Faith's Language: Communicating With God

Faith is a central tenet of Christianity, and the Bible has much to say about it. But what does faith mean in this context? It's more than just believing that God exists; it's about trusting in God's character, actions, and promises as revealed in the Bible. This trust is so strong that it leads to total dependence on God.

But does God speak to those with faith? Many people throughout history have claimed that God has spoken to them directly, and this is certainly a question that sparks debate. Some say that God speaks to everyone, but we need to learn how to listen. Others believe that God does not communicate directly with humans and that any spiritual inspiration comes from manifestations of God, such as through prayer, nature, or other believers.

There are numerous examples in the Bible of God speaking directly to individuals, such as Noah, Moses, and Abraham. God is also said to have spoken through his Son, Jesus Christ, and continues to speak through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.

So, does faith speak to God? While it's clear that faith is an important concept in Christianity, whether or not it enables direct communication with God is a matter of personal belief and interpretation of religious texts.

God speaks through his Word, the Bible

God speaks to us through his Word, the Bible. The Bible is a collection of God's words, spoken through his prophets, and written down to be preserved as Scripture. The Bible is God's love letter to mankind, and it is through this Word that God primarily speaks to us.

The Bible is a supernatural occurrence, written through people, for people. It is a never-ending well of refreshment and a source of teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. God's Word is living and active, and it is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

The Bible is the standard of character and the test of experience. It is the authoritative revealer of doctrines and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. It is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path.

God's Word is perfect, and it revives the soul. It is sure, making the simple wise, and enlightening the eyes. It is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. It is a joy and a delight to the heart. It is a means of grace, creating the body of fellow believers called the church.

God has spoken to humanity through his Word, and he continues to speak through it.

God speaks through his Son, Jesus Christ

In Hebrews 1:1–4, it is proclaimed that the promised prophet has come in the person of Christ. While the prophets of old were servants of God, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. The prophets of old were sinners, and although God communicated His word through them, they were at times frustrated in their task. Jesus, who is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature", is without sin, and there is no frustration in His task nor reluctance to declare the words of God.

Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, gave the ultimate words of God to us. He sums up and fulfills the Old Testament and proclaims what the future holds. In John 5:24–25, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life... an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live."

The Gospels reveal that God speaks through Sonship. He offers His Son, the incarnate method. Jesus is the complete representation of God. He is the "fullness of the Godhead bodily". Everything God wants to say, He has said in the person and the work of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the logos, from beginning to end. He is the Word of God, the Word made flesh. He is God's final and definitive revelation of His Word and will.

God speaks through nature and his creation

Psalm 19:1-4 says:

> The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Similarly, Romans 1:20 states:

> For [God’s] invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.

God's creation is a form of communication that reveals truths about him because he created it, and his character is reflected in it. While nature may not explicitly tell us about God in the same way that scriptures do, it is a mouthpiece that speaks of his greatness, goodness, truth, and beauty.

God's creation can also speak to us in a deeply personal way. For example, a person might find themselves in nature, taking in the awe-inspiring views and feeling a sense of connection to God. This could be a moment of profound realisation, where they understand a bit more about God's majesty and power.

In conclusion, God speaks to us through his creation, revealing his glory, power, and divine nature. By taking the time to observe and appreciate the beauty and intricacy of nature, we can hear God's voice and learn more about him.

God speaks through other believers

God speaks to believers in numerous ways, and one of the most common ways is through other believers.

In the Bible, God often spoke through prophets, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Elijah, who had the spiritual gift of hearing God's voice. They communicated God's message to the people, sometimes through an audible voice or through their thoughts. Even today, there are people who have stronger gifts than others when it comes to hearing from God, and they are often referred to as prophets.

However, God also speaks through ordinary people, often without them even realizing it. For instance, you might find yourself talking to someone and feel like they said exactly what you needed to hear, as if God was encouraging you through them. Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, and God, being in them, often speaks through them.

God may use a friend, a teacher, a parent, or a preacher to convey His message of truth to us. Their words may come as a warning, a blessing, or a prophetic truth about our lives. Whether we choose to hear and act on it is up to us. It is important to discern whether what they say aligns with Scripture and whether God confirms or affirms that truth within us.

Additionally, God can use believers as a means to speak to others. He may put a Bible verse or a thought into the mind of one of His followers, urging them to share it with someone else. This can happen during conversation or through other means of communication, such as a phone call or email.

While God can speak to us directly, He also chooses to speak through other believers. By doing so, He provides encouragement, guidance, and a sense of community within the body of Christ.

God speaks through circumstances

Firstly, God speaks through His written Word, the Bible. The Bible is the first source of information when trying to understand God's voice. God will never contradict Himself, so He will never speak through circumstances in a way that goes against what is written in the Bible.

Secondly, God uses other people to confirm His message. God sends people to confirm His will and help us hear from Him. We need to distinguish between those who are seeking God's heart and those who are self-serving. Those who follow God can help us hear from Him.

Thirdly, God operates according to a plan. Acts 17:26, 27 tells us that God orchestrates His plans through life events, decisions, and the people we meet so that we may call out to Him. Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." God has a definite plan to prosper us and give us hope (Jeremiah 29:11). We should look at our lives over a span of months or years to understand His plan for us.

Additionally, we should ask God to show us His perspective on our circumstances. We must listen intently and carefully for His voice through the noise of the world. God may create or allow challenging circumstances in our lives to get our attention when we have been too stubborn to listen to His Word or the voice of His Spirit.

Lastly, we must approach our circumstances with the right attitude. We cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose what happens within us. When we pray over our circumstances, God will lead us to the right perspective.

In conclusion, God speaks through circumstances, and we can discern His message by evaluating our circumstances in light of His Word, seeking confirmation from Godly people, recognizing His plan for us, asking Him for clarity, and approaching our circumstances with the right attitude.

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