Tips for New Christians
Congratulations! Following Jesus is a life-changing decision, yet starting a new journey is stimulating and unpredictable. You may be asking yourself what should your nexts steps be. Here are some tips to help you as a new Christian.
Growing in Grace: Tips for New Believers
1. Establish Connections within the Believing Community
- Recognize that your spiritual journey is not meant to be solitary.
- Surround yourself with fellow Christians who can provide encouragement, guidance, prayer, and support as you evolve.
- Seek out a local church that prioritizes biblical teachings and consider engaging in a small group or discipleship program.
- Embrace opportunities to serve others and share your faith with those around you.
2. Begin communicating with God Regularly Through Prayer
- Prayer is the direct line of communication with your Creator. It involves conversing with and listening to God.
- Feel free to pray any time, from any place, and about any topic.
- God seeks a personal relationship with you and will convey messages through His Word, His Spirit, and the people in your life.
- The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 can serve as a framework for your own prayers.
3. Progress in Faith by Preparing for Baptism
- Baptism is an external symbol of internal transformation.
- It signifies your allegiance to Jesus and cleansing from sin through His sacrifice.
- Moreover, it symbolizes your rebirth in Christ, denoting the abandonment of your former self and the embrace of a new existence (Romans 6:3-4).
- Baptism doesn’t grant salvation, yet it embodies obedience and attests to your faith.
4. Share Your Joyous Testimony with Loved Ones
- Never be reticent about the gospel; it holds the power of salvation for all believers (Romans 1:16).
- Share your personal encounter with God and how it has revolutionized your life.
- You need not possess exhaustive theological knowledge; simply speak from the heart with affection and respect.
- Extend invitations to loved ones to accompany you to church or Christian events.
5. Delve into the Scriptures and Embrace God’s Promises
- The Bible stands as a love letter from God to you, unveiling His nature, accomplishments, and desires for your life.
- It also functions as a roadmap for living a life that pleases Him and aligns with His purpose.
- Make daily reading, meticulous study, deep contemplation, and practical application of the Scriptures a habit.
- Begin with the Gospel of John, which illuminates Jesus as the Son of God and Savior.
6. Engage in Prolonged Reflection on Scripture
- Don’t limit your interaction with the Bible to mere reading; meditate on it, memorize it, and let it reshape your thoughts and emotions.
- The Word of God is alive and potent, sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
- It possesses the capacity to renew your mind, fortify your faith, provide solace to your soul, and equip you for noble deeds (Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Utilize devotionals or apps to facilitate focused contemplation.
7. Create a Journal of Cherished Verses
- As you delve into the Bible, you’ll encounter verses that resonate with you personally and offer spiritual inspiration.
- Document these in a physical notebook or digital format and revisit them periodically.
- Record your prayers, musings, inquiries, insights, and applications.
- Journaling will cement your lessons from God and memorialize the responses to your supplications.
These recommendations are tailored for new Christians and aim to guide you in nurturing your faith and aligning more closely with Jesus’ teachings. Remember that God’s love for you is boundless and He remains steadfast and present (Hebrews 13:5). He has a magnificent blueprint for your life and will carry to completion the transformative work He initiated (Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 1:6). By seeking Him wholeheartedly, your paths will become straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).