Perhaps you're reading this, and you're someone who recently made a decision to follow Jesus, to give him your old heart in exchange for a new one. Maybe you've been walking away from him for a while and decided to shift back and return to Him. If so, you're wondering what to do this first. How do I go about living my week differently? Here are some first steps you can take:
1. Get a Bible. If you do not have a personal Bible to call your own, Grace would like to give you a Bible. You can pick it up at the information cafe this Sunday, just tell them you were one of the people who made a decision to follow Jesus recently and you need a Bible.
2. Start reading it, and make it a daily habit. The Bible is God's primary way of communicating with us, it is there that we learn about him, and begin to understand how to go about living life in relationship with Him. The first book you should read is the gospel of Mark, the second book of the New Testament. It is the story of the life and work of Jesus, and is simple and straightforward to read. As you read, have a notebook and jot down questions you have, and thoughts that impact you. Remember to write chapter and verse (for example, Mark 6:5) so you can refer back.
3. Tell someone in your life about the decision you have made. If you have another person who you know is a Christian, tell them you made a decision to give your life to Jesus.
4. Invite a friend to church. If you enjoyed your experience at Grace, and it had a serious impact on your life, then pay it forward by inviting one or more of your friends so that they too can have the opportunity to hear the message you heard that made such an impact on your life.
5. Sign up for one of the small groups starting in less than a week. This will be a great way for you to meet a bunch of people from the church, and begin some new relationships, because you'll need to have some good people around you to support you as you strive to take steps toward Jesus.
6. Commit to attending Grace every week for the next few weeks, so that you can continue to hear more from God's Word, respond to him in worship, and meet more people at Grace who have experienced the same life change that you are experiencing.
