|
<<First Name>>
Words are powerful, they can bring us together, we can use them to build others up, and if we are not careful they can tear us apart. But nothing is as powerful as a word spoken from God. God’s word has the ability to create, shape and transform our world. But when it comes to hearing the voice of God, we often think of God speaking as something that happened in the past, at a specific time, to a specific person, in a specific place. But does God still speak today?
As we read through the Bible, we encounter God speaking to His people through the prophets. In the Old Testament, God spoke a word to a messenger to share with His people. Sometimes it was a word of encouragement or hope. At other times they were given a word of warning to call the people back to God. Or maybe they were given a word of revelation. They were God’s messengers given a word so they might help others carry out the work of God’s Kingdom.
In the New Testament things changed. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were together waiting for the promised Holy Spirit to come. Suddenly they were filled with the Spirit and started speaking in other languages. Those that witnessed it were confused, until Peter stood up and explained what was happening. He quoted from Joel 2:28-29
And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
Jesus promised he would send his Spirit to those who would believe - that they might continue his work and ministry even after he was gone. God pours out his Spirit on everyone who believes to illuminate our hearts that we might hear from God. God spoke, and God is still speaking through the Spirit today.
God still speaks, and God wants to speak through you. You don’t have to be a prophet to share a word from God. Everyone can receive and share a word from God to build up the body of Christ. John Eckhardt in his book God Still Speaks shares this real simple understanding of prophecy - “prophecy refers to hearing the voice of God and speaking God’s word to others.” While not everyone has been called to the ministry of a prophet, or has the gift of prophecy, we all can share in the spirit of prophecy by sharing a word of encouragement to build up those around us. What does this look like? It can be as simple as sharing a compliment or a word of encouragement when prompted with another, or sharing a scripture verse you found meaningful with a friend that comes to mind. The key is allowing the spirit of prophecy to build up others through you.
God still speaks.
We invite you to check out this past week’s message as Pastor Gordon introduces our series and join us Sunday as Pastor Melissa shares a message on how we can hear God’s voice in our lives. Then on the 24th Abby Kendrick will share a word with us on how we can discern what it is we are hearing.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Gordon
Facebook Live is Back! - For a link to join us this week on Facebook Click Here! If you can't join us in person we would love to have you join us online: 10 am on facebook and as always you can still watch the service or past services on our Youtube channel shortly after 11 am. If you have a smart TV with the Youtube app it is a great way to watch the service and other content. Be sure to subscribe for an easy convenient way to watch.
Register for worship here!
|
