who is jesus? why did jesus die? how can i be sure of my faith? why and how should i read the bible?...

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Who Who isis Jesus? Jesus?

Why did Jesus Why did Jesus diedie??

How Can I Be How Can I Be SureSure of my of my FaithFaith??

WhyWhy and and HowHow Should I Should I Read the Read the BibleBible??

WhyWhy and and HowHow Do I Do I PrayPray??

HowHow Does Does God God

GuideGuide Us?Us?

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?

DecisionDecisions!s!

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?

SENT wherever

He chooses?

(controlled)

GUIDED where it’s best for us to be

(relationship)

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” Psalm 32 8

“He (Jesus) calls his own sheep by name … his sheep follow him because they know his voice” John 10 3,4

God’s will for our lives is “…good, pleasing and perfect” Romans 12 2

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act” Psalm 37 5

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?

God has a wonderful plan for our lives. We may make mistakes if we miss his “best way” for us … so we need to be able to “hear” what

he says

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?Commands in ScriptureCommands in Scripture

The Bible tells us plainly some things are wrong e.g. adultery; not paying income tax

In these cases we don’t need to seek further guidance!

Sometimes a passage of scripture “comes alive” and speaks to us

However, God’s particular will for us may be shown in other ways …

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?Compulsion of the Compulsion of the SpiritSpirit

We recognise a good friend’s voice immediately! … but this does take time

God may “speak” through the Holy Spirit as we pray

God may grow a strong desire in us to do something for him

God may speak through more unusual ways e.g. angels, prophecy, visions, dreams

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?Common SenseCommon Sense

Christians are not called to abandon their common sense!

For example: Spiritual compatibility

Personal compatibility

Physical compatibility

Stay until God moves you

Long term evaluation & goals

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?Counsel of the “Saints”Counsel of the “Saints”

One part of guidance

Value of mature Christians we respect

Bigger decisions need range of advice

Consult because of spiritual authority or relationship - not because of counsel we expect!

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?Circumstantial SignsCircumstantial Signs

God is in ultimate control of all events

God may “open” doors or “close” them

Many more “coincidences” happen for Christians!

How Does How Does God Guide God Guide

Us?Us?Some practical pointsSome practical points

Don’t be in a hurry if God isn’t!

Remember we may get the right idea but the wrong timing

Remember we make mistakes

“In all things God works for the good of those who love him …” Romans 8 28