Life is full of journeys—some planned, some unexpected. We prepare for careers, relationships, family, and the future, yet the most important journey we will ever take is our walk with God. Unlike any other path, this journey holds eternal significance. Many people ask, “How do I begin a relationship with God?” Others wonder, “Now that I believe in Jesus, what’s next?” This book, based on the book of Romans, will guide us step by step in learning how to start our journey with Jesus.
Romans clearly reveals humanity’s need for salvation, God’s grace through Jesus, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, and our calling to help others follow Christ.
A Personal Invitation
Following Jesus is more than religion or church attendance. It is a lifelong relationship that transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and changes the direction of our lives. Whether you are beginning your faith journey, returning to God, or seeking to grow deeper in your walk with Christ, this guide is an invitation to take your next step with Jesus. The journey begins here. Are you ready to take your first step? Let’s walk with God together.
The Four Foundational Steps
Surrender Your Life to Jesus – Understanding why we need Jesus and how to place our faith in Him. (Salvation)
Acknowledge Jesus as Your Lord – Learning to submit to Christ’s authority and let Him lead our lives. (Lordship)
Live Your Life for Jesus – Discovering how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a transformed life. (Spirit-Filled Life)
Tell Others About Jesus – Embracing our calling to share the gospel and make disciples. (Evangelism & Discipleship)
THE SALT ROAD®FOLLOWING JESUS IS A JOURNEY
THE SALT ROAD®
Following Jesus Is a Journey
Discover. Grow. Make a Difference.
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Following Jesus is more than religion or church attendance. It is a lifelong relationship that transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and changes the direction of our lives.
01 · SURRENDER
Your Life to Jesus
The Most Important Decision of Your Life
READ · ESV
Romans 3:23–26 · Romans 6:23 · Romans 10:9–13
Our Need for Salvation
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
The Bible teaches that every person has sinned. Sin is not only the wrong things we do; it is the condition of our hearts apart from God. It affects our thoughts, desires, choices, and relationships. No matter how moral, successful, or religious someone may appear, every person falls short of God’s perfect holiness.
Imagine trying to jump across the Grand Canyon. Some may jump farther than others, but no one makes it across. That’s what sin does—it leaves us short, unable to reach God on our own.
God’s Gift of Grace
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Sin has consequences: death and separation from God. But God, in His mercy, offers eternal life as a free gift through Jesus Christ. Salvation is not something we earn through religion, good deeds, or self-improvement. It is a gift of grace received through faith. Jesus paid the full penalty for our sins through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead.
Receiving Salvation Through Faith
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9–10
Salvation begins when we place our trust in Jesus, His death and resurrection, repent of our sins, and declare Him as our Lord and Savior. Repentance means turning away from sin and self-rule and turning toward Christ in faith. It is not merely feeling guilty—it is surrendering our lives to Jesus.
God’s Open Invitation
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Romans 10:13
God promises that everyone who calls on Him in faith will be saved. Our confidence is not based on our feelings, but on God’s promise. Whoever trusts in Christ belongs to Him.
Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours
A famous story tells of a tightrope walker who pushed a wheelbarrow across Niagara Falls. After successfully making it across, he asked the crowd, “Who believes I can do it again with someone inside?” The crowd cheered. Then he asked, “Who will get in the wheelbarrow?” Silence.
Faith is more than believing Jesus can save; it’s trusting enough to surrender your life completely to Him.
Personal Application
Did you ever feel the separation from God because of sin?
Have you truly placed your trust in Jesus?
Will you surrender your life to Christ today?
Prayer for Salvation
“Heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. Thank You for loving me and sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for my sins and to rise again in victory over sin and death. Today, I repent of my sins and place my trust in Jesus alone as my Savior and Lord. Please forgive me, make me a new creation, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for Your grace! By faith, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:12–14
There is no middle ground in making Jesus as Lord—either sin rules over us, or Jesus does. Through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin. Because of God’s grace, we now have the freedom to live for Him.
Lordship is not about earning salvation. It is the response of a heart transformed by grace. Instead of living for ourselves, we surrender to God’s will and authority.
If someone buys a house, they have full authority over it. They decide what stays and what goes. Similarly, Jesus purchased us with His blood—He owns us, and He has the right to rule every area of our lives.
A Living Sacrifice
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were fully offered to God. Likewise, Jesus calls us to surrender every area of our lives to Him: our decisions, relationships, priorities, ambitions, habits, and future.
Many people give Jesus part of their lives while keeping certain areas under their own control. However, true surrender means trusting Him with every room of our hearts.
Imagine handing over the keys to your house but keeping one room locked for yourself. Lordship means giving Him every key of every room of our lives.
Renewing the Mind
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
Lordship demands a transformation in our way of life. Through time spent in Scripture, prayer, and obedience, the Holy Spirit transforms our thinking. We cease to follow the values of the world, which promote self-centeredness, and instead, we surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ. Consequently, we begin to see success, relationships, purpose, and even life itself differently.
Conclusion: Who Sits on the Throne?
“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” Romans 14:7–9
Picture a throne in your heart. If Jesus is Lord, He sits on that throne. But often, we push Him aside and put ourselves in charge. The question is: Who is truly in control of your life?
As Christians, our lives belong to Jesus. We are not our own; we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). His death and resurrection established His Lordship in our lives.
Personal Application
Are you allowing God’s Word to shape your thinking?
Is there any area of your life you are withholding from Jesus? Make a list of areas where you have resisted Jesus’ Lordship.
Will you stop resisting and acknowledge Jesus as the rightful Lord over every decision, every relationship, and every area of your life?
Prayer of Surrender
“Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me by Your grace. Today, I acknowledge You as my Savior and my Lord. I surrender every area of my life to You. Transform my heart, renew my mind, and help me to obey Your Word and follow Your will each day. May my life bring honor and glory to You. In Your name I pray, Amen.”
03 · LIVE
Your Life for Jesus
Running on the Right Fuel
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Romans 8:1–14 · Romans 12:11 · Galatians 5:16–25
Running on the Right Fuel
Imagine putting water in your car’s gas tank instead of fuel. No matter how hard you try to start the engine, the car won’t run properly. Many Christians live the same way spiritually. They try to follow Jesus through their own strength, determination, and effort, but eventually become exhausted and discouraged.
God never intended us to live the Christian life alone. He gave us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or emotion—He is God’s presence living within every believer.
Freedom Through the Spirit
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1–2
Because of Jesus, God no longer holds our sins against us. The Holy Spirit sets us free from the power of sin and helps us live a new life. He comforts us, convicts us, guides us, and reminds us that we belong to Christ.
A man released from prison is free, but if he returns to his old lifestyle, he lives as if he is still imprisoned. Many believers are free from sin’s penalty but still live under sin’s power because they don’t yield to the Holy Spirit.
Living by the Flesh or by the Spirit
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5–6
There are only two ways to live:
Living according to the flesh (self-led life). This refers to a self-centered life apart from God. It is driven by sinful desires, selfish ambition, pride, and worldly thinking which leads to spiritual emptiness.
Living according to the Spirit (Spirit-led life). This is a life surrendered to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It produces peace, obedience, spiritual growth, and intimacy with God.
Walking by the Spirit happens daily through prayer, obedience, dependence on God, Scripture, and surrender.
A self-led life is like using the motor: you strive to propel yourself forward solely through your own strength. In contrast, a Spirit-led life is like raising the sail and allowing the wind (the Holy Spirit) to guide and empower you.
Walking in His Power
“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” Romans 8:9
If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in you. We are called to live by His power each day.
The Spirit gives us new desires – He changes our hearts to love what God loves and turn away from sin.
The Spirit empowers us to overcome sin – He gives us strength to resist temptation and live in obedience to Christ.
The Spirit leads us in God’s will – Through His Word and leading, He directs our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Living a Spirit-Filled Life Daily
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
How do we practically walk in the Spirit?
Surrender Daily – Begin each day by yielding your thoughts, desires, words, and actions to the Holy Spirit.
Remain in God’s Word – The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to renew our minds, strengthen our faith, and guide us in truth.
Pray Continually – Stay connected to God through prayer, seeking His wisdom, strength, and direction.
Respond in Obedience – When the Holy Spirit convicts, guides, or prompts you, respond with faith and obedience.
Bear Spiritual Fruit – As we walk with the Spirit, He produces Christlike character in us—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
Serve God fervently – The Spirit strengthens our faith, fuels our passion for Christ, and empowers us to serve Him faithfully (Romans 12:11).
Conclusion: Are You Living by the Spirit?
Picture two people on a tandem bicycle. If one person tries to steer while the other pedals, there will be confusion and frustration. But when one leads and the other follows, the ride is smooth. The Holy Spirit wants to lead your life.
Personal Application
Are you trying to live for Jesus in your own strength?
Will you surrender daily to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide and empower you? In what ways can He lead you?
Prayer for a Spirit-Filled Life
“Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Holy Spirit who lives in me. Fill me with Your power, guide my steps, and help me walk in obedience each day. Produce the fruit of the Spirit in my life so that I may become more like Jesus and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Daily Spirit-Filled Practices
04 · TELL
Others About Jesus
The Best News in the World
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Romans 10:13–15 · Matthew 28:18–20 · 2 Timothy 2:2
The Best News in the World
Imagine the cure for a deadly disease. Would you keep it to yourself, or would you share it with the world? As believers, we have something even greater—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Yet many Christians hesitate to share their faith.
Walking with God isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about making Jesus known to others. Evangelism and discipleship are not optional—they are essential parts of the Christian life.
Everyone Needs the Gospel
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” Romans 10:13–14
The Apostle Paul teaches that people cannot believe in Jesus unless they hear about Him. God has chosen to use ordinary believers to share the message of hope.
Every person around us—friends, family, classmates, coworkers, neighbors—needs the gospel. The good news is that evangelism is not about having all the answers. Often, it begins with simply sharing what Jesus has done in your life.
Imagine a burning building with people trapped inside. If you had the way out, would you stay silent? The world is lost without Christ, and we have the only way to salvation.
The Great Commission
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18–20
Jesus calls every believer to participate in His mission. This does not always mean preaching to large crowds or traveling overseas. Sometimes it looks like having a conversation, praying for someone, inviting a friend to church, opening the Bible with another person, or sharing your testimony.
We are not responsible for transforming hearts; only God can do that. Our responsibility is to faithfully share the gospel while trusting the work of the Holy Spirit.
Making Disciples
Jesus did not only command us to make converts—He called us to make disciples. Discipleship means helping others grow in faith, understand Scripture, obey Jesus, and follow Him daily. The Christian life is designed to multiply. This is the promise of God for us when we make disciples: “I am with you always!”
The Roman Road
The Book of Romans provides a simple way to explain salvation:
1
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Everyone needs salvation.
2
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin brings death, but Jesus offers life.
3
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus paid the price for our sin.
4
Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation comes by faith in Jesus.
Personal Application
Who in your life needs to hear about Jesus?
Will you take the step to share the gospel with them?
Will you commit to helping others grow in their faith?
Prayer of Commitment
“Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ. Fill my heart with love for those who do not know You. Give me the courage to share the gospel, the wisdom to speak with grace, and the faith to trust You with the results. Use my life to point others to Jesus and help me faithfully make disciples for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Roman Road
THE ROMAN ROAD
Explain the Gospel Simply
Four key passages from Romans to share the good news.
HOW TO SHARE THE GOSPEL
The Book of Romans provides a simple way to explain salvation.
1
OUR PROBLEM
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2
THE CONSEQUENCE
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
3
GOD'S LOVE
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
4
OUR RESPONSE
Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Bridge to Life
Continue with the Bridge to Life illustration and video.
Tools
TOOLS
How to Share the Gospel
Simple gospel-sharing resources from The SALT Road.
The Roman Road
Use four key passages from Romans to explain salvation: Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, and 10:9.
Bridge to Life
Access the Bridge to Life illustration from the official Navigators resource.
Use The Roman Road or Bridge to Life as simple tools for sharing the message of salvation and helping others take their next step toward Jesus.
What’s Next?
WHAT’S NEXT?
Walking the SALT Road with Others
The journey continues through discipleship.
Over the past four chapters, we have explored what it means to start following JESUS through the SALT Road with the book of Romans. We’ve learned that this journey begins with
Surrendering our life to Jesus, continues as we
Acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, deepens as we
Live our life for Jesus, and reaches others as we
Tell others about Jesus.
Discipleship does not end with personal growth. Jesus calls us to walk together, grow together, and help others start and continue their own journey with Him.
As we conclude this book, we want to challenge you with a simple but powerful next step: Commit to walking through this journey by being a “SALT” to someone else. How?
STUDY
Study the key Scriptures in this guide with someone. Read through the book of Romans together.
APPLY
Apply and live out these truths daily. Encourage one another to obey the teachings of Scripture.
LEAD
Lead others intentionally by guiding them toward Jesus. Share what you have learned with those you lead.
TRAIN
Train them to teach others to follow Jesus, invest in their spiritual growth, and equip them to make disciples.
WHO WILL YOU WALK WITH?
Think of someone in your life who could benefit from this journey.
A friend or family member who doesn’t know Jesus yet.
A new believer who needs guidance in their faith.
Someone struggling in their walk with God.
Commit to walking with them, just as someone has walked with you and helped you follow Jesus.
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT: KEEP MOVING FORWARD
Walking with God is not a one-time decision; it’s a lifelong journey. There will be challenges, but Jesus walks with us. There will be moments of doubt, but His Word will guide us. There will be opportunities to give up, but the Holy Spirit will strengthen us.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Will you accept the challenge? Will you help someone else start their walk with God?
Let’s not just finish this book — let’s live it, share it, and pass it on. The journey does not end here. It continues as you begin walking together with others in following Jesus.
PERSONAL APPLICATION
List five people you would like to journey with along the SALT Road and specify the date you plan to begin this journey.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
“Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving me and growing my faith. Give me a heart for those who do not know You. Open doors for me to share the gospel with love, wisdom, and courage. Use my life to make disciples and help others follow Jesus. May I faithfully be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
About
The SALT Road®
Following Jesus Is a Journey
About The SALT Road®
The SALT Road® is a simple discipleship guide rooted in the book of Romans that helps explain the foundations of the Christian faith.
This app presents the final version of the guide as an interactive discipleship journey.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, and retrieval system, without permission in writing from SALT CHURCH PHILIPPINES, INC.
Explore the SALT Church mission, core values, and vision.
LIVING THE MISSION TOGETHER
Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Matthew 5:13–16
Living the Mission Together
Following Jesus is more than a personal decision—it is a lifelong calling to glorify God and make Him known. We are called to impact the world with the hope of the gospel.
“You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world... Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13–16
As followers of Jesus, we are called to preserve what is good, point others to the truth, and shine the light of Christ wherever God has placed us. This is not a mission we accomplish alone, but together as the body of Christ.
OUR MISSION
“We exist to glorify God by growing in Christ, building authentic relationships, investing in future generations, and transforming communities as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
S — SPIRITUAL FORMATION
We pursue a growing and Spirit-empowered relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, worship, prayer, and obedience.
A — AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIP
We cultivate Christ-centered relationships in the household and in the church community through authentic discipleship.
L — LEGACY BUILDING
We intentionally invest in children, youth, young adults, and emerging leaders by building a lasting spiritual legacy in them.
T — TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES
We advance God’s Kingdom by demonstrating the love of Christ through witness, generosity, service, and community outreach.
OUR VISION
“To see every person, every family, and every generation transformed by Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and sent to impact the world as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
A Final Commission
As you continue on The SALT Road, remember that discipleship is not only about following Jesus—it is about helping others follow Him as well.
May your life reflect Christ, your relationships display His love, and your witness bring glory to God. Together, let us fulfill His calling to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world until every person has the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ.
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20–21
