Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
You're right to realize that everyone that says they've heard - or seen - are not necessarily of God. We have to discern who is and who isn't real.
The Bible tells us to test the spirits...
I don't believe that everyone whose heard the voice of God is unbalanced. God speaks to us. But, there are also deceiving spirits. In fact, if you think about it, many of the "new" religions that are out there have started with a voice or a vision from some "spirit guide"...
Personally, I have heard a definite, clear voice two different times. One time God spoke a particular scripture to me - one I'd never read before...it was very clear. I immediately looked it up. When I did, I realized that my Father had kind of yelled at me... it was correction.
Another time, I clearly heard a still, small voice. I believe it was the voice of Jesus... He said, "I can even still the sea"... that was it...
I really needed to be reminded of that fact at that particular time because of where I was and what I was going through. I believe that Jesus wanted to comfort and encourage me that He was close by and was watching over me in the situation.
The Word says that His sheep know his voice and the voice of another they will not follow. The Word also tells us that God never changes.
God still speaks to us. He hasn't changed. He speaks to us in many different ways.
Everyone that says God told them something is not crazy. (But everyone who says they've heard from God is not a saint, either!)
Last edited by World Citizen; 04-07-2008 at 05:06 PM..
You're right to realize that everyone that says they've heard - or seen - are not necessarily of God. We have to discern who is and who isn't real.
The Bible tells us to test the spirits...
I don't believe that everyone whose heard the voice of God is unbalanced. There are also deceiving spirits. If you think about it, many of the new religions that are out there have started with a vision from some spirit guide...
Personally, I have heard a definite, clear voice two different times. One time God spoke a particular scripture to me - one I'd never read before...it was very clear. I immediately looked it up. When I did, I realized that my Father had kind of yelled at me... it was correction.
Another time, I clearly heard a still, small voice. I believe it was the voice of Jesus... He said, "I can even still the sea"... that was it...
I really needed to be reminded of that at that particular time because of where I was and what I was going through.
The Word says that His sheep know his voice and the voice of another they will not follow.
God still speaks to us. He hasn't changed. He speaks to us in many different ways.
Everyone that says God told them something is not crazy.
I agree. One should test what the person is saying by comparing it to scripture. God will not contradict Himself. If someone comes up to me and tells me that God told them to give me a message and the message does not line up with the Bible, then I will not believe them.
On the topic of mental health, I have been in evangelical churches my entire life. I think there is a distinct difference between someone who is outgoing in their faith and someone who is suffering from a mental problem.
I agree. One should test what the person is saying by comparing it to scripture. God will not contradict Himself. If someone comes up to me and tells me that God told them to give me a message and the message does not line up with the Bible, then I will not believe them.
Good advice.
Even if it lines up with the Word of God, if you don't bear witness that it is a word to you from God it's not necessarily a word for you.
We also have to discern between words that originate in / from a well meaning, concerned christian person - who may not discern the leading of their own spirit from the leading of the Spirit of God.
Last edited by World Citizen; 04-07-2008 at 06:31 PM..
Man's traditional definitions and opinions are not the defining reality. The authority comes from God, His Son and the Holy Spirit.
Until our calling and election to Sainthood (holiness) is fulfilled, we are all ill to one degree or another.
Some still seek righteousness, others see it far off.
I'd like to thank those that answered......I appreciate you teaching me how your faith works. I do believe that God can talk to us.....probably more often in a silent, guiding way but I in no way discount those of you have experienced God in a much more direct way.
My concern was that, well, for reassurance that if someone seemed unbalanced in that they were taking the word a little too zealously that there would be checks and balances in place for that persons well being.
Thanks again for sharing!
I agree. One should test what the person is saying by comparing it to scripture. God will not contradict Himself. If someone comes up to me and tells me that God told them to give me a message and the message does not line up with the Bible, then I will not believe them.
Yes! I agree with this, Scripture will always back Scripture. The best way to know the truth, know God, know His Word.
I'd like to thank those that answered......I appreciate you teaching me how your faith works. I do believe that God can talk to us.....probably more often in a silent, guiding way but I in no way discount those of you have experienced God in a much more direct way.
My concern was that, well, for reassurance that if someone seemed unbalanced in that they were taking the word a little too zealously that there would be checks and balances in place for that persons well being.
Thanks again for sharing!
Camping,
You can also tell a mature christian by the way they choose their words.
because i was taught about the saints and i dont think just because people follow Jesus they automatically become saints. it seems a little scraligious to me...jmo
Saints, accordiing to Catholic teachings, are people who have been beatified by the church.That is, the church declares that the person is a saint after their death.But, the teachings in the bible contradict this.Believers are saints...
Just because someone is mentally ill doesn't mean their testimony about the Lord isn't valid!The question is just because someone is mentally ill, should they not be allowed the same zeal as their brothers and sisters?
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Testing the Spirits
