The Gospel is the good news of what Jesus has done for us. When you put your faith in Jesus everything changes and you take on an entirely new identity as a child of God. One of the best places to learn more about who Jesus is, what He has done for you, and what it means to belong to Him is to read about His life on earth in one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), attend next steps class, or meet with pastor/church staff/trusted Christian friend who can help you explore the basics of the Christian faith.

If Jesus is God’s perfect revelation of what He’s like (Col. 1:15), then the bible is God’s written revelation of the same thing. The Bible helps us know God, understand the story of Jesus in its fuller context, and learn how to follow Him in everyday life. Consider reading the Gospel of Mark or John a few times each week to begin and, as you read, use study methods like S.O.A.P. (read the Scripture, write down your Observations from the passage, consider how what you read Applies to your everyday life, Pray and ask God to help you understand and apply what you’ve ead) to help guide your time in God’s Word.

Conversation with another person is one of the most natural ways we grow in our relationships, and prayer is how we converse with God; learning to be with God, speak honestly with Him, ask our questions, as well as listen for how He answers. Don’t focus too much at the beginning on how long or how often you talk with God, just begin small and work for consistency in talking with Him. Find a quiet place with no distractions, begin by thanking God for something He’s done or something you learned about Him from His word, then honestly talk with Him about what you’re carrying. The teaching Jesus gave His disciples on prayer in Matt. 6:5-15 is also a great place to begin learning. 

Baptism is a physical sign that points to a spiritual reality of something that has already taken place in our life. It is our public witness or testimony to the world of Jesus’ grace and a visible expression of your decision to trust and follow Him. If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, ask to speak with a Pastor or ministry leader about baptism as this is your next step in following Him. 

The decision to follow Jesus is personal, but the Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. We’ve been saved into a family and we grow through worship, prayer, learning, meals, service, and authentic relationships with other Christians. Consider joining a home group, attend a church event, serve on a team, or ask to be connected with others who can walk alongside you.

Serving can feel daunting (like maybe this is only for mature believers) or challenging (my time is my own) and yet serving both helps us to love others as we participate in God’s work, as well as to discover how He may have gifted us. Try a lower-pressure serving opportunity to begin in an area that interests you, and then reflect afterward on what gave you joy, where you noticed fruit, and what you might want to try next.

Deeply Formed Life - Rich Volodas

Practicing The Way - John Mark Comer

Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster

Lectio 365, Lectio for Families

DHBC Baptism Handout

Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer