INTRODUCTION: The Basics
If a baby, three weeks old, could not walk, talk, write or feed itself, we would not be unduly worried. But if, ten years later, the child still cannot walk, talk, write or feed itself, then we would be concerned; something would be tragically wrong! Why? Because we expect a child to grow!
When we first become Christians we are "babies in Christ", as the Bible puts it. Becoming a Christian is a spiritual birth (sometimes called being "born again"), but babies in Christ should also grow. Many people have been Christians for years, and yet their spiritual growth has been insignificant compared to the length of time they have been Christians. This is both tragic and inexcusable. They have buried their God-given gifts and neglected God's ways to grow – spiritual food, wisdom and guidance.
This Unit is designed to help new Christians to grow strong in the Lord. Many verses from the Bible which are quoted in this Unit are very simple translations, written to help you understand the meaning of the verses. In every case the reference is given so that you can look it up in your Bible. You should do this especially when the reference given is to several verses, only part of which is quoted in these studies. Your Bible will list the books of the Bible, and their page numbers, near the beginning of the Bible.
The subjects dealt with in this Unit are only covered briefly, so they should be read carefully and prayerfully. This Unit is intended to be primarily practical. Unless what you learn is actually put into practice, you will have missed its purpose. Don’t let an intellectual interest to take the place of practical application!
Each Lesson ends with some questions for further thought and study. We suggest you look up the Bible references given. Answering these questions should also help to clarify your thoughts.
May God bless, teach and guide you as you walk in His steps.
“Many other signs Jesus did in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book [John’s Gospel], but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you will have life in His Name” (John 20:30-31)
GLOSSARY (what some Christian words mean)
Here are some words and what they mean in a Christian context:
Confession: Agreeing with God. Agreeing we have sinned and done wrong things, and asking God’s forgiveness.
Prayer: Listening to God and talking to God. Speaking to God like we speak to our friends, either aloud or in our mind (heart).
Repentance: Changing our minds and the direction of our lives; turning away from wrong things and towards those things which are pleasing to God.
Salvation: God saves us from our sins and the penalty we should pay for our sins. We are saved from being separated from God, and now we have a living relationship with Him, forever! We receive God’s forgiveness, and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and follow Him.
Sin: Thinking or saying or doing anything which is not pleasing to God. Sin hurts people – other people, ourselves and God! That is why God is not pleased with sin.
Temptation: Wanting to do something we know is wrong, or not do something we should do.
Witnessing: Sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with other people.
OK ... Now you're ready for Lesson 13 - just click Lesson 13 above