Hearing the voice of God

[prisonchaplain]

A distinct doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints is that God still speaks today. Then again, Pentecostals and Charismatics also believe this--though we experience it mostly through the gifts of tongues and interpretations or through prophetic words. How can we (Pentecostals/Charismatics) tell when an interpretation or prophetic word is from God? How do we discern truth from a false word? I addressed this topic in my sermon today--Hearing the Voice of God:

 

[Carborendum]

@prisonchaplain,

It was interesting to note that 99% of this sermon would easily be mistaken for an LDS talk.

[prisonchaplain]

I doubt we'd find as much similarity on most topics @Carborendum but our common belief in continuing revelation is one with much agreement.

[Vort]

I really enjoyed your video. Nice sermon. You're right, that would not have been out of place, at least on a principles level, in an LDS service.

[Traveler]

@prisonchaplainI mostly enjoyed listening to your sermon.   I would add two thoughts.  Both are on me and not to be considered a needed criticism.  #1  Sermons over 15 to 20 minutes are hard for me to listen to and maintain the attention something deserves – especially important things.  Often when I am watching a taped movie reading a novel or even a scientific white paper, I will skip what I think is redundant and go to the end where there is summary, conclusion and sufficient information.  Out of respect for you and you’re thinking and preparation, I listened to the entire sermon.

#2  For me one of the first considerations in my searching and attempting to receive G-d’s revelations – I employ what I believe to be scripture advice concerning what is from G-d.  I will reference in Genesis when Joseph is before Pharaoh informing Pharaoh that his dreams are a singular revelation from G-d.  Looking first at Genesis 41:25

Quote

¶ And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream of Pharaoh is one: God hath shewed Pharaoh what he is about to do.

There can be several interpretations to this scripture – for me it means that G-d is not complicated but simple (singular) and straight forward in what He is communicating to a particular person for their particular time and place.

Next looking at verse 32:

Quote

32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

This tells me that G-d does not use singular witnesses.  For Pharaoh the singular simple straight forward thought was given in two separate dreams.   We are told in scripture that by the “mouth” of two or more witnesses will all truth be established.  The problem is that many do not realize the difference between a witness being given twice and two different witnesses.

The third thing is ambiguous from the Genesis scripture and that is that there will also be a witness given by one called of G-d to interpret what is meant – in the case of Pharaoh it was the person, Joseph.  Joseph was also someone you referenced in your sermon.

 

The Traveler

Edited August 19, 2023 by Traveler