Hebrews 10:30-33 English Standard Version 

30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated.

Having a relationship with God does not mean the end to suffering or struggles. It is faith that helps us endure.

We are not all called to suffer the same fates. God’s mercy will allow some of us to live lives free of torment. Others will need their faith to do battle against strongholds in high places. We will never be called to do anything in which God leaves us alone to fail.

We all have heard of those who have failed. Who is to say they were following God by faith?

We are to judge rightly whether we are hearing God correctly and responding in faith. We do not get to demand that of others, nor be subject to those who would deceive us.

2 Timothy 2:15 English Standard Version (ESV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[having been tested] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

All we can do is try our best. Expect to be tested. No one can study without expecting to pass the exam at the end. This life of faith is not that much different. Every talent requires training and testing. Every gift must be practiced to be perfected.

What is our calling? What is our gift? What is our talent?

Only faith in Christ can answer those questions, otherwise we will be acting out as an unruly child.

A root of disciple is discipline. Teacher is just one of Jesus’ titles.

Matthew 18:20 English Standard Version (ESV) “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Any study of the bible by two or more individuals should discover Christ in our midst.

Hebrews 1:2 English Standard Version (ESV) but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

If we are to have a right understanding of God’s Word, then we should hear from the author Himself.

Before we discuss anything about hearing God let this be known.

God cares more about you as an individual than anything you might ever do for Him.

Back in Exodus God spoke from His Holy Hill and those that were freed from slavery trembled in fear and begged Moses to speak to God and not allow God to speak directly to them.

God spoke to Moses and Moses wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books of the bible in order that the people might come to know God. Ever since God has used prophets to reveal His mind to His people.

Before we go astray with the issue of prophets and prophecies, allow me to make it clear that the gift of prophecy differs greatly from the office of the prophet. The office no longer exists. There is no place in the administration of our churches for the office of prophet. It is nothing more than a voice and has no authority over church business.

The bible has its role in introducing us to God’s character, purpose and plans. Knowing that does not constitute a relationship with God.

Placing our faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Cross allows us to believe by faith, hear by faith, see by faith, and to walk by faith.

Faith presents itself to us according to our ability to handle it.