God Still Speaks

The closer you get to God...the more of a chatter-box He can become...because He truly loves you!

The question of whether God still speaks to us today is one that has been pondered by many over the centuries. The answer is a resounding yes—God does speak to us today, and in a myriad of ways. This communication can be through audible and visual means, His Word, art, other people, nature, and, of course, miracles such as healing. Let's explore this fascinating subject, backed by Biblical references and examples.

1. Audible and Visual Communication

One of the most direct ways God communicates with us is through audible and visual means. In the Bible, we find numerous instances where God spoke to people. For example, in Exodus 3:1-4, God spoke to Moses through a burning bush, instructing him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This was not just a spiritual or metaphorical encounter; Moses heard God's voice and saw the bush that was not consumed by fire.

Another instance is found in Acts 9:3-6, where Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus experienced a blinding light and heard the voice of Jesus. This encounter was so powerful it transformed Saul, a persecutor of Christians, into one of the most influential apostles of Christ.

2. Through His Word

The Bible is often referred to as the Word of God, and for good reason. It is through the scriptures that God communicates His will, teachings, and promises to us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. By reading and reflecting on the Bible, believers can hear God speaking into their lives, guiding, and instructing them.

3. Art and Nature

God's communication isn't limited to words; it also extends to art and nature. The beauty and complexity of the world around us speak volumes about the creator. In Psalms 19:1-4, it's written, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." This poetic verse captures the essence of how nature itself is a form of God's communication, revealing His majesty and creativity.

Art, in its many forms, can also be a medium through which God speaks. Whether it's through music, painting, or literature, art has the power to convey deep spiritual truths and evoke a sense of the divine.

4. Through Other People and Miracles

God often uses other people and miracles to communicate with us. In 1 Kings 17:17-24, the prophet Elijah raised the widow's son from the dead, showcasing God's power and compassion. This miracle was a clear message of God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human affairs.

Moreover, God speaks through the counsel and wisdom of others. Proverbs 15:22 states that plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed. God often uses the insights and experiences of others to guide us, provide comfort, and offer direction.

Refuting the Idea that God No Longer Speaks

There is a school of thought that argues God no longer speaks to us, especially in miraculous ways. However, this viewpoint lacks biblical support and negates the experiences of countless individuals who have heard from God in various ways.

Miracles, for instance, are not just relics of the past. They are happening even today, with numerous testimonies of miraculous healings and divine interventions. These are not mere coincidences or the workings of human hands but clear indications of God's active presence in our world.

Moreover, the idea that God has stopped communicating contradicts the nature of God as depicted in the Bible. God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6), and His desire to have a relationship with His creation is a constant theme throughout the scriptures. It is through this ongoing communication that this relationship is nurtured and sustained.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence is clear and overwhelming: God does speak to us today in various ways—audibly, visually, through His Word, art, other people, nature, and through miracles. These forms of communication are not just historical accounts but are as real and relevant today as they were in biblical times. The idea that God has ceased to communicate with His creation is not only unbiblical but also diminishes the dynamic and living relationship God seeks with each of us. As we open our hearts and minds, we'll find that God is still speaking, guiding, and performing miracles in our lives today.

SCRIPTURE REFS

1. Hebrews 1:1-2 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe."

2. John 10:27 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

3. Jeremiah 33:3 - "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

4. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

5. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."