Engaging in God Conversations: Hearing His Voice Today
Summary
In my recent sermon, I explored the theme of "God Conversations," delving into the history of divine communication and its implications for us today. I began by reflecting on the early church's expectation to hear from God, highlighting the transformative events in church history where the Holy Spirit spoke to believers. I recounted the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, emphasizing the spread of the gospel to Ethiopia as a result of their God-directed encounter.
I then addressed the Day of Pentecost, where a new era of divine communication was inaugurated, as prophesied by Joel and fulfilled in Acts 2:17. This marked the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, enabling them to prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams. I stressed that this gift was not limited to the prophets of old but was available to all disciples, a reality that continues to this day.
However, I also acknowledged the abuse of this gift throughout history, where individuals added to the gospel under the guise of divine revelation. I cited Joseph Smith as a cautionary example, whose unchecked "God Conversation" led to the formation of the Mormon church, a deviation from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
I discussed the reformers' response to such abuses, noting how figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin sought to return the church to the true gospel. Yet, in their zeal, they swung the pendulum too far, leading to a belief that God no longer speaks outside of Scripture. I challenged this view, affirming that the Holy Spirit continues to speak to us today.
I shared a personal testimony about my journey to working with Youth for Christ, where I experienced a God conversation that directed me away from a job I initially sought. Despite the pressure and the need to provide for my family, I obeyed the prompting of the Holy Spirit, which led to an unexpected and fulfilling role that God had prepared for me.
I then turned to the story of Gideon, illustrating how God conversed with him and used him to deliver Israel from the Midianites with only 300 men. This story highlighted the importance of listening to God's voice and the confirmation that can come from others and spiritual signs.
I concluded by encouraging the congregation to engage in God conversations without fear or doubt, trusting in the safeguards God provides. I emphasized the importance of testing what we hear against the character of Jesus, the confirmation of others, and the presence of spiritual signs.
Key Takeaways:
1. The early church's expectation to hear from God is a model for us today. We must be open to the Holy Spirit's voice, recognizing that divine communication is not just for select individuals but for all believers. This is a continuation of what was prophesied by Joel and fulfilled at Pentecost, where the Spirit was poured out on all flesh. [03:25]
2. While God conversations are vital, we must be cautious not to add to the gospel or accept every revelation as divine. The example of Joseph Smith warns us of the dangers of unchecked revelations. Our conversations with God must align with the true gospel, which centers on Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. [08:41]
3. The reformers' reaction to abuses of divine communication serves as a reminder that while we must reject false additions to the gospel, we should not dismiss the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's voice did not cease with the apostles or the canonization of Scripture; it continues to guide us today. [10:33]
4. Personal experiences of God conversations, like my own with Youth for Christ, demonstrate that God is intimately involved in guiding our decisions. When we listen and obey, even when it goes against conventional wisdom, God faithfully provides and leads us to where we are meant to be. [24:21]
5. The story of Gideon shows that God equips and empowers the unlikely for His purposes. By testing what we hear and seeking confirmation through others and spiritual signs, we can move forward with confidence in the tasks God calls us to, no matter how daunting they may seem. [45:34]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: God Conversations
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:17 - "‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."
2. Judges 6:12 - "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’"
3. Hebrews 8:6 - "But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the Day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:17? How did it change the way believers could hear from God? [03:25]
2. How did Gideon initially respond to God's call in Judges 6:12, and what does this reveal about his character? [27:41]
3. According to Hebrews 8:6, what makes the new covenant superior to the old one? How does this relate to the way God communicates with us today? [37:51]
4. What were the three safeguards mentioned in the sermon for testing if a revelation is truly from God? [40:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the prophecy in Acts 2:17 about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit apply to believers today? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [03:25]
2. In what ways did Gideon's story in Judges 6-7 demonstrate the importance of seeking confirmation and testing God's voice? How can we apply this in our own lives? [29:25]
3. The sermon mentioned the abuse of divine communication, citing Joseph Smith as an example. How can we discern between true and false revelations in our spiritual journey? [08:41]
4. How does the new covenant, as described in Hebrews 8:6, enhance our ability to have personal God conversations? What does this mean for our relationship with God? [37:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you test and confirm that it was truly His voice? What steps can you take to ensure you are discerning correctly in the future? [40:57]
2. The early church had a strong expectation to hear from God. How can you cultivate a similar expectation in your own life? What practical steps can you take to be more open to the Holy Spirit's voice? [03:25]
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of not adding to the gospel. How can you ensure that your personal revelations align with the true gospel of Jesus Christ? [08:41]
4. Gideon needed multiple confirmations before he acted on God's command. Do you find yourself needing similar confirmations? How can you seek these confirmations in a healthy and faithful manner? [29:25]
5. The pastor shared a personal testimony about obeying God's direction despite external pressures. Have you ever faced a similar situation? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [24:21]
6. Discuss a time when you felt fear or doubt about a decision you believed was from God. How did you overcome these feelings, and what role did spiritual signs or confirmations play in your decision-making process? [25:18]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of testing revelations against the character of Jesus, the confirmation of others, and spiritual signs. How can you incorporate these safeguards into your daily spiritual practice? [40:57]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the theme of "God Conversations," encouraging thoughtful discussion and personal reflection on how to hear and discern God's voice in our lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Communication for All Believers
The early church lived with the expectation of hearing from God, a practice that should continue in the lives of modern believers. The Holy Spirit's voice is not reserved for a select few; rather, it is a gift bestowed upon all who follow Christ. This divine communication is a continuation of the prophecy by Joel, which was fulfilled at Pentecost when the Spirit was poured out on all flesh. Believers today are called to be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, recognizing that the ability to hear from God is not a relic of the past but a vital aspect of contemporary faith.
Acts 2:17-18 (ESV) says, "And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice of listening for the Holy Spirit's voice in your life? [03:25]
Day 2: Discerning True Revelation
While divine conversations are essential to faith, discernment is crucial to ensure that these revelations align with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The cautionary tale of Joseph Smith serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked revelations. It is imperative to test every claimed divine communication against the true gospel, which is centered on Jesus Christ and His message of salvation. This discernment prevents the addition of false teachings and maintains the purity of the Christian faith.
1 John 4:1 (ESV) instructs, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: In what ways can you apply discernment to ensure that personal revelations you receive are in alignment with the gospel of Jesus Christ? [08:41]
Day 3: The Spirit's Voice Beyond Scripture
The reaction of the reformers to the abuses of divine communication serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit's work did not end with the apostles or the canonization of Scripture. While it is necessary to reject false additions to the gospel, it is equally important to recognize that the Spirit continues to guide believers today. The voice of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing reality, offering direction and wisdom to those who are willing to listen.
Hebrews 3:7-8 (ESV) states, "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.'"
Reflection: How can you ensure that your understanding of Scripture includes an openness to the ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit? [10:33]
Day 4: Obedience to Divine Guidance
Personal experiences of God conversations, such as the testimony of being led to work with Youth for Christ, demonstrate that God is actively involved in guiding our decisions. When individuals listen and obey the Holy Spirit's prompting, even when it contradicts conventional wisdom, they often find themselves in roles and situations that are unexpectedly fulfilling and aligned with God's purpose. Obedience to divine guidance is a testament to God's faithfulness and provision.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you followed the Holy Spirit's prompting against conventional wisdom, and what was the outcome? [24:21]
Day 5: Empowerment for God's Purposes
The story of Gideon is a powerful example of how God equips and empowers the unlikely for His purposes. By listening to God's voice and seeking confirmation through others and spiritual signs, believers can move forward with confidence in the tasks God calls them to, regardless of how daunting they may seem. This story encourages believers to trust in God's ability to use them in extraordinary ways when they are willing to listen and act on His guidance.
Judges 6:12 (ESV) recounts, "And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.'"
Reflection: What daunting task might God be calling you to, and how can you seek His confirmation to move forward with confidence? [45:34]
Quotes
1. "But there was something in me saying, Dan, this is uncomfortable. I get the phone call anyway from Youth for Christ. And they say, Dan, really good news. We'd love you to come in for an interview. Would you come in at this time on this day? Okay. got to pay the mortgage. I've got to pay the bills. I've got to provide for my family." [18:23]
2. "I needed that conversation. I needed that relationship with Jesus to get me to that point. And it was that revelatory word directly from Holy Spirit that drove my decisions. Did I do it blindly? No. Because whenever we hear something from God, we can test it. Whenever someone says, thus saith the Lord, we can test it. And we should test it." [40:20]
3. "We have, brothers and sisters who love the Lord just as much as we do, if not more. Who listen to God. Who listen out for His voice. And when we hear something, we have that absolute pleasure and benefit of being able to go to a brother and sister and say, this is what I've heard. Would you pray about it?" [44:10]
4. "For Gideon, he went down into the camp and he heard that other people were having dreams about what God had spoken to him. And it confirmed for him that he was the man to save Israel. Why? Because God had made them have the nightmare about being handed into Gideon's hand." [45:34]
5. "We should ask three questions. Would Jesus say that? You see, Jesus was God, is God in flesh. Everything that Jesus says, everything that Jesus does, how He thinks is God. So if He wouldn't say it, think it, or do it, then it isn't God speaking to you." [41:41]
6. "We live in a time where the covenant we're under is better. We've got Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Living within us. Poured out upon all flesh. We get to hear God for ourselves. But God knows our fears. God knows that we see in part. We hear in part." [38:43]
7. "God has poured out His Spirit on all flesh. And our sons and daughters should prophesy. And our young men will have visions. And our old men will dream dreams. Each follower believes Each believer in Jesus has the ability a supernatural ability to be able to hear the voice of God." [15:08]
8. "God responds by coming and sitting with a man called Gideon. And he sits there with Gideon he says, mighty man of valor. Gideon, full of fear, full of doubt, full of all sorts, says, what, me? Not a chance. My clan is the weakest clan in the tribe of Manasseh." [27:41]
9. "Don't allow your feelings or your doubts to stop you having God conversations. We have a God that wants to speak back to us. That wants to talk to each one of us. That has the ability and desire to speak to us. The safeguards aren't that we push God's word down below everything else." [48:35]
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