You have made the decision to become a Christian, congratulations!
It’s only the beginning of your new life with Christ.
The process of learning and growing in your new faith is called discipleship. Adult & Teen Challenge has many studies to help you in your Christian walk with the Lord.
You will want to grow and mature as a Christian to learn more about God and His plan for your life.
Here are a few essential elements of Christianity to help you in your journey.
1. Prayer
It is important to spend time in prayer every day. Your spirit needs spiritual food to grow, even more than your body needs physical food. Time in prayer is one avenue to feeding your spirit.
We have access to God’s presence anytime we want to spend time with Him. Prayer is simply talking with God. Learn to share your thoughts, fears, and desires with Him.
Praise, thankfulness, confession, and requests will become an active part of your prayer life.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. You don’t need fancy words or long speeches—just an open heart. Here are a few key aspects of prayer to help guide you:
- Praise & Worship – Thank God for who He is and what He has done.
- Thanksgiving – Express gratitude for His blessings in your life.
- Confession – Acknowledge your sins and ask for forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Requests – Share your needs, fears, and desires with Him (Philippians 4:6-7).
Building a Prayer Habit
To develop a strong prayer life, try these practical steps:
- Set aside time daily – Morning, evening, or any quiet moment.
- Use a prayer journal – Write down prayers and track how God answers.
- Pray Scripture – Use verses like Psalm 23 or the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
- Stay connected to God throughout the day – Short prayers, even while working or running errands, help keep your heart aligned with Him.
Prayer is a powerful way to grow in faith and experience God’s presence, and is en essential element for New Christians. As you continue your Christian journey, make prayer a daily habit—it will transform your relationship with God.
2. Bible Reading
The second way to feed your spirit is with Bible reading. To grow as new Christians, it is essential to develop a daily habit of spending time in God’s Word.
As you read and study, it will become clear how passages apply to your life. The Bible is God’s way of sharing Himself with us. Find a translation that is easy for you to read – perhaps the New Living Translation (NLT) or the New King James Version (NKJV). A good place to start reading is the Gospel of John and 1 John in the New Testament.
Where Should You Start?
Finding a place to start in the Bible can feel overwhelming. Here are a few great books to begin with:
- The Gospel of John – A deep look at Jesus’ life, miracles, and His love for us.
- 1 John – Encouragement about God’s love and how to walk in faith.
- Psalms – Comforting prayers and praises, perfect for times of struggle or worship.
- Proverbs – Practical wisdom for daily life and decision-making.
Choosing the Right Bible Translation
It’s important to find a translation that is easy to understand. Some good options for new believers include:
- New Living Translation (NLT) – Simple and clear wording while staying true to the original text.
- New International Version (NIV) – A balance between accuracy and readability.
- New King James Version (NKJV) – Keeps the traditional tone of the Bible while making it easier to read.
How to Make Bible Reading a Habit
- Set a daily time – Morning, before bed, or during a break—consistency is key!
- Use a devotional or Bible study guide – This helps with structure and deeper understanding.
- Highlight or take notes – Writing down insights or questions can make reading more engaging.
- Ask God for wisdom – Before reading, pray for understanding (James 1:5).
As you spend time in Scripture, you will begin to hear God speaking to you, shaping your thoughts, and strengthening your faith through this element of Christianity.
3. Fellowship with Other Believers
We all need help and support in life. Our Christian walk is no different.
Becoming part of your local church is important, but it’s more than attending services on Sunday morning. (There’s a Bible verse about the importance of meeting with other Christians – Hebrews 10:25.)
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
As you get involved in small groups and share with others, you will receive encouragement and strength from others. It’s important to make new friends who share your new beliefs; they will help you continue to grow and learn from others.
Why is Fellowship Important?
- Encouragement in faith – Being around other believers strengthens your walk with Christ.
- Accountability – Fellow Christians help keep you on track and encourage spiritual discipline.
- Opportunities to serve – Being part of a church allows you to use your gifts to bless others.
- Learning from mature believers – Gaining wisdom from those who have walked with Christ longer helps you grow.
Ways to Connect with Other Believers
- Join a small group – Many churches offer Bible studies or discipleship groups.
- Find a mentor – A spiritual mentor can guide you as you grow in faith.
- Attend Christian events or conferences – These help deepen your knowledge and connect you with like-minded believers.
- Engage in serving others – Volunteering in ministries or community service can strengthen your faith and impact others.
Building relationships with fellow Christians is vital to staying strong in your faith. Surround yourself with those who will uplift, guide, and pray for you on your spiritual journey.
4. Learn to Trust God
Learning to fully trust God can be challenging, especially when facing difficulties.
Many new Christians struggle to believe that they are completely forgiven and accepted by God. But the Bible reminds us that salvation is not something we earn, but a free gift from God:
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)
Don’t doubt God’s plan for your salvation.
Why is Trusting God Important?
- It strengthens your faith – The more you trust God, the deeper your relationship with Him grows.
- It brings peace – Worry and fear fade when you believe God is in control.
- It allows God to guide your steps – Trusting God means letting Him lead your life.
Ways to Build Trust in God
- Remember God’s promises – The Bible is full of promises of His faithfulness and provision.
- Surrender your worries in prayer – Instead of carrying burdens alone, give them to God.
- Look at past faithfulness – Reflect on times when God has answered prayers or provided for you.
- Surround yourself with believers who trust God – Their faith will encourage yours.
When doubts come, turn to Scripture and remind yourself of God’s love and faithfulness.
Trusting God is a journey, but as you walk in faith, you’ll see His goodness and provision unfold in your life as a new Christian.
5. Memorizing Scripture
Reading the Bible is the first step in understanding God’s Word. But when you memorize a scripture, it’s with you at all times.
If you are doubting that God has forgiven you, memorize 2 Corinthians 5:17: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” or 1 John 5:13: “I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.”
In 1 Corinthians 13:11, the apostle Paul wrote about spiritual growth: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”
We all want to grow and mature in our Christian life. Blessings as you begin your new life in Christ!
Why Memorize Scripture?
- Strengthens your faith – The more you know God’s Word, the easier it is to trust Him.
- Helps in difficult times – When you’re struggling, recalling Scripture brings comfort and guidance.
- Equips you to encourage others – When someone needs wisdom, you can share God’s truth.
- Strengthens your ability to resist temptation – Jesus used Scripture to resist the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).
Practical Ways to Memorize Scripture
- Write it down – Keep Bible verses on sticky notes, notecards, or your phone.
- Use a Bible memory app – Apps like “Bible Memory” or “Verses” help with practice.
- Repeat it daily – Say the verse out loud multiple times each day.
- Apply it to real-life situations – When facing fear, memorize a verse about God’s peace (e.g., Philippians 4:6-7).
By committing Bible verses to memory, you equip yourself with God’s truth to guide, comfort, and strengthen you in every situation.
If you want more help with your journey, consider Adult & Teen Challenge curriculum: How Can I Know I’m a Christian and Who is God? – more useful resources can be found in our store
