What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?

Three Foundational Beliefs for New Followers of Jesus

Overview

Starting a life with Jesus raises the question, “What do I need to know first?” This short teaching offers a beginner’s foundation built on three long-held Christian convictions: God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; believers have direct access to God through prayer; and the Bible is God-inspired, reliable, and life-shaping. Grasping these truths prepares a new disciple to grow in faith and to live out the church’s mission of leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Main Points

1. The Trinity — One God in Three Persons

• Christians worldwide confess that God is simultaneously Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • The Father reigns in heaven.
  • The Son is Jesus—God in human flesh who walked on earth.
  • The Spirit is God’s presence with us now.
• Though mysterious to finite minds, these are not three gods; they are “three in one,” distinct yet fully united.
• Before leaving earth, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would remain with believers, meaning we never face life in our own strength.
• The Holy Spirit counsels, guides, convicts, and leads us into all truth, making God personally knowable today.

2. The Power and Privilege of Prayer

• Followers of Jesus “have access to the very throne room of God.”
• Scripture invites us to approach God boldly for grace in every need—so every believer’s prayers carry weight.
• Prayer is two-way communication: we speak and we also listen. God can answer through Scripture, people, circumstances, and his Spirit.
• Practical encouragements:
  • Bring every need—strength, wisdom, miracles—to God in prayer.
  • Expect that he hears and responds.

3. The Bible — God’s Inspired Word

• Christians trust the Bible as reliable, relevant, and God-breathed.
• Personal story: in college, the speaker started a dorm Bible study with no prior faith; regular reading transformed his life and led him to Christ.
  • Story: A stranger gave him a free Bible; years later his church now offers free digital Bibles worldwide through the YouVersion Bible App.
• Regular reading renews the mind, shapes character, and shows believers how to live for God’s glory.
• New believers are urged to read daily; YouVersion plans—including ones labeled “New Believers”—can guide the habit.

Key Truths

• God reveals himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct persons, one divine essence.
• The Holy Spirit lives within believers, empowering them to follow Jesus.
• Prayer grants every Christian direct, confident access to God and invites them to listen for his voice.
• The Bible is inspired by God, trustworthy, and able to transform lives when read and obeyed.
• Daily engagement with Scripture strengthens faith and aligns believers with God’s purposes.

Response

• Pray daily, speaking honestly to God and pausing to listen.
• Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance rather than self-effort when facing decisions or temptations.
• Establish a Bible-reading rhythm; start with a “New Believers” plan in the YouVersion Bible App.
• Share what you learn with others, inviting them into conversation or a simple Bible study.
• Remember the mission: keep taking steps that lead you to become a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Closing

The journey of discipleship stands on three sturdy pillars: the triune nature of God, the open invitation of prayer, and the life-changing power of Scripture. Embrace these basics, keep learning, and let God’s Spirit shape you day by day. “Thank you for taking another step toward fully following him.”