HEARING FROM GOD

Hearing from God is a profound and central theme in the Bible, woven throughout its narratives, prophecies, and wisdom literature. It's not a singular, uniform experience, but rather a multifaceted interaction that has taken various forms across different individuals and eras.

 

Diverse Manifestations of Divine Communication

From the very beginning, God has sought to communicate with humanity. In the Garden of Eden, God walked and talked with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8-9). This intimate, direct communication set a precedent for the relationship God desired with His creation.

 

As history unfolded, the methods of divine communication diversified:

 

1. Direct Speech: Many biblical figures experienced God speaking to them directly, often audibly. Moses, for instance, spoke with God "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33:11). Samuel heard God calling his name in the night (1 Samuel 3:4).

 

2. Visions and Dreams: God frequently communicated through visual imagery and symbolic narratives in dreams and visions. Joseph's dreams foretold his future (Genesis 37:5-11), and Daniel received complex prophetic visions (Daniel 7-12). Peter's vision on the rooftop led to a pivotal shift in early Christian understanding of the Gospel (Acts 10:9-16).

 

 

3. Angelic Messengers: Angels often served as intermediaries, delivering messages from God to individuals. The angel Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:11-20, 26-38).

 

4. Prophets: God raised up prophets to speak on His behalf to the people. These individuals were called to deliver divine messages, warnings, and guidance, often beginning with the phrase "Thus says the Lord" (e.g., Isaiah 7:7, Jeremiah 2:2).

 

5. The Law and Commandments: The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai was a monumental act of divine communication, providing Israel with a covenant and a framework for righteous living (Exodus 20).

 

 

6. Circumstances and Events: God also communicates through the unfolding of events, both personal and national. The Exodus itself was a powerful demonstration of God's will and power.

 

7. The Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the indwelling Holy Spirit becomes the primary means by which believers hear from God, guiding, teaching, and revealing truth (John 14:26, Romans 8:14).

 

 

8. Jesus Christ, The Living Word: Ultimately, the most complete revelation of God is found in Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Jesus perfectly embodied and communicated God's character and will.

 

9. Scripture: The written Word of God, the Bible, is a primary and enduring way God speaks to us today. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

 

 

Conditions for Hearing from God

While God desires to communicate, the Bible also highlights certain conditions and attitudes that facilitate hearing His voice:

 

1. Obedience and Righteousness: Those who walk in obedience to God's commands are often more attuned to His voice (John 14:21).

 

2. Humility and a Teachable Spirit: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). A humble heart is open to correction and guidance.

 

 

3. Prayer and Seeking God: Persistent prayer and a genuine desire to know God's will are crucial (Jeremiah 29:13).

 

4. Stillness and Waiting: Sometimes, hearing God requires quieting the noise of the world and waiting patiently for His voice (Psalm 46:10). Elijah heard God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "gentle whisper" (1 Kings 19:11-12).

 

 

5. Discernment: Not every thought or impression is from God. The Bible encourages testing the spirits (1 John 4:1) and discerning God's voice through alignment with Scripture, godly counsel, and the peace of the Holy Spirit.

 

The Purpose of Divine Communication

God communicates with humanity for several key reasons:

 

1. To Reveal Himself: God desires to make His character, nature, and purposes known.

 

2. To Guide and Direct: He provides guidance for individuals and nations, leading them in paths of righteousness.

 

 

3. To Warn and Correct: God's communication often includes warnings against sin and calls to repentance.

 

4. To Comfort and Encourage: He offers solace, hope, and strength in times of trouble.

 

 

5. To Establish Covenant and Relationship: Ultimately, God seeks an intimate, loving relationship with His people.

 

 

THE REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD
GOOD SEED ASSEMBLY

Address: 710 S Kings Ave, Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813) 451-1634