BEGINNINGS: WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

THE KINGDOM OF GOD NEEDS LIONS
–ARE YOU READY?

People everywhere are exploring faith–hungry for truth, searching for hope, longing for something real. Every beginning comes with questions: Where do I start? How do I grow? What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Raising Lions: Beginnings guides your first steps. Inside, you’ll discover how to:

• Overcome sin and experience freedom through Jesus
• Let God’s Word strengthen and transform you
• Connect with God in prayer
• Embrace the church as God’s plan to help you grow

Written from a pastor’s heart to equip those searching for truth and to give new believers and seekers a strong start, a solid foundation, and the tools they need to take their next steps as disciples of Jesus.

You’re not alone. You’re not without direction. You’re part of something bigger. Welcome to the family.

As a pastor, I have seen firsthand the hunger in new believers. Many come to Christ with questions burning in their hearts—questions about salvation, baptism, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and what it truly means to live for Jesus. I have walked with them as they take their first steps in faith. I saw the need for a resource that would give them clear, practical, and biblical answers. The church must not leave new believers to wander. We must equip them to stand strong.

I searched for something to help these new believers grow, but I found little that truly fit our church’s needs. Many good Christian books are out there, but few lay out the basics in a way new converts can grasp and apply right away. Our people needed a foundation—something solid to build their faith on from the very start.

This need weighed on my heart. I prayed and asked the Lord what I could do. I believe He called me to write a resource that answers the real questions people have, strengthens their faith, and helps them build a strong foundation in Christ. My goal is to give believers a tool that will help them grow, become true disciples, and walk closely with Jesus.

I organized this book into simple, easy-to-follow chapters based on the common questions that new believers often ask. Each chapter focuses on a specific topic to help readers better understand their faith and grow in their relationship with God.

Throughout the book, I have included many Bible verses to support the teaching and encourage deeper learning. These Scriptures are presented in their proper context so readers can understand not only the key verse being discussed, but also the surrounding passages that give it greater meaning. My hope is that readers will develop the habit of looking at what comes before and after a verse, allowing them to gain a fuller understanding of God’s Word and avoid taking verses out of context.

The Table of Contents that follows will give you a clear overview of how the book is organized and the topics that are covered. It will help you see the practical journey this book takes readers on as they explore some of the most important questions about the Christian faith.

• FOREWORD
• CHAPTER 1 – MY STORY
• CHAPTER 2 – WHY IS SIN A PROBLEM?
• CHAPTER 3 – WHAT IS THE SOLUTION TO SIN?
• CHAPTER 4 – IS THE BIBLE GOD’S WRITTEN WORD?
• CHAPTER 5 – WHY SHOULD WE READ THE BIBLE?
• CHAPTER 6 – WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?

• CHAPTER 7 – IS THE CHURCH AFTER MY MONEY?
• CHAPTER 8 – WHY SHOULD WE GO TO CHURCH?
• CHAPTER 9 – DOES GOD HAVE A PLAN FOR MY LIFE?
• CHAPTER 10 – WHY SHOULD WE TELL OTHERS?
• CHAPTER 11 – HOW SHOULD I TELL OTHERS?
• CHAPTER 12 – WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?

Whether you’re new to the Christian faith or simply looking for answers, I hope this book helps you discover who God is, grow stronger in your faith, and develop a deeper relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to live with purpose and make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom.

I believe God placed this on my heart, and I have done my best to share biblical truth in a way that is practical, clear, and easy to understand. My prayer is that you will find it helpful, be encouraged by what you read, and pass it along to others who may benefit.

This is your time to grow, step forward in faith, and become all that God has called you to be. The world needs believers who are bold, confident, and committed to following Jesus. It’s time to rise, embrace your calling, and let your voice be heard. The lions are rising, and it’s time to roar.