Someone in your church has just become a Christian. Now, what do you do? If you are looking for a book to give to them, then I can recommend this one.
In eight concise chapters which are written in a popular style, our writer lays down eight basic things that every new believer needs to know. Chapter one is about identifying oneself as a Christian by living in a way that marks us out as being different, but the writer also encourages the reader to identify with Christ through baptism. Baptism can often be a neglected subject when one is dealing with new converts, so it was good to have it highlighted.
The second chapter covers the subject of church membership which this reviewer was pleased to read, as membership seems also to be a neglected area when counselling new converts. In fact, those who have been in the faith for quite some time, but have not yet joined a local church, would be helped by reading this chapter. When one identifies with Christ, then surely one ought to identify with Christ’s people.
Following these opening two chapters the writer covers the subjects of prayer, study of the Scriptures, sacrificial Christian service, and witnessing both personally and through the work of the church.
Chapter seven focuses on the subject of giving, which seems to this reviewer to be rarely mentioned when dealing with new believers, or older ones for that matter. There are some very helpful comments which will help all believers to see that Christ affects every aspect of our lives, including our wallets.
The final chapter is on perseverance and the importance of pressing on with the Lord’s help in spite of opposition and persecution.
This book is well written, God centred, easy to read and would be a good book to read together with a new convert. However it’s also a book that everyone would benefit from, for we all need to be reminded of the basics from time to time.
Noel Ramsey
Leyburn
