First Steps of the Faith

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Christianity is participatory. Jesus sacrificed Himself to save us, and we must submit completely to Him. He said, “Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33). So how do you start walking the narrow path of discipleship?

Read the Bible. Begin reading God's Word daily. Get a complete Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments, in an easy-to-read translation. (This site uses the New International Version [NIV].) Start by reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John.

Pray. Begin speaking with God throughout each day. Whether you pray aloud or in silence, He hears you. Simply talk to Him with honesty and respect. The best way to learn how to pray is by studying prayers in the Bible (1 Kings 3:6–9, Psalm 51:10–12, Matthew 6:5–15, Ephesians 1:15–23, and Colossians 1:9–14).

Be baptized. Be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19–20, Romans 6:3–4, and Acts 2:38–39).

Attend church. Begin attending a church that believes 

• There is one true God, the Lord (Isaiah 45:5). 
• Jesus is God's only Son (1 John 4:9, 15) and our only Savior (John 14:6 and Acts 4:11–12), and He died for our wrongdoings and rose three days later (Romans 5:6–8 and 1 Corinthians 15:3–8). 
• The Bible is God's Word, our one authoritative source of spiritual truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17 and Hebrews 4:12). 
• We must put Christ’s words into practice (Luke 6:46–49) and do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21–23). 

Apply what you learn. Begin applying biblical lessons to your life. As James said, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). Understand that you are always a Christian, not just on Sundays or when others watch.

Endure in the faith. Persevere in your faith, no matter what happens. When you have a spiritual question, ask the Lord to guide you to the answer. When you sin, admit it and ask God for forgiveness. If you stop taking steps of faith, then start again. But don't give up. The Lord will help you, so keep exercising your faith. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).