You’ve made the decision to believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You heard the good news that Jesus Christ came and already paid for all your sins. You believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
You know that he paid it all for you. You received everlasting life. You received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. You cannot lose everlasting life because Jesus paid for all sins. There is no sin you can do that would cause you to lose everlasting life.
But, you still have a life to live. Now that you are saved, what do you do next?
Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Introduction: Believing in Jesus Isn’t A Finish Line – It’s A Starting Block
You made the most important decision of your life the moment you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. In that moment, you were saved forever—sealed by the Spirit, justified by faith, and promised a home in Heaven.
1 Peter 1:4-5
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
But now what?
The devil isn’t scared of a saved man or a saved woman who stays on the couch. He’s terrified of a saved man or woman who steps up, steps out, and keeps walking with God.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Don’t keep doing the same things. It’s time to change. This sermon is for the believer who’s made the decision—but now it’s time for discipleship. Not for salvation. Not to “prove” you’re saved. But to honor the One who bought you.
1 Corinthians 6:20
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
The price is Jesus Christ. The Son of God and God in the flesh came and died for you. He paid your penalty. You’re saved. Therefore, now, you should glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.
1 Corinthians 7:23
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
We don’t want to serve men. We should now serve God. Let’s go from decision to discipleship – from saved to serving God.
I. You Were Saved In A Moment—But You’re Not Done Yet
Step 1 is to be saved. If you aren’t saved, today is the day to be saved.
John 3:5-7
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
You’ve already been born of water or born of the flesh. You were in a sack of water when you were in your mother’s womb. The water broke and you were born soon after – born of the flesh. To be saved, you must be born of the Spirit. This happens the moment you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The new birth happens in an instant. Just as you were born into this world in an instant. You took that first breath. Born on a specific date at a specific moment in time. Being saved = being born again = becoming a child of God = receiving the Holy Spirit = happens in a moment.
But a baby doesn’t stay a baby forever. That baby grows, walks, eats, and eventually talks.
Hebrews 6:1-2
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
You were born again—but are you growing up in Jesus Christ? You don’t want to stay a baby. It’s great to be born again as a child of God because you trusted in Christ, but now it’s time to grow, get stronger, walk with Jesus Christ daily, and become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
II. Discipleship Means Taking The Next Step
What is the next step after being saved? You’re already saved the moment you believe IN the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus says, “He that believeth on me HATH everlasting life.” Now what?
1. Step One After Being Saved: Get Baptized
Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Not to wash away sins—because Jesus already did that.
Revelation 1:5
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
We are washed clean of our sins by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood was shed for us when he died on the cross. Jesus saves. A water baptism doesn’t save.
But a water baptism is very important. Not for salvation. Not to be saved. You can’t believe water baptism is a part of you being saved and going to heaven. Water doesn’t wash sins away. The blood of Jesus washes your sins away. Getting baptized is important because you’re showing the world whose side you’re on.
Mark 8:38
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
A secret Christian is a scared Christian. Step out of the shadows. You got saved. Now get baptized in water. This is the first IMPORTANT step after you’ve been saved. Take that first step to becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Jesus got baptized when he was about 30 years old. Follow in his steps and get baptized. Then what? What do you do next?
2. Step Two After Being Saved: Join a Local Church
Acts 2:41-42
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Verse 42 tells us they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Make sure you see that closely. Doctrine is a set of teaching, instructions, and principles taught by God in the Bible. You come to church to learn, to fellowship or spend time together with us, eat together, and pray together!
You don’t just attend church. You become the church.
I want you to be saved, get baptized, and join this church. Become a member today. And once you become a member, start joining us in the work that we do here.
For example, you can help serve the food on Sundays. You can help serve food at special events that we have. When you join this church, be consistent in your attendance. Be here when we are here. We’ll be together more and more. Put all the other things away and make church a priority.
If you have a job that interferes with church, do a great job at work and then request to your manager to please have a schedule where you can make it to church. And don’t stop coming to church.
For example, church is a very high priority for me and my family. I’m going to be here. If you skip church often, then I know I can’t count on you. If I skipped church often, you would know you can’t count on me. I’m going to show you that you can count on me. I’m here for you. I need you to be here for me. We hold each other accountable.
Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
That’s what we do here. And I want to do this more and more. We will continue daily. I want to get out there more and more and talk to the people in this community. For example, on Tuesday, I was able to talk with a great family on the steps of their home. I was able to comfort and pray with a mom hurting and crying for her 14-yr old son who went to jail.
I want to continue this work. I want people out there to know that we care. People are hurting out there. We bring them in here, and we do our absolute best to help and comfort.
The church is your classroom, your battlefield, and your support line. You need real preaching, not just Instagram Bible quotes. If you stay home, you’re missing out on what God has planned for you.
This church is going to do great work for God. This church is going to flourish, grow, and be filled with saved people who love Jesus Christ. Get here as often as you can. Be with us. This will help you more than you know. We are here for you.
3. Step Three After Being Saved: Read Your Bible Daily
Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Listen, if you do not read your Bible, you will fall away from God. And you don’t want that. Just as you eat food every day, remember the Bible as you eat normal food. Don’t forget the Bible. Don’t stop reading the Bible. Or, you will fall away from God.
1 Peter 2:2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
After you’re saved, baptized, and in a good church, you need to be growing. You start out as a new born, but then you grow through the milk of the word. You need the Bible in order to grow and to get stronger and stronger. And I want you to be strong.
This church will produce strong and tough Christians. That’s my job. But I need your help. I need you to do your part. I’m going to work hard for you. I’m going to give it all I’ve got for you IN THE LORD. I need you to give it all you’ve got for me IN THE LORD. Read the Bible.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
If you’re starving spiritually, it’s not God’s fault—you’ve closed the pantry. You’ve closed your Bible. You put it in a drawer somewhere. It’s building up dust. You need to get it out and be fed daily.
His words are a lamp and a light in your life. Without the Bible, you’ll stumble and fall on your face.
4. Step Four: Learn to Pray Like a Warrior
These steps that I’m giving you right now will keep you on the path with Jesus Christ. Being a follower or disciple of Jesus isn’t easy. Prayer is going to keep you with Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
You can’t follow Jesus without prayer. Period.
Luke 11:1
And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
The disciples saw Jesus do miracles—but they wanted to learn how He prayed. Why? Because prayer was His power source.
Prayer isn’t just asking—it’s fighting. Be a prayer warrior. This is caring for people. Pray for them.
Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Prayer is part of the armor of God. It’s how we resist the devil and win battles that sermons can’t win. Pray, pray, and pray some more.
Prayer moves mountains, breaks strong holds, and brings change. No prayer? No power. It’s that simple. You chose Christ—now talk to Him like He’s your life because he is life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Prayer isn’t just asking—it’s warring. You’re battling. You want to grow? Start talking to God more than you talk to everyone else. Try it. Believe in it. Know that prayer works. It does.
5. Step Five: Go Soul Winning & Start Telling Others
You didn’t get saved to stay silent. This church gives you opportunities to go out there and preach the Gospel. You can take some of our invitations with you and start handing them out to people.
“Hey, here’s an invitation to my church. On the back you can find what it takes to get to heaven. It’s a free gift from God.”
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
That wasn’t a command just for pastors—it was for every believer. If you’re saved, you’re sent. Jesus is sending you.
Romans 10:14
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Someone opened their mouth so you could believe—now it’s your turn. Lost souls are everywhere. Heaven is real. Hell is hot. Time is short. People are getting killed around here. It is our job to open our mouth and tell them about Jesus Christ. He can fix things.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
You don’t need a Bible degree. You just need boldness, love, and the Gospel message. If you believe the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, then why would you keep it to yourself?
The path of discipleship includes fishing for men. If your faith hasn’t made it to your mouth yet, it hasn’t made it to your feet either.
You were saved by someone opening their mouth. Now it’s your turn. Pass it on. A disciple reproduces. Don’t be a saved sponge who just takes everything in—be a Gospel geyser flowing with the word of God. Get that word of God out of you and into others.
III. Discipleship Means Dying To Self—Daily
Salvation is free. Discipleship will cost you everything after you’re saved. Remember, we’re talking about from decision to discipleship. God wants you to follow him.
Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
That verse doesn’t say to take up your dreams. It says take up your cross.
The cross isn’t jewelry—it’s an execution tool. Jesus didn’t say to manage your flesh. He said kill it daily. This isn’t about what you want for your life. It’s what God wants for your life.
Deny Yourself
- Not just denying sin—denying self.
- Your plans. Your comfort. Your image. Your ambitions.
Galatians 5:24
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
You’re not called to blend in or hide the light—you’re called to shine for Christ.
Take Up Your Cross
- The cross is sacrifice. It’s shame. It’s suffering.
- Jesus carried His in public. So should you.
2 Corinthians 4:10
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
Discipleship means you wake up every day and die again.
If your Christianity doesn’t cost you anything, it probably isn’t costing Satan anything either.
Follow Jesus
- Following Jesus isn’t about where He takes you—but who you have to become to follow Him.
John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
No death, no fruit.
You were saved by grace—but you’re forged through fire. You are refined through the fire. Every true disciple walks with a limp. Things hurt. Deny yourself. Pick up your cross. And don’t ever look back.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Luke 14:27
And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Salvation is free—but discipleship will cost you:
- Comfort
- Convenience
- Casual Christianity
Real disciples bleed. They die to self. They burn. They build. They don’t back down. We will not stop. We will not quit. We will keep going through the tough times. And we will trust in God to get us through everything.
IV. Discipleship Never Ends
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
It’s time to start strong here with this church. We want you to start strong. But this is about finishing with fire.
- Are you still growing? Still winning souls?
- Still staying faithful? Or did you make a decision and sit down?
Disciples don’t coast—they climb. We aren’t on cruise control. We’re driving. We’re climbing. We’re working hard in here and out there.
Conclusion: From Decision To Discipleship
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
He started it—He’ll finish it.
But you’ve got to walk it. Daily. Boldly. Faithfully.
Call to Action:
- If you’re saved, stop stalling. Step out.
- If you’ve never taken the next steps—start today.
- Don’t be just another name in the Book of Life—be a light in this dark world.
- Go from decision to discipleship.
Step 1: Get Saved. Step 2: Get Baptized. Step 3: Join this Church and Be Consistent. Step 4: Read the Bible Daily. Step 5: Pray Like a Warrior. Step 6: Go Soul Winning. Invite People to Church.
That’s how you go from saved to serving and from decision to discipleship.
Let’s pray.
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