FOLLOWING JESUS

“Following Jesus is the greatest decision you will ever make. Salvation is a gift, but discipleship is a daily journey—learning to walk with Him and to trust the Lord with every part of your life. These steps will help you grow stronger in faith, rooted in God’s Word, connected to His people, and living out the new life He has given you.”

1. SALVATION

Now that you have received the gift of salvation, you are a new creation in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation is God’s free gift, received by faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Through His death and resurrection, you are forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to God. You are no longer separated from Him but now have eternal life (John 3:16).

What this means: You are saved from the penalty of sin and welcomed into God’s family. Nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38–39).

WHAT IS SIN?

Sin, by definition, is a transgression against divine law—an immoral act. Biblically, sin is when we live, think, or act in a way that is out of line with the perfect character and direction of God (Romans 3:23).

In Genesis 3, the serpent—the tempter—convinced Eve to oppose God’s command. Scripture identifies this serpent as Satan, the opposer of God, whose goal is to deceive and destroy (2 Corinthians 11:3; John 8:44; 1 John 3:8). From the very beginning, sin has caused separation between people and God, because He is holy and perfect in every way.

But the good news is this: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Because of Jesus, the power of sin is broken, forgiveness is available, and we can be restored to relationship with our Creator.

2. WATER BAPTISM

Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus. It symbolizes being buried with Christ and raised to new life (Romans 6:4).

Why it matters:

Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19).
It shows the world you belong to Him.
It strengthens your faith as you outwardly express your inward decision.

3. FOLLOWING JESUS

Following Jesus means more than a one-time decision—it’s a daily walk with Him (Luke 9:23). Jesus calls us to trust Him as Savior and obey Him as Lord.

What this looks like:

Loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37–39)
Growing in prayer and worship (Philippians 4:6–7)
Living out your faith at home, work, and in community (James 1:22)

4. THE WORD OF GOD

The Bible is God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). It teaches us who God is, who we are in Christ, and how to live as His children.

Practical next steps:

Get a Bible or download the free YouVersion Bible App.
Start with the Gospel of John to learn more about Jesus.
Make daily reading and meditation on Scripture part of your new lifestyle (Psalm 119:105).

5. SANCTIFICATION

Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is not about being perfect but about being transformed as you submit to God’s Word (Romans 12:2).

How it works:

God sets you apart for His purposes (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
The Holy Spirit convicts, guides, and shapes you into Christ’s image (Galatians 5:22–23).
Your role is to yield to His leading daily.

6. COMMUNION

Communion (The Lord’s Supper) is a way to remember and proclaim Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23–26). The bread represents His body broken for us, and the cup represents His blood shed for our forgiveness.

Why we practice it:

To remember Jesus’ death and resurrection.
To examine our hearts and live in gratitude.
To celebrate the covenant we now have with God.

7. PRAYER

Prayer is simply talking with God and listening for His voice. It is how we build our relationship with Him and align our hearts with His will.

Why prayer matters:

It draws us closer to God (James 4:8).
It gives us peace and strength in every situation (Philippians 4:6–7).
It invites God’s power and presence into our daily lives (Matthew 6:9–13).

Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated—just honest. God loves to hear from His children.

8. COMMUNITY

Community with other believers is vital to your growth. God designed us to walk together, not alone (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Why it matters:

Encouragement and accountability help us grow.
We use our gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).
We find strength and joy in worshiping, praying, and serving together.

Get plugged in:

At Faith Family, we believe life change happens best in the context of relationships. That’s why we are a church of Life Groups—small groups where you can grow spiritually, build friendships, and be supported in your walk with Jesus. We also encourage you to get involved in ministries that connect with your gifts and passions. Serving alongside others will help you discover your purpose and make a lasting impact in God’s Kingdom.

Final Encouragement

Discipleship is not always easy, but it is always worth it. As you follow Jesus daily, He will be faithful to guide you, strengthen you, and complete the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6).