
Find resources for personal or group Bible study.
Sharing your faith is one of our most important callings as followers of Christ. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus.
Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring.
Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.
Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage.
Advancing the Great Commission using digital tools.
Engaging around sports to help athletes think and live biblically.
Teaching life skills for making right choices
How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus.
Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Cru’s annual report and more.
What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation.
When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen.
Leading from values so others will walk passionately with God to grow and bear fruit.
Learn about Cru's global leadership team.
“Off,” my friend’s toddler demanded, jabbing her fingers toward my shoes. “Off!”
I smiled at her cautiously.
The lights were dimmed for the beginning of our church gathering, as worship music flowed throughout room. She grinned as I considered her request, and began bouncing, inviting me into a dance I was not sure I wanted to do, shoeless, in the dark room surrounded by people – some I knew and others I didn’t.
She spun her bare feet around the carpet, and I wished my hesitation away.
When Jesus first called the disciples to be with Him in Luke 5:11, “…they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed Him.” These men left their jobs and their property, their boats and therefore their livelihoods as fishermen. When they agreed to follow Christ, they left safety, comfort, and the relationships that had defined them all their lives. Jesus would later tell them that He would send them out like sheep among wolves; not a fun thing, or a safe thing. They stepped into total abandonment for the glory of Christ.
In the world we live in, we are told to protect ourselves. My immediate reaction to my little friend’s request was concern for my appearance. We feel the need for safe boundaries and successful lives, strong educations and competitive jobs. We are encouraged to entertain ourselves, to revel in ourselves, to enjoy ourselves, and make ourselves into whatever will make us most happy.
Christ tells us to leave ourselves. Actually, He tells us to die to ourselves. He tells us that if we want to be with Him to pick up our cross – an instrument of torturous death, and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)
These moves of sacrifice seem pretty horrible. But when we step into reckless abandonment – that is, not note-takers, or bystanders, but followers – something wonderful happens. Comfort and certainty are no longer our concerns.
Instead, life with Christ is free.
It becomes a dance full of overwhelming mercy, and it is pure delight.
So I slipped off my shoes, and began bouncing and holding hands and dancing with my friend, worshipping our Lord, disregarding the people around us. “Off,” He tells us. “Off, and away with the things that distract you from me. I am making all things new” (Isaiah 58:6, Rev. 21:5).
Day 40, April 25: Do you long, as a way of life, to dedicate more time just to be with him?
Day 39, April 24: What are some ways you can personally respond to God's great gift of salvation?
©1994-2020 Cru. All Rights Reserved.