New life. Strong roots. One faithful step.
Your First 30 Days With Jesus
A simple, Scripture-first path for learning to pray, read the Bible, join a church, prepare for baptism, and follow Jesus with others.
These practices do not earn salvation. They help a new believer know Jesus, recognize His voice, and put down roots in the grace He has already given.
Week 1
Rest in what Jesus has done
Your new life begins with grace, not performance.
You are not saved because you prayed perfectly or became good enough. You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. When feelings change, return to what God has promised.
To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12
Your next step: Thank Jesus for forgiving you. Read John 1:12 and Romans 8:1 out loud, then write those references somewhere you will see them.
Week 1
Talk with God every day
Prayer is relationship, not a religious performance.
You can speak honestly with God about gratitude, fear, temptation, questions, and the people you love. You do not need impressive words. Begin with a few undistracted minutes and keep returning.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6
Your next step: Set aside ten minutes today. Thank God, confess anything He brings to mind, ask for help, and sit quietly before Him.
Week 1
Meet Jesus in Scripture
Read the Bible to know God, not simply to collect facts.
Start with one Gospel and read slowly. Ask what the passage shows you about Jesus, what it exposes in you, and what faithful response it invites today.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
Your next step: Begin the seven-day reading track below. Keep a simple rhythm: read, notice, pray, and obey one clear thing.
Week 2
Join a healthy local church
Following Jesus was never meant to be done alone.
Look for a church that teaches the Bible faithfully, keeps Jesus central, practises prayer and communion, cares for people, and has trustworthy leaders. Healthy community gives you worship, correction, encouragement, and people to serve beside.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. - Acts 2:42
Your next step: Attend a Christ-centred church this week. Introduce yourself to a leader and tell them you are beginning your journey with Jesus.
Week 2
Take the step of baptism
Baptism publicly declares that your life belongs to Jesus.
Baptism does not earn salvation; Jesus saves. It is an obedient public picture of dying to the old life and being raised into new life with Christ.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead ... we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4
Your next step: Ask a trusted pastor or church leader to explain baptism and help you prepare. Do not let embarrassment keep your new faith hidden.
Week 3
Invite someone to walk with you
Disciples grow through honest, consistent relationships.
Find a mature follower of Jesus who can read Scripture with you, pray with you, answer questions without pretending, and lovingly help you obey Jesus.
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17
Your next step: Ask one trustworthy believer: 'Would you meet with me regularly for the next few months and help me follow Jesus?'
Week 4
Live and tell the story
Jesus sends every disciple to love people and make disciples.
Tell someone you trust what Jesus has done for you. Serve people without hidden conditions, speak about Jesus with gentleness, and remember that sharing your faith is an overflow of knowing Him.
Go and make disciples of all nations ... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. - Matthew 28:19-20
Your next step: Write three honest sentences about why you chose Jesus, then share them with one person who cares about you.
Seven-day Gospel reading track
Day 1: John 1:1-18 - Jesus is God with us
Notice what this passage says about who Jesus is and why He came.
Reflect: What name or description of Jesus stands out to me?
Day 2: John 3:1-21 - New birth and God's love
Listen to Jesus explain what it means to be born again.
Reflect: What does this passage say God has done for me?
Day 3: Luke 15:11-32 - The Father welcomes you home
Pay attention to the father's posture toward the returning son.
Reflect: Where do I need to receive the Father's welcome?
Day 4: Mark 2:1-17 - Jesus forgives and calls
See how Jesus responds to need, sin, criticism, and unlikely people.
Reflect: What is Jesus inviting me to leave and follow Him into?
Day 5: John 10:1-18 - Learn the Shepherd's voice
Notice the safety, sacrifice, and relationship Jesus offers.
Reflect: What helps me recognize and trust the voice of Jesus?
Day 6: John 15:1-17 - Remain in Jesus
Look for the connection between remaining, obeying, loving, and fruit.
Reflect: What would staying close to Jesus look like tomorrow?
Day 7: John 20:1-31 - The risen Jesus sends you
Watch how Jesus meets grief, fear, doubt, and faith after the resurrection.
Reflect: What response do I want to make to the risen Jesus?
New believer questions
- What should I do after accepting Jesus?
- Rest in the Gospel, begin talking with God and reading Scripture, connect with a healthy local church, prepare for baptism, find a mature believer to walk with you, and begin telling others what Jesus has done. These practices do not earn salvation; they help you grow in the new life Jesus has given you.
- What if I still have doubts or questions?
- Questions do not disqualify you from following Jesus. Bring them honestly to God, keep reading Scripture, and talk with a trustworthy Christian leader who will listen without shaming you. Faith grows through truth, relationship, and obedience, not pretending certainty you do not have.
- Which book of the Bible should a new Christian read first?
- Start with one of the four Gospels. John is especially helpful for understanding who Jesus is, while Mark gives a concise account of what He did. Read a short passage slowly, ask what it shows about Jesus, and respond in prayer.
- Do I need to be baptized to be saved?
- Salvation is God's gift received through faith in Jesus, not something earned by baptism. Baptism is still an important act of obedience commanded by Jesus: a public declaration that you belong to Him and have begun a new life.
- Does Love on Hamilton receive my progress?
- No. Completed foundations and readings are stored only in your browser. No account is required, and Love on Hamilton does not receive your checklist activity.
Checklist progress stays only in your browser. Tell the team you chose Jesus or meet believers on Tuesday night.