READING: ACTS 10:1 - 19.

SUBJECT: SIX WAYS GOD COMMUNICATES.

1. GOD COMMUNICATES BY ANGELS.

ACT 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Angels through out scripture are heavenly beings - who minister Gods message - tidings of birth - warnings of destruction - words of instruction.

HEB 1:14 Are they (angels)not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Eg. PHILIP - Heard his instruction from an angel to go to the Gaza desert and speak to the Eunuch.

ACT 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

2. GOD COMMUNICATES BY A MAN.

ACT 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

ACT 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Men who know God and his Word are used by God as his mouth piece -when they speak they act as the body of Christ.

2PE 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Eg. ANANIAS THE DISCIPLE - Commissioned of God to minister to Saul of Tarsus after his Damascus road experience.

ACT 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

3. GOD COMMUNICATES BY AN AUDIBLE VOICE.

ACT 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

Those who have matured in the Lord - who have exercised prayer - have their spiritual senses exercised to discern the audible voice of God - they are not mentally deranged.

ISA 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Eg. VOICE AT THE TRANSFIGURATION - Peter ,James and John heard the audible voice of God the Father speak to them about the Lord Jesus.

MAT 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

4. GOD COMMUNICATES THROUGH VISIONS.

ACT 10:17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Men receive visions - a visual insight of Gods divine plan when the Holy Ghost comes upon them. Special revelations are given to saints this way.

ACT 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Eg. THE MACEDONIAN CALL - Paul received a vision to go to Macedonia to preach the gospel - when prison trials came he knew that God had sent him by the heavenly vision.

ACT 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

5. GOD COMMUNICATES THROUGH THE SPIRIT.

ACT 10:19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

The Spirit of God is resident in those who are born again - He speaks in a mans spirit giving guidance - this is called the still small voice of God.

ROM 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Eg. THE SEVEN CHURCHES - Each of the churches of the book of Revelation - were admonished to hear the Spirit speak to them - some do not have ears for this.

REV 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

6. GOD COMMUNICATES THROUGH HIS WORD.

ACT 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

When the Word of God is preached - it enters mans spirit,soul and body -also the mind.

HEB 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Eg. THE BIBLE - GODS INSTRUCTION - Those who read or hear the Word of God receive the voice of Gods correction and instruction.

2TI 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Outlines by Don Normand - Copyright 1991

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