general
Foundations for Following Jesus
A flexible, reference-first path through foundational Christian teaching and practice.
A flexible path for growing in Christ
These steps are invitations to learn, not qualifications or measures of spiritual standing. Read at your own pace; there is no penalty for pausing or revisiting.
1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–8
Read the passage in context and note the death, burial, resurrection and witnesses Paul names.
Reflect: What does this passage say is at the center of the Gospel?
2. Assurance and hope in Christ
Read: John 10:27–30; Romans 8:31–39
Read each passage in its chapter and notice the grounds of confidence stated there.
Reflect: What does the text identify as the source of Christian hope?
3. Read Scripture in context
Read: Luke 24:13–35; 2 Timothy 3:14–17
Observe who speaks, what happens before and after, and what the passage says about Scripture.
Reflect: What context helps you understand the passage more carefully?
4. Prayer and dependence on God
Read: Matthew 6:5–13; Philippians 4:4–9
Consider the teaching on prayer without treating a pattern as a formula.
Reflect: What concerns can you bring honestly to God?
5. Repentance and faithful obedience
Read: Mark 1:14–20; Acts 3:17–21
Read each account and distinguish what the passage says from assumptions you bring.
Reflect: How do repentance and turning toward God appear in these texts?
6. Baptism and public identification with Christ
Read: Matthew 28:18–20; Romans 6:1–11
Read the commissioning and Paul’s teaching in their wider context; discuss questions with a trusted church leader.
Reflect: What does the passage connect with baptism and discipleship?
7. The Holy Spirit and Christian life
Read: John 14:15–27; Galatians 5:16–26
Notice Jesus’ promise and Paul’s description of walking by the Spirit.
Reflect: Which work of the Spirit does the passage describe?
8. Christian character and fellowship
Read: Hebrews 10:19–25; Colossians 3:12–17
Read the calls to gather, encourage, forgive and love in their original settings.
Reflect: What do these passages say about encouraging one another?
9. Service and care for neighbors
Read: Mark 10:35–45; Galatians 6:1–10
Consider the pattern of service and the practical call to do good.
Reflect: What is one safe, humble way to serve another person?
10. Sharing the Gospel with gentleness
Read: 1 Peter 3:13–17; Matthew 28:18–20
Read the instruction about giving a reason for hope with gentleness and respect.
Reflect: How can truth and gentleness shape the way you speak?
Reading guidance & reflection
Understand
This optional path introduces foundational Christian teaching and practice through Scripture references. It is not a certificate or measure of spiritual standing. Read each passage in context, pause or revisit as needed, and seek trusted pastoral care for personal questions.