The Pursuit of God Ch: 6
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Questions and Answers

What does the author suggest is a common misconception about God and the Bible?

  • That the Bible is a historical record of God's words, but not a source of ongoing communication. (correct)
  • That the Bible is a book of rules and regulations, rather than a guide for living.
  • That God is only vocal in the Bible and silent elsewhere. (correct)
  • That the Bible is only for the select few, not for ordinary people to understand.
  • According to the author, what is the first step in hearing God speak through the Bible?

  • Getting still and waiting on God. (correct)
  • Seeking guidance from a religious leader.
  • Studying the Bible with a group of believers.
  • Reading the Bible with a prayerful heart.
  • 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?"

  • The Bible is a book of stories and parables that can only be understood through a personal relationship with God.
  • The Bible is a collection of human writings, but it has divine inspiration and can be used to connect with God.
  • The Bible is a collection of God's words, and we must believe that God is always speaking to us in our lives, not just through the Bible. (correct)
  • The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, but it requires faith to truly believe its message.
  • What is the author's main point about the Bible's use of the past tense in referring to God's words?

    <p>The past tense is used to reflect the fact that God's speaking is not limited to the past but continues in the present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author mean by "To jump from a dead, impersonal world to a dogmatic Bible is too much for most people?"

    <p>Most people struggle to accept the Bible's authority without first experiencing a personal relationship with God.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author suggest is the nature of God?

    <p>God is a loving and merciful God who is always speaking to His creation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the author characterize the religious climate of his time?

    <p>A time characterized by a focus on outward displays of religion and noise over genuine faith.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a step the author suggests for hearing God speak through the Bible?

    <p>Focusing on the Bible's literal interpretation rather than its metaphorical meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the author, what is the significance of the prophets saying "Thus saith the Lord"?

    <p>It shows that God's words are ongoing and relevant for the present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author believe is the key to unlocking the Bible's true meaning?

    <p>Believing that God is speaking through the Bible in the present moment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the author imply about the relationship between silence and one's ability to hear God?

    <p>Noise distracts from spiritual understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What progression does the author suggest one might experience when drawing near to God?

    <p>A gradual transition from sound to understanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the author describe the nature of God's communication through the Bible?

    <p>It represents God's eternal and continuous speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What error does the author identify in how people often view God and the Bible?

    <p>They believe God is silent outside of Scripture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mindset does the author encourage when approaching the Bible?

    <p>To approach it as if it is currently speaking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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