In our fast-paced world, the whispers of God often go unheard, yet countless believers yearn to discern His voice. How do we cultivate a sensitivity to divine guidance amidst life’s noise? This was the heart of the recent sermon, which examined God’s communication through the lens of Acts 21 and the legacy of John Knox, a key figure in the Reformation.

As the speaker began, he reminded us of Knox Church‘s rich heritage, noting that John Knox, once a Catholic priest, became a fervent advocate for “sola scriptura,” the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in our faith. He faced persecution and adversity, yet remained steadfast, exemplifying the powerful connection between God and His servants, even to the point of prophecy.

The speaker poignantly stated, “If we accept the Bible as the word of God, we already believe in prophecy, in hearing God’s voice.” He referenced 2 Peter 1:21, which underscores that “no prophecy of scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” The act of divine communication is not confined to text; rather, it is an ongoing relationship with our Creator, who guides and instructs His people in various ways.

In Acts 21, we see the Apostle Paul determinedly journeying to Jerusalem, prompted by the Spirit despite warnings about impending trouble. Paul’s experiences reflect a profound understanding of divine direction: “Compelled by the Spirit, I’m going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there” (Acts 20:22). His experiences in this chapter illustrate the complex interplay of revelation, interpretation, and application in our spiritual journeys.

The speaker pointed out that while Paul felt called to go despite the warnings from fellow believers, their responses were also rooted in the Spirit. This raises an important question: how do we differentiate between our interpretations of God’s guidance and the promptings of the Holy Spirit? It’s a reminder that sometimes, what seems like a detour may actually be part of God’s greater plan for our lives.

An insightful moment in the sermon illustrated the abilities of prophetic ministry. The speaker recounted a story of a man who received a warning about his job situation and, despite initial skepticism, ultimately saw God’s hand at work. This emphasizes the need for faith and trust in God’s messages, even if they seem daunting.

Reflecting on our daily lives, the speaker encouraged us to seek out God’s voice through prayer and meditation, saying it’s important to remain open to how He may choose to communicate. He urged us not to dismiss supernatural guidance, citing our own experiences of God’s nudges. How often have you felt compelled to reach out to someone or received a scripture at just the right moment?

Toward the conclusion of the sermon, the speaker tenderly reminded us that suffering is sometimes part of God’s will. He likened Paul’s journey to Jerusalem to Jesus’s own determination to face trials in preparation for His sacrifice. “For most of us, our cultural conditioning tells us that suffering cannot be part of God’s will,” he noted, “yet sometimes suffering is right in the center of it.”

The call to action from the sermon was clear: take time to reflect, pray, and grow in your understanding of God’s communication. How can you become more attuned to His voice in your life? Engage in the Scriptures, speak with fellow believers about what you feel God may be prompting you, and do not shy away from the uncomfortable places, trusting that they may hold profound growth.

Knox Church, situated in Old Strathcona just north of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, warmly invites you to join in worship and community. Consider exploring the “Knox Event Calendar” for opportunities to connect, serve, and grow together. As we seek to hear God’s voice, let us come together to strengthen one another in Christ.