Praise the Lord! You have made the most important decision of your life by choosing to follow Jesus. This is the start of an incredible journey—one filled with hope, transformation, and a relationship with the One who created you. To help you take your first steps, here’s a guide to deepen your faith, grounded in the Word of God. Let’s look at the Next Steps for a New Christian!
1. Find a Bible-Believing Church
God designed us to live in community. Being part of a church will help you grow, provide support, and give you opportunities to worship God together with other believers. The Bible tells us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Look for a church that teaches from the Bible faithfully, encourages growth in Christ, and places a high value on both worship and service.
Pray for God’s guidance as you search. You may find it helpful to ask other Christians for recommendations or visit a few churches before deciding. Remember, the goal is to be in a place that teaches God’s Word and helps you grow in your relationship with Him.
2. Begin Studying the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word—His message to you. It’s where you learn about God’s character, His promises, and His will for your life. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Start by setting aside time each day to read the Bible. You could begin with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to learn about the life of Jesus.
Consider getting a notebook to write down verses that stand out to you, questions you have, and things you learn. Memorizing scripture can also be incredibly helpful—Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” The more you spend time in God’s Word, the more you will grow in understanding and love for Him.
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3. Build a Consistent Prayer Life
Prayer is how we communicate with God—it’s a conversation where you can praise Him, ask for help, and share your heart. Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” God desires a relationship with you, and prayer is one of the main ways to deepen that relationship.
Make it a goal to pray daily. You can start by thanking God for what He has done for you, confessing anything on your heart, and asking for His help and guidance. Remember, He loves to hear from His children.
4. Surround Yourself with Godly Influence
The people you spend time with will have a significant impact on your walk with God. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Surround yourself with friends who encourage you to grow closer to God. This could be people from your church, a Bible study group, or other believers in your community. Together, you can support one another in prayer, hold each other accountable, and rejoice in what God is doing in each of your lives.
5. Share Your Faith
Jesus calls us to share the good news of His love and salvation with others. In Matthew 28:19-20, He commands, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to share your story. Simply telling others what God has done in your life can have a powerful impact.
6. Keep Growing in Grace
The Christian life is a journey. There will be ups and downs, but God is with you every step of the way. 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Stay committed to learning, loving, and following Jesus each day. Even when it’s challenging, know that God’s grace is sufficient, and He will never leave you.
Final Encouragement
You are not alone in this journey. Jesus said, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Take one step at a time, trusting Him to guide you. He has an amazing plan for your life, and as you grow in Him, you’ll discover more of His love, joy, and peace. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime—God has incredible things in store for you!