In the upcoming weeks and months there will be many new souls entering the Kingdom, the Family of God. How do we welcome them? What do we teach them first?
As I look at books for new believers I see many good things listed as foundational. I would not deny the value of these things. But only some of them deal with Christianity as relational and dynamic.
I propose that first learning the relationships in the Kingdom makes the other doctrinal and polity teachings more understandable to the new believer. It gives the things to come a more personal framework into which further teachings can be incorporated.
We all have our personal stories and with them our own understandings about how relationships work. Some of those understandings are good and healthy. Some come out of hurt, abuse and other dysfunctions. A healthy accurate view of relationships in the Kingdom can be a great help to positive mental and emotional transformation in the life of a new believer.
I believe we should teach growing Christians in five areas of relationships with which to begin.
- We should start with who Jesus is and who he is to us.
- Next the new believer needs to be rooted and grounded in God’s love; what it is and what importance it has in our personal lives.
- We need to teach new believers about freedom in the Kingdom. Not only teaching from what they are free but how to remain and live free.
- New believers should be taught about God’s way in regard to relationships with people; both those inside and outside the Kingdom.
- Last, no way least, the new believer needs to be taught how to walk with and in fellowship with God. Of course this requires understanding of our new nature and how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to make a difference on the earth.
These are understandings that will facilitate spiritual growth. I submit them for your consideration. In upcoming posts I will go into more detail.
God Bless you. Have a great week.
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