Praise God that you’ve made the crazy (and not so popular) decision to become a Christian by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior! I’m so excited and happy for you 🙂 I bet you’re wondering – what’s next? You’re probably thinking – “how am I supposed to act?” “How am I supposed to feel?” “Am I supposed to become a ray of sunshine everyday?”
It’s perfectly normal to think and feel this way! We’ve all been there and done that 🙂 Rest assured that you may not “feel” any different as a Christian or you are still having grumpy days. However God has planted the seed and begun a good work in you as promised. Soon your life will start to change.
It’s a daily walk and process. It’s not a magic pill that exudes perfection instantly, but a learning experience as you become more and more like Jesus! So what’s the first step?
Get a Study Bible
I would suggest getting a study bible. A good bible that has a concordance to look up scriptures or passages that you don’t understand. Amazon or your local Christian bookstore has a wide variety of choices. It’s always great to start reading in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They were four disciples who were taught by Jesus. They walked, talked and witnessed miracles that he performed. Thankfully, they also witnessed his death, burial and ultimate resurrection!
View Amazon’s Concordance Bibles
If you don’t want to use a physical bible, you can always download a bible app on your smart phone for convenience. I personally enjoy using YouVersion. It’s a great place to read and explore topics in the bible that you want to research for better understanding. There’s also daily reading plans that you can participate in. Reading Gods word also provides a shield against the attacks from Satan! You want to arm yourself at all times…
Find yourself a bible based church home
I know it is quite confusing deciding which church home works best for you. There are literally tons to choose from and unfortunately some that don’t teach Gods word as they should. So I recommend asking God for direction through prayer. He will lead and guide you to fellowship with a Pastor and community of Christian believers on one accord.
This is also a place to share your gift with your church family. It could be singing in the choir, ministering to the youth or becoming an usher. God has given us all at least one gift to be used in his kingdom to inspire, teach and help those along the way. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says,
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Just remember, Christians are still human and make mistakes. Don’t allow another person to deter you from attending church because of their shortcomings. We are all here to help one another get through life’s journey together! Hebrews 10:25 says, “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.”
Witness to others who don’t believe
Now that you’ve accepted Christ into your life, it’s also your responsibility to witness to others who are lost. You want to ask yourself, “how can you help others find the joy, peace and love that you’ve experienced?” I like to believe that the Holy Spirit, which now dwells inside of you, will direct you to those who need help.
It may be a friend, family member, coworker or even a stranger on the street. You never know who God places along your path to witness to. You may have been witnessed to by one of these people. Paying it forward is your greatest reward!
Sharing testimonials with those who are going through challenging times, creates trust. Sharing your story with a unbeliever, can open their heart to want to learn more about Christ. All you need to do is speak with others in love and let God do the rest. It’s not our job to become judgmental or save unbelievers, but to point them in the right direction! Amen
Participate in a Christian bible study group
In addition to finding a church home, it’s always wise to join a bible study group provided by your church or online study group of choice. Sometimes, women find it easier to study with women and likewise with men. But feel free to join a study group that you feel comfortable participating in. Study groups are a great way to fellowship with other believers.
It also provides accountability and healthy dialogue. Most importantly, answers to questions about Gods word from a different perspective. Just remember, you must always pray and ask God for clarification of his word when in doubt or confusion. If you prefer to study His word alone, it’s perfectly fine as your one-on-one study time with God!
As another resource for you, I created Transcribe The Word – Online Bible Study & Journal Challenge
It’s a 5-day online topical bible study and journal challenge designed to quickly learn and dive into Gods word in just 10-15 mins a day based on a monthly theme. The benefit of a 5-day study (as opposed to a 7-day study) is that there is less chance of falling far behind. As you read and write out the daily verse(s) in the print or digital study materials I provide, meditate on what God is saying directly to your heart. Gods word is alive and applicable to today’s living! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
New! Personal Growth Bible Studies That Tear Down Strongholds
A new online bible study that provides simple guides with questions that dig deep along with scripture to defeat whatever stronghold, problem or temptation you’re facing on a constant basis. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Becoming a new or renewed Christian has its challenges. But thank God – He’s worth it!
I would love to hear from you! If I can be of service or you’re in need of prayer, please contact me below!