Questions and Answers
What does the author suggest is a common misconception about God and the Bible?
According to the author, what is the first step in hearing God speak through the Bible?
What does the author mean by the phrase "The Bible will never be a living Book to us until we are convinced that God is articulate in His universe?"
What is the author's main point about the Bible's use of the past tense in referring to God's words?
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What does the author mean by "To jump from a dead, impersonal world to a dogmatic Bible is too much for most people?"
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What does the author suggest is the nature of God?
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How does the author characterize the religious climate of his time?
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Which of these is NOT a step the author suggests for hearing God speak through the Bible?
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According to the author, what is the significance of the prophets saying "Thus saith the Lord"?
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What does the author believe is the key to unlocking the Bible's true meaning?
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What does the author imply about the relationship between silence and one's ability to hear God?
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What progression does the author suggest one might experience when drawing near to God?
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How does the author describe the nature of God's communication through the Bible?
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What error does the author identify in how people often view God and the Bible?
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What mindset does the author encourage when approaching the Bible?
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Study Notes
The Speaking Voice of God
- The concept of the Word in John 1:1 implies that communication is inherent to God's nature.
- God is characterized as continuously speaking rather than having spoken only in the past; His voice fills creation.
- The phrase "He spake and it was done" reflects the belief that God's Voice is the source of order from chaos and existence from nothing.
- God's speaking Voice transcends written scripture; it embodies live expression and ongoing communication.
Power of the Spoken Word
- The living Voice of God is seen as the ultimate force in nature, where all energy derives from His active Word.
- The Bible, while considered God's written word, is limited to ink and paper; its power is rooted in God's ongoing vocal expression.
- Creation is framed by God's Voice, emphasizing its continuous nature from the dawn of time to present.
Divine Communication and Human Response
- The notion of God as a speaking entity highlights His desire for mankind to respond spiritually to His call.
- Throughout history, individuals possess an innate awareness of God's voice, contesting the idea that those unaware of scripture are without connection to the divine.
- Conscience and moral awareness are viewed as reflections of God’s voice, showing the universality of His presence.
Wisdom and the Voice of God
- Wisdom, often interpreted as God's Voice in the Hebrew Scriptures, actively seeks human response, emphasizing the need for recognition and understanding.
- Proverbs illustrates Wisdom calling out to humanity, urging them to listen and engage with the truths conveyed.
Reactions to the Voice
- Historical misinterpretations of divine intervention arise; God’s voice can be dismissed as mere natural phenomena, revealing a tendency to prioritize scientific reasoning over spiritual recognition.
- Experiences of awe, wonder, or illumination may stem from encounters with God’s presence, suggesting a divine origin for feelings of transcendence.
Possibility of Creative Inspiration
- Creative expressions across disciplines could be viewed as responses to the inner promptings of the speaking Voice, influenced by the divine.
- Genius might be characterized as a sensitivity to God's voice, channeling inspirations that often remain unacknowledged.
Listening to God's Voice
- The invitation to listen encourages introspection and a humble approach to seeking divine communication.
- Silence and stillness are deemed essential for hearing God, contrasting with the noise of contemporary life.
The Ongoing Nature of Scripture
- The Bible should be approached as a living text, with words that persist in their relevance and connection to God’s present voice.
- Understanding scripture requires acknowledgment that God's communication continues, dense with meaning and intention for individuals today.
Emphasis on Encountering God
- The call to approach the Bible expects readers to perceive it as an active dialogue rather than a historical account.
- An openness to hearing God’s voice in the scriptures can lead to deeper, more personal connections with the divine.
Concluding Prayer for Attunement
- Acknowledgment of the need for divine assistance in learning to listen reflects a desire for sensitivity to God’s ongoing communication and presence in life.
The Speaking Voice of God
- The concept of the Word in John 1:1 implies that communication is inherent to God's nature.
- God is characterized as continuously speaking rather than having spoken only in the past; His voice fills creation.
- The phrase "He spake and it was done" reflects the belief that God's Voice is the source of order from chaos and existence from nothing.
- God's speaking Voice transcends written scripture; it embodies live expression and ongoing communication.
Power of the Spoken Word
- The living Voice of God is seen as the ultimate force in nature, where all energy derives from His active Word.
- The Bible, while considered God's written word, is limited to ink and paper; its power is rooted in God's ongoing vocal expression.
- Creation is framed by God's Voice, emphasizing its continuous nature from the dawn of time to present.
Divine Communication and Human Response
- The notion of God as a speaking entity highlights His desire for mankind to respond spiritually to His call.
- Throughout history, individuals possess an innate awareness of God's voice, contesting the idea that those unaware of scripture are without connection to the divine.
- Conscience and moral awareness are viewed as reflections of God’s voice, showing the universality of His presence.
Wisdom and the Voice of God
- Wisdom, often interpreted as God's Voice in the Hebrew Scriptures, actively seeks human response, emphasizing the need for recognition and understanding.
- Proverbs illustrates Wisdom calling out to humanity, urging them to listen and engage with the truths conveyed.
Reactions to the Voice
- Historical misinterpretations of divine intervention arise; God’s voice can be dismissed as mere natural phenomena, revealing a tendency to prioritize scientific reasoning over spiritual recognition.
- Experiences of awe, wonder, or illumination may stem from encounters with God’s presence, suggesting a divine origin for feelings of transcendence.
Possibility of Creative Inspiration
- Creative expressions across disciplines could be viewed as responses to the inner promptings of the speaking Voice, influenced by the divine.
- Genius might be characterized as a sensitivity to God's voice, channeling inspirations that often remain unacknowledged.
Listening to God's Voice
- The invitation to listen encourages introspection and a humble approach to seeking divine communication.
- Silence and stillness are deemed essential for hearing God, contrasting with the noise of contemporary life.
The Ongoing Nature of Scripture
- The Bible should be approached as a living text, with words that persist in their relevance and connection to God’s present voice.
- Understanding scripture requires acknowledgment that God's communication continues, dense with meaning and intention for individuals today.
Emphasis on Encountering God
- The call to approach the Bible expects readers to perceive it as an active dialogue rather than a historical account.
- An openness to hearing God’s voice in the scriptures can lead to deeper, more personal connections with the divine.
Concluding Prayer for Attunement
- Acknowledgment of the need for divine assistance in learning to listen reflects a desire for sensitivity to God’s ongoing communication and presence in life.
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Description
Explore the profound concept of communication in John 1:1, where God's nature as a continuous speaker is revealed. This quiz delves into the implications of God's voice as the source of order and life. Understand how His speaking transcends scriptures and embodies ongoing communication.
