Visit the Goodwill book section. Get a bible.
Don’t bother with King James – it’s a word-for-word translation and quite a bit is lost to modern man understanding the imagery. “The Message” being a paraphrase, captures the images better, but misses subtle important facets. If you’re lucky you’ll find an NIV study bible. Usually about $3. Snag one.
What you’ll discover is that true faith in Christ is about selflessness. It’s really very difficult. Nearly everyone who claims the label “Christian” is a follower who wants something, a return on their investment.
If you want someone to tell you what to do, Christianity isn’t the Way. The reality is: you’ll have to develop an actual relationship with the creator. Doing what someone says is much easier.
Other books, author list: Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, AW Tozer.
Either way, spend WAY more time in private prayer and meditation than you do reading about God or listening to others talk about Him. He wants to meet with you this way. Turn off the TV, the radio. Put down the smartphone, stay off of social media. Sit quietly. This aspect alone divides 99.9% of hypocrites from genuine followers.
Stop seeking attention. Try to be invisible. You can’t hide from Him.
Can’t sleep. Talk to God, you’ll snooze in no time.
Beware of dispensationalism – it’s easy to be lead away from simple things. Stick to the main things. The plain things. Do not overthink. Knowledge isn’t holiness. And even the pursuit of holiness puts people out of grace (any pharisee will disagree.)
Pretty much don’t read anything published after 1900.
Find a mentor. An Episcopalian would be an OK advisor. But go into this “seeking” process with the understanding that finding a real, humble teacher is RARE. You may never find one. Fellowship, the genuine kind – is that special.
Speaking as an Exvangelical, I know that newcomers are easily fooled by happy clappy, magical thinking that you’ll find in that tradition. This is also not the way. If you want experiences, try yoga, buddhism, TM.
The experience of Christ will create great personal poverty (not about money) you’ll doubt greatly, understand deeply and then doubt even more about what the world says is important.
Things to watch out for and run away from: Science denial and anti-intellectualism. Politics from the pulpit. Confrontationalism – are people protesting, rallying? or are they helping less fortunates? Run from the former, volunteer with the latter.
Go slow, find a lower gear. You will be attacked. Learn about the Shield of Faith.
Narrow Way Cafe 