Welcome to a journey that will change your life in the most beautiful ways. If you are reading this, it means there is a spark of curiosity or a tug in your heart to discover more about faith. We are so glad you are here!
Starting a spiritual journey can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. You might have questions like, “Where do I begin?” or “how do you get to know Jesus?” Please know that you don't need to have everything figured out to start. In fact, getting to know Jesus isn’t about following a long list of complicated rules or learning academic theology. It is simply about starting a friendship.
In this guide, we’ll walk together through simple, practical steps to help you know Jesus personally and grow a faith that feels real, steady, and full of hope.
What Does it Mean to Know Jesus Personally?
Before we dive into the "how," let’s talk about the "what." Often, people think that to know Jesus means knowing about Him, like knowing the facts about a historical figure. While the history is important, how to know Jesus personally is much more like how you know your best friend or a beloved family member.
Imagine you have a neighbor you’ve heard about for years. You know their name and maybe what they do for a living, but you haven’t actually sat down to have coffee with them. Getting to know Jesus is that transition from knowing the name to sitting down for the coffee. It’s about sharing your heart, listening to His, and walking through life together.
We live in a world that can be loud and confusing, but the relationship we have with Christ is meant to be our "still, small voice" of peace. One of the more positive outcomes of starting this journey is the deep sense of belonging and purpose that begins to grow inside you.
How Do I Get to Know Jesus? 4 Simple Steps
If you are ready to begin, here is a gentle roadmap. You don't have to do all of these perfectly at once. Just take one small step today.
1. Start with Honest Conversation (Prayer)
Prayer is just a fancy word for talking to God. You don’t need to use "Thee" or "Thou" or sound like a poet. You can talk to Him just like you’re talking to us right now.
To get to know Jesus, start by being honest. Tell Him about your day, your worries, and even your doubts. A simple prayer like, "Jesus, I want to know You. Please show me who You are," is a wonderful place to start.
If you want to dive deeper into this, we highly recommend checking out Dr. Thomas L. Driver’s Prayer Series. His book, Teach Me To Pray: Lessons From Scripture, is a fantastic resource for anyone who feels a bit stuck or unsure of what to say. It breaks down the heart of prayer into simple, digestible lessons that make getting to know Jesus through conversation feel natural and life-giving.
2. Listen to His Story in the Bible
If prayer is how we talk to God, the Bible is one of the primary ways He speaks back to us. For beginners, we always suggest starting with the "Gospels", these are the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They tell the story of Jesus’ life on earth.
As you read, don’t worry about understanding every single detail. Instead, look for His character. How did He treat people who were hurting? What did He say to those who were lost? You’ll find that He is incredibly kind, patient, and full of love for you.
When we read His Word, we aren't just reading a book; we are learning how to know Christ by seeing His heart in action. If you have a busy schedule, you can find quick, encouraging insights in the Take5 Messages on our website. These are short biblical teachings designed to fit into your day and help you grow.
3. Walk with Others (Community)
Faith was never meant to be a solo sport! We are all part of a larger family. One of the best ways to get to know Jesus is to see how He works in the lives of others.
Whether it's joining a local Bible study, attending a church service, or even just connecting with a friend who has a steady faith, community provides us with encouragement and support. When we share our struggles and our "wins" with others, our own faith grows stronger. We learn from each other's experiences and see the many different ways God shows His love to His children.
4. Practice "Taking 5" Daily
Growth happens in the small, consistent moments. You don't need to spend three hours a day in study to grow. Just five minutes of focused time can change your entire outlook.
Try to set aside a small window each morning or evening. Listen to a message from the TLDM YouTube channel, read one verse, and say a quick "thank you" to God. This simple rhythm keeps your heart open and ready to receive what He has for you.
"How Do I Know if Jesus Knows Me?"
This is such a common and honest question. Many of us have wondered, "how do I know if Jesus knows me?" when we first start out.
The beautiful truth found in Scripture is that He knew you before you were even born! He knows the number of hairs on your head and every dream in your heart. You don't have to do anything to "earn" His attention, you already have it.
The fact that you feel a desire to seek Him is often the very evidence that He is already calling out to you. He is the one who initiates the relationship. Your job is simply to respond to that invitation. When you take a step toward Him, you’ll find He’s already been walking toward you the whole time.
Resources to Help You Grow
We want to support you every step of the way! Dr. Thomas L. Driver has dedicated his life to creating resources that make the Bible easy to understand and apply to modern life. Here are a few ways you can continue your journey:
- The Prayer Series (3-Book Collection): Explore titles like Teach Me To Pray and Fasting and Prayer: A Lifestyle of Consecration. These books are designed to take you from the basics of faith into a deeper, more powerful spiritual walk. You can find them all in our TLDM Bookstore.
- The TLDM YouTube Channel: Our YouTube channel is filled with video series like the "Prayer Series" and "Take 5" that offer quick, powerful doses of encouragement.
- The Sharing the Word Podcast: If you prefer listening on the go, Dr. Driver’s podcast is a wonderful way to soak in the Word while you’re driving or working.
So, What are You Waiting For?
How to get to know Jesus is a journey of a thousand small, beautiful steps. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be present.
Start today by simply saying hello to Him. Turn on one of our Take5 messages, or pick up a copy of Teach Me To Pray to guide your conversations with God. We are so excited for the peace and joy you are about to discover.
Remember, selfless work and love for God are things we need to learn and cherish together. We are here for you, and we are praying for you as you begin this incredible new chapter. Tune in to our community today( you belong here!)