April-09-the Will Of God-sd

The Preacher’s Notebook The Paper and Electronic Pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs, NC (Delivered by E-mail and Us Postage Through Subscription as an Extension of the Pulpit Ministry of this Church)

Dr. Terry W . Preslar – PO Box 388 – M ineral Springs, NC 28108 (704)843-3858 – E-Mail: [email protected] Copyright (C) 2007-2009. Terry W. Preslar All rights reserved.

Vol. III

April, 2009

Special Issue

What Is the Will of God – and How Can I Know it for Myself? (“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:1-2) Within the Will of God...

What an Incredible Way to Live! Questioning the will of God is not always doubting, sometimes it is seeking divine guidance. In the Bible it was most often before battle (1 Sam. 23:2, 4; 2 Sam. 5:19, 23; 2 Kings 3:11; 2 Chron. 18:4, 6-7), but, also, in other situations as well. A variety of methods were employed to seek God’s counsel: dreams (1 Sam. 28:6); priests with the ephod (1 Sam. 22:10; 23:9-13); prophets (2 Kings 3:11); and direct consultation. In the early history of Israel, priests were consulted for divine counsel (Judges 18:14, 17; 1 Sam. 22:10). The priests discerned God’s will by the sacred lots, the Urim and Thummim (Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 14:36-42). Since these lots apparently were kept in a pouch in the priest’s ephod (Ex. 28:30), references to inquiring of the ephod likely refer to the lots (1 Sam. 23:9-13; 30:8). Prophets sometimes used music as an aid to achieve an ecstatic state in which God’s will could be discerned (2 Kings 3:15; 1 Sam. 10:5-6). Prophets frequently took the initiative to announce God’s will when no consultation was requested. With the rise of the synagogue, directly inquiring by prayer became the primary means of ascertaining the divine will. Not all methods of inquiring of God were looked upon with favor. The Danites consulted a Levite in charge of Micah’s sanctuary (Judges 18:5-6,14). The method used by the Levite to ascertain the divine will is not clear. The sanctuary contained an ephod (with lots?), a cast idol (of some metel: Gold, Silver, Copper [Brass] or Iron) and teraphim (household gods: Clay or Earthen), any of which might have been consulted. Such shrines were regarded as one example of the evil that resulted when there was no king and “...every man did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6). Other methods of discerning God’s will rejected by the biblical writers include: consulting mediums, wizards, and necromancers (Deut. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 28:3, 7; Isa. 8:19); consulting teraphim (Judges 17:5; 18:13-20; Hos. 3:4; Zech. 10:2); and consulting pagan deities (Baal-zebub, 2 Kings 1:2-3, 16; Malcham or Milcom, Zeph. 1:5). However you may answer your question the Bible still holds the most answers. As for me, I join the inquirers of many of the past with a few Questions of my own... I will advance a few suggestions as to the answers for these timeless questions. -1-

Three Questions Asked I- “...wherefore...?” [when Israel could not stand] (Josh. 7:7) A) Sin in the camp: In every case – Detection (Vs. 10-11) B) Judgment is sure: In every case – Correction (Vs. 12) C) Solution is clear: In every case – Restoration (Vs. 13) II- “...why is thy countenance sad...?” [when Nehemiah heard of the conditions back in his home land] (Neh. 2:1-3) A) He had a vision and a vision leads to a burden and a burden (unable to be exercised) appears to make one sad (“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 with Heb. 12:2) B) A nation needs a vision- it is sometimes the fire of a national vision that comes from the spark of a personal vision. (“And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” 1 Sam. 3:1) C) A broken heart comes with a vision but the broken heart is not too heavy (“Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.” Lam. 1:12 with Matt. 11:29-30) III- “...why hast thou forsaken me...” [when JESUS was on the cross] (Matt. 27:45-46) A) Forsaken for the race of fallen man (1 John 2:2) “...but for the sins of the whole world...” B) Forsaken for the chiefest of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15) “...CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” C) Forsaken for a day as of yet unseen except by faith (Heb. 11:13 with John 8:56) “...and he saw it, and was glad.” “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” (Prov. 16:33)

The Will of God for You (“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” James 4:13-15) I- The steps of a GOOD MAN (Psa. 37:33) [walk “right”] II- The second return of the MASTER (Acts 1:6-7) [with “future sight”] III- The salvation of the LOST (2 Peter 3:9) [before the “night”] A) Time runs out – (John 9:4) “...the night comes when no man can work.” B) No better time than presently – (2 Cor. 6:2) “...now is the accepted time...” C) Only one way – (Heb. 2:3) “...how shall we escape...”

The Will of God!! I-The perfect will of God (Rom. 12:1-2) A) It is the “Ellusive Anigma of the Ages”: 1- It took Moses 40 years behind Mt. Horab 2- It was delivered by the man of God to the house of Jessey 3- Could not be found at all by the King (Saul) – He consulted a witch at Endor B) Prayer is the answer 1- Prayer secures it 2- Prayer assures it 3- Prayer accomplishes it C) The will of God can be found in the Bosom of CHRIST – the MONARCH of the universe – if you -2-

truly want to know it: 1- John 7:17 2- There must be a resignation to the will of GOD: a) Job (Job 13:15) b) Jesus said “...not my will but thine...” c) Paul's last words (2 Tim. 4:6) II- The Permissive will of God – Disobedience is sin (Heb. 10:26-29). III- The reviled will of God – The Scripture is the clear revelation of the Will of God: A) The Identification of the doer of the Will of God. (“For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.” Mark 3:35). B) The End of the doer of the Will of God. (“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:” Acts 13:36). C) The Journey of the doer of the Will of God. (“Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.” Rom. 1:10). D) The Prayer of the doer of the Will of God. (“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Rom. 8:27). E) The Proof of the doer of the Will of God. (“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:2). F) The Joy of the doer of the Will of God. (“That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.” Rom. 15:32). G) The Calling of the doer of the Will of God. (“Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,” 1 Cor. 1:1). I) The Apostolic Office of the doer of the Will of God. (“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:” 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; 6:6; 2 Tim. 1:1). J) The Commitment of the doer of the Will of God. (“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” 2 Cor. 8:5). K) The Gift that Purchased the Salvation of the doer of the Will of God. (“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” Gal. 1:4). L) The Supplication of the doer of the Will of God. (“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Col. 4:12). M) The Purity of the doer of the Will of God. (“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:” 1 Thes. 4:3). N) The Thanksgiving of the doer of the Will of God. (“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thes. 5:18). O) The Promise of the doer of the Will of God. (“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Heb. 10:36). P) The Answer of the doer of the Will of God. (“For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:” 1 Peter 2:15). Q) The Consequences of the doer of the Will of God. (“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” 1 Peter 3:17; 4:19). R) The Proper Life of the doer of the Will of God. (“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:2).

-3-

S) The Future of the doer of the Will of God. (“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:17). IV- The secret will of God (“The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29:29) – The will of God that is unheard but functional in the activities of life. Most of the time this feature of God’s volition is called “Providence.” By this God governs all things by the means of second causes. (Psa. 18:35**; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). Providence literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God’s preserving and governing all things by means of second causes (Psa. 18:35; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). God’s providence extends to the natural world (Psa. 104:14**; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the brute creation (Psa. 104:21-29; Matt. 6:26; 10:29), and the affairs of men (1 Chron. 16:31; Psa. 47:7; Prov. 21:1; Job 12:23; Dan. 2:21; 4:25), and of individuals (1 Sam. 2:6; Psa. 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15). It extends also to the free actions of men (Ex. 12:36; 1 Sam. 24:9-15; Psa. 33:14-15; Prov. 16:1; 19:21; 20:24; 21:1), and things sinful (2 Sam. 16:10; 24:1; Rom. 11:32; Acts 4:27-28), as well as to their good actions (Phil. 2:13; 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Eph. 2:10; Gal. 5:22-25). As regards sinful actions of men, they are represented as occurring by God’s permission (Gen. 45:5; 50:20. Comp. 1 Sam. 6:6; Ex. 7:13; 14:17; Acts 2:3; 3:18; 4:27-28), and as controlled (Psa. 76:10) and overruled for good (Gen. 50:20; Acts 3:13). God does not cause or approve of sin, but only limits, restrains, overrules it for good. The mode of God’s providential government is altogether unexplained. We only know that it is a fact that God does govern all his creatures and all their actions; that this government is universal (Psa. 103:17-19), particular (Matt. 10:29-31), efficacious (Psa. 33:11; Job 23:13), embraces events apparently contingent (Prov. 16:9,33; 19:21; 21:1), is consistent with his own (God’s) perfection (2 Tim. 2:13), and to his own (God’s) glory (Rom. 9:17**; 11:36).

How to Know the Will of God 4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice and Knowing His Will The first time anyone must find the will of God is at the time of personal salvation. As a matter of fact, the unregenerated soul is not heard of God as long as he/she remains in the practice of unforgiven sin and it can be assumed that this is the case for anyone (saved or lost) who remains under the bondage of sin, unrepented of. This statement is supported by the Psalmist from his own experience... “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” (Psa. 66:18). The Prophet says subsantuatly the same thing speaking of God’s guarded observation... “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously... ?” (Hab. 1:13). Even the wise Potentate remarked of this problem... “Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:” (Prov. 1:28). The age in which we live is so married to rationalism and cognitive, analytical thought that we almost mock when we hear of one actually claiming to be able to hear the voice of God. However, we should not scoff, for several reasons. First, men and women throughout the Bible heard God’s voice. Also, there are some highly effective and reputable men and women of God alive today who demonstrate that they hear God’s voice. Finally, there is a deep hunger within us all to commune with God, and hear Him speak within our hearts. As a born-again, Bible-believing Christian, I struggled unsuccessfully for years to hear God’s voice. I prayed, fasted, studied my Bible and listened for a voice within, all to no avail. There was no inner voice that I could hear! Then, desperate to commune with God, after much study, reading, and experiment in the area of learning to hear God’s voice, God taught me these four keys that opened the door to two-way prayer. I have discovered that not only do they work for me, but they have worked for many believers who have been taught to use them, bringing tremendous intimacy to their Christian experience and transforming their -4-

very way of living. This will happen to you also as you seek God, utilizing the following four keys. They are all found in Habakkuk 2:1-2. I encourage you to read this passage before going on: “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. 2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” (Hab. 2:1-2). These next paragraphs are revolutionary exposition. It is known to this author that these concepts challenge the standard concept of Spiritual Life. Please read this entire chapter before you dismiss my line of thought in this matter. I write Bible study content every day of my life (position papers to answer biblical questions, evangelistic essays toward the unbeliever, Theological thesis that must guide myself and others, Bible study series for the pulpit of FBCMS and outside obligations and etc.). Therefore; I MUST seek God’s will all most constantly. The following pattern of successfully hearing His truth for my professional purposes is only exceeded by my personal need in devotional life. Experimental, Spiritual and live Experience must needs beJudges brought together under some convention of action. The “mystic” life must be avoided but the “Normal Christian Life” is valid for all believers. There are many keys but, from the above text (Hab. 2:1-2) I have defined four: Key #1 – God’s voice in our hearts sounds like a flow of spontaneous thoughts. Therefore, when I tune to God, I tune to spontaneity. – The Bible says that the Lord answered me and said...(Hab. 2:2). Habakkuk knew the sound of God’s voice. Elijah described it as a still, small voice. I had always listened for an inner audible voice, and surely God can and does speak that way at times. However, I have found that for most of us, most of the time, God’s inner voice comes to us as spontaneous thoughts, feelings, or impressions (sometimes called, by some, “visions”). For example, haven’t each of us had the experience of driving down the road and having a thought come to us to pray for a certain person? We generally acknowledge this to be the voice of God calling us to pray for that individual. My question to you is, “What did God’s voice sound like as you drove in your car? Was it an inner, audible voice, or was it a spontaneous thought that lit upon your mind?” Most of you would say that God’s voice came to you as a spontaneous thought. (“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Phil. 2:5). So I thought to myself, “Maybe when I listen for God’s voice, I should be listening for a flow of spontaneous thoughts. Maybe spirit-level communication is received as spontaneous thoughts, impressions, feelings, and visions. Through experimentation and feedback from many others, I am now convinced that this is so. The Bible confirms this in many ways. The definition of paga (Strong’s #H6293 = egp), the Hebrew word for intercession, is “...a chance encounter or an accidental intersecting.” When God lays people on our hearts for intercession, He does it through paga, a chance encounter thought, accidentally intersecting our thought processes. Therefore, when I tune to God, I tune to chance encounter thoughts or spontaneous thoughts. When I am poised quietly before God in prayer, I have found that the flow of spontaneous thoughts that comes is quite definitely from God. Key #2 – Then secondly, I have found that I must learn to still my own thoughts and emotions, so that I can sense God’s flow of thoughts and emotions within me. – Habakkuk said, “I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart...” (Hab. 2:1). Habakkuk knew that in order to hear God’s quiet, inner, spontaneous thoughts, he had to first go to a quiet place and still his own thoughts and emotions. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to: “Be still, and know that I am God...” There is a deep inner knowing (spontaneous flow) in our spirit that each of us can experience when we quiet our flesh and our minds. I have found several simple ways to quiet myself so that I can more readily pick up God’s spontaneous flow. Loving God through a quiet worship song or hymn is a most effective means for me (note 2 Kings 3:15 “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.”). It is as I become still (thoughts, will and emotions) and am poised before God that the divine flow is realized. Therefore, after I worship quietly and then become still, I open myself for that spontaneous flow. If thoughts come to me of things I have forgotten to do, -5-

I write them down and then dismiss them. If thoughts of guilt or unworthiness come to my mind, I repent thoroughly, receive the washing of the blood of the Lamb, and put on His robe of righteousness, seeing myself spotless before the presence of God. As I fix my gaze upon Jesus (Heb. 12:2), becoming quiet in His presence, and sharing with Him what is on my heart, I find that two-way dialogue begins to flow. Spontaneous thoughts flow from the throne of God to me, and I find that I am actually conversing with the KING of Kings. It is very important that you become still and properly focused if you are going to receive the pure word of God. If you are not still, you will simply be receiving your own thoughts. If you are not properly focused on Jesus, you will receive an impure flow, because the intuitive flow comes out of that upon which you have fixed your eyes. Therefore, if you fix your eyes upon Jesus, the intuitive flow comes from Jesus. If you fix your gaze upon some desire of your heart, the intuitive flow comes out of that desire of your heart. To have a pure flow you must first of all become still, and secondly, you must carefully fix your eyes upon Jesus. Again I will say, this is quite easily accomplished by quietly worshiping the King, and then receiving out of the stillness that follows. Key #3 – As I pray, I fix the eyes of my heart upon Jesus, seeing in the spirit the dreams and visions of Almighty God. – We have already alluded to this principle in the previous paragraphs; however, we need to develop it a bit further. Habakkuk said, “I will keep watch to see,” and God said, “Record the vision” (Hab. 2:1-2). It is very interesting that Habakkuk was going to actually start looking for vision as he prayed. He was going to open the eyes of his heart, and look into the spirit world to see what God wanted to show him. This is an intriguing idea. I had never thought of opening the eyes of my heart and looking for vision. However, the more I thought of it, the more I realized this was exactly what God intends me to do. He gave me eyes in my heart. They are to be used to see in the spirit world the vision and movement of Almighty God. I believe there is an active spirit world functioning all around me. This world is full of angels, demons, the Holy Spirit, the omnipresent God, and His omnipresent Son, Jesus. There is no reason for me not to see that reality, other than my “rational” culture, which tells me not to believe it is even there and provides no instructions on how to become open to seeing this spirit world. The concept of “Watching...” in prayer is understood as part of the prayer life of Jesus: “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38). This concept is evident in man y Gospel texts: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation...” (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:38). “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” (Mark 13:33). “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things...” (Luke 21:36). With this series of texts as evidence to demonstrate the fact we must, therefore, concede the reality of this methodology of prayer. The most obvious prerequisite to seeing is that we need to look. Daniel was seeing a vision in his mind and he said, “I was looking...I kept looking...I kept looking” (Dan. 7:1, 9, 13). Now as I pray, I look for Jesus present with me, and I watch Him as He speaks to me, doing and saying the things that are on His heart. Many Christians will find that if they will only look, they will see. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. It is as simple as that. You will see a spontaneous inner vision in a manner similar to receiving spontaneous inner thoughts. You can see Christ present with you in a comfortable setting, because Christ is present with you in a comfortable setting. Actually, you will probably discover that inner vision comes so easily you will have a tendency to reject it, thinking that it is just you. (Doubt is Satan’s most effective weapon against the Church). However, if you will persist in recording these visions, your doubt will soon be overcome by faith as you recognize that the content of them could only be birthed in Almighty God. God continually revealed Himself to His covenant people using dreams and visions. He did so from Genesis to Revelation and said that, since the Holy Spirit was poured out in Acts 2, we should expect to receive a continuing flow of dreams and visions (Acts 2:1-4). Jesus, our perfect example, demonstrated this ability of living out of ongoing contact with Almighty God. He said that He did -6-

nothing on His own initiative, but only that which he saw the Father doing, and heard the Father saying (John 5:19-20, 30). Is it actually possible for us to live out of the divine initiative as Jesus did? A major purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection was that the veil be torn from top to bottom, giving us access into the immediate presence of God, and we are commanded to draw near (Heb. l0:19-22). Therefore, even though what I am describing seems a bit unusual to a rational twenty-first century culture, it is demonstrated and described as being a central Biblical teaching and Scriptural experience. Because of their intensely rational nature and existence in an overly rational culture, some will need more assistance and understanding of these truths before they can move into them. Devotion, Dedication and Consecration are the secrets to this “Key” to know the will of God. These factors amount to giving the whole heart to God: In Love (Deut. 6:5; 30:2); in Obedience (Psa. 119:2, 34); in Trust (Prov. 3:5); in Prayer (Jer. 29:13); and then in Repentance (Joel 2:12; Matt. 22:37; Acts 8:37). Do not forget either of these devotional elements. Key #4 – Journaling, the writing out of our prayers and God’s answers, provides a great new freedom in hearing God’s voice. God told Habakkuk to record the vision and inscribe it on tablets...(Hab. 2:2). It had never crossed my mind to write out my prayers and God’s answers as Habakkuk did at God’s command. If you begin to search Scripture for this idea, you will find hundreds of chapters demonstrating it (Psalms, many of the prophets, Revelation). Why then hadn’t I ever thought of it? I call the process “Journaling,” and I began experimenting with it. I discovered it to be a fabulous facilitator to clearly discerning God’s inner, spontaneous flow, because as I journaled I was able to write in faith for long periods of time, simply believing it was God. I did not have to test it as I was receiving it, (which jams one’s receiver), because I knew that when the flow was over I could go back and test and examine it carefully, making sure that it lined up with Scripture. You will be amazed when you attempt Journaling. Doubt may hinder you at first, but throw it off, reminding yourself that it is a biblical concept, and that God is present, speaking to His children. Don’t take yourself too seriously. When you do, you become tense and get in the way of the Holy Spirit’s movement. It is when we cease our labors and enter His rest that God is free to flow (Heb. 4:10). Therefore, put a smile on your face, sit back comfortably, get out your pen and paper, and turn your attention toward God in praise and worship, seeking His face. As you write out your question to God and become still, fixing your gaze on Jesus, who is present with you, you will suddenly have a very good thought in response to your question. Don’t doubt it, simply write it down. Later, as you read your Journaling, you, too, will be amazed to discover that you are indeed dialoguing with God.

In Reflection... Some final notes: No one should attempt this without having first read through at least the New Testament (preferably, the entire Bible), nor should one attempt this unless he is submitted to solid, spiritual leadership (Pastor, Teacher... – Some Spiritual Mentor). Be careful with these truths. (“...we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” 1 Cor. 8:1). We should be “accountable” to someone who also walks with God. (I have several mentors that love me and I serve others in that capacity as mentor and confidant – “Fellowship” is participation and accountability facilitates Fellowship. We can not expect support and endorsement until we are accountable within the spiritual community). Constant study of the Word of God will produce soundness in our knowledge. All major directional moves that come through the “Voice of God” (Ket #1), “Observations” (Key #2), “Visions” (Key #3) or “Journaling” (Key #4) should be submitted to Bible study with prayer before being acted upon. The will of God is a Call upon our lives that is an ongoing process.

Our Call to the Will of God God calls us to know His will. (Rom. 12:1-2). In the first few verses of Psalms 1 we see that God’s will for His people is to be nourished and grow, as a plant is nourished and grows. As a plant sinks its roots -7-

deeper into the soil to receive richer nourishment, so to know the will of God we must sink our will into the depth of Christ and yield to His riches and splendor. Our relationship to Christ is not about a way of thinking or a particular theology but it is to Christ Himself. I- In God’s Will We are Called to Obedience – Obedience is the foundation of knowing God’s will. Without obedience, nothing can happen. For us to be the friend of Jesus, He asks us to do as He has and “…lay down our life for His friends…” (John 15:13). We must make a conscious decision to give ourselves to Christ. This is not a suicide clause, not at all! What it is about is a life filled with giving wonder and excitement. Yet, it goes against our natural way of thinking and this is where our will collides with God’s will. And, we have the choice to obey or face difficulties. So, let us do God’s will with cheerfulness. What an incredible way to live! And... II- Within God’s Will We are Called to Courage! – Courage realizes that God has given us the strength and ability to now serve Him! Abraham in Genesis 22 faced a crisis, which was interpreting God’s will as having to kill his son. Abraham had to learn he had to do anything, no matter what the cost, to be totally dependent and obedient to God, no matter how much it went against his cultural convictions and belief system. What an incredible way to live! Then... III- Within God’s Will We are called to a Relationship – John 15 is the most beautiful description of our relationship to our LORD. He wants us to be with Him! Just as Christ wanted the disciples along His side, training them, loving them, enjoying their companionship, He wants that of us: love, closeness, and relationship. This is our primary call and the will of the LORD. Everything else falls from this prime directive. He loves me! And wants to be with me! Do we want to be with Him? Do we want that close, loving relationship? Do we want to walk as Abraham walked, building altars? What an incredible way to live! And also... IV- Within God’s Will We are Called to a Purpose – Are you ready to engage in the greatest business opportunity conceivable? Do not assume that to be in God’s Will, our lives must be harsh and filled with no fun! Within the standard culture, God’s purpose may be vague; yet, our call is to respond out of our love, which comes from the grace He provided as a response to the guilt of our sin! What an incredible way to live! Now, also... V- Within God’s Will We are called to Virtue – Virtue is a prime call and aspect of knowing God’s Will! Virtue is not the talk of the town these days; in fact it is depicted in our culture as weak and useless. It is the butt of jokes. It is forgotten as part of a perceived bygone era and that perception is filled with contempt and arrogance. To be a person of character is to be alone and endure criticism by the world and even by some so-called Christians. Virtue calls us to a higher level where few people desire to go, because it is an assault against the self will. It flies in the face of what we expect and desire to do and to be. What an incredible way to live! Then... VI- Within God’s Will We are called to, 'just do it!' – We need to put out the effort and do His will. Rom. 12:1-3 tells us “to present ourselves as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God…” just like a Marine finishing boot camp and reporting himself for duty; so must we place ourselves in His service. We are to offer ourselves daily! Before our feet hit the ground when we get out of bed, our focus is to be in His will! Jesus is our supreme commander, so say “Yes sir, here I am, ready for service!” What an incredible way to live! Now, we see... VII- Within God’s Will We are Called to Learn – I love to talk to missionaries and hear their stories. It gives me a sense of perspective of how God works. I have heard some of the most heart wrenching stories and such great efforts to overcome great difficulties. Stories of a spouse being killed and the other taking over, such as with Elizabeth Elliott and her incredible story of how her husband was speared by Central American Indians. (Jim Elliot said: “He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose...”). What an incredible way to live! And, finally... VIII- Within God’s Will Let God Remove your Pride! – Jesus is to be our center, the reason for our being! And if we keep placing Him first, then we become the function of God’s will! Have you -8-

considered that pride is in the same category as the un-natural sins of homosexuality, adultery and the like? Perhaps you are shocked? Maybe you never thought through how pride impacts others, or it’s impact on our sanctification, or how God feels about it? Well check out Romans 1:26-32! What an incredible way to live!

Conclusion Are you ready to take the next step? – What you've just read merely scratches the surface of all you can learn about hearing God's voice. There are so many things that can trip you up, stand in your way and try to stop you from accurately hearing from God. But there are also many, many more things that you can learn about how to hone in on God's voice and become truly confident that you are in His will. God intends that the surrendered servant may know His will. (“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom. 12:1-2) It's not our guarantee. It's God's. “My sheep hear My voice.” John 10:27 – You can hear God's voice every day of your life. You can be sure it's really Him. You can carry on an extended two-way conversation with Jesus Christ on a daily basis, and it's easier than you ever imagined. This is a normal condition and not just for the “mystic” or the recluse who has withdrawn from reality. Every aspect of Christian Leadership is built around this fundamental truth of knowing God’s will. Every prayer session puts the voice of God at the very center of your learning experience. Divine revelation is the source of all true knowledge. Why try to learn anything apart from the voice of God? He will speak to you and teach you everything you need to know, and He will do it in a way that will transform your life. No matter what your current need, God should be your primary Instructor. These principles will guide you step-by-step through the process of ongoing dialogue with Almighty God, which will ensure that you are well-prepared and well-equipped for the rest of your Spiritual journey. It is the most efficient and effective way to assimilate the will of God in a manner that you don't simply acquire information, but your life is actually changed by what you hear from communion with God in prayer and Bible study. I- Prayer is exciting when God does most of the talking. (“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Eccl. 5:2). II- God’s promises to those who hear His voice (“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:” Deut. 28:1-14) This passage offers an amazing picture of what God has in store for you when you hear and obey His voice. A) Your children will be blessed… – Imagine how much better a parent you’ll be when you apply the voice of God to raising your children. Imagine how much better your children will be when they learn to hear from God themselves! You can improve your family’s peace, joy and harmony beyond your wildest dreams by simply bringing the voice of God to the center of your home. B) Your business and your work will be blessed… – Suppose how much more you could accomplish if God wrote your “To Do List.” He will tell you what you should and should not do today, and His priorities are never wrong. He will give you specific counsel for your own unique occupation, and bring you to a higher level of skill and efficiency than you could ever achieve by yourself. C) There will be a surplus of prosperity…freedom from debt…profitable investments of both time and material… – When you hear and obey the voice of God, He will open new avenues of prosperity in your life. He will show you creative ways to bring in His overflowing financial blessing, which “...there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Mal. 3:10). D) Victory over your enemies (Satan)… – Do you know what the key is to victory in spiritual warfare? The voice of God. Don’t waste another minute praying your prayers. Release the full power of God -9-

by letting Him direct your prayers. He will give you the revelation you need to defeat the enemy, rather than just do battle. E) Your life and work for Him will be raised to positions of leadership and authority… – The Lord has destined that those who hear His voice will be leaders of men. His desire is to see the righteous rule over the unrighteous. (“But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.” 2 Cor. 10:13). The voice of God is the key to effective leadership, giving you the wisdom, confidence and authority to lead, and thus giving the people a desire to follow.

A Few Final Words As has been seen, through the last few pages, there is a way to know God's will. God tells us to seek His will. If we are to seek His will, then there must be a way in which He reveals His will to humanity. Are you willing to seek His will? God has a plan for each of his people and everything God does is according to that plan. God works in an orderly way. (See the creation narrative Gen. 1). His plan for us is the very water of life that sustains and satisfies. Nothing will do either until God’s will is gained. (“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isa. 55:1-10). It must be re-stated that God has a purpose in everything. And there is overwhelming evidence that God has a plan for each of His people. (“All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.” Psa. 145:10). The proper position of every child of God is to be within the will of God. (“...that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” Col. 4:12). Even Christ's life was for God's will. (“For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” John 6:38). The will of God was considered by the Lord in His last hours before the Cross. (“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42). When you miss God's will for your life you miss life in it's highest and most fulfilling way. God's will for your life is the Apex of Christian living. (“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:7-8; 10-11). We are to be fruit bearers. What is your capacity? Some are like a big tree yet only producing little or no fruit. (“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:10-11). Among other factors, God's will is for you to live a Christian life. A Christian life is a biography of someone in a right relationship with God. This type of relationship satisfies the inner longing of man's heart. (“A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.” Psa. 68:5). Therefore; to Work Ministering to others (“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:10), Witnessing to the lost (“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15) and the ultimate objective of the will of God – Worshiping God (“...for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24). Therefore; God wants to reveal His will to His people so we can better serve Him. The Bible reveals the will of God. It is the word of God. God revealed His will Himself to many Bible characters: A) Abraham – He came in the form of a man, B) Moses – He came in the form of a burning bush, C) Gideon – He came as an Angel from Heaven and D) the Apostle Paul – He came in a blinding Light of the Damascus Road experience. To know the will of God, only a few matters must be kept in view. (“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17). Surrender your will to God. (Rom. 12:1). Separate yourself from the world. (Rom. 12:2a). Be Spirit minded. (Rom. 12:2b). Do - 10 -

you want to know God's will and do it? You need to do both. Are you willing to follow His Leadership? You should. Are you willing to do God's will? He will bless you if you do. (There are some who are eager to do His will. The Lord committed: “She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” Mark 14:8). What is it that God wants from you? You must answer that question...!!

What an Incredible Way to Live!

- 11 -

This Periodical is printed by Gospel Publishing and Colportage, a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs, NC, and is designed for education, evangelism, and edification. If we may assist you in knowing more about Christ and the Christian life, please write us without obligation: First Baptist Church of Mineral Springs PO Box 388, Mineral Springs, NC 28108 (704)843-3858

Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2 These Sermons are used through the subscription to an E-Mail list maintained by Bro. Preslar ([email protected]) and are the copyrighted property of Dr. Terry W. Preslar. This document is part of a growing collection that is part of the Fresh Waters Digital Library. Re-distribution is allowed with this restriction: This document must not be disassembled or reverse engineered and all pages must be distributed together. This material may not be used in any commercial manner. All files in this series are in the PDF file format and can be read with the free pdf reader fro adobe called acrobat reader. It is hoped that this restriction will not hinder the effective use of this sermon/essay in the teaching and preaching of this document. – The Editor

“...when thou comest, bring with thee...the books, but especially the parchments. (2 Tim. 4:13) Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2 P.O. Box 388 Mineral Springs, N.C. 28108 1(704)843-3858 E-Mail: [email protected]

First Baptist Church PO Box 388 Mineral Springs, NC 28108