I'm a new christian, what now?

Question

I have recently accepted the Lord, but now don't know what the next step is. I told my pastor, but he kind of left me hanging. Any suggestions as far as good devtionals, or a good book of the bible I could start reading? Also I am looking for a good church for me...I am 22, single, no kids, and I live in the Orange County area.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have put the cart before the horse. How did you come to the conclusion that you should be a christian without reading the bible or going to church? I think you should put more thought into it.

Answer 2

If your Pastor is not helping you with your spiritual growth, then 1) consider finding another church.
2) Technically, he is right. Your walk with G-d is personal & is up to you; not him. Begin by going to a local religious bookstore & looking at different versions of the Bible until you find one that makes sense to you.
3) Set a time aside daily when you read the Scripture & spend time in prayer.
4) As you read the Word, pay close attention to whatever jumps off the pages at you. This is G-d beginning to speak to you through the Scripture.
As someone else mentioned, look into finding a Bible study group or small group of other Believers where you feel accepted & loved. They will give you the support you need.
5) Do not get discouraged. Deciding to follow G-d is a long & sometimes bumpy road. You will have setbacks. You will also grow beyond your wildest dreams since G-d's plan for your life goes FAR beyond anything you could have ever dreamed or imagined. Consider keeping a journal & keep track of prayers & answered prayers. I keep a track of things I think G-d is impressing on me.
Welcome aboard!

Answer 3

If only you were a little bit souther you could come to the Rock in San Diego!! Congrads on your new life!! Sorry to hear that your pastor left you hanging. I would say start with the gospels, those are the best on teaching you what Jesus did for you and what you have to look forward to. GET INTO A SMALL GROUP!!! I cannot stress that enough. Fellowship is so very important as we make our way through our walk with the Lord. As for a church

http://www.local.com/results.aspx?keyword=Non-Denominational+Christian+church&location=Orange+County%2C+CA&setlocation=on&newsearch=true&x=43&y=14

There are some in Orange County, I just did a basic search. Check them out, see which one you feel most comfortable in, and that you hear the Lord speaking to you. Afterwards, get involved in ministries, and FELLOWSHIP!! =) If you ever need encouraging words, feel free to email me!!

[e-mail]

Welcome sister!

Answer 4

There are several books with a title of : "So that is in the Bible?" that is really good to read. It covers just about every topic in our world today.
Get a good study Bible that tells you what the chapters mean in modern terms. (I have a New International King James Version that works best for me.) And I read a Daily Devotional Bible every morning. The more you read the more you learn to pray. I was very new to this and found all this on my own. You can find all these at Christian book stores, and there is a book club called Crossings that you can join to get these.


Congratulations on your new walk with Christ, God Bless You

Answer 5

Well God bless you my friend. I live in Orange County, too. I have been attending a very, very good bible teaching church for about the last ten years, and my recommendation for you is to go to a good church (I attend Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa), and get into a bible study. As a matter of fact, the women's ministry at Calvary is about to start up a study called Joyful Life. It meets Thursdays from 7 to 9pm. I have been in this study for ten years and it has changed my life. This year we are going to be studying the book of Daniel. You are welcome to come.

It's very important to get into the word...especially these days when evil is growing all around us, so you can be protected by the truth of God.

Best wishes to you, and call the church if you have any questions.

Answer 6

Table Talk is a good devotional. Hebrews is an excellent Book on the superiority of Christ but it takes some understanding of the Levitical system to really appreciate it. Romans is the most important book to understand as it lays down all the central truths of the Word in the clearest manner (although they take time and study to understand). As to a church look for the purest preaching of the Gospel. Man is dead in sin apart from the sovereign free grace of God in Christ who saves His people by grace through faith. (Eph 2). Carry on soldier

Answer 7

I can recommend several devotionals. A good one is by Henry Nouwen called Bread for the Journy. Another is Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest.

C.S. Lewis is always a good choice.

My favorite books of the Bible are Romans or Ephesians.

Maybe you could join a Bible study at your church. Email me if you want more ideas. I studied the Bible and Theology in college.

Answer 8

Just continue to read your Bible and pray. If your pastor left you hanging I would look for a church that is concern about your soul. Don't ever be ashame even to pray at a place that you go and eat out. . God will reward you if you stay true to him. Making Heaven your home will be worth it all.

Answer 9

Study the bible. Most new Christians start with the book of John.
Go back to Matthew and study the whole new testament before studying the old testament. Study is the key.
Also find new friends with the same faith.
God bless you. Keep the faith when times get tough.

Answer 10

That's great to hear that you've accepted Jesus. I would suggest first read Luke than continue to acts and you will a better understanding of Jesus. Go to a church that goes by the bible, you have to test the church by what it says in the bible.

God bless you