Car will not start after changing the fuel filter

Let's try a couple things. First, turn the key on and off (do not turn the engine over) a couple times to run the pump which will prime the system. I suspect you have an air pocket. Normally this get purged but maybe it is just trapped.

If this does not work, then use a little starter fluid in the intake to see if the engine starts. Not only will this confirm it is a fuel issue (safe assumption) but it may purge the system by getting the engine to fire.

Let's start with this and let us know what happens with this and we can go from there depending on what happens. Thanks

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds? This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.

I knew that after changing the fuel filter that I had a definite spark problem, my battery would not hold a charge. Then when trying to jump start the car, even after waiting several minutes to charge up the bad battery, it still would not crank up even with the help of starter fluid.

It took a couple of days to raise the funds for a new battery, but I finally got one installed. Now I can still hear the fuel pump prime, I even removed an alligator clamp from one of the fuel line very near the injectors to check fuel flow. When I had a friend turn over the ignition, without the help of starter fluid, I observed a steady flow of fuel into the clear container I used to catch the expelled fuel. After reattaching the fuel line, I then tried to start the engine with the help of starter fluid. The engine seemed to want to turn over, it would start to almost run, but it sputtered a little and stopped again.

Do you have any suggestions, and/or advice on where I should look or do next. All your help is much appreciated in this matter.

Sounds like we have a weak fuel pump. Even though you have flow that is not pressure. Meaning it is able to flow fuel when there is no pressure needed. However, when it needs to build pressure, we need to see that it can do it. Let's check the pressure at key on and then when it is cranking.

Here is a guide on how to do this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I mis-spoke earlier, it was the in tank fuel pump, not the fuel filter, that I replaced. does that change things?

No only because that is what I figured you meant due to the fuel filter being part of the fuel pump on this vehicle. So even though you changed it we still need to rule it out by testing the pressure using guide that I attached.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

The fact that you have to use starter fluid to help it start points to a pump or regulator issue.