Part Four: What happens when God speaks in Community?
Key Scriptures: 1 Cor 12-14
In the pursuit of a strong, healthy, and loving church, one thing stands out as crucial: the ability to hear the voice of God and share it with others. A church that partners with God, seeking His guidance and direction, has the potential to make an eternal impact. In the heart of our church, we desire to hear the voice of God and to share it with others. We are convinced that a strong, healthy, and loving church is one that knows how to listen to God and walk hand-in-hand with Him in partnership.
As a congregation, we are committed to journeying together, seeking the voice of God, and being faithful to obey and follow His leading. This blog post will explore significant aspects of the prophetic voice in the church and the importance of unity as we strive to make an eternal impact.
The Partnership with God
A partnership with God is the key to a meaningful, purposeful life—a life that makes a difference. We firmly believe that the only way to be original and impactful is to walk in step with God. Our church's heart is for each individual to learn how to hear God's voice and discern His guidance. With God's help, we can step out in faith and obedience, trusting that our actions will lead to an eternal impact.
Inviting More People In
Our passion is to invite more people into this journey with God. There is always room at the table, and we welcome everyone to experience the wonderful and powerful relationship with Jesus. When you encounter Jesus, it stirs something deep within you—a love and devotion that cannot be contained. We want to walk forward together, united in our love for God and one another.
Embracing Unity in Seeking God
In our gatherings, we have witnessed the power of unity when we seek the same God and listen for His voice. When we open up space for different individuals to share what God has placed on their hearts, beautiful alignment takes place. Our church wants to move forward as one, supporting and encouraging each other, as we know that our future depends on this unity.
The Purpose of Hearing God's Voice
The purpose of hearing God's voice is not only for our personal growth but also for the growth and strengthening of the entire church. Prophetic words are meant to edify, encourage, and comfort one another. Love should be at the center of all that we do, and our eagerness to prophesy should be driven by a genuine desire to strengthen and encourage others. Remember, a word from God can be a lot of things, an encouragement, caution, invitation or comfort but never a demand from one person to another; a demand is manipulation
How to Share God's Voice
When sharing a prophetic word with someone else, we must ask ourselves important questions. Here are some practical suggestions before sharing a word.
Motive Question - Do I want the best for this person?
Encouragement Question - Will this help, strengthen and encourage them?
Purpose Question - Should I share it or pray it?
Maturity Question - Are they equipped to discern a word from someone else? (Hint: If you are unsure, encourage them to pray about the word and see if it resonates with them)
As a church, we are committed to fostering an atmosphere where the prophetic voice is welcomed, celebrated, and pursued. We seek to be a church that hears the voice of God and steps out in faith, impacting lives for eternity. Our journey towards unity and deeper intimacy with God is what sets us apart and enables us to make a lasting difference in our community. Let us continue to seek God's voice together, walking forward in love and obedience, trusting in His perfect plan for us as a church.
Adapted from a message at City Lights Church
You can listen to the full message audio by following the link/s below.