Morning Discovery
New believers establishing daily devotional habits that will fuel lifelong growth in Christ.
Why Bible Study Matters for New Believers
Starting your faith journey with strong foundations makes all the difference. Explore our comprehensive features designed specifically for those new to the Bible.
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Start Where You Are
No prior Bible knowledge required. Our new believer resources meet you exactly where you are and guide you step by step into Scripture.
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Essential Foundations
Learn the core truths every Christian needs to know: who God is, what Jesus did, how the Holy Spirit works, and what the Bible teaches about life.
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Clear Reading Plans
Know exactly where to start reading with guided plans designed specifically for beginners, taking you through key passages in the right order.
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Questions Answered
Get answers to the questions every new believer asks, from practical faith issues to understanding difficult Bible passages.
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Community Support
Connect with other new believers and experienced mentors who can encourage you and answer questions along your journey.
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Study Anywhere
Access your Bible study on any device, track your progress, and build consistent habits with tools designed for busy modern life.
New Believers in Action
See how new Christians are growing through intentional Bible study
Mentorship Moments
Experienced Christians guiding new believers through foundational truths and questions.
Public Declaration
New believers taking the step of baptism as their first act of obedience to Christ.
Learning Together
New believers classes where foundational truths are taught in community.
Honest Questions
New believers engaging honestly with questions and discovering answers in Scripture.
Sharing Faith
New believers naturally sharing their newfound faith with friends and family.
New Believer Study Topics
Comprehensive foundations covering everything a new Christian needs. Complement with our salvation Bible study for deeper understanding of what Christ did for you.
First Steps in Faith
Essential truths for your first days and weeks as a Christian
- Understanding Your Decision - What Happened When You Believed
- Assurance of Salvation - How to Know You Are Saved
- The Holy Spirit - Your New Helper and Guide
- Prayer Basics - Talking with God Daily
- Finding a Church - Why Christian Community Matters
- Baptism - Taking Your First Public Step of Faith
Bible Basics
How to read, understand, and apply God's Word
- Bible Overview - Old Testament and New Testament Explained
- Where to Start Reading - Best Books for Beginners
- How to Read a Bible Passage - Simple Study Methods
- Understanding Context - Historical and Literary Background
- Applying Scripture - Making the Bible Practical
- Bible Translations - Which Version to Use
Core Christian Beliefs
The foundational doctrines of the Christian faith
- Who is God? - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Who is Jesus? - Fully God and Fully Man
- What is Sin? - Understanding Our Need for a Savior
- What is Grace? - God's Undeserved Favor
- What is Faith? - Trusting God with Your Life
- The Gospel Message - The Good News Explained Simply
Growing in Your Faith
Developing spiritual disciplines and Christ-like character
- Daily Devotions - Building a Bible Reading Habit
- Prayer Life - Different Types of Prayer
- Dealing with Doubt - When Faith Feels Weak
- Overcoming Temptation - Victory Over Sin
- Sharing Your Faith - Telling Others About Jesus
- Spiritual Growth - Becoming More Like Christ
What New Believers Are Saying
Real testimonials from those who started their faith journey with Bible Way
"I gave my life to Christ but had no idea where to start reading the Bible. Bible Way's new believer study gave me a clear path. Now I look forward to my daily reading and actually understand what I'm learning."
Michael R.
New Believer, 6 months
"We both accepted Christ at the same time and wanted to grow together. The new believers study helped us build a foundation for our faith and our marriage. We do our study together every morning now."
Jennifer & Mark S.
Married Couple, Recently Saved
"I use Bible Way's new believer resources with everyone who joins our church. It covers everything a new Christian needs without overwhelming them. People who go through it are much more likely to stay engaged."
Pastor Thomas L.
New Members Class Leader
New Believer Resources
Everything you need for your first steps in faith. Perfect alongside our daily Bible study resources.
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Where to Start Reading
A guided tour of the best Bible books and passages for beginners, with explanations of why each one matters.
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Foundations Course
8-week study covering the essential beliefs and practices every new Christian needs to understand.
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Daily Devotion Builder
Tools to help you establish and maintain a consistent daily Bible reading and prayer habit.
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Questions New Believers Ask
Answers to the most common questions new Christians have about faith, life, and the Bible.
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Memory Verse Collection
Key Bible verses every believer should know, with tips for memorization and application.
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Christian Life Guide
Practical guidance for living out your faith in daily life, relationships, and decisions.
Understanding Your New Life in Christ
When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, something extraordinary happened. The Bible describes it as being "born again" (John 3:3), becoming a "new creation" where "the old has gone, the new is here" (2 Corinthians 5:17). You were adopted into God's family (Romans 8:15), your sins were forgiven (Colossians 1:14), and eternal life became yours (John 3:16). This isn't something you earned through good behavior but received freely by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Understanding what happened at salvation provides the foundation for confident Christian living.
As a new believer, you have the Holy Spirit living within you (1 Corinthians 6:19), guiding you into truth, convicting you of sin, and empowering you for godly living. You're not alone on this journey - God Himself walks with you. While you'll still struggle with sin and face doubts, you're no longer enslaved to sin's power. The Christian life is a process of growth called sanctification, where you become increasingly like Christ over time. Bible study is the primary means by which God transforms your mind (Romans 12:2) and reveals Himself to you. It's not about religious duty but about knowing the God who loves you and has a purpose for your life.
First Steps After Salvation:
✓Tell someone about your decision
✓Get baptized publicly
✓Find a Bible-teaching church
✓Start reading the Bible daily
✓Begin talking to God in prayer
✓Connect with other believers
Begin Your Bible Study Journey
Join thousands of new believers discovering the joy of knowing God through His Word. Great for online Bible study anytime, anywhere.
What You'll Learn
- Who God is - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- How to read and understand the Bible
- Building habits of prayer and devotion
- Living out your faith in everyday life
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"As someone who came to faith in my 40s with zero church background, I was completely lost. Bible Way's new believer study was exactly what I needed - it assumed nothing and explained everything. Now I'm confident in my faith and helping others start their journey too."
David M.
Software Engineer, Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions new believers ask about faith and Bible study
Where should I start reading the Bible as a new believer?
The Gospel of John is often recommended as the best starting point for new believers because it was written specifically "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ" (John 20:31). John focuses on who Jesus is and why He came, using clear language accessible to beginners. After John, Mark provides a fast-paced account of Jesus' ministry. The book of Philippians offers practical encouragement for Christian living, while Psalms helps develop a prayer and worship vocabulary. Avoid starting with Genesis or reading straight through - the Bible isn't designed to be read like a novel. Instead, begin with books that most directly address your new faith and gradually expand. As you grow, a one-year reading plan like those we offer can help you experience the whole Bible systematically. The key is consistency over quantity - 10 minutes daily beats an hour sporadically. Use a modern translation like NIV, ESV, or NLT for easier understanding.
How do I know my salvation is real?
First John was written specifically so believers could "know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Assurance comes from three sources. First, God's promises: if you've genuinely trusted Christ, Scripture guarantees your salvation regardless of how you feel (John 3:16, 6:37, 10:28-29). Second, the Holy Spirit's witness: Romans 8:16 says the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we're God's children - believers sense they belong to God, even amid doubt. Third, evidence of change: 1 John provides marks of genuine faith - do you love other believers? Desire to obey God? Hate sin even when you fail? These imperfect evidences confirm real salvation. New believers often struggle with assurance when feelings fluctuate or old sins resurface. Remember: salvation isn't based on perfect performance but on Christ's perfect work. Doubts can actually indicate spiritual life - the unsaved rarely worry about whether they're saved. Keep trusting God's promises, pursue growth, and assurance typically strengthens over time.
Do I need to be baptized? What does baptism do?
Baptism is Jesus' clear command for all who follow Him (Matthew 28:19) and was the immediate response of new believers throughout Acts. It's your first act of public obedience after salvation. Baptism doesn't save you - the thief on the cross went to paradise without it (Luke 23:43), and Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms salvation is by grace through faith alone. Rather, baptism symbolizes what already happened spiritually: going under the water pictures dying and being buried with Christ; coming up pictures rising to new life (Romans 6:3-4). It publicly identifies you with Christ and His church. It's a declaration to family, friends, and spiritual forces that you belong to Jesus now. Most Christians practice believer's baptism by immersion (going fully underwater), though methods vary. Don't delay baptism - it was expected immediately after conversion in the New Testament. Talk to your pastor or church leader about scheduling your baptism as soon as possible.
Why do I still struggle with sin after becoming a Christian?
Continued struggle with sin surprises many new believers who expected instant perfection. The Bible explains that while your spirit was made new at salvation, you still live in a body with sinful desires (the "flesh") that wars against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Sanctification - becoming practically holy - is a lifelong process, not an instant event. Romans 7 shows even the apostle Paul struggled with doing what he didn't want to do. The difference now is that you're no longer enslaved to sin; you have power to resist through the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:14, 8:13). Growth happens gradually as you renew your mind through Scripture (Romans 12:2), rely on the Spirit's power, practice saying "no" to temptation, and confess sin when you fail (1 John 1:9). Don't be discouraged by struggle - be encouraged that you hate sin now! The unbeliever doesn't care. Continued battle against sin is evidence of spiritual life. Keep fighting, keep confessing, and keep growing.
How do I find a good church?
Finding a church is essential because Christianity is inherently communal - the New Testament knows nothing of solo Christians. Look for: (1) Biblical teaching - does the pastor preach from Scripture and take it seriously as God's Word? (2) Gospel-centered - is salvation through Christ alone clearly proclaimed? (3) Community - are there opportunities to know and be known by others? (4) Practical size - mega-churches and tiny churches both have tradeoffs; choose where you can connect. (5) Theological alignment - once you understand basic doctrine, find a church that matches your convictions on secondary issues. Visit multiple churches, attend several times before deciding, and don't just evaluate the music or preaching style. Ask: "Can I grow here? Serve here? Be cared for here?" No church is perfect because churches are filled with imperfect people. But regular gathering with believers (Hebrews 10:25), using your gifts to serve (1 Corinthians 12), and submitting to spiritual leadership (Hebrews 13:17) are all biblical expectations for every Christian.
How do I pray? What should I say to God?
Prayer is simply talking with God - your heavenly Father who loves you and wants to hear from you. There's no special formula or religious language required. The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) provides a helpful pattern: address God as Father, worship Him, ask for His will to be done, request daily needs, confess sins and seek forgiveness, and ask for spiritual protection. But don't recite it mechanically - use it as a guide. Pray conversationally, honestly, and specifically. Thank God for blessings (even small ones). Confess sins as the Spirit reveals them. Ask for help with challenges you're facing. Pray for others' needs. Express your feelings, including frustration and doubt - the Psalms model this raw honesty. Start small: even 5 minutes daily builds the habit. Pray throughout the day, not just set times. Pray silently or aloud, alone or with others. Don't worry about eloquence - God cares about your heart, not your vocabulary. As you grow in Scripture, your prayers will mature. The Spirit even helps when you don't know what to pray (Romans 8:26).
What if my family or friends aren't supportive of my new faith?
Family and friend reactions to your faith vary widely. Some may be excited; others suspicious, hostile, or dismissive. Jesus warned this would happen (Matthew 10:34-36) and called us to follow Him even when it costs us relationships (Luke 14:26). However, opposition often softens over time as people observe genuine, loving change in your life. Respond to resistance with: (1) Grace and patience - don't preach at people or become self-righteous; (2) Consistent living - let your changed life speak louder than words (1 Peter 3:1-2); (3) Continued love - don't cut off relationships unless necessary for your spiritual safety; (4) Prayer - intercede persistently for loved ones' salvation; (5) Church community - find spiritual family to support you when biological family doesn't. Avoid unnecessary offense but don't hide your faith either. Set appropriate boundaries if needed. Remember that their resistance may be fear, misunderstanding, or even conviction - seeds planted now may bear fruit years later. Your faithful witness could eventually lead them to Christ too.
I have doubts about my faith. Is that normal?
Doubts are not only normal but can be healthy catalysts for deeper faith. Even John the Baptist, who identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God," later sent messengers asking if Jesus was really the Messiah (Matthew 11:2-3). Doubt differs from unbelief: doubt struggles toward faith while unbelief refuses to believe. Bring your doubts to God honestly - He's not threatened by your questions. Investigate them through Scripture, prayer, and seeking wise counsel. Often doubts arise from: misunderstanding biblical teaching (which study resolves), emotional struggles (which time and support heal), unanswered questions (which require patient exploration), or spiritual attack (which prayer and truth counter). Don't let doubts isolate you from Christian community - that's when they grow most dangerous. Many mature believers have walked through seasons of doubt and emerged with stronger faith. Books on apologetics can address intellectual questions. The goal isn't eliminating all uncertainty but trusting God even amid questions, knowing that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
How do I share my faith with others?
New believers are often the most effective evangelists because they remember what it was like not to believe and still have relationships with non-Christians. Start by simply telling your story - what you believed before, what happened when you encountered Christ, and how your life is different now (your "testimony"). No one can argue with your personal experience. Be natural, not pushy. Ask questions and listen more than lecture. Build genuine friendships rather than treating people as conversion projects. Live an authentically changed life that makes others curious. Learn the basic gospel message: all have sinned (Romans 3:23), sin's consequence is death (Romans 6:23), God demonstrated love by sending Christ (Romans 5:8), salvation comes through faith in Jesus (John 3:16), we must respond by believing and confessing (Romans 10:9-10). Invite people to church or Bible study. Pray for specific opportunities and boldness. Don't worry about having all the answers - it's okay to say "I don't know, but let me find out." The Spirit works through your faithful witness; conversion is ultimately His work, not yours.
What habits should I develop as a new Christian?
Spiritual growth requires intentional habits, often called "spiritual disciplines." Start with the basics: (1) Daily Bible reading - even 10-15 minutes reading Scripture and reflecting on how it applies to your life; (2) Prayer - regular conversation with God throughout the day, not just crisis moments; (3) Church attendance - weekly gathering with believers for worship, teaching, and fellowship; (4) Christian community - relationships beyond Sunday, where you know and are known by other believers; (5) Service - using your gifts and time to serve others in Jesus' name; (6) Giving - financially supporting God's work as an act of worship and trust. Build habits gradually rather than attempting everything at once. Consistency matters more than intensity. Connect habits to existing routines - Bible reading with morning coffee, prayer during your commute. Use tools like Bible apps, devotional guides, and accountability partners. When you miss a day (and you will), don't guilt yourself - just resume the next day. These practices don't earn God's favor (you already have it in Christ) but position you to experience transformation and growth.
What does the Holy Spirit do in my life now?
When you trusted Christ, the Holy Spirit came to dwell permanently within you (1 Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 1:13-14). He's not an impersonal force but the third person of the Trinity, fully God. His roles include: Conviction - He reveals sin in your life so you can confess and turn from it (John 16:8); Guidance - He leads you into truth and helps you understand Scripture (John 16:13); Empowerment - He gives you power to resist temptation and live godly (Galatians 5:16); Fruit-bearing - He produces Christ-like character in you over time: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23); Gifting - He gives you spiritual abilities to serve the church and others (1 Corinthians 12); Comfort - He comes alongside in difficulty (John 14:16); Prayer help - He intercedes when you don't know how to pray (Romans 8:26). Being "filled" with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) means yielding to His control and influence moment by moment. The Spirit is your constant companion, helper, and source of spiritual power for Christian living.
How can I grow faster in my faith?
Growth in Christ is a lifelong journey, and there are no shortcuts. However, certain approaches accelerate development: (1) Immerse yourself in Scripture - not just casual reading but serious study, meditation, and memorization; (2) Apply what you learn - obedience to known truth opens the door to more truth; (3) Get into community - you'll grow faster with others than alone; (4) Find a mentor - someone further along who can guide and encourage you; (5) Serve others - using your gifts helps them develop; (6) Face trials with faith - difficulties, while painful, produce growth when responded to biblically (James 1:2-4); (7) Pursue holiness actively - don't just avoid sin but pursue righteousness; (8) Study theology - understanding doctrine deepens worship and transforms thinking. Beware two dangers: impatience (expecting overnight transformation) and passivity (expecting growth without effort). God does the transforming, but He works through your active cooperation. Set specific goals: a book of the Bible to study, a sin to address, a discipline to develop, a relationship to build. Track progress and celebrate growth while recognizing how far you still have to go. The goal is lifelong faithfulness, not sprinting then burning out.
Trusted Resources for New Believers
Additional external resources to support your faith journey
BibleGateway
Read the Bible in multiple translations, search passages, and explore study resources
biblegateway.com →Got Questions - New Christians
Biblical answers to common questions new believers ask about faith and life
gotquestions.org →Desiring God Resources
Articles and resources for new Christians on foundational topics
desiringgod.org →Christianity Today
Contemporary Christian perspectives on faith, culture, and living
christianitytoday.com →