Spirit vs Scripture: The Theological Problem of Hearing God’s Voice

I grew up in a church that believed that God had stopped speaking outside of the Bible. This teaching, known as Cessationism, is seen throughout the church world today and has appeared periodically in history. But the question is, why would someone believe God has stopped speaking, given that the New Testament is clear that the Holy Spirit was given to everyone to hear from God on the Day of Pentecost? (Acts 2:16,17). The Apostle Peter himself said that this promise was for all generations – beyond the early church and beyond Jerusalem and Judea (and beyond the canonisation of Scripture!) (Acts 2:39). One of the answers lies in the theological problem of how Spirit relates to Scripture. That is, how do my Spirit-speaking experiences today relate to the Spirit speaking experiences of Scripture? God’s words are both a vessel of his power and a reflection of his character. Therefore, any claim to hearing God’s voice today represents a claim to divine authority. This looks as if we’re placing our experience on par with the Bible, something most Protestant Christians would emphatically reject.This episode of the podcast begins to resolve the problem by featuring a reading from my new book, The Church who Hears God’s voice: equipping everyone to recognise and respond to the Spirit. It’s the third in a 3-part series that features readings from the book – a bit of an entree before you enjoy the main meal!In the episode, you will learn about:The questions of a real life situation. If God said it, should I obey it?Four answers to the theological problem. The first answer to the theological problem: “God on Mute” (Cessationism)The second answer to the theological problem: Christians who don’t read the Bible! (Why would you if you have the Spirit)The remainder of the chapter goes on to discuss a third (“Good but not as good”) and fourth answer (“This is that”). The fourth option is the one I arrived at and expand at more detail in the rest of the book. You’ll begin to see why this question is so important and how it has practical implications for how we experience the Spirit today as well as how we read the Bible. The theological conundrum can be solved and it all starts with looking at how the early church dealt with it. I pray it is a blessing to you!Next StepsJoin the journey to hearing God’s voice. Start your free 7-day ⁠God Conversations devotional ⁠today!Pray, promote and give. God Conversations is donor-funded and made possible through the generosity of people like you! ⁠Become a partner today⁠.Equip your church to hear God’s voice. ⁠Join our community of ministry leaders⁠ for monthly insights and a free preview of 50 Days of God Conversations resource.