One of the questions I hear more often these days is, "Does God still speak to His people?" My answer is simple: Yes, God still speaks, but we had better know who is speaking.
From the very beginning of the Bible, God has revealed Himself in many different ways. He was never limited to one method of communication. He spoke according to His purpose and according to the needs of His people.
God walked with Adam in the Garden of Eden.
"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day..."
Genesis 3:8 (KJV)
He appeared to Abraham and spoke with him as a friend.
He gave Jacob dreams that revealed His promises.
Joseph received dreams that foretold the future.
Moses met God at the burning bush, heard His voice upon Mount Sinai, and later spoke with Him face to face.
"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend..."
Exodus 33:11 (KJV)
Throughout the Old Testament, God spoke through prophets by dreams, visions, and the direct word of the Lord.
Then came the greatest revelation of all.
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son."
Hebrews 1:1-2 (KJV)
Jesus Christ is God's final and complete revelation. Everything that claims to come from God today must point us to Christ and agree with the Scriptures.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter quoted the prophet Joel and declared that the last days had begun.
"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... your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."
Acts 2:17 (KJV)
I believe we are living in those last days. Around the world, there are testimonies of people having dreams that lead them to search for Christ. Missionaries have shared stories of men and women in countries closed to the gospel who first became interested in Jesus because of a dream or vision. God is certainly able to work in whatever way He chooses.
But before we become too excited about every story we hear, let me offer a word of warning.
Not Every Voice Is God's Voice
One of the greatest dangers facing the church today is that many Christians are willing to believe every dream, every vision, every prophecy, and every voice they hear without ever comparing it to the Word of God.
The Bible never tells us to accept every spiritual experience. Quite the opposite.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God..."
1 John 4:1 (KJV)
That verse ought to be underlined in every Christian's Bible.
Not every dream comes from heaven.
Not every voice comes from God.
Not every vision is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Satan is a master deceiver. He knows how to imitate the things of God.
The Apostle Paul warned us plainly:
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."
2 Corinthians 11:14 (KJV)
If Satan can appear as an angel of light, then he can certainly produce counterfeit spiritual experiences. His purpose has always been to deceive. If he cannot keep someone from being religious, he will try to lead them into false religion. If he cannot stop someone from reading the Bible, he will try to convince them that their feelings are more important than the Scriptures.
That is happening in many churches today.
People are chasing experiences while neglecting the Word of God.
They are following personalities instead of Jesus Christ.
They are accepting prophecies without examining whether they agree with the Bible.
That is dangerous ground.
The Bible Is Our Final Authority
Every dream, every vision, every prophecy, and every voice must be tested by the Word of God.
God will never contradict Himself.
He will never give a revelation that disagrees with the Scriptures He has already inspired.
If a dream tells you something contrary to God's Word, it did not come from God.
If a vision diminishes the Lord Jesus Christ, it is false.
If a prophecy encourages sin or denies biblical truth, reject it immediately.
The Holy Spirit always magnifies Christ, never man.
The Spirit of God always leads us toward holiness, repentance, obedience, and truth.
A Country Preacher's Heart
After nearly sixty years of ministry, I have learned that God still directs His people. Sometimes it is through the quiet conviction of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it is through His Word. Sometimes through circumstances. Sometimes He may even use a dream or a vision.
But I have also seen people led astray because they followed an experience instead of following Christ.
Friend, do not build your faith upon dreams.
Do not build your faith upon feelings.
Do not build your faith upon the latest prophet on the internet.
Build your faith upon the unchanging Word of God.
When God speaks, His voice will always agree with His Book.
As these last days grow darker, deception will increase. Jesus warned us that false prophets would arise and deceive many. That is why every believer must stay close to the Scriptures.
Keep your Bible open.
Keep your heart humble.
Keep your eyes upon Jesus.
And remember, the safest Christian is not the one who has the most dramatic experiences, but the one who faithfully obeys the Word of God.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
May God give us ears to hear His voice, wisdom to discern the spirits, and courage to stand upon His eternal Word until the Lord Jesus Christ returns.
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