God Doesn't Whisper

If you currently hold to some of the teachings that are critiqued in this book, I heavily recommend at least considering the biblical reasoning presented. Rather than determining if something is true by the measure of perceived personal experience, the Christian looks to and reasons from Scripture as the ultimate authority.The book was written by Pastor Jim Osman, Justin Peters’ former pastor. It biblically examines a list of false, though popular and commonly-claimed, methods for hearing the voice of God and discerning God’s will and compares them to Scripture's teachings on how the Christian actually hears from God by the reading of Scripture and how one is able to actually discern the will of God.This is the list of popular and commonly-claimed methods for hearing the voice of God that this book demonstrates to be false; these false teachings are forwarded by people such as Henry Blackaby (author of “Experiencing God”), Mark Batterson (author of “The Circle Maker”), Priscilla Shirer, and Charles Stanley:— Chapter 7: the still small voice— Chapter 8: when a verse “jumps off the page or comes alive” and gives the reader a strong impression— Chapter 9: signs— Chapter 10: open doors (favorable circumstances or unhindered paths) and closed doors (unfavorable circumstances or difficulty)— Chapter 11: laying out a fleece or having “Gideon-like” tests (“If X happens, it is a sign that the will of God is option A. If Y happens, they conclude the will of God is option B”)— Chapter 12: the inner peace— Chapter 13: feeling led (inwardly perceived sense of direction, strong feelings, urges, hunches)— Chapter 14: dreamsIn Chapter 16, Pastor Jim Osman also points out that in Acts, the apostles only had 14 examples of God providing supernatural guidance over the span of thirty years. In comparison, there were 70 instances in Acts where Christians, including the apostles, made decisions of varying kinds without any mention of divine revelation. Clearly, the 70 ordinary events show what is normative by far for the believer rather than the 14 non-normative events.In Chapter 17, “God Doesn’t Whisper” develops how Scripture both teaches and models how the believer can know God’s will and make decisions: the Wisdom Model. To quote directly from the book, “the Wisdom Model teaches that within the guidelines of God’s Word (God’s revelation of His moral will and wisdom), we are free to do what we want with God’s blessing. . . . God has revealed His will for us in Scripture. Provided we are within the parameters of what Scripture reveals, we have freedom to choose any option without fear of being disobedient” (p. 248). Regarding specific decisions, “It was God’s design to reveal His moral will and wisdom and then give us the freedom to make decisions within those parameters. . . . God intended for us to grow in wisdom and knowledge while we make decisions within the sphere of His revealed will (Scripture). . . . In other words, as long as we don’t disobey God’s revealed moral will (Scripture) and apply biblical wisdom, we are free to choose any option without fear that we have disobeyed God or missed His will. This is the biblical model for decision-making” (pp. 249-250).All in all, I highly recommend this book.Also, I think this book is a good pair with John MacArthur’s short booklet “Found: God’s Will.” In that short book, MacArthur quickly develops from Scripture multiple abundantly clear principles on the will of God: it is God’s will for a person to repent and believe, to be sanctified, to be submissive to God through Scripture, and to endure any suffering that may result from faithfulness to Him. After all of that, the next principle of God’s will is for the believer to do whatever he or she wants. If the first five principles are operating in the believer’s life, it is God who is directing the believer’s wants.

Helped deliver me from bondage in my thinking. All good biblical exegesis. Excellent!!!! :) Helped me coming out of New Apostolic thinking.

"I have demonstrated that HVG theology abuses Scripture by taking verses out of context and using them in a manner never intended by either the human or divine authors." True, and it's dangerous methodology of how to "hear" God leaves many doubting God's reliability and their faith. But the author also abuses Scripture as well. For example he states, "If we believe God has provided “everything pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3) in Scripture, which is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we must conclude that it contains everything necessary for wise, moral, God-glorifying decisions." .However, while It is true Scripture is "profitable for ..." what's listed making his "Wisdom model " true to a point, 2 Peter 1:3 does not say that the "everything..." is "in [or by] Scripture " but that God by his power has given us "everything pertaining to..." ."as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness" 2 Peter 1:3a NKJV"With words preceding and following this stating that knowledge of this Peter prays may multiply grace and peace to them.Another example is how his bias against hearing from God is what probably leads to his miss counting instances of divine guidance in Acts: he states "Acts records fourteen instances of supernatural divine guidance.". For according to Mathew 10:19,20 at least every speech of Peter to the crowds (and Paul's to Felix etc) should be counted too:"But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you ". There's more but the point is that while he's good at pointing out the fallacies of others, he's blind to his own so i think reading the book could be helpful to someone caught in the fallacies of what many teach about hearing from God but only if read with caution understanding that he's not getting it all right.

Jim Osman writes with detail, accuracy, and biblically motivated passion. This read is good medicine in a world craving personal experience that elevate man's imaginations.I highly recommend this bookvfor every Christian. It's sensible, easy to read, and packed with Bible truth which speaks for itself.

Truly awful book. Right from the foreword which is basically John Macarthur slating the pentecostal/charismatic movement I knew I was in for a grim read but what was more surprising was the author himself admits early on in the book that his teaching goes further than what is taught by possibly over 80% of evangelical cessationists. Given that by his own admission his teaching represents a minority viewpoint you'd expect a little bit of restraint and self examination but what you actually get isn't anything of the sort. Please save your money and don't waste it on this.

Someone had to be brutally open with this "God's voice" issue.....................…...................MATTHEW 13:30......................................P.S.Charles Stanley is an excellent Teacher.

Wow! How informative and biblical! A must read for all who claim to believe that scripture is sufficient!

Really eye opening and enlightening. Truly a must read for all Christians. Loved how he faithfully handles scripture and biblically critiques dangerous notions and practices that have become some pervasive.

I was really curious and excited to read this book, and I have learned so much! I myself thought to hear the voice of God, was told to practice it, and I have always ended up in a confusion.. sometimes needing another confirmation just to make sure..... and I was being a coward. I wasnt having faith like they teach us! I was doubting God and being a coward to obey... so, at the end of all this I have renouced to practice the HVG theology way and I am relearning how to live life without it. I will pray, but not in the same way. I will read the scripture in context and knowing the Authors intent of scripture, not my subjective interpretation! There is soo much I learned its just amazing. Highly recommend this read. I am humbled and I admit without fear and holding back that HVG theology is no good. Thank you Jim for writing this book. God continue to use you for His glory.