Abstract
Everyone is familiar with the “spoken” word of God in the Old Testament,
but few consider such a possibility for today. If God doesn't speak to us
today, how are we to know God's will? Exploring this issue through the
character of Abraham and the prophets will tell us something about who
we are as Christians today. Readings from the book Conquering Fear by
Harold S. Kushner offer further insight into discerning God’s word.
http://www.asburyabq.org/messages.pg
dave campbell
IF GOD SPOKE …
common lectionary
Grouped weekly readings from the Old
Testament, Psalms, Gospels, and Epistles.
 3 year cycle of the church calendar.
 August 8, 2010

 Isaiah
1:1, 10-20
 Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
 Luke 12:32-40
 Hebrews 11:1-3, (4), 8-16, (17), (32)
test
1.
According to scripture...
a)
b)
c)
God spoke only in an audible voice to everyone.
God only spoke to a select few great people.
Elijah heard God in a “still small voice.”
test
2.
If God spoke (in biblical times), then ...
a)
b)
c)
God speaks today.
God finished and has nothing more to say.
God is tired from creation and resting now.
test
3.
I ...
a)
b)
c)
Hear God through the voice of others.
Have never heard the voice of God.
Just hear voices.
test
4.
When it comes to the Will of God ...
a)
b)
c)
I understand perfectly.
I’m not often certain what I hear.
I block that cable channel.
test
5.
Assuming God speaks (to me) today, ...
a)
b)
c)
I respond in faith to Grace.
I hear what I want to hear.
I don’t hear anything.
test
6.
Bonus: When God speaks, ...
a)
b)
c)
EF Hutton listens.
I should be afraid to hear God’s word.
I listen and am comforted.
from the beginning of scripture we hear god speak…
In the beginning God created the heavens and
the earth. Now the earth was without shape
and empty, and darkness was over the surface
of the watery deep, but the Spirit of God was
moving over the surface of the water. God said,
“Let there be light.” And there was light!
– Genesis 1:1-3
old testament lectionary
Here is the message about Judah and Jerusalem that was revealed to
Isaiah son of Amoz during the time when Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and
Hezekiah reigned over Judah.
Listen to the Lord’s word, you leaders of Sodom! Pay attention to our
God’s rebuke, people of Gomorrah!
… blah, blah, blah …
Come, let’s consider your options,” says the Lord.
… blah, blah, blah …
Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.
– Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
a more humble Isaiah
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
“Speak kindly to Jerusalem, and tell her that her
time of warfare is over, that her punishment is
completed.
Like a shepherd he tends his flock; he gathers up the
lambs with his arm; he carries them close to his
heart; he leads the ewes along.
– Isaiah 40:1, 2, 11
lectionary psalm
El, God, the Lord speaks, and summons the earth to come from the
east and west.
… blah, blah, blah …
He says: “Listen my people! I am speaking! Listen Israel! I am
accusing you! I am God, your God!
… blah, blah, blah …
Carefully consider this, you who reject God! Otherwise I will rip you to
shreds and no one will be able to rescue you.
… blah, blah, blah …
– Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
gospel lectionary
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is
well pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your
possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves
purses that do not wear out – a treasure in heaven
that never decreases, where no thief approaches
and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.
… blah, blah, blah …
– Luke 12:32-40
epistle lectionary
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do
not see. For by it the people of old received God’s commendation.
… blah, blah, blah …
(By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith
he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his
offerings. And through his faith he still speaks, though he is dead.)
… blah, blah, blah …
(By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received
the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son.)
(And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak,
Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.)
– Hebrews 11:1-3, (4-7), 8-16, (17), (32)
IF GOD SPOKE, GOD SPEAKS!
DISCERNING
THE AUTHENTIC
AND
DISTORTED
WORD OF GOD
conquering fear, by rabbi harold s. kushner
how do we answer when god speaks…
Do we hear what we want?
 Do we ignore God altogether?
 Do we respond in hate, condemning others?
 Or maybe we just don’t take that leap of faith
that might inconvenience us.

 Did
I hear Financial Peace?
 Did I hear Asbury Cafe?
when god speaks,
GOD SAYS RESPOND IN FAITH TO GRACE!