You just made the most important decision of your life. Here’s what comes next.
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
A reading guide from The ChurchHitchcock, TX
I Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?The Church · Hitchcock, TX
Start here
Welcome to the family.
If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, something real just happened — not because you felt it, but because God promised it. You’re forgiven, you’re His, and you’ve been brought into a family that spans the whole world and all of history.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Faith isn’t about being impressive; it’s about being His. This guide will walk you through what just happened and how to take your first steps.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1 · NIV
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I Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?The Church · Hitchcock, TX
What just happened
Three things that are now true of you.
These aren’t feelings to work up. They’re facts to stand on, true the moment you trusted Jesus.
You’re forgiven.01 · Colossians 1:13–14Every wrong thing you’ve ever done was paid for at the cross. The slate isn’t wiped partway — it’s wiped clean.
You’re new.02 · 2 Corinthians 5:17God didn’t just improve the old you; He made a new one. The Spirit now lives in you to change you from the inside out.
You belong.03 · Ephesians 2:19You’re no longer an outsider. You’ve been adopted into God’s family with all the love and belonging that comes with it.
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I Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?The Church · Hitchcock, TX
Five first steps
How a new faith starts to grow.
Faith grows like a relationship — through time, honesty, and people. Here are the first three steps. Don’t rush; just begin.
Talk to God.Step 01Prayer is just honest conversation with God. No special words needed. Try this: tonight, tell Him one thing you’re thankful for and one thing you need.
Read His Word.Step 02The Bible is how God speaks. Start in the Gospel of John. Try this: read one chapter and write down one thing that stood out.
Get baptized.Step 03Baptism is your first public step of obedience — a picture of the new life you’ve received. Try this: tell someone at church you’d like to take this step.
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I Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?The Church · Hitchcock, TX
Five first steps, continued
You weren’t made to do it alone.
Find your people.Step 04You grow best in community. A small group is where faith gets real and friendships go deep. Try this: ask us how to join a group this month.
Tell someone.Step 05Sharing what God has done makes it stick — and it might change someone’s life. Try this: tell one person this week that you’ve decided to follow Jesus.
Take a minute
Of the five steps, which one can you take first? Pick one, decide when you’ll do it, and tell someone so they can cheer you on.
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I Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?The Church · Hitchcock, TX
A place to start
A prayer you can pray today.
Not sure how to talk to God? Start here. Pray it slowly, and mean it as best you can.
“Jesus, thank You for loving me and giving Your life for me. I’m Yours. Teach me to follow You, change me from the inside out, and help me trust You one day at a time. Amen.”
A prayer for the road ahead
A simple way to read the Bible — Read, Reflect, Respond, Pray
Read
Read a short passage slowly, maybe twice.
Reflect
What stands out? What is God showing you?
Respond
What is one way to live this out today?
Pray
Talk to God about what you just read.
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I Said Yes to Jesus. Now What?The Church · Hitchcock, TX
Honest questions
A few things you might be wondering.
Do I have to be perfect now?
No. Following Jesus isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being His. He knew everything about you when He saved you, and He loves you still. Growth comes over a lifetime, not overnight.
What if I mess up?
You will, and grace covers it. When you fall, don’t run from God — run to Him. Tell Him honestly, receive His forgiveness, and keep walking. He’s patient with you.
Do I need to read the whole Bible right away?
No. Start small — one chapter of John a day is plenty. Understanding grows with time. Consistency matters far more than speed.
What’s my next step at The Church?
Come on Sunday, let us know you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and ask about baptism and a small group. We’d love to walk with you.
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Just begin
Just show up.
You don’t have to understand everything to take the next step. Just show up — to prayer, to the Word, to church, to people. God will meet you there and grow you over time.
We’d love to know you said yes. Come find us this Sunday so we can celebrate with you and help you take your next step.