Prayer
Speak with the Lord each day. Prayer does not require impressive words or a fixed length. Bring Him your fears, anxieties, family, questions, and desire to grow.
Read: Matthew 6:5–15 / Philippians 4:6–7 / James 5:13–16 / 1 John 5:14–15
First Things First / New Believers
Instruction For New Believers
A practical first guide to prayer, Scripture, church fellowship, and the steady habits of following Christ.
Pastor Jeff McConnell
7 pages / Designed for printing
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24
A Place To Begin
Three Steady Rhythms
The Christian life is not sustained by one emotional moment. These simple disciplines help a new believer know God, walk with His people, and keep growing.
Read The Bible
Scripture teaches you who God is, what He has done, and how to live. Read slowly enough to understand and meditate instead of racing to finish.
Read: Psalm 1 / Psalm 119 / 2 Timothy 3:16–17 / 2 Peter 1:20–21
Gather With The Church
Worship, pray, learn, serve, and build friendships with other believers in a faithful local church. Christian growth is personal, but it is not meant to be isolated.
Read: Matthew 22:36–40 / Galatians 6:9–10 / Ephesians 4:1–16 / Hebrews 10:23–25
A First Walk Through Scripture
Seven Stops
This route introduces the Bible's beginning, God's standard, prayer and praise, the life of Christ, the gospel, Christian living, and the believer's future hope.
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01 / The Beginning
Genesis 1–11
Creation, marriage, sin, judgment, and the beginnings that shape the rest of the Bible's story.
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02 / God's Standard
Exodus 20
God's commandments reveal the shape of obedience and how far every person falls short of His goodness.
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03 / Praise And Comfort
Psalms 1–23
Songs and prayers that instruct, comfort, and give words for fear, anxiety, anger, confidence, and worship.
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04 / Meet Jesus
The Gospel Of John
The life and work of Jesus Christ and the good news of how sinners are made right with God.
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05 / The Gospel Explained
Romans
Sin, the cross, faith, grace, new life, and a sustained picture of Christian belief and practice.
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06 / Life In Christ
Colossians
The glory of Christ, warnings about false teaching, the believer's new identity, and faithful service.
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07 / Future Hope
Revelation 19–22
Christ's return, the defeat of evil, the new creation, and the lasting hope promised to those who persevere in faith.
Do More Than Finish
Read Slowly
Read a chapter or a natural section at a time. Use a notebook. Put the passage heading at the top, then work through four questions.
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01
What does this passage tell me about God?
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02
What does it tell me about mankind?
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03
Is there a promise or a warning?
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04
Is there a command for me to obey?
Choosing A Church
Seek Faithful Teaching
Look for a church that practises believers' baptism and the Lord's Supper, and where pastors explain Scripture faithfully—including difficult truths about sin, repentance, holiness, and judgment, as well as love, faith, and hope.
If circumstances temporarily prevent in-person attendance, faithful sermons can encourage growth. Treat them as a temporary help while continuing toward life and worship in a real local church.
A Simple Rhythm
Daily And Weekly
- Daily
- Pray and read the Bible. Keep going even when you feel tired or progress seems slow.
- Weekly
- Gather with a local church for worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good.” / Galatians 6:9
About The Author
Pastor Jeff McConnell
Jeff is an Assistant Pastor at Meadowlands Baptist Church. He joined the pastoral team after his ordination in 2023 and is passionate about discipling others toward a mature, biblical worldview. He holds a Diploma of Theology and is completing his bachelor's degree at Foundation Baptist College.
Meet The Meadowlands Staff