A Fresh Start: Discovering New Life in Christ

“A Fresh Start: Discovering New Life in Christ” explores how salvation is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Whether your testimony is dramatic or quiet, your new life is worth celebrating—and growing. In this article, you’ll discover how to stay anchored in Christ and build strong spiritual roots for the journey ahead.

 

Light in the Darkness

The earth’s population has swelled to a whopping 8.2 billion people. The good news is that 2.3 billion of those people are believers (Pew Research). The bad news is that 5.9 billion people are lost without Jesus!

Sharing the Good News of new life in Christ is why Inspiration Ministries exists.

And [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15 ESV).

I am 94 years old, and I realized I had never prayed the sinner’s prayer. A prayer minister at Inspiration Ministries cared enough to pray with me as I declared my faith in Christ. Thank you!—Frances, Colorado

This new life is even better—and lasts longer—than the resolutions many of us make at the beginning of a new year.

My New Life in Christ

Many people have exciting and dramatic conversion stories. God has saved people out of intellectual doubt, like C.S. Lewis and Lee Strobel.

He has saved people from persecuting Christians and operating a slave trade, like the apostle Paul and John Newton. He has even saved modern vocal artist Jelly Roll!

My story is not nearly so dramatic; nonetheless, it is still worth celebrating. And so is yours! I grew up in a pastor’s family, so I heard the Gospel daily. One cold Sunday morning after the church service, I trailed downstairs after my dad. As he restocked the furnace with Pres-to-Log Fire Logs, I confessed my awareness that the sinners he preached about included me.

At age seven, I realized my need for a Savior. My daddy helped me find the words to pray to God asking Him to forgive my sins and be my Lord and Savior. As the apostle Paul states:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come (1 Corinthians 5:17 ESV).

What New Life Really Means

I can hear you now, “This new life sounds great, but what is it?” I’m so glad you asked!

Jesus doesn’t just forgive; He restores, redirects, and rebuilds.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20 ESV).

We don’t just gain new life; we also gain a …

• New beginning: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV).
• New identity: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2 ESV).
• New family: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12/ ESV).
• New purpose: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV).
• New power: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV).

Why Early Connection Matters

When you start your new journey with Jesus, the enemy will try to distract or discourage you.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10 ESV).

But this new life grows deep roots as we stay connected to God. International connection helps anchor faith early through …

• Hearing solid biblical teaching
• Learning how to pray
• Reading and studying the Bible daily
• Finding community that encourages you to stand strong

When an acorn falls to the ground, it takes two to eight weeks (depending on the variety) to sprout. Oak tree roots often appear before their shoots. But to produce acorns and grow to full maturity takes 20 to 50+ years.

The same thing often happens with Christians. Spiritual growth takes time, and it flourishes only when its roots are buried deep. So how do we grow our roots deep as believers?

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5 ESV).

Grow your roots deep before storms come that will try to break your oak tree—because they will.

Inspiration Ministries Can Help You

When you first step into your new life in Christ, God uses resources to steady you: a daily devotion, a teaching series, a place to ask for prayer, a ministry that reminded me of His promises. That is why Inspiration Ministries exists—to walk with you, lift your faith, and help you grow.

Our Spiritual Growth Hub course Your New Journey is the perfect place for you to start your new life in Christ!

Your New Journey will help you begin with God. Each of the 10 short sessions shares simple, Bible-based truths to help you grow stronger in your walk with Jesus.

In Your New Journey, you’ll learn:

• How to build a real relationship with God through prayer and Bible reading
• What it means to live out your new identity in Christ every day
• Why forgiveness, community, and growth matter for your faith
• How to handle pain, temptation, and spiritual struggles
• How to step into the full, abundant life God offers

This course is part of the Starting Strong series from the Spiritual Growth Hub. Take your first steps with confidence—God is with you!

Hope for the Journey

Remember, the Christian journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Let’s end with encouragement to keep hope alive even if the path ahead looks dark.

• New life in Christ grows one step at a time.
• Jesus stays with you through every step of the journey.
• Hope is not a feeling; it is Jesus.
• God’s plan for you is already in motion.
• You are not alone as you walk this new path. We are here for you!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 ESV).

…

Want to grow your new faith? Begin Your New Journey in the Spiritual Growth Hub.