Some people think that it is some sort of heresy if you reference something as having been spoken to you by God. These individuals feel that the only acceptable/possible way that God speaks is through the written Word. Some people even have very strong feelings as to what translation of the Bible is referenced (note: I love the NKJV and the Amplified Bible, but any version that conveys the originally intended meaning is fine—it's just a matter of personal preference). These people forget that any translation—that is anything that is not the original Greek and/or Hebrew—is the result of new words (that the reader can understand) replacing old words (words, that because of language and/or cultural differences cannot be fully understood).
Now, with what I've just said in mind, consider this:
Any sermon that presents anything other than the straight reading of the original text, is, in effect, interpreting the Word of God so that it can be understood; and/or to show how it applies to a particular situation, need, question, etc.; and/or for the purpose of combining scriptural references so as to provide instruction, correction, edification, etc..
[I am subjecting you to this thought process so that you will fully understand what I am trying to convey to you concerning how God can speak outside the written Word. Not "outside" in that it negates, contradicts, or distorts, but "outside" in that it is not followed by a scripture and verse reference. However, it is most appropriate that the non-written word be easily confirmed through the witness of the written Word—in other words, what has been "spoken" to the individual should be able to be "judged" by the whole witness of the written Word and be validated as consistent with what God has spoken through the Holy scriptures. I emphasize the "whole" word because some people grab scriptures out of the accompanying context, and in so doing, use them to "confirm" or "contradict" most any assertion. This practice is at best both reckless and dishonest.]
The Holy Scriptures are my lifeline. The Holy Spirit is the means by which they are transformed from written words to the Word made flesh in me. Only by means of the Holy Spirit can we "rightly divide" the written Word. I firmly believe that the first place to start—if you want to hear God speak—is in the Holy Scriptures. I have boldly asked the Lord to give me greater insight into His Word than anyone else has ever possessed (the wonderful thing about our Lord is that you may ask for the same thing). So please understand that nothing that I ever present is meant to overshadow the written Word in any way.
So, God does still speak.
He speaks through creation:
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Romans 1:18-21 NKJV
He speaks through the Holy Scriptures:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
He speaks to your spirit by way of the Holy Spirit:
"But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."
Matthew 10:19-20 NKJV
He speaks by way of the "five-fold ministry":
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Ephesians 4:11-16 NKJV
Sometimes, He even speaks through circumstances:
"Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain. They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds."
Revelation 16:10-11 NKJV
[For the sake of brevity I have only offered one scriptural reference for each of these ways that the Lord speaks. However, there are scores of others that would provide additional confirmation.]
This website is meant to share with you one way that the Lord speaks to/through me (I am referencing the "prophetic lessons" explained in "Lessons from the Throne"). It is my desire that you will find food for your soul and be encouraged (enabled!) to grow into the person that God has created you to be, and as such, become an able minister of the Gospel of Truth in these Last Days!
So what are you waiting for? Taste and see that the Lord is good!
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