This first lesson in our Disciple-Making Journey (DMJ 101) series begins where every true journey with Christ begins: at the cross. Here we remember that Jesus — our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King — has done everything necessary to bring us from death to life. As Colossians 2:6 invites us, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him.” Lesson 1 helps you explore what it means to receive Him and to keep walking with Him, from the Cross to the Commission.

As you work through this lesson, we invite you to keep walking the Disciple-Making Journey with us — one step at a time, from the cross into a life of empowered discipleship and mission.

Main Passage: John 3:1–16
Key Truth: Being born again is not merely becoming religious; it is receiving new spiritual life through faith in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.

Main Passage: Luke 16:19–31
Key Truth: Every person will enter eternity, but Jesus died on the Cross and rose again so that everyone who trusts in Him can receive eternal life with God.

Main Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Luke 3:7–14
Objective: To help participants understand that genuine repentance is a heartfelt response to Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross, demonstrated by turning away from sin and beginning a transformed life of obedience to Christ.
Big Idea: At the Cross, we see both the seriousness of our sin and the greatness of God’s mercy. Genuine repentance means turning away from sin, surrendering to Jesus, and walking in a new direction with Him.

Main Scriptures: Galatians 1:6–9; 1 Corinthians 15:1–5; John 14:6
Objective: To understand that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and eternal life, and that salvation is received by grace through faith—not by good works, religious activities, or personal effort.
Big Idea: There is only one Gospel and only one way to heaven—Jesus Christ. Salvation is God’s gift, received through faith alone in Christ alone.