by Coleen Sharp | Jun 12, 2017 | Uncategorized
On this episode of Theology Gals Ashley and Coleen discuss whether God talks to us secretly outside of Scripture. They also talk about how we know the will of God.
Episode Resources:
We’ve all probably heard people say, “The Lord told me….” But does God really talk to us audibly outside of Scripture?
How does God speak to us today?
Hebrews 1:1&2 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Rod Rosenbladt says of this passage, “… the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews makes very clear that God has revealed Himself most clearly in the incarnate Son (Heb. 1:1–2) and that, correlatively, we Christians living between the First and Second Advents are not to expect a repetition of the “various ways” of God’s self-revelation in what the writer calls “times past.””
Thus Saith the Lord? by Rod Rosenbladt
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart
“Are there instances in the Scriptures in which people describe a sense of God speaking to them through an inner voice? We read accounts of God speaking in an audible voice, through a supernatural dream or vision, a human hand writing on a wall, a blinding light, or a thunderous voice from heaven. This is quite different from the way most people who say that God has told them something describe hearing his voice—as a thought that came into their mind that they “know” was God speaking. One prominent teacher who trains people on how to hear the voice of God writes, “God’s voice in your heart often sounds like a flow of spontaneous thoughts.” But where in the Bible are we instructed to seek after or expect to hear God speak to us in this way?”
Why Do We Say ‘God told me’? by Nancy Guthrie
God’s Word is complete
Westminster Confession 1.1
“Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men unexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation. Therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing: which maketh the Holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.”
God has given us everything necessary for life and godliness in His Word
2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence
Secret messages from God are not the same thing as prophecy
Bible Dictionary Prophecy:
or prediction, was one of the functions of the prophet. It has been defined as a “miracle of knowledge, a declaration or description or representation of something future, beyond the power of human sagacity to foresee, discern, or conjecture.”
prophēteía (from 4396 /prophḗtēs, “prophet,” which is derived from 4253 /pró, “before” and 5346 /phēmí, “make clear, assert as a priority”) – properly, what is clarified beforehand; prophecy which involves divinely-empowered forthtelling (asserting the mind of God) or foretelling (prediction).
http://biblehub.com/greek/4394.htm
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/prophet-prophetess-prophecy.html
2 Peter 1:21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
“Every case of special guidance given to individuals in the Bible has to do with that person’s place in the outworking of God’s saving purposes.” He adds, “There are no instances in the Bible in which God gives special and specific guidance to the ordinary believing Israelite or Christian in the details of their personal existence.” Graeme Goldsworthy
This is a great article responding to modern day continuationists on prophecy. Discussing an episode of Ask Pastor John with John Piper it says: “Dr. Piper gets to the crux of the cessationist-continuationist debate. In his view, modern prophecy is not “infallible, Scripture-level, authoritative speaking,” but rather “something that God spontaneously brings to mind in the moment, and—because we are fallible in the way we perceive it, and the way we think about it, and the way we speak it—it does not carry that same level of infallible, Scripture-level authority.”[1] He claims three texts of Scripture to provide “exegetical reasons” for his view.
“John’s view is also Wayne Grudem’s view, and represents a radical departure from the historic position of the Christian church.”
If prophecy has continued, why wouldn’t it have the same authority that it did in the early church? I think this is an important point to consider.
“If private revelations agree with Scripture, they are unnecessary and if they disagree they are false.” John Owen
“Given that we have a rationale for accepting the Old Testament text as God’s inspired Word, and given that we have a rationale for accepting the apostolic New Testament writings as God’s inspired Word, Reformation Christians should actively resist and/or reject anything that seeks to supplant these. Even if they do not mean to do it, even if they attempt to offer a rationale as to why their “other revelatory sources” are not revelatory in the sense that Scripture is revelatory, those who argue for “continuing revelation” lead the believer away from sola Scriptura. The Reformers were correct in rejecting the supposed new revelations of the “Spirit-drivers” (Abraham Kuyper) in their day. We must do no less.” Dr. Rod Rosenbladt
God’s Will
“One problem we face is rooted in the multifaceted way in which the term will functions in biblical expressions. The Bible uses the expression “the will of God” in various ways. We encounter two different Greek words in the New Testament (boule and thelema), both of which are capable of several nuances. They encompass such ideas as the counsel of God, the plan of God, the decrees of God, the disposition or attitude of God, as well as other nuances.”
http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/defining-gods-will/
If we ask ourselves, What does God want me to do? We should look to the pages of Scripture. On things where it isn’t clear we must follow it where it is and use wisdom.
Proverbs 15:22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.
Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 24:6 For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
On the will of God
1 Thessalonians 4 For you know what commandments we gave you [c]by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from [d]sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to [e]possess his own [f]vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in [g]lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Remember God is Sovereign
Trust in His sovereignty
His secret will is not for us to seek. He will bring about His will
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
The Lord will bring about things in our lives according to His purposes.
Series by Tim Challies
How Does God Speak to Me Today?
How To Know the Will of God
God’s Will for Your Life
Recommendations for further study:
The Final Word by Dr. O. Palmer Robertson
Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung
Episode Music from Castle Pines
Women can join our Facebook Group Theology Gals-Ladies Theology Discussion and Encouragement
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Defining God’s Will
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by Coleen Sharp | Jun 5, 2017 | Uncategorized
On this episode of Theology Gals Coleen talks with Dr. Scott Keith about his book Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God's Grace. There is a lot of great information in this episode for fathers, mothers and even those without children. Dr. Keith is a husband and father to three children. He is also Director of Operations and Scholarship at New Reformation Publications, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Concordia University Irvine, host of The Thinking Fellows podcast, and involved in promoting the work of the 1517 Legacy Project. Dr.Keith blogs at The Jagged Word and 1517 The Legacy Project.
For information on being entered for a chance to receive a free copy of Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God's Grace, see details on the Theology Gals Facebook page, on the post for this episode.
Dr. Keith will be speaking this October at the Here We Still Stand Conference in San Diego.
Other things mentioned on this episode:
The Thinking Fellows podcast episodes:
Father's Day episode on Fatherhood
Eternal Subordination of the Son Controversy
Calvin Part 1 & Part 2
Episode Music from Castle Pines
Click here for all Theology Gals podcasts and blogs.
Women can join our Facebook Group Theology Gals-Ladies Theology Discussion and Encouragement
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On Instagram theologygals
Email us at theologygals@gmail.com
If you'd like to ask Theology Gals a question which may be answered on a future episode, you can text or leave us a voicemail at 951-364-0221. You may also send an email.
Consider supporting Theology Gals with just a few dollars a month.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:17:25 — 72.0MB)
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by Coleen Sharp | May 29, 2017 | Uncategorized
On this episode of Theology Gals Coleen and Ashley discuss what Scripture says about how we should respond to false teachers, those teaching things contrary to foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.
New Intro includes: Michael Horton Why is is important to know what you believe?, Matt Chandler The Bible is not about us, Daniel Hyde Once Lost, Now Found: How Reformed Theology Assures Us, Rod Rosenbladt The Gospel For Those Broken By The Church, Michael Horton What is the Gospel? James Montgomery Boice A Call From Confessing Evangelicals For A Modern Reformation and The Evangelical Church Today….Still
Episode Resources:
Distinguishing gossip and slander from discernment
Gossip
Bible Dictionary
Gossip- The Hebrew word translated “gossip” in the Old Testament is defined as “one who reveals secrets, one who goes about as a talebearer or scandal-monger.” A gossiper is a person who has privileged information about people and proceeds to reveal that information to those who have no business knowing it.
Gossip is distinguished from sharing information in two ways. What is being shared and why it's being shared.
Webster's dictionary
gossip- casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.
Slander
Bible dictionary -properly, a slanderer; a false accuser; unjustly criticizing (malign) and condemn to sever a relationship in secular Greek means “backbiter ,” i.e. an accuser, calumniator (slanderer). 1228 (diábolos) is literally someone who “casts through,” i.e. making charges that bring down (destroy)
Webster’s dictionary – the action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
Verses on Gossip and Slander
Proverbs 20:12&13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babble. Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.
Proverbs 10:18 He who conceals hatred has lying lips, And he who spreads slander is a fool Proverbs 16:28
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends
Proverbs 11:13 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered
Discussing the teachings of false teachers is not the same thing as gossip or slander.
False Teachers and False Doctrine
Does calling out false teachers and doctrine cause division?
Paul makes it clear that it's the ones teaching false doctrine who cause division.
Romans 16:17&18 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive
We're called to be discerning
Discernment definition
1. the ability to judge well. 2. (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding.
Bible Dictionary- It may simply mean “observe” ,expressing close and distinct acquaintance with or a critical knowledge of things
Philippians 1:9&10 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more,with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, sand so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
The Bereans are praised for their discernment
Acts 17:11 received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
Called to judge those within the church
1 Corinthians 5:12&13 For what have I to do with judging outsiders?
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by Coleen Sharp | May 22, 2017 | Uncategorized
On this episode of Theology Gals Ashley and Coleen discuss suffering. They talk about what Scripture says about the reasons why we may suffer, how we should respond to our suffering and how we can encourage others who are suffering.
(We had a couple technical difficulties during this episode. A hail storm hit Coleen's home in Colorado towards the end of the episode and can be heard.)
Episode notes:
There are many kinds of suffering. We face short term trials, and we can may experience very difficult and long term suffering.
While the Lord may discipline us for our good, suffering is not always the result of sin or discipline:
7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. 11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:7-11
In Hebrews 12 we see that even when the Lord disciplines us, He does so for our good, because He loves us, in the same way parents discipline their.
But we also know from Job and other places in Scripture that our suffering is not always the result of discipline.
It's easy to assume that our suffering is a result of our sin, in John 9 the disciples assumed that very thing:
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him John 9:1-3
This is an excerpt from an article by RC Sproul on this passage:
“However, the disciples made the mistake of particularizing the general relationship between sin and suffering. They assumed there was a direct correspondence between the blind man’s sin and his affliction. Had they not read the book of Job, which deals with a man who was innocent and yet was severely afflicted by God? The disciples erred in reducing the options to two when there was another alternative. They posed their question to Jesus in an either/or fashion, committing the logical fallacy of the false dilemma, assuming that the sin of the man or the sin of the man’s parents was the cause of his blindness.
“The disciples also seem to have assumed that anyone who has an affliction suffers in direct proportion to the sin that has been committed. Again, the book of Job dashes that conclusion, for the degree of suffering Job was called to bear was astronomical compared with the suffering and afflictions of others far more guilty than he was.
“We must never jump to the conclusion that a particular incidence of suffering is a direct response or in direct correspondence to a person’s particular sin. The story of the man born blind makes this point.”
There's also teaching in some circles that suffering is due to a lack of faith. Some believe in regards to healing for instance, that the Lord withholds it because the sufferer has a lack of faith, but that is not Biblical. They also may believe that God promises us healing and wealth which also is not consistent with Scripture.
Reasons for Suffering:
Our suffering tests and prepares us & teaches us to rely on God
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor …
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by Coleen Sharp | May 15, 2017 | Uncategorized
This is Theology Gals first Mother's Day special. Coleen and Ashley are joined by Ashley Bacon and Rebekah Womble to discuss Motherhood. The gals talk about the joys and challenges of mothering in the various seasons of child rearing. They also discuss raising children in the Lord and training them in the faith.
Special guest appearance by five year old, Aubrie Bacon.
Check out Rebekah’s blog, Wise in His Eyes
Resources on Infertility & miscarriage:
Infertility by Marlo Schalesky
My Own Dance Upon Barren Land: A Story of Infertility by Lesli A. Westfall
Miscarriage This is a great list of resources from Pastor David Murray, for those who have suffered a miscarriage.
Book Recommendations:
Give Them Grace by Elyse Fitzpatrick
Comforting Hearts Teaching Minds:Family Devotions Based on the Heidelberg Catechism by Starr Meade
Training Hearts, Teaching Minds: Family Devotions Based on the Shorter Catechism by Starr Meade
My First Book of Questions and Answers by Carine MacKenzie
Spiritual Mothering by Susan Hunt
Susan Hunt has several great books for children including Big Truths for Little Kids, My ABC Bible Verses, My ABC Bible Verses From the Psalms, Discovering Jesus in Genesis, Discovering Jesus in Exodus. Several of her children's books incorporate the children's catechism.
Mentioned on this episode:
Singing the Psalms: Sisters Let's Sing the Psalms Part 1 and Part 2
The Kids Catechism: An Introduction to the Shorter Catechism (Westminster)
A Catechism for Girls and Boys (Baptist)
Children’s Catechism Resources – This a great resource for those working through the children's catechism with your little ones or if you're interested in learning more about catechizing your children.
Episode Music from Castle Pines
Click here for all Theology Gals podcasts and blogs.
Women can join our Facebook Group Theology Gals-Ladies Theology Discussion and Encouragement
Follow us:
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On Twitter @TheologyGals
On Instagram theologygals
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If you'd like to ask Theology Gals a question which may be answered on a future episode, you can text or leave us a voicemail at 951-364-0221. You may also send an email.
Consider supporting Theology Gals with just a few dollars a month.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16:37 — 68.4MB)
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