************************************************ YOU VE CHOSEN TO FOLLOW CHRIST. WHAT S YOUR NEXT STEP?

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1 More Questions? If you have more specific questions or are ready to make the next step as a Christian, contact Fellowship Church at FellowshipChurch.com.

2 YOU VE CHOSEN TO FOLLOW CHRIST. WHAT S YOUR NEXT STEP? ************************************************

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4 CONGRATULATIONS! Taking the step of faith to follow Jesus Christ is the greatest step you will ever take. It s the one action that will allow you to experience new opportunities and gain a new perspective on life and what God has in store for you. In the Bible Jesus said,...i have come that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 That abundant life began the moment you stepped over the line of faith. But that is just the beginning. You ve taken the first step; now what? This book will give you an idea of what s next. You will discover what your next step is. And you ll read what the Bible, God s Word, says about each move. You may still have questions about your decision. You may even have doubts. That s ok. But don t let those questions or doubts stop you from moving forward. Use those things to fuel your walk. And continue to experience the abundant life one step at a time. God s best, Ed Young Ed Young Fellowship Church *************

5 UNDERSTANDING YOUR DECISION TO FOLLOW CHRIST Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 GOD LOVES YOU and has a plan for your life. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 YOUR SIN CAUSES A COSMIC CHASM between you and God. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 ************************************************

6 GOD SENT JESUS CHRIST to die on the cross. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 IT S YOUR CHOICE to receive the gift or not....if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

7 ******************************** THE LOCAL CHURCH When you stepped over the line of faith and chose to follow Jesus, you became part of a movement. But this movement, Christianity, is not a solo sport. That s why the local church exists. Each week, when we gather together as a church, we come to worship God, discover his plan for our lives, and learn how to live out his priorities. As you continue to walk with faith, make a commitment to the local church. Because, as we learn from those who first stepped out to follow Christ, the local church is crucial to our growth and experience of the abundant life Christ has in store for us. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25

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9 BAPTISM Simply put, baptism is an outward display and celebration of your inward decision to trust Christ with your eternity. It s an act of obedience, a step of acknowledgement that is representative of the fact that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and walked out of the grave, alive, so each of us can have eternal life. When you step into the water, you are letting the world know that you have walked into a new life of faith in Jesus Christ and that you are committing to follow him down a new path. If you ve made the decision to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step in your spiritual journey. ***** You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name. Acts 22:15-16

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11 SERVING Most of us want to make a difference; we want to leave our footprint on the world. And God has gifted each of us with a particular set of skills to do just that through the local church. As a new Christ follower, one of the most powerful lessons you can put into action is serving in the church; it s stepping outside of your comfort level and stepping up to serve others. Jesus himself said that he did not come to be served, but to serve others. When you volunteer your time and talent in the local church, you will discover the key to unlocking a life of influence and change. Read these words from the Bible. And take the next step of serving in the church. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 ****

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13 LIVING A LIFE OF WORSHIP ** Worship is one of those words that many people think is just a churchy word. But the truth is that we all worship. Everyone has something they focus on, respond to and celebrate. As a new believer, it is vital that you continue to worship. Just make sure you are directing it to the right place. As you step into your new life, remain focused on what Christ has done for you, respond to him with obedience and celebrate him daily with your words and actions. But worship isn t something that only happens once a week in a church building. It s a 24/7 deal. It s what happens when you are at work, at the store, in the gym or even at home. And from Bible study to praying; from weekend services at church to journaling at home, worship is something that will deepen and strengthen your relationship with Jesus as you continue your walk with him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! Psalm 96:9

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16 NEXT STEP WEEKEND Next Step is the place where you can learn exactly how to take your next step as you follow Christ. Join us for one hour as we share the vision of Fellowship Church. You will discover the path that God has set before you. And you will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with someone who can walk alongside you as you step forward in your faith. Whether you are ready to be baptized, you are looking for somewhere to serve or you simply want to learn more about the mission and vision of Fellowship, Next Step is for you. Times, locations and registration are found online at FellowshipChurch.com/nextstep.

17 31 DAY READING PLAN ********** on the life of JESUS ********** Day 01 Day 02 Day 03 Day 04 Birth At the Temple Baptism Temptations Luke 2:1-21 Luke 2:41-52 Matt. 3:13-17 Luke 4:1-13 Day 08 Day 09 Day 10 Day 11 Cost of Discipleship Vineyard Laborers Marriage Feast Christ s Return Matt. 16:24-28 Matt. 20:1-16 Matt. 22:1-14 Matt. 24:1-25

18 ********************************** Day 05 First Miracle John 2:1-12 Day 06 Sermon on the Mount Matt. 5-7 Day 07 Instructions Matt. 12:16-42 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Sowing Parables Mark 4:1-34 Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37 Prayer Luke 11:1-13

19 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Lost Parables Stewardship New Birth Holy Spirit Luke 15:1-32 Luke 16:1-18 John 3:1-21 John 14:16-31, 16:5-15 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25 Triumphal Entry Last Supper Washing Feet Prayers of Jesus Mark 11:1-11 Matt. 26:17-35 John 13:5-29 John 17 Day 29 Day 30 Day 31 Road to Emmaus Luke 24:13-35 Great Commission Matt. 28:16-20 Ascension Acts 1:1-11

20 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Good Shepherd John 10 Vine and Branches John 15 Lazarus John 11 Day 26 Trials Day 27 Crucifixion Day 28 Resurrection Luke 22:47-23:25 Luke 23:26-56 Luke 24:1-12