Questions about the Bible:

“What exactly is the Bible?” The Bible is Christianity’s holy book. God has used it to communicate with humanity, letting us know the reality of who He is, and the depth of His love for us. The Bible reveals God’s voice, will, practice, and purpose. The Protestant Bible consists of 66 separate books written by about 40 different authors under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration over a long period of time – but the parts are connected in that they work together to reveal God’s truths to us.

“As a Christian, do I need to care about the Old Testament?” Yes, because Jesus was passionate about it, and it tells the story of God before He incarnated Himself as Jesus. The Old Testament and New Testament are inexorably connected, especially since the Old Testament contains many prophecies about the coming Messiah, and the New Testament describes how that Messiah actually came. The New Testament constantly reaches back to the Old Testament, so it’s vital to get to know the Old Testament to be able to understand the New Testament well.

“How do I know which Bible is the right one for me?” There’s a huge variety of Bibles to choose from – with different translations and purposes, marketed to different audiences. But it can be fairly simple to choose one; just go for the one you find most helpful to your spiritual growth right now. That will often be whatever Bible most of the other Christians in your life are currently reading.

“What’s the best way to read the Bible?” Before you read, pray to invite the Holy Spirit to open your mind and heart fully to God’s words. Make a habit of reading the Bible every day, and follow some sort of plan for what to read when so you’ll be doing more than just randomly flipping around. Meditate on what you read, study it, and put it into practice in your life.

Questions about the church:

“Why is it important for me to go to church?” Going to church greatly enhances the quality of your life because it deepens your relationship with God. At church, you can learn more about God, celebrate Him, and serve Him in vital ways that will help you grow as a person. Church is also as close to heaven as you can get here on earth. The love and joy you share through your relationships with other people there is a foretaste of even more love and joy you’ll experience in heaven someday.

“How do I find the right church for me?” Visit some churches that interest you until you find one that fits. Keep in mind that churches, just like people, have distinct personalities. Figure out what type of church would best help you grow spiritually: small or large, formal or casual, traditional or contemporary, etc. Once you’ve attended several worship services at a church you’re considering, ask questions about the church’s theology, mission, ministries, etc. Get to know the pastor and don’t hesitate to ask him anything.

“Why are there so many Christian denominations?” Different denominations spring up frequently as people seek to express their worship in different ways, but it’s good to remember that the differences between those denominations are usually very slight compared to the core beliefs and values they have in common. Protestant denominations focus on these convictions: people can’t earn their way to heaven; they’re saved by faith in Jesus alone; God freely gives people grace, people don’t need any spiritual mediator (like a priest) to be saved; they can go directly through Jesus; the Bible reveals the mind and heart of God, and no other authority is needed to reveal them; and people should live for the glory of God alone, praising Him, relying on Him, and thanking Him.

“What’s a church ‘small group’?” It’s a small gathering of people who mostly go to the same church and regularly get together to both study the Bible and enjoy each other’s company. Small group members often form close bonds and support each other in prayer with whatever is going on in their lives.

“What are the sacraments?” When these special activities take place, something sacred happens. The two sacraments celebrated in Protestant churches are the Eucharist (Communion), which commemorates Jesus’ last meal and death on the cross, and Baptism, which symbolizes the death of a newly saved person’s old, sinful way of life and new birth into God’s redemptive love for him or her. Catholics celebrate five additional sacraments: Confirmation, Penance (confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony (marriage).

Adapted from Being Christian: Exploring Where You, God, and Life Connect, copyright 2008 by Stephen Arterburn and John Shore. Published by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, Bloomington, Mn., www.bethanyhouse.com. 
Stephen Arterburn is founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the nationally syndicated New Life Live! radio broadcast. A nationally known speaker, he’s been featured on Oprah and in USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, the New York Times, and many other media outlets. Steve founded the Women of Faith conferences and is a bestselling author of more than 70 books, including the multi-million selling Every Man’s Battle series. Steve and his family live in Laguna Beach, Ca. Visit www.newlife.com. 
John Shore, an experienced writer and editor, is the author of I’m OK, You’re Not: The Message We’re Sending Nonbelievers and Why We Should Stop, and Penguins, Pain and the Whole Shebang. Read John's Crosswalk.com blog here.