First Steps in Following Jesus

A 7-Part Guide to Growing Strong in Your Faith

Welcome to God’s family! When you trusted in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, everything changed. You are now forgiven, loved, and made new. This short guide is designed to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and start strong in your faith journey.

1. Read the Bible Daily

Why it matters:
God speaks to us through His Word. The Bible helps you know who God is, what He has done, and how He wants you to live.

How to start:

  • Download the YouVersion Bible App or, better yet, buy a Study Bible with commentary notes to help you understand what you are reading.
  • Begin with the Gospel of John—it tells the story of Jesus in a clear and personal way.
  • Read one chapter a day and write down one truth or verse that stands out.
  • Ask: What is this passage saying to the people who received it? What does this teach me about God? What does this teach me about myself?

Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

2. Talk with God Every Day (Prayer)

Why it matters:
Prayer is simply talking with God. It builds your relationship with Him and reminds you that He is near and that He wants to communicate with you.

How to start:

  • Set aside a few minutes each morning.
  • Use the word ACTS to guide your prayer:
    • Adoration – Acknowledge who God is and how mighty He is.
    • Confession – Be honest about your sins.
    • Thanksgiving – Thank Him for blessings.
    • Supplication – Ask Him for help for yourself and others.

Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything… but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6

3. Memorize God’s Word

Why it matters:
Memorizing Scripture strengthens your faith and equips you to resist temptation.

How to start:

  • Choose one verse a week.
  • Write it on a card or use an app like Fighter Verses or VerseLocker.
  • Say it out loud each day until it becomes part of you.

Suggested verses:

  • John 3:16 - "16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
  • Romans 10:9 - "9 ...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
  • Philippians 4:13 - "13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Verse: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” — Psalm 119:11

4. Commit to Church Attendance

Why it matters:
Church isn’t just a service—it’s a family. Worshiping together helps you grow, encourages others, and keeps you grounded in truth. Ultimately, it is about honoring and worshipping the one true God and helping others to do the same. It is a critical step in your new walk with God.

How to start:

  • Make Sunday worship a weekly priority.
  • Take notes during the sermon and ask God to help you apply it.
  • Meet and connect with others—don’t walk this journey alone.

Verse: “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…” — Hebrews 10:24–25

5. Join a Connect Group

Why it matters:
Faith grows in community. Small groups are where we study God’s Word, pray for one another, and share life together.

How to start:

  • Join a Crossover Connect group on Wednesday nights at Northwood Elementary at 7pm.
  • Be consistent—relationships take time.
  • Be open about what God is teaching you.

Verse: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17

6. Live on Mission

Why it matters:
As you grow, God will use your story to reach others. Every believer is called to share the good news and live out their faith daily.

How to start:

  • Pray for one person you can invite to church or tell about Jesus.
  • Serve at Crossover - find ways to help out on Sundays or Wednesdays
  • Give - Give financially to Crossover to support the church and the mission to reach the lost for Christ.
  • Look for small ways to serve others—acts of kindness open doors.
  • Remember, your life is a testimony to God’s grace.

Verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

7. Be Baptized

Why it matters:
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus. It doesn’t save you, but it shows the world that you belong to Him and want to follow Him. It’s an outward picture of an inward change—dying to your old life and being raised to new life in Christ.

How to start:

  • Talk with a pastor about scheduling your baptism.
  • Invite family and friends to celebrate with you.
  • Use your baptism as a testimony of what God has done in your life.

Verse: “Those who accepted his message were baptized.” — Acts 2:41

Final Encouragement

Growth takes time. You won’t get it all right at once—but God is faithful, patient, and working in you. Keep showing up. Keep trusting. Keep growing.

We exist as a church to glorify God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples in our families, community, and around the world.