Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 10/19/2006

Question
Do you believe that God speaks directly to us today, or did His revelation cease with the New Testament? Or does your church fall somewhere in the middle, believing that God may choose to speak to some men, but not most?

Answer
Jack,

Good questions. I will do my best to answer them for you.

Yes, God still speaks today. Look at this verse.

Rom. 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The Bible declares that faith is received by hearing the word of God. The significance to this is that the word “word” in this verse in the original language is the word “Rhema” This word in the original is understood to mean “that which is or has been uttered by the living voice”.

God still speaks to His children. However, as His children, we know that is our Heavenly Father speaking to us because He will never contradict His Holy Word. You see Jack, unlike the Old Testament saints, as well as the early church, we have the cannon of Holy Scriptures by which we are able to judge all things.

As to which of His children God speaks to, I believe that it depends upon a few things.

First, the child of God must be spiritually “in tune” to be able to hear God. A child of God is is lacking in intimate fellowship with the Lord is more unlikely to hear His voice.

Secondly, the Believer must believe that God does still speak today. If he is unwilling to accept this truth, then it is more than likely he would not even acknowledge God’s voice, even if He did speak to him.

Thirdly, the Christian must be able to discern what is the voice of God and his own mind. In other words, even if we are zealous for God to speak to us, we cannot allow our imagination to lead us astray.

Jack, I do not claim to speak for all churchs, but my church believes that God does speak peasonally, and by His Word to His children.

Here are a few Scriptures to consider…

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  

Heb. 3:7
Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Heb. 3:15
While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Rev. 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.
Elder Greg Madden

http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1