Beginning with the Gospel

Start with what God has done

The Christian life begins with good news: God has acted through Jesus Christ to bring us back to Himself. Before we ask how to become better people or build better habits, we need to understand who Jesus is and what He has done.

God created us to know Him, love Him and live under His good rule. Sin is our turning away from that relationship. It includes the wrong things we do, but it also reaches into our desires, priorities and refusal to trust God. We cannot repair that separation simply by being religious or trying harder.

The gospel tells us that Jesus, the Son of God, came into our world, lived without sin, died for our sins and rose again. His resurrection declares that death has been overcome and that He is Lord. Forgiveness and new life are gifts we receive through Him, not rewards we earn.

Read: Romans 3:23–24 and 1 Corinthians 15:1–8. Notice both the problem the gospel addresses and the events at its centre.

Respond with repentance and faith

Repentance means turning from sin towards God. It is more than feeling embarrassed or regretting consequences. It involves agreeing with God about our need and becoming willing to follow His direction.

Faith means entrusting ourselves to Jesus. We believe His promise, depend on His saving work and receive Him as Lord. You do not need to understand every theological question before you come to Him. You do need to bring yourself honestly, rather than presenting an improved version of yourself.

Repentance and faith belong together. We turn away from ruling our own lives and turn towards the One who saves us. This begins a relationship of trust and obedience that continues throughout the Christian life.

Receive grace, then learn to live in it

Ephesians 2:8–10 places grace before good works. We are saved through faith, and then we are formed for a life that honours God. Prayer, Bible reading, service and generosity grow out of this gift. They do not purchase it.

If you struggle after becoming a Christian, return to Christ rather than hiding from Him. Confess your sin, receive His forgiveness and ask for help to change. Growth takes place as we keep depending on the Saviour who first welcomed us.

Take your first steps

1. Read Mark 1:14–20. Ask what responding to Jesus meant for the people He called.
2. Speak honestly to God about your need for forgiveness. Tell Him that you want to trust and follow Jesus.
3. Tell a trusted Christian or a church leader about the step you are taking. Ask them to pray with you.
4. Begin reading the Gospel of Mark, a short section each day. Write down one thing you learn about Jesus.

Reflect and pray

• Have I been treating acceptance by God as something to earn, or as a gift to receive through Christ?
• What is one part of my life I need to bring under Jesus’ leadership?

You might pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins and rising again. Forgive me. I turn towards You and place my trust in You. Help me to follow You, receive Your grace and learn Your ways. Amen.

If you would like to speak with someone, ask a question or plan a visit. You do not have to take these first steps alone.