Join us for an enlightening episode from the International Gospel Hour, where we explore the profound question, ‘Who Speaks for God?’ Through insightful discussions, we delve into how nature and Scripture proclaim the glory of God, illustrating His presence in our world. Hear about the intriguing history of the International Gospel Hour and the enduring message of Brother V.E. Howard that still resonates today.
Are you listening or historic words here at International Gospel Hour? In a moment, we will tell you why we should be listening, and it works well with our subject today, Who Speaks for God? That’s coming up. Stay with us.
SPEAKER 03 :
Hi, this is Jay Webb for International Gospel Hour. For 90 years, churches of Christ have proclaimed God’s Word through International Gospel Hour. You are about to listen to another Bible-based lesson with Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour, starting now.
SPEAKER 02 :
Well, hello everyone. Greetings to you. So good to have you with us today here for our broadcast from the International Gospel Hour. We also appreciate our J-Web, and you’ll hear from Jay throughout our broadcast with our free material and some information from our work here at International Gospel Hour. Speaking of free material, let me share with you very quickly a free online tool, GospelGazette.com. That’s GospelGazette.com. That’s one Z in Gazette. GospelGazette.com. Now, when you get to GospelGazette.com, click on the Archive tab, and you’ll see access to over 25 years of articles by Christian men and women. We’d love for you to check them out at GospelGazette.com. That’s Gospel, G-O-S-P-E-L, Gazette, G-A-Z-E-T-T-E, one word, GospelGazette.com. As we began our broadcast, I mentioned the phrase, Are You Listening? The late Brother V.E. Howard was our first speaker of the International Gospel Hour, and you hear me speak of Brother Howard from time to time, and sometimes share some of his lessons from days gone by. Brother Howard was well known to use the phrase, Are You Listening? He would use it on the radio. He would use it in his preaching. And it was a way to keep the speaker engaged, or I’m sorry, to keep the listener engaged to listening to Brother Howard as he would speak. A very quick, beautiful little story. There was a little four-year-old boy that was in the pew with his mother as Brother Howard was speaking. And the little boy was listening to Brother Howard. And Brother Howard came to the point in his lesson when he said, Are you listening? And the little boy yelled out and said, He said it! And needless to say, the entire congregation laughed. Brother Howard was touched with that story. And that young man, that little fellow, had just been listening to the radio when his parents would be listening to Brother Howard speak. What a beautiful story. And so, friends, we need to be listening because today especially our subject is who speaks for God. Well, let’s make sure we are listening and be prepared so others may listen to what God says. Let’s launch this thought in our study today from 1 Peter 4 verse 11. When Peter writes, if anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as of or let him do it as with the ability which God supplies. that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Friends, we’re going to begin our study in a moment of who speaks for God, but first, allow me to defer to our J-Web with a little background, a little further background of our work here from International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 03 :
Did you know since 1934 the IGH has been heard over the radio? We are one of the longest running weekly religious programs in the history of American radio. We are blessed to remain on the air through gracious giving of congregations of Churches of Christ, faithful Christians, and devoted friends. That’s why you will never hear us asking for money from you, our listeners. Our study material is free, always has been, always will be. Thank you for listening.
SPEAKER 02 :
Who speaks for God? Well, friends, nature speaks for God. You know, such is affirmed in Romans 1, 19 and 20, as well as in Psalm 19 and verse 1, texts from New Testament and texts from Old Testament that affirms God and His creation and how the things that we see reflect and tell us there is a God. You know, we can behold the beauty of nature and with full assurance know that it speaks loudly for God. You know, it is the fool who has said in his heart, There is no God, Psalm 14, 1. But nature speaks for God, His creation, the things that we see. The firmament declares His handiwork. And nature speaks for God. Now, friends, while that is important, I bring to mind the words of my good friend and brother B.J. Clark, who once said, While nature speaks for God, a tree cannot conduct a Bible study, and that is true. But when we see there is a God, then we need to know more about God. And that brings us to number two, that God’s Word speaks for God. Listen to 2 Peter 1, verses 1-4. Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who has called us by glory and virtue. by which have been given to us exceeding great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Well, friends, in verse 1, I see the righteousness of God that is brought forth. And I am reminded of Romans 1, 16 and 17, when Paul said, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith, for as it is written, the just shall live by faith. Then we see not only the righteousness of God, but that grace and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. Of course, we see how His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, but watch again, through the knowledge of Him who called us. Therefore, friends, we understand we must have a knowledge of God, and that comes from God’s Word. For 2 Timothy 3, 16 and 17 says, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. So, friends, when we see the scripture is profitable for doctrine, that’s teaching, that’s instruction, that’s teaching and learning, for reproof and correction, to prove matters and to correct our lives, and then to instruct us in righteousness. Here we have God’s divine word, nothing more, nothing less. It is sufficient. God’s word speaks for God. Now, third, friends, who speaks for God? Well, what about the Christian speaking for God? When you think about it, the Christian speaks for God with how he lives. In Matthew 5 and verse 16, we’re taught to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. In Matthew 10, 32 and 33, we are reminded that whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven. Now, not only would that be a confession of faith, friends, but that would be a confession of our life every day, that people would see Christ in us, the hope of glory, Colossians 1, verse 27. So the Christian speaks for God with how he lives, and he speaks for God against sin and the world. Now, some say this is not possible to do as it is called, love the sinner, hate the sin. But friends, it is possible to do so, and it’s done daily. Some may say of a family member, you know, I love him or her, but I sure wish they’d change. I sure wish they would straighten themselves out and get better. It is because of love for people we wish to see the better of them. Hear these scriptures from Jude 23. And others say with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now notice, friends, hating what they do. If you hated them, you would let them burn. How about Galatians 6 verse 1, the relationship of Christians? Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Now you see, clearly this man is in a fault, but we love him with our approach. How about Matthew 5, 43 and 44? You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies. Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Well, friends, if we hate the sinner, then we’re violating this passage. But here is the clincher, friends. Revelation 2 and verse 6. Jesus tells the church there at Ephesus, but this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Hate the deeds, but you love the person. It is possible, and it is commanded, and God will not be pleased otherwise. Friends, let’s pause for a moment and think on these things. If we are to speak for God, and we are to speak from His Word, then maybe if we understand God’s Word better. I want to pause and defer to our J-Web, as he’s going to tell you how you can receive, by mail, our Bible study course.
SPEAKER 03 :
Our well-received Bible study course by mail is available to everyone absolutely free. Would you like to try it? All you do is call us toll-free at 855-444-6988 and leave your name, address, and just say, Home Study. That’s it. That’s all you have to do. You may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the Contact tab and leave us the same information, name, address, and type Home Study in the message box. At your own pace, you can study the Bible in your own home. Again, it’s free. Give it a try. And it’s from your friends here at International Gospel Hour.
SPEAKER 02 :
Friends, from our study today, may all of us, with the Word of God, speak for God and bring forth His will and His way. What a joy to study the Word of God together and know that we can speak for God through His Word. Let’s continue our studies together at another time. Thank you for joining me today on the International Gospel Hour broadcast. I’m Jeff Archie, and friends, keep listening.
SPEAKER 03 :
Thank you for listening to our broadcast today. To God goes all the glory, and we hope that our study today will draw you closer to His Word to walk in His way. To listen to it again or our other broadcasts, please visit our website at internationalgospelhour.com.
