2012.10.28 Experiencing God - Part 4

transcript

God Speaks

Reality #1: God is always at work.

Reality #2: God pursues.

Reality #3: God invites.

Reality #4: God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.

John 10: 2-4, 22-30 "my sheep listen to my voice"

INVITES

SPEAKS

CRISIS OF

BELIEF

ADJUSTMENT

OBEDIENCE

ACCOMPLISHMENT

The fact that God does speak to people is more important

than how He speaks.

HOW GOD COMMUNICATES...

...in the Old Testament: • Angels (Genesis 16)• Visions (Genesis 15)• Dreams (Genesis 28:10-19)• Symbolic actions (Jer. 18:1-10)• Whispers (1 Kings 19:12)• Miracles (Exodus 8:20-25)

Three observations from the Old Testament: • God uniquely spoke to His people. (Exodus 3)• They knew it was God. (Exodus 3:14; Judges. 6:21-22)• They knew what He said.

…in the Gospels…• God spoke through

Jesus.John 1:1,14; 1 John 1:1-4; John 14:9-10

…Today…• God speaks by the Holy

Spirit mainly through...(Romans 3:10-11; John 14:26; John 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19)

…The Bible…2 Timothy 3:16-17; Ephesians 6:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14-15

a.What is God’s will for me?

b.What is God’s will?

To know Him, to love Him, to serve Him. To be fully committed to Him heart, soul, mind and strength. To love others as myself and as He loves.

To humbly come to Him for forgiveness, and as a result forgive others. To learn His Word, to spread the gospel, to make disciples. To praise, worship, honor and adore Him.

To trust Him, to obey Him. In everything give thanks. To speak boldly for Him. To suffer patiently. To be honest within and without. To pray without ceasing. To help and feed the poor. To follow Christ’s example.

When I answered this question I realized that I knew more about God's will for my life than I thought I did. Having that knowledge really helped to motivate, energize, and mobilize me.

I've also had the opportunity to share this as an encouragement to a couple of other people, which really excited me.

John 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

•We base our understanding of God on Scripture, not on experience.•ASK: What did God reveal, and how do I need to adjust?

…Prayer…Romans 8:26-27; Mark 2:5; Ephesians 3:20-21

•ASK: When I pray, am I looking for God to act?

…Circumstances…Exodus 5-6; Proverbs 3:5-6

•ASK: "Can I say, "Your will be done."?

…The Church…Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 12:7,12, 18; Proverbs 12:15

•ASK: Who am I accountable to as a Christian?

When truth is revealed, it

IS the encounter with God.

2012.10.28 Experiencing God - Part 4

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