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??
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!