First Steps as a Christian

If you have turned from your sins and trusted in Jesus Christ, then you are a Christian—a son or daughter of God for all eternity! Below I list resources that will help you start growing as a Christian, or they will stimulate your growth if you feel stuck. And if you have been growing in your faith for some time, read these books to learn how to help others get established in the Christian faith.

What Should I Do Now That I'm a Christian? by Sam Emadi (1): “When you became a Christian, you recognized your need to be forgiven of sin and freed from sin’s reign over your life. As a result, your life has been changed forever―you are now a follower of Jesus. But what does the Bible say it means to follow Jesus? Sam Emadi offers eight simple steps you should take once you become a Christian, as you set out in newness of life to thrive as a disciple of Jesus.”

*I Will by Thom S. Rainer (1): A book that helps Christians to establish their life commitments, particularly to serve God and others in the context of Christian community.

The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges (1 or 2): This book is a warm, accessible introduction to Christian character development. It focuses on thirteen virtues produced by the Holy Spirit.

Start by Jay Simala (2): My book explains how to establish a relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ. In the process, it outlines the most central beliefs of the Christian faith.

*Identity Theft by Melissa Kruger (ed.) (2): All of us benefit from knowing these two things: what was true about ourselves before becoming Christians and what is now true about ourselves as Christians. The authors clearly and concisely explain ten glorious truths from the Bible. For example, they explain that we were once enslaved to the power of sin, but now we are free by God’s grace in Jesus Christ. And we were once outside God the Father’s family, but now we are his children. An excellent book to read with other Christians.

*Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald S. Whitney (2 or 3): Christian spiritual disciplines are habits that God uses in our lives to help us connect to him and others and advance his purposes. God both commands us to engage in these habits and gives us the grace we need to participate. They include habits such as Bible intake, prayer, and serving in a local church. Whitney’s writing is clear, practical, and, most importantly, saturated with Scripture. Consider reading this book with other Christians, using his study guide.

How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian? by Donald S. Whitney (2 or 3): God graciously grants genuine Christians assurance of their salvation in a variety of ways. Whitney explores this topic with his characteristic simplicity and wisdom. Ultimately, he argues, we have assurance because of the work that Jesus accomplished at the cross—dying for our sins and therefore establishing the only path to God.