Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity
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 for those who feel lost in their new faith.
If seminary feels too far and Sunday school never happened, this is where you start.
Feeling lost in your new faith? Start Strong offers the clear, foundational truths every new Christian needs to build a confident and lasting walk with God.
Looking for a safe, theologically sound book to hand a new believer or to use in your new members class? You’ll like Start Strong.
Start Strong and its companion workbook will be released January 9, 2026.
About Start Strong: A New Believer's Guide to Christianity
Have you just said “yes” to Jesus, only to feel like you’ve stepped into a movie mid-scene? Everyone else seems to know the plot, the lines, and what happens next, while you’re secretly wondering: Where do I even begin? How do I make sense of this new world when I feel so far behind?
You’re not crazy, and you’re definitely not alone. The journey of faith is thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming when you don’t have a map.
In Start Strong, veteran Bible teacher Krisan Marotta offers the clear, trustworthy guide she wished she’d had as a new believer. Having grown up atheist and then felt lost in the early days of her faith, she understands your questions.
This isn’t a list of rules or a superficial pep talk. Instead, it’s a compassionate exploration of the foundational truths woven throughout Scripture, the core convictions that will reshape your worldview, helping you understand sin, the cross, the Holy Spirit, and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life.
Discover the simple yet profound realities that will anchor your faith. Learn how to navigate common challenges like sex, work, and money from God’s perspective, and confidently embrace a hope that will never disappoint.
Start Strong will empower you to move past confusion, build a solid foundation, and cultivate a vibrant, lasting faith that stands firm, no matter what life throws your way. It’s time to stop feeling lost and start living with wisdom and purpose.
Start Strong Bible Foundations Series Book 1
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.
“The gospel isn’t about self-improvement. It’s about rescue.” – Start Strong, Chapter 2: The Verdict: Guilty with No Appeal.
“Saving faith is not a leap into the dark; it’s a step into the light.” – Start Strong, Chapter 4, The Only Escape: What Real Faith Looks Like
Go Deeper: Start Strong, A New Believer's Podcast
A 15-week companion podcast launches February 4, 2026
Each week the podcast will go through one of the See For Yourself passages at the end of each book chapter.
While these questions are covered in the book, the podcast will go deeper into a specific passage of Scripture. Here’s a sneak peak.
Week 1: If Grace Covers All Sin, Why Not Keep Sinning?
Week 2: Why Can’t You Just Try Harder to Be Good?
Week 3: If All Religions Lead to God, Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Week 4: What Jesus Taught About Saving Faith
Week 5: How to Build Your Life on a Solid Foundation
You don’t have to read the book to join. But if you do, you’ll get even more out of each episode, especially with the companion workbook and free small-group discussion questions.
Curious if Start Strong is for you? Look inside.
Look Inside: Read a Free Preview
Read the Introduction & Chapter 1.
You’ll also be signed up for my mailing list so I can share new resources, discussion guides, and book news. No worries. You may unsubscribe at any time.
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. . . .
“The core message is not what you must do, but what Jesus did for you.” – Start Strong, Chapter 3: The Only Cure: Why the Cross Sets Us Free.
“Growing in sanctification is about direction, not perfection.” – Start Strong, Chapter 9: Staying on Track: Boundaries & Belonging.
“Christians don’t claim to be better; we claim to be rescued and forgiven.” – Start Strong, Chapter 13: Your Ally: The Holy Spirit.
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
Coming Soon: Make Sure the Lessons Stick With a Free Quiz for Students
Your student just finished Start Strong, now what? These free, multiple-choice comprehension quizes are designed to help middle grades (6-8) and high school (9-12) homeschoolers lock in what they’ve learned. It’s a quick, low-pressure way to check understanding, spark discussion, and reinforce key takeaways.
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 is available for pre-order now.
The paperback and companion workbook will be available January 9, 2026.
The audiobook will soon follow.
Use your favorite store; the book is distributed wide.
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?
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
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: $
Audiobook Narrator: Krisan Marotta
audiobook ISBN: 979-8-999-7508-2-2 Audiobook Price: $
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