My friend got caught up in the Wicca thing right after we graduated from high school. That was 8 years ago. He just recently accepted Jesus as his savior, but I have concerns he will still be influenced by his past associations (namely his wife). Is there a good book for a new Christian that will teach him where to start in the Bible and has practical guidance as well?
2006-12-10 11:50:28 · 15 answers · asked by Jdude 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Gospel of John is the probably the single most compelling book, followed by the "synoptic" Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
After these books, other books by the apostles are encouraging and interesting, such as 1st and 2nd Peter, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John. "Acts of Apostles" and Jude contain exciting events and information, and of course the letters of Paul are full of Christian thinking and principles.
The bible is the best place to learn about Jesus and Jehovah, and too many other books actually conflict with the written Word of the Divine Author.
(Matthew 15:6-9) You have made the word of God invalid because of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you when he said, 8 ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’
2006-12-13 01:39:40 · answer #1 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (I am a recent convert to the Church). The reason is that it is easy to read and meant for the lay person, like myself. It is a condensed version of the actual catechism, and will teach you everything you want to know about Christianity and Christ's Church. There are also a number of good authors, like Scott Hahn, Allen Schrek, who have written a number of good books explaining the faith.
Above all, go to church. Participate and become active in church, devote yourself to prayer. The knowledge is invaluable, but even more so is a personal relationship with Jesus.
I take it that your friend is going through many struggles right now. Pray for him, and let him know that he is not alone, that Jesus is with him, and that he has all the prayers of the saints and angels and Mother Mary behind him.
Take care, and God bless.
2006-12-10 12:00:26 · answer #2 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you go to a Christian Bookstore there is a ton of books to help. Also, at www.ttb.org It is a good teaching ministry called Thru the Bible. It a study of the entire bible in 5 yrs. Very good teachings
2006-12-10 11:56:46 · answer #3 · answered by angel 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That's a great question! There are so many faith books out there that it gets confusing. Admittedly, the majority seem to present the gospel from their perspective, and many authors have questionable scholarly backgrounds. Although I don't agree with everything the book states (which book would we totally agree with anyway) the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren would be one that I would recommend. The new book by Joel Olsen would be a 2nd recommendation. Good luck!
2006-12-10 11:57:40 · answer #4 · answered by Turnhog 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Get them a Catechism with explanation, I being a Lutheran would of course recommend Luther's Small Catechism. The explanation portion is just a Q & A that is supported by scriptural references.
Perhaps having a religious discussion or Bible study with them as support would help as well.
2006-12-10 11:56:26 · answer #5 · answered by phoenix_slayer2001uk 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Driven Life by Rick Warren
2006-12-10 12:15:52 · answer #6 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Bible, Strong's Concordance and possibly a good study software such as e-sword! The latter is FREE!
2006-12-10 11:56:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It won't teach him where to look in the Bible, but 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis is great at reaching people struggling with Christianity and conversion. I'm buying copies for several of my non-Christian friends this year!
Lots of luck and God Bless!
2006-12-10 11:54:14 · answer #8 · answered by Tiffany 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
YES. We had a man come to our church who was a former medium now christian. He wrote a book and he tells why mediums are wrong ect. I couldn't put his book down. He also talks about Wicca and the new age stuff.
His name is Ben Alexander.
2006-12-10 11:59:57 · answer #9 · answered by Jeanmarie 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Jason R, why does he have to be Christian? This will obviously be a point of contention between your friend and his wife. It would seem to me that you are selfishly more concerned about him being Christian (like you) than you are about his happiness and his marriage.
2006-12-10 15:56:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋