Everyone is talking about the Asbury Revival in Wilmore, Kentucky. In case you haven’t heard about it yet, students at Asbury University began a normal chapel service on February 8, 2023. At the end of the service, the speaker offered the students an invitation to stay and pray after the service ended. Some stayed to pray. Some began to worship. Others joined in. News spread and the revival is still going on as of now (February 18th). I learned about this revival two days ago. Since then, I’ve read several articles about what is or what might be going on there. Some believe a sincere revival is taking place at Asbury University. Others believe it is something else. Some articles are written using the author’s personal opinion as the only source while other cite specific Bible verses about discernment.
Because of the articles, I’m curious about what is going on there, but without more knowledge or a personal visit, I can’t offer an opinion. Is it any of our business? Well, as Christians, are warned to beware of false teachers, wrong theologies, and anything not Biblical. I am not saying that what is happening at Asbury University is not Biblical. They could be experiencing a true revival and one of the greatest ever. What I am saying is that we are warned to practice discernment in all walks of life. How do we practice discernment? We gain knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and discernment by spending time in the Bible. The Bible tells us that God gives wisdom freely when we ask for it. The Holy Spirit helps us discern right from wrong. I’ve compiled a short list of Bible verses about discernment.
Indeed, the Bible teaches us to use all the spiritual tools God has given to those of us who know Him in order to recognize false teachers and false teachings. With the help of the Holy Spirit, knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, and wisdom given freely by God, we can discern right from wrong. Here is a short list of Bible verses about discernment.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1(NIV)
Obviously, we are warned to test the spirits to see if they are from God. We aren’t being “judgy” or “holier than thou.” We are being obedient to God when we test to see if something is from God or not.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 (NIV)
Surely, if we aren’t careful, false teachings will “take us captive” to worldly human traditions instead of to Jesus Christ.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)
Fear is a reverent respect for a just God. God is loving but He is also just. He will not tolerate mockery for His character or His Word. Fools despise wisdom and instruction but Christians crave it. Fools despise wisdom and instruction because they bring about conviction. Fools don’t want to give up any habitual sins or immoral practices. Fools do not want to repent of their sin. As Christians, we have a desire to know and understand what God’s Word says and live Godly lives according to scripture.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Ephesians 5:6 (NIV)
Without a doubt, we must be careful so that we are not deceived by false teachings. False teachings can lead us astray, causing us to be disobedient to God.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:6-10 (NIV)
Certainly, we need to look for the fruit. If someone claims to be a Christian or claims that an event is a revival or bathed in the Holy Spirit, is there evidence of spiritual fruit to support the claim? Is the person claiming to be a Christian acting like one? Are they displaying the fruits of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and self control? If someone is claiming an event is a revival or something similar, is there evidence of spiritual fruit in the community as a result of such event? If not, then we have reason to question the validity of the claim.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
This verse speaks loudly to our current culture. We cannot change or twist Scripture to fit a cultural agenda. If the Bible says something is a sin, it’s a sin. We can’t change Scripture verses or passages to make a wrong become right. We know that a claim is false if it doesn’t align with what the Bible says. A true Bible teacher or leader will never knowingly lead anyone in a direction that does not align with Scripture.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV)
How do we discern what is best? How do we discern what is pure and blameless? We discern these things by gaining knowledge and insight. If we have already studied the Bible on our own, we will recognize a false teaching when we hear it.
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Solid food is the spiritual nourishment of the Bible. By constantly using it, we train ourselves to discern good and evil.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
As I stated in the beginning of this post, God gives wisdom freely to those who ask for it.
I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. Psalm 119:125
We can and should ask God to give us discernment.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
If we trust the Lord with all our hearts, He will always lead us down the right paths in life. The Holy Spirit will never tell us to do anything that is not in line with Scripture. If we feel like we are being led to do something that contradicts Scripture, then it is not God telling us to do it. We must be careful to make sure that we are listening to God and not the enemy who can deceive us.
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. 1 Corinthians 14:33
God is a God of order and peace. When we feel confused about something we think we are being led to do, be careful. God is not a God of confusion. In fact, as we see in the next verse, Satan is the author of lies and lies lead to confusion.
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44
Truth is not confusing. It is truth. The world wants us to believe that truth is whatever we want it to be. The world says that your truth may not be my truth but they are both true. This is a confusing statement. If two statements say different things, then they are either both true or only one is true. They can’t both be true. There is not “your truth” or “my truth.” There is only one truth. We can trust that God’s Word is true. If anyone tries to twist Scripture to fit their own version of truth, it is not truth. Satan is a confusing liar. God’s Word is true. Let’s make sure we know who we are listening to.
These are only 13 Bible verses about discernment – how to discern truth from lies, bad or good, holy or unholy. There are so many more. The Bible teaches us how to gain knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and discernment all throughout Scripture. Ideally, we need our own Bibles for studying God’s Word. Your own Bible should be your first source for discernment. If you don’t have one yet, BibleGateway is a good resource for reading and studying the Bible. If you have your own Bible, BibleGateway offers a huge variety of resources, including commentaries, to help you study. You can go there now to learn more about these topics: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discernment
If you’re reading this and you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, go here to learn how you can enter into a personal relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is the only One we can trust to always lead us in paths that align with Scripture. You can trust Him with your life right now.
May you always trust Jesus with your life and gain a heart of wisdom and discernment.
The following is a short summary of week 6 of the Bible Study Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. In the 6th week, we study the topic of Responding to the Voice of God.
Finally, I caught up and finished the last week of Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I enjoyed the Bible study but I missed
several sessions during the last week due to illness. Then, the
Christmas season started. Tonight, it’s done. I’m kind of sad that
it’s over. This is one that I am likely to revisit.
The topic of week 6 is Responding to God’s Voice. This one stepped on
my toes more than I want to admit. The previous studies were awesome
but this week, I was challenged to search my heart and ask myself if I
have been totally obedient when I do hear God’s voice. It is one thing
to hear God’s voice. It’s another thing to respond to God’s voice in
obedience. Responding immediately is even more challenging.
On the fist day of the study, we learn that there is only one appropriate response when God speaks to us.
God does not just speak to be heard. He speaks to be obeyed. – Priscilla Shirer
In Exodus 15:26-27, we are reminded that obedience leads to physical healing.
In Exodus 23:22, we are reminded that if we obey Him, He is an enemy to our enemies and a friend to our friends.
In Deuteronomy 31:12, we are reminded that we are to obey God’s law.
In Luke 8:18, we are reminded that for those who obey, more will be given. For those who disobey, what they have is taken away.
In John 14:15, we are reminded that if we love Him, we will obey Him.
The second day of the study is a continuation of the first – there is only one appropriate response to God’s voice.
The third day of the study for this week confirms that our response can
be costly. When we commit to obey God, we must remember that our
obedience might require challenging adjustments.
Abraham fathered a child in his old age. Jesus’ disciples were asked to
leave their families and give up all their possessions. Obedience is
the only appropriate response but it might be costly. Prepare for
adjustments.
Day four of the study focuses on our immediate response.
God speaks with perfect timing. My response should be immediate obedience. – Priscilla Shirer
When we don’t respond immediately to God’s voice, we might be sacrificing God’s full blessing.
In Luke 1, Zacharias was not able to speak because of his unbelief.
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira died because of their disobedience and lies.
Day 5 and the final day of this 6 week Bible study, we focus on “The
Committed Response.” We must not only respond immediately, but we must
be committed to our obedience. We don’t need a plan B. We need only to
listen, respond, respond immediately, and remain committed to God’s
perfect plan for our lives.
Our spiritual ear will never be sensitive to His voice if we have a
personal agenda to which we are already committed. God leads and speaks
to the humble who have surrendered their plans and want to do His
will. With an “open heaven” and a surrendered will, we will be able to
clearly hear God’s voice in our hearts. – Jim Cymbala
You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.
In our 5th week of our Bible Study, Discerning the Voice of God by
Priscilla Shirer, we discussed how God’s voice reveals God’s plan. We
learned that God’s voice is purposeful, invitational, timely,
challenging, and interconnected.
The following is my summary of our study in week 5.
God's Plan is Revealed by His Voice
Day 1: God’s Voice is Purposeful in Revealing God’s Plan
God had a plan for our lives before we were born. His plan is always
best. We have to decide whether to seek out God’s plan or proceed to
follow our own agendas. While seeking out God’s plan, we must know that
God’s voice, His Word, will never ever contradict His character.
Day 2: God’s Voice is Invitational in Revealing God’s Plan
God wants us to join Him as His plans are revealed to us.
When you see evidence that God is moving, take it as your cue to jump on
board and join Him. The Holy Spirit reveals God’s plan to us as He
orchestrates the circumstances of our lives. When our spiritual eyes
are open to see His divine activity on earth, He has allowed us to see
them as a way to personally invite us to participate with Him. –
Priscilla Shirer
Day 3: God’s Voice is Timely in Revealing God’s Plan
As I progressed through this part of the study, I remembered the story of David. I was reminded as we went through Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed (by
Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur) that it was 22 years
between the time David was appointed to be king over Israel and the time
he actually became king.
God’s timing is perfect. His voice is timely. God reveals His purposes and His plans in His perfect time.
His timing is not just about me or you. God’s perfect timing involves
His purpose and plan for everyone involved. His timing is perfect for
the development and progression of our own ministries and also those
connected to us.
Day 4: God’s Voice is Challenging in Revealing God’s Plan
God’s plan is not always easy. He wants us to see what He can do when
we admit we can’t do it on our own. Sometimes God calls us to do things
we don’t think we can do. I’m reminded of the phrase, “God doesn’t
call the qualified. He qualifies the called.” I don’t know who
originally said it, but it is true. God does not call us based on our
own earthly abilities. He calls us. Then, He equips us to do what He
has called us to do.
His Word causes me to step away from the comfort zone of my natural
abilities and into the realm of His supernatural possibilities. –
Priscilla Shirer
Day 5: God’s Voice is Interconnected in Revealing God’s Plan
Christian brothers and sisters need one another. We need to encourage one another and build one another up.
God can and will speak to me and direct me to His will using members of the church. – Priscilla Shirer
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
his has been a short summary of our Bible study for week 5 of Discerning
the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. I encourage you to get your own
personal copy and go through the Bible study on your own or in a small
group.
You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.
Day 1: The Holy Spirit’s goal in revealing God’s will to us is to glorify God.
Anything that doesn’t reflect the character of God is not a message from Him. – Priscilla Shirer
In this lesson, I was reminded that when I hear God’s voice, it is His call for me to grow closer to Him.
Day 2: The character of God’s voice is Loving
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1
The enemy’s voice (Satan’s voice) brings condemnation. God’s Voice
brings conviction. In this lesson, I was reminded that God wants me to
stop dwelling on my past mistakes. He wants me to focus on His plan and
purpose for my future.
Day 3: The character of God’s voice is peaceful.
The world can only offer peace based upon current circumstances. God
offers a peace that transcends our human understanding. Through Jesus,
we can enjoy peace in spite of our circumstances.
These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. – John 16:33
Day 4: The character of God’s voice is truthful.
God will not and can not lie. He only speaks truth. We can know if we
are hearing God’s voice if what we believe He is telling us directly
lines up with scripture. If what we are hearing does not line up with
scripture, then we are not hearing the voice of God.
Day 5: The character of God’s voice is powerful.
The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders above the mighty sea. The voice of the Lord is
powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. – Psalm 29:3-4
There is so much more to learn in the full Bible study. I encourage you
to think about going through Discerning the Voice of God on your own or
in a small group.
You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.
We just completed week 3 of Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. This week’s topic is The Voice of the Holy Spirit. The following is my short summary of this section of the Bible study.
The Voice of the Holy Spirit
Day 1: The voice of the Holy Spirit is persistent.
God is persistent about turning the hearts and actions of His children
toward Him. Priscilla directs us to 1 Samuel 3 where we learn that it
took Samuel a little while to respond to God’s voice. The Bible tells
us that the Lord appeared to Samuel again. He was persistent.
Day 2: The voice of the Holy Spirit is personal.
Our God is a personal God. He seeks to know us personally and
individually. We learned that each individual might have personal
convictions that differ from other brothers and sisters in Christ.
Right is right. Wrong is wrong. Truth is truth for all believers, but
some Christians feel some personal convictions that differ from others.
We should always respect one another’s personal convictions.
Day 3: The voice of the Holy Spirit is peaceful.
God expects us to nurture peaceful relationships with others. There are
times when we need to state a particular case and this might cause
disagreement. In some circumstances, this cannot be avoided. We cannot
compromise truth just to avoid hurt feelings. There are times, though,
when division might cause a person to fall further from knowing Jesus.
We need to speak the truth in love and pursue peace as much as
possible.
Day 4: The voice of the Holy Spirit is verifiable.
Scripture provides the boundaries into which all of God’s fresh words
will fall, even those words concerning our everyday lives. – Priscilla
Shirer
Anything God’s Spirit reveals to you will always match up with what is
in the Bible, because all scripture has been given by the Holy Spirit
(Timothy 3:16). He will never contradict Himself – no exceptions. –
Priscilla Shirer
Day 5: The voice of the Holy Spirit is authoritative.
Like the scribes of Jesus’ day, our own human conscience will seek to
reason with us and explain the “why” by presenting factual evidence to
support its decision. When the Holy Spirit speaks, His words come with
such sudden, passionate authority that they will produce a holy
amazement in you. The authority of His message will strike your inner
man with such a blow that it will shake loose your old agenda and
replace it with His new one. – Priscilla Shirer
You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.
The Holy Spirit: In week two of our ladies Bible study, Discerning the Voice of God, we covered the topic of The Holy Spirit. God speaks to us
through His Spirit of Truth. God uses whatever means He chooses to
speak to His children. If a person believes God is using sensational
means to speak to him or her, it will only be to confirm what His Word
and His Spirit says.
In the second day of this week’s study, Priscilla wants us to remember the 5 Ms of correctly hearing God:
1. Look for the message of the Spirit.
2. Live in the mode of prayer.
3. Search out the model of scripture.
4. Submit to the ministry of Eli. (This means we should seek wise counsel.)
5. Expect the mercy of confirmation.
What hinders me from hearing is that I am taken up with other things.
It is not that I will not hear God, but I am not devoted in the right
place. – Oswald Chambers
Since the Holy Spirit seeks to fill you and control your conscience in
an effort to direct your decisions, He will confirm what He is saying in
the small details as well as the major decisions you have to make. –
Priscilla Shirer
As we spend more time with God, learn more about Him, and seek a deeper,
more intimate relationship with Him, it is much easier to hear His
Spirit speak to us. When we hear Him and desire to obey and please Him,
our desires will fall in line with God’s plan for us.
Often, the Spirit’s leading will contradict our logic and feelings; but
when we submit, we will experience a deep-rooted peace about our
decision. – Priscilla Shirer
One of the things that stood out to me during this week’s study is
realizing that God is doing everything He can to reveal His will to me.
I need only listen.
To summarize – Priscilla’s 5 topics for this week’s study of the Holy Spirit are:
One of the very first things Priscilla wants us to know is that to hear
Him, we must be His true sheep and He must be our true Shepherd.
If we want to hear God speak, then we must expect to hear Him. We must also wait patiently for Him to speak.
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14
For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay. – Habakkuk 2:3
If we are expecting and waiting to hear from the Lord, then we must also be willing to obey His voice when He speaks to us.
Now then, if you will
indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own
possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine. – Exodus
19:5
As we blatantly ignore and disobey God, we build a callous around our
spiritual ears so that we don’t hear the voice of God. He knows if we
are pure in our desire to do what He says. – Priscilla Shirer
We must expect His voice, wait for His voice, be willing to obey His voice, and we must listen for His voice.
Guard your steps as you go to the house of
God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools;
for they do not know they are doing evil.Do
not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in
the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth;
therefore let your words be few. – Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
After expecting, waiting, obeying, and listening to hear from God, we must have faith in what He says.
Let us draw near with a
sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled
clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. –
Hebrews 10:22
This has been a short summary of the first week of our six week study.
Priscilla Shirer is a gifted Bible teacher. She digs much deeper in her
book study, Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks. I encourage you to grab a copy and go through it yourself or with a small group.
You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.
The leader kit which includes the videos is available here.
