Q & A with Pastor Jon is a teaching time I utilize that looks directly at Scripture to answer questions that I have been asked over the course of my ministry. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church Family. The church provides a live stream of the service each Wednesday at 6:30 on Facebook. We also provide the services through YouTube. You can find our Worship Guides, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer Lists, and other resources at our Church Website.
Scripture For Study
Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
INTRO
- Phrases I have heard over the years:
- Before making a decision…”I am waiting on a Word from God.”
- “God spoke to me the other day.”
- “God spoke to me in a dream.”
- DOES GOD SPEAK TODAY?
- Yes, He does.
Psalm 19 – GOD SPEAKS
- General Revelation – vv. 1-6
- Special Revelation – vv. 7-9
Psalm 19 [1] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. [2] Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. [3] There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. [4] Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, [5] which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. [6] Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. [7] The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; [9] the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [12] Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. [13] Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (ESV)
A few of the “ways” people listen for God to speak (you can google “how does God speak to us”)
- Through His Word (The Bible)
- An audible voice
- Circumstances
- Impressions
- Angels (God’s Messenger’s)
- Creation/Nature
- Visions
- Dreams
- Godly Counsel
A few points to ponder:
- REMEMBER… GOD HAS GIVEN US ALL WE NEED! –
2 Peter 1:3 - His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
- As always… we must think through this biblically and theologically.
- God does utilize other means to encourage and strengthen us in our faith.
- God has always spoken with the authority.
- Through His Decrees
- Through His Prophets
- Through Jesus Christ
- Through His Word… the Bible
- Today, our authority is found in His Word… The Bible.
- KEY WORD AUTHORITY
- It is not one of many
- It is the ONE.
- No other means should compromise the Word we have already received.
- When we value and seek out the other means… the Bible will be less of authoritative in our daily life. We will begin to seek the “other means”
- Small still voice
- Impression
- Wise counsel
- Dreams
- A word in my prayer time
- When we value and seek out the other means… the Bible will be less of authoritative in our daily life. We will begin to seek the “other means”
- LIFT HIGH THE WORD!!!!!
- Trust in the Word
- Advice and wise counsel are fine, but the Word is our place of real authority
- An impression and feeling may be God confirming His presence and peace in our life, but feelings should not dictate and guide the course of our life.
- A thought or dream (our mind) can obviously be used of God to confirm a reality from His Word, but looking for a fresh word in a vision and dream diminishes the sufficiency of the Word of God.
- The Word is enough!
A deeper look at the progressive nature of God speaking. (From a Sermon in August)