C Stage
Confidence in Christ
"Following Jesus begins with receiving forgiveness and new life" (Journey of the Soul, Chapter 3).
Characteristics of the C Stage
The C Stage of Confidence in Christ is the first of the six CHRIST stages of faith. Its symbol is a church because often people come to faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior by hearing the gospel through a local church community (Rom. 10:13-14, Heb 10:24-25)
This first stage is about learning to trust in your heavenly Father's love through Jesus Christ.
At the C Stage the main temptation is living in two worlds, vacillating back and forth from loving God to loving the world. This potential roadblock may become a wall where you feel stuck in your growth.
God’s Grace for the C Stage: Sticky Love
You grow in Confidence in Christ by appreciating God’s hesed, which is Hebrew for lovingkindness or mercy. We call it “sticky love” because it’s the bonding agent in the secure attachment that a small child begins learning from a nurturing mother (Journey of the Soul, p. 67).
Growth in the C Stage
There are ten soul care practices that are especially important for becoming more healthy and loving in the C Stage (Journey of the Soul, pp. 70-74).
Key Scripture
“You are not forgotten, for you have been chosen and destined by Father God. . . May God’s delightful grace and peace cascade over you many times over! Celebrate with praises the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . For his fountain of mercy has given us a new life . . . through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:2–3 TPT).
Key Quotes
Resources to Help You Grow
The JOTS Leader Guide(opens in new tab) includes spiritual direction tips and guidelines for leading healthy groups.
