“Hearing God Speak” Luke 1-2, Mt 1-2 & Selected Cross Creek Community Church, Pastor Dave Martin – Dec 13, 2015

Hebrews 1:1-2 1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

When God spoke… It was truth, unique, understood & people responded

When God spoke… It was truth, unique, understood & people responded In the Old Testament God spoke through Angels, Visions, Dreams, Urim/Thummin, Gentle whisper, Miraculous Signs, etc…

When God spoke… It was truth, unique, understood & people responded In the Old Testament God spoke through Angels, Visions, Dreams, Urim/Thummin, Gentle whisper, Miraculous Signs, etc… O.T. concludes with the last two verses predicting Elijah/John the Baptist.

When God spoke… It was truth, unique, understood & people responded In the Old Testament God spoke through Angels, Visions, Dreams, Urim/Thummin, Gentle whisper, Miraculous Signs, etc… O.T. concludes with the last two verses predicting Elijah/John the Baptist. 400 “silent” years followed with no direct revelation from God, THEN…

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God Speaks - Lu 1:11-20 Gabriel appears to Zechariah… Wife will bear son Result - Lu 1:57-65 John the Baptist is born to prepare the way for Christ

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God Speaks - Lu 1:26 Gabriel sent to Mary, miraculous conception, Messiah Result - Lu 2:6 Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, Jesus

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God speaks - Mt 1:20 Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Result - Mt 1:24 Joseph obeyed and took Mary home as his wife.

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God Speaks - Lu 2:9-14 Angelic host announcement to the shepherds, Jesus Result - 2:15-20 Shepherds hurried off finding Jesus and spread the word

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God speaks - Mt 2:3-4 Inquiry as to where the Messiah was to be born Result - Mt 2:5-6 Scripture declares it will be in Bethlehem

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God speaks - Mt 2:2 Wisemen followed God’s special star Result - Mt 2:9-11 Found and worshipped Jesus, presented gifts

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God speaks - Mt 2:13 Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in dream, flee Result - Mt 2:14 immediately got up and left for Egypt

I. Christmas Examples of God speaking… God Speaks - Mt 2:19 Angel of the Lord in dream, safe to return to Israel Result - Mt 2:21-23 Returned to Galilee, town called Nazareth (will be called a Nazarene)

Hebrews 4:7b “…Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts BUT, is it God speaking? Is it self-speaking? Is it Satan speaking?

God Almighty wants to uniquely use YOU in His eternal plans! Stay God-centered rather than self-centered

II. Today the Holy Spirit speaks through… His completed Word, the Bible, Jn 20:31, 2Tim 3:16, etc… 2 Timothy 3:16 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

II. Today the Holy Spirit speaks through… His completed Word, the Bible, Jn 20:31, 2Tim 3:16, etc… Providential Circumstances, Rom 8:28 Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” ~ C.S. Lewis

II. Today the Holy Spirit speaks through… His completed Word, the Bible, Jn 20:31, 2Tim 3:16, etc… Providential Circumstances, Rom 8:28 Consecrated Prayer, Ps 66:18-19 Psalms 66:18-19 18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; 19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.

II. Today the Holy Spirit speaks through… His completed Word, the Bible, Jn 20:31, 2Tim 3:16, etc… Providential Circumstances, Rom 8:28 Consecrated Prayer, Ps 66:18-19 The Church, Eph 4:15-16 Ephesians 4:15-16 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

John 14:21 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” nlt

III. Essential Keys to Hearing God Speak to YOU… Be Faithful in Prayer and the Word!

III. Essential Keys to Hearing God Speak to YOU… Be Faithful in Prayer and the Word! Be Growing a love relationship with God!

III. Essential Keys to Hearing God Speak to YOU… Be Faithful in Prayer and the Word! Be Growing a love relationship with God! Be Confessing and forsaking any known sin!

III. Essential Keys to Hearing God Speak to YOU… Be Faithful in Prayer and the Word! Be Growing a love relationship with God! Be Confessing and forsaking any known sin! Be Living an active obedient lifestyle for Christ!

I invite you to stay with us for the second 10:45 service to enjoy our children’s Christmas program!