Welcome to the family

You believed. Now what?

Seven simple first steps, one a day. None of them saves you. Jesus already did that. These just help you start walking with Him.

1. Day 1Know that it is settled

   If you trusted Jesus, you are saved. Not maybe. Not when you get better. Today. Your feelings will go up and down. God’s promise does not.

   I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

   1 John 5:13

   Today: Write down the date you believed. When doubts come, look at it and remember His promise.

2. Day 2Meet Jesus in the Gospel of John

   Start reading the Gospel of John, one chapter a day. Read it like a letter from a friend. You are getting to know the One who saved you.

   These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

   John 20:31

   Today: Read John chapter 1 today. Underline one thing Jesus does or says.

3. Day 3Talk to God in your own words

   Prayer is not a performance. There are no right words. Tell God what you are thankful for, what worries you, and what you need. He is your Father now.

   Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

   Matthew 6:9

   Today: Take five minutes today. Thank Him for three things, out loud or on paper.

4. Day 4Tell one person

   You do not need a speech. Just tell someone you trust what happened: “I believed in Jesus.” Saying it out loud helps it settle in your heart.

   For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

   Romans 10:10

   Today: Text, call or tell one person today.

5. Day 5Set down the rules

   You may hear people add things: give this much, keep this day, act this way. Remember the jailer. Paul gave him no list. Jesus finished it. Rest in Him every day.

   For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

   Galatians 5:1

   Today: Read the teaching "The Heavy Backpack" on this site.

6. Day 6Find other believers

   Faith grows in a family. Look for a church or small group where people love Jesus, open the Bible and are kind. Visit, sit near the back if you like, and keep coming.

   Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together.

   Hebrews 10:24-25

   Today: Find one church or group nearby and plan to visit this week.

7. Day 7Follow Jesus in baptism

   Baptism does not save you. It shows the world you already belong to Jesus, like a wedding ring shows a marriage. When you are ready, ask a local church about being baptized.

   He was baptized at once, he and all his family.

   Acts 16:33

   Today: Ask a pastor or a believing friend about baptism.