So, You're A Christian! Now What?

By Catherine Painter. Hensley Publishing. 2006. 205 pages. $17.99

Review by Martha Van Der Linden

You're a Christian now, feeling warmth and gladness within. Yet you sense an inner whisper - now what?

Now starts the journey from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity.

Catherine Painter's book, "So, You're A Christian! Now What?" guides new believers from spiritual beginnings along the pathway to spiritual understanding.

Twelve chapters, or lessons, offer specific information including related questions and exercises that lead the new Christian, or seeker, to clear answers - all referenced in the Bible.

Painter, a pastor's wife who has mentored many struggling Christians, writes Bible curriculum on state and national levels. Her book, "So, You're A Christian! Now What?" was birthed when a young adult who was new to the faith asked, "What did the pastor mean by the words gospel and testament? And, what's the difference between the old and new testaments?"

Painter scanned bookstore shelves searching for a book she could recommend. Finding none, the former high school English teacher wrote one.

Painter says the book also appeals to older, more mature Christians. At book signings, some tell her, "I wish I'd had this book years ago."

In the book, Painter asks questions that clearly lead individuals, and Bible study group participants, to specific scriptural answers. Portions of the book will likely cause some to say, "Wow," and "Aha."

While not for children, this Bible study book is helpful for youth and youth leaders who want to mentor and under-gird them with a firm foundation while in the trenches of teen years, wavering through enticing cultural lures.

"So, You're a Christian! Now What?" is also an affirmation for parents and other long-practicing Christians reviewing thoughts of earlier days, when, as new believers, they first yearned to live in harmony with Bible truths and teachings.

Additionally, the book provides a glossary of words - such as atonement, intercession, justification, salvation, sanctification - all followed by definitions and examples of scripture using the terms.

Like a fire that needs stoking to keep its flame aglow one never outgrows their need to rekindle spiritual growth.

So, say farewell to, as Painter's introduction states, "the labyrinth of theological confusion." And hello to spiritual clarity.