How can I help new believers?

Response

Nothing is more thrilling than witnessing someone embrace faith in Christ. Observing God unlock closed hearts and enlighten dark minds is a fulfilling aspect of being part of His spiritual family. However, equally significant to new believers embracing faith in Christ is the subsequent growth that must ensue after that spiritual rebirth (John 3:3;2 Peter 3:18). Just as newborn babies are not left alone and expected to flourish, they are embraced by families who nourish them, guide them, and assist them in their development. This is also true in God’s family. When new believers join us, it becomes our duty to nourish them, guide them, and assist them in their growth.

The Bible emphasizes spiritual growth: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” «as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: », (1 Peter 2:2). If babies do not receive pure milk in their first year of life, they will not develop into healthy adults. Similarly, new believers require foundational knowledge before they can progress in their comprehension of deeper spiritual truths. Churches should provide new believer classes, life groups, and other opportunities for Christian fellowship. In this era of increasing biblical illiteracy, it is probable that a new believer is unfamiliar with many concepts that more mature Christians consider commonplace.

Reading or listening to the book of Genesis is beneficial for new believers. Without that groundwork, there is little to construct upon. Christian companions can read Genesis together and gather for coffee once a week to discuss what they have read. Numerous events and truths that transpire later in the Bible have their origins in Genesis, so learning about the creation of the world (Genesis 1—2), the initial sin (Genesis 3), and God’s choice of Abraham as tThe father of the Jewish nation (Genesis 12) is critically important in understanding the ways that God later worked in human history.

Skipping to the New Testament, a new believer can read the book of Luke and then Acts. This combination gives new believers an overview of the life of Jesus and the beginnings of the church. Luke wrote both books, so there is a wonderful continuity between them. As a baby must have milk to grow, so new believers must have the Word of God. It is harmful to feed infants carbonated soft drinks instead of milk, and it is just as harmful to feed baby Christians inspirational tweets and self-help books instead of God’s Word. There is no substitute for the Word of God if new believers are to develop into strong, healthy Christians.

As supplements to the reading of God’s Word, other books, videos, and podcasts can be a helpful way for new believers to partake of biblical teaching throughout the week. The first Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” «And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. », (Acts 2:42). The early church grew rapidly because every new member was committed to growing and learning. They immersed themselves in teaching and preaching, fellowship with other believers, and prayer. It has never been easier for Christians to immerse ourselves in truth with the proliferation of good Bible teachers online.

Another way to help new believers is to guide them toward trustworthy Bible teachers and away from false teachers and charlatans who would fleece the flock. Religious frauds often “masquerade as servants of righteousness” «Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. », (2 Corinthians 11:15).ible/king-james-version/2corinthians-11-15″>(2 Corinthians 11:15), and it can be challenging for a new believer to differentiate truth from error. Assist new believers by cautioning them about deceivers and instructing them on how to recognize deception. Additionally, actively endorse books, websites, and ministries that are unequivocally devoted to the Word of God.

Websites like this one can be beneficial in addressing the numerous inquiries new believers may have. Depending on the new believers’ stage, our affiliated sites could be equally beneficial:

BibleRef.com

CompellingTruth.org

412Teens.org

GQKidz.org

A righteous couple, Priscilla and her husband Aquila, aided Apollos in correcting his doctrine (Acts 18:25-26). Apollos possessed great talent and zeal but lacked precision, delivering only a partial message. Recognizing his potential as a gospel powerhouse, this wise couple took him aside and provided a more comprehensive explanation without dampening his enthusiasm. Novice Christians are often eager to impact the world for Christ but may lack the necessary tools for endurance. Seasoned Christians can assist them in pacing themselves as they cultivate faithfulness in minor matters «He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. », (Luke 16:10). New Christians must grasp obedience before assuming responsibility, integrity before position, and a servant’s heart before leadership. Perhaps the most effective way to nurture new believers is to exemplify personal growth «Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. », (1 Corinthians 11:1).