What's Next?

Your Journey with Christ Has Just Begun

If you have recently trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, we want to begin by saying congratulations! According to the Bible, this is the greatest decision you will ever make. At the moment you repented of your sin and placed your faith in Jesus Christ, God forgave every sin you have ever committed and ever will commit, declared you righteous through Christ, adopted you into His family, and gave you eternal life.

Salvation is not the finish line—it is the starting line.

God's desire is not only to save you from sin but also to transform you into the image of His Son. The Christian life is one of continual growth, learning, obedience, and joy. There will be victories and struggles, seasons of confidence and seasons filled with questions, but God promises to be faithful every step of the way.

This page is designed to help you take those first important steps.

1. Understand What Happened at Salvation

When you trusted Christ, something incredible happened—even if you didn't feel anything emotionally.

According to the Bible:

Your sins were completely forgiven (Colossians 2:13-14).
You were justified before God (Romans 5:1).
You became a child of God (John 1:12).
The Holy Spirit came to live within you (Ephesians 1:13-14).
You became a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Your eternity was forever secured in Christ (John 10:27-29).

Your relationship with God is now based on what Jesus accomplished on the cross—not on your ability to earn His favor.

You will still struggle with temptation because your flesh has not yet been glorified, but you now have the Holy Spirit living within you to help you grow in holiness and obedience.

Never base your assurance of salvation on your feelings.

Base it on God's promises.

2. Begin Reading the Bible Every Day

The Bible is God's perfect and sufficient Word.

It is how He reveals Himself, teaches us truth, corrects our thinking, strengthens our faith, and shows us how to live.

Imagine trying to build a relationship with someone without ever listening to them. The Christian life works the same way. God speaks through His Word.

Where Should I Start?

If you're new to Christianity, begin with:

The Gospel of John
Mark
Acts
Romans
Ephesians
Philippians
James

After reading the New Testament, begin reading through the Old Testament while continuing to read the New Testament regularly.

Before You Read

Pray something simple like:

"Lord, open my eyes to understand Your Word. Teach me who You are. Show me how to obey You today."

As You Read

Ask yourself:

What does this passage teach about God?
What does it teach about mankind?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there a promise to believe?
Is there a warning to avoid?
How does this point me to Jesus?

Don't rush.

It is far better to understand one chapter than to skim ten.

Good tools are located in your app store: E-Sword / Enduring Word Commentary / ChatGPT ( for answering questions )

3. Learn How to Study the Bible

Reading is good.

Studying is even better.

Bible study simply means slowing down long enough to understand what God intended to communicate.

A simple method is:

Observe

What does the passage actually say?

Interpret

What did this mean to the original audience?

Apply

How should this change the way I think, live, speak, or respond today?

Avoid taking verses out of context.

Always let Scripture explain Scripture.

The goal of Bible study isn't simply gaining information.

The goal is transformation.

4. Develop a Daily Prayer Life

Prayer is one of God's greatest gifts.

It is simply talking with your heavenly Father.

You don't need fancy words.

God desires honesty.

Pray about:

Thanking Him
Praising Him
Confessing sin
Asking for wisdom
Praying for others
Sharing your fears
Bringing your needs before Him

Jesus often withdrew to pray.

If the Son of God needed regular prayer, how much more do we?

5. Find a Faithful Local Church

One of the biggest mistakes new Christians make is trying to grow alone.

God designed the local church to help believers mature.

A healthy church provides:

Biblical preaching
Christ-centered worship
Fellowship
Accountability
Discipleship
Opportunities to serve
Encouragement during difficult seasons

What Should I Look For?

Find a church that believes:

The Bible is God's inspired Word.
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man.
Salvation is by grace through faith alone.
Jesus physically died and rose again.
The Gospel is faithfully preached.
God's Word is taught verse by verse.
Christ is the center of everything.

If you need help finding a biblical church, contact us.

We would love to help.

6. Follow Christ in Baptism

Baptism is the first act of obedience after salvation.

It does not wash away sin.

It does not save you.

It is a public testimony that you belong to Jesus Christ.

Baptism pictures:

Christ's death
His burial
His resurrection
Your new life in Him

If you have trusted Christ but have never been baptized after salvation, speak with your church about taking this important step.

7. Surround Yourself with Other Believers

The people around you will influence your walk with Christ.

Find believers who:

Love Scripture
Love Jesus
Encourage holiness
Speak truth in love
Challenge you to grow

Join a Bible study.

Attend church consistently.

Build friendships centered on Christ.

Growth happens much faster when you're walking with other believers.

8. Put Sin to Death

Although you have been forgiven, the Christian life involves an ongoing battle against sin.

You will still be tempted.

You will still fail at times.

But God calls us to repent quickly, confess our sin, and continue pursuing holiness.

Don't hide your struggles.

Bring them to God.

Ask mature believers to help you.

Remember:

Failure does not define you.

Christ does.

9. Learn to Share Your Faith

One of the greatest joys of being a Christian is telling others about Jesus.

You don't have to know everything.

Simply tell others:

Who you were before Christ.
How you came to trust Him.
How He has changed your life.
What the Gospel is.

God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Never underestimate what God can do through your story.

10. Begin Serving

Every Christian has been given gifts to serve God's people.

Serving isn't about recognition.

It's about loving others the way Christ loved us.

Look for opportunities to:

Help others
Encourage people
Volunteer
Welcome visitors
Pray with someone
Share the Gospel
Meet practical needs

As you serve, your faith will continue to grow.

11. Keep Growing

Spiritual growth doesn't happen overnight.

Some days you'll feel close to God.

Other days you'll struggle.

Keep going.

Read your Bible.

Pray.

Attend church.

Obey what God teaches you.

Trust Him even when your emotions fluctuate.

God promises to finish the work He started in every believer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I still struggle with sin?

Every Christian does. The difference is that believers now have the Holy Spirit helping them fight sin. Keep confessing, repenting, and trusting Christ.

What if I don't understand the Bible?

That's normal. Growth takes time. Ask questions, study faithfully, and learn alongside mature believers.

What if I doubt my salvation?

Don't look to your feelings.

Look to God's promises in Scripture.

If you have repented and trusted Christ alone, your confidence rests in Him—not in your emotions.

How long does spiritual growth take?

A lifetime.

Every day God is shaping you to become more like Jesus.