Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 6/7/2007

Question
Hello pastor and thanks for your time to read and possible respond to this. I was hoping you could tell me were to start in the bible like say a new born christain. Also i have been a christain and have struggled with my faith i was wondering how i could excercise my spirt, Through prayer, obdeance. Thats all for now

Christ be with you.

Answer
Hi Nolan,

Welcome to the Kingdom ;-)

Its all good of course,
I usually suggest people read:
The Gospel of John
The Acts of the Apostles
The Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke and re-read John
Romans and on through the New Testament, other than Revelations.
Genesis
Exodus
Psalms
Proverbs
Micah
And then whatever you choose.

I would advise holding off on the Books of Daniel and Revelation until you are more grounded in the Word. In some ways these may be the most important books of the Bible, but it can also be very confusing. I'd advise building up your faith and general knowledge before jumping into the prophecies too deeply.

The four most important things for new Christians in my opinion are as follows:

1. Spend real time in prayer and meditation. 1/2 an hour in the morning and a 1/2 hour in evening to begin. The more you can increase this the better.
2. Read the Word on the same schedule, say a chapter a day to start. Read first, then pray and meditate on what you read.
3. Christian association
4. Church

The last two require a bit of explanation. As you know, Christianity is an incredibly diverse religion and Christians have many disagreements on virtually every topic. This can cause confusion, especially among young (in the faith) Christians. Remember that you do not need to decide who is right. Allow God to lead you into a Church or other Christian social community. Read your Bible, ask questions, and don't stress over denominational labels etc. If you find a church or fellowship you feel comfortable in, plug in, learn and grow as a Believer. As you do, you will develop your discernment and will find the nitch God has in mind for you.

As for the prophecies and even serious studies of the doctrines, its usually best do this with a Pastor or church community (Sunday or Sabbath school etc). We are all different. If you are the kind of person who loves to study, find a group, church, Christian friend who shares this joy. But please remember that just because a Christian says you have to believe X, Y, and Z does not make it so! Trust your heart and your own study of the Word AND take your time. Once you accepted Jesus you were saved. Now you are growing as a Christian, not becoming one.

Please remember too: I John 4:8: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Love everyone whoever they are.

John 13:35: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Many Christians don't seem to understand this vital aspect of the faith. Increase in knowledge, live purely etc. but in all things manifest love and humility towards everyone you meet.

How do you develop love?
Show love and compassion to others.
How do you increase your faith?
Have faith in God, in others and in yourself.
How do you develop your prayer life?
Pray without ceasing.
How should you share your faith with others?
Don't! Just love everyone and live your Christian life openly and honestly (Matt 5:16).
How do you know God's will for you?
Follow your heart and ask God to lead you, then move in faith.
How can you receive forgiveness?
Forgive others.

You probably see where I'm heading with this.

"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matt 25:40

Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you...

That's the secret.

If you have more questions or just want to talk, write back anytime,

May God bless,
Pastor John