Congratulations on your decision to embark on a new journey in the Christian faith! Welcome to the family of God! Starting a new journey in the Christian faith is an exciting and transformative experience. As a new believer, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to begin.
This blog post aims to provide you with six essential steps to guide your exploration and growth as a follower of Christ.
Let’s dive in!
1. Seek Understanding
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)
Begin by exploring the foundations of Christianity. Read the Bible, the sacred text of Christianity, to gain a deeper understanding of its teachings and the life of Jesus Christ. The Bible is a treasure trove of divine wisdom and guidance. Start with the New Testament, within the Gospels (i.e., Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which provides a comprehensive account of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. Regularly meditate on God’s Word, allowing it to illuminate your path and provide direction for your life. Also, consider joining a Bible study group or seeking guidance from a knowledgeable Christian mentor who can help answer your questions, as it can be intimidating or overwhelming to start reading and studying the Bible on your own.
Here are some tools and resources you can use:
- Enduring Word – Bible commentary
- Blue Letter Bible – Bible commentary
- Bible Study Tools – Bible commentary
- BibleRef – Bible commentary
- Got Questions – Biblical website (answer your Bible questions)
- YouVersion – Bible app
- Bible Gateway – Online Bible
- Bible Hub – Online Bible and Bible dictionary
- Bible Project – Online Bible story videos explained
Related: How to Study the Bible
2. Embrace Faith
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)
Christianity is centred around a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and invite Him into your life. Acknowledge your need for forgiveness and the redemption offered through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Embrace faith as a conscious decision and trust in God’s love and grace. To take a further step in embracing your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour is publically proclaiming your faith in Jesus through baptism. Baptism is a full submersion in water which illustrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Being baptised represents a born-again Christian; death to sin as you submerge in the water and holy and sanctified life as you emerge from the water (Romans 6:4).
If you want to know more about baptism, I have a Baptism Printable designed to prepare and guide believers on their Baptism day publicly declaring their faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Connect with a Church Community
“24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-45, NIV)
Being part of a supportive church community is essential for your spiritual growth. Find a local church where you can worship and grow in your faith alongside fellow believers. Attend services regularly and engage in the community by joining small groups, volunteering, or participating in church activities. Connecting with other Christians can provide support, guidance, and opportunities for spiritual growth and accountability. However, be mindful of not having a relationship with Christ through other believers, it should be with other believers. Therefore, do not neglect your personal devotional time with God, depend on the Holy Spirit as your Helper to guide you along your Christian journey (John 14:26, ESV).
Here are 10 reasons why we should go to church:
4. Cultivate Prayer and Devotion
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6, NIV)
Develop a habit of regular prayer and personal devotion. Prayer is a means of communicating with God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and presenting your needs. Communicating with God not only involves talking to Him, but it also includes listening to Him. The more you are intentionally in the presence of God and cultivating a habit of prayer, both individually and in community you can discern the voice of God. Therefore, you can be guided by His instructions and wisdom for your life according to His purpose. So, intentionally set aside dedicated time for personal devotion, studying God’s Word, and seeking His presence. Seek His guidance in all areas of your life, trusting that He hears and responds to your prayers. Consider keeping a journal to record your prayers and insights to witness how God shows up in your life and how He answers your prayers according to His will.
Related: How to Pray Effectively
5. Live According to Christian Values
“12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV)
As a new believer, strive to align your thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings of Christ. We were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), so we were called with a purpose to represent God to the world. Thus, practice love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion in your interactions with others. Let love be the driving force behind all you do, and forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. Seek to live a life that reflects the character of Christ and be mindful of your choices, both in private and in public. For, the way we love others is a testament to being followers of Christ (John 13:35). However, you cannot do this on your own, you need the help of the Holy Spirit to enable you to embody the character of God (Galatians 5:22-23).
Related: How to Live Like Jesus
6. Seek Discipleship and Growth
“16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
Christianity is a journey of continual growth and transformation. Continually pursue personal growth in your Christian walk. Engage in discipleship, which involves learning from more mature believers and studying Christian literature that deepens your understanding of the faith. Attend seminars, conferences, or retreats that can provide further spiritual nourishment. As you grow, be open to sharing your faith with others and becoming a disciple-maker yourself. Also, serve others selflessly, using your God-given gifts to bless those around you.
Related: How to be a Woman of God
As you embark on this new journey in the Christian faith, remember that you are not alone. God is with you every step of the way, guiding and shaping you into the person He created you to be. By seeking understanding, embracing faith, connecting with a church community, cultivating prayer and devotion, living according to Christian values, and seeking discipleship and growth, you lay a firm foundation for your spiritual journey. Stay committed, stay connected, and allow God’s Word to guide your steps as you walk this path of faith. May your journey be filled with the joy, peace, and abundant blessings that come from a deep relationship with God.
Don’t forget to share this post with someone who will also benefit from learning how to get started in their walk with Jesus.
Stay blessed,
Hi, I am Divine L., your sister-in-F.A.I.T.H., who is passionate about discipling Christian girls to be a walking embodiment of Jesus Christ in their daily lives and to help young girls and woman become who God destined for them to become. It is a great blessing to welcome you to the F.A.I.T.H. sisterhood!