BreakPoint: Yes, Christians Do Hear God’s Voice

A Washington Post writer once said that evangelicals are “poor, ignorant, and easy to command.” Well, at least he didn’t say we were mentally ill.

Until now that is. On a recent segment of “The View,” Joy Behar took aim at Mike Pence’s belief that God speaks to him. Responding to a comment by another host, Behar said, “It’s one thing to talk to Jesus. It’s another when Jesus talks to you. That’s a mental illness if I’m not correct. Hearing voices.”

That’s a sign of how ignorant elites truly are about beliefs and practices common to something like two billion Christians.

I actually find it surprising that Behar, who claims to be Catholic, hasn’t found time in her seventy-five years to learn a little more about prayer.

Behar’s comment outraged Americans from coast to coast. Twenty-five thousand people let ABC know what we thought of a network that allows an employee to sneer at the way other people practice their faith.

The next day, Behar responded to her critics with a sarcastic clarification, saying, “I don’t think Mike Pence is mentally ill even though he says he is hearing voices.”

Wow. That’s some apology.

I’d like to propose a solution. I invite Joy Behar to spend some time looking into what Christians mean when they say they hear God’s voice.

She might start with the writings of J. Warner Wallace, a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center. In a piece posted by FOX News, Wallace notes that when Christians say, “God spoke to me,” they don’t “necessarily mean that God spoke audibly.”  Christians, he explains, “believe the Bible is the ‘word of God,’ and by reading it, [we] gain access to the mind of God.”

He points to 2nd Timothy, which notes that Holy Scripture is “God-breathed,” and Hebrews 4, which says “the word of God is living and active.” Reading these verses, one could see how Christians might legitimately say, “God spoke to me,” Wallace explains.

Second, God can use wise and mature advisors to teach us about God’s will–people who have invested long years reading and meditating over scripture. Wallace writes that a believer who says God spoke to her “may simply mean that one of God’s children provided them with Biblical wisdom.”

Third, God may speak to us through difficult experiences.  As C.S. Lewis writes in The Problem of Pain, “God whispers to us in our pleasures . . . but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

Fourth, God may indeed speak audibly to His followers. Many people have written about hearing God’s voice in a crisis. And in my own case, God spoke to me through an amazing, mind-blowing dream.

Bible-reading Christians know this. Open your Bible, and you’ll find all kinds of examples of each of the ways God speaks to His people—audibly, through prophets, and through the written word.

Finally, it’s worth reminding our media that, if Mike Pence is crazy for believing he hears God’s voice, then so are George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama—all of whom said they listened for the still, small voice of God.

I really do hope Joy Behar will give it a try.

And for more by J. Warner Wallace on Christian apologetics, please visit BreakPoint.org.

Written By: Eric Metaxas on BreakPoint.org

Published: February 27, 2018

6 Ways to Serve God in Day-to-Day Life

Many Christians consider going into full-time ministry at some point. It's almost a rite of passage for young believers. We spend years hearing how God is calling us to spread the Gospel, and honestly, can you imagine anything more exciting than sharing your faith in an exotic, far-flung country? The reality though, is that most of us will never go into missions work. We'll get normal jobs, start families, and maybe find a hobby in-between. How can we serve God in our daily routine? 

While it might not sound as particularly glamorous, an ordinary life still offers numerous opportunities to serve Christ. Here are just a few simple ways Christians can grow their faith in a day-to-day routine and discover the joy of serving God..

Invest in Other People

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14

It's remarkable how often we interact with people but never make the effort to know them. The cashier at your favorite store, the woman who cleans your office, the man you pass on the way to work every morning; each of these individuals is someone God created and gave His Son for. Christians looking to share Christ can begin by forming relationships with the people around them. Ask them about their day, compliment their outfit, or simply take a moment and listen to them. By investing in other people, we open their hearts to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Offer Help Where It's Needed

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" – Matthew 25:40

There's an old saying about how an act of kindness, no matter how small, can never be meaningless. Even minor displays of love can change lives for the better. Do you know a couple who just had a baby? Take them a meal some night. Is someone moving into the house next door? Welcome them to the neighborhood and help carry their belongings.

Is someone you know sick? Perhaps offer to watch their children for a day so they can rest. Don't pass up an opportunity to help where it's needed. These moments may be brief, but they'll be remembered.

Seek Wisdom 

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!" - Proverbs 16:16

Cars need gas, knives need sharpening, and Christians need to stay educated. It's tempting to leave this in the hands of our pastors, to simply ingest whatever they have to say each Sunday morning, but real wisdom has to be earned by the individual. Every Christian needs to spend time studying the Bible on his or her own, and supplement that knowledge with other readings from godly men and women. You can learn how to apply the truth of God's Word to everyday life. Remember, tests are easiest when you study for them!

Practice Hospitality

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." - Hebrews 13:2

When my grandparents were younger, they never let a Sunday go by without inviting someone new over for lunch. My grandmother would cook up an old-fashioned Sunday meal, complete with a big helping of my grandfather's favorite dish, rutabaga, and they would spend the day getting to know a member of their church.

There's a reason why Jesus frequently chose to share meals with his followers. Hospitality creates trust between strangers and builds bridges over the rough landscape of our lives. If Christians want to share God's love with their neighbors, they simply have to invite them over.

Show Forgiveness

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

Forgiveness, true forgiveness, can be a difficult thing. As much as we like to believe we understand the concept of grace, some of us are still learning what it means to let go of our anger and pain. There are dozens of moments in life where even Christians would rather not show forgiveness: the guy who cut you off in traffic, the coworker who still hasn't sent you that important email, the friend who blows you off at the last minute. God teaches us that forgiveness means letting go of grudges, of the expectation for payback, and choosing love over retribution.

Make Space to Worship God

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." – Galatians 5:24-25

It's easy for Christians to get swept up into our daily schedules. We wake up, go to work, eat dinner, maybe watch some television, and prepare to do it all again tomorrow. In such an environment, we can often forget to worship Christ regularly, but that worship itself refreshes the soul. Before you step out the door each morning, sit down and take a moment to thank the Lord for a new day. If you work in a nice area, spend your lunch hour walking around and praising God for his workmanship. In the evening, make a space where you can be alone with God.

We are called to love God, so let us make time for Him. Start today in experiencing God's goodness and blessings as you seek to serve him daily. 

Written By: Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning on crosswalk.com

Published: September 30, 2015

The Armor of God- What It Is and How to Use It

We may forget at times but one thing is true - this world is a battlefield. Day by day, hour by hour, we face a spiritual war and an enemy who’s real. He wants nothing more than to bring defeat, for his main aim is to steal, kill, and destroy. The forces of darkness don't wait for us to be ready for their attack. They're ruthless, determined, and cunning.  The devil could care less if we "feel" prepared, or prayed up for our day.  In fact, he prefers we're not.

God has given us his Word and Spirit, powerful and true, so we'll have the wisdom and protection to stand against the enemy. As I read these verses this morning, the reality struck me again that Paul wrote them while in chains, in prison. But Truth says - this enemy we face, no matter how cruel and vicious his schemes, can never chain our spirits that have been set free by Christ. Paul was not silenced by the attacks from dark forces. Neither should we be.

What is the Full Armor of God? 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Eph. 6:10-18

The Belt Of Truth

The Believer's Integrity - A soldier in Paul's day had a leather girdle or belt that he tightened about his waist to protect his loins and carry his weapons of warfare, such as a dagger or sword. The belt also held his tunic together so it wouldn't be snagged. In Christian armor, it is the integrity that holds everything else together. If you do not have integrity in the big and small things of your life, you are going to lose the battle. Would people say that you are a woman or man of integrity? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Breastplate Of Righteousness

The Believer's Purity - The breastplate of a soldier was sometimes made of woven chain and used to cover the soldier's vital organs. For the Christian, the breastplate is righteousness.

The enemy wants to attack you not only with lies, but also with impurity. He wants you to read filthy magazines, watch immoral movies, and engage in all temptations of the flesh. The bottom line is that Satan wants to get into your heart and mind. He's looking for a crack in your armor. And don't be fooled. Satan knows where that crack is. Is your heart pure before God? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Shoes Of Peace

The Believer's Tranquility - A Roman soldier's would have hobnails on the sole, very much like football cleats because when they were fighting they needed solid footing from which to move.

Unless you have a solid footing of peace, you can never make war. Sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? When Satan comes against your tranquility, he throws out stones and briars of doubts and discouragement to cause you to stumble. Do you have peace right now? If not, then you cannot win the battle.

The Shield Of Faith

The Believer's Certainty - The Roman soldier's shield measured approximately two by four feet and was made of wood covered with leather. In that day, soldiers dipped arrows in oil, then lit them and shot them at the enemy. These shields were vital to protect the solider from getting burned.

Satan is going to fire flaming arrows of doubt at you. He wants to place subtle doubts in your mind about God and His Truth. He knows a spark can ignite a big fire. You will need to feed your faith and starve your doubts. Are there any seeds of doubt in your mind today? If there are, then you cannot win the battle.

The Helmet Of Salvation

The Believer's Sanity - A soldier used a helmet to protect his head because if his head was wounded, he wouldn't be able to think. Every believer needs to have the mind of Christ under the control of Almighty God.

When a person is saved, for the first time he has his right mind. A person withoof the Spirit ut the Lord Jesus Christ has a form of insanity. They do not operate with the mind that God made them to have. The most important thing for you to have at all times is an assurance of your salvation. Do you know that you are saved? If you aren't, then you cannot win the battle.

Sword of the Spirit

The Word of God  - When we are tempted, the most effective weapon that God has given to us as believers is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Jesus modeled this so beautifully during His temptation in the wilderness. When the devil tried temptation after temptation against Him, Jesus used the sword of the Spirit. Jesus spoke the Word of God to Satan. In Luke 4:1-13, Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord God only. Him only you shall serve.” and again brought the Scripture back into context, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”

The sword of the Spirit works. Memorize Scripture and use the Word of God to defeat Satan's lies and attacks.

God has a plan for our lives. The enemy has a plan for us too. We just have to decide which voice we’re going to listen to, and who we're going to choose to follow each day. And chances are, if we don't make a determined choice to follow God, we may eventually fall into the evil one’s trap. God gives specific instructions in his Word, he gives us all we need to stand strong in this life. Yet all too often we race through busy, full days, ill-equipped, unprepared, or simply not aware of what we’re up against, or who the real enemy even is. 

If you're a believer living like salt and light in this dark world, you won't go for long without encountering obstacles and attacks he'll hurl straight your direction. This battle is real, it’s intense.

Focusing here today, putting on His armor, staying alert, and praying, that God will equip believers everywhere to "stand strong."

Source: Crosswalk.com

Written By: Debbie McDaniel

Faith In Action

As the crisis in Ukraine evolves, Christians are standing up and speaking out. Now is the time to share the Gospel. Now is the time to speak truth in love. Now is the time to be bold for Jesus. We are seeing many believers fighting to protect their neighbors, helping with first-aid response, and encouraging those around them with the truth of the Gospel.

We as Americans may ask ‘what can I do?’ There are two main things we can do to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. One - Pray. Two - Give.

The people in Ukraine need our prayers. Prayers for protection, boldness, courage, and peace. Prayers for healing and provision and shelter. Prayers for miracles and profound moments that bring Jesus glory. Pray through Scripture on behalf of those across the world. Pray Psalm 23 and that the Lord would prepare the perfect place for those in Ukraine. Pray that He would lead and protect them as they literally find themselves in the valley of the shadow of death. Pray Ephesians 6:11-18 over the people in Ukraine. Pray that the Lord would cover them with the helmet of salvation, belt of truth, sword of the spirit, shield of faith, and sandals of the gospel of peace. Pray for strength as they stand against the schemes of the devil. Prayer is powerful and Scripture is full of specific ways to pray for those amidst trials and pain.

Another practical way to support Ukraine is to give to trusted relief organizations. If you have been blessed you can also bless others. Consider giving generously to help provide shelter, food, and medical support to those in Ukraine. A few organizations we support in Ukraine are Samaritan’s Purse and YWAM. Both have been vetted by our organization and you can trust that your money is impacting those amidst the crisis.

Take heart in this trying time. Jesus is not silent. He is at work and will use all of this for His glory. Nothing is ever wasted. May Christ reign sovereignly and may we obediently stand up as His followers.

Samaritan's Purse Relief for the Crisis in Ukraine

Samaritan’s Purse is preparing to deploy an Emergency Field Hospital to Ukraine. Phase 1 of our Tier 2 Emergency Field Hospital deployment is scheduled to start Friday.

Our DC-8 cargo plane in Greensboro will airlift hospital equipment, generators, flooring, logistics, and set-up personnel, as well as doctors and nurses. Once the plane lands in Poland, the field hospital will then be transported overland to Ukraine where it will provide specialized trauma care to people impacted by the conflict.

The field hospital is equipped with 30 beds, an operating room, an ICU, an emergency room, a pharmacy, and it has its own water and sanitation. As many as 100 patients a day can be seen at this hospital, and it will be operated by more than 50 staff (medical and non-medical). The situation on the ground is fluid and changing rapidly, but the hospital could be operational early next week.

Samaritan’s Purse already has disaster response specialists on the ground in Poland, Romania, and Moldova, and we plan to send two medical clinics on an additional flight next week. Assessment teams continue to work to identify the most strategic locations for these units. These health clinics will equip Samaritan’s Purse medical staff to meet minor trauma needs and provide general medical care for some 200 patients each day.

In addition to our medical work, Samaritan’s Purse is also preparing to distribute 20 tons of food inside Ukraine.

The Eastern European nation remains in deep crisis as fighting continues to spread and escalate, with deadly violence hitting the capital, Kyiv, and the second-largest city, Kharkiv. The United Nations reports that more than 800,000 refugees, primarily women and children, have already left Ukraine seeking shelter in nearby nations.

“Samaritan’s Purse has been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine for weeks,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “We have deployed members of our Disaster Assistance Response Team to surrounding countries and are standing ready to help meet emergency needs resulting from the crisis. Please join me in praying for the people of Ukraine and for this conflict to end quickly.”

Samaritan’s Purse also has many ministry partners inside Ukraine, including a robust outreach through Operation Christmas Child. As conflict erupted, we were in the process of distributing 600,000 gift-filled shoeboxes this year. We remain in contact with churches in the country to see how we can assist in this volatile situation. Please pray for God to grant them strength and protection.

Franklin Graham asked for a special day of prayer on Feb. 27, asking Almighty God to work in the hearts of leaders and bring an end to this deadly conflict. He said, “Let’s lift up in prayer those who are enduring these dark days filled with uncertainty, fear, hardship, loss, and suffering. May they know the comfort, presence, peace, and protection of God who is a ‘refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble'” (Psalm 46:1). [via Facebook].

Please continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and for our teams as they seek ways to help in Jesus’ Name.

Source: Samaritan’s Purse