Sheep stray and need to be reminded, retrieved (even rescued), and trained in the way of truth and righteousness. But, just like with our children learning to speak or read, it starts with the basics.
The Apostles’ Creed gives us a syllabus of basic biblical teaching for being rooted and built up in Christ, established in the faith.
…till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God (Eph. 4:13)
Sheila couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Mormons are Christians.”
“My father was a kind man. I’m sure he’s in heaven.”
“Buddha is also God.”
These statements came from various women who were members of an evangelical church chatting after a Bible study of which Sheila was a part.
The comments do not necessarily mean that these women were unbelievers. But the remarks could reflect something that is pervasive and pernicious in the church today. Those who profess faith in Jesus Christ found in the gospel are not being grounded in the faith. They are not being taught sound doctrine in order to affirm truth and reject error.
I am the father of four and grandfather of nine, and counting. I love the perspective of little children, so unspoiled by the weight and worries of the world. They exhibit a naivety and wonder to life. But those traits can open them to danger, making them impetuous, oblivious, and susceptible to harm.
When God causes someone to be born again by His Spirit, granting them faith to embrace Jesus Christ found in the gospel, that person is a babe. God’s design is for that new believer to be enfolded into the visible, local church for growth, protection and direction. The church is to be an incubator for spiritual development.
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