YOUR FAITH JOURNEY BEGINS HERE
Growing Together in God’s Family
Welcome to First Steps — a series of messages from Pastor James Fortune created to help you begin and grow in your walk with Jesus. Whether you’ve just given your life to Christ or want to strengthen your faith, these teachings will guide you through the foundational truths that shape a powerful, Spirit-led life.
WATER BAPTISM
A New Beginning
Water baptism is more than a tradition—it’s a powerful step of faith and obedience. As Pastor James Fortune shares, baptism is a public declaration that we’ve decided to follow Jesus and a spiritual moment where the old life is buried, and a new life begins.
When we go down into the water, we identify with Jesus’ death and burial. When we rise, we celebrate resurrection and new life in Him. It’s a visible expression of an inward transformation—our past washed away, our hearts made new, and our future surrendered to Christ.
You don’t have to understand every detail to experience the blessing. Just obey, take the step, and let God do what only He can—make all things new.
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
Empowered for a Supernatural Life
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a life-changing gift from God that fills believers with divine power, peace, and purpose. As Pastor James Fortune shares, it’s not just an experience — it’s an empowerment. The Holy Spirit comes to live within us, giving strength beyond our own, wisdom from Heaven, and boldness to live for Christ.
Through this baptism, we receive the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead — the power to love, to witness, and to bring God’s presence wherever we go. Speaking in tongues often follows, serving as a Heavenly prayer language that refreshes and recharges the soul.
This gift is for every believer. Ask, receive, and live empowered by the Spirit — filled with righteousness, peace, and joy every day.
SHARING YOUR FAITH
Tell Your Story, Change a Life
Every believer has a story to tell — a testimony of how Jesus changed their life. As Pastor James Fortune shares, your story has the power to touch hearts, bring hope, and reveal God’s love to those who may never step inside a church.
When you talk about how Jesus forgave you, restored you, or gave you peace, you’re doing more than telling your story — you’re sharing His story of redemption. It’s simple, natural, and powerful. The Bible says we overcome by “the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”
So take courage and tell someone what God has done for you. Your words might be the spark that leads them to encounter the same life-changing love of Jesus.
CONNECTING TO THE LOCAL CHURCH
Planted to Grow
The moment you say yes to Jesus, you become part of God’s family. And every family needs a home. The local church is where your faith takes root, where you’re strengthened, equipped, and surrounded by people who believe in you.
As Pastor James Fortune teaches, no believer is meant to walk alone. Just like each part of the body needs the others to live, we grow best when we’re connected. In the church, we worship together, learn together, and lift each other up through every season.
Getting planted in a local church is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. Stay rooted. Grow deep. Bring your supply — and watch how God helps you flourish into everything He’s called you to be.
THE JOURNEY OF GROWING UP SPIRITUALLY
From Spiritual Baby to Interdependent Adult
Growing up isn't just a natural process—it's a spiritual one, too! Pastor James Fortune teaches that becoming a mature follower of Christ is a process that mirrors our natural development. When we first get saved, we are spiritual "babies," no matter our chronological age.
The goal is to grow into a strong, wise, and interdependent adult in the Kingdom of God. This is where we are empowered to be of good service and walk in the fullness of God's plan for our lives.
