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Does God Talk?
EKnight:
Do any of you think that God communicates with us in direct ways? Like today I stopped on a radio station talk show and the guy was saying that when we become close to God we become more at peace (and I believe this) and then went on to say that when we know something (truths) that we should share them. This came after my day at work where I had been telling some of my co-workers what I believe, and they listened. Then joked around saying we were going to have bible studies once a week and I was like "no way, not me, I am not getting involved in that". Then I get in my car and hear this radio show (which, by the way, I have never listened to a religious radio show in my entire life). I am not fully convinced that God was talking to me so don't get me wrong. However, would God communicate a message that way?
Eileen
mharrell08:
Hello Eileen,
The simplest way to tell if God is speaking to you is to 'try the spirits' or to compare spiritual (God speaking to you) with spiritual (His Word). If those 2 ever conflict, the scriptures will always win as they have 'two or three witnesses' that establish them to be true unlike a personal message to yourself which does not have any other witnesses.
Now for this particular situation, I think of Ray's paper on "Winning Souls for Jesus" and all the scripture references he has. So here are some thoughts:
1. If this guy that you heard on the Christian radio station believed in the truths of God's Word, the radio station would not have let him have 5 seconds on the air.
2. As Ray says, does light [So let your light so shine before men...Matt. 5:16] and salt [Ye are the salt of the earth...Matt. 5:13] make any noise?
3. If your co-workers were serious in learning scriptural truths, they would not be halfway serious and joking about it. I mean think about it, were you halfway serious and joking around when you began seeking the truth?
God will communicate in whatever manner he chooses. There are no limitations but He will never contradict his Word.
Hope this helps,
Marques
Dave in Tenn:
Eileen, I'm not trying to steer you one way or the other, but I am concerned with this answer as well. Like you, I don't feel fit to lead a Bible Study. But unless I can be convinced that the Great Commission was for apostles only, I don't believe we are called to keep silent in all cases.
What is Salt and Light supposed to do when asked?
Your radio guy got you thinking. I wouldn't put more meaning into that occurence than simply that. God can speak through sunsets and butterflies too. Your answers are in Scripture.
Look at the facts as you've presented them. You told them what you believe and they listened. This demonstrates (even if it doesn't prove) that they are open. It COULD be that their joking was nervous.
Are they completely without Christ? Are they Christian by tradition only? Are they practicing their faith in the light they have? Are they thoroughly decieved and worshipping Babylonian lies? Each of those subsets requires a different approach.
Can you approach the subject with humility? Can you remember that you are not 'closing a sale' but giving an account for the hope that is in you? Can you leave all the results in God's Hands? Always?
The more I have pondered this gospel of the Kingdom, the more I am convinced that 'no-hell' is not the Gospel. It's TRUE, but it's not the Gospel. It's good news for the world, but it's not the Gopel of the Kingdom. Hell is a lie God is using to further the Gospel of the Kingdom (many called, few chosen). But all of the Apostles and many others believed this Gospel and were converted before HELL was 'invented'.
You already know that it is not your job to save anybody. But at this moment, I feel confident that you are free to share PROVIDED you can do so without spiritual pride, with Love, and faith in the Will of God, and provided you know where in their own journeys these people are. That has got to be best considering them individually.
If leading a Bible study is out...and I can fully empathize there...then growing in grace and ministering love is your primary mission. If I were in your shoes, I'd be willing to speak when called on to any of these people individually. However, God has NOT put me in your shoes and I have NOT had occasion to do this yet...so please don't 'follow me' or you'll go nowhere. I'm just pondering out loud and walking with you.
Thanks for bringing this up, Eileen.
EKnight:
Well thanks Dave. None of these people are practicing. All were brought up in some Christian type faith but they are not seeking anything.
Honestly, I don't know what compelled me to share my newfound truths. I knew once I opened my mouth that I was subject to ridicule and could be put on the defensive (as is my unfortunate nature) but I didn't expect anyone to just jump on board with me either. I know that no one comes to Him unless the Father drags/draws them. But how do I know that God was not using me to draw them. Don't get me wrong, I am far from prepared to be a teacher, but maybe He just needed me to plant the seed or get some thinking. One person asked me where I go to read this and I told her.
If they have questions I can answer, I will. But I made it clear that I am just starting out on this journey.
I plan to bring in the scriptures, that to me, clearly prove there is no free will and that God is in control of it all. But I already told them, if you don't even believe the bible to be the word of God, then anything I say will be useless.
Eileen
OBrenda:
Eileen
Isn't it great to be able to run these things by people?
I remember a scripture somewhere about God speaking through a donkey...So if that is possible...what else?
But along with Marques advice about checking for conflict in scriptures, I think it is also scriptural to say that God would also be putting a desire for you to do in your heart. Like he puts the desire for us not to Sin, long before he enables us to overcome the sin. I could be wrong.
We know that all roads lead to his will, but that doesn't take the excitement out of the journey!
P.S. Dave I Love "God speaking through Sunsets & Butterflies"
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