I am looking for a book...

[TrustingmyLord]

I know this new Christian, he is very excited, but a bit unchurched and doesnt understand alot of the basics of Christianity. I am praying that God will guide him and help him understand the Bible, and I have been talking to him some as well, but he likes to read, so I really want to get him a somewhat brief, basic book that will explain the basics to him. He is very imaginative and sometimes gets easily led astray by his own ideas.

I thought of the Purpose Driven Life, but other than this, I really dont know what books are out there for new Christians. I am a bit of a book fanatic, I love to read and learn, have a large collection of books on a variety of Christian topics, but most I fear would be over his head or confusing to him. That, or they would bore him.

Any suggestions?

[jawsmetroid]

How about reading the Bible? I don't see the point in getting him a book when he can just as easily read the NT. Is it that he's not understanding it? If so, why not come along side him (or find someone to come along side him) and disciple him?

[longboneslinger]

How about reading the Bible? I don't see the point in getting him a book when he can just as easily read the NT. Is it that he's not understanding it? If so, why not come along side him (or find someone to come along side him) and disciple him?Very good advice. The Book of John is great place to start.

You might also talk to your pastor. When I first joined my church (a whole month ago) he gave me a workbook for new Christians (I was saved a whole month ago). Your church should have something similar. You just sit down for about 10-20 minutes a night and work through it and your bible. It takes about a week and gives a good foundation for learning about God but also how the the Bible is organized and such. The Bible can be a bit overwhelming for new Christians. I hadn't read a Bible in about 25 years so I felt kinda lost.

I also agree that the NIV is easier to read. The King James gives me a headache and I love to read as well.

Good luck and congratulations for your friend. We all share the joy of God and Salvation. The angels are dancing in Heaven today!!
God bless,
BoNe

[TrustingmyLord]

Well, I intend to give him a Bible in an easier to read version, such as the NIV. But yes, he isnt understanding it. Some of it he understands, but, hmm, how to explain? He tends to look too deep at times and read too much into things. For example, in Genesis where it says we are made in Gods image, he suggested it meant we were all like "little Gods." I worried he had been talking to some strange false teacher, maybe he had heard that somewhere, I dont know. I explained it to him.


why not come along side him (or find someone to come along side him) and disciple him?

Yeah, thats what I am working on. He doesnt have a phone right now, so that makes things a bit difficult. He and his family have come to church with me and I hope they will continue, there are many good influences for him there, and I will help all I can. I am just hoping for a book or two to get him going until we can get together more often. This is my brother in law, so we get together fairly often, but not as much as we need to.

I have the purpose driven life and I am going to give that one to him for now. He has shown alot of interest. After his comments on Genesis, I gave him a book on false teachings. He really loved that one, and it was very good for him, as it helped to explain alot so he can tell between the truth and lies better.

[PowderedGold]

I just read Christianity for Dummies. It was very good.

[jive4005]

I find this book awesome... but it IS kind of old english... much like KJV. It's a pretty "heady" book, not so much for kids but I find it extremely good at presenting God and His case.

The Wisdom of James Allen (Laurel Creek)

... any bookstore.

His,
Rev J

[livingword26]

How about reading the Bible? I don't see the point in getting him a book when he can just as easily read the NT. Is it that he's not understanding it? If so, why not come along side him (or find someone to come along side him) and disciple him?

I'm going to have to agree with this also. The bible is the only source of truth. Rick Warren or anyone else for that matter inject their own opinions, which are often far from the truth, into their writings. Stick with the bible. No one understands it all immediately. Get him in a good bible study in your church and urge him to stay with the bible.

[salida]

He may want to go to a bible study and talk to his pastor.

[MoNiCa4316]

Hi :)
Personally, I like 'Mere Christianity' by CS Lewis...if your friend likes philosophical sort of books.

[ephraimanesti]

I know this new Christian, he is very excited, but a bit unchurched and doesnt understand alot of the basics of Christianity. I am praying that God will guide him and help him understand the Bible, and I have been talking to him some as well, but he likes to read, so I really want to get him a somewhat brief, basic book that will explain the basics to him. He is very imaginative and sometimes gets easily led astray by his own ideas.

I thought of the Purpose Driven Life, but other than this, I really dont know what books are out there for new Christians. I am a bit of a book fanatic, I love to read and learn, have a large collection of books on a variety of Christian topics, but most I fear would be over his head or confusing to him. That, or they would bore him.

Any suggestions?

MY DEAR SISTER,

Besides the Bible--which is the source of all knowledge on the basics of Christianity--i would more heartedly and unreservedly recommend "THE JESUS I NEVER KNEW" by Philip Yancey. It is a wonderful read for a new Christian!!!

The book is available at any Christian Book Store or at:
www.amazon.com/Jesus-Never-Knew-Philip-Yancey/dp/031021923X

MAY YOU BOTH BE BLESSED!

A BOND-SLAVE OF CHRIST,
ephraim

[bunced]

"Dinner with a perfect stranger" - the author has escaped me currently. Sets out the whole Gospel in an accessible way, but can be a bit coy in places. Worth reading

[heymikey80]

I know this new Christian, he is very excited, but a bit unchurched and doesnt understand alot of the basics of Christianity. I am praying that God will guide him and help him understand the Bible, and I have been talking to him some as well, but he likes to read, so I really want to get him a somewhat brief, basic book that will explain the basics to him. He is very imaginative and sometimes gets easily led astray by his own ideas.

I thought of the Purpose Driven Life, but other than this, I really dont know what books are out there for new Christians. I am a bit of a book fanatic, I love to read and learn, have a large collection of books on a variety of Christian topics, but most I fear would be over his head or confusing to him. That, or they would bore him.

Any suggestions?
In order of increasing cerebralness:
R.C. Sproul "Now That's a Good Question!"
C.S. Lewis "Mere Christianity"
Louis Berkhof "Summary of Christian Doctrine (http://www.peacemakers.net/unity/lbsocd.htm)"
John Murray "Redemption Accomplished & Applied"