This is for new believers who are looking for guidance in their faith walk and for believers wanting to tighten their relationship.

Links: Books For Women, Bible Study Resources, Free Verse Mapping PDF

One thing that I am so grateful for is GOD welcoming me back with Open Arms as if I didn’t leave in the first place but I did! Thank God for being a forgiving Father. One thing to know about me is that I grew up in the church, I was in the choir, and served in many ministries, but I never really thought it was cool. It wasn’t a priority to me. Eventually, I disconnected for many reasons and began to seek different spiritual communities, but no matter what I never really felt that connection like I did as a Christian. Although I am not a new believer, I came back to Christ as a small child sitting at His feet learning and being intentional with my personal relationship with Christ.

My number one tip when it comes to being a believer is intentionally making it PERSONAL. For a long time I did church and religion because of others, I didn’t have the urge to truly seek Him out. I did it because people were looking at me because of my position. So even if you are a believer because of someone else, make sure that you go your own path to truly find out who God is and who He is to you! The past year of returning to my Father, I experienced Him as my Father, my Friend, and my Provider. Who is God to you at this moment of your life?

So as I began this journey back to Christ, I wanted to be intentional with really knowing God. But, how do you do that? Just like you would do if you met someone new, SPEND time with HIM! As you continue reading, I am going to share tools, resources, and action steps that helped me grow my faith, become bold for Christ and embrace my role as His disciple.

Once I experienced His saving grace, I was hooked, I fell so in love with Jesus and didn’t want to let go, so I jumped all in! No turning back, I surrendered my life to Him.

Dear New Believers, This is How It Began

A Still Moment

I rededicated my life to God in January 2022 during the first forced stillness of life, I caught Covid. I couldn’t go anywhere, the world became quiet. My heart had been pricked by a message or my boyfriend, I cannot quite recall, but I watched a message from Sarah Jakes Roberts and I gave my life to Christ on my sofa in the living room. No one was around but me and the Holy Spirit. However, the slow moment lasted for about 4 days, and I went back to working non-stop. I owned a bookstore that was open 7-days a week. This lasted 8 months, I watched a sermon on Sundays and played Gospel music SOMETIMES at the bookstore. It was August when God told me to close the bookstore. There were no plans, it was just CLOSE the store. I spent the month of September closing out the store, packing, cleaning, and not thinking about what was next.

Once I was officially out, I began to add classes to my educational business, trying to keep up with engagements but my mind and body was shutting down and nothing seemed to be working out. Now it is early November, I had the urge to go to church. Keep in mind, I wasn’t really doing much, but I could feel a pruning and shift happening. God told me which church to go to but the enemy really tried to stop me from going. I had so many excuses why I shouldn’t go but God wasn’t hearing it. I made it to church with a lot of negative thoughts. During that 1.5 hours of service, my life transformed and I wasn’t the same. I went back every Sunday.

During that 1.5 hours of service, my life transformed and I wasn’t the same. I went back every Sunday.

During this time, I didn’t have a full-time job and was head over heels for being a content creator, an artist, and a full-time entrepreneur. But of course, I wasn’t making much and was still stressed, but once I attended that service, my desires started shifting. I still wanted to be a content creator, an artist, and a full-time entrepreneur but now the content was changing. I wanted to be a Christian content creator doing full-time ministry! One thing the bible says is that your gifts will make room for you Proverbs 18:16, the only thing is it will be abundant when using your gift for the Kingdom. Just like Peter, God didn’t give him new skills or talents, he was a fisherman but now is a fisher of men. I was an educator, artist, and content creator for the world, but now I do that for the Kingdom.

When you sit with Jesus forced or unforced, you hear Him, and you begin to see shifting happening, but sis, LET IT HAPPEN. Do not run from it.

How I Was Intentional

I Chose the Better Thing Luke 10:42

Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and her sister Martha was working and complained, Jesus said, Mary has chosen what was better and that would not be taken away. This scripture moved me so much that I wrote a Bible Study Challenge called, She Sits At His Feet. I am a witness that sitting at Jesus’ feet will change your life forever. At first, I was forced, then I embraced and I actually wrote about it here. I participated in my boyfriend’s family bible study, and I was like I WANT MORE… I was addicted. I desired to know the word for myself so I started reading the bible.

I had no idea where to start so I just randomly chose passages and I felt so lost. But it was like God said, “Get to know me” and I was drawn to start reading the Gospels starting with Matthew. MATTHEW CHANGED MY LIFE. I could tell that through the reading and STUDYING my heart and mind literally turned to Jesus, I could see myself in there watching, walking around, following Jesus. Midway through the book, I said, I want to be a disciple, SEND ME!!!

It started with reading, then it turned into me sharing devotionals, then I was a full Christian Lifestyle Blogger. Switching up like that made me nervous, but God eased the anxiety. Started a whole Christian community. Funny what happens when you focus on God, everything shifts to God. You can join the Patreon Community Here.

So Now For the New Believers

I know you hear this all the time but the next few things are vital for establishing and growing your relationship with Christ.

1. Read the Bible: The Bible is the primary source of knowledge and guidance for Christians. Start by reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to learn about Jesus Christ and his teachings. As you progress, you can move on to other books in the Bible.
2. Pray: Prayer is a way of communicating with God. It can help you develop a closer relationship with Him and seek His guidance and support.
3. Attend Church: Attend a local church to learn from other believers, worship together, and participate in community activities.
4. Join a Small Group: Joining a small group of other believers can help you grow in your faith, get support, and share experiences.
5. Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a central teaching in Christianity. Learn to forgive others and ask for forgiveness when you have wronged someone.
6. Serve Others: Serving others is a way to live out your faith and show love to others.
7. Seek Christian Mentorship: Find a Christian mentor who can help guide you in your faith journey and answer any questions you may have.
8. Trust in God: Trust that God has a plan for your life and that He is always with you, even in difficult times.

Here are Some Of My Favorite Resources for New Believers

1. Bible: The Bible is the primary resource for Christians. Start with a modern translation such as the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT). Some popular study Bibles include the Life Application Study Bible, the ESV Study Bible, and the NIV Study Bible.
2. Devotional books: Devotional books are designed to help you connect with God on a daily basis. Some popular ones include “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers, and “Morning and Evening” by Charles Spurgeon.
3. Christian podcasts: Podcasts are a great way to learn and be inspired by other believers. Some popular Christian podcasts include “The Bible Project”, “The Gospel Coalition”, and “Ask Pastor John”.
4. Christian books: There are countless Christian books available that can help you deepen your understanding of the faith. Some popular ones include “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis, “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren, and “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel. Here is a longer list.
5. Christian websites: There are many Christian websites that offer articles, resources, and information for new believers. Some popular ones include Christianity Today, Crosswalk.com, BibleHub and BibleGateway.com.
6. Christian music: Christian music can be a great way to worship and connect with God. Some popular Christian artists include Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, and Lauren Daigle.
7. Christian communities: Joining a Christian community can be a great way to find support and encouragement. Look for local churches or small groups in your area.

Remember, as new believers, it’s important to seek out resources that align with your beliefs and help you grow in your faith.

Studying The Bible for New Believers

Studying the Bible is an important part of growing in your faith as a Christian and so helpful for new believers. Here are some steps to help you study the Bible effectively:

1. Pray: Begin your Bible study with prayer, asking God to guide you and help you understand His Word.
2. Choose a passage or topic: Decide on a specific passage or topic to study. It’s helpful to use a study Bible or concordance to find related verses.
3. Read the passage: Read the passage several times to get a general understanding of its meaning.
4. Observe: Look closely at the details of the passage. Ask questions like: Who is speaking? What is happening? What words or phrases stand out?
5. Interpret: Try to understand the meaning of the passage in its historical and cultural context. Use cross-references and commentaries to help you.
6. Apply: Consider how the passage applies to your life. Ask questions like: What does this teach me about God? How does this apply to my relationships? What changes do I need to make in my life?
7. Memorize: Memorize key verses to help you remember and apply what you have learned.
8. Share: Share what you have learned with others. Discuss the passage with friends or family members, or write about it in a journal.

Remember, studying the Bible is a lifelong process. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand everything right away. Keep studying and asking God for guidance, and He will reveal His truth to you.

Studying The Bible For New Believers Part 2

Verse Mapping

Verse mapping is a Bible study method that involves breaking down a verse or passage of Scripture into its individual components, such as the original language, historical context, and cross-references. It’s a way to deeply study a verse or passage and gain a better understanding of its meaning and application. I actually have a free verse mapping printable you can use, download here.

The process of verse mapping typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose a verse or passage of Scripture to study.
2. Write the verse or passage in the center of a piece of paper or journal.
3. Research the original language of the verse or passage. Look up the original Hebrew or Greek words and their meanings to gain a deeper understanding of the text.
4. Study the historical context of the verse or passage. Consider the time and place in which it was written, the culture and customs of the people at the time, and any relevant historical events.
5. Look for cross-references to other verses in the Bible that relate to the verse or passage you’re studying. This can help you gain a broader understanding of the text and its significance.
6. Reflect on the verse or passage and consider how it applies to your life. Ask yourself questions like: What does this teach me about God? What does this reveal about human nature? How can I apply this to my life today?

Verse mapping is a powerful way to study the Bible and deepen your understanding of God’s Word, especially for new believers. It can help you connect with Scripture in a meaningful way and apply its teachings to your life.

Bible Study Tools

There are many Bible study tools available that can help you deepen your understanding of God’s Word for new believers. I have a list of resources that I suggest. Here are some of the most useful ones:

1. Study Bible: A study Bible is a Bible with additional notes, commentary, and study aids that can help you understand the meaning of the text and apply it to your life.
2. Concordance: A concordance is a tool that lists all the words in the Bible and where they appear. This can be helpful when you’re trying to find a specific verse or passage.
3. Bible dictionary: A Bible dictionary provides definitions and explanations of the people, places, and concepts in the Bible.
4. Bible commentary: A Bible commentary is a book that provides explanations and interpretations of the Bible, verse by verse or chapter by chapter.
5. Bible app: There are many Bible apps available that provide access to different translations, study tools, and reading plans. Some popular Bible apps include YouVersion, Bible Gateway, and Blue Letter Bible.
6. Online resources: There are many online resources available for Bible study, including websites, blogs, podcasts, and videos. Some popular ones include BibleStudyTools.com, Crosswalk.com, and BibleProject.com.
7. Study guides: Study guides provide structured questions and activities that can help you engage with the Bible on a deeper level. Many Bible study books and workbooks also include study guides.

Using these Bible study tools can help you deepen your understanding of God’s Word and grow in your faith. However, it’s important to remember that these tools are not a substitute for reading and studying the Bible directly. The Bible is God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit can guide you as you read and study it for yourself.

Let’s Talk Prayer for New Believers

Prayer is a way of communicating with God and expressing our thoughts, feelings, and needs to Him. Here are some steps to help you pray:

1. Find a quiet place: Find a quiet place where you can focus and be free from distractions.
2. Begin with praise and gratitude: Start by praising God for who He is and thanking Him for His blessings in your life.
3. Confess your sins: Confess any sins or mistakes you have made and ask for forgiveness.
4. Make your requests known: Tell God your needs and concerns, and ask for His guidance and help.
5. Pray for others: Pray for the needs of others, including family, friends, and those who are suffering.
6. Close with gratitude: Close your prayer by thanking God again for His love and blessings.

Remember, prayer is a personal and individual experience, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to pray. It’s important to be honest, sincere, and humble in your prayers and to trust that God hears and answers them in His own way and timing.

Alright, that is all for now but be sure to subscribe to get more resources! Let me know what questions you have or thoughts.

I pray for peace, wisdom, understanding, and love for you and your family.

God Bless,
CicelyRenee

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