I. METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Ever since sin dulled man’s ability to hear God’s voice, He has chosen other means of communication.
A. Old Testament Prophets – God’s Communication Channels
B. JESUS – God’s Ultimate Revealer
• The verbal and visual manifestation of God’s own thoughts, words, principles, and pattern of living.
Jesus Christ is the brightest display of God’s glory and the greatest expression of God’s person ever to occur in eternity.
• Jesus’ redemptive act removed the cause of our dullness in hearing
God (1 Corinthians 6:19).
C. The Bible/HIStory – God in written form
• The Mind, the Will, and the Purposes of God.
• Scripture is the complete written revelation of God
D. The Holy Spirit – God’s Voice, Teacher, and Agent of Truth
• God’s Agent, with and within us, to lead us into all Truth.
• A key to hearing God’s direction is through the amplifying and clarifying voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks directly to the heart.
An Apostolic Appeal: In the quickening pace of God’s restoration moves, how imperative it is to hear for there is constant “upgrading” as we migrate to the new, from glory to glory. There is more that God is doing! He is a “Now” God. We must hear the Spirit over doctrinal differences, keeping pliable, fresh, and new wineskins. Love Truth.
E. THE PROPHET-God’s Spokesman
• That special voice that brings illumination about that which is already written—no additions or subtractions.
• Those called and exercised to recognize God’s voice and express His thoughts for the edifying of the body and building of the Church in this hour.
(Read Prophets and Personal Prophecy, Chapter 2, by Dr. Bill Hamon for more study)
F. PROPHECY – The Voice of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:17 says, “I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy.”
• It reveals the mind of Christ to humanity. It never contradicts His Word.
• “Covet to prophesy.” God wants His will to be vocalized.
• To give and confirm specific instructions to individuals concerning His will for their lives.
• Never a substitute for an individual’s responsibility and privilege to hear God’s Voice. God wants intimacy on a personal level.
G. Angels-The messengers of God
• Hebrews 1:13-14
• Psalm 103:20
• Luke 24:5-7, Acts 8:26; 12:7 are some examples.