Discover What It Truly Means to Follow Christ

Phase 1 of the Discipleship Path is where your journey begins. This first step is designed for anyone who wants to grow beyond simply attending church and learn what it means to live as a true follower of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re new to faith or ready to go deeper in your walk with God, this phase lays a solid foundation built on Scripture, prayer, repentance, and obedience.

In Phase 1, you’ll learn the fundamentals of discipleship—understanding salvation, developing a personal relationship with God, studying His Word, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Through teaching, discussion, and real-life application, you’ll be equipped to follow Jesus daily and build a life that reflects His character and truth.

Who it’s for:

This phase is for anyone ready to commit to following Jesus wholeheartedly—new believers, returning believers, or those seeking to grow in spiritual maturity and accountability.

PHASE 1 – LESSON 1: KNOWING JESUS

“And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” — John 17:3
You were created for relationship, not religion. From the beginning, God’s desire wasn’t just to be obeyed—it was to be known.
Knowing Jesus is more than knowing about Him. It's not simply information; it's revelation. It's not church attendance, spiritual vocabulary, or moral improvement. It's personal surrender and ongoing intimacy.
Jesus isn’t just Savior—He is Lord. And He invites you to know Him personally, to walk with Him daily, and to be transformed by His love.

Who is Jesus?

•The Son of God (John 3:16)
•The Word made flesh (John 1:14)
•The only way to the Father (John 14:6)
•The Lamb who takes away sin (John 1:29)

Why do we need Him?

Because without Him, we are dead in sin, separated from God, and unable to rescue ourselves (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–5).
To know Jesus is to receive His life, His Spirit, and His righteousness. It’s not just a prayer—it’s a new path.

Put It Into Practice

Take 10 minutes today to pray, using this simple model:
•Thank Jesus for saving you
•Ask Him to reveal Himself more clearly to you
•Confess any area where you’ve kept Him out
•Surrender again to follow Him fully


Submit

PHASE 1 – LESSON 2: THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” — Romans 1:16
The word Gospel means "Good News." But what makes it good—and why do we need it?
The Gospel isn't just a religious idea—it's the eternal plan of God to rescue, restore, and redeem broken people through Jesus Christ.

The Gospel in 4 Simple Parts:

1.God Created Us for Relationship.
He made us in His image to know Him, love Him, and reflect Him (Genesis 1:27).
2.Sin Separated Us from God.
All have sinned and fall short (Romans 3:23). Sin breaks fellowship with a holy God.
3.Jesus Paid the Price for Our Sin.
On the cross, Jesus took our punishment, offering us forgiveness and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:21).
4.We Must Respond by Faith.
The Gospel is a gift we receive by faith—not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). We repent, believe, and follow Jesus.

This is not self-help.
The Gospel doesn’t make bad people better—it brings dead people to life. It’s the power of God for salvation!

Put It Into Practice

Write out your own 1-paragraph version of the Gospel. Practice saying it aloud. Then ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to share it with someone this week.


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PHASE 1 – LESSON 3: REPENTANCE & FAITH

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” — Acts 3:19
Two foundational responses to the Gospel are repentance and faith. These aren't one-time decisions—they are lifelong postures of the heart.

What is Repentance?

Repentance means a change of mind that leads to a change of direction. It’s turning from sin and turning fully to God.
•It’s not just feeling sorry—it’s surrender.
•It’s not behavior modification—it’s heart transformation.
•It’s not just quitting sin—it’s submitting to the Lordship of Jesus.

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…” — 2 Corinthians 7:10

What is Faith?

Faith is trusting fully in Jesus—who He is and what He’s done. It’s not blind belief, but confident dependence.
•Faith is more than believing in God—it’s trusting God enough to obey Him.
•It’s how we receive salvation—and how we walk daily (Galatians 2:20).
•Real faith produces fruit. (James 2:17)

Together, repentance and faith mark the beginning of the new life—and sustain it every step of the way.

Put It Into Practice

Spend time in prayer today and ask the Holy Spirit to show you any area where you need to repent. Write it down. Then speak out loud your decision to turn toward Christ and trust Him fully.


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PHASE 1 – LESSON 4: BAPTISM & IDENTITY IN CHRIST

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” — Galatians 3:27
Baptism is more than a church ceremony. It's a powerful step of obedience and a public declaration of your new life in Christ.

What is Baptism?

Baptism means to be immersed. In Scripture, it's a visible sign of an inward transformation.
It is:
•A symbol of death and resurrection (Romans 6:4)
•A declaration of new life in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17)
•A command of Christ (Matthew 28:19)
We are not baptized to be saved—we are baptized because we are saved.
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer—it announces you already are one.

Identity in Christ

Once you’re in Christ, your identity is no longer based on your past, your feelings, or your failures. You’ve been made new!
You are:
•A child of God (John 1:12)
•A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
•Chosen, holy, and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)
•Forgiven, free, and filled with purpose

The old you is gone. Stop answering to what Jesus already buried.

Put It Into Practice

Make a list of 5 identity statements from Scripture. Say them out loud daily this week.
If you haven’t been baptized, submit your interest today—we’d love to walk with you through this step.



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PHASE 1 – LESSON 5: THE WORD OF GOD

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” — 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is not just a book—it is the living Word of God. Through it, God speaks, corrects, directs, and transforms His people.

What Is the Bible?

•God’s Voice in Written Form
The Bible was written by human hands but inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20–21).
•A Spiritual Weapon
It is called the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).
•A Lamp for Life
It lights our path and helps us discern truth (Psalm 119:105).

We don’t read the Word just for knowledge—we read it for transformation. It trains us in righteousness so we can live a life that honors God.

Why the Word Matters:

•It reveals God’s character
•It exposes sin and corrects lies
•It strengthens our faith
•It equips us to discern and stand against deception
•It aligns us with God’s will

You cannot grow in your walk with Jesus apart from His Word. If you’re not in the Word, you’re vulnerable to the world.

Put It Into Practice

Begin reading one chapter of the Gospel of John each day this week.
Write down:
•What does this show me about Jesus?
•What does it reveal about my own heart?
•What is God calling me to obey?

Tip: Use a journal or your Notes app to track daily insights.


Submit

PHASE 1 – LESSON 6: PRAYER & RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” — Colossians 4:2
Prayer is more than a religious routine—it's the foundation of a real relationship with God.
God doesn’t want a visit on Sundays. He wants a conversation every day.

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is simply talking to God—and listening.
It’s not about using perfect words, but having a surrendered heart.
Prayer is:
•Communication with your Father
•Alignment with His will
•Fuel for your spiritual growth
•Power in spiritual warfare
•A sign of your dependence on God

Types of Prayer

Jesus modeled prayer in Matthew 6 (The Lord’s Prayer) and throughout His ministry.
We should grow in:
•Thanksgiving – expressing gratitude
•Repentance – confessing sins
•Petition – asking God for needs
•Intercession – praying for others
•Worship – adoring God for who He is

Prayer isn’t just something we do when we need something. It’s how we stay connected to the Source.

Put It Into Practice

This week, set aside 10 minutes a day for intentional prayer.
Use this pattern:
1.Thank God for who He is
2.Confess anything weighing on your heart
3.Ask for help and guidance
4.Pray for someone else
5.Sit in silence for 1 minute and listen

Write down what you sense God showing you each day.


Submit

PHASE 1 – LESSON 7: THE HOLY SPIRIT

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” — Acts 1:8
The Holy Spirit is not a feeling, a force, or a cloud. He is the third Person of the Trinity—fully God, active in your life today.
When you got saved, the Holy Spirit came to live inside you. But there's more—He also wants to fill you, empower you, and lead you.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

•Comforter — He gives peace (John 14:26)
•Teacher — He reveals truth (John 16:13)
•Helper — He empowers obedience (Romans 8:26)
•Seal — He confirms our identity in Christ (Ephesians 1:13)
•Gift-Giver — He equips us for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Life in the Spirit

Walking with the Holy Spirit is a daily choice to surrender and be led.
You can be:
•Filled (Ephesians 5:18)
•Guided (Galatians 5:16)
•Convicted (John 16:8)
•Empowered (Acts 1:8)
•Gifted (Romans 12:6)

He gives power for holy living, not just church moments.
The Holy Spirit isn’t weird—He’s necessary.

Put It Into Practice

Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to fill and lead you today.
Pray:
“Holy Spirit, I surrender to You. Teach me. Convict me. Fill me. Lead me. I want to walk in step with You.”
Then pause and listen.
Write down what you sense, what you feel convicted of, and what next step He is leading you to take.


Submit

PHASE 1 – LESSON 8: COMMUNITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another…” — Hebrews 10:24–25
You were never meant to follow Jesus alone. From the beginning, God designed His people to walk together in community.
Even Jesus did life with a circle. He had His 12 disciples—and even within that, an inner 3.
You need a circle. You need accountability. You need the church.

Why You Need Community

•Encouragement when life gets heavy
•Accountability when temptation hits
•Correction when you're off track
•Support when you're hurting
•Growth through shared wisdom
You’re part of the body, not a lone limb. Disconnected parts die.
Isolation is a tool of the enemy. Community is a weapon of victory.

Accountability Is Not Control

True accountability is invited, not forced. It’s rooted in love and built on trust.
It’s saying:
“I want to grow. Help me see what I can’t see.”

Put It Into Practice

This week, schedule time with someone you trust—a leader, mentor, or believing friend.
Share where you’re growing and where you’re struggling. Invite them to check in on you.
If you're not in a community yet, join a Connect Group or Serve Team. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation.


Submit

PHASE 1 – LESSON 9: JOINING THE MISSION

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” — 1 Peter 4:10
Salvation was never meant to be the end of your journey—it’s the beginning of your assignment.
Jesus didn’t just save you from something… He saved you for something.
You’re called to build, serve, reach, and multiply.

You’re Called to the Mission

The mission is not just for preachers. It's for every believer.
At Grace Fellowship, we believe every member is a minister. Every saved soul is a sent soul.
You’ve been:
•Rescued by grace
•Planted in a house
•Gifted with purpose
•Sent with a mission
You are part of something bigger than yourself. You are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Find Your Role in the House

There’s a place for you in this church family.
God placed you here on purpose:
•To serve the body
•To reach the lost
•To build His Kingdom
•To multiply disciples

You don’t need a platform. You need a posture—ready to serve.

Put It Into Practice

Pray:
“God, I’m ready. Show me where to serve, who to reach, and how to use what You’ve given me.”
Then take your next step:
•Fill out the Serve Team Interest Form
•Register for the Growth Track
•Commit to bring someone with you next Sunday

Don’t wait. The time is now.


Submit

Congratulations! You’ve finished Phase 1: Following Jesus

Well done on completing all 9 lessons. Before you move into Phase 2 and 3, please confirm your completion below. 

Congratulations! 🎓 You have officially completed Phase 1: Following Jesus at Grace Fellowship Covenant Church.

This is no small step — you’ve laid a strong foundation of knowing Jesus, understanding the Gospel, walking in repentance and faith, embracing your new identity, and committing to prayer, the Word, the Spirit, community, and God’s mission.

As the Apostle Paul wrote:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6

We are celebrating with you and praying for your continued growth in Christ!

You will receive your Phase 1 Certificate of Completion soon.
A leader will connect with you about moving forward into Phase 2 & 3 which is classroom setting.
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