dave campbell Abstract Everyone is familiar with the “spoken” word of God in the Old Testament, but few consider such a possibility for today. If God doesn't speak to us today, how are we to know God's will? Exploring this issue through the character of Abraham and the prophets will tell us something about who we are as Christians today. Readings from the book Conquering Fear by Harold S. Kushner offer further insight into discerning God’s word.

 Grouped weekly readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Gospels, and Epistles.  3 year cycle of the church calendar.  August 8, 2010  Isaiah 1:1,  Psalm 50:1-8,  Luke 12:32-40  Hebrews 11:1-3, (4), 8-16, (17), (32)

1. According to scripture... a) God spoke only in an audible voice to everyone. b) God only spoke to a select few great people. c) Elijah heard God in a “still small voice.”

2. If God spoke (in biblical times), then... a) God speaks today. b) God finished and has nothing more to say. c) God is tired from creation and resting now.

3. I... a) Hear God through the voice of others. b) Have never heard the voice of God. c) Just hear voices.

4. When it comes to the Will of God... a) I understand perfectly. b) I’m not often certain what I hear. c) I block that cable channel.

5. Assuming God speaks (to me) today,... a) I respond in faith to Grace. b) I hear what I want to hear. c) I don’t hear anything.

6. Bonus: When God speaks,... a) EF Hutton listens. b) I should be afraid to hear God’s word. c) I listen and am comforted.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without shape and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water. God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light! – Genesis 1:1-3

Here is the message about Judah and Jerusalem that was revealed to Isaiah son of Amoz during the time when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah reigned over Judah. Listen to the Lord’s word, you leaders of Sodom! Pay attention to our God’s rebuke, people of Gomorrah! … blah, blah, blah … Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord. … blah, blah, blah … Know for certain that the Lord has spoken. – Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem, and tell her that her time of warfare is over, that her punishment is completed. Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his heart; he leads the ewes along. – Isaiah 40:1, 2, 11

El, God, the Lord speaks, and summons the earth to come from the east and west. … blah, blah, blah … He says: “Listen my people! I am speaking! Listen Israel! I am accusing you! I am God, your God! … blah, blah, blah … Carefully consider this, you who reject God! Otherwise I will rip you to shreds and no one will be able to rescue you. … blah, blah, blah … – Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is well pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves purses that do not wear out – a treasure in heaven that never decreases, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. … blah, blah, blah … – Luke 12:32-40

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. For by it the people of old received God’s commendation. … blah, blah, blah … (By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith he still speaks, though he is dead.) … blah, blah, blah … (By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son.) (And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.) – Hebrews 11:1-3, (4-7), 8-16, (17), (32)

 Do we hear what we want?  Do we ignore God altogether?  Do we respond in hate, condemning others?  Or maybe we just don’t take that leap of faith that might inconvenience us.  Did I hear Financial Peace?  Did I hear Asbury Cafe?

when god speaks,