4. God Speaks, Part I Gen 17:1-2 John 10:1-5

Golden Phone

We don’t have a direct line to God. It would be nice if we did.  When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2 Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers. (Genesis 17:1-2)  God spoke so Abram would understand, and so we would understand  God continues to speak personally

We don’t have a direct line to God. It would be nice if we did.  Hebrews tell us: In the past God spoke to our ancestors 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 also he made the universe. (Hebrews 1:1-2).  God speaks to us now, but mostly in other ways.

God does continue to speak to us  Testimony of Christ  Cornerstone of God’s Word to us.  Jesus is the final Word.

We learn from John 10 that Jesus speaks to us  John 10:2-5  Jesus the Shepherd  You are a Sheep

We learn from John 10 that Jesus speaks to us  We need not only understand that Jesus speaks to us, but we need to understand why.

He speaks so that we recognize his presence in our life  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; (Isa 53:6a)  wild sheep is dinner.  Safe Pasture  He speaks because he wants us to hear his voice.

He speaks so that we know where we must go to follow him  A Good Shepherd leads his sheep  Like Sheep, we have needs  Apart from the guidance of Jesus our shepherd we will be hungry, thirsty, and headed for danger

He speaks so that we will not be fooled into being led astray  Voices that lead astray (image next slide)  Being Jesus’ sheep is contrary to those voices  Story: Work seminar new age spiritualist  Listening to His voice means knowing when the voices we hear aren’t his. Otherwise, we are dinner.

How does he speak? Scripture  Scripture = Foundation  But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” [h] 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (Romans 10:16-17)He has brought us out to destroy ush  Scripture – Complete Revelation

How does he speak? Scripture  “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)  Scripture is our Baseline  Story – My friend David.

How does he speak? Prayer  If there’s ever a good reason to pray, it’s to hear God’s voice.  “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chron 16:11)  Spirit of God. Our Guide, Our Counselor

How does he speak? Prayer  What if we started prayer by Listening?  Story – I agree with Dave

How does he speak? People  through the church, through friends, through family, occasionally even through strangers.  A McDonald’s Christian  Encourage us, to challenge us, to motivate us, and, of course, even to rebuke us.  All we have to do is listen…

How does he speak? Countless ways.  God can speak anyway he likes  God speaking through a Sunset  We do have a Golden Phone. A call to God is always a local call.

Our response: Listen  “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” (John 10:14)  He is speaking to us so much more…  “Whoever has ears, let them hear” (Matt 11:15  Spend time Listening