Filled with fascinating stories and personal accounts, Surprised by the Voice of God is for all who want to walk in the dynamic scope of Christianity.
This inspiring and balanced look at what the Bible says about the ways God communicates will lead readers into a more intimate and effective walk with God.
What he found revolutionized his Christian walk and it can transform yours as well.
That’s how the publisher described the book ‘Surprised by the Voice of God’ and how listening for God’s voice can transform your life. I opened this dialogue regarding how God speaks by raising some issues of I have with the belief that God is constantly giving His people personal, private, ongoing revelations. My aim for this post was to outlay my convictions for holding to Scripture alone to hear God’s authoritative word for life and godliness.
But before getting into that I find it necessary to take a closer look at the descriptions of Mr. Deere’s book. I want to know why is it that books like this as well as some of those who are convinced that God still gives ongoing, personal, spontaneous, private revelation cast it in terms of providing a much more satisfying spiritual relationship with the Lord? Mr. Deere’s publisher didn’t say that he had merely discovered that God speaks outside Scripture and that this can supplement our walk with Him. No, he claimed that what Mr. Deere learned revolutionized his Christian walk and furthermore could transform ours as well! The publisher goes on to say that this book is for all who want to walk in the dynamic scope of Christianity. I ask you who wouldn’t want to walk in the dynamic scope of Christianity? Who among us would refuse to enjoy a transformed relationship with the Lord? If God is offering us a more intimate, effective life with Him gained by constantly hearing what He has to say today why go back to or stick with Scripture alone which by default only offers a more distant and ineffective way of relating to Him?
One more thought. Why is it that we crave the dynamic, fascinating and sensational? Why must the abundant Christian life always be described in terms of a summer action blockbuster movie? When did a life of faith marked by humility, brokenness, meekness and a craving for righteousness fall out of favor? Why did Paul exhort Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness instead of excitement and dynamism. Have we heeded Peter’s words and added goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love to our faith? I for one am shamed and humiliated when I read through the list of biblical characteristics that should adorn my profession in Christ but don’t.
Could it be that we want to hear another word, a new message, a fresh revelation because we really have little intention of pursuing the true life of faith declared in the ancient one?
To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance
1 comment:
I think you're on to something Lance. I find that my own familiarity with Scripture leads me to think I already know enough or know more than I really do about God, his ways, his word. I am far too drawn to the "new" and "exciting". May God grant me/us repentance in our perceived need of more than he has already supplied us for life and joy.
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