Though it is a contested subject, the Christian can trust that God still speaks to personally to His people. The Bible is full of many instances of God speaking in different ways. No one way is better than the other. God operates in variety. Therefore, He uses numerous ways to bring His word to us. He does this to comfort, correct, and encourage in our walk with Him. In the Bible, we find that God uses different means to bring His words to His people. Here is 5 (among many).
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1. Inspiration of the Holy Spirit |
The most common way that God speaks to the Christian is the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. God will speak to our minds and hearts through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will speak to us what God is saying. Jesus said that this is a sign of His coming.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)
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2. Dreams and Visions |
Other common ways for God to speak to us is through dreams and visions. These are usually grouped together because each of these communicate God’s words through images. There are believers that consistently have dreams and visions.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see VISIONS, and your old men shall DREAM dreams. (Joel 2:28 Emphasis mine)
Under the New Covenant, it is common for God to speak to believers in dreams and visions. Scripture shows us that God used dreams and visions to communicate with His people. Visions can be internal (in our spirits) and open (in clear view).
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3. Prayer |
One of the best ways to hear from God is during prayer. Believers are instructed to be consistent in prayer. However, there are believers who receive things by the Spirit during prayer. Prayer is common because attention and focus is placed solely on the Lord. In the scriptures, Daniel serves as an excellent example of God speaking in prayer. He and the three Hebrew boys (men) prayed that Daniel would receive Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.
Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. (Daniel 2:16-18)
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4. Angels |
Angels are sent by God to aid the believer. Both Testaments agree to the fact that God used angels to speak to His people. God used Gabriel in the New Testament to reveal to Mary of her purpose. While he communicated with her, he revealed prophetic information concerning her cousin.
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. (Luke 1:36)
Some believe this occurrence is rare, but God is the one who chooses how to deliver His word to His people for ministry.
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5. The Scriptures |
The safest way that God speaks to us is through the Scriptures. Inspiration that contain scriptures prove to be rich and powerful. The word of God is a more sure word of prophecy. It will not change or alter.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts.(2 Peter 1:19)
God will bring to mind passages of scripture to provide edification and insight for Christians. There are times when scriptures will come to mind for Christians to share with others also.
Well there you have it. Until next time, remain faith to Christ who is above all. If you would like more information concerning how God speaks, I have addressed it in detail in my book, “Prophetic Ministry, Misery, and Mishaps – Rediscovering the Purpose of the Prophetic Gift” at Amazon.com.
Rodrick, thank you for posting this article. You don’t know how important it is to my life right now. About a month or two ago, I received two very important dreams from the Lord. To make a long story short, He was warning me of something that I was doing in my life that needed to come to an end. I was so fascinated and awe struck by the fact that He chose me to correct and to speak to. Many years have come and gone and I did not know what it was in my life that needed correction until this year. This wasn’t the first time that He spoke to me. I had some doubts in my mind as to the validity of His gift, but your message here confirms what I knew all along. The other time, which was the first the first time, the Holy Spirit spoke directly to me in my right ear. That fascinated me too. Thank you again for this message.
Rodrick: One more thing, I will be buying the book as soon as I can.
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i would never have expected it getting ready for town i found $100 in my wallet that wasn’t there b4 . i drove and was picked up speeding and fined-$100 ! this was after i accepted that. thanx 2 ‘Jesus. God will finally save everybody, so it must be true. hallelujah!
Amen Brother!
So refreshing to hear these words.
Hosea 6:6
That’s a wonderful and informative post that every Christian should read. Sadly, I meet so few Christians who know (I mean really know) how to hear from God. Your list here would help so many. I would also add to it that God sometimes speaks through other people (especially trusted Christians). Dreams from God are such a gift that (it seems) relatively few people recognize. To see more thoughts on that subject check out our blog at – http://www.exploitsforgod.com/2009/10/dreams.html
- Byron (EFG)