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Start Here: Beginning a Relationship with Jesus
Are you wondering what saying yes to following Jesus really means? Do you want to know more about Christianity but you’re not sure what, or how, to ask? Are you just beginning in a new faith in Jesus Christ?
Then Start Here.
Written by two authors who also know what it’s like to seek God, Start Here answers questions such
If God is real, now what?
What is the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?
What does the church have to do with my life and my faith?
Why did Jesus have to die?
Isn’t grace too good to be true?
Can I accept that Jesus is the way to God?
Following Jesus isn’t about rules—it’s all about relationship. So start here to find practical help and encouraging stories about what authentic Christianity looks like. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.
Then Start Here.
Written by two authors who also know what it’s like to seek God, Start Here answers questions such
If God is real, now what?
What is the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?
What does the church have to do with my life and my faith?
Why did Jesus have to die?
Isn’t grace too good to be true?
Can I accept that Jesus is the way to God?
Following Jesus isn’t about rules—it’s all about relationship. So start here to find practical help and encouraging stories about what authentic Christianity looks like. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
106 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 13, 2014
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher through Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Start Here is a great book for those new to Christianity. Even if one is still skeptical and isn't "there" yet, this book is helpful in understanding the basics of Christianity and the heart of it: Jesus Christ. The first chapter asks the question that matters the most: Who is Jesus? The authors take this question one step further and explain why this question matters as a Christian. One's personal relationship with Jesus Christ is not about obeying the laws, but who Jesus is and a daily walk with Him.
Each chapter begins with a testimony from another Christian about their experience when they came to Christ or their relationship with Him. I think this is awesome for those who are still on the border. Hearing (or in the case reading) testimonies is not only powerful, but brings forth a relate-ability between those sharing and the reader. After all, Faith comes from hearing. After the testimonies the authors take turns talking about the aspects of Christianity like who God is and what He wants us to know.
A wonderful book for those beginning, re-beginning, or are on the border about Christianity. Start Here is perfect for those who are looking for a place to start!
Start Here is a great book for those new to Christianity. Even if one is still skeptical and isn't "there" yet, this book is helpful in understanding the basics of Christianity and the heart of it: Jesus Christ. The first chapter asks the question that matters the most: Who is Jesus? The authors take this question one step further and explain why this question matters as a Christian. One's personal relationship with Jesus Christ is not about obeying the laws, but who Jesus is and a daily walk with Him.
Each chapter begins with a testimony from another Christian about their experience when they came to Christ or their relationship with Him. I think this is awesome for those who are still on the border. Hearing (or in the case reading) testimonies is not only powerful, but brings forth a relate-ability between those sharing and the reader. After all, Faith comes from hearing. After the testimonies the authors take turns talking about the aspects of Christianity like who God is and what He wants us to know.
A wonderful book for those beginning, re-beginning, or are on the border about Christianity. Start Here is perfect for those who are looking for a place to start!
February 7, 2018
best book ever for new believers! love love love this short read, so informative and emotional for me!
March 4, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but there were just too many issues for me to use this as a resource or recommend it to anyone. Here are my top 3 issues with the book:
1. All the chapters start off with a salvation testimony of someone, but in all of the testimonies there's never a definitive point where the person can point to their conversion. Not that they don't know the date and time, but that they almost talk about conversion as a gradual process that they kind of fell into and before they knew it God had regenerated them.
2. Their discussion of the "sacraments" of baptism and communion is simultaneously broad(infant and believer's baptism are presented as viable practices) and narrow (these are sacraments and they hint at transubstantiation leanings)and is more confusing than clarifying. And that's coming from a Christian of 20+ years; I can't imagine what a new believer would think.
3. Their discussion on the character of God comes after the chapter on receiving Jesus...which seems totally backwards to me. How is someone supposed to begin a relationship with a person they don't know even on a basic level? Seems like God's character should've been a pre-salvation discussion not an afterthought.
TLDR; Start Here? More like Start Somewhere Else.
1. All the chapters start off with a salvation testimony of someone, but in all of the testimonies there's never a definitive point where the person can point to their conversion. Not that they don't know the date and time, but that they almost talk about conversion as a gradual process that they kind of fell into and before they knew it God had regenerated them.
2. Their discussion of the "sacraments" of baptism and communion is simultaneously broad(infant and believer's baptism are presented as viable practices) and narrow (these are sacraments and they hint at transubstantiation leanings)and is more confusing than clarifying. And that's coming from a Christian of 20+ years; I can't imagine what a new believer would think.
3. Their discussion on the character of God comes after the chapter on receiving Jesus...which seems totally backwards to me. How is someone supposed to begin a relationship with a person they don't know even on a basic level? Seems like God's character should've been a pre-salvation discussion not an afterthought.
TLDR; Start Here? More like Start Somewhere Else.
November 12, 2023
Loved how everything was broken down and explained in a simple and easy to grasp way. It really addressed a lot of questions I had. The only reason for not giving 5 stars is that at times it was hard to keep up with the sudden first person narrative and it being either author. Otherwise, I’m glad I read it!
September 4, 2022
I grew up going to church, but it wasn't until recently that I earnestly started on my own journey with Jesus Christ. This was an excellent little book to guide me along my initial steps. I would venture to say though that this would be a good read even for seasoned Christians. I learned a great deal while reading this, but I never felt like I was being "preached" at. Actually, this read much like a conversation you might have with a friend or two. I read this e-galley on my Nook, and my copy is absolutely littered with highlights and notes. I can't wait until this is published so I can go out and buy a physical copy to take notes in. Anyway, this was an excellent little book, and I would definitely recommend it to you if you are looking for some answers to questions you might have about God or Jesus. Four stars!
*I received an e-galley of this through David C. Cook and Netgalley (thanks!) This in no way affected my review.
*I received an e-galley of this through David C. Cook and Netgalley (thanks!) This in no way affected my review.
July 5, 2018
Great Christian book
This is a great Christian book full of pure and spiritual love to the God. I just met a problem and lost the way to follow the God. A church which I and my husband enjoyed anticipating was separated and the pastor with his wife were left. This event really shocked and made us feel upset and lost for the future. But I believe that God has his plan. At this time, he gives me this book. I noticed that I mostly followed the rules of Bible and felt difficult to really love God even though I thought I was. This book explains very clearly that it is good to be with God, lean to Him in difficulties and clarifies many of my questions. A really great book to read for all level of Christian people. It will help you to clarify many important questions in the way of your belief.
This is a great Christian book full of pure and spiritual love to the God. I just met a problem and lost the way to follow the God. A church which I and my husband enjoyed anticipating was separated and the pastor with his wife were left. This event really shocked and made us feel upset and lost for the future. But I believe that God has his plan. At this time, he gives me this book. I noticed that I mostly followed the rules of Bible and felt difficult to really love God even though I thought I was. This book explains very clearly that it is good to be with God, lean to Him in difficulties and clarifies many of my questions. A really great book to read for all level of Christian people. It will help you to clarify many important questions in the way of your belief.
February 18, 2022
This book is great for anyone just starting their journey with God but is also a great refresher for those that have already began a relationship.
This is not a preachy book nor does it have a fake “self help” feeling that some books get. It’s to the point, matter of fact, helpful, and insightful with the right balance of experiences, advice, insight, Bible verses and stories, and thoughts to ponder.
Would recommend this book for anyone who is experiencing the stirring of wanting to get to know Jesus
This is not a preachy book nor does it have a fake “self help” feeling that some books get. It’s to the point, matter of fact, helpful, and insightful with the right balance of experiences, advice, insight, Bible verses and stories, and thoughts to ponder.
Would recommend this book for anyone who is experiencing the stirring of wanting to get to know Jesus
September 15, 2020
Even for a mature believer, questions about who God is and what does he expect from us remains and gives room for doubt and apathy. There is no getting away from one's gut and it is there that I know God is real. Start Here: Beginning a Relationship with Jesus is a reminder that God is love and a father who wants a relationship with each of us. This is good news and it makes sense that God would give us a savior in his son.
May 24, 2023
This book was informational but written in a conversational tone. I absolutely loved it. In many places it spoke right to my questions and fears. It was also explanatory without being condescending. I highly recommend it if you want to learn the basics of Christianity and/or you’d like to figure out next steps in your journey with Christ Jesus. I read it to prepare for my decision to receive believers baptism and it was perfect.
August 26, 2017
This is a great book. While it's an introduction to having a relationship with Jesus, I love the way both authors explain certain aspects / concepts I've "known" for years. And I can see how this book would be very helpful when sharing the gospel with others. A mix of real-life examples, lots of Scripture references, and Biblically-based truths.
August 26, 2018
Basic truth
This book very clearly describes what Christianity is all about without using "churchy" language. It is focused on anyone who has questions about Jesus wherever they are in their process of knowing him. I look forward to sharing it to help others.
This book very clearly describes what Christianity is all about without using "churchy" language. It is focused on anyone who has questions about Jesus wherever they are in their process of knowing him. I look forward to sharing it to help others.
October 26, 2022
I thought this would've been more directive rather than informative. It hasn't helped personally but might be better for others who are a lot more lost than I am.
July 7, 2025
Given to me by relatives as a non believer when I said I was open.
This book is not a starting point, it's a belief intensifer. without the belief already the book is not very helpful. Salvation stories aren't even very transferable or explainitory.
This book is not a starting point, it's a belief intensifer. without the belief already the book is not very helpful. Salvation stories aren't even very transferable or explainitory.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2016
I grew up in the church (my dad was a pastor!) and although I attended church each Sunday until I moved out in my own, I never really felt that I had a relationship with God until recently. I discovered this book through a study group at the church that I recently began attending, & all I can say is, "I wish I had this book as a teenager!" But who knows if I would have been ready for it then? :)
This book is written by one author who grew up I the church and one who discovered Christ much later. It is for the new believer, the restored believer, & the seasoned believer because it is about the relationship with God. It is presented in a very real way of communicating, rather than a lofty or scholarly approach. This makes for a great personal read or a great book with which to study and share with friends. I have highlighted so many passages and phrases that have stood out to me - things that are new and things that I have seen with a new perspective.
I have a feeling I will be revisiting this book often!
This book is written by one author who grew up I the church and one who discovered Christ much later. It is for the new believer, the restored believer, & the seasoned believer because it is about the relationship with God. It is presented in a very real way of communicating, rather than a lofty or scholarly approach. This makes for a great personal read or a great book with which to study and share with friends. I have highlighted so many passages and phrases that have stood out to me - things that are new and things that I have seen with a new perspective.
I have a feeling I will be revisiting this book often!
April 1, 2014
Start Here is effectively self-proclaimed Christianity 1.0. David Dwight and Nicole Unice break down everything, including how to read Bible references, what different translations mean, and how Christianity is more of a relationship than a religion. I love the quote, “It’s not a race you finish; it’s a relationship you enter.” Each chapter opens with the story of a believer so that readers understand they’re not alone in their journey. The chapters then break down lofty Christian concepts into easy-to-chew pieces without shying away from difficult scriptures (Matthew 7:21-23) or concepts (baptism). While I didn’t agree with everything Dwight and Unice wrote, I appreciate the way they presented the Gospel, and thin Start Here is a great resource for new Christians, those curious about the faith, or even those who’ve been walking with God for a long time.
May 8, 2014
Excellent book for new believers or those, like me, who may have grown up in the church but don't fully understand the beliefs or traditions of Christianity. This book does a good job of staying away from "Christianese" and explaining deep theological truths in a way everyone can understand. I also appreciated that the authors acknowledged doctrinal differences among denominations, but didn't dwell on them for the sake of unity within the Church. Overall a great book for new believers and those who've been walking in their faith awhile!
September 2, 2015
Helpful to people in all stages of faith
I've been a Christian for over twenty years, so I'm certain I'm not the targeted audience for this book. Regardless, the way in which the authors describe God and His love for us touched me as I read the free devotional on the Bible app, so I felt compelled to buy and read this book. It was as good as the devotion, and in many ways even better because it was more in depth! I encourage anyone who wants to look at their walk with God with fresh eyes to read this book. Thank you, David and Nicole!
I've been a Christian for over twenty years, so I'm certain I'm not the targeted audience for this book. Regardless, the way in which the authors describe God and His love for us touched me as I read the free devotional on the Bible app, so I felt compelled to buy and read this book. It was as good as the devotion, and in many ways even better because it was more in depth! I encourage anyone who wants to look at their walk with God with fresh eyes to read this book. Thank you, David and Nicole!
September 28, 2014
The relationship metaphor is stretched beyond helpfulness in this primer for new believers. Many times Scriptures are forced into that construct so that a somewhat distorted picture of true Biblical conversion emerges. They do talk about sin, repentance and transformation but always in a kinder, gentler relational manner that nearly removes the offense of the cross.
February 28, 2015
We're using this book for our church's new believers small group. It's really helpful, practical stuff. Very approachable. We're also having Nicole Unice in to speak at our small group leader fall retreat this year. If she's anywhere as friendly and fun in person as she is in print, we're going to have a blast!
January 14, 2015
Great book for those who are seeking God and for new Christians, also a great refresher for older Christians. Wish I had this book 20 years ago when I couldn't put my introduction to God and Christianity into words.
February 26, 2014
Great book for new Christians or to give as a gift to new Christians.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews