Welcome to your new life in Jesus Christ

If you recently accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you might be wondering, “What just happened to me?” That is perfectly normal. This booklet is designed especially for you.

You may be experiencing great joy and peace, a sense of relief, anxiety over the decision you just made, or not much of anything. Whatever you’re feeling, rest assured that this moment is unique for every believer. This booklet will help you understand your new life in Christ and provide practical steps to help you grow quickly in your knowledge, understanding, and love for him.

Throughout this booklet, you’ll be introduced to some words and phrases that may be new to you. A disciple is someone who learns from Jesus and follows and obeys him. You do not need years of Bible knowledge to be his disciple. You belong to a living Savior who invites you to know him, trust him, and grow alongside fellow believers. Being a disciple reaches into your whole life because it is grounded in a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus died for our sins and rose bodily from the dead. He is alive, seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, and reigns eternally over all creation. During the 40 days between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus appeared to his followers, proved that he was truly alive, and taught them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). He told them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit now dwells in you and empowers you to follow Jesus. Daily Bible reading and prayer help you understand him and respond to his love.

These daily habits are not how you earn God’s love or keep your place with him. Jesus has already done everything needed to bring you to God, and his acceptance of you rests on his work, not yours (Ephesians 2:8-9). You read and pray because you already belong to him, not to become his.

Read the ten short introductory chapters, then begin the 30 daily devotionals. Or read a chapter alongside each of your first ten days. Keep your Bible open. Bring your questions to a trusted mature disciple or pastor. You were never meant to figure this out alone.

Bible use

The Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. Over the centuries, it has been translated into countless languages and versions. Differences stem from the translator’s interpretation of the original writings. This booklet uses the English Standard Version (ESV) for the assigned readings. Your church may use a different translation. Many churches keep Bibles on hand to give to anyone who needs one, so ask at yours. If you would like to buy one, a popular choice is the ESV Study Bible.

Scripture references in this booklet point you to the biblical text; explanations and prayers here are original prose. A reference such as John 15:1-11 means the Gospel of John, chapter 15, verses 1 through 11.

A simple daily rhythm

Begin with about 15 minutes at a time. You need a Bible, this booklet, and something to write with. An audio Bible is useful if reading is difficult. The length of your session does not measure God’s love for you.

Ask for help. Before you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the passage and respond honestly. Put distractions aside when you can. You are coming to a Person who already knows you better than you know yourself.

Read the assigned Scripture. Read the whole passage slowly, twice if possible. Notice who is speaking, who is listening, and what happens before and after. Then read the day’s explanation. Let Scripture examine the booklet too.

Reflect and pray. Write a sentence or two in response to the question. Use the printed prayer as a starting point, then speak in your own words. Tell God what you believe, where you are confused, and what you need.

Take one action. Ask how the passage changes the way you live today. Choose the suggested step or another faithful response that fits your circumstances. Ask for the Spirit’s strength, then act. Later, thank God for help and confess any failure.

Reading with care

Ask first what the passage meant in its setting. A command to a particular person is not automatically a command to every Christian. A description of an event is not always an example to copy. Poetry uses images; letters address real churches; the Gospels tell the true story of Jesus. Read each passage as part of the Bible’s larger story of creation, human sin, God’s saving work in Christ, and his promised restoration.

An application should agree with what the passage teaches. A strong feeling or a verse opened at random does not settle a decision. When unsure, write down the question and seek help.

If you miss a day

Resume where you stopped. You do not need to double your reading to repay God. If this pattern regularly fails, choose a smaller, more realistic time. A few attentive minutes can become a steady habit.

A word about the pace

Thirty days is a starting rhythm, not a deadline for becoming mature. You can repeat a day, pause to ask a question, or take longer. Return to Jesus whenever you lose your place. The purpose is to grow in love and trust, not to produce a perfect record.

Before you begin the 30 days

Our theme passage is John 15:5. Jesus is the source of a disciple’s life and fruitfulness. Read it in your Bible before beginning. Let Matthew 28:18-20 remind you that this relationship includes learning to follow Jesus and helping others do the same.

Every day begins with Scripture and includes prayer. The action is a response to God’s grace. It is not an extra requirement for earning his love. Carry the conversation with God into the rest of your day: ask for help, remember what you read, and thank him when you notice his care.

Four movements in the journey

• Days 1-7 · Receive your new identity. Meet Jesus in John’s Gospel, explore grace and adoption, and learn where assurance rests.
• Days 8-14 · Learn to abide. Practice careful Bible reading, honest prayer, dependence on the Spirit, and repentance.
• Days 15-21 · Follow Jesus with his people. Connect with the church and practice love, forgiveness, baptism conversations, service, and worship.
• Days 22-30 · Live as a disciple. Bring ordinary responsibilities, suffering, generosity, and witness under Jesus’ care. Make a sustainable plan for continued growth.

Choose a regular time and place. Put your Bible where you will see it. Ask a mature disciple to check in with you around days 7, 14, 21, and 30. At each conversation, share one discovery, one question, and one area where you need prayer.