Jim Mann
In February, Vice President Mike Pence was mocked in the media because he said God talked to him. Talking to God was okay, but God talking back constituted mental illness. Does God speak to us? And if so, how?
God speaking is the inaugural act of the universe: “And God said, let there be light (Gen. 1:3).” God speaking is the final act of the universe: “He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon… (Rev. 22:20).” From front to back cover of the Bible, God speaks. Job says: “For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it (Job 33:14).”
So, if it is God’s nature to communicate, how does he do it? First and foremost, God speaks to us through his Word – the Bible. For Christians, this is the final and ultimate revelation from God. And as God will not contradict Himself, any other “message” we receive (or think we receive) from him must line up with the Bible.
But there are other ways God “speaks” too. Some have heard the audible voice of God (Israel – Deut. 4:36, 5:23; Paul, Ananias, Peter, John, St. Augustine). Others have heard God’s voice, but no one else could hear it (Samuel – 1 Sam. 3; Jesus – John 12:20-33). Still others have heard an internal audible voice: “Then the word of the LORD came to me… (Ezek. 14:2).”
We haven’t even touched on angels yet. The word itself means “messenger,” and wherever there is a messenger, there must be a message. In the Christmas story, angels are all over the place. The author of Hebrews reminds us “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14)?”
We’re running out of space…what about dreams and visions? We’re told at the founding of the church: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy (Acts 2:17-18).”
God has spoken through humans since the beginning. He speaks through pastors…even donkeys (which may be synonymous terms). In other words, God is communicative by nature. He always has and will continue to speak to his children. There is no limit to his means or methods.
So, the question is not if God is “talking”, the question is whether or not we’re listening. Or, as Job put it, “God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it.”
Jim Mann, Ph.D. pastors New Life Church at Robson Ranch. This interdenominational church meets at the Robson Clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. Visit New Life’s website at www.NewLifeDenton.org for more information.