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Start Here Trust in Christ Series Library

Best Place to Begin

Best Place to Begin: Start with the Gospel

Before browsing studies, series, or articles, the best place to begin is with Jesus Himself.

Start with the Gospel article image

Christianity does not begin with a system, a denomination, a moral improvement plan, or a list of religious opinions. It begins with the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The gospel is not first a topic to study. It is good news to hear, believe, and respond to.

That is why we recommend beginning with the Gospels, especially Mark and John.

Start with Mark

Mark is a clear and fast-moving account of what Jesus did. It shows Jesus announcing the kingdom of God, calling people to repentance and faith, healing the broken, confronting evil, serving the lowly, suffering on the cross, and rising from the dead.

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1).

Then read John

John helps us see more deeply who Jesus is. He presents Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh, the Son sent by the Father, the Lamb of God, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life, and the only way to the Father.

“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31).

Together, Mark and John give a strong starting point. Mark helps us encounter Jesus in action. John helps us behold His identity and glory.

Begin Reading

If you are ready to begin reading, here are a few simple options. Start slowly. Read carefully. Look for who Jesus is, what He does, what He teaches, and how people respond to Him.

The Invitation

From there, the invitation is simple but not shallow: trust in Christ.

Not merely to admire Him. Not merely to learn about Him. Not merely to add religious language to life. But to turn toward Him in faith, receive His grace, and follow Him as Lord.

If you would like to understand that invitation more clearly, you can read Trust in Christ: An Invitation to New Life.

So if you are new to Christianity, returning after a long time away, or simply trying to understand what this faith is really about, start here: Read Mark. Read John. Look closely at Jesus. Then consider His invitation: “Follow me.”

Continue Reading

Keep reading Bible, theology, and gospel-centered studies that help you understand Christ, Scripture, and the Christian faith more clearly.