Hebrews 1:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,

Before moving forward into our present condition, I would like to point out something from the past that is true of God. Here in verse one of Hebrews the author states “in many ways”. I think it is important to recognize that God does not limit Himself to the lightning and thunder of Mount Sinai. He loves us and wants a loving relationship with us and some of us, if not many of us, are not comfortable with hearing God’s audible voice. This is confirmed in Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Romans 1:20 English Standard Version (ESV) For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

The perception of a creator has been clearly indicated by the vast ways in which mankind has sought God in many different religious configurations. Many seekers could not fathom the possibility of One God containing all the power so they worshipped several gods according to their needs. Gods of love, gods of war, gods of the elements like water and fire, volcanoes and storms. They were given names, idols and a place in their society.

Even with religions of multi-theism we often find one god who is the God of Gods. Of all the known religions today there are only three upon which faith is a basic concept of worship. It began with Abraham the father of faith and was divided in his tents into Judaism and Islam. From Judaism sprang forth Christianity. While Christianity comprises about 33% of the world’s population and Islam about 23%, Judaism comprises less than 1%. Do not be swayed by the numbers, this is not a popularity contest.

Faith is the number one reason to worship God in any form.

John 1:1 English Standard Version (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I left you yesterday with faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word. We get into discipleship classes and we read and are instructed in what those passages mean. We have teachers that tie all the passages together, line upon line, precept upon precept. We have pastors who relate scripture to daily life and comfort us.

We should be listening for the Spirit in the Word. How we get to know Christ is not by studies, it is by the Spirit who testifies of Christ and tells us all the things that Christ has said.

John 14:26 English Standard Version (ESV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Romans 8:26-27 English Standard Version (ESV) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, becausethe Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Even before we learn to hear by faith, the Spirit is on our side. He intercedes for us because we have not yet experienced the sound of the Spirit within us. He wants to be heard because He carries the Word of life from Christ to us. That is His purpose. It is vital that we hear the Spirit in order for us to be obedient in faith. How can we obey if we cannot hear?

Granted, some are more experienced than others. That does not mean we should let them do all the listening.