And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11 NIV).

Have you ever heard the audible voice of God? That's right. Have you ever heard God's voice out loud, where everyone could hear it? I have had strong and weak "promptings" or "holy nudges," but I have never heard the audible voice of God. Yes, I have heard His voice, but not out loud. Some have. Maybe you have.

There are three times in the New Testament where the audible voice of God was heard by a group of individuals. Do you know where they are? First, three of the Gospels record the baptism of Jesus. As Jesus was coming out of the water, the crowd heard a voice from heaven say, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased" (Mark 1:10,11 NIV). Can you imagine being there? What did God's voice sound like? Was it loud? Deep? Like your voice? I don't know, but it was powerful!

The second time God's real voice was heard was on a mountain. Peter, James and John witnessed the majestic event. Jesus was transformed before their very eyes. On the Mount of Transfiguration, the voice of God said for all to hear, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him" (Mark 9:7 NIV). Can you imagine? Jesus knew this was so powerful that He told the three disciples not to tell anyone until after He had come back to life.

Finally, the voice of God spoke after Jesus told his disciples that He was going to die and rise again. The voice of God said, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again" (John 12:28,29 NIV). God is referring to His own Name. It has been and will be forever glorified. Some in the crowd thought it was thunder, and others thought it was angels. No, it was God.

Have you ever wished God just spoke to us out loud all the time? Why do we have to get His instructions through a less direct source? Why can't we just get them loud and clear? Guess what? You can today. That's right: God wants to give us His principles, guidance, instructions, advice, blessings and warnings through two major sources. First, the written Word of God. He has spoken to us in loving ways through the Bible. Second, He speaks to us through His church--not the building, but the people. God's followers speak to us individually and corporately. Are we listening to them? (He also speaks through experiences. Indeed, there are no coincidences when God is working in your life.)

There are two rules we must not ignore if we are looking and listening for God's voice. Remember, God will never lead you toward any action or belief that is contrary to His complete, revealed and written Word. And God will seldom move you contrary to the prayerful insight of your Christian community, namely, the local body of believers. There is no such thing as "lone ranger Christianity." Do you want to know what He is saying? Look to the parchments and the people of God.

--Jeff Baxter

So, what is God saying in your life? How will you respond and be changed?

© 2003 Kingdom Building Ministries.