Q1. Listening to the Father

[Lisema Ralitsoele]

1.    Q1. (John 5:19-20) Are we intended to emulate Jesus' listening to the Father, or is knowing the Bible a modern-day substitute for this? Knowing the Bible is good. It is a prerequisite to doing ministry. However, what we learn from the Apostle Paul‘s experience in Acts 16:6-7 is that we must emulate Jesus’ listening to the Father.

Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia

6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.

2.    Why don't churches teach more about hearing the voice of God? A few Christian denominations have it as their tradition to listen to God’s voice: many denominations do not because of the failure to interpret properly the example that Jesus set for us. Jesus established a pattern of going away to pray, during which time he received guidance from the Father on what to do in various cases. This pattern was demonstrated to his disciples for them to emulate.

 What would happen in our generation if we would learn to dynamically hear God and then obey what he is saying to us? If our generation learnt to hear and obey what God is saying to us, we would act , as Jesus did, righteously and accomplish the miracles of healing the sick, making the lame walk and casting out demons and greater than these as Jesus promised. We would also be good at discipleship for our communities and indeed the whole world to be a better place
 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Yes, we are to follow the example of Christ.  We need to have a deep prayer life with God the Father. No person of the Holy Trinity acts independently from each other. Christ was an agent of the Father who worked through Him by the Holy Spirit. I have thought how Prophet Ezekiel was in deep Communion with God when he was given various visions of eternity.  Prophet Ezekiel was obedient to the call of God; he had profound obedience to God the Father.  He was an enigma to his fellow countryman. Prophet Ezekiel and Jesus Christ communed in prayer.   

I will never forget the late Pastor Wilkerson. He constantly stressed the importance of developing the mind of Christ.   Living a disciplined Christain life is ultra-important.  He lamented the fact of so many backsliding preachers in serious errors; this fact weighed on his heart.   Today,  churches don't stress the need to get away from regular busy schedules; they are enamored by business.    What a tragedy when the altar is forsaken for business and frivolity !   Tarrying at the altar is considered old fashioned.    It sure worked for Charles Finney during his revival meetings in 19th century and George Whitefield in 18th century.

A definite reformation would happen beyond a doubt.   So many denominations are following Gideon's error; he enshrined the ephod.   What a seemingly innocent blunder!  Idolatry started in the land and Gideon's sons except for one son were murdered.     Private and corporate prayer accompanied by fasting are deemed old fashioned in our times.    Very sad that amongst conservative churches,  tarrying before the Lord is a thing of the past.   ST Francis of Assisi heard the voice of God a number of times.   Amazing stories of God's presence followed by miracles attested by historians 13 century.  The Holy Spirit is constantly mentioned in Acts; so amazing how receptive the early Church was to the move of the Holy Spirit

[Irmela]

(John 5:19-20)

Are we intended to emulate Jesus' listening to the Father, or is knowing the Bible a modern-day substitute for this?

Why don't churches teach more about hearing the voice of God?

What would happen in our generation if we would learn to dynamically hear God and then obey what he is saying to us?

Yes, we sure are to follow Yeshua's example of listening to the Father. 

There are many serving the Lord in communist countries. They listen very intently to the Spirit's leading. They do not all have a Bible. When they do get a page here and there, they treasure the words and often learn them off by heart. 

It is true that when we study the Word we are likely going to be reminded of a passage in a season of difficulty and so receive help. 

God does also speak in visions and audibly. I have experienced both. I give God the glory for this.