Oct. 30, 2009
Hearing God: The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
Text: John 10:27
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
See pic at http://meridianabc.org/coloring/john1027.jpg
I. God wants fellowship with His people.
I John 1:3
“. . . that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
A. The word “fellowship” means numerous things, but in this context it means, “communion and intimate familiarity.” This inherently involves communication. Communication means talking. God wants to talk with us, to communicate with us. This is an incredible privilege. It is God’s desire for His people to get to know Him and to “hear His voice.” This is not just a promise for the Early Church. It is for us today.
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
See pic at http://www.hopechapelva.org/jcsytf07.jpg
II. Hearing God’s Voice
A. Skit: “Stop and Listen,” from Think Again
B. How can we learn to “hear” God speaking to us?
1. There are many ways God communicates with us. When I speak of “hearing” God, I am not referring to a literal audible voice. Few people ever hear the Lord speak in an audible voice that they can hear with their physical ears. Some may, but not very many, and not very often.
a. Heavens
Psalm 19:1-2
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge.”
See pic at http://www.4catholiceducators.com/graphics/Psalm19_1-2.jpg
The heavens contain a revelation of God, the Creator. The constellations preach Christ. This is not astrology. This is the declaration of, the preaching of Christ, from the heavens. Astrology is a perversion of Psalm 19. The heavens declare the glory of God. The heavens do not tell horoscopes. I found this exposition of Psalm 19 in a book written in the 1800’s.
1. Virgo (The Virgin)
The Promised Seed of a Woman
Isaiah 7:14
“. . . Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr18.html
2. Libra (The Scales; Latin for “weighing”)
The Price Owed for Man’s Sin Balanced by the Price Which Covers
Man has been “weighed in the balances, and . . found wanting.” (Daniel 5:27)
Scales and Scorpion
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr19.html
3. Scorpio (The Scorpion)
Seeking to Wound, but Itself Trodden Under Foot
Gen. 3:15
“. . . it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Christ crushed the serpent, Satan, at Calvary.
4. Sagittarius (The Archer)
The Two-Natured Conqueror Going Forth “Conquering and to Conquer.”
This is a centaur, both man and horse, representing Christ, who has two natures, both God and man.
Psalm 64:7, 9
“. . God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly they shall be wounded.
All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God. . .”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr20.html
5. Capricornus (The Goat)
The Goat of Atonement Slain for the Redeemed
Lev. 10:17
Regarding the goat of the sin-offering, “. . . God has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord.” This representation of the sin-offering reminds us of Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.
Goat and Water-bearer
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr21.html
6. Aquarius (The Water-bearer)
The Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth for the Redeemed
John 7:37-38
“. . . If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. He that believes on me, . . . out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
7. Pisces (The Fish)
The Redeemed Blessed
In Hebrew thought, fish symbolize blessing. Fish multiply quickly, and is the word picture behind Gen. 48:16 speaking of Manasseh and Ephraim, “. . . let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” The fish speak of the multitudes who will enjoy the blessings of the work of Christ, our Redeemer.
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr22.html
8. Aries (The Ram or Lamb)
The Lamb that was Slain, Prepared for the Victory
John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world.”
The chief star of this constellation, which is in the forehead, is named El Nath, which means wounded or slain. The second chief star, in the left horn, is called Al Sheratan, meaning bruised or wounded.
Rev. 5:12
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr13.html
9. Taurus (The Bull)
Messiah Coming to Rule
The Bull is a prophecy of Christ, the coming Judge, and Ruler, and Lord of all the earth.
Isaiah 26:21
“For, behold, the Lord comes out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”
It is not a mere bull, a mere animal, that is coming. It is a man, the “Son of man.” Just to the left of the bull is Orion. This heavenly constellation shows that the coming prince, the judge of all the earth, is the Son of man.
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr14.html
10. Gemini (The Twins)
The Two-Fold Nature of the King
This constellation testifies to the twofold nature of Christ, both God and man. It also testifies to His twofold work, suffering and humiliation at His first coming, and glory and triumph at His second.
Look at the star in the head of the twin on the right. This is the brightest star of the constellation. It is Apollo. Don’t think of the pagan god. The meaning of the name, Apollo, is ruler or judge.
The head of the twin on the left holds the second brightest star of this constellation, Hercules. Don’t think of paganism. The word, Hercules, means to suffer. Another star, which is in the left foot of the suffering twin, is called Al Henah, which means hurt, wounded, or afflicted.
Gen. 3:15b
“. . . it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr15.html
11. Cancer (The Crab)
The Gathering of the Saints
This is not the original sign. Ancient names for this constellation meant, “to bind together,” or “encircling.” The idea is the gathering of the saints, the Rapture.
I Thess. 4:16-17
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr16.html
12. Leo (The Lion)
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah Aroused for the Rending of the Enemy, the Devil
Rev. 5:5
“. . . behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr17.html
2. God speaks to us through the Bible.
Psalm 19:7
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
God’s Word is described as being “living and active.” (Heb. 4:12) Many times God will speak to someone through His Word. How does God do that? As the person is reading and studying the Bible, a particular section or verse will suddenly jump out at him. He will have a new understanding of it. He will just “know” without any doubt that God is giving him that verse for instruction, or for a promise. This is the Holy Spirit speaking to that person, working through a person’s mind.
3. Through another person.
This is not common. God’s Word is living and active, and God wants to speak with each of us individually. If God chooses to speak to you through someone else, it is usually to bring confirmation about something He has already been saying to you, or to bring to our attention something that you would not be able to hear directly from Him because it is not something you would like, or is completely outside anything you could imagine.
4. Through our thoughts.
When God speaks to our minds, sometimes it is in the form of a clear thought. Sometimes it is simply a new understanding of something that we did not understand before. Sometimes it is a strong “impression” of something.
The problem is that there is more than one source of thoughts in one’s mind. We can think our own thoughts; God can put thoughts into our minds; and so can the enemy.
II Cor. 10:4-5
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing (thought) that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
See pic at http://images.faithclipart.com/images/3/1221851806511_98/img_large_watermarked.jpg
Spiritual warfare is primarily waged in the mind. It is essential that we control our thoughts and figure out if the thought is from God or not.
Confusing? Maybe. God will help us to sort it out. Thoughts which tempt us to sin or which are depressing/discouraging are from Satan and his demons. God never tempts us to sin.
Romans 12:2
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
See pic at http://www.stonesoupmusic.org/images/Romans12_2ljm.jpg
How do we renew our minds?
1. Study of the Word
2. Praise and worship
3. Meditating on and memorizing Scripture
Psalm 119:9, 11
“How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word. . .
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.”
5. Will I always hear from God clearly?
No. Many times we will struggle. Even the apostle Paul had difficulties.
I Cor. 13:12
“For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
See pic at http://www.motivationalquotes.com/postcards/cards/1Corinthians13_12.jpg
Sometimes the Lord will speak to us so clearly that there is no doubt in our minds at all. More frequently, we will struggle, seeking and praying for clarity, for a confirmation. God will do so.
6. Do I need to “blank out” my mind in order to hear God speak?
No. Absolutely not. We are to take every thought captive. We are to be in control of our thoughts at all times. If you blank out your mind, you have opened a door for demonic contact. “Blanking out” your mind is the first step in occult meditation. Christian meditation is actively thinking about God and His Word.
7. What about when I am in a crisis?
A crisis situation creates a huge amount of emotional stress. During these times, it is more difficult to hear from God.
We serve a wonderful God. The most precious thing anyone can have is a direct personal relationship with God. It takes work, patience, and persistence. You won’t learn to hear from God overnight, but it is worth the effort.
8. Example from an evangelist I have heard speak
God spoke to the husband, telling him to contract to have a certain amount of work done on their property, and to have the first building constructed. It would cost several thousand dollars, which they did not have. The Lord told this man to sign the contract, that He would provide. So he did.
Several days later, when traveling to a speaking engagement, this man told his wife about signing the contract. “The driveway will be in and the building built by the time we get back,” he told her. Then he mentioned the amount of money it would cost. She almost fainted. She told him how small the church was to which they were traveling. He turned pale, started to stutter, and said, “Well God said that He would provide. He didn’t say that the love offerings at the speaking engagement would provide.”
All she could say was, “I sure hope you heard right.”
They were gone from home for two weeks. He struggled. Had he really heard from God or not? They spoke at three different churches during those two weeks. None of the churches were big. They never counted the love offerings at any of them. They stuffed the checks and cash into a briefcase, afraid to count it. When they arrived home, the driveway and building were built, and the bill was waiting for them. In fear and trembling, they got out the briefcase and began counting. They believed God must have multiplied the money in that briefcase. They said they had never before seen so many one-dollar bills, and in the end, they had just enough money to both pay the construction bill as well as all of their other living expenses for that month.
Conclusion
Text: John 10:27
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
See pic at http://meridianabc.org/coloring/john1027.jpg
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
See pic at http://meridianabc.org/coloring/john1027.jpg
I. God wants fellowship with His people.
I John 1:3
“. . . that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
A. The word “fellowship” means numerous things, but in this context it means, “communion and intimate familiarity.” This inherently involves communication. Communication means talking. God wants to talk with us, to communicate with us. This is an incredible privilege. It is God’s desire for His people to get to know Him and to “hear His voice.” This is not just a promise for the Early Church. It is for us today.
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
See pic at http://www.hopechapelva.org/jcsytf07.jpg
II. Hearing God’s Voice
A. Skit: “Stop and Listen,” from Think Again
B. How can we learn to “hear” God speaking to us?
1. There are many ways God communicates with us. When I speak of “hearing” God, I am not referring to a literal audible voice. Few people ever hear the Lord speak in an audible voice that they can hear with their physical ears. Some may, but not very many, and not very often.
a. Heavens
Psalm 19:1-2
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork.
Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge.”
See pic at http://www.4catholiceducators.com/graphics/Psalm19_1-2.jpg
The heavens contain a revelation of God, the Creator. The constellations preach Christ. This is not astrology. This is the declaration of, the preaching of Christ, from the heavens. Astrology is a perversion of Psalm 19. The heavens declare the glory of God. The heavens do not tell horoscopes. I found this exposition of Psalm 19 in a book written in the 1800’s.
1. Virgo (The Virgin)
The Promised Seed of a Woman
Isaiah 7:14
“. . . Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr18.html
2. Libra (The Scales; Latin for “weighing”)
The Price Owed for Man’s Sin Balanced by the Price Which Covers
Man has been “weighed in the balances, and . . found wanting.” (Daniel 5:27)
Scales and Scorpion
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr19.html
3. Scorpio (The Scorpion)
Seeking to Wound, but Itself Trodden Under Foot
Gen. 3:15
“. . . it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Christ crushed the serpent, Satan, at Calvary.
4. Sagittarius (The Archer)
The Two-Natured Conqueror Going Forth “Conquering and to Conquer.”
This is a centaur, both man and horse, representing Christ, who has two natures, both God and man.
Psalm 64:7, 9
“. . God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly they shall be wounded.
All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God. . .”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr20.html
5. Capricornus (The Goat)
The Goat of Atonement Slain for the Redeemed
Lev. 10:17
Regarding the goat of the sin-offering, “. . . God has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord.” This representation of the sin-offering reminds us of Christ, the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.
Goat and Water-bearer
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr21.html
6. Aquarius (The Water-bearer)
The Living Waters of Blessing Poured Forth for the Redeemed
John 7:37-38
“. . . If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. He that believes on me, . . . out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
7. Pisces (The Fish)
The Redeemed Blessed
In Hebrew thought, fish symbolize blessing. Fish multiply quickly, and is the word picture behind Gen. 48:16 speaking of Manasseh and Ephraim, “. . . let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” The fish speak of the multitudes who will enjoy the blessings of the work of Christ, our Redeemer.
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr22.html
8. Aries (The Ram or Lamb)
The Lamb that was Slain, Prepared for the Victory
John 1:29
“Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world.”
The chief star of this constellation, which is in the forehead, is named El Nath, which means wounded or slain. The second chief star, in the left horn, is called Al Sheratan, meaning bruised or wounded.
Rev. 5:12
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr13.html
9. Taurus (The Bull)
Messiah Coming to Rule
The Bull is a prophecy of Christ, the coming Judge, and Ruler, and Lord of all the earth.
Isaiah 26:21
“For, behold, the Lord comes out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”
It is not a mere bull, a mere animal, that is coming. It is a man, the “Son of man.” Just to the left of the bull is Orion. This heavenly constellation shows that the coming prince, the judge of all the earth, is the Son of man.
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr14.html
10. Gemini (The Twins)
The Two-Fold Nature of the King
This constellation testifies to the twofold nature of Christ, both God and man. It also testifies to His twofold work, suffering and humiliation at His first coming, and glory and triumph at His second.
Look at the star in the head of the twin on the right. This is the brightest star of the constellation. It is Apollo. Don’t think of the pagan god. The meaning of the name, Apollo, is ruler or judge.
The head of the twin on the left holds the second brightest star of this constellation, Hercules. Don’t think of paganism. The word, Hercules, means to suffer. Another star, which is in the left foot of the suffering twin, is called Al Henah, which means hurt, wounded, or afflicted.
Gen. 3:15b
“. . . it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr15.html
11. Cancer (The Crab)
The Gathering of the Saints
This is not the original sign. Ancient names for this constellation meant, “to bind together,” or “encircling.” The idea is the gathering of the saints, the Rapture.
I Thess. 4:16-17
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr16.html
12. Leo (The Lion)
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah Aroused for the Rending of the Enemy, the Devil
Rev. 5:5
“. . . behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
See pic at http://www.stub.unibe.ch/maps/koenig/images/diaphanous/tr17.html
2. God speaks to us through the Bible.
Psalm 19:7
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
God’s Word is described as being “living and active.” (Heb. 4:12) Many times God will speak to someone through His Word. How does God do that? As the person is reading and studying the Bible, a particular section or verse will suddenly jump out at him. He will have a new understanding of it. He will just “know” without any doubt that God is giving him that verse for instruction, or for a promise. This is the Holy Spirit speaking to that person, working through a person’s mind.
3. Through another person.
This is not common. God’s Word is living and active, and God wants to speak with each of us individually. If God chooses to speak to you through someone else, it is usually to bring confirmation about something He has already been saying to you, or to bring to our attention something that you would not be able to hear directly from Him because it is not something you would like, or is completely outside anything you could imagine.
4. Through our thoughts.
When God speaks to our minds, sometimes it is in the form of a clear thought. Sometimes it is simply a new understanding of something that we did not understand before. Sometimes it is a strong “impression” of something.
The problem is that there is more than one source of thoughts in one’s mind. We can think our own thoughts; God can put thoughts into our minds; and so can the enemy.
II Cor. 10:4-5
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing (thought) that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
See pic at http://images.faithclipart.com/images/3/1221851806511_98/img_large_watermarked.jpg
Spiritual warfare is primarily waged in the mind. It is essential that we control our thoughts and figure out if the thought is from God or not.
Confusing? Maybe. God will help us to sort it out. Thoughts which tempt us to sin or which are depressing/discouraging are from Satan and his demons. God never tempts us to sin.
Romans 12:2
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
See pic at http://www.stonesoupmusic.org/images/Romans12_2ljm.jpg
How do we renew our minds?
1. Study of the Word
2. Praise and worship
3. Meditating on and memorizing Scripture
Psalm 119:9, 11
“How can a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed according to Your word. . .
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
That I might not sin against You.”
5. Will I always hear from God clearly?
No. Many times we will struggle. Even the apostle Paul had difficulties.
I Cor. 13:12
“For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face; now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”
See pic at http://www.motivationalquotes.com/postcards/cards/1Corinthians13_12.jpg
Sometimes the Lord will speak to us so clearly that there is no doubt in our minds at all. More frequently, we will struggle, seeking and praying for clarity, for a confirmation. God will do so.
6. Do I need to “blank out” my mind in order to hear God speak?
No. Absolutely not. We are to take every thought captive. We are to be in control of our thoughts at all times. If you blank out your mind, you have opened a door for demonic contact. “Blanking out” your mind is the first step in occult meditation. Christian meditation is actively thinking about God and His Word.
7. What about when I am in a crisis?
A crisis situation creates a huge amount of emotional stress. During these times, it is more difficult to hear from God.
We serve a wonderful God. The most precious thing anyone can have is a direct personal relationship with God. It takes work, patience, and persistence. You won’t learn to hear from God overnight, but it is worth the effort.
8. Example from an evangelist I have heard speak
God spoke to the husband, telling him to contract to have a certain amount of work done on their property, and to have the first building constructed. It would cost several thousand dollars, which they did not have. The Lord told this man to sign the contract, that He would provide. So he did.
Several days later, when traveling to a speaking engagement, this man told his wife about signing the contract. “The driveway will be in and the building built by the time we get back,” he told her. Then he mentioned the amount of money it would cost. She almost fainted. She told him how small the church was to which they were traveling. He turned pale, started to stutter, and said, “Well God said that He would provide. He didn’t say that the love offerings at the speaking engagement would provide.”
All she could say was, “I sure hope you heard right.”
They were gone from home for two weeks. He struggled. Had he really heard from God or not? They spoke at three different churches during those two weeks. None of the churches were big. They never counted the love offerings at any of them. They stuffed the checks and cash into a briefcase, afraid to count it. When they arrived home, the driveway and building were built, and the bill was waiting for them. In fear and trembling, they got out the briefcase and began counting. They believed God must have multiplied the money in that briefcase. They said they had never before seen so many one-dollar bills, and in the end, they had just enough money to both pay the construction bill as well as all of their other living expenses for that month.
Conclusion
Text: John 10:27
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
See pic at http://meridianabc.org/coloring/john1027.jpg