I’m a New Christian
What’s Next?
In a Nutshell:
Grow in Grace and Knowledge
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
— 2nd Peter 3:18
Congratulations on taking the first steps and welcoming Jesus into your heart and into your life. But, there’s so much more Good News!
Being Saved isn’t just about going to heaven when you die. It’s also about seeing and experiencing joy, peace, and goodness in the life you have now.
This is your journey, your walk on this Earth. There’s as many ways to experience God as there are people walking about. There is a piece of God within each of us. God calls each of us by name. He knows us and has plans for us. What does God have planned for you?
Isaiah repeating the message to the people of Israel that he received from God) ... “I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
— Isaiah 43:1
Read the Bible
Read God’s word. If you don’t have a Bible, your local library does. Or, you can get a Bible from your local church. These days, many Christians use a free Bible App such as YouVersion for your smartphone or tablet. That link also provides free on-line usage on your computer.
As you will see if you visit the link, there are numerous translations of the Bible to choose from. We use the New International Version (NIV) for this site, but you can try different ones and let the Holy Sprit lead you towards the one best for you.
If you’re wondering where to start, here are two suggestions you can try. Look up the scriptures sprinkled around this site and also read the entire book of John. Another approach is to look under “Plans” on YouVersion where there are multiple choices under “New to Faith.”
Jesus answered, 'It is written: "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."’
— Matthew 4:4
Pray (talk to God) and Meditate (listen to God and process)
Start your day with prayer. Thank God for another day. Ask Him what you should do or think about today. Ask Him for guidance. And then listen for the answer. Spend some time in quiet contemplation.
End your day with prayer. Thank God for everything that happened and what you learned. You will learn that you can call on God at anytime for anything. Pray for peace, pray for understanding, pray for guidance, pray for grace, pray for wisdom. Remember to pray for others as well.
Listen to your heart and the Holy Spirit speaking to your soul. There is so much information coming at us from so many places these days. Sometimes it’s too much! In meditation we attempt to tune down or turn off the mind for a little while so we can listen to our heart and our soul. What is God saying to you?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Join a Church
Find a church that speaks to you, one that you feel comfortable in. You may want to visit a few different churches to discover the one that feels like the best fit for you.
A good church will support you in many ways: body, mind, and soul. But you will soon find that church is really about the people in the church. They can help you. And you can help them too. Everyone has something to contribute. Believe it or not, your church needs you as much as you need them. Find the one where you feel like you belong.
(Jesus speaking) For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
— Matthew 18:20
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
There are really two parts to this instruction. The first is that you should take good care of yourself. You are God’s creature and He wants you to be healthy and peaceful and wise. Nurture yourself. Fill your pockets so you will naturally have more to offer others. Remember to rest. Even God took a day off!
And then Love your neighbor. What does that mean? How do you like to be treated? With respect, kindness, forgiveness perhaps. How can you help others? We are all given gifts which we can offer to others. What are your gifts to offer?
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
— Matthew 22:37–39
Remember that God Loves You
God does not expect perfection from you. Only God is perfect. If we were perfect, then we would have nothing to learn or strive for. We all make mistakes. That’s part of being human. Admit your wrongs. Pray for forgiveness from God. Ask for forgiveness from others, and forgive others even if they don’t ask.
God loves you the way you are, and you should too.
(Jesus speaking) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
— Matthew 6:12
Enjoy the Journey!
There is so much heaven on earth! Turn off the TV, go outside and look up - isn’t it wonderful? Hear the wind in the trees and the sounds of children playing in the park. Feel the water caressing your body as your bathe. Smell the roses as they say. These things really do matter. God created a beautiful world for us - enjoy it!
Enjoy people too. It’s a universal truth that we all have so much more in common than we have differences. Talk to people. Experience kindness. Have a good laugh. Look for God in every living thing.
We are meant to enjoy our journey. Consider keeping a journal to express your thoughts and feelings, and to look back on all your progress.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
— Philippians 4:4
Ask for Help
Reach out when you need help. We all do from time to time.
If there is anything we can do for you, please Contact Us. We are here for you.
But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me...
— Psalm 70:5