How to Hear from God

"God told me..."

It's an ear-catching phrase. It makes us pause what we're doing to make sure we pay attention to what follows. After all, God is the sovereign creator of the universe who holds all authority and power. We better listen.

But did God really say a new thing?

Lest one starts thinking I am endorsing the serpent in Genesis 3:1 with an echo of "Has God indeed said?" let me make some points absolutely clear. First, God has spoken and His revelation to man is all-important. His word is the Bible, and, as believers, our allegiance to it should be supreme. Second, God has said in His word that through His revelation and the power of His indwelling Spirit, He has already given us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Third, in the past God spoke in various times and ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son and His apostles who have confirmed to us what is true (Hebrews 1:1, 2:2-4, cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37-38).

With all that in view, pardon my skepticism when one claims to have a new word from the Lord.

Surely the Lord still leads us. We know that those who have been adopted as His children are "led by the Spirit" (Romans 8:14). God cares to guide His people through this life in their own personal context. He convicts His own of personal sins and He burdens them with personal callings. God is still very much involved in the affairs of man. Miracles happen, His providence is put on display, and lives are transformed all around us. Our God is an active God.

But a new word given to a modern-day prophet or apostle? It's just not what God has said He is doing in this economy of time. Therefore, instead of searching out an updated message from the Lord, let us all examine the ancient words and know them the best we can. As He continues to work in our lives today, it is that word that He will use to lead us on.