Recently I have had several conversations about “Hearing God”. How do you hear God? Depending on what church background you come from or are currently a part of you will get answers that range from movies, sports, nature, worship, the bible, all of the above or only the Bible. My roots grow out of the soil of Charasmaticism from as early as I can remember. In the churches that I have been a part of hearing from God usually was considered something from outside of the bible. Although I do believe in what John Piper and some others have defined as “subjective impressions” of the Holy Spirit, I have to admit that most language about God speaking outside of the Bible is more hurtful that helpful.
I say this with two examples fresh on my mind. The first has to do with a lady that was in my office who said to me “Other people hear from God, I never do”. The second conversation was about a nephew who told his aunt “I just don’t hear from God”. So as a person who is a continuationist and dare I say charismatic, what was I to say? I told them both to read the bible. The bible is referred to and is God’s words. Think about that. The conversations ended up going well. Even so, I was somewhat surprised that they were surprised with my admonition.
It is quite simple really. The bible is God’s word. If you want to hear God speak then read the bible. You do not have to hear the still small voice of God to hear from God. The still small voice comes when the Holy Spirit supernaturally reminds you of the infallible word of God, the bible. Out of that it seems fair and biblical to receive subjective impressions of the Holy Spirit that lead the believer time and time again to the authoritative Word of God. So, if you feel like you can’t hear God, open your bible and read. God is speaking. Before you can listen to God you must read His words.
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