Does God Still Talk?

Ps. 81:

Psalm 81:8–14 NKJV

“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! There shall be no foreign god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. “But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, To walk in their own counsels. “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn My hand against their adversaries.

The Bible provides evidence, as well as pop culture today, that people are not all that interested in listening to God.

Whether it is read in a Psalm like this one, the example Dr. Stanley gives in chapter one, or an event in your life; people have a tough time listening to God.

Dr. Stanley says, there is “nothing more important, nothing more necessary, nothing more rewarding than hearing what God has to say.”

Why Does God Speak Today?

He loves us as much as He did the people of the Old and New Testaments.

We still need direction in our lives.

He knows we need comfort and assurance just like those in the OT and NT did.

He wants us to know Him.

How God Spoke in the Old and New Testament Days

He spoke by revelation. We believe this revelation has ended when the Canon was completed.

Genesis 12:1–2 NKJV

Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

2. God spoke through dreams

(Dr. Brock quote about dreams-missionary call)

3. Written words (audibly to Paul)

Acts 9:4 NKJV

Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

4. Through prophets

“Thus saith the Lord”

5. Circumstances

Gideon

Judges 6:39 NKJV

Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.”

6. Angels

Acts 16:6–7 NKJV

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

How God Speaks Today

The Word of God

This is God’s primary way of talking to us today.

Joshua 1:7–8 NKJV

Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

How does this work for us today?

Ask God to speak to you through His Word and give you direction.

Often, God will lead to a specific scripture passage or speak to you in the passage you are currently studying.

The passage may deal with a specific experience or be a governing principle within the texte.

The Holy Spirit

How might we hear from God through His Holy Spirit today?

I believe the Spirit speaks through dreams today, just be discerning. Not every dream is a message from God. Sometimes you ate too late last night!

I believe God gives people a word today, either for themselves, or for the church.

Other People

Dr. Brock, Bill, and several others speaking into my life.

Circumstances

He allows us to be a part of daily circumstances and speaks to us in this way.

Toby’s edit: dreams, prayer,

Recap: What are the four primary ways God speaks to us today?

1. His Word

2. His Holy Spirit

3. Other People

4. Circumstances

Next week: What is God’s goal in communicating to us?