10 Things Every New Christian Should Have

If you recently dedicated your life to Jesus, let me start by saying, Hey familyyyy! ❤️

Welcome to the beginning of the most beautiful years of your life.

While starting this new journey can make anyone feel like they are bursting at the seams with excitement, for others, it can also be scary and overwhelming.

After giving your life to Jesus, new Christians are bombarded with an array of questions.

Questions like…

• Where should I start reading the Bible?
• What do I need to do next?
• How do I grow in Christ?

I may not have all the answers for your specific life, but I can point you to some resources that helped me to grow exponentially in my personal walk. In other words, I got your back!

1. Bible

Babyyyyy! The Bible is one resource every new Christian must-have. That’s why it’s #1 on my list. No book can supplement reading the B-I-B-L-E.

Even with differing opinions, you will never hear disagreement among Christians about the necessity of the word of God. Still, every Bible is not the same.

Bibles come in different shapes, sizes, languages, colors, translations, and variations. There are study Bibles and just plain cute Bibles.

I’ve tried several Bibles in my time. It took me a minute to figure out what worked for me.

Here are two Bibles I personally love.

The Study Bible For Women

This is my daily reading Bible.

Firstly it’s a women’s Bible; therefore, this Bible highlights some of the greatest women in the Bible. I mean, let’s face it, women rock!?

I also like that it’s an HCSB version because it’s so easy to read and understand. I’m sorry the “thee’s” and “thou’s” of the KJV be killing your girl.

However, if you still prefer the KJV version, this NJKV version can be the perfect compromise.

This study Bible has notes dissecting scriptures being read. The notes definitely help with context and breaking down passages in the text that may not be apparent at first glance, an especially handy feature for new Christians.

Comparative Parallel Bible

If you really want to get fancy or in-depth studies, this is your pick. The comparative parallel Bible has four translations side-by-side, making it easy to compare each version.

I tend to use this Bible when I’m trying to gain clarity on a passage.

Warning: The comparative parallel Bible is super big and heavy.  If you are looking for something to carry around in your day to day, this might be better suited for your nightstand.

While I use the Bible app, I personally can not do without a physical Bible.  I guess it’s the 90’s era that is deeply embedded in me. ??‍♀️

If you prefer an app, download the Bible app here.

2. Bible Tabs

Bible tabs can come in handy. This must-have can undoubtedly save time when trying to locate your favorite passage. I’m not personally a big Bible tab user; however, I can imagine how much less embarrassed I would have been as a new Christian. Especially when taking extremely long to find a passage in church.

With that being said, these tabs are definitely a great investment for a new Christian.

3. Bible Cover

Bible Covers are convenient and neat. When going to church and Bible study, you’re going to need the Good Book anyway. Why not carry it in style?

Not only will you be keeping it cute,  but this Bible covers can help you to keep organized. There are several compartments to keep all of your Bible study basics in one place. You know—pens, Highlighters, Index Cards…the works.

4. Gel Highlighters

Speaking of highlighters…

I know, I know! This may seem a bit shallow, but no one wants a Bible filled with highlighter bleeds. I discovered these highlighters a few years ago, and my Bible pages have never looked the same.

All these beautiful colors give you the option to color-code your Bible according to your study methods.

Example:

Yellow can represent “Who” the verse is referencing or “Who” is speaking.

Pink can represent “Where” the story in the text is located.

Green can represent “When” the story of the text was written.

You get my point.

5. Unlocking The Bible

Ohhhh, the famous question of where should I start reading the Bible? The truth is you can start anywhere. However, I recommend starting in any of the gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. If you’re going to be following Jesus, it would certainly help to know who He is. Plus, Jesus’ teachings are just plain juicy ?

Unlocking the Bible gives the backstory on all the books of the Bible, including the gospels.  From experience, I can tell you this book is a masterpiece. It will stir you up and give you a deeper desire to learn more about God’s word. Although I have been reading the Bible for quite some time, as a new Christian, this book gave me a fresh perspective of the stories and characters.

6. Index Cards

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At the risk of sounding totally extra, honey, you need index cards.

There are times you are reading your Bible and the words seem to leap straight off the pages. These moments are worth noting. My advice…write those verses on an index card. That way, when you need it again, it is easy to access.  Keep those cards handy for when it gets real in these sanctified streets.

You can also arrange your index card based on topics such as forgiveness, anger, or purity.

7. Devotionals

At times, trying to stay committed to daily Bible reading feels routine. I don’t mean to sound like a Debbie downer, but it’s the truth y’all!

A daily devotional can help spice your Bible reading time up a bit while giving you insight on topics that you otherwise may not have thought of.

There are many devotionals out there in the market. Therefore be sure to read the author’s background and customer feedback.

8. Banging Worship Playlist

I know how hard it is to find worship music that bangs when you are a new Christian. There were moments of struggle but eventually, I figured what worked for me.

I also realize that everyone is different; therefore, our tastes in music can be different.

Still, here is a link to my personal worship list.

Check it out and be sure to let me know what you think.

What should I add to the list?

9. Fervent

Auntie Priscilla Shirer put her entire self into this book. I mean she is not just an anointed actress (check out war room if you do not believe me), but Priscilla Shirer is a great teacher who is skilled at articulating complex Biblical concepts.

While Fervent is not absolutely necessary for a new believer, I do believe it will help take your prayer life to the next level. This book releases kung fu power strategies and nuggets to help all believers to become more focused in prayer.

10. Prayer Journal

My final item on this new Christian must-haves list is a prayer journal. I can go on and on about prayer journals. As you probably already know, I’m a writer by nature; hence prayer journals shifted my life.

After you are done praying, spend time listening for the voice of God. Write down what you are feeling in your heart, even if you are not quite sure. Keep these journals somewhere safe.

You will be surprised as you look back years later and see how well you were hearing the voice of God. You can read more about that here.

Well guys…

This is my entire list to help you get started on your new Christian journey.

I want to put this out there…

Everyone’s walk with Christ is different in many ways.  While using the resources in this starter pack can change your life, ultimately getting closer to God takes time and patience.

There is no magic wand that can be waved for you to experience exponential growth in minutes. Even when it does not feel like anything is working, continue reading your Bible, praying, and spending quality time with God.

If you are consistent, you will begin to experience God in ways you never thought possible.

I love you guys, and I’m praying for you always.

Until next time…

Be strong. Be courageous. Serve God wholeheartedly.

P.S. If you have any questions or must-haves I missed,  be sure to sound off in the comments or send me an email.