GOD COMMUNICATES WITH HIS CHILDREN
DEFINING THE CORE VALUE
God enjoys communicating with His people, and there are a variety of ways through which He does this.
John 10:26-28; Matthew 4:4; Isaiah 50: 4– 5; Acts 2: 17; 1 Kings 19: 9– 13 Jeremiah 33: 3; Psalm 116:1-2; John 16:13
God’s voice is the Spirit of truth. He speaks through both His written Word (logos) and ever-proceeding spoken word (rhema).
John 16:13; John 15:26; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:4
His Written Word, The Bible (Logos)
All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The purpose of Scripture is to invite us into a relationship with the Author and to transform us into His likeness.
John 5:39–40; 2 Timothy 3:15– 17; Matthew 4:4; 2 Corinthians 3:15–18; James 1:22– 25; Ephesians 5:25–27; Psalm 119:11; Luke 24:13–35
Faith is released into our lives as we encounter God in His Word. Studying God’s truth empowers us to believe in who He is, who we are, and how He wants us to live.
Romans 10:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 17:17; Matthew 7:24–28; Colossians 3:15–17; John 8:31– 32; Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; Acts 8:26– 40
The primary lens through which we interpret the Bible is the person, life, and redemptive work of Jesus, because He is the most complete revelation of who God is and what God cares about.
John 5: 37– 47; Luke 24: 25– 32; John 1: 14, 14: 9– 11; Colossians 1: 15– 20, 2: 9; Hebrews 1: 1– 3; 2 Peter 1: 16– 21
The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Holy Spirit guides us into receiving the Word as more than mere information, but as living revelation.
Hebrews 4:12; John 14:26
The Bible is the greatest love story ever written. From beginning to end, it reveals God’s love and provision for His people.
Genesis 1 & 2; John 3:16; Revelation 1:1-18
His Spoken Word, (Rhema)
Two-way communication is essential in our relationship with God. As we commune with Him in prayer we posture our hearts to ask, seek, share, receive and listen.
Matthew 7:7-8; Mark 4:24; 1 Samuel 3:10
God loves to hear our voices in prayer. He is attentive and responds to us.
Song of Songs 2:14; Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT); 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7; Philippians 4:6–7
Scripture calls us to follow the way of love and earnestly desire the gift of prophecy, which is to speak on God’s behalf to strengthen, encourage, and comfort people. We desire to say what the Father is saying to help people grow in their identity and discover their God-given purpose and value.
1 Corinthians 14:1–4; John 12:49; 1 Timothy 4:14–16; Acts 2:17; 1 Corinthians 14:24–25; Acts 13:1–3
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 19:10
DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND
The Bible is infallible, but our interpretation of it might not be.
John 5:39– 40; 2 Timothy 2:14– 18; Luke 24:25– 32
We should always judge and evaluate an interpretation of Scripture to determine whether the interpretation is merely an opinion.
Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:15– 20; 2 Peter 2:1– 3
God is not boxed in by our current understanding of His Word.
John 8:1–11; Matthew 12:1–13; Matthew 22:29; Job 42:2–5; Acts 11:1–18
The devil can use Scripture in an attempt to deceive a Christian.
Matthew 4:1– 11; 2 Corinthians 11:13– 14
In discerning the rhema word of God, it is still important for us to learn from biblically-sound teachers and to study Scripture.
Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Timothy 3:16; Acts 17:11; Matthew 28:18– 20
No one person has full revelation or understanding. Therefore, we should submit revelation for feedback from the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 14:26–30, 2:16, 12:7–12
We are accountable for the prophetic words we give and are committed to growing in accuracy.
Matthew 12:36–37; 1 Peter 4:10–11; 1 Corinthians 14:26–30
Prophetic words are not the only way to know the heart and will of God.
Hebrews 8:10; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Romans 12:2
God is intimately aware of every detail of our lives, but it is not His desire to control the decisions we make, and as His trusted children, we do not have to check with Him about everything we do (e.g. what to eat, what to wear, what street to take). However, He sometimes will give us specific direction even in the “little” things in order to guide us into something good.
Acts 16:7–9; 1 Corinthians 10:27–31; Mark 11:1–6; Luke 22:8–12
PERSONAL APPLICATION
The Bible should lead us into an ever-growing relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
John 5:39– 40; 2 Timothy 3:15– 17; Psalm 119:11; John 1:14, 14: 6
We come alive and are transformed as we study, hear and act upon God’s Word.
Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:14– 16; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 4:2; John 6:63; Isaiah 55:11
As we are in Christ, we participate in the fulfillment of the promises that God gave us in Scripture.
2 Peter 1:3– 8; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Numbers 23:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When we declare God’s Word, we partner with Him in transforming the world.
Proverbs 18:21; Joel 3:10; Isaiah 54:1; Acts 3:6– 7; Jonah 3:3– 10; Matthew 4:1– 11
It is possible for a Christian to be deceived, therefore, it is important that we remain teachable and trust in God’s Word to lead us into all truth.
Galatians 3:1; 1 John 4:1; Ephesians 4:22– 27; 1 Peter 5:8; Colossians 2:6– 8
Through our relationship with the Holy Spirit and with a Spirit-filled community, we seek to accurately interpret and apply the Bible. This helps guard against deception and misapplication.
John 16:12–15; 2 Corinthians 3:4–6; 1 Corinthians 2:9–11, 16; 1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:15; Hebrews 4:12
We need to keep listening and asking God questions, because it is His nature to reveal more and more truth as we search it out.
John 16:12–13; Genesis 22; James 1:5; Matthew 7:7–11; Genesis 18:16–33; Proverbs 25:2
It is important to nurture a strong prayer life by being intentional in both setting apart time to commune with God and to hear and be led by Him throughout our daily activities.
Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Luke 5:16; John 5:19; Romans 8:14
God often speaks to each of His children uniquely in a way that they can understand and receive. Therefore, the voice of the Lord we hear internally may sound like our own voice, but with greater wisdom and revelation. We practice to discern his voice with confidence.
1 Corinthians 2: 12– 16; Psalm 16: 7; John 10: 14– 16,27; Isaiah 30: 21; Acts 16: 7– 10
When God speaks to us it is important to understand that prophecy is a three-part process of revelation, interpretation, and application. Just like Scripture, prophecy can be misunderstood, misinterpreted, or poorly applied. We must carefully steward the words of God by asking for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to guide us.
1 Corinthians 14:29–31; Acts 10:9–16, 21:10–22:30, 27:10, 22–24
Most of the personal prophetic words God gives us are an invitation into fullness and
are “if-then” realities, conditionally based upon our personal choices. We must cooperate with God’s Spirit and stay in alignment to see the words come to pass. It is our responsibility to “work the word” by believing God and walking in obedience accordingly.
2 Chronicles 7:14, Deuteronomy 28; Luke 11:27-28; John 14:12-18
As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of prophecy is not given to us fully developed. We are responsible to grow and develop our gifts to their full potential by stepping out in faith, taking risks, and partnering with God.
1 Timothy 4:14–16; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Corinthians 14:1–3; 1 Corinthians 14:12
God is perfect, but He has chosen to partner with imperfect people to build His Kingdom. Like other spiritual gifts, such as teaching, leading and serving, we do not always prophesy perfectly. We sometimes make mistakes, and this is why we need to judge the words.
1 Corinthians 13:9–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21; 1 Corinthians 14:29–33; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Amos 3:7; Romans 12:6–10; Acts 15:28
We do not make major life decisions solely on the basis of a prophetic word, devoid of other sources of God’s leading and communication, such as prayer, Scripture, counsel from mature leaders, covenant relationships, personal desires, etc.
John 10:27– 28; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; James 1:5–6; Proverbs 24:6; Acts 11
We do not force prophecy to be fulfilled out of season. Rather, we wait in faith for His timing and His way, co-laboring with God as needed.
Genesis 15:2–5, 16:1–2, 21:2; Habakkuk 2:2–3; Hebrews 6:12; 2 Kings 5:10– 14; Acts 9:1–19
God enjoys communicating with His people, and there are a variety of ways through which He does this.
John 10:26-28; Matthew 4:4; Isaiah 50: 4– 5; Acts 2: 17; 1 Kings 19: 9– 13 Jeremiah 33: 3; Psalm 116:1-2; John 16:13
God’s voice is the Spirit of truth. He speaks through both His written Word (logos) and ever-proceeding spoken word (rhema).
John 16:13; John 15:26; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:4
His Written Word, The Bible (Logos)
- The Bible is the inspired and only infallible and authoritative Word of God.
- Jesus is the fulfillment of all Scripture, and His life and words are the standard and truth by which we live out our Christian faith.
- Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, guides us into receiving the Word as more than mere information, but as living revelation.
All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
The purpose of Scripture is to invite us into a relationship with the Author and to transform us into His likeness.
John 5:39–40; 2 Timothy 3:15– 17; Matthew 4:4; 2 Corinthians 3:15–18; James 1:22– 25; Ephesians 5:25–27; Psalm 119:11; Luke 24:13–35
Faith is released into our lives as we encounter God in His Word. Studying God’s truth empowers us to believe in who He is, who we are, and how He wants us to live.
Romans 10:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 17:17; Matthew 7:24–28; Colossians 3:15–17; John 8:31– 32; Psalm 119:105; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; Acts 8:26– 40
The primary lens through which we interpret the Bible is the person, life, and redemptive work of Jesus, because He is the most complete revelation of who God is and what God cares about.
John 5: 37– 47; Luke 24: 25– 32; John 1: 14, 14: 9– 11; Colossians 1: 15– 20, 2: 9; Hebrews 1: 1– 3; 2 Peter 1: 16– 21
The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Holy Spirit guides us into receiving the Word as more than mere information, but as living revelation.
Hebrews 4:12; John 14:26
The Bible is the greatest love story ever written. From beginning to end, it reveals God’s love and provision for His people.
Genesis 1 & 2; John 3:16; Revelation 1:1-18
His Spoken Word, (Rhema)
- Prayer
- Prophecy/Prophetic Ministry
Two-way communication is essential in our relationship with God. As we commune with Him in prayer we posture our hearts to ask, seek, share, receive and listen.
Matthew 7:7-8; Mark 4:24; 1 Samuel 3:10
God loves to hear our voices in prayer. He is attentive and responds to us.
Song of Songs 2:14; Psalm 116:1-2 (NLT); 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 7:7; Philippians 4:6–7
Scripture calls us to follow the way of love and earnestly desire the gift of prophecy, which is to speak on God’s behalf to strengthen, encourage, and comfort people. We desire to say what the Father is saying to help people grow in their identity and discover their God-given purpose and value.
1 Corinthians 14:1–4; John 12:49; 1 Timothy 4:14–16; Acts 2:17; 1 Corinthians 14:24–25; Acts 13:1–3
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Revelation 19:10
DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND
The Bible is infallible, but our interpretation of it might not be.
John 5:39– 40; 2 Timothy 2:14– 18; Luke 24:25– 32
We should always judge and evaluate an interpretation of Scripture to determine whether the interpretation is merely an opinion.
Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:15– 20; 2 Peter 2:1– 3
God is not boxed in by our current understanding of His Word.
John 8:1–11; Matthew 12:1–13; Matthew 22:29; Job 42:2–5; Acts 11:1–18
The devil can use Scripture in an attempt to deceive a Christian.
Matthew 4:1– 11; 2 Corinthians 11:13– 14
In discerning the rhema word of God, it is still important for us to learn from biblically-sound teachers and to study Scripture.
Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Timothy 3:16; Acts 17:11; Matthew 28:18– 20
No one person has full revelation or understanding. Therefore, we should submit revelation for feedback from the Christian community.
1 Corinthians 14:26–30, 2:16, 12:7–12
We are accountable for the prophetic words we give and are committed to growing in accuracy.
Matthew 12:36–37; 1 Peter 4:10–11; 1 Corinthians 14:26–30
Prophetic words are not the only way to know the heart and will of God.
Hebrews 8:10; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Romans 12:2
God is intimately aware of every detail of our lives, but it is not His desire to control the decisions we make, and as His trusted children, we do not have to check with Him about everything we do (e.g. what to eat, what to wear, what street to take). However, He sometimes will give us specific direction even in the “little” things in order to guide us into something good.
Acts 16:7–9; 1 Corinthians 10:27–31; Mark 11:1–6; Luke 22:8–12
PERSONAL APPLICATION
The Bible should lead us into an ever-growing relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
John 5:39– 40; 2 Timothy 3:15– 17; Psalm 119:11; John 1:14, 14: 6
We come alive and are transformed as we study, hear and act upon God’s Word.
Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 2:14– 16; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 4:2; John 6:63; Isaiah 55:11
As we are in Christ, we participate in the fulfillment of the promises that God gave us in Scripture.
2 Peter 1:3– 8; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Numbers 23:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24
When we declare God’s Word, we partner with Him in transforming the world.
Proverbs 18:21; Joel 3:10; Isaiah 54:1; Acts 3:6– 7; Jonah 3:3– 10; Matthew 4:1– 11
It is possible for a Christian to be deceived, therefore, it is important that we remain teachable and trust in God’s Word to lead us into all truth.
Galatians 3:1; 1 John 4:1; Ephesians 4:22– 27; 1 Peter 5:8; Colossians 2:6– 8
Through our relationship with the Holy Spirit and with a Spirit-filled community, we seek to accurately interpret and apply the Bible. This helps guard against deception and misapplication.
John 16:12–15; 2 Corinthians 3:4–6; 1 Corinthians 2:9–11, 16; 1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:15; Hebrews 4:12
We need to keep listening and asking God questions, because it is His nature to reveal more and more truth as we search it out.
John 16:12–13; Genesis 22; James 1:5; Matthew 7:7–11; Genesis 18:16–33; Proverbs 25:2
It is important to nurture a strong prayer life by being intentional in both setting apart time to commune with God and to hear and be led by Him throughout our daily activities.
Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Luke 5:16; John 5:19; Romans 8:14
God often speaks to each of His children uniquely in a way that they can understand and receive. Therefore, the voice of the Lord we hear internally may sound like our own voice, but with greater wisdom and revelation. We practice to discern his voice with confidence.
1 Corinthians 2: 12– 16; Psalm 16: 7; John 10: 14– 16,27; Isaiah 30: 21; Acts 16: 7– 10
When God speaks to us it is important to understand that prophecy is a three-part process of revelation, interpretation, and application. Just like Scripture, prophecy can be misunderstood, misinterpreted, or poorly applied. We must carefully steward the words of God by asking for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to guide us.
1 Corinthians 14:29–31; Acts 10:9–16, 21:10–22:30, 27:10, 22–24
Most of the personal prophetic words God gives us are an invitation into fullness and
are “if-then” realities, conditionally based upon our personal choices. We must cooperate with God’s Spirit and stay in alignment to see the words come to pass. It is our responsibility to “work the word” by believing God and walking in obedience accordingly.
2 Chronicles 7:14, Deuteronomy 28; Luke 11:27-28; John 14:12-18
As with all spiritual gifts, the gift of prophecy is not given to us fully developed. We are responsible to grow and develop our gifts to their full potential by stepping out in faith, taking risks, and partnering with God.
1 Timothy 4:14–16; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Corinthians 14:1–3; 1 Corinthians 14:12
God is perfect, but He has chosen to partner with imperfect people to build His Kingdom. Like other spiritual gifts, such as teaching, leading and serving, we do not always prophesy perfectly. We sometimes make mistakes, and this is why we need to judge the words.
1 Corinthians 13:9–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21; 1 Corinthians 14:29–33; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Amos 3:7; Romans 12:6–10; Acts 15:28
We do not make major life decisions solely on the basis of a prophetic word, devoid of other sources of God’s leading and communication, such as prayer, Scripture, counsel from mature leaders, covenant relationships, personal desires, etc.
John 10:27– 28; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; James 1:5–6; Proverbs 24:6; Acts 11
We do not force prophecy to be fulfilled out of season. Rather, we wait in faith for His timing and His way, co-laboring with God as needed.
Genesis 15:2–5, 16:1–2, 21:2; Habakkuk 2:2–3; Hebrews 6:12; 2 Kings 5:10– 14; Acts 9:1–19