New Book Announcement: Walk: Setting Out on the Christian Life
Jesus said, “Follow me.”
Now what?
That question is simple, but if you’re a new Christian—or if you’re still trying to understand what it means to become one—it can feel overwhelming.
Where do you begin?
This is a short, warm, biblical guide for new Christians, seekers, those returning to church, and anyone who wants to return to the basics of following Jesus Christ.
Dr. Daniel R. Hyde, author of Walk: Setting Out on the Christian Life
Why I Wrote Walk
My own spiritual journey began before I could understand it. I was baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic Church. Later, my dad gave his life to Jesus through the Calvary Chapel movement. My earliest church memories include going to Sunday school kicking and screaming, Christmas Eve midnight Mass, and then, years later, sitting in the back of Hope Chapel Hermosa Beach as a seventeen-year-old.
I don’t remember what was preached that day, but I went home, closed my bedroom door, and cried into my pillow. I had known I was a sinner. But then I came to know Jesus saved me from my sins.
I experienced new life.
I wrote Walk for those who’ve recently experienced that new life too. I also wrote it for considering taking that first step onto the path. Or maybe you haven’t been in church for years but need to return. You’re asking, “What does it mean to follow Jesus?”
This book is for you.
The Christian Life Is a Walk with God
The Bible describes following the Lord as walking, traveling, journeying, or pilgrimage. Abraham was called out. Israel was led through the wilderness. Jesus said, “Follow me.” Peter calls believers “sojourners and exiles.” Paul says we once walked according to the course of this world, but now we’re created in Christ Jesus to walk in good works.
The Christian life isn’t merely a momentary decision or a list of religious duties. It’s a lifelong pilgrimage with Christ.
Jesus calls you to follow him. Along the way, he’ll lead you, feed you, keep you, and finally bring you home.
That’s the heart of Walk.
What Makes This New Christian Guide Different?
There are many books about the Christian life that reduce Christianity to self-improvement or give a list of spiritual disciplines.
Walk begins with Christ.
Before we talk about Bible reading, prayer, worship, church membership, baptism, or communion, we need to begin with the most important truth:
You belong to Jesus Christ by faith.
Like a branch receiving life from the vine, you receive life from Christ.
That means the Christian life doesn’t begin with you but with receiving Christ. It begins with belonging. It begins with grace.
What You’ll Learn in Walk
Walk is organized around the essential provisions God gives his people for the journey.
In Christ, You Belong to God
A Christian is someone who belongs to Jesus Christ by faith. Your footing along the way is his death and resurrection.
In the Bible, Your Father Speaks to You
Many new Christians want to read the Bible but quickly feel lost. Walk gives a simple pattern for beginning: Read. Reflect. Respond.
In Prayer, You Speak to Your Father
Prayer can feel awkward, especially when you’re new. But it’s simply talking with God as your Father through Jesus Christ, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
In Public Worship, Christ Gathers You
Public worship isn’t a spiritual add-on. It’s where the risen Christ gathers his people to meet with God, receive his gifts, and respond in gratitude. Worship begins with God’s gifts. Our gratitude follows.
In the Church, You Walk with Fellow Pilgrims
The Christian life is personal, but it’s never private. Christ doesn’t save isolated individuals and leave them alone. He places you among brothers and sisters. Church life is where grace becomes visible between imperfect people.
In Baptism, God Marks You as His Own
Baptism isn’t a graduation ceremony. It’s the beginning sign of new life in Christ. It points to cleansing, new life, and belonging among Christ’s people.
In Communion, Christ Feeds You for the Journey
The Lord’s Supper isn’t a reward for the strong but nourishment for those resting in a strong Savior. Christ feeds weak faith at his table.
The communion table at Oceanside United Reformed Church
Who Is Walk For?
Walk is written especially for:
New Christians who are asking, “Now what?”
Seekers who want to understand what it means to follow Jesus.
Longtime Christians who need to return to the basics.
Pastors and elders looking for a simple discipleship resource.
Churches preparing people for baptism, profession of faith, or membership.
Parents, mentors, and mature believers walking alongside newer Christians.
Discipleship groups and new believer classes.
A Gospel-Centered Guide for Weak and Weary Christians
One of my deepest hopes for this book is that it will encourage the weak.
Maybe you’ve begun following Jesus, but old sins haven’t disappeared. Prayer feels hard. The Bible is confusing. Church relationships feel awkward. Maybe you feel too guilty to come near to God. Perhaps you wonder if you’re really going to make it.
Here’s the good news: your steps along the path aren’t going to be perfect, but Christ is faithful.
The answer to spiritual weakness isn’t “try harder” but “walk close with Christ.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Christian Life
What does it mean to be a Christian?
A Christian is someone who belongs to Jesus Christ by faith.
Where should I begin reading the Bible?
Begin with the Gospel of Mark. Read one short section each day to meet Jesus in his words, works, death, and resurrection.
What if I don’t know how to pray?
Pray simply. Use the Lord’s Prayer. Speak to your Father through Jesus Christ. The Father hears you, and the Spirit helps you in your weakness.
Why should I belong to a church?
Because you belong to Jesus, you belong to his people. The Christian life is personal, but never private.
What if I still struggle with sin?
Sin remains, but it no longer reigns. When you stumble, confess your sin and return to Christ.
What if I feel unworthy to receive communion?
The table isn’t for strong Christians. It’s nourishment for those resting in a strong Savior.
Take the next step with Christ
Order your copy of Walk: Setting Out on the Christian Life
Paperback & Kindle
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