The Natural
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” God loves to speak to his children. He enjoys revealing himself to us…to show us his love and his character. He loves to impart his wisdom in situations we find ourselves in. And he really loves to help us be better ministers to others. Sometimes God speaks to us through dreams or visions. Sometimes he speaks through impressions, defined as God’s influence on our minds or our physical senses, giving us an idea, feeling, or opinion about someone or some situation. And sometimes God speaks to us is through other believers, preachers, teachers, prophets, or folks ministering through spiritual gifts.
You don’t have to be a professional minister for God to speak to you or through you. This is why we should appreciate the voice of God. He doesn’t show favoritism or only speak to the “professional” Christians. He shares his voice with any and all of us, because he loves. And because he loves us, he lets us know.
The Supernatural
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” Why do some of us hear God’s voice and others hear thunder? What’s the difference? I’m not sure. But remember Job’s statement, “For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it.” (Job 33:14, NIV84)
I’ve personally never heard the audible voice of God. Maybe you have. I do believe I have heard his internal voice…and I’m sure I’ve met his angels. I know this for certain, God still speaks – and I need to learn to listen. I’d hate to hear God’s voice and think it only a bit of thunder. Are you listening for God’s voice?
Experience
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” Awareness is the key. What’s the old Boy Scout motto? “Be prepared.” You never know when God will speak. I’ve heard God’s voice in church and in prayer, in meditation, in worship. But I’ve also heard God speak to me in some pretty strange places. A funeral. A museum. An opera. In a country song. God’s even spoken to my heart in a YouTube video. I guess my point is this. God knows you intimately. He wants you to know him. So he communicates with us…he shares his character and his heart and his desires for our lives. And listen, there are no limitations on God. He can speak to you any way he chooses. So keep your eyes and ears open. He can speak through anything he chooses. Are you listening?
The Bible
A message from the series “Vox Dei.” We’re going to discuss the different ways God speaks to us. But it begins here…with his word. Howard Hendricks says it this way:
“God wants to communicate with you in the 21st century. He wrote His message in a book. He asks you to come and study that book for three compelling reasons: it’s essential for growth. It’s essential for maturity. It’s essential for equipping you, training you, so that you might be an available, clean, sharp instrument in His hands to accomplish His purposes. So the real question confronting you now is: How can you afford not to be in God’s Word?”
God still speaks. But do we listen? Listen for his voice this week.
Inspired Vision
A message from the series “Guest Speaker: Pastor John Lewis.” What does it mean to have vision? John Lewis shares the reasons why having a vision from God is important and the necessity of following that vision at New Life Church. At New Life, we are called to Grow in our relationships with Jesus Christ, Go out and share the good news in our communities, and do it all together as the body of Christ.
Seek and Share
A message from the series “Present in Bethlehem.” God’s love for everyone runs through this story. He introduces his Son to seekers on the other side of the world and to those in nearby fields, to those in palaces and royal libraries, and those in menial work, to rich and to poor, upper-class/lower-class, Gentile and Jew, pagan and God-fearer. For God so loved the world…and my friend, that includes YOU!
What are you seeking this Christmas? Are you tracking it down like it’s a valuable treasure? If you step back and look, is it worth the effort? You may need to re-evaluate what you’re seeking. Maybe God is leaving you clues to direct you to him.
One last question this Christmas: Is there someone in your life you want to know Jesus? How can you share your faith with them? Christmas changes everything. Searching magi became discoverers. Ignored shepherds became evangelists. This Christmas, my prayer is that God changes us to seekers and sharers.
Wait and Worship
A message from the series “Present in Bethlehem.” Are you waiting on a promise from God? Is God asking you to wait for something? Simeon reminds us that no matter how long, the fulfilment of God’s promises are worth the wait! Another question this Christmas: What does worship look like? Is it just Sunday music? A preacher expositing Scripture? Or is it a daily thing? And wouldn’t you like that…experiencing God…sometimes simply just daily…but sometimes, quite dramatic? Christmas changes everything. This Christmas, let’s not be bystanders at the Nativity. Let’s be present as we wait and worship.
Believe and Rejoice
A message from the series “Present in Bethlehem.” God remembers. God keeps his promises. That’s what Zechariah’s and Elizabeth’s names mean in the Hebrew. If we can remind ourselves that God remembers us, maybe like Zechariah we can believe in the impossible. He hasn’t forgotten you. He knows your needs. He hears your prayers.
Ask yourself this Christmas: How is God inviting you to reject the lie that somehow, he has forgotten you? Do you see that the miraculous good news of Christmas is for you, too? Ask yourself: Do you believe God keeps his promises? If we can remember that God keeps his promises, maybe like Elizabeth we can rejoice. Ask yourself this Christmas: Where is God wanting to produce joy in your life? Have you taken a moment recently to look around at all the good things God has done for you – even if you don’t have everything you want? Think of Elizabeth’s ministry to Mary: who in your life needs a hug or a word of encouragement? Christmas changes everything. This Christmas, let’s not be bystanders at the Nativity. Let’s be present.
Accept and Yield
A message from the series “Present in Bethlehem.” I’m not sure where you are this Christmas season. Maybe, like Mary, the future looks frightening and lonely. But God has a plan for you and he is inviting you to join him in it. God wants to change the world…and he’s inviting you to join him. Mary shows us the power of acceptance.
What is it that God is asking you to do? Will you say yes? Maybe, like Joseph, you’re frustrated with the twists and turns life has brought – things haven’t quite turned out like you’ve planned. Are you willing to yield to God’s plan? Will you trust him with your future? Accept and yield. Christmas changes everything. This Christmas, let’s not be bystanders at the Nativity…let’s be present.
The Victorious Christian Life
A message from the series “Guest Speaker: James Parker.” Are you a believer in Jesus yet struggle with following him? Is there some temptation or obstacle that you have not yet overcome? James Parker offers some encouragement from scripture to remind us that on the day we were saved, God gave us everything we need to live the victorious Christian life. Though we are still in process, being delivered from the power of sin, God has promised us victory. One day soon, our salvation will be complete and sin will be no more.
Divine Paths, Faithful Journeys
A message from the series “Guest Speaker: Pastor John Lewis.” Be encouraged. He has chosen each and every one of us. For his glory alone he has chosen us. There are two paths set before us, let us praise him for revealing the path less traveled by, it will surely make all the difference!
Grace and Truth Together
A message from the series “Grace & Truth.” When we truly grasp the truth of the grace we’ve been shown by God, we can be forgiving people. The key is staying as close to Jesus as possible, the on full of grace AND truth!
