4. God Speaks, Part I

Gen 17:1-2John 10:1-5

Golden Phone

We don’t have a direct line to God. It would be nice if we did.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers. (Genesis 17:1-2)

God spoke so Abram would understand, and so we would understand

God continues to speak personally

We don’t have a direct line to God. It would be nice if we did.

Hebrews tell us: In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2).

God speaks to us now, but mostly in other ways.

God does continue to speak to us

Testimony of Christ

Cornerstone of God’s Word to us.

Jesus is the final Word.

We learn from John 10 that Jesus speaks to us

John 10:2-5

Jesus the Shepherd

You are a Sheep

We learn from John 10 that Jesus speaks to us

We need not only understand that Jesus speaks to us, but we need to understand why.

He speaks so that we recognize his presence in our life

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,    each of us has turned to our own way; (Isa 53:6a)

wild sheep is dinner.

Safe Pasture

He speaks because he wants us to hear his voice.

He speaks so that we know where we must go to follow him

A Good Shepherd leads his sheep

Like Sheep, we have needs

Apart from the guidance of Jesus our shepherd we will be hungry, thirsty, and headed for danger

He speaks so that we will not be fooled into being led astray

Voices that lead astray (image next slide)

Being Jesus’ sheep is contrary to those voices

Story: Work seminar new age spiritualist

Listening to His voice means knowing when the voices we hear aren’t his. Otherwise, we are dinner.

How does he speak? Scripture

Scripture = Foundation

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”[h] 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:16-17)He has brought us out to destroy us

Scripture – Complete Revelation

How does he speak? Scripture

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Scripture is our Baseline

Story – My friend David.

How does he speak? Prayer

If there’s ever a good reason to pray, it’s to hear God’s voice.

“Look to the LORD and his strength;    seek his face always.” (1 Chron 16:11)

Spirit of God. Our Guide, Our Counselor

How does he speak? Prayer

What if we started prayer by Listening?

Story – I agree with Dave

How does he speak? People

through the church, through friends, through family, occasionally even through strangers.

A McDonald’s Christian

Encourage us, to challenge us, to motivate us, and, of course, even to rebuke us.

All we have to do is listen…

How does he speak? Countless ways.

God can speak anyway he likes

God speaking through a Sunset

We do have a Golden Phone. A call to God is always a local call.

Our response: Listen

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” (John 10:14)

He is speaking to us so much more…

“Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matt 11:15

Spend time Listening