2. Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How Can I Be Sure of my Faith? Why and How Should I Read the Bible? Why and How Do I Pray?

3. How Does God Guide Us?

4. Decisions!

5. SENT wherever He chooses? (controlled) GUIDED where it’s best for us to be (relationship)

6. How Does God Guide Us? “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” Psalm 32 8 “He (Jesus) calls his own sheep by name … his sheep follow him because they know his voice” John 10 3,4 God’s will for our lives is “…good, pleasing and perfect” Romans 12 2 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” Psalm 37 5

7. How Does God Guide Us? God has a wonderful plan for our lives. We may make mistakes if we miss his “best way” for us … so we need to be able to “hear” what he says

8. How Does God Guide Us? Commands in Scripture  The Bible tells us plainly some things are wrong e.g. adultery; not paying income tax  In these cases we don’t need to seek further guidance!  Sometimes a passage of scripture “comes alive” and speaks to us  However, God’s particular will for us may be shown in other ways …

9. How Does God Guide Us? Compulsion of the Spirit  We recognise a good friend’s voice immediately! … but this does take time  God may “speak” through the Holy Spirit as we pray  God may grow a strong desire in us to do something for him  God may speak through more unusual ways e.g. angels, prophecy, visions, dreams

10. How Does God Guide Us? Common Sense  Christians are not called to abandon their common sense! For example: Spiritual compatibility Personal compatibility Physical compatibility Stay until God moves you Long term evaluation & goals

11. How Does God Guide Us? Counsel of the “Saints”  One part of guidance  Value of mature Christians we respect  Bigger decisions need range of advice  Consult because of spiritual authority or relationship - not because of counsel we expect!

12. How Does God Guide Us? Circumstantial Signs  God is in ultimate control of all events  God may “open” doors or “close” them  Many more “coincidences” happen for Christians!

13. How Does God Guide Us? Some practical points  Don’t be in a hurry if God isn’t!  Remember we may get the right idea but the wrong timing  Remember we make mistakes  “In all things God works for the good of those who love him …” Romans 8 28