Christian Forums

[Helen]

Otto, knock it off yerself, them cogs turning are way too loud for this time of day!

Daniel, is a really interesting story to consider in todays world, and a good place to look for guidence in how we Gods children should be behaving. Its his story that finally made me realise I didnt belong in a fellowship that removed itself from the World completely, and that although submission to God is the prime obejective of our lives, we also have a responsibility to go about his business in the World. Jesus came to the 'World' himself and walked amongst us, spending his time talking to prostitutes and tax collectors. How foolish we are if we disregard this example. I also note that Jesus didnt tell tax collectors to stop collecting

Swingangel, I agree, it would be great if we had more information about what Daniels everyday life was like, some concrete examples of how he responded to the demands of living in an oppressive and evil regime. Im also interested in finding out more about the interpretation of dreams, which we see in other stories in the Bible. This almost feels like divination which is something we are encouraged to stay clear of. There are so many examples in the O.T. where God speaks to individuals, clearly and decisively leaving them in no doubt that God has spoken to them. God doesnt communicate with me in this way - its much more obscure sometimes. How about you swing angel , how does God talk to you?

Gotta go kids are bawling - bbl

Helen
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?Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed!

[kueh]

Helen

Greetings.

I do believe that God does speak to us, everyone of us. At times, His Voice could be heard through another Christian. While at other times, we could hear Him speak through the indwelling Spirit.

But the big question that is often raised, when we heard His voice inwardly, is:

How do I know if it is Him who speak?

Actually the answer is in the Bible.

We are given the Holy Spirit to guide us. Many a time, many Christians believe that the Spirit only speaks of The Word. But Jesus did put it to us that He will speak of what He knows and that of coming from Him. As we move along from one generation to another, many issues of life arise; new issues that's. It is when the Bible mentions nothing about these issues that Christians might wonder how to go about handling them. But God will not permit that. He promised to guide us all our lives and how to other than through His Spirit.

We are also taught to learn to listen to His voice. So, whenever He speaks, either through His Word or through another person or directly, we are to use our spiritual ears to listen to Him. That is why we are taught to discern spirits; the ability to tell the differences.

So whenever we have a "thought" or "heard an inner voice", do not ponder over what it is telling you to do. Apostle Paul mentioned that anything that is good, righteous....blah, blah.....put them into practise. So speaking, anything good that come to us as a prompting within us, it comes from God. For we are children of a God of love and of righteousness. He will not lead us into sin.

Again, apostle Paul mentioned several times about using our consciences. He was guided by his. Now, I believe that the conscience of man is where the Holy Spirit works us into godly righteousness. As Jesus put it, clean the inside and the outside of a cup will be good. So must we. This can only be done if we allow the Spirit of God, indwelling, to take control and manifest.

Just my understanding.

God bless.

kueh
_________________
"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power."

http://www.geocities.com/modernchristian

[Helen]

Kueh I agree with what you say, that God does speak to us in the way you describe, and that throughout our Christian journey we become better and better at discerning his will. I have an almost constant connection with God, hes with me most of the time unless I purposefully block him out with music, or distraction. The Conscience is a very good tool for measuring our submission too.

What I was thinking of are the times in the Bible when God has spoken directly - ie:to an individual in specific words and phrases - I dont get this type of communciation from God, more a sense of knowing him and communion with him, he causes me to know things, and provides his Word to consolidate. I was just interested in knowing if anyone does get their specific words and commands direct from God.

Another thing I find is that God puts verses of the Bible in my head when I need them for guidence - hey dont call the psyche yet! Im not talking thought insertion - I mean that I find when Im confronted with a dilemna often the verse I need is already in my mind although dont ask me to give you the reference!. God is Good, and keeps us on our toes, hes an ever present force, that keeps watch and guides our movements.

I constantly argue with people I know about this who tell me that they dont need the Bible because God speaks to them direct. mmmm hearing voices prehaps? The Holy Spirit does guide us, but sadly, we know from our experience of the World that he doesnt guide everyone in the same way - look at the demoninational differences between Christians. We know that God is not the author of confusion - we can only go figure since there is only ONE truth and ONE Church.

I was kind of sharing my experience and enquiring after others as a means of growing together - lol prehaps I need more fellowship!

Helen
_________________
?Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed!