Basic Principles

When a child is born in the home of a rich man, he will be the heir and inherit the animals, garden, and other properties. Before he can enjoy these things he must grow up.

That is also true of the new believer. When a person repents and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, then he is born again (anew). He is born into the family of God.

Every baby (child) needs to feel (be shown) the love of his parents. The Heavenly Father shows us His Fatherly love (the love of a Father) by giving us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit witnesses that we are God's children. If we are children of God, we are His heirs.

When a baby is born it must first breathe. After this it must be given good food. No baby can grow without good food, first milk, and later, solid food. This is exactly what the Bible teaches about God's children. As babies need milk, so young believers need the simple truths of God's Word. The believer needs to read the Word of God. He should go to hear it taught;. He should think about it quietly when by himself.

After a few months a child's legs become stronger and he can walk. Soon his legs become very strong and he can run. The child of God can grow strong by obeying God's commands. Jesus said, "The person who hears my commands and obeys them, shows his love for Me." Another way a child of God may become strong is to tell others about the Lord Jesus. The Word of God teaches that God does not want us to be afraid, but to trust in His power and His love.

When Jesus was on earth He was tempted by Satan. He understands how to help His children when Satan tempts them. Today Jesus is at God's right hand. He is praying for His children. Jesus wants His children to pray to God in His name, asking the Lord Jesus to help us in everything we do. Any time and in any place the believer can talk to God his Father. Do not wait until Satan tempts you, then quickly begin to pray.

Are you still tied up in your bad habits from your former life before you trusted Jesus? God wants to deliver you right now. He has promised if you pray with faith He will answer. This is written in the Bible, "so that you may not sin, but if any man does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins." God says, "The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin."

If a believer falls into sin, what happens? Just like a dirty child he must be washed. The Heavenly Father is saddened and displeased. But He has promised, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all righteousness."

My friends, let us go on to maturity, and to the riches of our inheritance in Christ.

REF: Eph. 6:1O I Peter 2:2 John 14:21 I Tim. 1:7,8 I John 1:7-9 2:1,2