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Speak to Me! – 5 Ways the Christian Hears from God

Posted by Roderick on February 4, 2010
Posted in: Daily Living, General Christianity, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 6 comments

manThough 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).

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)

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).

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)

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.

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.

The Christian Mandate for Ministry: 4 Reasons for Ministries and Gifts

Posted by Roderick on February 1, 2010
Posted in: Bible Study, Christian Walk, General Christianity, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . 3 comments

Picture1Today, many in the Church preach, teach, minister, and serve with varying agendas. It is easy to have the wrong perspective of service and ministry. We know that God is all powerful and He chooses to include men in His eternal plans and purposes. In this week’s post, we want to give address 4 (AMONG OTHERS) reasons why God mandates or requires that men be involved in ministry and service.

1. Partakers of the Divine Nature. God places men in ministry and service to help others become partakers of the divine nature. He uses men and women to aid others in the quest to be like Christ. As we receive ministry from others, we become conformed to the image of Christ.

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)

2. Participate in Salvation. God uses men in service so that mankind would participate in his own salvation. God used men from the beginning to bring men into the knowledge of God. This truth culminate in Christ coming as a man to redeem mankind.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Romans 5:18 (KJV)

3. Perfecting of the Saints. Paul revealed to the Ephesian church that Christ gave gifts to men (specifically those called to the ministry of the Word) to perfect or mature other Christians. God places men and women into ministry to mature, equip, protect and ground others in the truth of salvation in Christ Jesus.

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Eph 4:12 (KJV)

4. Prepare for Christ’s Return. God places men and women into ministry and service so that all will be prepared for Christ at His return. As men and women serve, they help members of the Body of Christ be aware and to prepare for that Day. In addition, as the Church declares the name of Christ to the world, it warns them of His coming and their need for the free gift of salvation offered by God.

God places men and women in His service to accomplish His purpose. We must keep these in mind as we serve in the Church. Until next time, continue in Him who will never leave you nor forsake you. If you would like more information of the subject, I have addressed it in detail in my book, “He Gave Gifts Unto Men: God’s Plan for Ministry in the Kingdom” at Amazon.

Facing Fatherhood – 4 Realizations and Transitions

Posted by Roderick on July 20, 2009
Posted in: American Life/Culture, Daily Living, Life Lessons, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Picture1Becoming a father was one of the scariest experiences I have ever had. The initial joy felt after discovering my wife’s pregnancy was overshadowed by worries and woes of the future. Yet, when the day arrived and my son entered into the world, my fears were replaced by overwhelming emotions which I had never experienced. Many men go through emotional transitions and realizations at the birth of their children; some good and some, not so good. Regardless of these, here are 4 emotional realizations and transitions that I experienced; and am sure, that other new fathers experienced as well.

PATERNAL – I know it sounds a little cliche’, but I had never experienced these types of feelings before. When I saw my son for the first time, I realized that I am responsible for this child’s development. Whatever I said and did would directly affect who he would be in the future. This type of responsibility transcended those which were common to life (going to work, paying bills, etc…). I felt a connection to this new life though we had never had a conversation or enjoyed an afternoon outing.

PRIDE - No, I did not have the ‘proud dad of a son’ syndrome (OK, maybe a little!). The type of pride I felt was that of appreciation and future expectations. To me personally, it signified a complete entrance into adulthood. I also was overwhelmed with a sense of duty: I would be the best father that I could be. Not that I would try to be like or unlike any other father, but I would be the best that I could be. It gave me a sense of foresight that when I am old and gray, I could rest in knowing I did what I thought was best for this child.

PROMISE – Up until this time, my outlook on the world was somewhat bleak. With all of the many problems and ills of society, I could not see why anyone would want to bring a child into this world. However, I realized that new life brings new hope. If I bring him up in a positive fashion, the world may be a little better. And, I had renewed hope and promise that he did not have to be negatively affected by all that was happening in the world. If I made it through many things, he could also.

PERSPECTIVE – I never envisioned how much I would change at the birth of my child. I thought I would still be me, even though I was a parent. However, my whole perspective changed. It was no longer just me or at this point ‘me who was married.’ My approach and perspective to life changed drastically to accommodate parenthood and all of its dynamics. Now, the change in perspective has definitely been beneficial. It has challenged me as a man, husband, and father to be in tune with what occurs around me. Because I am reminded daily: “This child will be a direct reflection of who I am.”

There you have it! These are the confessions of a new father. Emotional transitions and realizations once frustrated me and I resisted them. Today (4 years later), I appreciate them all; knowing that they have changed me for the better and will help me to be a better father.