Page 6 - First Steps 2023

Introduction:
It’s All About Following Jesus

Imagine what it was like to be one of Jesus’ first disciples.

They were a dozen average, everyday people, just like us. A tax col-
lector, a few fishermen, some small business owners…everyday people
whose lives were turned upside down when they said “yes” to an invita-
tion from Jesus.

It wasn’t an invitation to join a new religion. Or commit to a cause. Or
pledge allegiance to a new political party.
Jesus invited them into a relationship—a friendship with him that
transformed them from the inside out. As they grew closer to Jesus, his

disciples soaked in his teaching. They caught glimpses of his character.
They marveled at his power and holiness.
All through the lens of a friendship.
Friendship is how Jesus connected with people back in the day—and

he’s still at it. He’s still calling people like us—like you—to become his
friends and followers.
Those first followers of Jesus literally walked alongside him. We
missed that opportunity by a few thousand years but Jesus put in place a

process that’s the next best thing.
It’s called discipleship—intentionally following Jesus for the purpose
of letting him transform your life—and you’re about to launch on a disciple-
ship journey that will deepen your friendship with Jesus. Whether you’ve

been a believer for decades or just since yesterday, discipleship is for
you—for lots of reasons.

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