God’s communication through history

At first, He just talked directly to people.

  • Genesis 1:28; 2:16; 4:6; 6:13; 9:1; 12:1

Sometimes, God would use vision or a dream.

  • Genesis 15:1; 20:3, 6; 41:25, 28
  • I Samuel 3:1

Sometimes, God would manifest Himself in some form and appear to people.

  • Genesis 18:1-2, 22-33 – Abraham was even able to have a conversation with God.
  • Job 13:22 – Job wished for this kind of dialog!
  • Exodus 3:2-4 – Moses and the burning bush.
  • Exodus 19:18-19; 31:18
  • Exodus 33:11 – God spoke to Moses face-to-face.

God brought punishments or blessings on some people.

  • Amos 4:6-8 – You should have noticed the punishments! This doesn’t mean any bad things is a sign from God.

Creation itself teaches us about God.

  • Psalm 19:1-2

Many times, God used prophets.

  • II Kings 20:1-7
  • Nehemiah 9:30
  • II Peter 1:21

God’s FINAL communication

  • Hebrews 1:1-2
  • Mark 1:22; 9:2-7; 16:15 – Jesus’ teaching was different. His messengers carried the message to the world.

Practical takeaways

  • We need to get good at reading and understanding the Bible. John 12:48-50
  • Defend the Scripture!
    • Hebrews 2:1-4 -This is God’s law from now on for everyone!
    • Deuteronomy 13:1-5
  • On a very personal level, don’t rebel against the Bible when it hits you where it hurts.
    • Acts 2:37