So you’ve been feeling a tug toward Jesus? Whether it’s that person at work who just always seems to have something you’re missing, or you’re social media seems to keep bringing up scriptures, or maybe you just feel some indescribable interest in learning more about Jesus; first off, I’m thrilled you’re at least saying I’m open to learning. For some, that can be a big step.
But you also may be struggling to figure out what’s next. How or where or who do I go to to learn more? Well, here is my recommendation of 5 simple things, with a couple of extra ideas, on where to start taking steps to learn more about who Jesus is.
Download the Bible app, and try to engage every day
The best way to decide if you believe in Jesus and want to follow him as Lord, is to read the Bible. That’s how you will learn who Jesus really was, what he really said, what he really did, and what he’s inviting you into. And a lot of people wonder which Bible they should start with or go buy. My advice is not to buy a Bible but to download this app. Not only does it have almost every version of the Bible for free. But it also has a verse a day, a devotion of the day, prayer guides, and devotions for you. Again, all free. Commit to starting with the verse a day, and try to commit to the devotion/teaching which is around 5 mins. I mean, that’s like 2-3 TikTok videos, so easy to get through. But this will give you a chance to try out different translations and get some guidance rather than jumping in cold with a book you’ve never interacted with before. If you want more about translations or reading the Bible you can check out these posts:
Have an Honest Conversation with God
Tell God what you’re feeling. Out loud might feel weird, so you can write it down or type it out if you’re more comfortable with that, but just be honest with God and yourself about what you’re feeling and what you’re looking for. You can even add the I’m not sure if you’re even real, caveat. God knows he’s real and if you’re honestly searching for him, he’ll meet you where you are and guide you to the truth.
Find a Christian You Can Trust
The best place to do this is by finding a good church to be a part of, but for some that might bring up some nervousness and hurt, so I won’t even say finding a church is one of the first things you have to do, but find a Christian that you can have an honest conversation with. I’ve always been open to these conversations, I mean, it’s one of the reasons I started this blog and everything. You can ask me questions on Tiktok or Youtube, until you find someone in person that you can connect with.
If you’re not sure about a church building and you don’t know a Christian that you can talk to, check out lifechurch.tv. They have been pioneers in online church and have a multitude of ways for you to connect from home and start finding people you can have honest conversations.
Ask God Every Day to Show you the Truth.
If you search for the truth, you’re going to wind up finding Jesus. But maybe you’re still skeptical about that being where Truth leads. That’s ok. The main thing is being honest that you’re searching for what’s true about life. If you’re not ready to say you’re searching for Jesus, just start with searching for the truth about Jesus or search for what is true. But each day give a one-sentence focus/reminder that you want to know the truth.
John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Find Ways to Learn
Reading the Bible is how many Christians have found their way from atheism and Gnosticism to Jesus. So if nothing else, just read the Bible. But I also know reading isn’t everyone’s go-to learning style. So if you want to watch some sermons, these are my top picks that are going to just teach Jesus.
And if you’re struggling with picking one of these methods to start learning more, the reality is you have to learn more to make a choice. Some of you are going to be a dive into the deep end kind of person, and some of you are going to struggle to add this into you’re rhythms and really feel comfortable with it. But if you’re hesitant, just lean in.
Here are some of my recommendations for solid learning, other than this page 😉
https://www.youtube.com/@hosannawong
https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoFaithALife
https://www.youtube.com/@youversion
https://www.youtube.com/@life.church
https://www.youtube.com/@TCTransformers
https://www.youtube.com/@SoutheastChristianChurch
https://www.youtube.com/@jackiehillperrychannel
https://www.youtube.com/@christinecaine
Now as a bonus, if you find a church that you’re going to start attending, see if they have Right Now Media. It’s basically a Netflix for Bible Studies, and if your church has it, it’s free for you to get access to it.
My biggest reminder for the person just starting to search and ask questions:
Your life won’t necessarily get easier, but it will get better.
Jesus told his followers that if the world hated him, why would they treat his followers any different? So if you’re listening to “preachers” that promise you a perfect life of wealth and happiness if you follow Jesus, don’t believe them. However, even though Jesus didn’t promise a life that was free of troubles, he did promise he would be with us, he promised his yoke was easy and his burden was light. Life on earth will always have joy and sorrow, but it’s the hope of an eternity with God that only has the blessings of God that get us through any momentary struggles we may face. That’s one of the many things Jesus brings to us. It’s confidence that no matter what this moment might be, this is a small issue compared to the promise of forever with God.
Stay Weird,
