Colostrum: Spiritual Antibodies For New Christians

by David L. Greentree

The Bible says new Christians need spiritual milk until they are ready for meat.
In the physical world, before babies even get milk they get colostrum. This first milk is just life saving antibodies. This handbook delivers the spiritual antibodies needed to fight the major heresies that threaten the new believer.
This is the perfect book for every new Christian.

Genres: Christian

136 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[Susan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many of these types of books but usually they are aimed at young teenagers. However Colostrum : spiritual antibodies for new Christians by Rev David Greentree is addressing those who are physically older. At least one enough to make their own decisions regarding faith, such as where they will go to church, how they will practice their new faith, who they will befriend etc.

While Greentree covers the normal basics that new Christians need to know – the importance of reading the Bible, prayer, fellowship etc. I felt this book was unique in the way it addresses areas where a new believer could easily be lead away from their new faith. Greentree has done an excellent job of pointing out potential hazards for the new Christian. This is not usually a topic that is covered by such books and yet it is important that believers be aware of these issues. Some may feel this will alarm new Christians. Yet when we read the New Testament letters Paul wrote to young believers he did not hesitate to warn them of threats to their faith.

I was pleased to find that Greentree wasn't legalistic in his advice but encouraged the new believer to seek God on matters such as which Bible translation to read, which church denomination to become involved in and other non-essential issues.

My only small complaint would be that Greentree likes to quote from some Anglican texts. I would not have minded if he had not chosen such old versions. He did explain his reasons for doing this but I stumbled over the archaic language and felt it distract from the point he was making.

Overall though, a very useful and helpful book for young Christians and others who would benefit from being reminded of the basics of our faith.

Thanks to Elizabeth Greentree for providing a free book for review.

[Buffy Greentree · Rating 5 out of 5]

For full disclosure, this is my father's book, which I have helped to produce for print on demand and e-book, so I might be a bit biased.
Having said that, I am convinced that it is the perfect book for new believers.
I studied theology myself, doing a Master of Divinity, and have yet to come across a book that so neatly warns and protects young Christians about the false teachings that will try to win them over.
It is a short book and written in a very conversational tone so it's easy to read. However, the truth of what it is saying, and the years of practical experience distilled within it should not therefore be underestimated.
Strongly practical, with a firm biblical foundation, and logically presented, Colostrum: Spiritual Antibodies For New Christians should be read by all new believers.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colostrum (definition): a form of milk produced in late pregnancy. Most species will generate colostrum just prior to giving birth. Colostrum contains antibodies to protect the newborn against disease, as well as being lower in fat and higher in protein than ordinary milk. Thanks, Wikipedia!

For most new Christians, this book would probably feel more meaty than milky. Tackling subtle and complex issues that a newbie wouldn't have had time to encounter, it seems better for those of a little more maturity who have had time to be doubtful where a particular teaching is heading or what really lies behind it.

David Greentree effectively issues a challenge to be alert and on guard at all times, particularly in these days when preachers tailor the messages to the desires of the audience, rather than the constraints of the Gospel. At times provocative, at other times challenging, at all times seeking to honour God, Colostrum's sections include use and abuse of prayer; heresies of the first, second and third kind (adding to the Gospel, diluting the Gospel, indulging the flesh); Bible-reading.

A little too parochially Anglican in its focus, I felt (and I've worshipped at an Anglican church for over two decades now!), with that particular perspective on other denominations. That aside, an excellent tool to help safeguard believers from the current resurgence of heresies.

[Ben Chenoweth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book has lots of very helpful content for the new Christian. It deals with some of the common heresies prevalent in churches today, as well as things that help to counter those heresies. I would have liked to see the title explained in chapter one, rather than chapter two, and there are quite a lot of lengthy biblical (and other) quotes. But these quibbles aside, this book has lots to offer. It would definitely make a great confirmation (or adult baptismal) gift!

[Omega Writers · Rating 4 out of 5]

From our CALEB reviewers:

(1)
Antibodies. What are they? My dictionary says antibodies are proteins which remove, and neutralize foreign or dangerous substances in a body. They are contained in colostrum, the first milk the mother produces for her baby. So Rev. Greentree’s book will be a help for new Christians, giving them what they need for a healthy start to their life with Christ. Rev Greentree has used this analogy to write about problems and concerns that can cause a new Christian to get the wrong ideas about Jesus and church life. There is an Anglican flavor to the book but this in no way changes the truth of the matter.

The first chapter sorts out how you can tell whether you a really a Christian or how to become one if you are not; a new Christian might be easily lead into wrong doctrine or teaching or be persuaded to follow human fallacies and faulty doctrine. The ‘Three things every Christian needs’ section tells us Christians need a church, a fellowship of believers and also regular Bible reading and prayer. The next section is ‘Heresies of the first kind’, meaning adding extra ideas and actions to the gospels. He describes some of these and says how to avoid getting caught up in them. Some congregations have strange ideas about baptism, the One True Church, speaking in tongues, and the debate about creation and science. Rev. Greentree’s next chapter deals with ‘Heresies of the Second Kind’ which can be when congregations mix concepts from other religions and philosophies in with the Gospel, thereby diluting it. ‘Heresies of the Third Kind’ discusses ‘Indulging the Flesh’ – this takes in ideas such as denying ourselves things which we think will make us happy or powerful or rich when Jesus says that while life is hard now, in heaven we will have our reward. Rev. Greentree also identifies Faith healing which can be misunderstood and the Prosperity doctrine as often disappointing.

Chapter Nine talks about the life cycle of churches and gives some warnings to watch out for control freaks and reminds us to be good parishioners and not vex our pastor. We should also be alert to cults.
The conclusion sums up the book neatly and the key instruction is to pray, consult the Bible and take counsel from godly people. It is an interesting and helpful book with perhaps slightly too much emphasis on difficulties. LS

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Colostrum; A Handbook of Spiritual Antibodies for New Christians" which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a contemplative, honest and insightful look at the challenges new Christians face in their walk with Christ. Rev. David L. Greentree points to the heresy of adding to the Bible or delineating from it in order to water down the potency of its message; to wrongful preconceptions; to mixing unorthodox practices into worship, and to believing only the truth in the Word that gives the believer a feeling of comfort. What new Christians need is interaction with other Christians, knowledge of the Bible and a prayer life to defend against the lies that will undermine their faith while they grow in maturity. The writer points out that even finding a spiritual connection with God can be difficult in a Church that is spirituality dead and where the world has infringed with anger, greed and pride. A Church with no spark is like hiding God's light under a basket.

I loved the correlation between "Colostrum" in mother's milk which is needed by newborn babies to build up their immune systems against viruses, and the spiritual milk new Christians require to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and to stand against the forces that would undermine their newfound faith. This short novel is inspiring and backed by Biblical passages. Although it has real relevance for new Christians, it's a short book with a strong message even for mature Christians today.

A friend often prays after each of his reviews so in that vein I add: "May God bless this book that it will be an inspiration to Christians of all ages and maturity levels. Amen."

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free example of this book in exchange of an honest review. After I finally got it, like in 5 weeks, I was totally excited to read it. This is a well-written religious book. The writer, Rev. David L. Greentree answered a lot of questions I searched the answers for. Also, I came up with new questions, and this is a good thing. This book can be treated as a handbook every Christian have to have. I liked how David compared the new Christians to babies. Yes, they are at the beginning of their brand new Christian life and have to be driven through it. After we understood what does really mean to be a Christian, we have this guide which tells us which are the "Three things every Christian needs" followed by an easy understandable describing of the three Heresies. Last, but not least, the writer tells us how many types of church exist, which is good for us. I loved that he didn't copy-pasted half of the Bible here, but showed where to read about one or other problem. I tended to think that I have a healthy relationship with God, but this book made me change my mind. I am not waiting for His signs, or answers to my questions. Have to change this.
I highly recommend this book to everybody who is a new Christian, or has questions about religion, believing etc. The major teaching is that the Bible is the one and only source of God's word. So get up and read the Bible.

[Filipa Pereira · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all I have to say that I got this book from a giveaway from Buffy through goodreads first-reads.

I have to confess that I am not very receptive to this kind of book but it looked like an interesting read so I decided to give it a chance anyway. Thats probably why I only give it two stars.

Although the author does accept other churches and comes through as being very open, from time to time he seems to "attack" some other beliefs. At least that was my impression.

On the good side, I think the book is well written and "speaks" in a very modern way using various analogies that anyone can understand.
Plus, the author seems to believe that science and religion don't threaten each other and I share the same belief.
At the end the author also makes an overview of the ideas presented throughout the book.

Does the book help new christians to grow? Maybe.
It just didn't happened to me.

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do appreciate the reminders which by the author wants to show on the book. Thank you for reminding how good and powerful Go is.

I agree most of the bible verses he shared and believe in the thoughts he explained.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful book!

[Deepika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I am not of christian fellowship, i really liked this book. For me it had opened the whole new perspective of viewing things. Much like a enlightening from within.
Thank you goodreads for this one special giveaway. This is great book. Must read for new christians..