Next Steps After Accepting Christ into Your Life

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
The Bible is an incredible gift, offering guidance, wisdom, and hope for every aspect of life. However, with more than 450 English translations in print, choosing a Bible that suits your needs can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you have many excellent options to explore, and finding one that helps you understand and apply God’s Word is what matters most.

Choosing a Bible Translation
As a new believer, it’s important to select a translation that is both accurate and easy to understand. Some widely respected translations include:

• English Standard Version (ESV) – A word-for-word translation known for its balance of readability and faithfulness to the original texts.
• New American Standard Bible (NASB) – A highly literal translation, great for deep study.
• New International Version (NIV) – A thought-for-thought translation that is widely used and easy to read.
• Common English Bible (CEB) – Written in simple, conversational language, making it accessible for all readers.

It’s important to remember that no English translation is “the only true version.” All translations are the result of careful work by scholars translating the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) manuscripts. Choosing the right one for you comes down to finding a translation that helps you grow in your understanding and relationship with Christ.

Study Bibles: A Helpful Tool
If you decide to purchase your first Bible, consider investing in a study Bible. Study Bibles include helpful notes, explanations, and cross-references that make it easier to understand Scripture. They provide valuable insights into cultural context, key themes, and connections between the Old and New Testaments.

Where to Begin
Starting your journey through the Bible can feel like a big task, but beginning with the life and teachings of Jesus is a great place to start. The four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—offer unique perspectives on Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection:
1. Matthew: Written for those familiar with the Old Testament, this gospel highlights how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies as the Messiah.
2. Mark: The shortest gospel, written for a broad audience, focuses on Jesus' actions and portrays Him as the Suffering Servant and Son of God.
3. Luke: A detailed, chronological account of Jesus’ life, written with historical precision. It emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and outreach to all people.
4. John: Focuses on the divine nature of Jesus, emphasizing His miracles and teachings that reveal His identity as the Son of God.
Consider starting with one of these gospels to learn more about who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.

Growing Through Community
Studying the Bible is not meant to be a solo endeavor. Wesleyan theology emphasizes the importance of community in our spiritual growth. Participating in a Bible study or small group with other Christians is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of Scripture. Others who are further along in their faith journey can offer wisdom, share their experiences, and help answer questions that arise as you read God’s Word.

A Lifelong Journey
Reading and studying the Bible is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. As Wesleyan theology teaches, God’s Word is a means of grace—one of the ways we encounter His transforming presence in our lives. Through Scripture, God shapes us, strengthens us, and leads us closer to Him. Find a time each day to read your Bible, even if only for a few minutes. Let the Word of God be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, guiding you in every step of your walk with Christ.

A Time to Talk to God in Prayer Every Day
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges we have as followers of Christ—a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe. Setting aside regular time each day to talk with God is essential to growing in your faith and deepening your relationship with Him. Prayer allows us to bring our desires, needs, and concerns to God. But it is not just a one-way conversation. True prayer involves both speaking and listening. While it is important to share your heart with God, it is equally important to quiet your soul and listen for His voice. God often speaks to us through His Word, through the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit, and through the wisdom of others. As prayer is a means of grace—a channel through which God’s presence and power flow into our lives—we should approach it with humility, openness, and trust.

The Many Ways to Pray
In Wesleyan theology, prayer is understood as both deeply personal and richly communal. It is a gift that connects us to God’s grace and invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. While traditional forms of prayer—whether corporate or personal—are treasures we should cherish, there is no single “right” way to pray. Scripture reminds us that each of us is made in the image of God, a creative and relational being. This means there are countless ways to approach God in prayer and exploring different forms of prayer can breathe new life into your spiritual practices.
Here are a few approaches to prayer you might try:

• Adoration: Spend time praising God for who He is—His holiness, love, and mercy.
• Confession: Humbly bring your sins before God, trusting in His forgiveness through Christ.
• Thanksgiving: Reflect on God’s blessings in your life and thank Him for His goodness.
• Supplication: Bring your requests to God, asking Him to meet your needs and the needs of others.
• Listening Prayer: Practice silence, asking God to speak to your heart and guide you.

Learning to Listen
Listening in prayer can feel unfamiliar at first, but it is an essential part of growing in your relationship with God. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In stillness and quiet, we create space for God to speak. Whether through His Word, a gentle nudge in your spirit, or a sense of peace, God delights in communicating with His children.

Prayer Is a Journey
Like any relationship, your connection with God will deepen over time as you commit to regular, meaningful communication with Him. Don’t be afraid to try new forms of prayer, as they can enrich your conversations with God and lead you into a deeper awareness of His presence. Remember that prayer is not about perfection; it is about the posture of your heart before a loving God who desires to hear from you and to draw you closer to Him.
Start today by finding a quiet moment to talk with God and let Him meet you in that sacred space. Prayer is a gift, a means of grace, and a reminder that you are never alone on this journey of faith.

Find a Place to Serve God

"And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’" Mark 16:15 (ESV)

Christianity is a faith of action, not passive observation. Jesus calls us to be His servants, actively participating in His mission to redeem and restore the world. Every believer has unique gifts, abilities, and opportunities that God has given them to further His Kingdom. The question is not if you are called to serve, but how and where God is calling you.

Sharing Your Story
One of the most powerful ways to serve God is by sharing your personal story of what Jesus has done in your life. You might feel hesitant, thinking you need more knowledge or experience before you can witness to others. But take heart—the apostle Paul began sharing the good news about Jesus immediately after his conversion (Acts 9:20). Like Paul, you will grow in faith and understanding as you take steps of obedience and begin to share God’s love with those around you.

Ways to Serve
There are countless ways to serve God and demonstrate His love to others. At Varnell Church, we encourage you to prayerfully seek opportunities to engage in ministry both inside and outside the church. Here are just a few examples:

• Volunteer with a local food pantry or help with meal deliveries to those in need.
• Participate in home repair ministries to help families in your community.
• Visit those who are sick, homebound, or in prison, offering them hope and encouragement.
• Support children and youth ministries, such as mentoring at a boys and girls club or serving in the church’s programs.
• Join mission teams or ministries that focus on sharing the gospel and providing practical help in your community or abroad.

As a Global Methodist congregation, Varnell Church emphasizes the connection between personal and social holiness. Our service to others flows out of our love for Christ, reflecting the same grace we have received.

The Blessing of Serving
There is something transformative about stepping out of your comfort zone to serve others. When we serve, God works not only through us but also in us. Serving others strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Christ. As you go out and share God’s love, you will often find that the blessings you receive far outweigh what you give.
Jesus Himself demonstrated that true greatness comes from serving others (Mark 10:45). By serving, you participate in His ongoing work in the world and grow in Christlikeness. Answer the call to serve, and you will discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a vessel of God’s love and grace.