The journey to knowing God is a deeply personal one, requiring not only knowledge but also a shift in perception. This lesson introduces seven fundamental steps to strengthen our relationship with God, helping us move beyond mere belief into a place of deep understanding and faith. These steps remind us that God is real, good, and has created us to be saved, while also giving us the freedom to choose our path. By choosing to love and serve both God and our neighbors, and by adjusting our mindset to align with divine truths, we transform our reality and deepen our discipleship in Christ.

Key Concepts

1. Knowing God is a Personal Journey: Developing a relationship with God is not about following someone else’s beliefs but about discovering God for ourselves.
2. Faith Requires Action: Understanding that God is real and good is just the beginning; we must actively seek, love, and serve Him and those around us.
3. Perception Shapes Reality: When we shift our focus to God’s eternal truths rather than worldly concerns, we change how we experience life and faith.

A Personal Connection 

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” -Jeremiah 29:13

If you are here, we will presume that you are seeking to know God. You are not looking for someone to stand between you and God, you want that personal relationship that comes from being a disciple of Jesus Christ. There are many 10 step, 12 step, and other step programs out there that are very useful in helping people get through a number of things from alcoholism to gambling and more.

We will look at some of these, but our goal is not to help you get out of something, but to deepen your personal relationship with God. With that in mind, we will be going over seven steps in as many discussions as it takes. And we will patiently go over each one at a time.

The Seven Principles

1. God is Real. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” -Psalm 19:1
2. God is Love. “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” -1 John 4:7
3. We were created to be saved. “God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world would be saved through him.” -John 3:17
4. We are given the freedom of choice. “If it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today the one you will worship.” Joshua 24:15
5. We should love and serve God. “Jesus told him, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; this is the first and great commandment.’” -Matthew 22:37-38
6. We should love and serve our neighbors. “The second is the same: You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” -Matthew 22:39
7. When we change our perception, we change our reality. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” -Colossians 3:2

At a quick glance, this list may seem arbitrary or even elementary, something one would expect to teach a child in Sunday School. However, as we go over this list you will find the deeper meaning behind each of these steps as they help draw you closer to God, the Creator. We will cover the basics of each step, we will make the introduction, but it will be up to you to form the relationship between yourself and God.

Faith in Practice 

Throughout this course, we have explored the personal nature of faith, the importance of self-reflection, and the role that love plays in our journey to God. Each of us has been given the choice to pursue a life of faith, not as a requirement but as an opportunity to step into the grace and love that God freely offers. These seven steps serve as a framework for that journey, reminding us that we are not only called to believe in God but to experience His goodness and reflect it in our daily lives.

Faith is not simply a passive belief; it is a practice, a way of life that brings us into deeper connection with our Creator and those around us. By embracing these principles—recognizing God’s reality, choosing love, and transforming our perception—we open ourselves up to true spiritual growth. This path is not always easy, but it is always worth it. God has given us the tools, the steps, and the guidance, but ultimately, it is up to us to walk forward in faith.

Discussion Questions

If you are taking this course independently, please use the quiz to turn in your answers. 

1. How does the idea of personal responsibility in seeking God influence your approach to faith and spirituality?
2. What does it mean to change your perception in order to change your reality? Provide examples from your own life or experiences.
3. How do love and service strengthen both our relationship with God and our connections with those around us?

Suggestions for Action

1. Set aside time each day to reflect on how you have seen or felt God’s presence in your life.
2. Find a way to serve your community, whether through volunteering, helping a neighbor, or offering encouragement to someone in need.
3. Keep a journal documenting your thoughts, questions, prayers, and experiences as you seek a closer relationship with God.
4. Each day, list three things you are grateful for, focusing on the ways God has shown goodness in your life.
5. Join or create a study group to explore scripture and spiritual topics with others, fostering shared growth and understanding.

Final Thought/Meditation

Take a deep breath and center yourself in the presence of God. Close your eyes and reflect on the journey you are about to take. Imagine yourself standing before a great path, stretching far into the distance. This path is your personal walk with God. As you take each step forward, you feel His presence guiding you, strengthening you, and filling you with peace. Know that you are never alone—God walks with you, and His love surrounds you always. Open your heart, be still, and listen. What is God whispering to you today?

A Short Prayer

“Lord, I open my heart to You. Guide me, teach me, and help me to walk this path in faith and love. May my journey bring me closer to You and help me reflect Your light to the world; in Jesus name: Amen.”