Q & A with Pastor Jon – “How does God speak to us?”

Jon Beck

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
  • 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)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 & Psalm 19:7-11 “The Greatness of God’s Word”

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