The Voice

Good Wednesday to you,

There are voices and there are voices. We may not be able to determine who the next vocal star is, but are we able to determine when God is speaking to us? This last Sunday, Reformation Sunday, I talked about Martin Luther's voice to the power of his day. They were asking him to recant his writings, but with humility, he declined. He could not and would not recant. Councils had erred in the past. Unless Luther was convinced by Scripture -- for his conscience was held captive to the Word of God -- to recant would be neither right nor safe. He made such a stance because he had come to recognize the voice of God. The leaders of the day had drifted away from God.

In talking with the religious leaders of the day, who prided themselves in celebrating God's miraculous provisions in the past, Jesus implored them to look at the miracles He was doing. They were the proof needed to confirm His identity. Jesus clearly heard God's voice, while the religious leaders of the day had drifted away.

How can we be sure not to drift away from God's voice? God speaks to us primarily through His Word. Any Word that comes to us beyond that will confirm and agree with the Written Word. As we prayerfully read Scripture, meditate, and memorize Scripture, and as we faithfully seek Him together in community, we can be assured that we are hearing God's voice. Like the sheep who know their shepherd's voice, we will be able to discern God's voice amidst the noise that surrounds us.

Next week, we will look at the raising of Lazarus and encounter one more "I Am" statement made by Jesus. If you would like to join in the pre-sermon Bible study on Friday morning at 11:00, please do! The sermon text is John 11:1-27.

For all of you who participated in our stewardship campaign for next year, thank you. It is not too late to participate. We are getting close to reaching our goal. Your partnership may be the one that puts us over the top.

Yesterday, November 1, I began my 30th year among you. These past 29 years have been a blessing. I know some of you are planning on joining us this Saturday as we look back on where we've been, as well as where we are now. Some of you have already reached out with kind words or a card with regrets that you are unable to attend. Please know how grateful we are for all of you. This past year has flown by, and as we prepare to finish our ministry among you, we will celebrate what God has done in anticipation of God's faithfulness in the coming years. Please continue to pray for us as we transition to ministry beyond Graham, and please pray for the process of selecting your next pastor. Never forget, God loves Graham more than all of us put together.

Grace and peace,
Pastor David

If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now!