If you have recently placed your faith in Jesus Christ, congratulations! You have begun a wonderful new life with Him, and we rejoice with you. As a new believer, you may be excited about your faith while also wondering what comes next. There are many ways to grow in your relationship with God, but these three simple steps will give you a strong foundation as you begin your walk with Christ.
1. Read the Bible Regularly
If you do not already have a Bible, we recommend that you purchase one. We recommend the King James Version as a faithful translation to use as you begin studying God’s Word. The Bible teaches us who God is, what He has done through Jesus Christ, and how He calls us to live. Reading it regularly will help you grow in your understanding of the gospel, develop wisdom, and learn to recognize truth.
Ultimately, you should aim to read the Bible every day. However, as you begin developing this important habit, set aside a specific time and plan to read at least four times each week. Choose a consistent time when you can give your attention to God’s Word without unnecessary distractions. As you read, consider what the passage teaches about God, what it reveals about your own life, and how you should respond. The goal is not simply to finish chapters, but to know God more deeply and allow His Word to shape your thoughts, priorities, and actions.
2. Pray Daily
Prayer is the privilege of speaking with God. Through prayer, you can praise Him, thank Him for His grace, confess your sins, ask for wisdom and strength, and bring your needs and concerns before Him. You do not need special words or a perfect setting; you can come to God honestly and reverently because of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Set aside time each day to pray, while also learning to speak with God throughout the day. As you pray, remember that prayer is not only about presenting requests—it is also about trusting God, seeking His will, and growing in fellowship with Him.
3. Find a Local Church with Sound Doctrine
Following Jesus was never meant to be lived out in isolation. A faithful local church gives you the opportunity to worship with other believers, receive biblical teaching, grow through fellowship, and serve others with the gifts God has given you. Look for a church where the Bible is treated as God’s authoritative Word and where the gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly taught.
Take time to learn what a church believes and teaches. Look for leaders who handle Scripture faithfully, a congregation that encourages holiness and love, and a community where you can grow as a disciple of Christ. Finding the right church may take time, but becoming part of a sound, Christ-centered church is an important step in your new life of faith.
These three practices—reading the Bible, praying daily, and joining a sound local church—are simple but essential ways to begin growing as a follower of Jesus Christ. Each one is important enough to explore in greater detail, and future articles will look more closely at how you can grow in each of these areas. For now, begin with these simple steps and seek to know God, trust Him, and grow in the grace He has given through Jesus Christ.