Thoughts and questions pt7

One of the ministries of the Holy Spirit is the "bring to remembrance" of the words of Jesus as promised in John 14:26. Jesus told his followers that his words would be brought forth in their minds and hearts when needed. He told them not to worry when they stood in the temple before the rulers as to what they should say. His words would live again in their spirit. The Holy Spirit is the quickening power of Christ.

As I study the New Testament the last instance I find of God speaking directly to a person is found in the book of Acts. Saul, on his way to Damascus to imprison followers of Christ hears the voice of Jesus. We understand it to be Jesus by his self-identification. Saul asks who it is and Jesus replies directly to him. the account tells us that others heard the voice as well.

It appears that Paul and John would have visions directed by God. John's vision of the revelation of Christ is one of the most mysterious and awesome portions of scripture. In my mind it is comparable to the Prophet Isaiah's vision of the Holiness of God.

Now, to the question of the direct audible voice of God in the world today. I will never say that such communication is impossible. I can honestly say that I have never heard what I would describe as the audible voice of God. What I mean by audible is this: A person next to me would also hear sounds. I would understand the voice to be God's, the person next to me may not have the same understanding. In this I must trust my reality with God and others must trust their own.

Joel gave the promise of visions and dreams and these I believe will continue to take place until the final revelation of Christ. When we come face to face with the ultimate reality, Christ, of whom all creation waits, dreams and visions will pass away. We will see face to face.

I want to devote an entire posting to what I describe as a, "new ability", given through the Holy Spirit. It is one of greatest and possibly, least confessed, treasures given to followers of Christ. The witness of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer is a new ability in communicating with the Lord whom we love.