A Conversational Relationship with God Will Teach Us About Valuing the Voice of God

A Conversational Relationship with God
Will Teach Us About…
“Whoever is of God hears the words of God.”
Jesus says this in John 8:47.
Notice the straightforward and clear message of his statement; notice that this teaching affirms that the voice of God is an active voice and that the ears of His people are active ears.
This statement can be interpreted to say that  God speaks to His people and that hearing the voice of God is both integral and normal to the life of faith, the common experience of the true believer.
I believe that such “hearing” is all these things – integral, normal, and common — and more. I believe this because Jesus says it is true. I believe it because His people attest to it being true in their lives. I believe it because I have experienced the truth of this statement. But, most importantly, I believe that God speaks to His people because such divine activity is absolutely consistent with His character as His character is displayed in both general (creation) and special (Scripture) revelation. God is a speaker.
So, I ask: do you believe that God speaks to you? If so, do you want to hear what He is saying? And if so, can you imagine anything more amazing and wonderful? And doesn’t it seem like the height of foolishness to ignore the voice of God? The prophet Hosea speaks a harsh word of truth when he speaks the word of the Lord: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God was speaking to His people in many ways, but they were not listening, to their destruction. Consider these powerful promises of Jesus:
If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Prayer Gathering Wednesday evening @ 7:00
@ the church. If you are unable to be there, you are encouraged to submit prayer requests.
Partners in Prayer
for Advocate Bromenn/August:
Cardiovascular Care Unit
All-Jake Focus Groups will resume in September. The two groups we’ve had so far have provided great insight into those things we do well as a community and those areas we need to improve. If you are a regular, you will be asked to take part in one of these evenings @ the Berrys with Cary Hendricks leading the discussion.
“I’m always the one who learns the most!”
The words of a volunteer in our kids’ ministry
Is it time you “learned more”?
Ask Athena how you can help..
Once school gets underway, so will at least three of our ongoing school year ministries:
1.) women’s study/fellowship group (see Candi V.)
2.) men’s study/fellowship group (ask Bob V.)
3.) C.S. Lewis reading group @ IWU (corner Pastor D.)

valuing_voice“Whoever is of God hears the words of God.”

Jesus says this in John 8:47.

Notice the straightforward and clear message of his statement; notice that this teaching affirms that the voice of God is an active voice and that the ears of His people are active ears.

This statement can be interpreted to say that  God speaks to His people and that hearing the voice of God is both integral and normal to the life of faith, the common experience of the true believer.

I believe that such “hearing” is all these things – integral, normal, and common — and more. I believe this because Jesus says it is true. I believe it because His people attest to it being true in their lives. I believe it because I have experienced the truth of this statement. But, most importantly, I believe that God speaks to His people because such divine activity is absolutely consistent with His character as His character is displayed in both general (creation) and special (Scripture) revelation. God is a speaker.

So, I ask: do you believe that God speaks to you? If so, do you want to hear what He is saying? And if so, can you imagine anything more amazing and wonderful? And doesn’t it seem like the height of foolishness to ignore the voice of God? The prophet Hosea speaks a harsh word of truth when he speaks the word of the Lord: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” God was speaking to His people in many ways, but they were not listening, to their destruction. Consider these powerful promises of Jesus:

If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Prayer Gathering
Wednesday evening @ 7:00
@ the church. If you are unable to be there, you are encouraged to submit prayer requests.

Partners in Prayer for Advocate Bromenn/August:
Cardiovascular Care Unit

All-Jake Focus Groups
will resume in September. The two groups we’ve had so far have provided great insight into those things we do well as a community and those areas we need to improve. If you are a regular, you will be asked to take part in one of these evenings @ the Berrys with Cary Hendricks leading the discussion.

“I’m always the one who learns the most!”
The words of a volunteer in our kids’ ministry
Is it time you “learned more”?
Ask Athena how you can help..

Once school gets underway, so will at least three of our ongoing school year ministries:

  1. women’s study/fellowship group (see Candi V.)
  2. men’s study/fellowship group (ask Bob V.)
  3. C.S. Lewis reading group @ IWU (corner Pastor D.)
Posted by on Aug 20, 2010 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

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