Why doesn't God speak to His people anymore?

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pickles

pickles

Senior Member
#41
Apr 20, 2009
14,479
182
63
#41
Sharp said:
Thanks pickles. My faith is very weak at the moment.

With faith I feel there is no certainty, only belief.
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:) Sharp, I was thinking about you when praying last night and this came to me in Jesus!
I saw the scripture( it is in our weaknesses that God is glorified!)
I began to see how in Jesus, God Our Father has given us a way to know it is HIm.
For me, my weakness is being able to read and recall scripture, that is why I can see His message so well. When the scripture stands out for me and I am able to remember not only the words, but the message.
I ussually have to read scripture many times over, and write lots of reminders, and hope I remember that I wrote myself reminders and where I put them.
So when God Our Father places His word and message on my heart, I know it is Him because I cannot do these things on my own.
Last night in Jesus, God Our Father gave me this message for you,( Look for me in your weaknesses!
It is there that you will see me easly, then in faith, you will know me!)
How amazing is this, that His gifts are easly seen where we are weakest! :D
As always test all spirits, but I know you understand disernment.
In Jesus, God bless.
pickles
 
pickles

pickles

Senior Member
#42
Apr 20, 2009
14,479
182
63
#42
ed said:
Hi pickles,
I am very interested in where you say, " What will really blow you away is when God Our Father answers you before you finish the question in your mind."
I have a thread on witnessing. Surely this could be a post that will edify the saints here. As Jesus has done this to me I recognise this event which you have noted above.

love
edwin
Click to expand...
Ill pray about it. Ussually I have trouble speaking on something unless it is put on my heart by Jesus.
Ill read your thread and see where led. :)
In Jesus, God bless. pickles
 
Sharp

Sharp

Senior Member
#43
May 5, 2009
2,568
20
38
#43
wisdomseeker said:
Try fasting,daneil fasted 3 weeks for a vision,the man in acks fasted 4 days no food or water,Isaias walked 3 years barefoot.Jesus said to fast,and he also said dont tell anyone you are fasting.
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This sounds like a good idea. I will look into it.

However, have you ever thought that you see visions when after not eating for 4 days because your body stops working properly?
 
M

Mulehide

Guest
#44
#44
Sharp said:
This sounds like a good idea. I will look into it.

However, have you ever thought that you see visions when after not eating for 4 days because your body stops working properly?
Click to expand...
It all goes back to faith. Fasting shows God you are truly serious about wanting to be closer to Him and know His heart. Sure, one must be wise in what they do. However, doing only what we understand or explain logically is not faith. "Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." You believe in God's existence. Now, you must believe that as you seek God, God will reveal Himself to you.
 
W

wisdomseeker

Banned
#45
Mar 11, 2009
463
2
0
#45
Sharp said:
This sounds like a good idea. I will look into it.

However, have you ever thought that you see visions when after not eating for 4 days because your body stops working properly?
Click to expand...
haha
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/feb/09/haiti-man-rescued-27-days-rubble
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/haiti-earthquake-survivor-pulled-from-the-rubble-15-days-after-the-devastating-quake-which-has-killed-more-than-150000/story-e6frf7lf-1225824293716 People are spoiled today.

Love a friend in God
 
C

charisenexcelcis

Guest
#46
#46
Sharp said:
This sounds like a good idea. I will look into it.

However, have you ever thought that you see visions when after not eating for 4 days because your body stops working properly?
Click to expand...
If your heart is right toward God, He will honor your fast. He will help you sort the meat from the bones.
 
Sharp

Sharp

Senior Member
#47
May 5, 2009
2,568
20
38
#47
1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires everyone to be saved.

I'm trying to reconcile this with God's silence.

Think of all the sceptical people, atheists, muslims and unbelievers who aren't saved. If Jesus appeared to these people in bodily form or spoke audibly to them, chances are that these people would be saved.

Doubtless you will quote me Jesus' dialogue with Thomas about not seeing yet believing, and Jesus' dialogue with the rich man who was in hell, whose brothers Jesus said would not believe even if someone were to rise from the dead and speak to them.

However, the fact remains that God desires all people to be saved. My opinion, and I could be wrong, is that if God were to intervene visibly and audibly in the affairs of man on a regular basis, this desire would become a reality.

I do not mean to sound like I know what would lead to people being saved whereas God does not; I'm just trying to understand how our God who would desire all people to be saved insists on speaking to humanity in subtle and cryptic ways.

Some people are facing an eternity in hell. Romans says these people are without excuse, yet I can understand their reluctance to accept the message of the bible, as they might ask, where is God these days?
 
S

sensitive

Guest
#48
#48
I am enjoying this topic so very much because I have struggled with the same question you started for years. I have run across so many false prophets. So to me suggesting that God talks through others is very dangerous. I need to hear it for myself straight from God. Let me give you an example. My husband was fired after 10 years loyal faith service to his employer. A man at our church came up to me, grabbed his belly and said to me, "Thus saith the Lord, they are going to give your husband his job back and they won't even know why they are doing it." To make a long story short the man lied. He prophesied like this falsely over me for three more occasions. So to me, to tell me God speaks to me through other people, no way! God can talk to me Himself If He so chooses. Another thing is I don't trust pastors any more either as I was married to one way, way back when I was just 17 years old. I am now 53 and been married to the same man for 32 years now. But when I was 17 I married a Minister who was the most evil vile creature every wearing the clerical collar, which I might add he enjoyed his accolades. He still does as he is very prominent and wealthy. I don't believe everything that comes out of a pastor's mouth is of God or from God for that matter. So yes you bring up a very valid point, we had better learn to HEAR the voice of God for ourselves. To trust others to do that for us is very spiritually dangerous. So like you I have been asking God, "Why can't you talk to me, like you talked to Moses, Paul, etc..........." and I still figure, "Why not?" The God of the New Testament spoke to Paul.
 
VW

VW

Banned
#49
Dec 22, 2009
4,579
9
0
#49
One thing to remember is that when God does speak to us, we tend to not believe Him. His words are many times meant to stretch us, and our faith. Also, one result of having God speak to you is humility. God said of Moses that he was more humble than any other person, such that God spoke to him mouth to mouth.

I tend to believe that we have so much knowledge about Him, thinking that we are rich we never realize just how poor we are. True riches is being in fellowship with God.

3 times in the letter of Hebrews we are called to come into His presence. Once at the throne of grace. Once to draw near to God through Jesus. Once to enter the holy place where God dwells through the veil, the flesh of Jesus torn for us.
 
S

Saint

Guest
#50
#50
Sharp said:
1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires everyone to be saved.

I'm trying to reconcile this with God's silence.

Think of all the sceptical people, atheists, muslims and unbelievers who aren't saved. If Jesus appeared to these people in bodily form or spoke audibly to them, chances are that these people would be saved.

Doubtless you will quote me Jesus' dialogue with Thomas about not seeing yet believing, and Jesus' dialogue with the rich man who was in hell, whose brothers Jesus said would not believe even if someone were to rise from the dead and speak to them.

However, the fact remains that God desires all people to be saved. My opinion, and I could be wrong, is that if God were to intervene visibly and audibly in the affairs of man on a regular basis, this desire would become a reality.

I do not mean to sound like I know what would lead to people being saved whereas God does not; I'm just trying to understand how our God who would desire all people to be saved insists on speaking to humanity in subtle and cryptic ways.

Some people are facing an eternity in hell. Romans says these people are without excuse, yet I can understand their reluctance to accept the message of the bible, as they might ask, where is God these days?
Click to expand...
If we lived in a world where God spoke directly to us daily, you are right to say that there would be no doubt in the minds of people, and in the beginning, it would be great. But then the next generation would come, never once having to use faith. Now, because you cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), the entire next generation, even though they would believe in God, would be displeasing to God. So yes, God coming down and talking to us all would be a great way to get everyone saved, but it would also be a great way to disapoint God, and to get Him to be displeased with us.There was a time where God was constantly with us, walking, talking, laughing, hanging out. But we screwed up, and now we are here, still screwing up and still pushing ourselves further and further away from God. Just like in the Beginning.
 
C

charisenexcelcis

Guest
#51
#51
Sharp said:
1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires everyone to be saved.

I'm trying to reconcile this with God's silence.

Think of all the sceptical people, atheists, muslims and unbelievers who aren't saved. If Jesus appeared to these people in bodily form or spoke audibly to them, chances are that these people would be saved.

Doubtless you will quote me Jesus' dialogue with Thomas about not seeing yet believing, and Jesus' dialogue with the rich man who was in hell, whose brothers Jesus said would not believe even if someone were to rise from the dead and speak to them.

However, the fact remains that God desires all people to be saved. My opinion, and I could be wrong, is that if God were to intervene visibly and audibly in the affairs of man on a regular basis, this desire would become a reality.

I do not mean to sound like I know what would lead to people being saved whereas God does not; I'm just trying to understand how our God who would desire all people to be saved insists on speaking to humanity in subtle and cryptic ways.

Some people are facing an eternity in hell. Romans says these people are without excuse, yet I can understand their reluctance to accept the message of the bible, as they might ask, where is God these days?
Click to expand...
Well, the only thing I would add to the argument you already know is that there is something holy about free will. It is a covenant. God will not break His covenant.
 
Sharp

Sharp

Senior Member
#52
May 5, 2009
2,568
20
38
#52
Saint said:
If we lived in a world where God spoke directly to us daily, you are right to say that there would be no doubt in the minds of people, and in the beginning, it would be great. But then the next generation would come, never once having to use faith. Now, because you cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), the entire next generation, even though they would believe in God, would be displeasing to God. So yes, God coming down and talking to us all would be a great way to get everyone saved, but it would also be a great way to disapoint God, and to get Him to be displeased with us.There was a time where God was constantly with us, walking, talking, laughing, hanging out. But we screwed up, and now we are here, still screwing up and still pushing ourselves further and further away from God. Just like in the Beginning.
Click to expand...
But why does God delight in testing whether people believe in something which they can not see, prove or verify?
 
E

ed

Guest
#53
#53
Sharp said:
1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires everyone to be saved.

I'm trying to reconcile this with God's silence.

Think of all the sceptical people, atheists, muslims and unbelievers who aren't saved. If Jesus appeared to these people in bodily form or spoke audibly to them, chances are that these people would be saved.

Doubtless you will quote me Jesus' dialogue with Thomas about not seeing yet believing, and Jesus' dialogue with the rich man who was in hell, whose brothers Jesus said would not believe even if someone were to rise from the dead and speak to them.

However, the fact remains that God desires all people to be saved. My opinion, and I could be wrong, is that if God were to intervene visibly and audibly in the affairs of man on a regular basis, this desire would become a reality.

I do not mean to sound like I know what would lead to people being saved whereas God does not; I'm just trying to understand how our God who would desire all people to be saved insists on speaking to humanity in subtle and cryptic ways.

Some people are facing an eternity in hell. Romans says these people are without excuse, yet I can understand their reluctance to accept the message of the bible, as they might ask, where is God these days?
Click to expand...
Hi Sharp,
I feel the world, especially the Christian world today is too too too blase. We are surrounded by healings if only we would believe. Who sends the rain, the seasons, the sun. If we take the word lucky out of our language and use the word "blessed" our hearts may be closer to God. We today are the same as the Pharisees who wanted a miraculous sign.
Jesus replied, Matthew 12:39 " A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it.
When Jesus does send two prophets to you what happens. You kill them and leave their dead bodies in the streets for three days and celebrate and give presents to one another.
Obey Jesus's teachings, as in scripture,not as in the law. Your love (giving as opposed to self) will have Him by your side quick smart.
love
edwin
 
phil36

phil36

Senior Member
#54
Feb 12, 2009
8,345
2,157
113
#54
sensitive said:
I am enjoying this topic so very much because I have struggled with the same question you started for years. I have run across so many false prophets. So to me suggesting that God talks through others is very dangerous. I need to hear it for myself straight from God. Let me give you an example. My husband was fired after 10 years loyal faith service to his employer. A man at our church came up to me, grabbed his belly and said to me, "Thus saith the Lord, they are going to give your husband his job back and they won't even know why they are doing it." To make a long story short the man lied. He prophesied like this falsely over me for three more occasions. So to me, to tell me God speaks to me through other people, no way! God can talk to me Himself If He so chooses. Another thing is I don't trust pastors any more either as I was married to one way, way back when I was just 17 years old. I am now 53 and been married to the same man for 32 years now. But when I was 17 I married a Minister who was the most evil vile creature every wearing the clerical collar, which I might add he enjoyed his accolades. He still does as he is very prominent and wealthy. I don't believe everything that comes out of a pastor's mouth is of God or from God for that matter. So yes you bring up a very valid point, we had better learn to HEAR the voice of God for ourselves. To trust others to do that for us is very spiritually dangerous. So like you I have been asking God, "Why can't you talk to me, like you talked to Moses, Paul, etc..........." and I still figure, "Why not?" The God of the New Testament spoke to Paul.
Click to expand...
Hi sensitive, God has spoken to us, we have the very living word of God in our bibles. I too agree that we should not believe everything everyone says, as there is a lot nonsense and false teaching even amongst those who profess to be christians.

I am also very weary of those pronouncing prophecies left right and centre, they only are fooling themselves. the standard of truth we have is Scripture. and scripture testifies to Scripture, the Holy Spirit will guide.

Whilst on the subject I would be very very very weary of people who say just listen to the Spirit, for as fallen men, can we fully trust ourselves, and the answer through the ages is NO! check everything out in Scripture, be like the Boreans and see if what you are being told is true. God has Spoken! and we believe this by Faith.

Blesings

Phil
 
S

Saint

Guest
#55
#55
Sharp said:
But why does God delight in testing whether people believe in something which they can not see, prove or verify?
Click to expand...
Well, God is love, and He wants His creation to love as well. To believe in someone you see that always gives you everything you want requires only a very little amount of love. To believe in someone who you've never seen before who you do not fully understand, especially why He does what He does, takes not only faith, but true love. This, of course is merely my guess. I cannot fully grasp the mysteries of God, nor His motives. I would guess that the answer is similar to why God put a tree in the garden that would cause us to know what sin is.
 
S

Saint

Guest
#56
#56
ed said:
Hi Sharp,
I feel the world, especially the Christian world today is too too too blase. We are surrounded by healings if only we would believe. Who sends the rain, the seasons, the sun. If we take the word lucky out of our language and use the word "blessed" our hearts may be closer to God. We today are the same as the Pharisees who wanted a miraculous sign.
Jesus replied, Matthew 12:39 " A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it.
When Jesus does send two prophets to you what happens. You kill them and leave their dead bodies in the streets for three days and celebrate and give presents to one another.
Obey Jesus's teachings, as in scripture,not as in the law. Your love (giving as opposed to self) will have Him by your side quick smart.
love
edwin
Click to expand...
very true, ed. There are countless times when people ask for a miracle, and then when they see it, they do not notice it. Or they hate it. And after thinking about it, God could come down in a flaming chariot and speak directly to an atheist and the next morning he would say, "I've got to stop eating ________ before bed" and pass it off as some weird dream of halucination. And as you said, God will send His two witnesses, but they are killed off because we will hate them. And after thinking about it some more, I realize that even Christians really shouldn't be looking for signs and wonders, because isn't the beast or someone supposed to show miraculous signs and wonders?
 
S

sensitive

Guest
#57
#57
God's word is the Bible, the final authority. Everything should be compared to what God is telling us in the New Testament, the New Covenant. I really believe deep down in my soul that your conscience is an extension of God trying to speak to you telling you right from wrong. If we sear our conscience we have stopped listening to God.
 
C

charisenexcelcis

Guest
#58
#58
Sharp said:
But why does God delight in testing whether people believe in something which they can not see, prove or verify?
Click to expand...
An athlete is made strong by exercise. So it is with faith. God tests our faith, much as a couch might test his athletes. It is for the good of our faith that He tests us.
 
pickles

pickles

Senior Member
#59
Apr 20, 2009
14,479
182
63
#59
Sharp, each time I pray and think about your questions about hearing God Our Father.
I get the same responce, It is in your weakness that I am glorified.
As you read my responce to your question here , you know that I am talking to you. You know that what is written is my answer.
Why are you so certain that this is a real post? Can you see me or hear my voice? How can you be sure?
Could it be because I am famileur? Youve seen me answer others?
In Jesus God Our Father wants you to look to His word the same way. Consider the scriptures His posts to you. :)
Everything, everthing came in to being by His hand. Every hair on your head, every grain of sand. every star, everything! God Our Father has made these things by His hand.
So do not limit His power by what or how He answers you, Know in faith, He is answering you.
You are to do this by starting in your weakness.
You are to begin reading the scriptures by in faith, ( where you feel weak right now) believing God Our Father is telling you what He wants you to know. Romans and Eph. are good for this, but trust in God for this.
You are to read each scripture as In Jesus, God Our Father is answering your post.
Now you are to read in faith, not with your knowladge, but trusting in the knowladge given by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus Christ is Lord.
Just read in faith, when that moment hits where you suddenly begin to know, then doubt says : this cannot be: in Jesus, by faith, believe.
Im not sure how long you will need to read the scriptures in faith, but do so in faith.

Eph.7 that in the ages to come. He might display the great welth of His favor, manifested by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 I repeat, it is owing to His favor that salvation is yours through faith. This is not your own doing, it is God's Gift ;9 neither is it a reward for anything you have accomplished, so let no man pride himself in it.

Read each scripture in faith, In Jesus Christ is Lord, God Our Father will be glorified, you will hear Him in His word speaking to you because you will know by your own weakness that it comes from God Our Father, by His Holy Spirit, because He will stand out , glorified in your weakness.

In Jesus, God bless.
pickles
 
Last edited:
E

ed

Guest
#60
#60
Saint said:
very true, ed. There are countless times when people ask for a miracle, and then when they see it, they do not notice it. Or they hate it. And after thinking about it, God could come down in a flaming chariot and speak directly to an atheist and the next morning he would say, "I've got to stop eating ________ before bed" and pass it off as some weird dream of halucination. And as you said, God will send His two witnesses, but they are killed off because we will hate them. And after thinking about it some more, I realize that even Christians really shouldn't be looking for signs and wonders, because isn't the beast or someone supposed to show miraculous signs and wonders?
Click to expand...
Hii Saint,
Yes this is very true and very important. If one is dazzled by anyone performing miraculous signs then they are headed for trouble. The fruits of the Spirit is our identifier, not miraculous signs.
love
edwin.
 
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