The church gets a lot of flack today. Culture is interested Jesus (maybe), but not in his church. Regardless of the many flaws of the church both today and over the centuries, the NT helps us understand that we hear God among his people.
The gospels and Paul's letters would be distributed among churches and read out loud together. The church has met in homes and large venues for 2000 to hear God in community.
If you want to hear God more in 2009, be actively involved in a local church community.
HEAR GOD through the scriptures being taught in community (NT letters are written to local churches, the gospels we're written to share Jesus' teachings among seekers and believers; eg. 2nd Century churches used Matthew as their primary spiritual formation)
HEAR GOD through the scriptures or wisdom being discussed in small groups (1 Cor. 14:26)
HEAR GOD as you pray together in a small group (Matt. 15:20)
HEAR GOD as you sing theology in worship (Phil. 1:5-9, e.g. of an early church hymn)
HEAR GOD through other believers who care about you and speak truth in your life (Matt. 15:15-17)
HEAR GOD through serving each other with your gifts and talents (Eph. 4:14-16)
HEAR GOD through godly leaders (1 Cor. 4:16-17; Eph. 4:11-13)
My personally experience the last 5 years since starting Westside, has been that God has spoken to me and grown me in many ways through being involved in our church community (serving and relationships).
If you want to hear God more in 2009, be actively involved in a local church community.
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