We talked about the voice of God. But I think there is a lot of confusion out there regarding how He speaks to mankind today.
You won't often hear a voice from heaven because God has given us something better- a more sure word of prophecy.
II Peter 1:19- We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
The Bible has all the answers we need. There may be times that God speaks audibly or spiritually to His children in this age, but it will never contradict Scripture. And if you can find it in Scripture that is where God wants you to look.
The danger with listening for a voice is that the devil is a great imitator of God.
I john 4:1-3- Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Daniel heard God speak, and he also heard the AntiChrist speak.
Daniel 7:8- I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
He described what he heard from this horn as speaking great things.
Revelation 13:5-6, And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
The horn Daniel saw is the Dragon of Revelation. The great things that Daniel heard are said to be blasphemy against God for the space of three-and-a-half years by John.
Revelation 13:11-15- And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
The Dragon has a prophet which talks the same way he does. This prophet can work miracles. He isn't the same as the AntiChrist, but will work along side of him to help deceive the world.
What will God do with this prophet? He's been trying to warm humanity for ages!
Deuteronomy 18:20- But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
He will die along with the AntiChrist. Not just death and burial, but an eternal damnation.
Revelation 19:20- And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
The warnings are there. This false prophet and the Dragon can imitate God so closely that you can only tell them apart from God by Scripture. I you look back up at Deuteronomy 18:20 you will see that he speaks in the name of another god.
Daniel 11:38- But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
Daniel calls him the god of forces, which his Jewish fathers knew not.
John 10:4-5- And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
Those who stay in the Word of God will be able to tell the difference. Those who rely on feelings, or traditions, or religion will be deceived like Jesus Himself warned.
Matthew 24:24- For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
II Corinthians 11:13-15- For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
How could anyone fall for that? Because they preach using the words people have come to rely on and not Sound Doctrine!
Mark 13:6- For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
II Corinthians 11:3-4- But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Romans 16:18- For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
How can you make certain that you won't be deceived? By taking heed to God's Word.
II Timothy 3:13-15- But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 2:15- Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
