Companions in Faith:
Building Relationships for Your Spiritual Journey

Welcome to the final lesson in our "First Steps of Faith" course. We've explored prayer, reading scripture, finding a church home, and now, we're focusing on finding companions to walk alongside you in your faith journey.

Reason for The Ruby Tent

In this last lesson in the First Steps of Faith course, we will look at our need for companionship and the three types of human relationships that we need to nurture in our walk with Jesus. 

In fact, that is why we created The Ruby Tent, a place for building community and companionship under the shelter of the Almighty. We created The Ruby Tent to provide an online space for women to grow together. Join us in the private Facebook group, introduce yourself, and even post a picture if you’d like. We look forward to meeting you! If you do not have access to the Facebook group, email us at [email protected] and we will send you the link to join.

Welcome to
First Steps of Faith: Learning to walk with Jesus
online course

In our first video in the course, we looked at an overview of the course and what you can expect. If you missed that video, you can watch it here.

Our first lesson was on the foundational practice of prayer - talking to God. You can catch up with us by viewing that lesson here.

Our second lesson was on reading the Bible. If you need to catch that lesson, you can find it here.

The third lesson in the course was on finding a church home where you can grow and serve. Need to watch it? Click here.

👉 If you would like to sign up for the full course, delivered to your inbox, you can sign up for it here. https://therubytent.com/firststeps-course

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weekly emails with video lessons for each aspect of the faith that we will discuss.

• Regular check-ins throughout the week to touch base with you and see how implementing that building block is going.

• Private Facebook group to discuss what you are learning.

Want to dig even deeper?

You can purchase our Companion Devotional with 5 daily devotionals for each of the building blocks of faith. That is five additional lessons on this topic alone that can help you dig even deeper into these lessons. First Steps of Faith Companion Devotional Kit (therubytent.com)

This devotional uses our T.E.N.T.™ system to help you learn even more about each aspect of faith and to apply to your life. Through Teaching, Enrichment, Nurturing, and Thankfulness, you go from learning about these first steps, to actually taking them.

Won’t you join us? https://therubytent.com/firststeps-course

Let’s connect with our SISTERS!

The Importance of Companions

Why do we need companions? As an introvert, I (Carolyn) often ask myself this because I could happily spend my time knitting alone. But God created us for community. In the Garden of Eden, He provided Adam with a companion because He knew that we needed interaction. Science confirms this truth. A 2023 article in the Monitor on Psychology reviewed 38 studies and found that adult friendships, especially high-quality ones, provide social support and significantly predict well-being, protecting against mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Our community should consist of like-minded believers. Jim Rohn famously said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Proverbs 13:20 echoes this: "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Surround yourself with those who will encourage and strengthen you in your walk with Christ.

Three Key Relationships

Based on scriptural examples, we need to nurture three types of relationships: mentors, friends (sisters in Christ), and mentees. One such example is Moses. He had a spiritual mentor is his father-in-law. He had those that walked with him - his literal siblings, Aaron and Miriam. And he had one that he trained to take his place - Joshua.

Let’s look at each of these examples in more depth.

1. Mentors

A mentor guides you, teaches you, and points you to Jesus. This person doesn’t necessarily have to be older but should be more spiritually mature. Look for someone who exhibits the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Build a relationship with them and give them permission to speak into your life. Pray for God’s guidance in finding the right mentor.

2. Friends (Sisters in Christ)

Your largest group of companions will be your friends, or sisters in Christ. These should be fellow followers of Jesus. Some of your pre-faith friends might not fit into this group anymore. However, you can still maintain those relationships, pray for them, and perhaps one day pour into them. To find new like-minded friends, rely on your church community, attend women’s conferences, and participate in events. The church is one body, so feel free to join activities beyond your own church.

3. Mentees

As you grow in your faith, look for opportunities to mentor others. Even as a new believer, share your experiences and the gospel. People will notice the changes in you and ask about them, giving you a chance to point them to Jesus. Pray for God to lead you to the right people to connect with as a mentor.

Don’t forget The Ruby Tent!

We are here to help and guide you. We can be your spiritual mentors, or your sisters in Christ, depending on where you are in your journey. Join us at The Ruby Tent, introduce yourself, and let us get to know you better. You can email us at [email protected] and follow us on social media @TheRubyTent. We look forward to seeing you!

A Prayer for Companionship

Let's close with a prayer for companionship:

Father in heaven, we thank you for every woman in The Ruby Tent, whether they are beginning their faith journey or have been on it for a while. Lord, we need sisters to come alongside us and help us, and we need those whom we can help. We ask for Your wisdom and discernment to choose the companions You have for us. We thank You for all that You are and all that You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Stay tuned for new courses, including a comprehensive study on prayer, scripture, Proverbs 31, and the Titus 2 woman. But for those of you are truly taking your first steps of faith - we have a very special offer! A study on the book of John! A 21-day read-together with us here in The Ruby Tent. We are so excited to be offering this exciting new option to take you from your first steps - to your first Bible Study! We really hope you will join us in this course!

🔖https://therubytent.com/bookofjohn

Would you love all of the lessons in the First Steps of Faith delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our FREE course!

📌Come join me in The Ruby Tent - an online community for women just like you looking for sisterhood and connection as they grow in their faith. We are a safe place to ask all those crazy questions you have as well. https://therubytent.com/signup

🎁If you are new to the faith, we have a gift for you! https://therubytent.com/trustjesus 

📖 Want to read the Bible with me? Come join me in the Bible in a Year Challenge! You will get an email each morning with the chapters to read that day and a short devotional to go along with them. Let’s go! https://therubytent.com/opt-in-page-bibleinayear 

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