"HOW GOD SPEAKS"
I. GOD DOES SPEAK TO MAN. "I HAVE ALSO SPOKEN"
A. This is always a marvel to me.
1. That the creator and sustainer of the Universe would speak to me.
2. When I consider thy heavens...
B. Yet it should not amaze me.
1. If He wants to guide me it is necessary that He tell me which path.
2. If He wants me to know His love it is necessary that He communicate it to me.
C. Man is not always listening and this is the problem.
1. God has not ceased talking.
a. The heavens still declare His glory.
2. We get so frustrated trying to accomplish some task we do not hear Him tell us how.
3. Even in prayer we spend so much time talking and don't take time to listen.
II. HOW DOES GOD SPEAK?
A. By the prophets.
1. God has left us a clear record of Himself.
a. What He is.
b. What He desires of us.
c. What is His purpose and will for our lives.
1. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God.."
B. "I have multiplied visions."
1. A vision is very similar to a dream, only you are awake.
2. It is almost as though you are participating in the events.
3. Many times the meaning is obscure and must be interpreted.
a. Last week's study, Daniel saw beasts devouring one another.
4. God said in last days young men shall see visions.
C. "Used similitudes."
1. This was an endeavor to get men's attention.
2. Jeremiah's garment.
3. Isa. walk naked.
4. Ezekiel lie on his left side 390 days then 40 days - on right side eating short rations.
5. God's method of getting our attention is often through disturbance.
a. We get laid off from our job.
b. God has a better job for us, but how is He going to open our eyes to seek it?
1. We're not really looking.
2. We're satisfied where we are.
c. A close friend dies, your husband or wife leaves you, your child gets sick, you break your leg.
1. He now has our attention, let us listen to what He has to say.
III. WHY WAS GOD SEEKING TO SPEAK TO THEM?
A. To turn them from the path of destruction.
1. Sometimes violent methods are justified.
a. In saving a drowning person who has panicked.
2. Violent methods are never preferred.
B. To guide them to the path of life and joy.
1. God loves you.
a. He seeks to draw you with cords of a man with bands of love.
b. If you resist, He does not give up.