The Spirit Speaks

I am leary of "Christians" who say things like, "I have a new word from the Lord" or "God spoke to me today." My response is usually, "Really? Have you ever read the Bible?"

"You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you." - Deuteronomy 4:3

That's pretty clear.

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book." - Revelation 22:18-19

Old Testament or New, God's Word is what it is. There are no NEW words to be added, or words to be removed. Period.

Still, God can and does communicate with us through His Holy Spirit. We might feel convicted about something in a sermon, or hear a news story and feel compelled to help someone or to pray.

But the key to living an obedient Christian life is to actually DO what the Bible says. And the Holy Spirit will never lead us to do something contrary to it.

Here's a question: If we are led to do something, and then don't do it, are we not disobeying God? And if we claim to be followers of Jesus but do not do what He says, are we truly, really, His followers?

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" - Luke 6:46

Here's another question: If we feel led to do something, is it really from God? Or is it just our human feelings?

In the Book of Acts Peter had a vision. "A voice" told Peter (in a trance) to do something. Peter questioned it. The voice answered.

"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for." - Acts 10:19-21

How did Peter know that the Spirit was speaking to him? He went downstairs, as the Spirit had told him to do, and there were the three men.

When we feel led by the Holy Spirit, it is our duty to follow, being discerning as we do so. Our actions should always line up with God's Word. God DOES test us. And, when He does, will we pass the test?