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The following is based on the above CORE Discipleship Resource Chart/Process:
I. Beginnings: Spiritual Childhood
A. At this stage, disciples are “little children” in Christ Jesus
1. There are two terms used by John referring to small infants
• teknion {tek-nee'-on} - diminutive of tekna; an infant
• paidion {pahee-dee'-on} - neut. diminutive of pais; a childling (of either sex), i.e. (prop.) an infant, or (by extens.) a half-grown boy or girl (cf. Mark 5:39-42)
2. Those who are new Christians, or immature Christians, are spoken of as "babes in Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:1; Galatians 4:19; Hebrews 5:12-13)
3. This can be a difficult time, in which a disciple:
• Is still more carnal than spiritual (1 Corinthians 3:1)
• Can be a source of anxiety for those trying to lead them along (Galatians 4:19)
• Instruction should focus on the "milk" of the Word (Hebrews 5:12-13)
B. Disciples At This Stage Need Much Encouragement/Reminders:
1. They must be instructed frequently so that they fully grasp that their sins have been forgiven in Christ (1 John 2:12)
• They must be instructed and fully grasp that forgiveness is not based upon maturity or perfection
• They must be instructed and fully grasp that forgiveness is based upon the blood of Jesus, and upon a willingness to confess sins (1 John 1:9); holiness and grace must be taught
2. Because they have "known the Father" (1 John 2:13)
• They must understand that they have fellowship with the Father, which is John's definition of "eternal life" (John 17:2-3)
• They must recognize that though they may be "babes", they have "eternal life" in Christ (1 John 5:11-12)
• They must understant that God wants them to continue to believe and grow (1 John 5:13)
Recommended CORE Materials: Spiritual Childhood (Year 1)
• Chrysalis: New Believer's Guidebook: This book contains the basic teaching every new believer should know. If you're a new Christian, coming back to Christ after a period of doubt, trying to process the "big picture" or just need a refresher course, this guidebook will help you get started.
• 21 Days To Breakthrough: will help disciples understand that the habits we form, the sin we embrace, the forces we struggle against, are very real and can be overcome because they have been defeated by Jesus at Calvary.
• Discovering God's Will: provides seven keys to discovering God’s will - following these keys will bring assurance and confidence as disciples make major life decisions.
• Presence: The Practice Of The Presence Of God: Written 300 years ago by a cook in a European monastery, this is one of the most famous Christian books of all time and will help disciples practice being and remaining in God's presence continuously.
• The Disciple's Journal: through-the-year study contains individual weekly character/virtue studies, a daily journaling area, a weekly note page for sermon/lesson notes, and weekly words of wisdom from the Bible ... all in one book! Each week a character trait of Jesus is provided such as: Perseverance, Patience, Courage, Friendliness, Forgiveness, Honesty, Dependability, and 45 additional weekly studies.
NOTE: The Disciple’s Journal can be used simultaneously beginning with Chrysalis and then followed by 21 Days To Breakthrough, Discovering God’s Will and Presence over the first year.
Recommended CORE Materials: Spiritual Childhood (Years 2-3)
• Foundations - Essentials Of Our Faith: The foundational doctrines presented in this study are from Hebrews 6:1-3. Just as is true of any good foundation, these must be established first, and then built upon. These principles include: Repentance From Dead Works, Faith Toward God, The Doctrine Of Baptisms, Laying On Of Hands, The Resurrection Of The Dead, Eternal Judgment and a section on Maturity.
When a "babe in Christ" is fed the milk of the Word, learns to stand on the power of the blood of Christ, learns to remain in fellowship with the Father and sharing in "eternal life", and as they begin to grasp the holiness and grace of God they will soon enter into the next stage…
Click here to continue Part II
Click here to return to the CORE Process Page
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