WHAT NEXT?
starting out as a christian
If you've trusted in Jesus, everything has changed.
You're not just forgiven - you're adopted into God's family. You're not just rescued from hell - you're welcomed into heaven. You're not just given a clean slate - you're given a new identity as a beloved child of God.
This isn't the end of your journey with God - it's the beginning of an adventure that will last forever.
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THE BIBLE
The Bible is how God speaks to you personally
Just as any relationship grows through communication, your relationship with God grows as you read His Word. Start with the Gospel of John, then Romans, then work through the New Testament.
Reading Regularly
Don't worry if you don't understand everything immediately. Even mature Christians are still learning. The key is to start reading regularly - even just 10 minutes a day will transform your life.
Practical tip:
Use a modern translation like the NLT or ESV, and consider using a Bible app that gives you daily reading plans.
RESOURCES
Easy to understand animated resources to help people understand the Bible
Free app with audio versions
Book:
"How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth" by Gordon Fee
Start Talking to God
Prayer is simply talking to God as your loving Father.
You don't need special words or formal language. God wants to hear about your concerns, your gratitude, your questions, and your struggles. He's interested in every detail of your life.
Start by thanking Him for saving you, then talk to Him about whatever is on your mind. Ask Him to help you grow, to give you strength to follow Him, and to help you understand His Word, the Bible.
A simple pattern: Thank God for something, confess any sin, ask for what you need, and pray for others.
Further reading: Matthew 6 verse 9 - 13 ( The Bible )
Find a Bible-Teaching Church
You weren't meant to follow Jesus alone.
God designed Christians to grow together in local churches. Look for a church that:
- Teaches the Bible clearly and applies it to daily life
- Believes the gospel message you've just responded to
- Has friendly people who will welcome and help you grow
- Offers opportunities to serve others
Don't expect perfection - churches are full of people like you who are being transformed by God's grace. The goal is to find a place where you can learn, grow, and contribute.
Tell Someone About Your Decision
Your faith grows stronger when you share it.
Find a Christian friend, family member, or church leader and tell them about your decision to follow Jesus. They'll be thrilled to hear your news and can help you take next steps.
Don't worry if some people don't understand or even oppose your new faith. Jesus warned that this would happen. Stay loving but firm in what you believe.
Further reading: Matthew 10 verse 32 ; Romans 10 verse 9 ( The Bible )
START living differently
Your new life in Christ will show itself in practical ways.
You don't have to clean up your life to become a Christian - Jesus accepts you as you are. But once you're a Christian, He begins transforming you from the inside out.
This means:
- Turning away from sin: When the Holy Spirit shows you something in your life that displeases God, confess it and ask for help to change
- Growing in love: Start looking for ways to serve and care for others, especially fellow Christians
- Sharing your faith: Look for opportunities to tell others about what Jesus has done for you
Be Baptised
Jesus commanded all His followers to be baptised in water.
Baptism is a simple but powerful act of obedience that publicly declares your faith in Jesus. When you're baptised, you're immersed in water and brought back up again, symbolising that your old life has died with Christ and you've been raised to new life with Him
Why is baptism important?
Jesus Himself was baptised and commanded His disciples to baptise new believers. It's not what saves you - only faith in Jesus does that - but it's the first step of obedience Jesus asks of you. Baptism publicly identifies you with Jesus and His people, showing the world that you now belong to Him.
What should you do?
Speak to the leaders at a local church about being baptised. They'll explain their process and help you prepare for this significant step. Don't delay - baptism is meant to follow soon after believing, as a joyful declaration of your new life in Christ.
Matthew 28:19: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Further reading: Mark 16 verses 15 & 16 ; Romans 6 verse 3 & 4 ( The Bible )
Keep learning and growing
Following Jesus is a lifelong journey of discovery.
Consider reading these books to help you grow:
- "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
- "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges
- "Desiring God" by John Piper
- "Basic Christianity" by John Stott
Online resources:
- Desiring God - Articles and sermons
- The Gospel Coalition - Theology and practical Christian living
- Ligonier Ministries - Reformed theology and Bible teaching
Remember God's Promises
Your relationship with God is secure because it's based on Jesus' work, not yours.
There will be times when you doubt, struggle with sin, or feel distant from God. Remember that your salvation depends on what Jesus has done, not on how you feel or how well you perform.
Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
You are loved, you are forgiven, you are secure, and you have eternal life. Nothing can change that because it's all based on Jesus' perfect work for you.
Welcome to the greatest adventure of all - knowing and following Jesus Christ.
Need help with next steps?
Contact us via the form below or visit a local Bible-teaching church in your area.
Contact us
Who We Are
People With A Mission Ministries
People With A Mission Ministries (PWAMM) is a Christian organisation based in Perth, dedicated to the vision of “Taking God’s power and presence back to the communities of Scotland.” PWAMM is headquartered at the National Christian Outreach Centre, located on Riggs Road in Perth, Scotland.