STEP NINE – New truths
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Spiritual infants need to become part of a small/bible study group that help with their spiritual growth and the discipleship process. The spiritual parent must help them to build relationships with other mature Christians that again will help them to grow to a spiritual child.
Why do you think the spiritual parent-infant relationship is necessary?
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We saw that spiritual infants are ignorant. They don’t know what they don’t know. It is normal for them to be confused about spiritual truths. As a new Christian they need to be taught new truths. They need someone (spiritual parent) to help them navigate on this new spiritual journey. Just like a baby that needs milk to grow, they need spiritual milk.
The Bible defines the elementary principles of the Christian life as milk (Hebrew 5:12). They need to learn the basic Christian truths. Some of it includes the teachings of the apostles. Scriptures from both Old and New Testament (Acts 2:42). The breaking of bread (gospel truth). Prayer, talking with God and fellowship, going to church and being part of a Christian community. Fellowship happens in church and in large and small group gatherings. Here we can encourage one another in faith.
The Bible
Spiritual infants need to have a broad overview of the Bible. The main theme is God’s redemptive plan. They don’t necessarily have to start reading the Bible from Genesis to revelation, but important events from the Old and New Testament can be highlighted at first.
Following are ten stories from the Old Testament and ten stories from the New Testament to begin with:
| Old Testament | ||||
| Scripture | Event | Well | Sort of | Not at all |
| Genesis 1-2 | The Creation | |||
| Genesis 3 | The Fall | |||
| Genesis 6-9 | Noah’s Ark | |||
| Genesis 12 | Abraham’s Promise | |||
| Exodus 1-4 | Slavery in Egypt | |||
| Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5 | Ten Commandments | |||
| 1 Samuel 8 | Israel asks for a King | |||
| 1 Samuel 16 | King David Is Chosen | |||
| Daniel 1–3 | Exile to Babylon | |||
| Nehemiah 1 | Return of Nehemiah | |||
| New Testament | ||||
| Scripture | Event | Well | Sort of | Not at all |
| Luke 1-2 | Birth of Jesus | |||
| Matthew 3-4 | Baptism | |||
| Matthew 5-7 | Sermon on the Mount | |||
| Luke 5:12-26 | Healing of the lame man | |||
| John 6 | Feeding the five thousand | |||
| John 11 | Raising of Lazarus | |||
| Matthew 26-27 | Crucifixion | |||
| John 20 | The resurrection | |||
| Matthew 28:18-20 | Jesus commissions His disciples | |||
| Acts 1 | Jesus ascends to heaven | |||
Are there other stories that you think would be important? Write your additions below.
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The Gospel
Knowing why Jesus came and what He did for us on the cross is very important for spiritual infants. Infants are sometimes confused about assurance of their salvation. They also do struggle with temptation and understanding the Gospel will help them work through these issues.
Prayer
Please refer to Discovering New Life STEP FIVE Exercise #2: Prayer
Church
Spiritual infants need to know the difference between organised religion and the Church as the body of Christ (see Romans 12:4-5). The Church is also called the bride of Christ (see Revelation 19:7-9), and the temple of God (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Fellowship together has always been a high priority.
Maybe there are things we do in Church that spiritual infants don’t understand, like singing songs, or going to church on Sundays, or taking money from people. They can easily be confused about these things and need a spiritual parent to help them understand why we do these things.
Are there any areas of biblical truth that you are ignorant or confused about? If so, write your questions here. Take time this week to find the answers.
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