Start by....
1) Getting a Bible and reading it. Most churches here in the US will happily
give you an inexpensive paperback Bible free. Books about Christian beliefs and/or the Bible (such as John Stott's "
Basic Christianity," "
The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee, or "
Essential Truths of the Christian Faith" by R. C. Sproul) will help but they do not replace reading and learning the Bible itself. You say it isn't enough and that is true and correct but much is built upon a knowledge of God's word (written and incarnate). I do recommend the use of a devotional. Oswald Chambers' "
My Utmost for His Highest" is a classic but I recommend you get the "updated language" or NIV versions.
2) Praying and telling and asking God about your life. God knows everything already but He wants you relying upon him.... often but without feeling guilty for inconsistency. He's your new Best Friend. Act like it.
3) Finding a (local) congregation in which to fellowship, worship, and develop friendships and learning relationships with other Christians. Denominationalism isn't something that I would ordinarily say someone need be mindful of but I don't know what the Church looks like in England. A conservative evangelical Anglican congregation could be great but the Anglican Church tends to be liberal (I was saved in a conservative charismatic evangelical Episcopal congregation 35+ years ago). Non-denominational congregations may lack external oversight and accountability so there could be problems there. So I'm going to suggest a Baptist congregation simply because the oddsare best. Baptists know their Bible and use it. Ultimately, if you're praying and reading then God will be able to guide your search and you'll end up exactly where God wants you. I recommend you look for a place with a spirit of hospitality and authenticity. Other concerns will become important as you grow but for now look for (healthy) fellowship and (sound) teaching.
4) Getting involved in some form of service either inside the congregation (greeting, Sunday school teaching, ushering, singing, sound desk, etc) or outside the congregation in the surrounding community (food delivery, grate patrol, etc.).
There are other practices that will develop your faith but these four are the most basic and necessary for growth and maturity. There's a wonderful community of believers here in CF but we're not physically present to give you real-time encouragement, exhortation, admonition, and hugs
. Do please avial yourself of the wisdom of those who've walked the Christian path before you but always examine what is heard/read with scripture.
And rsj13, you're a
woman. You've left childhood and girlhood behind and stepped into adulthood and womanhood and finding your relationship with God is an
excellent way for you to do it. You're a member of the better half of our species.
