From Birth to Adolescence: A Guide for New Christians in Christ

By Rev. Winston T. Jones

The process of taking care of a physical baby in the world today is by far a sacrificial, tedious, yet gratifying endeavor for any parent. To hear the first words of a baby and to watch them take their first steps is nothing short of pure ecstasy for any parent! The role we play as parents is important to help our children grow and mature into successful adults, by providing them with physical, emotional, and spiritual nourishment. Just as the physical baby needs nourishment, so does the Christian. Rev. Winston Jones explores and dissects many of the ways in which a natural baby would live, function, and survive in the world today and provides some powerful parallels for the new Christian in Christ. This book is a simplistic approach to explain the walk of the new Christian from birth to adolescence. His book is a welcome into the church and Christianity today and is inviting to all who wish to be born again through Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781641402392

Book preview

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From Birth to Adolescence

Rev. Winston T. Jones

Copyright © 2018 Rev. Winston T. Jones

All rights reserved

First Edition

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc

New York, NY

First originally published by Christian Faith Publishing, Inc 2018

ISBN 978-1-64140-238-5 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64140-239-2 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

To my lovely angels, Kim, Raphael, and Amber,

Without your love and support, this would not be possible.

To an amazing God who placed Danielle in my life. Thank you, God!

The journey has been long and arduous.

There have been many dangerous toils and snares,

But through it all, God is still merciful and just.

To the very fine pastoral team of Seawright and Seawright,

And the many members of Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Of Brandywine, Maryland, thank you for your love, support,

And belief in a little boy from Royal Oak Township, Michigan.

Acknowledgements

Without a doubt, I certainly want to first thank my God and my redeemer for such an awesome undertaking. Never in my wildest dreams and imagination had I considered what for me in the scriptures have become not only my reality, but also my witness and my life. As the apostle Paul penned so eloquently to the church in Philippi, I can do all things through Christ who gives me my strength!

To my wife, Kimberly Ann Jones, thank you for loving me, believing in me, and for your prayers. You are my friend, my lover, prayer partner, and colaborer in this ministry, and I truly thank the Lord for the ministry of prayer and praise.

To my son, Raphael Jonathan Jones. Raph, the sky is the limit. We thank God for you each and every day, and you are a testimony to the contents of this book, for your dreams are becoming reality. Keep on walking in Christ. Put Him first, and everything else will be added to you! Peace.

To my daughter, Amber Latecia Jones, to God be the glory for the great things that He has done! I truly give God praise for you, and you are a living witness of the power of prayer and what God can do. I give praise to my ballerina. Daddy loves you. Keep praising Him in the dance. Follow the Lord, and he will order your steps.

To all of the men and women, angels, and clergy that have influenced my life throughout the years. God has had this plan orchestrated from the beginning of time and used many of you to play majestically by sowing and planting a seed, saying an encouraging word, or praying a prayer that has helped me to get to where I am in life. Without you, I would not be where I am today. So to each of you who have ever placed the name of Winston Tellis Jones on your lips and in your hearts, I simply say thank you with the love of my Lord and Savior Jesus, who is truly the head of my life and the Christ.

Introduction

As we walk this journey called life, there will be bumps, bruises, obstacles, and challenges. It is my sincere desire that through the transparency in the words and pages of this discourse that you will find your own way and give your life to Christ. Naked we came into this world and we shall leave with nothing, so it is imperative that we learn the essentials in life: that we love God, family, and friends.

With all of the complexities of life today, including war and rumors of war, it is incumbent upon us to learn how to live life with purpose, meaning, and understanding for our fellow human beings. Oftentimes it is not immediate and apparent as we are walking this journey, but God certainly has a way of getting our attention. This book is a wakeup call to young and old that we are on a journey or walk during which there is a certain manner in which we are brought up to adolescence.

I pray that the simplicity of this book will come alive in your heart, mind, and soul as you grow in Christ.

God gives us one day at a time. As we grow in Christ, we come to appreciate each new day, each new grace, and each new mercy along the way, so it is my deepest heartfelt concern that these words will become alive in your heart and in your mind and in your soul as you walk this journey we call life. I believe life to be timeless in its approach and application, for we will all continue to be born and continue to die. It is my desire that you leave with the love of Christ Jesus in your hearts, and that you will have fought the good fight of faith and one day finished your course.

Winston T. Jones

Chapter 1

Welcome to the Church and God’s Family!

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

—Ephesians 3:13–15 (NKJV)

Welcome! Thank you for making the most important decision that you will ever make: giving your life to Jesus Christ and living a life that is pleasing to Him. You are now part of a wonderful body of believers, and with any relationship, it is great to know with whom and what you’re involved. Yet, with any relationship, there is a honeymoon phase that eventually disappears, and reality sets in. Yes, how glorious the body of Christ and being a