“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
— Mark 1:15

Following Jesus begins with believing the gospel. This is the good news of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. We have sinned against God and cannot save ourselves. But Jesus lived the life we could never live, died in our place for our sins, and rose from the dead so that we could be forgiven, reconciled to God, and given new life in Christ.

The gospel isn't just the message that gets us started as Christians. It's the good news we continue to believe and build our lives upon.

Take the next step: Click here for a more detailed description of the gospel and an opportunity to respond.

Go deeper: Read What Is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

God has given us his Word so that we can know him, understand his ways, and be equipped to live faithfully as his people. As we read Scripture, we don't simply learn more information about God, we encounter his truth and are shaped by it.

We recommend choosing a Bible reading plan and establishing a regular time and place to read.

Take the next step: Click here to download our two-year Bible reading plan or open the Plan section in the Bible tab of our church app. Choose a time and place, and start reading.

Go deeper: Read Habits of Grace by David Mathis.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”
— Colossians 4:2

If Scripture is one of the primary ways God speaks to us, prayer is how we respond to him. Through prayer, we adore God, confess our sins, give thanks, bring our requests to him, and learn to depend on him in every part of life.

Prayer is about cultivating a life of dependence and communion with God.

Take the next step: Open the Pray tab in our church app and use one of the guided prayer resources to begin developing a regular rhythm of prayer. Choose a time and place, and start praying.

Go deeper: Read Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”— Hebrews 10:24–25

We aren't called to follow Jesus alone. When God saves us, he saves us into a people, a family called the church. We need other Christians to encourage us, challenge us, pray for us, teach us, and help us persevere.

There are aspects of God's glory, goodness, and character that we simply won't experience in isolation. Following Jesus means walking with his people.

Take the next step: Commit to regularly gathering with the church, consider coming early or staying late and getting to know others. Find a place to build deeper relationships with other believers through a Life Group or another smaller Bible study at Mercy Hill.

Go deeper: Read Rediscover Church by Collin Hansen & Jonathan Leeman.

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
— Romans 6:4

Baptism doesn't save us. It makes an invisible reality visible. It is a public declaration that we have identified with Jesus in his death and resurrection and now belong to him and his people.

If you've trusted in Jesus but haven't been baptized, baptism is an important next step of obedience.

Take the next step: If you've trusted in Jesus and haven't been baptized, click here to fill out our baptism form and we'll help you take the next step.

Go deeper: Read Why Should I Be Baptized? by Bobby Jamieson.

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
— Romans 12:5

At Mercy Hill, membership isn't about putting your name on a list. It's about publicly identifying with Christ, committing yourself to a church family, and partnering with others to know Jesus and make Jesus known together.

We belong to one another, care for one another, and work together for the mission God has given his church.

Take the next step: Click here to learn more about what it means to belong to Mercy Hill.

Go deeper: Read Church Membership — Jonathan Leeman

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.”
— 1 Peter 4:10

God has uniquely gifted and resourced every Christian. He has given us different gifts, abilities, experiences, resources, and opportunities, not simply for our own benefit, but so that we can serve others and build up the body of Christ.

We want every member of Mercy Hill to find ways to use what God has entrusted to them for the glory of Jesus and the good of others.

Take the next step: Find a way to use what God has given you. Click here to start serving. Click here to start giving.

Go deeper: Read Don’t Waste Your Life — John Piper

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
— Colossians 4:5–6

Jesus didn't call us to keep the good news to ourselves. We leverage our lives to make Jesus known where we live, work, and play. We want our lives to both display and declare the good news of Jesus to the people around us.

Living on mission doesn't necessarily mean moving overseas or becoming a pastor. It means seeing the places, relationships, and opportunities God has already given us as opportunities to make Jesus known.

Take the next step: Identify three people in your everyday life who don't yet know Jesus. Begin praying for them, look for opportunities to serve and build relationships with them, and look for opportunities to tell them about Jesus.

Go deeper: Read Life on Mission — Dustin Willis & Aaron Coe