Hear God

Introduction

The next part of our mission statement says in essence; “while creating an environment where people can hear the presence of God.” That means when you come in to Crossroads Church regardless of where you are you should be able to hear God.

Obviously you should be able to hear God from everyone who shares here on the platform, either through music/singing or words. But our mission is that we hear God from more than just the platform, He should be heard in every interaction that happens in our church community. Within these walls and in every small group or group activity that we have outside the walls as well. He should be heard from every volunteer; the greeters, the teachers and all the leadership.

He should be heard while in direct communication with another person and He should be heard when overhearing conversations amongst others in our community. Think back through your conversations in and outside of this building, if anyone overheard them did they sound God-like?

Jesus talking with his disciples as crowds were gathering told them;

Luke 12:

Luke 12:2–3 NIV

2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

In the previous verse Jesus says; “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Jesus is talking about the religious leaders when he tells them what is said in the dark and what is whispered will be heard by all. That is pretty attention getting isn’t it, Jesus was not worried about what the sinners were saying as much as the saints. Why is that, because the saints are to have an influence over the sinners. The only influence they should have is that of leading others to Christ.

Romans 10:14 NIV

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Unity in the body

The only way I know that the presence of God can be heard is when there is unity in the body. The apostle Paul goes to great lengths to make this clear in .

The Mature Christians

The New Christians

Ephesians 4:1–6 NIV

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

There is no room for division in the body,

Ephesians 4:11–13 NIV

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

eph 4:

eph 4:29-5:

Ephesians 4:29–5:4 NIV

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

The Way of Love

1 co 13:

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 NIV

1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 14:4–8 NIV

4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. 6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 NIV

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

1 co

1 Corinthians 13:9–13 NIV

9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 co