1. Be Real

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. As you launch your new DNA, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, another person will share their story.

2. Grow Together

The primary ways we grow together are to dig into scripture, point each other to Jesus and give encouragement. This week, we’re focusing on the bigness of the gospel and the good news that Jesus Saves.

Read this together: Titus 3:3-7

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

What is the Gospel?

Every religion, every philosophy, every way of life presents you with a “gospel,” in essence saying, “Good news!…

• …you can have your best life now!
• …there is no such thing as truth!
• …you can fix yourself!
• …you will reincarnate!
• …the right politician in office will fix everything!
  
  

What’s the alternate and hollow “good news” that competes for your attention?

The Good News is that Jesus Saves

On the cross, Jesus takes our sins upon himself, and offers us his perfect righteousness. This wonderful exchange is the heart of the Gospel, and provides the salvation we so desperately need. Through his sacrifice, Jesus saves us from our guilt, from our shame, from our past, and from ourselves. Now we’re adopted into God’s family of free people.

Can you describe in one sentence what Jesus has done for you? Can you express thankfulness for a changed life? Have you been born again like Jesus described? Does this conversation stir up skepticism for you?

What should saved people do?

The best answer to this question is the most simple — rejoice! Rejoice in your rescue and know your rescuer. Christians should be the most celebratory people on the planet — no one’s experienced a greater rescue than us.

3. Next Steps

Celebrate how Jesus has saved you
What has Jesus saved you from? Be specific! Who are you becoming in Jesus? Be specific!

Get Baptized
Everyone who follows Jesus goes public with their faith when they get baptized. We invite our friends and family to a party to celebrate what God is doing for us.

Bonus BIble to digest this week:
Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 1:27-29; Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:9; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10; Ephesians 1:7; Daniel 9:9; Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:3-7; John 3:16-17

Additional Recommended Resources

Prodigal God — Tim Keller
The Explicit Gospel — Matt Chandler  
The Cross of Christ — John Stott