Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity
If seminary feels too far and Sunday school never happened, this is where you start.
Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity is a 15-chapter biblical guide for new Christians covering essential topics: sin, salvation, grace, faith, the Holy Spirit, and living for Christ, written by veteran Bible teacher Krisan Marotta.
Start Strong offers the clear, foundational truths every Christian needs to build a confident and lasting walk with God.
About Start Strong: A New Believer's Guide to Christianity
Start Strong Bible Foundations Series Book 1
Who is Start Strong for
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New believers who want a step-by-step, Scripture-based introduction to Christianity
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Curious seekers who want clarity on what Christians actually believe
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Mentors and leaders looking for a ready-to-use discipleship resource for individuals or groups
What it helps with
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The essentials of the Christian faith: sin, salvation, grace, faith, repentance, and assurance
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How to grow spiritually: the Holy Spirit, hope, wisdom, and living for Christ
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Real-life questions: how faith connects to relationships, sex, work, and money
How to use it
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On your own: Read a chapter, then work through the “See for Yourself” passages and optional workbook
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One-on-one: Read with a friend or mentor and use the discussion questions for weekly conversations
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Small group/class: Teach it as a new-believer track or foundations class using the free lesson plans and optional workbook
- Homeschool/youth: Assign a chapter, use the lesson plans or discussion questions to discuss the key idea, then use the middle/high school quizzes to review and reinforce understanding
About the Author: Krisan Marotta, creator of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, is a dedicated student and teacher of the Bible, known for her clear, verse-by-verse exposition.
With over 40 years of Bible study, her podcast reaches listeners in over 50,000 listeners/year in 157 countries, guiding them to discover Scriptures’ truths for themselves.
Start Strong, A New Believer's Podcast
A 15-week companion podcast launches February 4, 2026
In plain language and with no prior knowledge required, this study guides you step-by-step through 15 passages that teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
This podcast series is a companion to Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. Each week we’ll walk through one of the “See for Yourself” passages from the book.
You don’t have to read the book to join. But if you do, you’ll get even more out of each episode, especially if you use the companion workbook and discuss the book with a friend.
While a traditional audiobook isn’t available yet, you can listen to the book through a subscriber-only podcast called Krisan Marotta’s Bookcast.
I’ll release the audio version of a chapter on the Bookcast one week before the matching Wednesday in the Word podcast episode.
The Bookcast is available to paid subscribers only for $5 per month. That’s about the price of a cup of coffee. Stay subscribed for three months, and you’ll hear the entire book for less than the cost of most audiobooks.
You can cancel anytime. Supporter FAQs
Start Strong Workbook
How this workbook helps:
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Review Questions reinforce the key themes and terms from each chapter so you can check your understanding and notice what matters most.
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See for Yourself passages guide you back to Scripture to observe what it says about God, people, and faith, at a pace that builds confidence
- Reflection Question nudges truth from head to heart with one focused question per chapter.
- Journal Prompts turn insight into next steps for repentance, prayer, and meditation.
Use it on your own or with a friend or small group; tips and a simple weekly rhythm are included.
This is a separate paperback book with space for notes and writing.
Start Strong Bible Foundations series Book 2
Curious if Start Strong is for you? Look inside.
Look Inside: Read a Free Preview
Read the Introduction & Chapter 1.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Part 1: The Starting Line: Facing the Truth
1: From Cracks to Chaos: The Sin We Can’t Ignore
2: The Verdict: Guilty With No Appeal
3: The Only Cure: Why the Cross Sets Us Free
4: The Only Escape: What Real Faith Looks Like
Part 2: The New Road Ahead: Living the Truth
5: New Lenses: Seeing with Truth
6: New Family: Finding Your People
7: New Aim: Living for What Lasts
8: New Strength: Forged by Fire & Grace
Part 3: Detours and Obstacles: Confronting the Lies
9: Staying on Track: Boundaries & Belonging
10: Hurdle One: Sex
11: Hurdle Two: Work
12: Hurdle Three: Wealth
Part 4: Finish Strong: Eyes on Eternity
13: Your Ally: The Holy Spirit
14: Your Anchor: Hope
15: Your Quest: Eight Truths to the Finish Line
A Note at the End
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Excerpt from the Introduction
You’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.
If you’ve recently started following Jesus, you may feel like you’ve stepped into the middle of a movie without knowing the plot. Everyone else seems to know the lines, the music, where to stand and what happens next. You’re trying to pay attention, but inside you’re secretly thinking: How do I make sense of this and where do I begin? How do I catch up when I feel so far behind? That’s where this book can help.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve recently decided to follow Jesus, or you’re seriously thinking about it, and you’re wondering how to start. Maybe you hit rock bottom, prayed a prayer and reached out to God. Maybe you were moved by a friend’s faith. Perhaps someone who cares about you slipped this book into your hands because they want to spend eternity with you.
Whatever brought you here, you probably have questions like: What does the Bible say? What does it look like to follow Jesus? How is my life supposed to change? Am I really saved?
If you’ve been asking questions like these, you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place.
This book is your starting point. It won’t answer every question, but it can give you a framework for understanding the essentials. Think of it as a trusted guide to help you begin the most important journey of your life: the journey of faith. Step by step, we’ll walk through what it means to believe, to grow, and to live as a follower of Jesus. The goal is simple: to help you start strong and keep going with wisdom and confidence. . . .
Start Strong is Perfect for you if you…
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You’ve said “yes” to Jesus, but you feel like you walked into the story mid-scene and you don’t know what comes next.
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You want clear, biblical foundations without Christian jargon (and without feeling talked down to).
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You want straight answers to big questions like: Am I really saved? What is faith? What does repentance mean?
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You want help connecting faith to real life: relationships, sex, work, money, and wise choices.
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You’re looking for a safe, theologically sound book to give a new believer or to use in a new members class, foundations class, or discipleship group.
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You’re mentoring someone one-on-one and you want a simple, structured plan you can follow together.
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You’re a homeschool parent, co-op leader, youth leader, or teacher who wants an accessible Christian foundations book complete with discussion questions, lesson plans, and quizzes to reinforce learning.
Common questions this book answers…
- If God is loving, why does the Bible talk about sin?
- I’m sorry, can’t God just forgive me?
- Why did Jesus have to die?
- How do I know I’m saved?
- What exactly do Christians believe?
- Am I doing Christianity “right?” How do I live as a Christian?
- Why do bad things keep happening to me?
- Does following Jesus mean I have to quit my job, sell everything, and move overseas as a missionary?
- What if I keep struggling with the same sin and change feels impossible?
- What is sanctification and how do I know I’m making progress?
- What are my spiritual gifts?
- What does following Jesus mean for my job, my sex life and making money?
- Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do for me?
- What is the Christian hope and how does it make a difference?
Start Strong is Not This / It is That…
Start Strong is Not this:
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Not a sentimental “feel-good” devotional with vague encouragement
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Not a dense theology textbook that assumes you already know the vocabulary
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Not a denomination-specific manual or a debate book about secondary issues
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Not a quick “checklist Christianity” guide that skips the Bible
Start Strong is This:
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A clear, step-by-step biblical foundations guide for brand-new believers
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A practical bridge between “I believe” and “I understand what I believe and why”
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A Scripture-centered resource you can use solo, with a mentor, or in a class/small group
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A foundational guide that connects core truths (grace, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit) to real life (relationships, sex, work, money)
Krisan Marotta is the creator of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, and a passionate advocate for Bible study, who has dedicated over four decades to understanding and teaching Scripture.
With her methodical approach and thoughtful analysis, she guides 50,000 listeners each year across 157 countries through verse-by-verse exposition that illuminates biblical truths with clarity and depth.
Free Resources for Readers, Teachers & Leaders
Want to use Start Strong with a friend, small group, class, or student? These free downloads make it easy to teach, discuss, and check understanding, whether you’re mentoring a new believer, leading a discipleship group, or helping students learn the basics of Christianity.
Discussion Questions for Small Groups & Book Clubs (Free Download)
Make your next conversation easy to lead, even if you’re not “the discussion person.” These chapter-by-chapter questions are designed to get your group talking, laughing, and thinking deeply, while connecting Start Strong’s themes to real life.
Great for: book clubs, small groups, mentoring pairs, and new-believer meetups.
Includes: icebreakers, big-idea prompts, personal reflection, creative questions, and practical application.
No one has to learn alone.
Lesson Plans for Teachers & Leaders (Free Download)
Teaching Start Strong in a church, campus ministry, or classroom setting?
These lesson plans were built for adult Sunday school, new believers, and seekers, with clear, conversational teaching at about an 8th-grade reading level.
Each lesson includes key ideas, suggested Scripture passages, and open-ended discussion questions, plus a simple flow (warm-up → two texts → “connect the dots”)
Best for: Sunday school, foundations/new-believer classes, campus ministry, group leaders
Includes: 15 lesson plans (one for each chapter), Scripture passages, discussion prompts, sample teaching flow and resources for the leader
A simple way to start important conversations without being an expert.
Quizzes for Youth & Homeschoolers
Two quick, multiple-choice comprehension quizzes—one for Middle Grades (6–8) and one for High School (9–12)—to help students review what they’ve learned from Start Strong and identify what they might want to revisit.
Best for: homeschool families, youth groups, Christian schools, family discussion
Includes: multiple-choice questions + answer key
It’s a quick, low-pressure way to check understanding and reinforce key takeaways.
Help Someone Else Start Strong (Free download)
If this book encouraged you, there are many simple ways you can help someone else find it—without being pushy or awkward.
Download my “Share Ideas” PDF with quick & easy ideas, copy-and-paste options (texts, emails, posts, and church-friendly ideas).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should read Start Strong?
Start Strong is for new believers, curious seekers, and anyone who feels behind and wants a clear foundation.
If you’re guiding a friend, mentoring, or leading a small group, it’s built for you, too.
Do I need Bible knowledge to read Start Strong?
No. Krisan explains terms the first time they appear and shows you where to find things in Scripture. Bring a Bible and a willingness to learn. She will guide you through the rest.
Is Start Strong denomination-specific?
No. It’s centered on the gospel, the authority of Scripture, and the essentials every new believer needs.
The labels that most closely describes Krisan are “reformed and conservative.”
Do I need to read the book to enjoy the podcast (and vice versa)?
No. They’re complementary. The podcast helps you hear Scripture taught; the book gives you the framework that makes Scripture “click.” Use either. Or use both together for the best experience.
What formats of the book Start Strong are available?
The ebook, paperback, hardback and a companion paperback workbook are available wherever books are sold. Use your favorite store; the book is distributed wide.
While a traditional audiobook isn’t available yet, you can listen to the book through a subscriber-only podcast called Krisan Marotta’s Bookcast.
I’ll release the audio version of a chapter on the Bookcast one week before the matching Wednesday in the Word podcast episode.
The Bookcast is available to paid subscribers only for $5 per month. That’s about the price of a cup of coffee. Stay subscribed for three months, and you’ll hear the entire book for less than the cost of most audiobooks.
How long are the chapters? Will I need hours each day?
Chapters are short and focused. Most readers do a chapter per sitting; groups often take one chapter per week.
Can my church use Start Strong for a class?
Do you cover sensitive topics like sex, money, and work?
Yes, gently and biblically. You’ll get a framework for wise choices that honor God and serve others.
Who are you, and why should I trust you?
Krisan hosts the Wednesday in the Word podcast and has spent decades teaching Scripture and helping ordinary people learn to study it.
Do you offer bulk or church orders?
Yes. If you’re ordering for a church, campus ministry, homeschool co-op, or class, contact me and I’ll help you figure out the best way to order for your group.
If you like these books & authors, you’ll like Start Strong
Classic, Clear Foundations
C. S. Lewis — Mere Christianity
Why this pick: A timeless, reasoned walk through the core claims of Christianity.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Same commitment to clarity and essentials—only more step-by-step for brand-new believers and small groups.
John Stott — Basic Christianity
Why this pick: Gentle, biblical, and thorough on who Jesus is and why it matters.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Similar doctrinal backbone, with simple definitions and reflection questions that help a beginner keep going.
J. I. Packer — Knowing God
Why this pick: Deepens awe for God’s character.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Lays the groundwork so readers can appreciate Packer without feeling lost.
Investigating Faith
Lee Strobel — The Case for Christ
Why this pick: Reporter-style interviews that make the evidence accessible.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Moves from “what is true?” to “how do I live it?” with the same plain-spoken tone.
Timothy Keller — The Reason for God
Why this pick: Honest engagement with modern doubts.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Addresses the heart of faith (sin, cross, grace, assurance) without assuming church background.
Rebecca McLaughlin — Confronting Christianity
Why this pick: Thoughtful answers to hard questions.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: A friendly on-ramp that clarifies the big picture before tackling hard topics.
Paul Little — Know Why You Believe
Why this pick: A classic, concise apologetics primer.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Complements “why” with a clear “what” and “how,” designed for new believers and mentors.
Big-picture Bible Guides
Vaughan Roberts — God’s Big Picture
Why this pick: Shows how the whole Bible fits together.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Gives you the core ingredients (sin, cross, faith, Spirit, perseverance) so the story snaps into place.
Max Anders — 30 Days to Understanding the Bible
Why this pick: Simple frameworks that demystify Scripture.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Same “you can learn this” energy—short chapters, clear terms, and clear takeaways.
John Cross — The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus
Why this pick: Walks through the gospel storyline from Genesis onward.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: A concise map of the essentials that pairs well with a storyline read-through.
For Mentors & Disciplers
Mark Dever — Discipling
Why this pick: Practical, biblical vision for helping others grow.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: A theologically safe book to hand a new believer before you begin a basics class.
J. Mack Stiles — Marks of the Messenger
Why this pick: Clear, everyday evangelism without gimmicks.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Offers the same no-hype, Scripture-first approach your new believer needs after saying “yes” to Jesus.
Tim Chester — You Can Change
Why this pick: A grace-driven, heart-level approach to growth that focuses on what we love and worship, not on checklists or techniques.
Why you’ll like Start Strong: Same gospel-first lens—that help new believers see Jesus more clearly and apply truth to real desires, habits, and fears without turning faith into a program.
From Early Readers
Cannie Mawson, Canada
Start Strong is written in the clear, concise manner I have long appreciated from Krisan’s teaching. She boldly names the problem which is that our “chooser is broken”, then fearlessly discusses the often taboo subjects where our “broken choosers” most often sabotage us they are sex, work and wealth.
Krisan writes compelling stories and gives examples that draw you in. She also takes weighty theological topics and distills them so clearly that anyone can understand.
I recommend Start Strong to new believers, but also those who want to model clear ways in which to communicate their faith.
Wednesday in the Word podcast with Krisan Marotta
The longest running Bible Study podcast in the world
Fact Sheet: Start Strong
Title: Start Strong
Subtitle: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity
Author: Krisan Marotta
Series: Start Strong Bible Foundations Series Book 1
Genre: Christian Spiritual Growth
Publisher: Ezra’s Path Publishing, Charlottesville, Virginia
Publication: January 9, 2026
Length: 192 pages
ebook ISBN: 979-8-999-7508-0-8 ebook Price: $9.99
ebook ASIN: B0FSDY695W
Paperback ISBN: 979-8-999-7508-1-5 Paperback Price: $16.99
Hardback ISBN: 979-8-999-7508-3-9 Hardback Price: $25.99
BISAC Primary: REL012120 RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Growth
BISAC Secondary: REL023000 RELIGION / Christian Ministry / Discipleship
Bible Translation used: English Standard Version (ESV)
Reading Level: 8th grade
For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. – Ezra 7:10