How Do I Get to Know God?

Simple Practices to Grow Closer to Jesus

Overview

Spiritual growth never happens by accident—it requires deliberate, everyday choices. The message outlined five simple practices that draw us nearer to Christ so we can love like He loved, live like He lived, and become like He is. Each practice is accessible to every believer and meant to be woven into normal life, not reserved for special moments. When we engage these habits, we’re transformed from the inside out and equipped to make a difference in the world.

Main Points

1. Study God’s Word

• Scripture renews a mind that has been patterned by the world; reading it introduces the thoughts, heart, and standards of God.
• The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to empower real change and make us more like Jesus.
• Illustration: The YouVersion Bible App (created by the church) offers thousands of reading plans—marriage, finances, overcoming addiction, new-believer basics—so anyone can start or deepen Bible engagement.

2. Pray Continually

• Prayer is simply talking with God; guilt over “not praying long enough” is misplaced.
• Conversations with different friends feel unique, and conversations with God can be the same: lengthy, brief, formal, or spontaneous.
• Posture can help—folded hands or kneeling prepares the heart—but quick “text-like” prayers (“God, help me in this meeting”) are just as real.
• Prayer also includes silent listening and acknowledging God’s presence in everyday moments, like thanking Him for a sunrise.

3. Live as a Worshiper

• Jesus said the Father is seeking true worshipers; we already know how to celebrate passionately at games or concerts.
• Express love for God in ways that fit your personality—lifting hands, shouting praise, or quiet, private gratitude.
• Worship corporately in church and personally throughout the week—singing in the car, walking in nature, or simply acknowledging God’s goodness.

4. Engage Deeply in a Local Church

• The church matters to God; Jesus promised, “I will build my church,” and He will return for it.
• Growth isn’t limited to podcasts or playlists; gathering with believers multiplies the power of prayer and worship.
• The church is the Body of Christ, and the body is incomplete without every part—you have a role in strengthening others and being strengthened.

5. Use Your Gifts to Serve

• God wired each person with natural abilities and specific passions that point to areas of impact.
• Serve in the church: kids ministry, students, host team, opening your home, teaching, or giving.
• Serve as the church in daily life: encourage coworkers, offer hope to the hurting, help a friend move, share resources.

• “The greatest are those who serve.” —Jesus
  Living a life of service shapes us into Christ’s likeness and meets real needs around us.

Key Truths

• Intentional habits—not coincidence—produce spiritual maturity.
• Scripture changes thinking, which changes living.
• Prayer is ongoing awareness and conversation with God, not a timed performance.
• Worship is a whole-life response, public and private, loud or quiet.
• Every believer’s gifts complete the Body of Christ and bring hope to the world when used in service.

Response

• Schedule regular time to read and reflect on a Bible plan this week.
• Initiate short, honest prayers throughout each day, then pause to listen.
• Choose one fresh expression of worship—sing aloud, raise hands, or verbalize thanks on a walk.
• Commit to attend and participate in your local church gathering this Sunday.
• Identify one gift or resource you can offer—sign up to serve at church and meet one practical need outside of it.

Closing

Spiritual growth isn’t confined to classrooms; it happens as we practice truth daily. Study the Word, pray continually, worship wholeheartedly, plant yourself in a local church, and serve with the gifts God placed in you. As you do, you’ll look more like Jesus and your life will make a tangible difference.

“You’re gonna be closer to Jesus, you’re gonna be more like Him, and you’re gonna make a difference.”