Key spiritual and practical topics to cover in Christian Literature

As Christians, we are called to live out our faith in the world, uphold Christian principles in the market place, and stay committed to the Lord at all times. We are also seeking to become mature in the Lord that we may know Him more and serve Him with the gifts and grace given to us. Hence, we need good Christian literature that sheds light on key topics that help the Body of Christ live fruitful lives.

Faith and Prayer Life

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. (Matthew 21:22, ESV). Good Christian literature that expounds Bible teachings on faith and prayer are greatly beneficial to a believer’s growth and maturity. Prayer increases our faith, and faith will lead us to pray more fervently. Christians can live victorious lives, overcome areas of weaknesses, see breakthroughs, grow in their intimacy with the Lord as they learn and meditate on these two vital topics.

The New Testament shows how we are able to receive the promises of God through Jesus’ finished work on the Cross. The names of God, the promises of Jesus to His disciples and future believers in Him, the believer’s authority, and such topics can stir up faith and encourage a fruitful prayer life amongst Christian readers.

Bible Interpretation

Some believers choose sections of the Bible as a preferred portion of the Bible to meditate on; either the Old Testament or the New Testament or avoid reading certain books of the Bible due to ignorance. However, mature believers are aware of how we need to possess knowledge of all the books of the Bible, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament in order to fully understand the Gospel, understand God’s love and His plan for redemption. Hence, Christian literature that teaches believers how to interpret Scripture with the help of Scripture are invaluable. They help Christians grow in their knowledge of the Word, protect them from being led astray by wrong theological interpretation, any deceptive teachings, or any tendency to interpret Scripture according to their own bias or experience. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Bondages, Strongholds

… we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37, NKV) Christians are called to walk in victory. Yet, we sadly see some living a life where they seem to be struggling with the same sin or addiction or a wrong behavior pattern for a very long time. Bringing light to the topics of bondages and strongholds can greatly help believers understand why in some areas they witnessed a breakthrough easily and why in some areas, there appears a constant struggle to overcome. Christian content can help by sharing clear definitions of these terms based on the Bible, discuss and explain how these unique problems persist even in a born-again believer’s life, and share practical ways on applying promises in the Bible for overcoming bondages and strongholds.

Hope & Purpose

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, ... (Hebrews 6:19). In a Christian’s life, the topic of hope is as essential as the topic of faith. Without hope, we cannot have faith because the Bible teaches us that faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). In today’s world, many seem to be living in a state of anxiety, a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness, and in a state of depression. We notice a lack of hope and a lack of understanding on the purpose of life. It is essential that Christian literature fills this gap and reaches the unreached by sharing the Gospel that brings hope into the lives of people and gives insight into living with God-given purpose. Literature on hope and purpose have a wider readership owing to these topics resonating with believers and non-believers alike. Hence, an in-depth study with practical steps to implement Bible principles and promises can help readers understand why we can be hopeful against all odds if our hope is in Jesus and also live a purposeful life which God has uniquely designed for each person.

Christian Values in Everyday Living

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? (Matthew 5:13)
A large part of a Christian’s faith journey happens not in church, but out there in the world amidst non-believers. Hence, Christian teachings on how to approach different areas of our lives with an attitude to live as the salt of the earth are essential topics of study. We need literature with practical steps on upholding values such as integrity, discipline, humility, forgiveness, living peacefully and so on in the areas of family, marriages, finances, business, work place, ministry, etc. to help live lives the Jesus-way as the Bible teaches.

Eschatology

Though the End Times is a more familiar topic among Christians, with the unfolding of various events across the world, there is an awareness even amidst non-believers that we are approaching the end of the world. Hence, this is a topic that can draw readers across different spheres of the society to pay attention to world events and realize the accuracy of Bible prophecies, eventually leading them to recognize the authority of the Bible as divinely inspired and not just a book written by humans. It also helps inspire Christians to live more Christ-centric lives rather than lose focus on Jesus in the monotony of daily routines, be alert for opportunities to share the Gospel, as well as be aware of any deceptions even in Christian teachings on End Times that do not align with Bible prophecies.

The Holy Spirit

But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. (John 15:26) Every believer’s life is marked by a greater level of intimacy with God, a greater depth of understanding of the Bible, an increase of supernatural experiences and miracles, and so much more when they learn the ministry of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. Hence, books that discuss the Person of the Holy Spirit, His gifts, His anointing, His power, His ministry, etc. are useful Christian literature. These teachings can expound in great detail what may be otherwise overlooked by believers out of ignorance or a wrong perception of the Holy Spirit.

God’s Nature

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:14)
Jesus, the Son is the express image of God, the Father. Many believers have understood God’s nature based on second-hand information or personal experience and not necessarily based on what the Bible itself says about God. For example, in the area of healing, many believers have an understanding that doesn’t align with God’s nature and what Jesus reveals to us as God’s heart. Hence, accurate teachings that align with God’s Word on God’s true nature can help believers break away from skewed understanding of God’s nature and direct them to Scripture itself and Jesus Himself. This is a topic where sensitive questions and genuine doubts that arise in the minds of people skeptical towards Christianity can also be addressed sincerely in order to give an opening to the Gospel in their lives. This is a crucial topic that will draw attention to who Jesus truly is based on what the Bible truly says and clear away misconceptions on God’s nature.

Church

I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)
The local church can become a power house of God when there is godly stewarding of people. Biblical principles of order, discipline, relational values, serving one another, especially from the Pauline epistles, are essential teachings to help nurture godly conduct in the local church as a member, as an elder, as a volunteer, and as a leader. Other topics such as prayer life of the church members, lifestyle evangelism, mentoring within church, unity within the church and other churches, etc. are also important topics for the local church to learn about in order to grow as God envisioned His Bride. The aim is to strengthen believers to step out into their daily lives outside the church and influence the world, as opposed to the world influencing them with world views.

There is no dearth of topics in Christian literature. However, the key is to base the teachings on principles and values from the Bible so readers are influenced by what Jesus taught on these topics. With emphasis on both spiritual and practical topics, Christian literature can ably guide, help, and educate the believer to walk in the authority that they have in Christ, live overcoming lives and go on to influence the world as salt and light.